Prowess

Tiresome

–Rule number one is we don't use our powers—Abigail said, pointing at Austin.—No charming anyone. Rule number two, you call us mom and dad or any other variation of that if we're in public. Rule number three, no one abandons anyone.

The woman exchanged looks with Arthur. They had discussed it all the previous night. Then she looked at Austin. The boy's arms were crossed over his chest, his gaze averted. He huffed.

–Fuck rules!—he groaned.

Abigail quirked an eyebrow, but then drew a deep breath and relaxed as Arthur smiled encouragingly at her.

–There's nothing to hate about rules...—the man assured Austin with a smile.

Austin widened his eyes and arched his eyebrows as if Arthur had gone insane.

–Rules suck ass!—the man's smile died.—They're boring, annoying and if you break them bad shit happens... I hate rules.

Arthur sighed. Then, all of a sudden, the boy perked up.

–Wait, does this mean I get to call you... Father?—he asked in a dramatic intonation and untraceable accent.

The man laughed loudly, surprised.

–Whatever floats your boat! I'm not sure I'll be able to keep a straight face though...

Austin shrugged, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

–Not my problem.

The satisfaction he felt at making Arthur laugh hurt his pride. His face fell in milliseconds.

–What happens if I break the rules?

Arthur was startled by Austin's erratic demeanor, but Abigail remained unfazed.

–Either we get caught, I kick your ass, or both.

–Are you fucking serious?

As Abigail nodded, the boy jumped up. His eyebrows knit together and eyes blazing.

-So you're just gonna beat me up? You know what? Fuck this shit. I'm better on the streets.

Austin had almost stormed out of the house when Abigail got to him. Arthur stood up too.

-You're not going anywhere—the woman whispered, yanking him closer to her.— If you leave now the landlady will be suspicious! You do not step foot outside of this house!

-Or what, huh?—the boy stuck his chin out.—You'll beat me?

-Don't be petulant!

Abigail's eyes widened in fury. That was when Arthur felt the need to intervene. He rushed up to the other two, putting his hand over Abigail's.

-No one is going to beat anyone up—he assured calmingly, looking from one to the other.

Austin fully ignored him.

-I am not petulant!

Austin couldn't contain a sigh of relief when the woman let go. He rubbed at his arm, faintly aware that she could have shattered it to pieces had she wanted to.

-Go upstairs—she ordered.—To your room. It's the one with the bunk beds.

The boy didn't budge, staying and confronting her with his eyes. Arthur set a gentle palm over where Austin had been rubbing, easing the pain.

-Please obey—he begged softly.

Austin tore his eyes away from Abigail to stare at Arthur for a beat longer. He sighed, turning, completely against his pride, to stomp up the stairs.