Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

How did this happen? Why didn’t he see this coming? He knew what would come of this, he knew about price and exchange because if ANYONE knew about these things, it was Kinich. Yet, he still did it. He knew that the combination of alcohol and being with her was a recipe for chaos and he. still. did it. At this point, there was no one else to blame but himself. He was now paying his own price after being so careless.  

How did it all begin? 

Kinich had always treated discipline as an ally and had incredible self control. He never let his unnecessary wants or desires get in the way of accomplishing what had to be done. He had a great routine and only spoke if the situation called for it. To him, exceptions were a waste of time. His guard was always up and always had a high level of self awareness. To everyone else though, kinich was a dam and did everything in its power to keep others out. He wasn’t the most liked and didn’t have too many people he called friends but he really couldn’t care less. 

But even dams can break.

He genuinely felt indifferent about the world until he met her. The siren. After that, nothing made sense for him after that. Why was it hard to breathe when she got close to him? Why did he yearn for her smile like it was essential for life? Why was he hypnotized by her laugh? Her laugh was like a beautiful song he couldn’t resist, like it was luring him into his end, but he couldn’t stop. Not that he wanted to. If she were a real siren, Oh, he’d be in a trance the minute he laid eyes on her. If she were kind to him, he’d take that kindness and through it back into something stronger. If she were cruel and heartless, he’d rip out his own heart and give it to her to eat and he’d watch her as she feasted on his life supply as something would still be beating inside him. 

They’ve just won a major battle involving the abyss and Mauvika brought out all kinds of beautiful foods and drinks, all in the bright colors of natlan. Kinich RARELY drank, as drinking was a direct reminder of his past and would threaten his sense of control. The idea of not being 100 percent control of his own body was not something he craved and didn’t understand why people were so quick to drink away their sense of reality. However, SHE came towards him with two drinks in hand, excitement all over her face as she saw him. No one lite up like that when they saw him, he really was under her control. 

“Hey, Kinich! Guess what I got?!” She started, shaking two cups in her hands. 

“Two cups of alcohol?” He answered. He was right though. 

“No, silly! Two cups of fun! You have to be more creative than that!”

“Okay, I’m failing to understand how being someone else’s problem could be fun. So, no. I don’t want two cups of recklessness and carelessness. Was that better, Mualani?” Kinich asks in a sarcastic tone. He knows that wasn’t a good comeback, but he still wanted to see her smile. Mualani simply chuckled and rolled her eyes.

” After the way we kicked their ass, we deserve to celebrate too. Since kachina’s parents are throwing her a party at their house, I can finally drink again! You know I don’t really drink around her to be a good influence and call me a hypocrite all you want, BUT IM CELEBRATING WOOOOO.” She says, before swinging her drink. “Come on kinich, try it! Apparently it’s a new drink, and it’s literally booming right now and they have limited supply.” 

Kinich looked at the cup, then looking at her. His shaking hand reached for one of the drinks and stared at the pool of alcohol in hand and the only thing that reflected was his snake eyes. His hideous, cold-blooded snake eyes. Mualani slowly stopped smiling. She was kind of familiar with his past, but anytime she tries to get closer to him, to understand him, to really dig into who kinich was as a person, He wasn’t able to look at her. He didn’t want Mualani to feel guilty and sad over something that wasn’t her fault and didn’t want her to treat him differently because of it. She was one of the few people in his life that treated him as a friend, a human being and enjoyed his overall presence. He didn’t want her to feel pity for him and only stay with him out of sadness. She was a free spirit, a bird and birds need to fly free, he’d only be her chain. Yes, she was a vibrant bird and he was a snake. 

“Y’know, you don’t HAVE to drink if you don’t want to? I just thought it be a good way for us to let loose. I don’t ever want you to feel like you are pressured to take something you don’t want to. Here, lemme take that from you and-“

She tried to reach her hand and take it from him but he chugged it. Just a little bit. Mualani’s eyes widened. That’s all it took. That first swing. He couldn’t help it. Kinich had never really understood worriers or anxious people, rather he found them annoying, but now, whatever it was, it caused him to take more swings of his drink. He just can’t stand feeling suffocated every time he saw her, he needed to calm down and he surrendered to alcohol. 

“I’m not allergic to alcohol, Mualani, I do drink on occasion I just don’t do it often.” He states, trying to reassure her that he is doing this purely on his choice alone, the last thing he’d ever want is for the sun to feel that she was darkening the place. 

What happened next? They drank more. Everyone did. Xilonen, Ifa, Citlali, Mauvika, Even CHASCA, who has always been vocal on her distaste for alcohol.

