I do not own Molly of Denali, or any of the characters contained within this story. Molly of Denali is the property of Kathy Waugh and Dorothea Gillim.

In case anyone is wondering. I am not sexualizing this story. The kids are twelve, and are just exploring. No action during this will venture into that level of maturity. I am using personal experiences and familiarity where the characters are concerned.

I look forward to the reviews and criticisms (I know there will be some). I hope you enjoy the story, and just like the cartoon on PBS Kids, I am trying to stay true to the characters as shown each and every day. I am also including real elements like they've done on the show (racism, environmental, life, and death, etc..). I hope you like this when I start to repost the chapters.

One more item of note. I keep receiving email from people offering to illustrate this story. I will not accept any offers since I do not own, nor will I profit from this story. I am writing it because I like writing.

Please review all of my stories. Feedback would give me ideas I can use for not only this story but for future ones. Thank you for your time and happy reading.

My story takes place in 2022 and because of this I am correcting a mistake I had made. Molly and Tooey would be thirteen during this year, and Trini would be nine.

Nenana or Bust / Helping Hands

As Trini chatted with Robbie on the computer, she moved around her room, pulling out clothes and carefully placing them in her bag. "So, we're really heading to Nenana tomorrow," she said, glancing at the screen as she folded a sweater.

Robbie nodded. "That's exciting. Have you ever been there before?"

Trini paused, thinking back. "Only once, but it was just for a short trip. Molly and I went a couple of years ago to get Valentine's Day beads for some suncatchers we were making. But I've never actually stayed there before."

Robbie leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand. "So, this is your first real visit?"

"Yeah," Trini said, stuffing a pair of jeans into her bag. "I don't really know what to expect, but I'm looking forward to it."

Robbie smirked. "Well, I hope you packed everything you need."

Trini gave him a look. "Of course I did. You know I'm not the type to forget things."

"Right, right," Robbie said with a teasing grin. "Still, double-check. Got your socks?"

Trini held up a neatly folded bundle of them. "Obviously."

"Toothbrush?"

"Already in my bag."

"Hairbrush?"

Trini smirked and held it up. "Nice try, but I already packed it."

Robbie laughed. "Alright, alright. I'll stop questioning your packing skills."

She zipped up her bag and plopped onto her bed. "Okay, I think I'm all set."

"Cool," Robbie said. "Do you think you'll be able to sleep tonight, or are you gonna be too excited?"

Trini grinned. "Probably won't sleep much, to be honest."

Robbie chuckled. "Yeah, figured as much. You're gonna be wired the whole trip, aren't you?"

Trini shrugged. "Maybe. But hey, at least I'll be prepared."

Robbie smirked. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't forget anything last minute."

"Not a chance," Trini said confidently, leaning back against her pillows., she after zipping up her bag.

Robbie smirked at her through the screen, mischief dancing in his eyes.

Trini caught the look and raised an eyebrow. "What?" she asked, sensing trouble.

Robbie just kept smirking, letting the silence stretch.

Trini sat up straighter, arms crossed. "Okay, what could I have possibly forgotten?"

Robbie leaned forward slightly, tapping his chin in mock thought. "Hmm… I dunno… maybe something special?"

Trini let out an exasperated sigh. "Robbie," she warned, dragging his name out. "What do you think I forgot?"

His smirk widened. "Your velvet dress and those shoes you modeled for me."

Trini blinked, then groaned, covering her face. "Robbie!"

He chuckled. "What? We agreed you should wear it. It's your best one."

She peeked at him through her fingers, catching the warmth in his expression. He had really liked how she looked in it when she tried it on the day before.

With a dramatic sigh, she got up and walked to her closet, grabbing the dress and holding it up to the camera. "Happy now?"

Robbie grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Very."

Trini rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible."

"And you're beautiful," he shot back without hesitation.

Trini felt warmth creep up her neck as she turned to fold the dress into her bag, hoping he didn't notice. But judging by the soft chuckle from the speakers, he totally did.

As Robbie's eyes lingered on the dress, he got her attention again. "I really do like that dress," he admitted, his voice softer, more sincere. "I can't wait for you to wear it on our date."

