Lingering Embers *A Tsubasa KuroxFai Fanfiction*

CHAPTER III

Sunlight poured into the room from the bare window and pierced Kurogane's eyes through their lids. He opened them slightly, brow furrowed as he tried to adjust to the bright environment. Slowly the room dimmed as he became accustomed and he opened his eyes wider before yawning ungraciously. He ruffled his hair which had flattened at the back where his head had leant against the wall and stood up, joints popping after laying dormant.

Fai watched through half lidded eyes as Kurogane stretched his arms above his head. Fai only realised he had left his eyes to wander down over the slightly exposed abdomen when he felt a heat in his cheeks, and he abruptly bowed his head to hide his usually pale face behind his golden locks.

Kurogane glanced, out of the corner of his eye, Fai's sharp movement and quickly lowered his arms and walked over to the kids' bed so as to avoid any awkward confrontation with the mage. He gently roused Syaoran and Sakura from their slumber and shook Mokona violently, payback.

"Kuro Kuro is so mean to Mokona!" The white creature jumped about the room begging for attention from someone more loving than the ninja.

"Tch. We need to hurry up and find out where the feather in this world is. I don't like it here." Kurogane glanced around at his companions, but hovered a little longer on Fai. "This place is...shameful."

Syaoran stole a sideways look at Sakura, who was coddling Mokona affectionately, and smiled sadly. "I agree. It's not safe for her here." He walked over to her and addressed Mokona, "can we have the clothes we saved from that cold country a few back please? We will need to blend in to draw a minimal amount of suspicion."

Mokona perked up and retrieved a pile of cloth and fur which would protect the group from the harsh wind and snow. His ears then dropped forlornly before stating "Mokona never gets to wear any cute clothes like Sakura-chan. It's not fair!"

Sakura scooped up the white bundle and twirled him around with her. She smiled warmly and comforted the creature in her singsong voice, "don't worry Moko-chan!" She spun around the room, dancing gracefully, which was enjoyed by the whole group, especially Syaoran who had a slight blush and an adoring gleam in his eyes. "I just remembered something you will love!"

Mokona let out an excited noise as Sakura went to the pile of clothes and picked up her long, button-up coat. She rummaged through its deep pocket before pulling out a small knitted item. She knelt down and beckoned Mokona over to her. "I forgot I finished making this before we had to leave." Sakura wrapped the small, yellow scarf around Mokona and tied it snugly.

Mokona patted the soft wool. So, so soft and warm. "Thank you so much Sakura. Mokona loves you. Here," Mokona jumped onto Sakura's shoulder and planted a tiny kiss on her cheek. "Moko-chan gives you a big smooch. And Syaoran too!" Mokona then kissed Syaoran and Fai as well. He then stood at Kurogane's feet looking up, face full of melancholy.

Kurogane peered back down at Mokona who looked sad. Maybe sometimes I'm too hard on him. He can be so irritating...but some days he does feel left out. Kurogane sighed and held out his arms. Cheer filled Mokona's face and he leapt up and smothered Kurogane in kisses. The creature's adorable relentlessness caused Kurogane to fidget as the light kisses tickled the ninja's face and he lost control. He let out a genuine and loud bout of laughter, as he tried in a desperate struggle to tug Mokona from him in order to relieve the distracting sensation which was rendering him a little too vulnerable for his liking. He finally pried the creature from his face and gave it a cold stare which was not quite as menacing as intended as a result of Kurogane's eyes being filled with tears after his laughter. He hadn't laughed like that in a very long time.

"Come on guys, lets get ready to go already," Kurogane stated flatly, wiping his face and making his way to the pile. They all selected their own items from the mess of clothes and Sakura left with Mokona for the lavatory to get changed. The men each turned their backs and shed their original outfits before pulling on the less conspicuous attire.