His appreciation was always welcome – heck, appreciation was always welcome no matter the situation…well, maybe there were some situations that appreciation was a little bit…awkward? Mel had been engorged in the screens and the commentating that when it ended, she just sat there stunned for a moment. ”I’m so glad I wasn’t chosen as a competitor” she blurted out moments after Kirk and Dana’s spells were both removed.

”h-he’s right Dana, you were great.” Melbourne smiled softly, ”you can call me Mel…if its easier?” it was the little side-hug that Kirk gave her that made Mel nearly squeal with happiness. ”Kiiiirk, thank you,” she grinned up at him because even sitting down she was still quite a bit shorter than he was.

Mel glanced over at Sam and gave him a kind smile, trying not to be…too exuberantly animated for the seemingly shy boy. ”Hi…nice bubblehead charm,” Mel gave him a small smile before noticing just how red his face seemed to be…oh…maybe it would be best if she gave him space? Mel smiled back at Dana when she seemed to appreciate the offer of food and water…really, Mel knew how nerve wracking things could be but if she were being honest she had simply wanted to be there next to Kirk. ”nice to meet you Sam,” Mel grinned at him before turning to look at Valerie…did she need water? She assumed of course that Healer Reed would be on the way to her side shortly.

Right…Mel stood there for a moment before glancing around nervously. When were they going to learn about the competition results? Sure, now after how deadly each one had been Mel was convinced that every competitor should have won something.