Trini smirked, feeling playful. "I know you liked it when I wore it before," she teased, tilting her head slightly. "And you'll like it again tomorrow… or Saturday." She leaned a little closer to the screen, her eyes twinkling. "Do you want me to wear it again now?"

Robbie shook his head, but the way his gaze lingered told her otherwise.

Grinning, Trini reached into her bag and pulled the dress out again. Without hesitation, she slid off her jacket, then her shirt, leaving just her undershirt before pulling the dress over her head. The soft fabric cascaded down her body, hugging her in all the right places before settling into place.

She sat on the bed, lifting one leg at a time to remove her pants before reaching for her shoes and a pair of socks. A moment later, she was fully dressed—just as she planned to look for their date.

Robbie let out a slow breath, his expression one of admiration as he took her in. A soft smile played on his lips. "You are," he said with absolute certainty, "the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my whole life."

Trini felt a rush of warmth fill her chest, her cheeks heating up. Instead of looking away, she met his gaze head-on, her heart skipping a beat at the way he was looking at her. She smirked, trying to shake off the fluttering in her stomach. "You're such a sap," she teased, though her voice came out softer than she expected.

Robbie chuckled. "Yeah… but I'm your sap."

Trini bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before reaching up to touch her braids. "Hey," she said thoughtfully. "I might wear my hair differently for our date. Or… do you want me to keep it like this?"

Robbie furrowed his brows slightly, clearly giving it real thought. His eyes softened as he looked at her, as if picturing all the ways she could wear her hair. "Honestly?" He shrugged. "I love your hair just the way it is… but if you wanna change it, I think you'd look just as beautiful any way you wear it."

Trini felt her heart do an odd little flip. She hadn't expected him to say something so sweet. "So, you don't care how I wear it?"

Robbie smirked. "I care. But I also trust you'll look amazing no matter what."

Trini rolled her eyes, but she couldn't fight the smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. I'll think about it. But if I end up keeping the braids, it's because you like them."

Robbie grinned. "I'll take that as a win."

Happy that Robbie liked whatever hair choice she picked, Trini grinned. "I really can't wait to see you tomorrow morning… or afternoon." She let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Honestly, I have no idea when we'll actually get there."

Robbie chuckled. "I don't care when you get here," he said sincerely. "I just care that I get to see you. That I finally get to spend some real time with you." His voice softened, and Trini felt a warmth settle in her chest.

As they talked, she absentmindedly started removing her shoes, then her socks. She pulled the dress over her head and carefully folded it, setting it aside—only to realize too late that she was sitting there in just her underwear.

Robbie, caught off guard, turned an impressive shade of red. He quickly looked away but said nothing.

Trini smirked when she noticed, amusement dancing in her eyes. She took her time pulling her pants back on, acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary. She peeked at the screen and caught Robbie turning back to her before quickly averting his eyes again. Oh, this is too good, she thought.

Deciding to mess with him just a little, she exaggerated each movement—fixing the waistband of her pants unnecessarily before reaching for her shirt, slowly slipping it over her head. When she finally put her jacket back on and was dressed like before, she sat back down, watching him with a knowing smile.

Robbie cleared his throat, finally looking at her again. His blush was still lingering, but he tried to play it cool. "You definitely do that on purpose," he muttered.

Trini tilted her head innocently. "Do what?"

He narrowed his eyes slightly, but his lips twitched in amusement. "You know what."

She let out a light laugh, shaking her head. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Robbie sighed, but he was smiling. "I swear, you're gonna be the death of me, Trini."

She smirked. "And yet, you love it."

* Ookami Residence *

Molly's eyelids fluttered open, her body floating in the gentle warmth of the bathwater. The room was softly lit, and the only sound was the occasional drip of water from the faucet. She blinked sluggishly, her vision adjusting to see her mother sitting beside the tub, watching her intently.

Molly's brow furrowed as she tried to gather her bearings. The water was warm but not too hot, clear, and still around her. There were no bubbles, and she quickly realized she wasn't wearing any clothes. It didn't bother her—not in front of her mother—but the situation still confused her.

"Hi, Mom," she murmured, her voice hoarse and weak.

Layla's expression softened, and she reached out to gently push back a damp strand of Molly's hair. "Hey, sweetheart. How are you feeling?"

