Khlo pulled her hair up into a bun once more, hoping to hide the bald spot forming on the back of her head. She had a bit of a clue as to why it was, but she couldn’t bring herself to admit it. Her phone dinged, distracting her from her hair loss problems.

“Hey Kipper. Can I stop by real quick?”

She quickly texted back.

Of course, Wipper! Is something wrong?

“No I’m just leaving for a while, and I wanted to let you know.”

Leaving? To go where?

“...”

“That’s why I’m coming to see you”

…alright then. I’ll see you soon.

“Yeah could you open the door?”

“I’m right outside”

Eyes wide, she ran to open the door.

“Hey, Kipper,” Mars greeted, stepping inside.

“Hey, Wipper.” She sat on her couch next to him. “...Where are you going?”

“Straight to the point, huh?” He chuckled. “Well, by the end of today, I’ll hopefully have a case cracked. I have to monitor the situation after that, though, so I won’t be home for a while.”

Khlo and Mars had gone out on a date the first day they met and had both noticed they were a good fit for each other. She was sad he had to leave, but if he was going to solve a case, then it was for the greater good.

“Which brings me to my other reason for visiting.”

“Other reason?” she repeated, tilting her head to the side.

“Since I don’t want to save anything for after in case I raise a death flag…” Mars got down on one knee, bringing out a small velvet box from his pocket. “Khlo Ermes, will you marry me?”

Khlo could’ve died of shock and happiness right there and then. “YES! YES! YES!” she squealed.

Grinning wide, Mars slipped the ring onto Khlo’s finger.

Khlo stared at her new fiance, hopelessly in love with him.

“What do we do now?” Mars asked, sitting back on the couch.

“Mmm…” Khlo leaned her head on Mars' shoulder. “Why don’t we just stay?”

Mars kissed her forehead, wrapping his arm around her. “Sounds good to me.”

“Um…I do have something to tell you…”

“What is it?”

“Erm…I have a nutritional deficiency right now, so my hair might rub off on you. I’m taking care of it, but the doctor said it would be a few weeks before I stop losing hair completely, and maybe a year before it all grows back.”

“Khlo…” He didn’t say anything for a moment, simply holding her a little tighter. “I always wondered why you had your hair in a bun. Not that it doesn’t suit you, but I’m curious what you look like with your hair down.”

Khlo reached up and undid the bun, letting her blue hair loose. “Like it?” she asked, looking up at him with a mischievous smile.

“I love it,” he said. “And,” he added, poking the top of her head, “I can see your bald spot.”

She yelped, attempting to move from under his hand, but he was already holding onto her. “Don’t make fun of it, Wipper!”

“Too late, Kipper,” he said, beginning to tickle her as well.

~.~

Sadly, Mars had to leave shortly after.

“Goodbye, Khlo,” he said, kissing her gently on the lips.

“Goodbye, Mars,” Khlo returned, tears falling.

He gently wiped them away, pulled her into a hug, then left.

Khlo watched him walk away until she couldn’t see him anymore.

Stay safe, Detective Willis, she thought.