Under the Darkest Skies

Chapter 2

"It's like a double date!" Liv was practically bouncing out of her boots as she, Rhea, and Liv waited outside the men's locker room for Seth to come out. "This is going to be so fun!" When the door opened, she slumped a bit as Damian Priest came out instead.

"You're all waiting for Rollins?" Damian asked, shaking his head. "Lucky man." Then he went over to Rhea and hugged her. "I'm guessing I shouldn't wait up?"

Rhea shook her head. "Nah. We're going shopping. Finn knows. He gave us a list." She patted her jeans pocket. "Maybe I'll get you a necklace," she added, tugging on his shirt collar. "Your bow and arrow is looking a little rough."

Damian rolled his eyes. "No sparkles, Liv. I mean it." To Becky's surprise, he hugged Liv as well. Then he nodded at her. "Hey, Becks. Working or shopping tonight?"

"A bit of both," she replied. "I want a few more amulets for myself and I should probably work for an hour or so, depending on demand."

"We'll make sure Seth doesn't get lost," Liv promised. "This market's a big one! Ten floors! I can't even imagine how much magic that takes to mask!" She shut her mouth quickly and glanced around, but thankfully there was no one within earshot. "Sorry. It's just... you know. It's nice to be able to talk about this stuff with other people."

"People other than me, you mean," Becky teased. When Liv blushed, Becky reached over and squeezed her arm. "I'm joking. I know what you meant. It's nice to not have to keep it a secret from everyone."

Rhea was staring steadily at Damian. "Maybe we should make Priest come with us next time," she suggested. "He'd fit right in, and all the little granny witches in the food market would love him. We'd get free samples everywhere."

"I thought you were going to say I could reach the stuff on the tall shelves." Damian didn't look uncomfortable with the conversation, but Becky could tell he wouldn't exactly volunteer to go to The Fathoms either. "Yeah, if Finn needed me to go, I'd go. If I'd fit." He extended his hand to measure his height and then made a point of doing the same for Liv, Rhea, and Becky in turn. "Maybe I'm too tall for the ride."

Liv rolled her eyes. "Seth's only like four inches shorter than you."

Damian just grinned. "I know you've been spending a lot of time with Rhea, so you might not remember, but four inches makes a big difference." While Liv sputtered, Damian gave Rhea a parting hug. "Have fun. No sparkles."

"Only in my tea," Rhea promised. When Damian's eyebrows jumped, she added, "What? It's delicious. I can't remember what it's called, but it tastes like your favourite childhood memory or something. I always get it when we go because it reminds me of home."

"Yeah, yeah. Liv's rubbing off on you. Or rubbing you—" Damian stopped when Rhea clapped a hand over his mouth.

That was the scene Seth came out to, but he just shook his head. "Everyone ready to go?" Somewhat reluctantly, he added, "Priest, you coming too?"

Damian nipped playfully at Rhea's fingers before stepping back. "Nah, man. I've got plans. But watch out for these two," he warned, gesturing at Liv and Rhea. "They're tricky."

Seth just pointed to Becky. "I've got her. I'll be fine."

"We should get going," Becky said, hopping down from the equipment trunk to kiss Seth. "Damian, would you ask Finn to text me tomorrow when he has a chance? I have an Irish question for him."

"Sure thing, Becks. You all have a good night." Damian kissed the top of Rhea's head. "I'll catch up with you later, Rips."

Liv watched Damian go. "He'd fit right in at The Fathoms, really. Everyone would just assume he was security or something. Or maybe a dragon." She bumped Becky's hip as they walked to the parking lot. "Do you know where you're working tonight?"