AT THE SAME TIME
ZAVIER
The palace did not breathe anymore. It waited. For decisions, for mistakes, for someone to move first. Unfortunately, everyone moved at once. Inside a training courtyard Michael did not notice when it happened. That was the problem. It wasn't dramatic, no grand gesture. No declaration. Just contact. Brief. Instinctive. Serena stepped in during a sparring correction, adjusting his stance like she had done a dozen times before, her hand firm at his wrist, guiding and this time Michael didn't pull away. Worse. His fingers tightened. Just slightly, holding her there. Silence.
"You are gripping me." Serena said calmly.
Michael froze.
"I, no- I am not-" He started.
"You are." She replied.
He looked down, his hand was still around her wrist. Not defensive, not forced, natural.
"Oh." He said.
"I ACCEPT CONTACT." Riko whispered loudly from across the yard.
"That was not subtle." Ben said.
"IT WAS EMOTIONAL." Riko argued.
"It was accidental." Leo corrected.
