The guilt for hurting Ice with your thoughtless words makes your stomach twist and churn. A big part of you wants to cuddle with Ice; to be held close and tight by him.

But you’re absolutely certain you don’t deserve to be held. You don’t deserve to cuddle after you hurt him so much.

So you pull back. You force a smile to your lips. “We’ve got the whole day to ourselves. Might as well get in some practice.”

He reaches a hand out to touch your cheek. “Mav….”

Your traitorous body wants to lean into his touch. But you force yourself to take a step back and Ice doesn’t follow your movement. He doesn’t make you accept his touch, even though you want him to. For all the two of you are in a constant battle with each other, it does feel good when Ice steps in and takes charge.

But you can’t tell him that. Because if you tell him that you want him to take charge, it’s not the same. Not the same as him stepping in and taking charge himself.

“I’m going to get dressed.” You smile and turn away, before he can see that the smile doesn’t reach your eyes. You duck into the adjoining restroom and you close and lock the door, then run the water in the sink, splashing it against your face and leaning your forehead against the cool surface of the mirror.

You stay like that for a few moments, water running down your face, and then straighten up, taking a deep breath. You finish getting washed up, brush your teeth and then step out of the restroom. You don’t feel particularly happy, but you’re much calmer inside.

By the time you step back into the bedroom, Ice is dressed already. You quickly pull your own clothes on and nod to him. “Are you ready?”

Ice watches you for a few moments and you wonder if he’s going to push you to talk to him. But he finally nods and walks to the door. He opens it and steps out into the corridor. You follow after him and the two of you walk together towards the hanger.

As you come into view of the planes, you’re starting to recover your equilibrium. You want to suggest a friendly competition, but aren’t sure if Ice will be open to it.