Its been hours and everyone was rather past out or about to be and the only two people left were Siren and her prey. Mualani and Kinich were just dancing lazily, swinging their bodies left and right like were on a boat. They looked ridiculous but they didn’t care. Mualani’s arms were around his neck and his hands were on her waist. His face was red. He’s always loved being close to her but this was REALLY close. Alcohol was no longer doing anything for him in that regard, but he was still pretty drunk.

“Y’know kinich, You’re cute.” Mualani says, biting her lip, while looking at kinich’s. His heart was still beating fast, but he felt a lot braver than before. He was looking her in the eyes and smiling at her. “Have you ever……kissed a girl?” She pushed even further. Her smile was barely an inch away from his lips.

Kinich gulped and for some reason ashamed to answer Mualani’s question. Sober kinich wouldnt have cared about something as ridiculous as that, but again,

“No, I haven’t.” He answered honestly. Even with the alcohol, he could never physically find himself lying to Mualani. 

“Do you want me to….show you?” She says, her hand found their way to his face and now her thumbs her stroking his cheeks.

They were drunk. They were dumb. They were reckless. They. Were. Doomed. Before he knew it, his lips were on hers and it went from a simple kiss to something more hungry. He needed more, her lips were soft. Their hands roamed their bodies and Mualani pulled kinich away from the scene. 

They continued feasting on each other as kinich pushed Mualani against the wall. The inn’s door was only a couple feet away from them. They broke free and went in the Inn. There was no going back. The siren has finally caught him and now she will feast on her victim. 

When they closed the door, Mualani pushed kinich to the bed and they resumed making out. Mualani was now straddling him, sitting on kinich, while he was on his back. 

“Now, kinich.” She says with her lips on his ear, gasping from kissing for so long. “I meant what I said, when I said I never force you to do something you don’t want to, last chance.” Her voice was not the same happy, easy-going, loud voice he was used to. It was something else. Like a predator knowing she has him under her spell, under her mercy and Kinich wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. He wanted this more than anything. He wants the siren to consume him.

“Words, kinich. I’m not accepting anything but an absolute yes. Otherwise, we’re staying right here and not going further.” Mualani demands. Even drunk, she’s still so considerate, She stroked his face with her thumbs softly once more, to remind him that she is merciful and that this is indeed a choice he can make and that he was allowed to refuse. 

“Yes, Mualani. Please.” He says, he doesn’t realize how vulnerable he looked. He didn’t realized how vulnerable he SOUNDED. Mualani loved it. She wanted more. The way he looks under her, begging to be touched and completely under her control. She licked her lips and said something else in his ear, 

“Y’know, this can’t be THE Malipo Kinich under me. The Kinich I know is never this….Obedient.” She said that last part with a bit of mischief in her voice, laced with the alcohol they’ve been drinking, he bit his lip and blushed even more than before. How does she have this crazy effect on him and why did his breath hitch when she called him obedient? She noticed and her smile grew. “I can tell you’ve never done this before. Am I right?” She says as she gives an ever so slight tuck on his zipper. He nods, kind of ashamed. “Well, There’s nothing to be Ashamed of and I hope you know, I’ll be here every step of the way and if you realize it’s too much for you or you want to stop, please just let me know. Okay? Just lay back and be a good boy. Enjoy yourself.” Her forehead was against his and has been for a bit now. “Nod if you understand.” He nods again, while caressing her thighs. “ Good.” They reassume to kissing and the night wastes away. The siren has now completely took him and he’s gone forever. 

Kinich wakes up as if a Yumakasaur hit him in the face with its tail. Everything is sore and achy, his hair was a mess and there are marks all around his body. He also realizes another thing, he’s NAKED and was snuggling a naked Mualani, who is sleeping on top of him. He was panicking. He doesn’t remember much at all. All he remembers is the smell of alcohol and the overwhelming sense of pleasure. He remembers asking for more, he remembers Mualani asking for more. He remembers being lost in pleasure. The same pleasure he called overrated and unnecessary but then got addicted to it. It felt so so so GOOD to surrender like that. Desire being is ultimate drive and not caring about anything else. He also remembers it went on all night since they are both naturally fit and have great stamina.

He was slowly regaining his memories. Although he didn’t have enough puzzle pieces to connect the entire picture, he already knew what had happened. Mualani’s eyes were fluttered opened and she moaned as she slowly tried to get up and collect herself, all while Her head and body were also punishing her for her reckless behavior last night with sores and aches. She was met with Kinich’s eyes and her own ones widened. 

