i keep on running toward the fire

And if you feel like night is falling
I wanna be the one you're calling

If it was a test, it seemed that he'd passed, and he found himself relaxing without even realizing he'd tensed. The last thing he wished to do was offend, but he wanted to make it clear that Hotaru was the one he was interested in. It wasn't even a competition. Sorry, Flora.

His admission, though, left something nervous and fluttery in his gut as he waited for her reaction. It wouldn't be the first time he'd been passed over for someone with a more... upstanding reputation. But much to his surprise and delight, there was no sign of judgment in her face, only a distinctly pleased look, like a cat who'd gotten into the milk. He grinned down at her, relieved and intrigued in equal measure. "My ma always said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it," he drawled in response to her teasing. He may not be the most original thief, but his facade had surely worked on those less attuned to their line of work.

To hear that Hotaru had been a thief, though, had him raising his eyebrows. That was a story he wanted to hear. For now, though, as they meandered out of the city and towards the Miana Pool in the light of the slowly sinking sun, he decided to start with something easier. "What kind of magic do you have?"

'Cause I believe that you could lead the way

George