When the blue haired girl finally arrived back at her shop after that long, terrifying day, she didn't expect to see the dark haired male there. Nor did she expect to see his usually blank face slightly worried.

Upon him noticing her walking up, Mualani gave a small wave with a smile.

"You're far from home, Kinich," She noted as she stopped in front of him. "What brings you here?"

He let out a heavy sigh. "Oblivious."

"Oh," She awkwardly looked to the side. "If you're worried about Kachina, she's safe now! I made sure she went home and rested. We can go together to check on her in the-"

Kinich cut her off. "I was worried about you."

Mualani froze. He had no reason to be worried about her, right? She is a veteran, and her Ancient Name even acknowledged her!

Noting the mora for her shop out of the corner of her eye, she awkwardly reached for it to avoid conversation. Instead, Kinich gently grabbed her hand and interlocked his with it. Her red eyes met his sharp green ones, and the world seemed unmoving.

"You could've been lost. Permanently." Kinich began. "I am glad Kachina was safely retrieved, but you could've died."

"I knew the risks." Mualani pulled back from Kinich. "Had I not gone, Kachina would still be there, scared out of her mind!"

For a brief second, Kinich panicked. However he quickly regained control and tentatively looked at her again. "I don't want to leave your side again, if there is such a risk."

Mualani's anger took a minute to shift into confusion. "Dude. What do you mean?"

Her question was met with silence, as the boy just stared at her. Unnerved, Mualani again moved to grab the money and put it away in her shop. She hopped over the counter, and pulled open a cash drawer, counting the mora in. All the while, she could feel his eyes pierce through her like the arrow of a hilichurl.

"Can you stop watching me? It's creepy." She raised her voice a little, looking back at him.

Kinich looked away as soon as she made eye contact.

As she returned to putting the mora away, she no longer felt like there were eyes glued to her, and she let out a sigh of relief. Sure, it was sweet Kinich cared so much about her, but he needed to relax with his approach to it.

Mualani hopped back over the counter and Kinich returned his gaze to her.

"Well, you weirdo," Mualani lightly joked. "I'm going home, see you later."

"I'll walk you there." Kinich replied.

Oh, she wasn't getting rid of him that easily. Mualani knew far too well that once he made his mind up about something, Kinich was too stubborn to do otherwise. Still, this level of overprotectiveness was unheard of from the Saurian Hunter.

The two started walking the path towards her home, and within a few steps, Kinich gently grabbed onto her right arm. The touch was so light, Mualani would've never felt it if he hadn't been slightly shaky. Her left hand moved up to lightly brush his right hand with her fingertips, and they both stopped again to look at each other.

"Hey, I'm here now." Mualani whispered.

Kinich didn't respond verbally, but The way he gave her arm a small squeeze before returning to the same light hold made it very clear how scared he was of losing her. Giving him a light smile before tapping his arm twice, Mualani then moved to grab his shoulders and pull him in for a hug. Hesitantly, he gently returned it, with his arms lightly draping across her waist, and his head moving to rest on her shoulder and slightly leaned into her neck. After a couple moments, Kinich allowed himself to embrace her tighter.

Mualani was the first to pull away from the comforting hug, and Kinich released her after. He had a small blush on his face, yet a small smile remained even after the blush disappeared.

"Oh, it has gotten so late," Mualani looked at the starry sky, where the moon had risen to almost the middle of it. "How about you stay the night, and tomorrow we can go check on Kachina?"

"That seems like the best idea." Kinich agreed.

The two walked some more, avoiding the small Koholasaur Whelps that enjoyed sleeping on the path. Mualani opened the door to her home, and allowed Kinich to step inside.

The interior of the house had the colorings of blue, pink, and purple. The wooden flooring was made up of a light colored wood, and the furniture was heavily cushioned.

Being courteous, Mualani decided to offer, "How about I sleep on the couch and you can take my bed?"

"No, I'll take the couch. You've had a long day." Kinich rejected.

"Ookay, then," Mualani shrugged. "Your loss. Want me to find you something to sleep in?"

Kinich nodded, and then watched Mualani disappear through a door. He heard her begin to rummage through a closet, When suddenly, a shirt and sweatpants were thrown at him. The clothing hit his face and landed in his lap.

Mualani giggled. "Hopefully these will fit. Knock on the door when you're done changing and give me the clothes you're currently wearing! I'll wash them."

The door separating the two closed, and Kinich heard it lock. He looked at what she'd given him; A white T-shirt with the print of a cartoon-like, smiling salmon with sunglasses on it, and basic, black sweatpants. When he put them on, he discovered how soft and comfortable both articles of clothing were. Even the shirt was a little baggy on him, and he began to wonder how Mualani looked in it. 'Probably very cute,' he decided.

Mualani opened the door before Kinich had a chance to knock on it. She had her hair out of her braids and no bandana, and she was wearing a loose, sky blue, tank top with some white shorts. She, again, giggled at Kinich in her clothes as he looked rather awkward in them. Kinich sighed and gave her his clothes, and watched her move to a room on the left of him. He assumed that's were the water and clothes rack was.

When Mualani came back, Kinich was now standing, looking at the various decor in the living room. Mualani tapped him shoulder, and gave a small smile when he turned to look at at her.

"Well, I'm off to bed, so, goodnight!"

"Goodnight, Mualani."

He watched her go back into her room, and turn off the lights, keeping her door wide open. Kinich moved back into the couch, and stared at the ceiling.

'Please let me protect and care for you, Mualani.'