“Hi.” She starts, not knowing how to go from here. 

“Hi.” Kinich says back. 

“We…..” Mualani trails off. 

“We….?” Kinich says, kind of laughing nervously. They stare at each other a minute longer before Mualani breaks the silence and rushes to get off of him. 

“I’m so so so so sorry kinich. I…I was drunk and I didn’t know what I was doing and I…gotta go cause I promised Kachina I’d meet up with her.” She sputters her words as she uses the blanket they’ve using to cover herself and is desperate finding her clothes. Kinich later realizes he’s never going to hear the end of it from ajaw and that he left him alone at the dining hall and he rushes to get his clothes on as well. Even with their clothes on, their hair was still a mess and with Mualani having a shorter outfit than Kinich, her marks were kind of visible. Not too much though, if she can just find Xilonen and ask to borrow some of her makeup, she thinks she can conceal them for the time being, just until the marks fade. 

Maybe people may just assume they were coming back from bad hangover? As Kinich and Mualani went out the door, Kinich closed it as quietly as he physically could and before they could tiptoe out of the hallway, all they did was turn and Long and behold, Xilonen, Chasca and even the little sweet innocent girl Kachina was there in starring at them. Xilonen was carry a bag. 

Xilonen turned away and put her Hand on her mouth, trying to contain her laughter. Chasca was also fighting a little smile, pressing her lips together to do so. 

“Well, now I know where you guys went last night.” Chasca started. 

“Wait, what? What happened?! Why is everyone acting weird and- Omg they look messy. Were you guys fighting something or?” Kachina asks, looking at everyone’s reactions. Xilonen, finally let go and fell down with laughter, entertained by Kachina’s words, dropping her bag in the process. At this point, Xilonen was holding her stomach from laughing. “Huh?! What did I say, did I say something that sounds stupid?” Kachina's face turned completely red of embarrassment. She really didn’t want to have said something bad or stupid in front of all the people she looked up to and aspired to be. 

Chasca rolled her eyes, got on one knee to kachina’s level and put her hand on her shoulder. “No, you didn’t do anything wrong, Kachina. Xilonen is the one being stupid, per usual. I guess those chemicals and materials she’s been working with really seeped into her brain.”  

“Yeah, Kachina, Sweetheart. Don’t worry about her. Could we maybe train in this evening instead?” Mualani asks. “There’s still stuff I need to get ready.” 

“Okay!” Kachina says, saluting brightly. Kachina and her innocence, Mualani could swear she felt her heart burst. If she were to have a daughter, she’d want her to be just like her. 

“Until then, you can hang out with me. How about we go out in the country and I’ll take you to shooting range. I’ll teach you how to hold a gun and to shoot. what do you say? Knowing how bright you are, you’ll pick on it fast. ” Chasca says, putting her hand on Kachina’s shoulder. Kachina blushed at the compliment.

“Are you kidding me?! OF COURSE!” She couldnt contain her excitement. THE chasca teaching her to hold a gun. It’s such an honor and she couldn’t waste this opportunity. She was basically jumping up and down, she grabbed Chasca’s hand and they headed out.

“Let’s just give these two some time to……Get ready.” Chasca starred back at them raising her eyebrows and giving them a smirk. Even Chasca was having a hard time trying to contain her amusement. 

Xilonen finally piped down and wiped her tears from laughing to much and finally collected enough composure to get some words out. Before she could, though, Kinich interrupted her. 

“Don’t. Say. ANYTHING.” He says, quite irritated by the show he just saw. “Why were you guys here anyway?” 

“You said not to say anything.” Xilonen says, with a big grin on her face. 

“XILONEN.” Mualani snapped. 

“Okay…fine! Mauvika said she needed some things to be made before the next pilgrimage and in order for me to make said things, I needed the materials, so I got in contact with a seller. He’s originally from the feather clan so Chasca agreed to come, just in case of any tricks he might have up his sleeve. He also said it on his letter, that he’s staying in this inn. As for kachina, her mother wanted me to take her to you since we know you couldn’t have gone far but, we had to stop by the seller first since he was heading back home this afternoon and he told us to meet him here. We just got done speaking with him and thankfully, he wasn’t a scammer. That’s what’s in the bag.” She lifts the bag and shakes it a bit in front of them. “We were going to go out and you find you but..” she stops to suck her teeth , “Looks like fate already has us covered. How about YOU Mualani? What are YOU doing here? I already explained myself and now it’s your turn.” Xilonen says, teasing her friend. 