Molly licked her lips, her throat dry and scratchy. "Tired… thirsty." Her gaze drifted downward, catching sight of the IV taped securely to her arm. A fresh wave of confusion washed over her. "Why do I have this?"

Layla's lips pressed together briefly before she called, "Atsaq?"

Atsaq entered moments later, her presence calm but filled with quiet concern. As she entered Layla pointed from the IV to Molly. Instant understanding filled her as she crouched beside the tub, checking Molly's pulse with practiced ease before meeting her gaze. "You were dehydrated," she explained gently. "Your fever spiked again, and you've developed bronchitis. The IV is to help get your fluids back up and regulate your temperature."

Molly let the information sink in, her body already exhausted from the smallest movements. She sighed softly. "That explains… a lot."

Atsaq gave her a small, reassuring smile. "You're in good hands, and we're going to take care of you. Just focus on resting."

Molly nodded slightly but then blinked up at her mother. "Where's Tooey?" she asked, her voice quiet but filled with longing.

Layla hesitated for a moment before answering. "He's in the living room," she said gently.

Molly's expression faltered, a dejected look settling over her features. She had grown used to Tooey being nearby, his presence a comforting constant. Seeing her daughter's disappointment, Layla squeezed her hand.

"I can call him up if you want," she offered.

Molly immediately perked up, her tired eyes lighting up with the faintest spark of energy. "Yes… please," she murmured.

Atsaq nodded and stood, leaving the room to help bring Tooey upstairs. As the door shut softly behind her, Layla turned back to Molly and noticed her expression shift to one of thoughtfulness.

"Molly, before he comes in here, do you want to put something on?" Layla asked, her voice careful but firm.

Molly blinked at her, tilting her head slightly. "Why?"

Layla gave her a pointed look and thought to herself, "There seems to be more going on, that I don't know about." Focusing on Molly again, "Because you're not five anymore, sweetheart. You're growing up, and Tooey shouldn't be seeing you like this."

Molly flushed slightly, realizing her mother was right and just being practical. She sighed, thinking for a moment before mumbling, "My swim shorts. They're in the bedroom on the desk."

Layla nodded and quickly left the bathroom, returning a minute later with the shorts and one of Molly's t-shirts. She helped her slip into the shorts quickly making sure not to disturb the IV or cause Molly unnecessary discomfort.

Once Molly was dressed, Layla smoothed her damp hair back and kissed her forehead. "There. Now you're all set."

Molly leaned her head against the side of the tub, already feeling the weight of exhaustion creeping back in, but this time, she felt more at ease. Tooey was coming, and with him, she knew she'd find the comfort she needed.

The warm bathwater surrounded Molly like a comforting embrace, but her thoughts were heavy with confusion and fatigue. As Layla carefully helped her pull the shirt on, the IV in her arm made it difficult for Molly to fully pull the shirt down, so it hung loosely just below her sternum. Layla paused, ensuring that Molly was covered enough before allowing Tooey to come in.

When Tooey entered, he immediately reached for Molly's hand, his touch gentle but full of concern. Molly's fingers moved to meet his, the familiar comfort of his hand filling her with warmth, but as she shifted slightly to reach for him, her arm lifted slightly exposing her bare chest.

Layla, noticing the movement quickly reached behind herself and grabbed a towel, draping it over Molly's chest to ensure she was properly covered. Molly and Tooey watched as the towel's color changed as the water slowly wicked its way into the fibers of the towel darkening it.

Tooey glanced at her, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange. He could tell she was embarrassed, and though he was worried, he appreciated how carefully her mother was managing everything. Molly looked back at him, her cheeks flushing lightly.

"Thanks, Mom," Molly murmured, her voice quiet.

Layla smiled gently at her daughter, her hands resting on the edge of the tub. "No problem, sweetheart. You're still growing up, and I want you to feel as comfortable as possible."

Tooey shifted the focus, his voice low and steady as he turned toward Atsaq, who had been standing quietly by the door, monitoring the situation. "How's she doing, Mom?" he asked softly, concern creeping into his tone.

