Lukas and I take turns explaining our conversation with Rowan to the others. We’re quick to reassure Wren that she doesn’t consider him guilty, or at least, not guilty of anything that would warrant her intervention. Her focus is mostly on Solem. I sort of want to start discussing possible plans, ways to investigate, people we can look into, leads we can follow, but I don’t really want to do it in front of Wren. He’s been through enough. And from what he’s told us, he wasn’t really exposed to Solem’s plans for him. He wasn’t even around that many people when he was there.
The only person he really interacted with was Richard, and that was mostly because Richard is just a friendly person. Apparently, Richard has a little sister or something, so when he saw a teenager talking to Solem, he was concerned and made an effort to approach him.
*I don’t think there’s anything Wren can tell us that we couldn’t learn by talking to Richard.* I tell Lukas through my thoughts. It would be better to speak to him rather than drag Wren into this any further. Lukas meets my gaze and nods in agreement. Good. One less thing for Wren to stress about. But this entire situation is still so stressful. I know Lukas is worried about his family. I’m worried too. And, honestly? I kind of want a hug. But now is really not the time. Besides… What am I supposed to do? Just stand up and declare that I want one? Just… Walk up and hug someone? Okay, not someone. Lukas. I wouldn’t really feel comfortable hugging anyone else here. Maybe Wren, but that might be weird for him. I don’t know exactly when it happened, but I’ve gotten more than a little used to having Lukas be in my space. I’m far more comfortable with him then I ever anticipated being. I kind of wish we were at home right now so that we could just curl up on the couch and watch a movie or something. I sigh, shifting slightly. And then Lukas suddenly lets go of my hand. I barely have time to process the loss of contact before his hand lands lightly on my shoulder. Then, in one smooth motion, he spins me around and pulls me into a hug. Okay… Apparently HE doesn’t have any issue with just randomly hugging someone. For a brief second, I tense, about to wonder if anyone’s watching us, but then I glance around. No one seems to care. Or even notice. They’re all still talking about Rowan, speculating about her abilities, debating what kind of magic she might have. Because surely she has something, right? I let out a quiet breath and shift slightly, adjusting my position so I can rest my head against Lukas’s chest. It’s more comfortable this way. Plus, this way, I can still see the others while we talk. Lukas tilts his head slightly, resting his chin on my head, but he’s careful. He doesn’t mess up my hair. And honestly? I appreciate that almost as much as the hug. It’s nice that he knows it’s important to me.
I make eye contact with Eli, who immediately waggles his eyebrows at me. Okay. So maybe HE noticed what we’re doing. But considering he’s constantly all over Damien, he has no room to say anything. I roll my eyes at him before flicking my gaze meaningfully toward Damien. Eli huffs, looking frustrated. Yeah. No progress on that front, I suppose. I wonder if Rina knows that Eli is kind of obsessed with her big brother. Surely she must. But then again, he’s so naturally dramatic and effortlessly charismatic that it would be easy to assume he’s just like that with everyone. What I’m really curious about, though, is if Damien knows. Because he doesn’t seem to. But at the same time, he DOES put up with an awful lot of Eli’s theatrics. So at the very least, he must consider them to be really good friends. Right? Lukas leans in, his breath warm against my hair.
“I could find out for you.” He whispers, his tone mischievous. I snigger, immediately burying my face against his chest to muffle my laughter.
*That wouldn’t be right, and you know it… Although I can’t say it isn’t tempting.* I confess silently. Lukas squeezes my waist, amusement clear in his body language. Before I can recover, Wren suddenly speaks up.
“Is Clare okay?” He asks. I pull away slightly, looking over at him. He looks genuinely concerned. I blink, then realise, I probably just looked like I was crying, pressed up against Lukas and shaking from laughter.
“I think she’s more than okay.” Eli teases. I roll my eyes.
“I’m fine, Wren.” I assure him, smiling.
“Just… A little stressed. Plus, Lukas said something funny.” I explain.
“What did he say?” Wren asks, clearly intrigued. I glance toward Damien, my eyes flicking over to him before I can help myself. A giggle escapes before I can stop it.
“Just… His opinion on some of my thoughts.” I say vaguely.
“It’s hard to explain.” I say, not wanting to get into it too much. Damien hums thoughtfully.
“Reading minds does sound like it would be useful. If a little intrusive.” He comments.
“You want to read minds?” Eli jumps in with a grin.
“Because I can tell you what I’m thinking.” He turns toward Damien, already smirking.
“I’M thinking that you-” Before he can finish, Damien calmly reaches over and slaps a hand over Eli’s mouth.
“I really don’t need to know.” Damien says smoothly. Eli looks completely put out. But before he can protest, Wren bursts out laughing. His laughter is contagious. And before I know it, we’re all laughing.
Eventually, we all settle down, and I notice that Wren looks kind of exhausted. Which is fair, because it is getting pretty late. Lukas and I take that as our cue to say our goodbyes. As we turn to leave, Roxy bounds forward and, in a move of pure enthusiasm, licks Wren right across the face. He lets out a surprised noise, scrubbing at his cheek as Roxy wags her tail happily. I guess she’s happy to see him too. Eli and Damien, meanwhile, are clearly settling in for the night. And by settling in, I mean Eli collapses dramatically onto the bed beside Wren and immediately declares that they are having a slumber party. Wren just stares at him, looking both bemused and mildly resigned. I’m sure he KNOWS they’re here to babysit him, to keep an eye on him. But Eli is just so… I don’t know what he is. But he doesn’t feel like a responsible adult right now. And the wildest part? I know he is one. He’s a cop, for crying out loud. A perfectly capable, intelligent, trained professional. But he’s just so relaxed. So friendly. If I hadn’t seen how professional he can be, I don’t think I’d ever be able to imagine it. I have to wonder how much of his attitude is an act, to put people off guard. I can’t decide if he is an incredibly open person or a secretive person who pretends to be open. It’s strange. As we step outside, Lukas lets out a small exhale.
“He is a… Strange person.” He mutters. I raise an eyebrow.
“You can’t still dislike him, surely? He’s been so helpful.” I point out. Lukas shrugs, taking a moment to think before answering.
“He makes me uncomfortable.” He admits finally.
“Maybe it is because his actions don’t seem to be a true reflection of his thoughts. That isn’t his fault, people are complicated and a lot of people act and think differently. But it’s… Uncomfortable for me. And I can’t do anything about it.” He explains, clearly struggling to find the right words. Huh. I guess… That’s fair. Eli is a lot. I don’t really understand him sometimes either. I let it go and instead focus on Lukas as we reach the car.
“You know. It’s not too late for us to go home and watch a movie like you were thinking earlier. Lukas says, glancing at me. There’s a hopeful note in his voice that makes me smile.
“That sounds perfect.” I agree. And honestly? It really, really does.