"I don't know where everybody keeps getting these ideas." Hope grumbles as she and Amadeo walk the streets of Kaina.

"Eh, don't mind it. They just like to watch you squirm." Amadeo stretches, pulling out a small shopping list from his pocket.

"You squirmed too, ya know."

"I'm not used to it either, admittedly. Spent most of my life working a farm, then I started studying as my mentor's apprentice. Never had much time for girls. It's just been from one focus to another."

"Yeah, I get that. Since...the incident, I've been focusing on getting stronger. Haven't had so much as a thought towards dating or what life will be like when I've done what I need to do."

"Killing Dane, you mean?"

She looks down at her feet as they walk, fists clenching. "Yeah. Cutting him into so many pieces, you could fit him in a cake pan. Gods, I can't even think about him without-"

Amadeo takes her hands in his own. "Hey. None of that. Today's your relaxation day, remember? No fights, no hate, just shopping and a beach trip."

She looks him in the eyes, raging emerald squaring off with cool chocolate. Slowly, the devilkin nods, taking a deep breath. "You're right. I can't-no, I won't let him get in the way of today." She closes her eyes, stopping and taking in the crisp morning air.

Amadeo stands patiently, checking the list. "New components, a few knicknacks, some swimwear, and an amulet for Anna."

"What's the amulet thing about, anyway?" Hope turns to him, folding her arms.

"I recently learned a spell thanks to that book we got from Beejnak. It grants one with sensitivity to sunlight protection for up to 8 hours. With the formula I've worked up, I should be able to focus that spell on an object, thereby granting her protection permanently as long as she's wearing it."

"And what, pray tell, are you making for me?" She raises an eyebrow, and Amadeo laughs.

"Nothing yet, but as I learn more magic and acquire more trinkets, I could probably focus spells into quite a few things. Shields, swords, armor, rings, what have you. Personal sized items work best, and the more powerful a spell I use, the longer it takes and the more gold I need to complete an enchantment. I'm almost out of my personal reserves just working on hers, since it takes about four to five days and twenty sovereigns a day. Which is why the shopping is being done with what we earned over the last few days."

"I see. So if you're buying my swimsuit, do you get to pick it out or me?" Those emerald eyes flash with mischievous intent.

"Figured you'd probably want to pick it out yourself. I'd hate to select something...unflattering."

"Very well then, Amadeo. I'll be sure to pick something to drive all the men wild!" She throws her arms up and grins, then thinks for a moment before shaking her head. "Eh, on second thought, that doesn't sound fun. Maybe something more modest."

"Nonsense. Get something you think looks good, something that makes you feel good about yourself." He nudges her softly. "Come on, we'd best get moving or the whole day will pass us by."