Malcolm Bright

[There’s some release of tension at those two little kisses. He shifts his weight faintly back and forth in a self-soothing gesture he mostly manages to abort without really thinking consciously about it. Stand still, his mother always told him. You look like you’re trying to escape.]

I’m, um. Walter was killed by him, too. And. And we’re stronger, being wolves. That was the first thing Lark told me. And you’re… [His voice breaks slightly and he just gestures helplessly at the bruising.] I feel like I should… do something. Has anyone even stopped him? I don’t… [He glances around like the answers might be hanging in the air somewhere around them. He knows Shaw would argue that is, in fact, their job. Well. Her job. Civilians can hide. He doesn’t want to hide. His voice drops to a whisper.] I want to stay with you. Can I stay here with you?