Avani felt warm when Kasai implied that she thought she was beautiful, but then the little cop had to ruin the feeling by speaking more words. Of course she had to find some reason to put herself above Avani. She turned her eyes away from Kasai, thinking she need not bother with the woman if she was going to be like that. It wasn’t like it was the first time someone had told her she was stupid though. Just because her interests were of a more physical nature, didn’t mean she was without a brain.

“Come to think of it, weren’t you supposed to buy [i]me[/i] dinner? I remember you mentioning this morning how you couldn’t wait to put your hands on me. I mean, I did think you meant it as a threat but now I can see I was mistaken in that assumption.” Avani smiled, having run out of laughter, and feeling no need to further mock Kasai. Right then anyway.

Avani wanted to continue moving, to save Mio as soon as possible, but she couldn’t deny that her body was tired even if they hadn’t walked particularly far. She should be able to press herself some more without suffering injuries or worse.  

She turned to look at Kasai when she pointed out the obvious that they had light. Did she really think Avani was that dumb? Still, she couldn’t deny that the light lit up Kasai’s feature in a striking fashion which reminded her of why she found her appealing to the senses. Well, other than the ears, having to listen to her was getting on Avani’s nerves.

Avani stepped closer to Kasai, invading her personal space this time. “Yes, a small spark.” She put her hand around the flame. “If nurtured, who knows, perhaps it could create a fire that lasts longer than anyone would have expected.” Avani looked into Kasai’s eyes while speaking, and moved her hand to brush a couple of strands of hair out of the sergeant’s face. “Earth could be used around it, to stop the fire from growing into a wildfire that would only cause harm to those seeking heat.” She slid her hand slowly down Kasai’s cheek, neck and left it resting on the hole she had accidentally created before. “I think we’ve suffered enough today to seek the heat, and forget our irreplaceable losses for a second.” She spoke the words into Kasai’s mouth, as she’d leaned that close and shut her eyes for a third kiss.

“Wow…!” 

Avani heard Mio shout, and when she noticed a see-through projection of Mio in the clearing as well she pushed Kasai away from her and straightened her posture. 

“She came on to me!” Avani pointed at Kasai, trying to defend herself.

Mio had almost lost concentration when she had found those they had been worried for, in the act of starting god knows what, but she regained it and kept her voice monotone and deadpan instead of filled with the rage she had to suppress.

“I was worried sick about you, Avani, but it seems you’d rather, how did you put it? “seek the heat and forget the others”!?” Mio felt her projection fading, but she concentrated as much as she could to prevent it from doing so. "I guess you saw your chance and took it as soon as you two got a moment together. Were we just in the way for you all along?"

“Of course not, Mio. We’ve been walking for hours trying to find you! She said we should stop and was all like pretty in the light and stuff…” Avani facepalmed herself. She didn’t need anyone else to tell her how awful that sounded.

“I don’t have time for this.” Mio said in her deadpan tone, while shaking her head disapprovingly. “I think we’re at some kind of lake. I can see water. We’re pretty high up too, maybe in some kind of nest for these odd winged spirits? I’m not sure.”

“That’s not much to go on.” Avani said, but the projection faded and disappeared as she spoke. 

So she was left alone again with Kasai, who she had now actually tried to seduce instead of simply kiss. She wished that Mio would return, but she didn’t.¨
 
“I don’t know which is best. I’d say we keep moving for a few hours more. I’m used to pushing pressure on my body. You don’t need to worry about me.”