Atsaq stepped closer, placing her fingers against Molly's forehead before pulling away to check her temperature with a handheld thermometer. Molly watched her, too tired to protest, knowing that Atsaq was only doing this because she needed to know what was happening inside her.

The beep of the thermometer broke the silence, and Atsaq glanced at the reading. She sighed softly before meeting Tooey's eyes. "Her temperature is still at 100," she said, the weight of her words lingering in the air.

Tooey nodded, his heart sinking. "Is there anything else we can do?" he asked, his voice strained with worry.

Atsaq gave him a sympathetic look, but her voice remained steady. "We're doing everything we can, Tooey. We'll need to keep monitoring her and make sure she stays hydrated. But right now, the fever is still high, and I'll need to do more tests to be sure of everything."

Molly closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing, but hearing the worry in Tooey's voice made her feel vulnerable in a way she hadn't expected. She knew they were all doing their best, but it was hard to ignore the fear that settled in her chest.

Tooey gently squeezed her hand again, not saying anything but offering his silent support. Molly, sensing the weight of his worry, squeezed back. She didn't have to say anything. Tooey knew how she felt, and that was enough.

After Tooey offered his silent support, he lifted his head, turned towards his mother. "Mom, can you place me on the floor next to the tub." Atsaq and Layla exchanged glances. "Sure, I can do that. Layla when I stand him up could you please move the chair outside the bathroom, thank you."

"Sure thing," Layla mentioned as she stood behind the chair waiting for Tooey to stand up. Once Atsaq helped him to stand Layla moved the chair, and rolled it out of the door.

When she returned a moment later she watched as Atsaq lowered him, so his legs were straight and alongside the tub. "Thank mom, Layla." He said as he then reached for Molly's hand and again just held it with his head against their clasped hands. Molly moved in the tub until she next him, with her head touching his.

Tooey gently leaned in, his forehead lightly brushing against hers. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The only sound was their breathing, slow and steady, syncing together as they closed the physical space between them. His hand, still holding hers, squeezed lightly, and she squeezed back, their bond a silent promise that they would face whatever came next together.

Molly's eyes fluttered closed, the weariness in her bones becoming a little less heavy just by having him near. The comfort of his presence, his warmth, it grounded her in a way nothing else could. Tooey, despite his own exhaustion, stayed right there, his chest tight with concern, but he couldn't bring himself to pull away.

"Molly," he whispered, his voice low and filled with tenderness, "I'm right here."

Molly didn't need to speak. She couldn't, even if she wanted to. But the feeling of his voice vibrating against her skin, the gentle caress of his breath, made her feel as though everything might be okay, despite the fever raging inside her.

Her heart swelled as she felt his fingers gently brush the back of her hand, his touch soft but steady. Molly's grip tightened, her fingers intertwining with his. She could feel the fear and worry in him, but there was also so much love, so much care. The way he leaned in, so carefully, so deliberately—it was like he was trying to absorb her pain, to share it, even if just a little.

For a moment, they were simply two people, holding onto each other in the face of uncertainty. Tooey didn't need to say any more; his presence was enough for her.

Layla, quietly observing from the toilet, couldn't help but feel a rush of gratitude toward the young man who was there for her daughter, in every way that mattered.

Atsaq, seeing the quiet but profound connection between them, nodded to herself. She knew that no matter what happened next, Molly would have the strength to get through it—because she had someone like Tooey by her side.

But for now, all that mattered was this moment. Molly's head resting gently against his, her body just a little bit more relaxed than it had been. They were here together, and that, for now, was enough.

Molly leaned against Tooey, her damp skin warm against his as he sat on the floor beside the tub, his hand wrapped around hers. She felt drained, her body sluggish, but the water cradled her like a soft cocoon. Still, she couldn't shake the heavy feeling in her chest, the lingering heat of her fever making everything feel hazy.

"Would the ch'oondaii help me?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Layla, sitting close by, immediately tensed. Her fingers twitched where they rested on Molly's shoulder, as if holding back from brushing her daughter's hair away from her face. "Sweetheart, no… a steam bath might make your fever even worse," she said gently, her eyes filled with concern.

