Maui landed roughly on the shore of his island, transforming back to his human form as he hit the sand. He had just saved a neighboring island from the pillaging antics of the Kakamora; he had taken a bad hit to the wing while in his hawk form, which translated into a pretty gruesome gash on his right arm. "Great," he muttered, looking over the damage. "That's my hook arm." He trudged toward his cave, dropping his hook near the entrance and lighting the torch on the wall.

Since returning to the island, he had brought things back from his journeys to make the cave a bit more liveable. Food, crockery, various tapestries and blankets now occupied the space, in addition to artifacts that he had brought back from some more remote places. He dug around the cave now, searching for the box of wound dressings and healing ointments. Where was the damn thing? Digging in a deep basket in the corner, his fingers brushed a silky fabric. Puzzled, he pulled it out and examined it, frowning as he realized what it was.

It was a dress, made from fine red kapa patterned with intricate red flowers. He had acquired it in a very remote region of the sea several years ago, roughly a month before the death of Chief Tui. After helping the villagers with an infestation that threatened their crops, he had spotted the dress in the hut of a local artisan. Thinking of Moana's upcoming birthday, he had happily purchased it. Of course, after the scene following Tui's funeral, Maui did not return for Moana's birthday and the dress was stuffed away and out of site.

Looking at it now, Maui felt an ache that was all too familiar. It was amazing how he could spend a thousand years in solitude, and yet miss the company of one mortal woman so desperately. He had met goddesses and demigoddesses alike, and yet still no one had such a pull on him like she did. Even now, after two years, the pull to her called just as strongly.

Maui smoothed out the dress, running the fabric through his fingers. The style, long and closely cut, looked different than anything he had ever seen the young non-princess wear. In his mind he could imagine her in it, a gentle smile on her lips and a tenderness in her eyes, an expression she seemed to reserve only for him. What he would give to make the vision a reality, to look into those eyes once more, to feel her warm skin beneath this fabric . . .

Maui felt a stir deep in his gut, a feeling that was all too familiar whenever Moana wandered into his thoughts. Gods, it was maddening how much he wanted her. Moments like these truly tested his resolve, when every fiber of his being wanted to race to Motunui and take her in his arms.

Maui was interrupted from his reverie by a trembling on his chest. Puzzled, he eyed Little Moana.

She was shivering.

"Everyone please remain calm, I'm sure there is nothing to worry about," Moana addressed the villagers gathered at the council meeting that evening. Needless to say, everyone was concerned about the odd weather.

"Do we know what is causing this?"

"No," Moana replied. "But we can assume that it's likely from some incoming storm front. I'm sure it will pass and everything will be back to normal." She pasted a reassuring smile on her face. "In the meantime, let's gather extra food and blankets in case the storm lasts longer than anticipated. Everyone should remain inside as much as possible; stay close to your fire pits."

As the meeting adjourned and the villagers began to disperse, a familiar face approached Moana. "My chief, if you have a moment?"

"Yes, Lasalo," Moana regarded the head fisherman with a smile. She gestured to the mat closest to the center bonfire, smoothing her grass skirt as they sat. "I can't imagine this cold front is making your job any easier."

"No," he chuckled, the firelight dancing on his handsome features as he ran his fingers through his hair. "I can't say it does. No exactly pleasant being out on a canoe when you can't feel your fingers!" He fiddled with the fish hook around his neck, tapping his fingers as he glanced around at the villagers slowly making their way out of the ceremonial hut. If Moana didn't know better, she'd say that he seemed nervous.

"Is something wrong, Lasalo?"

"No, nothing wrong," he replied. "I wanted to ask you something is all, although it's not exactly easy to say . . ."

"I've known you all my life, don't worry about it. What's up?"

Lasalo sighed, finally meeting Moana's gaze. "I'd like to court you, Moana,"

"W-what . . .?"

"I know, I know," Lasalo sprung to his feet, pacing back and forth. "Listen, I never would have asked, but your other suitor has been gone for years now . . ."

"Other suitor?" Moana too stood up now. "Who are you talking about?" Although she knew pretty well who Lasalo was referring to.

"Well . . . Maui, right? Weren't you two courting?"

"Ugh!" Moana threw up her hands in frustration. "No, we weren't courting. I guess that's why the list of men trying to court me has been so long."

Lasalo couldn't help but crack a smile at her sarcasm. "Well, you have to admit, the thought of being in a love triangle with Maui is pretty terrifying."

Moana giggled for what felt like the first time in a very long time. "You're telling me." She shrugged, shaking her head with a smile. "What the heck, why not? I don't know if I can promise anything . . ."

"I don't need you to promise anything," Lasalo interjected, a big smile splitting his face. "All I ask is a chance. And hey, if it doesn't work out, I'll just make sure everyone gets fish but you."

Moana laughed for real this time. "Okay, deal."

"Thanks, Moana. Anyway, I'm off to get the canoes ready for tomorrow's fishing. Stay warm," he turned to go, but immediately turned back to face her. "Oh! Before I forget," he pressed something into her palm. "A gift. I made it myself."

She opened her hand. Lasalo had made a simple woven bracelet, a small fish hook pendant hanging from its center. A lump caught in her throat. "T-thank you," she stammered. Why, why did it have to be a fish hook? Forcing a smile to her face, she fastened the bracelet around her wrist. "I love it."

Lying in her bed that night, buried under a pile of blankets, Moana traced the bracelet on her wrist, its woven texture soothing to her tangled thoughts. The temperature was continuing to drop, and despite her best efforts she couldn't seem to rid the chill from her bones. The wind had begun to pick up outside. She couldn't disperse the deep fear that this wasn't just some weather anomaly. What was going on? She squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to believe everything would be fine.

Warm arms enveloped her in their embrace, cradling her from behind. Strong hands stroked her flat stomach. "Been a while, Curly."

She sighed and leaned in to him, soaking in his warmth. "Well stop flying off on your adventures and take me with you one of these days."

"Oh, I can think of a few places to take you," he trailed kisses down her neck and shoulder, sending shivers down Moana's spine. His hands traveled lower, sending a current straight through her body.

Maui stared at his chest in complete confusion. "What the heck is going on?" Little Moana was in a rather, um . . . compromising position with Little Maui, and considering the real Moana was miles and miles away right now, it made no sense to him. Was she with someone else? Was she thinking of him? He didn't know what to think.

Even more concerning, snowflakes had begun to fall on Little Maui and Moana.

Maui froze, watching the scene in horror. Snowflakes?

"Poli'ahu?"