"No fair! How come you always have to do that?"

His opponent just smiled angelically and placed her last domino in the pattern on the table, brushing imaginary dust from her hands before settling back on the sofa. Every game they'd played today she'd managed to win, whether that be Scrabble, dominoes or any of the others. Her luck (or skill, or both) was astounding, and she knew it, dark eyes brimming with amusement and unmistakeable mischief. He found it extremely attractive and grudgingly maybe didn't mind her beating him all the time if he could see that expression. But still... "One more round."

"Up to you.." She turned over the dominoes and began to shuffle them carefully...giving him a sudden idea. Clambering off the plush armchair he crossed to the sofa and indicated for her to stand up, which she did with some confusion, and he proceeded to run his hands up her arms and down her sides. Though she wore a thick sweater she could clearly feel this touch and squealed with laughter, wriggling to try and get away. "Stop it! What are you doing?"

"Checking to see if you have anything hidden up your sleeves. Do you?"

"Course I don't!" She was still laughing, and his 'searching' had very quickly become 'tickling', fingers running up and down her ribs until she was almost helpless. "Stop it!" Highly amused he let her go to get her breath, storing the information away for future reference. Murrue collapsed onto the sofa still laughing, cheeks hectic red, but to his satisfaction she wasn't coughing. He still had to remind her to take her medication (she was so stubborn about that) but it was definitely working. He took her out for walks in the snow, made sure she ate enough... it was odd how enjoyable taking care of someone was.

"You ready yet?"

She aimed a mock scowl at him. "To beat you again? You bet."

"Ah, I think I'm going to win this one. I have a feeling."

"Oh you do? We'll see about that.." Cracking her knuckles she divided out the dominoes, setting hers out carefully out of sight before giving him that wicked smile again. "Do your worst."

And he did, he really did, but despite having the double six it wasn't enough. Once again he got the triumphant little smile as she fitted her last domino into place, and shook his head in defeat. Murrue stretched out her arms above her head with a content little sigh before getting up and walking to the kitchen, setting the kettle going for coffee. He could hear her humming to herself, the soft sound bringing a smile to his lips...maybe being beaten wasn't really that bad.

"Did you take your medicine this morning?"

"Yes mom!"

A few moments later she returned with the drinks balanced on a tray with a plate of cookies, setting them down on the table before snuggling back up on the sofa under a blanket.

"You cold?"

"A little.."

"C'mere then.." Before she could react he hopped onto the sofa beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist, grinning at her squeak of surprise and sudden blush. But she didn't pull away...instead she actually leaned closer with a little sigh. Buoyed by this Mwu tugged her onto his lap and wound the blanket around them both, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Does that feel better?"

"Mmm..." Her eyes were closed, and after a moment her lips curved in a faint smile and she murmured something he couldn't make out as his lips brushed her ear. He'd wanted this for a long time - ever since he'd met her in fact - but had held back until she was okay with it. And besides, he'd very much enjoyed getting to know her. She was beautiful, gentle and mischievous, stubborn, playful...he'd never met anyone quite like her. All those girls who follow the others around, the ones with the perfect hair and permatans...not one of them could ever compare to her...

Once again he'd done something she hadn't expected. For the two weeks she'd known him he'd been friendly, kind...but he'd never taken things beyond that before today (even though she'd wanted him to). This...it had been a surprise, but a very nice one. He was warm, smelled good, and his voice in her ear sent shivers down her spine. For someone who could probably have anyone he wanted, the fact that he preferred to spend his time with her... With a smile she glanced up at him, seeing his eyes were closed. "What are you dreaming about?"

He cracked open one azure eye with a lazy grin. "What do you think?"

"Food?"

"Hey..." He attempted a pout, expression halfway between hurt and innocent. "How could I be thinking about food right now?"

"Well, I was just wondering..." Idly she took his hands in hers, examining the calloused fingers. "I bought some of that pudding from that cafe the other day, and since you're usually hungry.."

"We can have it later. I'd rather stay like this.." With that he leaned back on the sofa with her still held in his arms, so close his breaths ruffled her hair. Murrue smiled. Same here. I'd rather be here like this with him than anywhere else... She turned around in his embrace and began to trace his features with a gentle finger, skimming over his nose, closed eyes and up through his hair before moving back down to his chin, giggling at the ticklish feel of his stubble and the way he kissed her fingertip. Mwu half-opened his eyes with a slow smile, reaching up himself to curl fingers in her hair, twirling the chestnut locks before bringing her close so the tip of her nose brushed against his. Understanding, and not in the least bit worried, she leaned just that little bit closer and kissed him gently.

