The Magician's Daughter

The city lights had an air of ... Malcolm. Whatever that meant. But to Thea, it just felt Malcolm. Not calm, not anxious, not ugly, not pretty. Just... him.

---

Malcolm had picked her up from- well, not her house... and they were heading to the less fancy restaurant ever. Thea had picked. She likes him, but she felt awkward about possibly running into Moira.

They spent the evening in a somewhat usual manner. Malcolm acted like she wasn't being awkward at all -- which she was, I assure you... Her stumbling, words switcheroos, the bright colour on her cheeks that seemed to be painted on. His nonreactive reaction helped the hot ashes to not flame up again.

What they talked about? Thea didn't know anymore. They walked through the city for a bit and she had stopped to admire the lights. But a nagging feeling was growing in the back of her mind.

THEA
It's beautiful.

MALCOLM
What?

It was obvious she liked the view, but Malcolm wanted to see the glitter in her eyes for a longer time.

THEA
The lights. They're like frozen fireworks.

MALCOLM
Who put something in your drink?

Thea whisked around to complain, but upon seeing his face and the smile it adorned, understood he had meant to be playful.

She had pouted and he couldn't help but smile, all less than sheepishly.

They walked again in no particular direction, although, it seemed Thea had decided they were going that way, with that ardent walk of hers. Malcolm followed with intrigue.

When she cognized what she had done, they halted. They were in a random road in no particular neighboorhood.

THEA (timid)
Hey. Can we get back now, it's getting pretty late...

MALCOLM
After you, princess.

He had gestured for her to get in front of him. She followed, while answering.

THEA
Thank you, my brave knight.

But as Thea walked, she realized something and turned to Malcolm.

THEA (awkwardly unsure)
Uh... Actually, can you lead the march? I have no idea where we are right now.

MALCOLM
How should I know?

Thea's lungs started to shrink as Malcolm started walking.

MALCOLM
It's this way.

...

THEA (muttering barely under her breath)
Idiot.

They were on the right way to the car, rest assured.

Malcolm noticed something. Thea eyes were getting hooked on the corner shadows of the street. He cerebrated and finally opted to wrap an arm around her and pull her close.

On her side of the situation, Thea felt the intention and read it as a validation of her fear. It grew.