(funfact, that picture is something actually called foxfire)

Bryan slowly creaked open his bedroom door, peeking out just enough to see the far side of the landing. Lo'Pho was curled up, eyes closed and fast asleep in his fluffed up cat bed. His nose twitched and he batted at it in his sleep. Stifling a laugh, he sighed with relief and pushed the door the rest of the way open and stepped out.

He crept quietly past his guild leader until he was all the way down the long flight of stairs then broke out in a run only once out of possible hearing range. He rushed out the door, starting to head towards town, when he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

At the edge of the island, staring down into the lapping water with flowers in her hands, was Kayla. Bryan blinked in surprise, watching as she plucked a flower from her hand, a yellow daisy, and tossed it out onto the water. The petals kept it afloat while the stem reached down towards the bottom.

He glanced at the short tunnel out, cautious thoughts he didn't acknowledge weighing down on his mind. He took a hesitant step forward, turned sharply back, and wandered over in slow stride. Too absorbed in her flowers, he assumed, she didn't look up as he approached. "Kayla? What are you doing out here?"

She jumped in her seat, grabbing onto the ledge as support. "Oh hey Bryan! I'm just, you know....watering the flowers!"

"I don't think that's how you water them," he said, sitting down next to her. "That demon slayer may not be very happy about this."

"Yeah." She chuckled nervously and rubbed at her eyes. "They're not bothering you right now are they?"

"Mmm don't think so. Some merchant in town that gave Mario the seasickness potion also had some allergy potent. Only temporarily but seems like it's working for now."

"That's good..." her voice trailed off. Bryan watched her flick the flower in her hand, the petal barely moving in response. Her eyes were downcast and her mouth was twisted, but he couldn't tell what kind of expression it was.

"Soooo," he drew out, keeping his voice cheery, "what's got you looking all sad?"

A pause. "I'm just, uh, worried I guess?" She looked away but he could still see the tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "What if you and Lo'Pho are right and- ...he's just using me?"

A pang of guilt shot through him and he cringed in on himself. "We can never be too careful you know?" he tried to say as upbeat as he could. "Plus he's a Coin and Lo'Pho said he's had bad experiences with them."

"But he seemed like he actually liked me." She plucked another flower, twirling it back and forth between her fingers. Blue with small splashes of yellow. The petals spun around, creating the illusion of a yellow circlet. "I've never had someone like me like that before. Is...there really something wrong with me?"

The tears finally started to trickle down her face and Bryan started to panic. "No, no! Of course not! I, uh-" he rushed out, hands waving around in high gesture as if that'd stop her crying. He was supposed to look after the guild and protect it from those who may want to infiltrate and hurt from them...but he also had to protect his guildmates.

Even if that meant letting them go on a date with a potential thief of the guild.

He placed his hands on her shoulders in what he hoped was a comforting manner. "You are wonderful to be around and a talented mage. If you can turn Lo'Pho in a human in such a short time, who knows what else you can do? You're also all bubbly and positive, something we all really need right now." He patted her shoulder. "If Stu can't see how great you are, then that's his loss."

Kay giggled, brushing away the stray tears. "Thanks Bryan. Usually Jakey's the one giving me these pep talks." She sniffed and looked up at him, pursing her lips. "Speaking of which...why were you so defensive earlier about him?"

"Oh-I-uhh heh," he stammered out. He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes searching his face. "Ahhh no reason!" His voice caught at the end, upping it a few octaves and Kay pouted.

"Fine, don't tell me." She tossed the blue and yellow flower a little farther into the water than the rest. "I'll just get it out of Jakey later," she muttered under her breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!"

They fell into a comfortable silence and Bryan glanced up at their temporary guildhall. He couldn't even remember why he had been sneaking out in the first place, but was glad he did. He looked at Kay, who with a much calmer expression threw the rest of the flowers out to the ocean. A collage display of scattered colors covered their edge of the island, similar to paint splatter across a dark blue canvas.

Bryan nudged her shoulder lightly. "You'll have a great time. And if anything does go wrong, just tell us and we'll take care of him." He smirked, holding out his hand as a small fire formed on his palm.

Kay laughed and he couldn't help but laugh with her. "We should get to bed then. I don't want to be late tomorrow and you need your beauty sleep." She poked his cheek as she teased.

He gasped, lurching away in undignified exaggeration. "Heeeey, what's that supposed to mean?"

She laughed again, standing up and helping him to his feet. They both walked in step back inside the hall and sleepily up the stairs to the landing. Lo'Pho was still sound asleep, soft snores coming from the newly piled on blankets.

Bryan stepped towards his door, only stopped by Kay's voice. "Uh, Bryan?"

"Yes?"

Kay wrung her hands together, tilting her head up at him. "Can I have a hug?"

Bryan let out a soft chuckle, feeling an inner breath of relief. "Do you want a hug?" he teased.

"Kinda, yes," she answered pointedly, wrinkling her nose.

"Good, because I want a hug." He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, easily enveloping the short girl entirely. She quickly hugged him back, squeezing his waist and burrowing her face in his shirt.

"Thanks again Bryan."

He didn't know if it was a dragon thing or a him thing, but an inkling feeling of sibling protectiveness rose in his stomach. If Stu hurt her, he was dead.