Markl barely noticed the passing time as he walked down the darkening streets with Mai. He laughed as he chatted, and it came natutally. He was used to putting up a fake smile.<br/><br/>Markl looked down at Mai. She reminded him of a snowflake he needed to protect, at the same time as looking like she could hold her own. His heart pounced for a second, and then he placed a hand on her left cheek. It was soft on his hand.<br/>"I might just show up some time around here. Or maybe tomorrow." He winked, playfully. It was really getting dark now. He gave a shiver, and resisted buttoning up the jacket Howl had given him.<br/>"Here, take this. This way, you know I'll come back. It's a promise, k?" He grinned, pushing a dark blue, yet clear gemstone into her hand.