Lingering Embers *A Tsubasa KuroxFai Fanfiction*

CHAPTER II

"Kuro-puu! Open your eyes!"

As Kurogane opened his eyes with a scowl, Mokona hurried off of the man's chest and into Fai's embrace. The whole group laughed at the comical awakening, except Kurogane, who was rubbing his temples and fixing his bed hair. He stifled a yawn and assessed the conditions of his comrades. Mokona was bouncing around with his usual air of happiness which often served to cheer the group up in troubling times. Sakura and Syaoran were being as nervous and awkward together as expected, chatting about the past day with slight blushes on their faces. The only thing that could possibly be said to be out of place was Fai. Although he still had his dumb grin plastered on his face, Kurogane could see right past the facade and noticed how he barely moved, eyes trained on the campfire which was still burning with the same intensity as the night before. Kurogane shook his head and cast his thoughts off, idiot.

"Oi," Kurogane interrupted. "What's for breakfast. We need to hurry and find the feather so we can get out of this frozen over hell."

Fai turned to Mokona, grabbing him gently mid bounce. "Moko-chan, do we have any food in storage?"

Mokona paused for a moment, thinking, or rather searching. He then opened his mouth and dropped three oranges and a pear onto the ground. "That's all the food left."

Fai peered at the fruit they had saved from the previous world they had been dumped in. Syaoran and Sakura exchanged worried glances and Kurogane just huffed. Fai picked up two oranges and handed them to Sakura and Syaoran with a beaming face, "please eat these and replenish your energy. We've a big, fun day ahead of us." He then tossed the pear to Mokona who caught it in his small arms. "Now Mokona, pace yourself or you will choke like last time." He let out a chuckle and poked the white creature as it bit eagerly into the juicy fruit. Finally he reached out for the last orange, intending to give it to Kurogane.

"Leave it. I don't need to eat. And I know you won't eat it either so save it for an emergency," Kurogane grumbled.

"Hyuu, Kuro-pon is so kind to everyone, don't you think?" Fai laughed as the ninja jumped up and began chasing him around the cave, making swipes for the wizard who gracefully dodged every swing. Sakura gave a worried gasp and Syaoran smiled nervously. This scene had become commonplace among the two and allowed Fai the chance to draw attention away from their dire situation. It was his duty to keep his companions in high spirits and so his chipper demeanour was never broken. Except for last night. Please Kurogane, don't tell the children.

***

"Mokona? How far do you think before we reach the city, or town or whatever?" Kurogane had to shout over the sound of the wind and snow.

"Mokona isn't sure. Not too far, most likely."

Kurogane twitched, "what kind of answer is that whitey!" In his rage he had begun to stomp heavily, a critical mistake. When he tried to lift his leg out of the snow to stride forward, he realised it was stuck and he fell flat on his face. Laughter erupted from both Fai and Mokona, while both Syaoran and Sakura tried their best to cover their giggles so as not to endure the wrath that would most certainly ensue. Kurogane shot daggers at Fai, who in turned laughed even harder after looking at the snow covered face of the ninja.

"Kuro-daddy looks like a snowman!" Fai said in a singsong voice and clapped his hands. He made his way over to the fallen ninja, seemingly gliding over the snow rather than walking on it, and extended his thin hand outwards. Kurogane pushed it aside and dug his way out of the snow, brushing the white dust from his front. Some snow had found its way into his leather armour and was melting into an icy slush, chilling him more than he liked to admit.

They continued their trek, Mokona and the children leading the way together and Fai with Kurogane bringing up the rear. Fai walked effortlessly through the freezing atmosphere with a grin on his face, a grin which irritated the hell out of Kurogane. "Would you please wipe that fake smile off your face."