"I understand that, Tawny. Really, I do." Shi said, softly, finding himself happy that she had started calling him by his nickname.<br/><br/>"And the fact is, you saved my life Tawny. I'm a complete stranger to you. You could have just left me to die, and your life would have gone on like nothing ever happened. But you didn't. You chose to rescue me, even though you knew all the trouble it would cause you. Because you're a good person. Maybe the best person I've ever met. I can tell. And if me keeping you safe means that we have to get married, then I'll gladly pay that price."<br/><br/>"Wait! No.. that came out all wrong!" He said, realizing that she might take offense to what he just said. "What I meant was that... um.. I guess I think you're worth it? Does that make sense? I mean.. if I have to get married at 18, I could definitely definitely do worse."<br/><br/>..........................................<br/><br/><br/>"Eh." Muchi replied smugly. And why shouldn't she be smug? Things were proceeding even better than how she had planned when she sunk her boat that afternoon. "Works for me. But, I'm pretty certain the kids have already made up their minds. In any case, I'll go and grab my spawn and the two of us will meet you at the festival after he cleans himself up. Deal?"