Gathering the Stations

Celeste didn't look convinced.

"You're literally steaming," she said flatly, eyeing the smoke rising from his hands.

Michael tilted his head. Oh yeah... Strange.

"Okay, so maybe a little burnt," he admitted. "Nothing a good night's sleep can't fix. Of course, you can stay over again if you want."

"Michael," she said seriously, ignoring his comment and stepping forward, "You could've died."

"I didn't, though," he grinned. "That's the important part."

She opened her mouth like she wanted to argue—but closed it with a sigh instead.

"Next time, just… call me or something," she muttered, her fingers brushing over his arm like she was checking for more injuries.

A faint smile appeared on his face. "You don't need to be so concerned about me. I had it all under control."

"Did you?" Lila's voice rang out as she finally landed down beside him, her hands stained with black blood.