Discoveries | TMR | Three

4:3

Adeline would be lying to herself if she claimed she did not have to suppress the beaming smile that nearly breaks free when Nick agrees to accompany her to the pet shop. 

It is peculiar. A month ago, she would have eagerly jumped at the chance to embark on such an outing solo, seeking a brief escape from the relentless stares of disdain and wistful looks that seemed to follow her everywhere in the Harbour, and now, she is opening accepting of someone's help.

As they walk along the nearly-pitch black corridor of the mall with nothing but his torch to illuminate their path, however, something is amiss. Something in his mood; his demeanour. The way he strides a few feet ahead of her and quickens his pace when he notices her starting to catch up.

At first, Adeline had been thrilled about their solitude, but now uncertainty creeps in. "Are you alright?" she inquires, trying to catch a glimpse of Nick's expression as he moves purposefully ahead, forcing her to rise onto her tiptoes to peer over his shoulder, desperate to read his mood.

But he towers over her, and the darkness swallows any chance of clarity. He subtly turns his head away, clearly aware of her attempts to see him. "Shh," he hisses, catching her off guard. Who does he think he is?

"Are you okay?" she asks again.

"I'm fine," he whispers, though his tone and the barely-there huff that rumbles from his lips suggests otherwise. "Just keeping an eye out for any Cranks."

"Is that why you shushed me?"

"I'm also trying to listen out for any Cranks."

Fucking liar. Adeline can sense it in his tone, regardless of how softly he speaks. It feels as if the thoughts he desperately tries to suppress are slowly clawing their way up his throat, ready to explode from his lips.

"Right," is all she decides to whisper back; crossing her arms as she glances freely into the darkness of the mall.

She hears him huff, as though trying to hold in a tirade of words. "Let's just get what we need and get back quickly, okay?"

"Yes, boss." She rolls her eyes.

The air between them crackles with unspoken tension as they move forward in silence. Adeline notices him glancing over, his eyes darting to her silhouette, ensuring she remains by his side. Each glance grates on her nerves, fueling her irritation. To mask her frustration, she mutters a quiet, "for fuck sake," under her breath before quickening her pace. She only eases up when she positions herself ahead of him, where he can clearly see her.

"That better?" Her voice drips with attitude.

"Is what better?" Nick asks.

"Me walking in front," she clarifies. "Means you don't have to check on me every five fucking seconds."

She does not see it, but Nick shrugs. "I've definitely got a better view from here, if that's what you're asking."

"You're an arse."

"And you're a brat."

Adeline remains silent, fully aware that any words from her would ignite a fierce argument, and she has no desire to inflict pain with a thoughtless remark she might later regret. Instead, she lets the heavy silence envelop them once more, choosing to keep her thoughts to herself.

As they arrive at the pet shop, she darts straight to the medicine cabinets behind the counter. Nick trails behind her but makes no effort to help; he simply leans against the old cash register, observing her with a sense of detachment. In his mind, this whole situation is her doing, and he feels no compulsion to assist her in the search.