In the shadowy market, coolness kissed Thalia's skin after her heated trek in the sun. Despite the slight chill, Maktov's hand around hers was warm and gentle. He led her into the dark, commenting on potential hazards - a dark-colored trash can she hadn't spotted, a loose cobblestone, a step up or a step down - to avoid.
It wasn't until they had passed three stores she felt the eyes on her. Curious eyes, watching her. She'd glance up, finding people quickly looking away.
"Hey," she said softly, squeezing Maktov's hand. He glanced down at her, his white eyes shining in the dark. "Are you certain it's ok for me to be here?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" He stopped, turning to address her.
"I just feel like people are staring."
He blinked owlishly down at her, before looking around. Frankly, she probably couldn't spot half the people shopping today. Many of them blended in with the shadows. But, he supposed, she could feel the attention on her. It wasn't usual for someone from an ancestry without dark vision to come here. Not unheard of, but uncommon. The fact he was leading her through the streets probably wasn't helping.
"That might be my fault, actually," he said, finally, after some consideration. "Shadow demons often form cloistered, secretive communities. Few of us venture into habitation with sun or bright lights."
Thalia cocked her head, not quite following this explanation. Maktov sighed, rubbing the back of his head as he gathered his words. "Rumors abound about my people. About us all being cultish or using shadow walking to steal or assault people. Hiding ourselves away hasn't helped our reputation.
"Historically, there's evidence of our wrongdoings, but there's nasty evidence against werewolves, vampires, bogeys, and every other ancestry out there, too." Maktov shrugged, though now he could feel eyes and ears on him. The past was a painful subject for many ancestries, especially in the dark market. Maktov heaved another sigh, shoulders sagging just a little. "They're concerned about you and wondering if I'm forcing you down here."
"Oh," she replied, but she refrained from looking around. She didn't want to give the others a reason to keep staring, whether from concern or uncertainty.
But, what could she do? Thalia chewed on the inside of her cheek, considering options. She was already holding his hand. That had to seem friendly enough, right?
"We can leave, if this is making you too uncomfortable."
"No, it's fine." She released his hand, moving to wrap her arms around his, hugging it close. She'd seen plenty of people hug a peer close by their elbow. Though, usually, with a flirty smile curled at their lips. Maktov stiffened under the adjustment. If he wasn't swathed in shadows, Thalia was certain she'd see him swallow awkwardly. Thalia grinned up at him, slightly vindicated after all the teeth teasing he put her through, as she pressed her cheek against his arm. "Was there a particular store you wanted to show me here or...?"
Maktov struggled to find an answer. He was struggling to answer a lot of things, really. Why did he want to go out to breakfast with her? What did he want to show her here? Why was the feeling of her arms, snaked around his, pressing him close to her chest, shatter his ability to think?
He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself. When he opened his eyes, Thalia was still staring up at him, waiting patiently for an answer.
"There's a bookstore here." Even as he said it, Maktov felt it fell flat of expectations. He forced himself to not shift awkwardly.
If Thalia was disappointed, she didn't show it. "Alright, lead the way."
Brusquely, Maktov nodded and began to guide Thalia once more. He didn't know if the stares stopped or if Thalia felt they did. Then again, it was hard to think with her so close, so warm, so soft against him. It took discipline just to remember to breathe.
Similar feelings fluttered through her. Whether the looks stopped had completely fled her mind. She just focused on Maktov. The muscles shifting under her arm, his body heat, the almost fuzzy sensation of the shadow aura around him grazing her. She had to admit, it felt strangely nice. Like something she had been missing for a long time.
And maybe it was. Intimate touch, even from platonic relations, wasn't something she experienced much of, since her ex. Sure, there'd been a couple one-night stands over the years, when she was desperate and really aching, but it always made her so sad afterward.
"Here we are." Maktov stopped, motioning toward the store with his free hand.
