Mari shook her head and laughed, noticing Dumas' sheepish grin. It was funny that such a big man could be scared of the words of a girl half his size. Mari would probably not find it amusing, but Shadow Mari was having a blast.<br/><br/>Listening to his words, Shadow Mari nodded. "I know, darling. I didn't mean it as literally. I just... I wish I could leave you the memories, and take your sadness away. Into me, if necessary. I would do it, you know, don't you? I would be so happy if I could take away all your pain. I wouldn't even mind feeling it myself." Of course, she was lying through her teeth. But had it been real Mari saying it, and it would probably be an expression of the truth.<br/><br/>It was while she hugged him that Shadow Mari had a flash of an idea.<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Oh, God. Dummy will hate me for this. But that's exactly why I'm doing it.</span></span>"I know, Dum. But being a shadow with a friend like you around makes it easier. You're a big part of the light in my life. Really."<br/><br/>She nodded softly as he said he was always there for her, and she was always there for him. "Always. For as long as I'm myself." Slowly, Mari took a step back and climbed up on the bed. It was the only way she could be a little taller than Dumas, enough to hold his face between her hands. "I would do anything to see you happy", she whispered. As if it was an spontaneous move, Mari's lips pressed up against Dum's. It was a little bit of a clumsy move, as real Mari would probably have made.