Atsaq, adjusting Molly's IV drip, looked up at her with a calm but firm expression. "Molly, that kind of heat wouldn't help you right now. It would make things worse," she explained, her voice steady but warm. She shifted to kneel beside the tub, meeting Molly's tired gaze. "If we added hot water to this bath, your body wouldn't be able to handle it. You'd probably pass out within minutes."

Molly blinked slowly, struggling to process that through the fog in her mind. "But… heat helps," she mumbled. "Right?"

Atsaq reached out and gently cupped Molly's cheek, her palm cool against her burning skin. "Under different circumstances, yes. But your fever is already straining your body. We need to cool you down gradually, not push your temperature higher."

Molly's fingers curled weakly around Tooey's hand. "Oh," she whispered, her voice small.

Tooey squeezed her hand in response, his thumb brushing against her knuckles. "We just want you to feel better, Mols," he murmured, his voice full of quiet reassurance. He shifted slightly, leaning forward as far as he could without losing balance, and at the same time, Molly pulled herself up higher. They met in the middle, foreheads resting together, their warmth mingling.

Layla exhaled softly, watching the way Tooey comforted her daughter without needing words. Her heart clenched at the sight—Molly had been so strong, but right now, she was just a sick kid who needed support.

Reaching out, Layla ran her hand along Molly's arm in a slow, soothing motion. "Just rest, sweetheart. We've got you," she murmured.

Atsaq smiled softly at the scene, knowing Molly was in good hands. "You focus on getting better, okay? We're not going anywhere."

Molly sighed, her breathing a little steadier now. "Okay," she whispered, closing her eyes for a moment, still leaning into Tooey.

Feeling somewhat sleepy, Molly laid her head against Tooey's head. A moment later, Tooey heard her mumble something. Leaning closer to her and whispering in her ear, "What did you say Shaeeyaa?"

She raised her head a little and planted a kiss to the side of his head, and whispered a word into his ear. Layla and Atsaq watched as Tooey smiled and placed a kiss on her head as well. A few seconds later, Molly closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Curious, Atsaq and Layla exchanged confused looks. "Tooey, I am just curious, but what did Molly say?" Without changing his position, he told them, "Shroonch'yaa." Layla and Atsaq smiled.

* Mumford Residence *

Trini leaned back in her chair, smirking at Robbie. "And yet, you love it."

Before Robbie could respond, a knock came at her door. A moment later, her parents stepped inside.

"Trini," Daniel said, giving her a pointed look. "You need to start packing for Nenana."

Trini turned in her chair, grinning as she gestured toward her bag sitting on the bed. "Already ahead of you." She unzipped it and spread the flap open, revealing her neatly packed clothes.

Daniel and Joy exchanged a glance, clearly not convinced.

Joy stepped forward, eyeing the contents. "Let's see… Your velvet dress, shoes, and accessories are in here."

Trini nodded proudly.

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "And your nightgown?"

Trini blinked, then frowned. "Oh, right." She hopped up and grabbed her favorite nightgown from the dresser, stuffing it into the bag.

Joy smirked. "What about regular clothes? Morning essentials?"

Trini lifted a small toiletry bag. "Already packed my toothbrush, hairbrush, and deodorant." She shot Robbie a triumphant look through the screen.

But Joy wasn't done. "Face wash? Lotion? Shampoo?"

Trini opened her mouth, then hesitated.

Robbie, watching the exchange, grinned. "You totally forgot, didn't you?"

Trini groaned, flopping dramatically onto her bed. "Ugh, why do I always forget the little stuff?"

Joy chuckled. "I'll pack the rest in my bag, but don't think I'm going to share once we're there."

Trini sat up quickly, flashing her mom a sheepish grin. "You're the best, Mom."

Joy crossed her arms. "I know."

Daniel, shaking his head in amusement, clapped his hands together. "Alright, anything else?"

Trini scanned her bag again, thinking for a moment. Satisfied, she zipped it back up and nodded. "I think I'm officially ready."

She turned back to Robbie with a triumphant smile. "Nenana, here I come!"

Robbie's gaze softened as he rested his chin on his hand. "I don't care when you get here—I just can't wait to see you."

Trini's heart skipped a beat, warmth spreading through her chest. She smiled softly. "Me too."

Trini paused, her fingers idly tracing the edge of her bag. "So… is Molly going to be taking care of the chickens and Four Spots again?" she asked, glancing up at her parents.

