The small, dark hole they find in the corner of an unused bedroom turns out to be nothing after all, just an empty tunnel that leads to a half-covered spot in the bedroom Dob had set himself up in. Merilwen reemerges to share the news, still a little sulky that she had to resist the urge to go curl up on the beddings and make herself comfortable, and pauses as the emptiness of the room registers.

The others have moved on or, more likely, gotten distracted, leaving Corazón alone, sitting on the ground and unmoving, despite the dripping paintbrush still in his hand. His eyes are wet, and instinct takes over as Merilwen's worry for her friend spikes all over again. She slinks forward instead of changing shape as soon as she's clear of the confines of the hole, until she can get her paws up on Corazón's leg, meowing softly at him.

He startles, clears his throat and sets down the paintbrush, clearly preparing to cover for the moment she's caught him in. She climbs into his lap before he gets a chance, nuzzling against him, and waits patiently until he gives in and starts petting. It only takes a few more moments after that for him to break and scoop her into his arms.

"This never happened," he mutters into her fur, barely loud enough for her to hear him over her own purring, and she nuzzles into his shoulder until the dampness on his cheeks starts to dry.