Watching Sunny walk away, Malia couldn’t help but laugh with Carson after he explained her preference of partners. As he wrapped his arm over her shoulders, her winded around his back. Her lips curved up into a smile after she had sobered up, and she gently leaned her head on his shoulder for a moment. “Well, I’ve never had any type of relationship at all. You were literally my first everything, so I win.” Malia playfully nudged him, but her eyes snapped up at the sound of another arriving Strider. Or, in this case, two.<br/><br/>Just as he kept an arm around her, she kept one around him. She watched as the two pulled into Central, cutting the engines and approaching the pair. Sunny had left a bad taste in her mouth, but the smile that the other woman had given Carson eased the edge. Already, they seemed more agreeable. Her words were teasing, not accusatory, and she found herself relaxing into his side, giving her a smile as well. Looking up to Carson, her cheeks subtly heated as he explained her importance to him, biting her bottom lip to prevent from smiling too widely. She thought they would have to hide their relationship, but she couldn’t be more relieved he disagreed.<br/><br/>When the quiet man, Letto, she understood, expressed his liking to her in a nod, she gave him a smile. “It’s nice to meet you guys, a lot nicer to meet you than Sunny.” She laughed awkwardly, looking up to Carson. “That was interesting.”<br/><br/>She nodded in agreement to Carson’s plan to let them settle, watching as the two Striders walked away, undoubtably to their rooms. “I like them, they’re cool.” Malia gave him a smile, squeezing his side. “And they don’t care I’m with you? In both senses.” She wanted them to be fine with her being in Central, but Carson was their friend as well, they’d likely be protective of who held his affections. “Should we shower? I didn’t think I smelt that bad.” She laughed lightly, moving to hug both her arms around him.