Work Text:
The snow glowed in the moonlit sky. Flurries pelted Jinora in the face, making her cheeks red and sticking in her hair and eyelashes. She shivered from the coldness, wrapping her knees to her chest trying to save her heat. She remembered her breathing exercise, focusing on her breath and the thought of being warm. But, it wasn’t working. She could only focus on the fall of the snow, how it hit the rooftops of Republic City, how the snowmen along the island slowly became covered in more snow. Jinora giggled at her scarf blowing in the wind on one of the snowmen, Ikki must have put it on it without her knowledge.
Jinora sighed, as reality set back in. She was tired. No, exhausted. Her head hurt, her feet hurt, her hands hurt, everything hurt. In moments like this she regretted having her tattoos. Of course she loved them- she loved carrying the air nation tradition with her. But, with being a master came a lot of responsibility.
She snapped her head down to the sound of tapping on the nearby window. Kai appeared holding two mugs. He handed one to her and climbed onto the roof outside of the girl's dormitory to join her.
“You must be cold.” Kai sipped on his mug, slipping his spare arm around her waist. “How’s my favorite airbending master doing?”
“I’m tired, and freezing my fingers off.” Jinora took a long sip out of the mug, it slightly burned her tongue and it had a little kick to it, but she relinquished the feeling. “Good hot chocolate.”
“I stole Mako’s recipe.” Kai admitted. “Did Ikki steal your scarf?” He pointed to the snowman.
“Yep, didn’t even tell me. I’ll get her back, don't worry.” Jinora reassured him.
“Reminds me of the time you two fought over a pair of shoes.” Kai smirked, teasing her.
Jinora furrowed her eyebrows in annoyance. “She will not stay out of my room no matter what I do.”
“I know.” Kai rubbed her back, earning a sigh from Jinora. “Feel good?”
“Very.” Jinora smiled. Resting her head on his shoulder. “Focus on your breathing, it'll keep you warm.”
“Is it working for you?” Kai raised an eyebrow, continuing with his massage.
“Well, I have a wonderful distraction next to me.” Jinora finished her mug and stole Kai’s, taking his warm palm and holding it to her face. “Plus your hands are very warm.”
Kai grabbed her free hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing it. “Yours are very cold.”
“So, how’s my favorite airbending student?” Jinora mimicked Kai’s voice.
“I’m doing pretty good, history classes are boring though.” Kai rolled his eyes, yawning. “Unless you teach them, then I get the most beautiful view.”
“Do you just stare at me the whole time or do you actually learn?” Jinora questioned, smiling suspiciously.
“Well… I er, depends on the situation.” Kai chuckled. “You’re just in front of me and you want my sole attention, so I give it to you.”
“Yes, but more importantly, attention to the topic.” Jinora added in a stern tone. “Thank you for at least paying attention to me, though."
Kai laughed. “You’re welcome babe.” He planted a quick kiss on her head before running his hands through her hair, shaking out pieces of snow stuck in her hair as he went. “Now, What are you even doing out here by yourself?”
Jinora sighed, curling herself deeper into Kai’s touch. “I just needed a break, being a master is hard and everyone is getting on my nerves, besides you.”
“I’m honored” Kai chuckled.
Jinora laughed, even when she was sad, Kai could always make her laugh.“Everyone’s so needy. My dad needs me to sign something, teach a class, talk to a high up person, check out peace treaties, and tame spirits. There's always something.”
“So your dad is needy?” Kai grinned, getting a playful slap from Jinora.
“Then my mom wants me to entertain my siblings, the new recruits want extra help, Korra needs help with the wedding. I just need a break.” Jinora took a heavy sigh. “I’m only 15, I’m still a kid pretty much.”
“Pretty much a kid? You are a kid! Why don't you take a day off?” Kai suggested.
“I can’t just take a day off, I’m a master. One of two in the world. It's not that simple.” Jinora countered.
“Yes, and you’re 15 years old. And doesn't your dad take breaks all the time? You deserve it, you're the most hardworking person I know.” Kai probed, elbowing her lightly.
“Well, my father is 56, he’s getting close to retirement, he's just getting older..” Jinora sighed. “So that leaves me with responsibility. The Air Nation will be my duty to care for in the future.”
“It’s just one day! Your father will not break a hip in one day.” Kai jokes. “We could sleep in, go sledding. Make hot chocolate and take a long nap.” Kai moved his lips to her ear. “In the same room, in the same bed.”
Jinora's face immediately went red at the last part and this time it wasn't because of the cold breeze. “You flirt, but maybe I do need a break.”
“You do! You’re already getting wrinkles! Oh, is that a gray hair?!” Jinora snapped her head in his direction. “I’m joking!”
“You better be.“ Jinora finished Kai’s hot chocolate, setting the mug aside and laying her head down in his lap. “I could go to sleep right now.”
“But your toes would freeze off.” Kai retorted before lifting her up bridal style. “Let’s get you warm.”
“I am warm, I’m in your arms.” Jinora quipped, winking.
“And I’m the flirt?” Kai carefully maneuvered through the window, not letting Jinora hit either side. “Let me do this for you, mea vita.”
Jinora smiled. “Is that ancient Air Nation?”
“How’d you know?” Kai whispered, as they made their way through the girl's dormitory as quietly as possible. Getting caught by Tenzin in the wrong dorm was not part of the plans tonight, especially when Ikki was a well-known snitch.
“Cause I’m a descendent of Air Nation culture and I had to master airbending history to get my tattoos?” Jinora deadpanned. She yawned, turning her head into Kai’s chest. “Y’know you’re pretty comfy.”
“I am? Why thank you, I’m flattered.” Kai finally reached her room and used a quick flick of the wrist to open the sliding door with airbending. Then, he walked across the room and placed her safely into the bed, pulling the sheets from under her and tucking her in. “Are you comfortable?”
“Very.” Jinora held on to his hand to prevent him from leaving. She sat up, getting close to his face. “Wanna take that nap right now? Y'know, in the same room. In the same bed?”
Kai was stunned, blushing furiously as if he hadn't just suggested the same thing, before putting his charming smile on again. “Of course.”
Kai slipped into the bed. While it was bigger than his bed, it was still a tight fit for the both of them causing Jinora to be partially laying across his chest. Kai didn't mind sharing his warmth though and liked the feeling of Jinora in his arms close to him. He watched the peaceful expression on her face as she drifted off to sleep. Her breathing eventually evened out, following a slow steady rhythm. He brushed some of her hair out of her face, kissing her forehead right on her arrow before soon slipping into his own deep slumber.