Joy and Daniel exchanged a look before Daniel shook his head. "We never asked her this time," he admitted.

Trini blinked in surprise. "Oh… then who is?"

Joy smiled reassuringly. "Auntie Midge and Oscar volunteered. They'll be taking care of everything while we're gone for the weekend."

Trini nodded slowly, processing the change. "Well, I guess that's good. But Four Spots is really going to miss me." She pouted dramatically.

Daniel chuckled. "He'll survive. Besides, Auntie Midge loves spoiling him. He'll probably be even more rotten when we get back."

Trini sighed. "Yeah, you're probably right." Then she turned back to her screen, where Robbie had been quietly listening.

Robbie smirked. "Sounds like Four Spots is about to be treated like royalty."

Trini rolled her eyes playfully. "Ugh, don't remind me."

Joy placed a hand on Trini's shoulder. "Alright, you're all packed up. Get some rest tonight—we have an early start tomorrow."

Trini gave a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am."

Her parents shook their heads fondly as they left the room, closing the door behind them.

Trini turned back to Robbie, a smile tugging at her lips. "I guess I really am ready for Nenana now."

Robbie grinned. "Can't wait."

Robbie leaned forward, a curious expression on his face. "So, why did you name him Four Spots?"

Trini grinned, resting her chin on her hand. "Well, before I actually had him, he was originally supposed to be a sled dog. Tooey and Molly thought he'd be better as a pet rather than a working dog, though. My dad heard about it and asked if they'd let us have him, and they agreed. But by then, Molly had already named all four puppies that Cali had."

Robbie's curiosity deepened. "What were their names?"

Trini thought back for a moment before counting them off on her fingers. "Snoozles, Chinook, K'ih Dhidii, and my dog—who was originally named Bugsy."

Robbie's brows furrowed in confusion. "Wait, I thought you named him Four Spots?"

Trini smirked. "I did. His full name is Lord Four Spots of Cuddledonia."

Robbie stared at her in stunned silence for a moment before bursting into laughter. "You're kidding."

Trini grinned, shaking her head. "Nope. That's his official name. Molly let me rename him, and I thought it was fitting because he has four white spots on his coat. And the 'Lord' part? Well… he acts like he owns the place, so I figured I'd make it official."

Robbie was still laughing, shaking his head. "That's both ridiculous and perfect at the same time."

Trini chuckled, crossing her arms. "See? You get it. He's practically royalty in this house."

Robbie smirked. "Well, if he's royalty, does that make you his royal subject?"

Trini scoffed. "Hardly. I'm his queen, obviously."

Robbie grinned. "Of course. Queen Trini and Lord Four Spots of Cuddledonia. Sounds like a fairytale."

Trini winked. "You better believe it."

Robbie smirked mischievously and sat up straighter. "Well then, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Trini, what are your royal decrees for the day?" he asked, puffing out his chest dramatically.

Trini, never one to back down, crossed her arms and raised her chin. "About time you acknowledged my status, loyal subject. Now, as your queen, I demand your unwavering devotion and—"

Robbie gasped in mock offense. "Unwavering devotion? I don't even get paid for this job! What's in it for me?"

Trini tapped her chin, pretending to think. "The honor of serving me, of course."

Robbie scoffed. "Oh, what a deal!" He rolled his eyes playfully before leaning closer to the screen. "But tell me, Your Majesty, would you still be this confident if I said all this in front of your parents? And maybe…" His smirk widened. "Kissed your royal hand as well?"

Trini blinked, caught completely off guard. "Wait, what?"

Robbie leaned back and folded his arms, enjoying her reaction. "Oh, you heard me. Imagine me, right in front of your mom and dad, dropping to one knee and saying, 'My Queen,' before planting a kiss on your royal hand." He mimed the motion, even lifting an imaginary hand toward his lips.

Trini just stared at him, her brain short-circuiting. The mental image was so ridiculous she didn't know whether to burst out laughing or crawl under her desk in embarrassment. "You would not."

Robbie grinned like a troublemaker caught in the act. "Oh, I would—and I will."

Trini groaned and buried her face in her hands. "Why are you like this?"

