10. Chapter 10

Tygra had changed out of his snowsuit and for once was

wearing casual wear instead of his customary uniform. His attire consisted of a

dark red shirt with a matching deep red sweater, a pair of Khaki pants, and

brown boots. Wearing shoes was unusual for him since he favoured going

barefoot, but since this weather could cause frostbite and vasoconstriction,

Tygra figured he could tolerate the boots for a few days at least.

Crystalandra

had not moved an inch from her location on the couch--she was much too

comfortable. Tygra walked over and gently sat down beside her. Feeling the

movement on the pillows, Crys opened her and smiled tiredly accepting the large

warm mug he handed her of something that smelled amazing.

She

straightened up and examined it, delighted at the whipped cream and chocolate

dusting that was floating on top. “What is this?”

“This, my

dear, is called hot chocolate. I think you’re going to really like it.”

The she-cat

glanced at his cup and saw he did not have the cream and chocolate on top and

inquired as to why. He smiled taking a sip before he explained.

“I know for a

fact girls like the toppings—me, I personally prefer the basics.”

Sipping hers,

Crys immediately fell in love with this delicious treat and let her head fall

gently back against the pillowed couch.

Crys slightly inclined her head catching the tiger grinning at her.

“What’s wrong?”

He made a motion with his finger over his top lip. Not understanding his gesture, Crys shook her

head slightly from side to side. “I

don’t get you? What?”

Chuckling with his head tilted slightly forward, he leaned

in and using his index finger, Tygra removed the whipped cream/milk moustache

that she was sporting which made her laugh realizing what she must have looked

like.

“Thank you.”

“Never a

problem, “The tiger commented wiping his finger on a napkin.

“So why are

you being nice to me?”

He blinked

surprised by her blunt question. “I’m just being me—it is who I am.”

“I’ve never

seen this ‘you’ before.”

He shrugged. “Well,

here I am.”

Uncomfortable,

Crystalandra glanced down at her mug deciding it would be best to change the

subject. “What’s in this hot chocolate?”

He looked at

her. “Chocolate... Pretty good, right?”

“Yes,” Crys

agreed finishing her drink. Relaxing at

last, she let her guard down a little to the tiger, allowing herself to perhaps

trust this Thunderian. The waitress strolled by and refilled their mugs while they

both enjoyed the warmth of the fire.

“Can I admit

something to you?” Crystalandra asked the tiger taking another sip from her

delicious mug of hot chocolate.

“Of course.”

“Skiing isn’t

my thing; I don’t particularly like the sensation of falling—it makes me feel

like I have no control. In all honesty I prefer to be on a solid platform.”

A realization

struck Tygra from her saying this and a grin appeared on his face; for a

spontaneous plan was forming in his mind. Crystalandra saw this immediate

change in his demeanour and decided to probe for information. “What? What are

you thinking?”

He grinned from

the right side of his mouth--a smile that Crystalandra was starting to find

somewhat endearing. “I think I just figured out the perfect icebreaker for us.”

“Really? I can’t wait to see what you have come up

with but you can tell me tomorrow. For

now I am just content to lie here…”

“Sure, I

agree it is better left for tomorrow.” Tygra

glanced up when the door opened and in walked Ranger, Galina, Ben, and

Argo—they were talking excitedly about the fun they had had on the slopes.

Tygra rose

from the couch greeting the troupe. “Did

you have a good time?”

The orange

tigress ran up to her tiger looping her arms around his neck. “We had a wonderful time! I’m so sorry you missed it.” She glanced over at Crys who had seemingly

fallen asleep. “How was it with her?”

“Believe it

or not, fine actually. No problems at

all…Crys was rather pleasant.”

Bengali

grinned. “It seems then the ice queen

has finally melted.”

Galina poked

the white tiger in the ribs. “Watch it

you!” and she inclined her neck in the direction of the tiglon. “He might hear you and you’ll be in huge

trouble!”

Bengali

appeared sheepish but luckily his comment hadn’t been overheard.

Argo walked

over to his mate and scooted under the warm blankets beside her. Removing the hot chocolate from her hands, he

drained its contents before planting a kiss on her cheek. Her eyes flew open and she squealed from the

contact of his cold lips against her skin.

“Argo!” The she-cat squirmed to

get away but Argo wrapped his big arms around her pulling her into his

embrace. “You’re cold!” Crys complained struggling. “Get off me!”

He

grinned. “Yes but you’re the perfect

thing to warm me up…” Argo brushed his

hand lovingly through her burgundy mane.

“How are you feeling?”

She leaned

her head against his shoulder, “Content.”

“Yes you

are!” The Tiglon replied with amazement

empathically sensing her emotional state which was no longer a cyclonic

maelstrom of rage. “Everything I take it

went well between you and Tygra?”

“Why wouldn’t

it?” Crys smiled pleasantly. “He is the perfect gentleman.”

Argo turned

his head and catching his cousin’s eye he winked. I don’t

know what you did Tygra, but I believe you may finally be winning her over.