The touch sent a shiver through her, eyes fluttering closed without any conscious effort. He murmured something she couldn't quite hear and nibbled at her lower lip, asking silently for permission which she gave without hesitation, letting him deepen the kiss. It lasted for what felt like forever, he taking his time to explore her mouth until the need for air forced them apart. A little dazed she blinked slowly down at him, smiling when he brushed the back of his hand against her cheek.

"Wow.."

"Yeah.." He chuckled softly, kissing the tip of her nose and continuing to watch her. His expression was one of such kindness and affection it took her breath away. With a sigh she snuggled down beside him, her head resting on his chest as he stroked her hair.

"I think I won that game.."

"You did not. That one was a draw." He laughed again, the sound rumbling in his chest.

"Will I ever win against you?"

"Nope."

"Okay now, stand up straight."

"Straight? I can't stand up at all!"

"Yes you can, silly. Go on, try." She frowned, but very slowly followed his instructions. "That's right. Feet slightly apart...and push off with the poles. Don't worry about falling, I'll catch you.."

"You'd better." Setting her chin in determination she set off down the gentle slope, wobbling as she went, but as he'd said he was always there behind her. And despite her earlier nervousness it seemed she had nothing to worry about - she never fell once, and even began to enjoy herself. She swept down the slope with no problem, giggling wildly when her red hat got blown off by the wind. "This is great! How do I go faster?"

Mwu grinned. "Slow down there, grasshopper. You don't learn to ski in one day.."

"But it's fun.." When she reached the bottom he ruffled her hair affectionately and placed the wool hat back on her head.

"One more try, okay? I'll show you how to go a little bit faster but that'll be it for today. No, it will," he scolded gently as Murrue actually pouted, "Skiing puts a strain on muscles you don't normally use, so if you try and do too much you're going to end up pretty sore."

"I'll just have to take a nice hot bath later then.." She grinned up at him, amber eyes shining with mischief, and he suppressed a shiver which had nothing to do with the cold. This was a side to her he hadn't known existed, and it was making it increasingly difficult to take things slowly. But I will. Whatever happens between us, it has to be because she wants it to happen. I won't rush things...even if she makes it tough for me...

"C'mon then miss. One more go, then we can share that pudding."

This time she went so fast he had trouble keeping up with her. Laughing breathlessly he ran down the slope hell for leather, almost tripping several times. Nervous? Why had she been nervous? One thing you needed just as much as skill was confidence, and she had that in spades. He could easily imagine one day pretty soon when they could ski together and he wouldn't have to slow down for her.

"Want a piggyback again?"

"Only if you run."

And he did.

"Don't ask me to do that again. It's put years on me.."

"Oh shush.." Leaning over the back of the sofa she ruffled his hair before moving back into the tiny kitchen to heat up the parfait. She sang softly to herself as she worked and he couldn't help grinning, fonder of her than ever. I wish I could stay here. Not have to worry about the pressure, about the fame...just stay here and be an ordinary guy with an extraordinary girl...

"Can I stay over?"

For a moment there was no answer, then he felt a kiss to the crown of his hair. "I'd like that very much, but this place doesn't have a spare room. And I think people would be worried if they didn't know where you were.."

"I know, but..." His hotel suite, already empty, now felt even lonelier...all he wanted was to stay with her. Rather glumly he stared out of the window at the approaching dusk. He hated the nights now, hated having to leave the comfort of the little cabin and his girlfriend's embrace. "Right now I wish I had a different job.."

"I know.." Murrue handed him the plate of warm pudding and settled down beside him, head on his shoulder. She didn't say anything further, just offered a comforting presence, and he was grateful for that. He slipped his free arm around her waist with a sigh.

"What do we do?"

She smiled and kissed his cheek. "You can eat your dessert for a start. And you can stay till I've been in the bath."

"Can I wash your back?"

She blushed, dealing him a swift punch to the arm. "No you can't!"

Mwu laughed and pulled her close, catching her lips in a kiss. Maybe he was only allowed to be with her during the day, but if they packed enough into those days, then the nights didn't matter so much.

And he was determined that one day nothing would keep them apart.

( fwee fluffs

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