Colourless

Chapter Eight

"I think I should have a weapon." Folding one leg over the other, I eye the gun so carelessly placed in one of the minivans numerous cupholders.

Malik hums jokingly, his eyes remaining trained on the rolling asphalt ahead, "I'm gonna have to disagree. That's like giving a toddler a red button, and expecting them to not press it."

"Well, perhaps I'm not the most inclined to weaponry, but it's just a matter of training," I retort, holding my head high, "There's a logical pattern behind it. You know, learning about the kickback, the trajectory of a bullet once it's fired, how to aim..."

"I'm impressed, cupcake," he chuckles, "I'll make a warrior of you yet." Grinning, I offer a sarcastic cross of my fingers.

Pulling into a small gas station, I can already tell by the unkemptness and the disdainful look on the smoke-soaked clerks face that our visit here would be short.

"Just... don't faint on me again," Malik murmurs, handing me my duffel bag as I jump down from the passenger seat.

"Hardy ha." I scowl, narrowing my eyes playfully as I stride hurriedly towards the bathrooms.

After scouring through the apartment, I managed to find a nicer blouse to pair with my skirt than the ill-fitting crop top I was wearing — one that Malik outright stated he was completely cool with me wearing. The fabric was softer, more comfortable, and I happily changed into the black t-shirt, before tucking it into the same maxi skirt.

Quickly using the restrooms, and getting a good laugh out of the anatomically incorrect drawings, I hurriedly wash my hands — drying them on my skirt as I stumble out of the public facilities. "You're so full of grace and lithe," Malik mutters, before placing his hand on my waist to assist me back into the tall vehicle.

A roll of my eyes hides the warmth his hands spurred within me, and I instead scoff. "Thank you, oh great and wise one."

With a smile, Malik sarcastically offers to buckle my seatbelt as he hands me food from the gas station. "We're almost there," he informs quietly, resuming his station behind the wheel, "So... get ready, I guess?"