It looked like any other independent bookstore that Thalia had come across, except dimly lit with orbs of light hanging from the ceiling. To her, it looked closed, but she could see shadowy shapes browsing the tall shelves. Moved with curiosity, she untangled herself from Maktov's arm and ventured in. The scent of old and new books curled around her as soon as she entered, but unable to make out the genre signs, Thalia simply wandered aimlessly.
Maktov followed behind her, watching her manage slowly in the dark. A small part of him wanted her touch again, wanted her body pressed against him. Dutifully, he shoved the thought far away.
"Hey, Maktov?"
"Yes?"
"I know you said shadow demons have pretty secretive communities, but is there any recommended reading material?" She glanced over her shoulder, knowing he lingered close. "You know, about culture or history?"
"That particular section is over there, ma'am." A form solidified from the shadows, pale and red-eyed and sporting a cramped 'Theodonious' on a nametag. Thalia jumped, turning to stare wide-eyed at the employee who suddenly appeared. The employee, whether amused or good-humored, flashed pointed canines in a smile as they produced a small, gently glowing orb from a pocket. "And I believe a bit of light will help you, yes?"
"Oh, thank you!" Thalia took the orb and made her way to the books the employee indicated. As soon as she turned, the employee's gaze flicked to Maktov, smile faltering as they melded back into shadows.
Maktov rolled his eyes at the employee, but trailed after Thalia as she gleaned over titles with a critical eye. At his approach, she looked up. "So, any suggestions?"
With the glow from the orb, Maktov slid his glasses back on and squinted at the available titles. It was true there was little information out there and a good chunk of it was written by people less than certified to write about his people. But, he also didn't really make a habit about reading outsiders' point of views. He'd grown up in an underground community, taught the culture and beliefs and religion for his particular community. Then he left it for a 'more promising' world. Though, like all groups, there were variations. The thought someone else might turn to him for guidance in appropriate reading material hadn't ever occurred to him, though.
Maktov pulled a few books down, flipping them over to read the back. Usually, he'd shove the tome back with a snort, before moving onto another promising option. There weren't tons of options for specifically shadow demons. Perhaps ten, at most.
"This one seems alright." He held his choice out to Thalia, expecting her to simply glance through it for interesting tidbits.
Adjusting her hold on the orb, she took the book from him and flipped it open. First, she looked over the table of contents, which Maktov had noticed didn't simply lump all shadow demons into a singular culture. Then, she turned to the back, where the author's photo - a shadowy figure sitting in a chair with the same sort of white eyes as Maktov, but a 'fluffier' looking shadow aura - and short biographical niblet resided. Finally, Thalia flipped through the book, pausing to take a look at photos and captions.
"Alright," Thalia finally said, holding the book to her chest. "Anything you were planning to buy?"
"Wait, you're actually buying that?"
"Yes...?"
"Why?" A sudden flare of heat licked up him. It felt like she was looking through embarrassing baby photos of him, for some indescribable reason.
Tilting her head to the side, a slightly confused smile tilted at her lips. "Why do you think I wanted your opinion on a book about shadow demons?"
"I don't know." Maktov couldn't help hunching his shoulders, suddenly feeling a bit nonsensical. What would he be afraid of her finding out? She wasn't the sort to make fun of him or to use his weaknesses against him. But still, concern itched at his stomach. "Blackmail?"
Thalia laughed, shaking her head. A different type of heat crawled up Maktov's spine. "I'd like to understand you better, Maktov. Everything in this book might not apply to you, but maybe something will. You did choose it."
He could've argued. Could've poked holes in her reasoning. But, Maktov couldn't find the words. Staring down at her, with a smug smile and the book held close to her chest, sent a flurry of confusing feelings and thoughts through him. Instead, he stiffly turned away and headed toward another section.
She watched him, an array of thoughts twitching along his shadow face. Too bad she couldn't make out the subtle shifts in this lighting. As he abruptly turned, Thalia had her bit her lip to keep her grin from growing. Had she flustered him? That was probably just wishful thinking on her part. It still amused her as she trailed after him, holding the small orb aloft and keeping an eye on any titles that drew her attention.
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