“Nothing, I was just too drunk and tired to head back to my place so I booked a place here and…..slept.” Mualani says. “Anyways I have to go, as it was clearly a mistake.” Mualani dashed down the hallway. 

Mistake. That penetrated his chest quicker than any sword could. He’s been called that many times, by his abusive father and angry clients but by her? He didn’t realize how hurtful the word was until she used it. However, he was still true to his words. If she treated him with cruelty, he’d give her his heart. She’s already consumed him and he will forever yearn for her. Her compassion, her cruelty and everything else she throws at him, he will accept. Before he can truly let his heart process his pain, Xilonen snapped him out. 

“Oh, by the way.” Xilonen sticks out her bag, and Kinich’s dragon companion comes out of it. “A little delivery for you. Don’t worry, he thought the drinks yesterday was juice, not knowing they were alcoholic, like the IDIOT he is. He’s still recovering from a massive hungover. You guys left but you should have seen drunk Ajaw, funniest thing ever. If you ever need a good laugh, get him drunk. He started singing about taking over the world or some shit, it was just too much.”  she giggles as she recalls the night before. “Anyways, I gotta get working on whatever Mauvika wants me to do. She thinks just because she’s the ‘Pyro Archon’ she can tell me what to do and expect me to do it, with no questions. See ya.” She waves and walks down the hallway.  

Ajaw was floating unsteadily like he just got out a blender. 

“Stupid Kinich, You’ll *HIC* regret *HIC* regret *HIC* Leaving me.” He takes a decent look at kinich before laughing at him. “Oh, you’ve been busy *HIC*.” Kinich simply pulled on his tail and dragged him along as they walked out, grinding his teeth as he snaps; 

”Don’t ask” 

Chapter Text

mistake. It was all a mistake, something that was never meant to happen. They were never meant to be. He was stupid to thing such a beautiful and lovely woman would want anything to do with him, a man who wasn’t even properly loved by his own parents. A mother who left him, leaving him for dead with his evil father. His own mother didn’t even think he was worth saving. His drunk excuse for a father would constantly berate him everyday. He’d blame a 7 year old for his misery and failures. He’d let him know everyday that he was the mistake that ruined his life and was the reason why his wife left. He internalized that his entire life thinking someone like him wasn’t worth loving. Him, being in love, was a stupid, silly idea and he still continued to hope for, despite that idea should have killed a long time ago. 

It’s been a month and a couple weeks since that night and Kinich can’t stop thinking about Mualani. He’s noticed she’s kind of been avoiding him. When they locked eyes, she’s walk the opposite directions. When he’d help kachina with training, kachina would say Mualani was busy. He knew she wasn’t, she probably bribed kachina into lying for her and her from asking questions about kinich.

After commissions, he’d often find himself just lying in bed staring at the ceiling, reliving that night over and over again. As much as it hurts, if Mualani wanted space, he’d let her have it. Even if it meant forever. It was a prison sentence he was willing to serve for her, even if it’s a fate worse than death. As he was sulking, a knock was heard from his door. He walked over and long and behold it was Mualani. His eyes widened. Why was she here? 

You are her mistake, remember that. She’s probably here to let you down easy like the angel she is, and find a way to tell you that she’s ashamed of what happened that night and that she wants to distance herself from you. Don’t be surprised she asks you to get out of her life, why would the beautiful siren want something polluting her perfectly blue waters? Get ready for impact in 3, 2…

Mualani looks exhausted. She had eye bags under her eyes and her hair wasn’t done in her normal way, just one single braid. Even if she looked like she hasn’t slept in years, she still looks eternal.

”Would….would you be free to come and have brunch with me? Today? If you’re not busy of course.” Mualani asks nervously. She was playing with her hands, barely keeping eye contact and sounded uncharacteristically nervous. Kinich was scared and concerned something could have happened because she’s never looked or acted this way before. 

“Yeah, I’m down.”  Kinich answers. He points behind himself, “Lemme just get Ajaw ready and-“ 

“I was hoping it would just be the two of us.” She sounded too serious for his liking. “If that’s okay with you.” She’s hugging herself as if she’s ashamed or embarrassed of something. Of course she was. 

“No, yeah, that’s okay.” 

“Could we walk together?” 

“Of course.” 

They walked all the way to the diner without saying a word and Mualani was still hugging herself and not maintaining eye contact and instead, looking at the ground beneath her.

They arrived at the diner, got seated, ordered their food and still haven’t exchanged a single word. Kinich shattered the silence once again,

“Don’t worry about paying, I have it covered.” He gave her a pouch of mora. 

