Maddy stopped abruptly, the word scared sticking in her throat, replaced by a raw frustration. Her chest heaved, her heart hammering against her ribs. Her hands, usually so steady were trembling as she lunged forward, grabbing his heavy shoulder plates and shaking him with a strength that shouldn't have been possible for a "simple" adventurer.
"Don't you ever disappear like that again, you stubborn, reckless idiot! You are my partner, and you will stay where I can see you! Or at least stay close to me! Got it?!"
Johnn looked up at her, completely stunned. He was used to the icy, efficient Maddy, not this raging, maternal force of nature. He blinked, rubbing his bruised shoulder, his face flushing a deep, embarrassed red.
Maddy's grip on his shoulder plates remained iron tight, her knuckles white, before Johnn finally found his voice. He looked down at the mud, his expression crumpling into genuine contrition.
