Craig is cool about it (third-person)

"We were just..." Lea started before realizing she had no explanation ready for her boyfriend.

"Hey, relax," Craig said with an eye on Mackenzie, who was staring back at him anxiously. "I think I can allow a kiss or two between friends. You girls have been close since before I knew either of you. The way Kenzie's been cozying up to me I shouldn't be surprised to see her making out with you."

"We weren't making out," Mackenzie hurried to say. "We were just- I mean she said-"

"I told her we'd never abandon her," Lea interrupted while taking her friend's hand to keep her calm. "Mac didn't know how else to express her feelings, so she kissed me without thinking."

Craig looked thoughtful for a while before grinning. "If I second what Lea said will I get a kiss too?"

"You can get a kick in the backside," Lea laughed and stuck out her tongue.

But Mackenzie just looked up at Craig shyly. "Well, maybe a kiss on the cheek."

Lea squeezed her hand. "You don't have to do that."

"Yeah Mac, it was just a joke," Craig chimed in.

"But you're protecting me just as much as she is!" Mackenzie blurted out. "I don't mind. And I don't want to be a wedge between you guys."

Taking her hand out of Lea's, she stood up and gave Craig a peck on the cheek. "This whole thing is a little less terrifying because of you, Craig. Thank you."

Then, blushing, she fled to her room. Moments after the door closed, muffled music could be heard from the other side.

Craig traded a look with Lea and sat down in the spot Mackenzie had vacated. "Well that was interesting. Now what exactly happened before I walked in?"

After Lea had explained Mackenzie's worries and how she'd responded to them, Craig nodded compassionately. "For what it's worth, I do second everything you said."

Then his expression turned grim. "This may not be the best time for it, but the Council just released a new set of regulations..."