“Kinch, it’s okay, I invited YOU here. Don’t worry about it.” She’s pushed the pouch gently back to Kinich. He really didn’t want to argue with her because it seems like she’s been going through a lot since the last time they’ve met. All he wants to do is to make it better. 

”Is everything okay, Mualani?” He asks, he wants to put his hand on hers, to assure her that he wasn’t going anywhere, but doesn’t. 

“Yeah, everything’s been….Fine.” Mualani answers. She’s twiddling with her thumbs. The Mualani he knew would be going into great detail on what she had for breakfast or the cool leaf she saw this morning. She could see the significance and beauty in something as simple as a bug, because she doesn’t believe in the concept of “unimportant.” To her, even a single string of grass plays its part to help the world go round. Now, this shell that calls itself Mualani was presenting itself to him in a manner that it felt nothing mattered at all. Did someone die? Did someone hurt her? Did HE hurt her? 

“Mualani, Nothing is fine. Something is bothering you. I know it is. If you need anything, you know you can tell me. I’ll be there every step of the way and support you in anyway I ca-“ 

“I don’t think we should see each other….anymore.” She trailed off in that last part, almost as if it was physically straining to say. 

Kinich saw this coming, but it didn’t stop the pain. It was like someone warning you about a bullet before pulling the trigger. He took a deep breath and carefully prepared his words. “Mualani, could you please tell me why?” 

“No.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“…”  she opened her mouth, but nothing came out and she looked back down at their table. 

“Okay, I’m not going to pry if you don’t want me to. I’ll respect your decision, but if you ever need me, my door will always be open for you. Anything else you need from me?” 

She shook her head. 

“Okay, well I have a commission and I have to meet up with the people in about an hour.” He stood up from his chair and before he walks away he looks at her again, she’s still not looking at him. “Can I just tell you something? You are the most extraordinary person I know. I’m so happy to have been your friend. You make me feel…..like a normal person. You’re such a bright individual, Mualani. Don’t let anyone take that fire from you, because no one’s like it.” He turns around and goes away. 

When she realizes he’s too far to hear her, she starts to burst into tears, face falling into her hands.  “Please come back.”

He was now out of the stadium, past the checkpoint. What will kachina think? She’s a child, and children ask questions. She’ll notice something is up. She means a lot to him, like the little sister he never had. In order to keep his distance from Mualani, he needed to keep his distance from her as well which hurt even more. He thinks he should cancel his commission and just- 

“KINICH!” he heard a scream that sounded similar to Mualani. He knew he missed her, but to the point he’s been hearing things?

“KIIINIIICH!” 

Nope, that’s most definitely her. He turned around and saw her figure in the background, and ran towards her without a second thought. When he got closer, she fell. She didn’t get back up. Just sat there, looking at the grass. He ran a bit faster to make sure she was okay. When he finally reached her, he approached with caution. He wanted to help her up and hug her, but felt like it wasn’t appropriate. He promised her space and didn’t know what she needed. 

“Mualani, is everything okay?” He asks. 

She looks up at him with a red, tear covered face. Her nose was even running a bit. She’d been crying for a while. If she didn’t look like a mess earlier, she definitely looked like one now. 

“Hey, hey, hey. It’s okay, I’m here. Tell me what’s wrong.” Before he could get down on the ground with her, she started to look hazy. She wrapped her hands around her stomach and vomited. It also wasn't just a bit and some of it got on his pants and he couldn’t care less. The look on his face was a mix of concern and panic. “Mualani?! Mualani!” 

He didn’t ask any more questions, instead, he just wrapped her arm around his shoulder and carried her to a nearby bench. “I don’t really want to leave you alone, but I’ll be back in a bit. I just need to get you some water, just to get hydrated enough so can head back to the stadium and find Ifa to take care and-“ before he could swing, Mualani grabbed his arm, tight. 

“Please. Please don’t leave me.” She whispered. She sounded so desperate and helpless. It anchored his feet on the ground and her voice weakened him. Why did she have to sound like that? 

“But, you need medical attention Mualani, I’ll be right back just sit-“

“No. I...don’t…want……” 

“Mualani, let me help you please.” He says, grabbing her hands.

”No. I want you here next to me. If you want to help, please just stay here with me.” 

He hesitated a bit, but agreed. He’ll stay with her, just for a bit. She leaned her head on his shoulder and they stayed there for a moment. Kinich put his arms around her and gave her a gentle, chaste kiss on her head. He held her as if she were made of glass. She started sniffing again and tears streamed down her face. 

