"Yeah, I will," she replied, hugging her field guide to her chest before turning on her heel and hurrying away, her shoulders hunched. * * * "A little. I'm flattered, more than anything." * * * His face fell slightly before hardening. "Right. Let's just get this done." * * * "Don't harness your warhorse before the proclamation has been issued," she chided, standing up and brushing herself off.
He watched her go, a frown returning when she was out of view before going to find Theresa and Maverick. *** "Why is that? What do you think I'm thinking?" *** She nodded, seeming not to have noticed. "Cause you have a girlfriend," she explained, "and I don't like to be on people's bad sides but I feel like at that close someone would be bound to say something if they saw. I don't want to be anyone's enemy." *** "What in the world does that mean?" he asked, looking around.
"I think you think I'm a delight," he replied earnestly. * * * "I'm sure," he said flatly. "Let's just not talk about it." * * * "You know. Don't say anything before you are completely sure."
"You are a delight," she said simply. "I like to hang out with you." *** She frowned. "Did I say something to upset you?" *** "Oh. That. I gotcha."
He flushed in surprise, looking over at her. "You do?" * * * "Not at all," he said lightly. "I just have things to do." * * * She pulled the lock cutters off the wall. "Here. Let's go."
"Yeah, why wouldn't I? I always have fun when you're around." *** "Oh," she said slowly, looking back ahead, "right.." *** He grinned excitedly, exiting the tool closet as Cassian approached. "We have a suspect."
"I see. So you are in love with me." * * * "I've already forgotten what we're doing." * * * Theresa's head jerked up. "Seriously?"
"That's not what I said. No." *** She frowned. "You don't have to stay." *** He nodded. "Some child prodigy."
He laughed deeply, looking over at her. He had these warm, brown eyes that changed to grey as it extended away from his pupil and he raised one eyebrows, his lips pursed to keep himself from smiling. "Theo," he teased, one of his long strides requiring two of hers. "You're breaking my heart." * * * "No, I promised," he said with a sigh, running his fingers through his dark hair before he glanced down at her. "Don't worry about it too much, Lil. I wouldn't be here unless I wanted to be." * * * Theresa's brows furrowed and she studied Cassian thoughtfully before blinking. "Wait, where's Fina?" she asked, sounding almost accusatory. "Did you two split up?"
She poked his cheek playfully, her expression affectionate. "I am doing no such thing. You're just being an ass." *** She rubbed her arm uncertainly, a small frown on her face. "You said the only reason you were here is because we wanted to borrow the car." *** Cassian raised an eyebrow, folding his arms in annoyance. "She decided she wanted to go home."
He took her hand, his long fingers intertwining with hers, and he held it to her heart, his wings slumping. "Beloved, please don't do this." * * * "Do you want me to leave?" he asked, sounding uncertain. "I can leave you if you'd prefer. I thought we were getting along." * * * Theresa blinked before frowning. "She walked? I should go pick her up; she lives in a bad part of town. She shouldn't be walking through the area by herself."
She rolled her eyes with a smile. "I'm sorry." *** She looked up at him before patting his arm lightheartedly. "I enjoy your company. I just don't want you to have to stay if you don't want to." *** "I offered her a ride, but she didn't want it from me."
"Please?" he asked hopefully, his thumb brushing the back of her hand. "I know you feel it too." * * * He blinked in confusion. "I don't think I understand." * * * "Did you two fight?" Theresa accused.
(Discord?) She looked confused, tilting her head. "What?" *** "What don't you understand?" *** He frowned disapprovingly at her. "No, not really."
He laughed, dropping her hand. "I'm kidding, Theo. I know it's not like that between you and I." * * * "Do you want me around?" * * * "Why did she leave, then?" she asked, raising one eyebrow.
She nodded slowly. "Right. I thought so." *** It was her turn to look confused. "Obviously." *** "We got caught checking surveillance and it upset her."
He dropped his arm, looking a little embarrassed. "Sorry." * * * "Even though I'm a demon?" he asked, his voice flat. * * * "Okay, well, I'm going to go pick her up," Theresa said, offering the bolt cutters to Cassian. "You break into the lockers."
She gave him a small smile before patting his arm. "No need to apologize." *** She frowned. "I don't care that you're a demon, or that I'm an angel. You're my friend, Sylas." *** He sighed, giving them to Maverick, who was frowning. "No, it's fine. I'll go pick her up."
"I took the joke too far. I do that sometimes." * * * He laughed sharply. "You're just saying that because I helped you out of a tight spot." * * * Theresa frowned. "If you say so."
"I don't mind, Monty. It's fine, I promise." *** This appeared to have upset her a small bit and she folded her arms defensively. "You know you could have easily just said you didn't want to be here instead of making it an argument.. You have more important things to do than walk around with me, so go do them." *** He nodded, heading off toward the parking lot. Maverick looked at the cutters. "Let's do some shift business."