Robbie shrugged. "Because it's fun watching you panic."

Trini lifted her head and squinted at him. "I am not panicking."

"Oh, you totally are."

"I am not!"

Robbie smirked, tilting his head. "Then prove it. Next time I see you, hold out your hand and dare me to kiss it."

Trini opened her mouth to argue, but then paused. She could call his bluff… but what if he actually did it?

Robbie saw the hesitation and burst out laughing. "Oh no, you're actually thinking about it!"

Trini groaned dramatically and threw her hands up. "I hate you."

Robbie grinned. "Nah, you love me."

Trini grabbed the nearest pillow and whacked it against her desk. "I swear if you do this, I'm making you wear a tiara!"

Robbie gasped. "A tiara?" He pointed at her. "You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, I would—and I will!"

They both dissolved into laughter, Trini shaking her head while Robbie clutched his stomach.

"This is why we can't have normal conversations," she muttered.

Robbie wiped a fake tear from his eye. "And yet, you love it."

Trini sighed, but the smile on her face betrayed her. "…Yeah, I kinda do."

Trini's mom's voice echoed from the dining room. "Trini! Dinner's ready!"

She sighed, glancing at the clock before turning back to Robbie. "I gotta go eat, but I'll call you right after my shower," she promised, not wanting to say goodbye just yet.

Robbie smirked. "I'll be right here, waiting for you."

Trini's lips curled into a smile. Feeling playful, she lifted her fingers to her lips and blew him a kiss.

Robbie gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest like she had just dealt him a fatal blow. "I shall await your return, my queen." His voice was deep and full of mock reverence.

Trini had just started to stand but nearly tripped over her own foot at his words. She caught herself, but the moment didn't go unnoticed.

Robbie burst out laughing. "Did I just make Her Majesty lose her balance?"

Trini, now standing straight, pointed at him accusingly. "Don't act all smug about it."

"Oh, I absolutely will." He grinned, tilting his head. "So… does that mean you like being called my queen?"

She narrowed her eyes but couldn't fight the smile creeping onto her lips. "I might get used to it," she admitted, crossing her arms.

Robbie's smirk widened. "Oh, I knew it."

Trini rolled her eyes, shaking her head as she grabbed her phone. "Alright, loyal subject, I'll talk to you soon."

Robbie gave her an exaggerated bow. "I shall eagerly await your royal summons."

She laughed as she walked to the dining room, already looking forward to their next conversation.

Trini had just finished her dinner and shower, and now, wrapped in her soft nightgown, she climbed onto her bed, grabbing her computer and setting it in front of her. As she nestled into her pillows, she called Robbie.

When the video connected, she immediately noticed something amusing—Robbie was also in his pajamas. She smirked. "Well, well, well. Matching bedtime routines, huh? Did you eat dinner and take a bath or shower too?"

Robbie grinned. "Yep! Since you were eating, I figured I might as well eat too. And since you were showering, I thought, hey, why not? That way, we could talk without interruptions."

Trini arched an eyebrow. "Showering together? Bold move, Robbie."

Robbie froze. His eyes widened. His entire face turned the color of a ripe tomato. "What?!" He started coughing, nearly choking on his own breath. "No! I never—Trini! That's not—I wasn't saying—"

Trini sat back, watching his meltdown with unfiltered amusement. "Oh no, please. Continue."

Robbie groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "I meant I took a shower at the same time as you. Not that I wanted to shower with you!"

"Well, you could have when we were in the hospital. At least I was ready to shower when you were in the bathroom with me."

Robbie went a deeper shade of red. Trini started laughing harder because of it.

Trini let out a full, belly-deep laugh, barely able to breathe. "Oh, Robbie! Your face! It's priceless!"

Robbie muttered something unintelligible and dramatically flopped backward onto his pillow, looking like he'd just been through a war. "I'm never going to live this down, am I?"

Trini wiped away a tear from laughing so hard. "Not a chance."

Robbie groaned again. "You love messing with me, don't you?"

She smirked. "Maybe just a little."

He propped himself up on his elbows, narrowing his eyes. "You enjoy giving me heart attacks, don't you?"

Trini grinned. "Oh, absolutely. It's my new favorite pastime."