“I’m sorry.” She started. 

“For what?” Kinich asks, she started full on bawling now. 

“FOR EVERYTHING. I’m sorry about that night! Im sorry for avoiding you! Im sorry for not giving you the proper explanation you deserve! I’m sorry for not communicating! I’m sorry pushing you away just to chase you again! I’m sorry for getting some of my vomit on your pants! I’m sorry for being a terrible friend! I’m so so sorry!” She was saying everything between sobs. “You don’t have to say anything. You don’t have to forgive me, because you aren’t obligated to. I’ll leave you alone after this, I promise I’ll get out of your hair for good but I just wanted to tell you-“ 

“Stop.” Kinich says. “Don’t say anything.” 

“But-“ 

“Don’t.” He just pulled her closer and kissed her again. “Why are you apologizing for what happened that night? We were both drunk and reckless and we here driven by nothing but pleasure alone.” 

“Because, you deserve to have had your first with the woman you love and not just some hookup. I know you’re probably ashamed and regretted it so I left you alone, hoping you-” 

“Who said I regretted it?” He asks her. She lifts her head slowly from his shoulder to look at him with her puffy eyes. “I mean it, Mualani. That night was one of the most special nights of my life. Not because of our….activity, but because I was with you. We danced together, drank together and you made me realize how nice it feels to let loose once in awhile. To be free. It was nice to have my mind be at peace for the first time in a very very long time. What made it fun was that I was with you. I don’t think I’d enjoy it that much if it were anyone else and I’d relive that day everyday for eternity if I could. I mean that.” He says, putting his hand on her check and stroking her face with his thumb like she did. “If you regret it, that’s okay, but I don’t.” 

“I don’t. I don't regret it.” She whispered. 

“Is that why you called it a mistake? Because you thought I’d find you disgusting afterwards? Why would I ever think of you as that? Even if we were both drunk, it took two of us to have made it happen. If you’re disgusting, then I’m revolting. What would actually cause me shame is not being able to call you a friend anymore.” That seemed to have calmed her down. 

“It’s not just that. That night was not the only reason I’ve been avoiding you.” That peaked his interest.

“Then why?”

”I know how you feel about your past. About your parents and how you’ve always said you want to end the cycle of abuse and-“ 

“Mualani, forget my feelings. You just projectile vomited on the floor. Whatever you’re suffering with right now, seems like it matters way more than my feelings. I’ll help you and be there every step of the way. I’ll support you any way I can just tell me what you need, but I can’t help if you don’t tell me.” 

She took a deep breath and just stared at him, hoping he’d get what she’s hinting at. He caught on almost right away as his eyes widen once again. 

“Mualani, you’re…….pregnant?” He questioned putting his hands on her shoulders. she nodded nervously. So her vomiting was morning sickness. 

“You told me you never wanted kids and that you were never interested in being a father. I know, I know, I wasn’t thinking clearly because I should have told you right away but I thought you’d want nothing to do with me and that I’d ruin your image and stuff. I don’t want to force a title on you that you never asked for. And to be honest, I don’t think I’m ready to be a mom either.” 

“Do you want to, you know, keep it?” 

“I don’t know, honestly.” 

“Come on, we’ve been here long enough. Time to head to Ifa’s. Or Citlali if that’s what you prefer with both of you being women and all.” Kinich says, as he offers his hand. She took it. They were now walking hand and hand. 

“Mualani, I’ll support whatever you decide. If you want to try this motherhood thing, then I’ll step up and be there for every step of your pregnancy and parent and I the best thing can. If not, I’ll walk with you to the office. Either way, you’re not doing it alone.” That reassurance gave Mualani the relief she didn’t realize she needed.

“Okay, just give me a day.” Mualani says, smiling for the first time in almost 2 months. 

It had been the first time in awhile since Kinich slept this peacefully. Even if Ajaw was up his ass, He was still in a good mood and was just happy him and Mualani made up. It wasn’t until he makes himself tea when he really thought about this entire situation. 

If mualani goes through with this, and everything goes right, he’d be a father. Him. 

Doesn’t matter now, they decided to be irresponsible, and now this is the cost. Kinich knows mualani, he knows she loves kids and has always wanted some of her own. She talks about baby names and how many she wants to have. All Kinich did was sigh. He meant what he said about always being there for her, but it’s still scary to think about. He was snapped out of his train of thought by a single knock qt the door. 

“Hey, punk! It’s your girlllfrieeeend.” Ajaw taunted in a sing-song voice. Kinich banished him on the spot and walked towards the door and opened it. That asshole lizard was not going to make things more complicated than it needed to be. Mualani was on the other side, smiling at him.

”Morning, Kinich.” Mualani greeting him. 

“Morning, Would you like some tea?”

“Please.”

”Coming right up.” 

Mualani finds a seat on his kitchen table and sits directly across from it. It wasn’t a big table. One recent habit that Kinich isn't fond of is the initial silence. Kinich usually doesn’t like talking unless he needs to or if someone initiates the conversation. Mualani knew that so it was how her turn to Break the silence, to get the tension over with. 

“I’ve decided I’m not keeping it.” 

Kinich nods at the information he was just given and responds, 

“Okay. I respect your decision,” He wasn’t lying, he did respect her decision. He knew that this was Mualani’s decision alone to make. A part of felt relieved that she wasn’t going through with this. Not that he didn’t believe Mualani wouldn’t be a good mother, but he felt like she wasn’t ready.

“I…. Just don’t think it’s the right time. I’ve always wanted to have children of my own. That hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s been a lifelong dream for me to be called a mom, but I’m a warrior. I made a promise to Natlan and intend to keep that promise and stay true to my ancient name. Mauvika put her trust in me. These abyssal battles have been only been getting more intense and we keep losing more warriors by each passing battle. More importantly though, I want to fight by your side. I want to be there when we win.” 
 

Kinich nods as he hears every point, he chuckles slightly when she says she wants to be by his side. 

“Me too.” He answers, smiling warmly 

“If we’re this close to winning, I think having children can wait. I want to bring a child into a peaceful world. We are so close, we just  need to continue to fight. Plus, I have Kachina to worry about. She’s the only child that I want to prioritize right now. There’s just so many people who are counting me and I’m not going to let them down. Not Mauvika. Not Kachina.” She leaned forward and stared into Kinich’s eyes. His beautiful, mysterious eyes. “Not even you.” 

“You could never let me down, Mualani.” 

“No, I did kinich, but I intend to make it up to you. You deserve better from me.” She insisted. “I already scheduled an appointment.” 

“Well, we can’t keep the doctor waiting.” Kinich says, rising from his seat. “Let’s go.” 

“Thank you, Kinich. For everything.” She says. She goes towards him and puts her hand on his face. “May I?” She asks with her lips closing in. He grabs her chin and kisses her.  “If I were to be a parent, and have a family,  I’d want it to be with you.” Kinich blushes, his ears are red. 

“Yeah, I-I think I’d want that with you too.” He stammers a bit. 

“Awwww, you’re blushing.” She giggles “It’s so cute when you do that. So we have a deal?” 

“Hmm?” 

“If we ever decide to have a family, we would be with each other, right? We’ll always be together, right?” 

”Always.” He responds quickly. 

“Good, but until then, you’re right. Let’s head to that appointment.” 

It has been years since Natlan’s final battle. No abyss, no wars and no fear. Most days have been quiet. Kinich and a little girl who has long dark hair and green eyes were on their way back from the market. 

“Hey, Papa? Can you tell me another story?” A little girl asked Kinich, as she sits Kinich’s shoulders with a popsicle in hand. 

“Not now, your mom has another appointment and we’re almost home.” Kinich answers. The girl pouted. 

“Why does Mama always have appointments?” 

“Because, She’s going to have a baby soon. We want to make sure that she and the baby are doing okay. You know that.” 

“Yeah, but, I want to have you and Mama to myself. I don’t want share. ” 

“Hey, we’ve talked about this. Nothing will change, you’ll still be our little girl. Your mom and I won’t love you any less. We’ll still go to the market together, go to the park and we’ll still take you to feed the Saurians. We’ll just have someone extra coming along. Besides, you promised you’d be a good big sister. Big sisters share.”

”I’m going to be the best big sister in the world!” She yells as they get to their house gate.

“I know you will, and remember, Kachina’s taking you to that new play, so you need to be on your best behavior and to listen to her if she tells you to do something. Promise?”

“I promise, papa. YAY I get to have a girls day with Kachina!” The girl put her hands up in excitement. When they open the door, Kachina and Mualani are waiting at the door. Kinich puts the girl on the ground and she dashes towards Mualani. 

“MAMAAAA!” She ran into Mulani’s arms and Mualani picked her up and kissed her on the cheek.

“Hey, my little saurian! How was shopping with Papa?” Mualani asks.

“Good! Guess what me and papa got from the market!?” The little girl says jumping up and down. 