Robbie sighed dramatically. "I knew dating you would be hazardous to my health."

Trini flipped her hair over her shoulder. "And yet, you're still here. Hopelessly smitten."

Robbie huffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, yeah. It's my tragic fate."

Trini giggled, winking. "Totally tragic." She stretched out and adjusted her pillow. "So, shall we continue our interruption-free conversation, or do you need another minute to process your scandalous shower confession?"

Robbie groaned into his hands. "I'm never recovering from this."

Trini smirked. "Good. That means my work here is done."

Just as Robbie was about to reclaim some dignity and start his interruption-free conversation with Trini, his plans crumbled spectacularly.

"ROBBIE TOOK A SHOWER WITH TRINI!" came a loud, sing-song voice from the hallway.

Trini gasped dramatically, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh. This is already good."

Robbie groaned as his two sisters, Alena and Halai, stormed into his room like they had just uncovered the world's juiciest gossip.

"Wait, wait, wait—" Halai, the younger of the two, gasped as she leaned against the doorframe for dramatic effect. "Did you really say you took a shower with your girlfriend?"

Alena folded her arms, raising an eyebrow as she smirked. "Robbie. I thought I was supposed to be the bad influence in this family. But this? This is next-level."

Robbie sat up, waving his hands frantically. "NO! That is not what I meant! I just showered at the same time as her, so we wouldn't have any interruptions while talking!"

Halai and Alena exchanged a knowing glance before turning back to him.

"Suuuure," Halai drawled, dragging out the word like a true menace.

Alena pretended to wipe a tear. "Our little brother is growing up so fast."

Halai clutched her chest dramatically. "Oh no! Does Mom know about this major development in your relationship? Should we tell her what Trini and Robbie might be up to tomorrow?"

Trini, absolutely loving the chaos, propped her chin on her hand. "Oh, if you must tell her, at least make sure you get the story right—"

"Trini!" Robbie snapped toward the screen. "You are not helping!"

"Oh, I'm helping," she teased, winking at his sisters. "They're just making sure your mother stays informed."

Alena gasped. "Oh my gosh, Trini, you approve of this. You are a bad influence on our dear, innocent Robbie!"

Robbie groaned and flopped onto his back. "I hate all of you."

Halai cackled. "Aw, we love you too, big bro. Just not as much as you love showering with Trini."

"I DIDN'T—"

Trini lost it. She was dying with laughter, clutching her stomach. "Oh Robbie, this is too good! I don't think I'll survive tomorrow if your sisters bring this up in front of your mom!"

Alena smirked. "Oh, don't worry. We definitely will."

Robbie sat up in horror. "Wait. No. No, no, no—you are not telling Mom—"

"Goodnight, loverboy!" Halai and Alena sang in unison before bolting out of the room.

Robbie slumped back into his pillows, staring at the ceiling. "This is my villain origin story."

Trini wiped away a tear, still giggling. "Robbie, you do realize you just guaranteed that tomorrow is going to be so much worse, right?"

Robbie sighed. "I know. And I blame you for this."

Trini smirked. "You love me for this."

"…Yeah, yeah." He covered his face. "Still moving out."

Yup'ik Dictionary

Waquaa! – Hello

Aana – Mother

Tua-I-Ngunrituq – Goodbye

Tuntuvak – Moose

Quyana – Thank you

Gaarrufurendo – Girlfriend in Japanese

Watashi no Gaarrufurendo – My girlfriend in Japanese

Angniq anutiiq elpenum – Happy Birthday to You

Gwich'in Dictionary

Shgguya – My grandchild

Ti'yaa – My father

Dak Niighit – "She rises into the air" Layla Mabray's Native name.

Shchada'a – My grandfather

Dinjik – Moose

Khoh t'án - Rose

Shahnyaa – One who informs us – Molly's native name

Shaeeyaa - Shimmering Stars, comic book hero created by Molly.

Sha'oodèe- Boyfriend

Va'oodèe – Girlfriend

Qaspeg – Tunic length, (falling between hip and knees) hooded overshirt with a large front pocket

Shii neet'ihthan nakhwan – I love you

Ch'oondaii - Medicine

Shroonch'yaa – It is fun; It is joyful