“How about you tell me later? Kachina just got here and you’ll be late for the play.”

“HI, BIG SIS!” The girl left her mom’s arms and headed towards Kachina. She tackled her, almost knocking her off balance and gave her a hug and kiss on her cheek.

“Oof…Whoa, you startled me, little one. You’re getting bigger!” Kachina says, lifting her off the ground and twirling her around. The girl is giggling her little heart out. Kinich hugged Kachina and handed her a bag. 

“Okay, here’s her bag. It has mora and some extra in case you want to treat yourself to anything, Kachina. Don’t be afraid to indulge in some fun because you deserve it. If ANYTHING happens, let me know. Ajaw will make SURE to keep you safe. Right Ajaw?” Kinich turned his head towards Ajaw and gave him a warm smile, but Ajaw knew the threat in his tone.

“Pffft, the great dragon lord being reduced to nothing but a babysitter. You will all pay for this ALL OF YOU!!” Ajaw yelled. Kachina rolls her eyes and groans. 

“He’ll be okay,” Kachina says, already over Ajaw's attitude.

”I remember when you were close to her age Kachina. Now you’re a young adult. Where did the time go? Oh, You were so cute and tiny and had the most adorable chubby cheeks.” Mualani walked up to Kachina and pinched her cheeks, moving her face left to right, saying everything with a baby voice. 

“Mualani, stop! You’re embarrassing me!” Kachina face turned red from embarrassment. wrapped her fingers around her wrists and attempted to break free from her grasp, but Mualani didn’t budge. Instead, Mualani gave her a huge smooch on the cheek and trapped her in a tight hug.

“Hmmmm, you’ll always be my first baby." Mualani Hums.

"Okay, okay. I’m loved, I get it! Now let me take your child to the play! Kinich, help me she’s going to kill me!” Kachina demands.

Kinich just smirked and wrapped his arms around the both of them. 

“Too tight…..I can’t breathe! You guys are unbelievable!” Kachina snapped. Mualani giggled before letting go. Kinich followed right after. 

“Okay, have fun!” Mualani says, blowing a kiss to both of them. Kachina waved back and had the girls hand in hers as they walked out and closed the door. Mualani smacked her hands together. “Now that that’s settled, let me get from fruit from the cabinet and put hot sauce to go with it before we go. I’m soooo hungry!” 

“You’ve been eating a lot of spice, recently. I don’t know if that’s healthy for our baby. Especially 5 months along.” 

“Kinich, Who is the one pregnant with YOUR CHILD again?” Mualani lent her palm behind her ear as a sarcastic gesture. Kinich just smirked and rolled his eyes. 

“Of course.” 

“That’s what I thought, now, let me just find where I put that hot sauce.” She headed to the kitchen and headed to the bottom cabinet. She bent over slowly and started rummaging through their spices. Kinich came over to check on her. 

“You sure you don’t need help?” Kinich asks, leaning against the doorway. 

“Kinich I’m pregnant, not helpless. I’m more than capable to find the hot sauce. Just wait outside.” 

“No, I’m good, here. I like looking at you.” He says, admiring her. Mualani’s breathing alone is enough reason for Kinich to admire his partner. His eyes started to roam around her. First her beautiful, concentrated side profile. Then her gorgeous pregnant body. Then her-

“Mr Kinich.” Mualani scoffed playfully. “Are you looking at my ass? I’m a married woman mind you, and pregnant.” She says walking towards him. 

“Really? I don’t see him anywhere.” Kinich responds. Mualani knows what he’s doing. It makes her flustered, even now. Despite them being together for so long, he still finds new ways to make her feel like the most important person in the world. She was going to return the favor. 

“On your back, now.” She demands. “Bad boys get punished.” 

“I’d like to see you try.” Kinich says. Mualani pushes him out of the kitchen and into the living room. She uses her vision to summon some water chains and the wrap around his wrists and before he knows it, he is tied down on the couch. She uses other water chains to trap his thighs and forces his legs apart. She walks towards the now immobile Kinich, predatory intentions in her eyes. She was now on the couch crawling towards him and is now on top of him. His eyes were clouded with nothing but desire and hunger as he licked his lips in anticipation. 

“Wow, so desperate to be taken. You are such a perverted man.” Mualani says as seductively as she could. They locked lips and their tongues were all over each others mouths before Mualani pulled away. “I guess the appointment could wait. Right now, I have to teach you a lesson. Are you ready for my wrath?” 

“Please.” Kiniched begged. 

“Okay, so be it.”