𝓢𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝓑𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉

Grace had never been overly fond of Halloween. The jump scares, the requirement of costumes...she’d simply never understood the appeal of it. Yet here she was at the carnival, a pair of white wings and a matching halo accessorizing the otherwise mundane white lace dress. “I feel ridiculous.”

“Keep your pity to yourself,” Grace barked, turning towards the other even before she’d spoken. Some people’s thoughts were just a bit too loud for there own good. Even a skilled telepath had trouble ignoring certain things. Glancing down at the package in question, a brow raised. “Odd, considering I don’t live in the dorms, and haven’t for a few of years.” Graduating early had been one of her prouder accomplishments. “I guess I should probably thank you.” That very statement being about as close to thanking someone as she got.

Taking the offered page, Grace read over the email in full. A low groan escaped as she recognized her own name listed as the one to be interviewed. “I had this in my calendar for next week,” she huffed a moment later, returning the paper. She hadn’t exactly been thrilled to be selected in the first place, but she chose to view it as a means to becoming a full employee instead of merely an intern. “Come on, I’ll take you somewhere quiet where we can take care of this.”

Fuck. “Whatever,” Grace grumbled, unable to come up with anything else as she stepped around the girl and her dog. Another word wouldn’t be uttered, lest she risk looking worse than she already did.

“Do you have a problem with mutants?” Grace growled, the glowing of her eyes intensifying as she glared at the male. No hesitation taken, she began using her abilities to cause him pain. Intense and searing, much like the rage his comment had spurred in her. If there was one thing that truly got to her, it was anti-mutant bigotry. Even the smallest implication drove her to act.

“What? Do you actually have something intelligent to contribute? Or is it just more self deprecation?”

Grace hummed in response. That was certainly easier than she thought it was going to be. No matter, she had work to get done, though she couldn’t deny her disappointment at not be given a reason to toy with his head. Looking over the books he’d collected, she had no trouble in finding the one she needed. “Thanks.”

The familiar voice drew the blonde’s attention easily, signature scowl cracking into a rare smile meant only for those closest to her. Amy certainly qualified. “Honestly, I just don’t understand why she came to me for advice in the first place. I mean, seriously, do I look like a nice person to you? I spent years trying to develop resting bitch face, just to deter such things.” Clearly more work was needed on that front.

At least he seemed genuine, something she didn’t need confirmed by a glimpse inside his mind. No, his face said enough. “Luckily you caught me in a good mood.” This was a good mood? “I’ll forgive the minor indiscretion. I really would check his office. If nothing else, someone up there should have an answer for you.”

“Good, one less mindless drone to bother me with her incessant buzzing,” Grace snapped, hoping the metaphor wouldn’t be lost. “Now, would you like to join her on my bad side, or do you actually have something important to contribute?”

“Personal choice,” she answered easily, again right on point with her deadpan delivery. Free hand placed on her hip, she narrowed her gaze. A gaze which seemed to glow as she took a peek inside the boy’s head. “Nor do I plan to. You know, you really should listen to that inner voice of yours. It seems far wiser than the one you use to speak.

“And what prevents you from being the one to go around, exactly?”

“No, but I’d gladly fuck with your head just enough to throw you right over the edge of ever coming back,” Grace returned without even missing a beat. His second comment was enough to make her grimace, disgust evident. “Ugh, do people actually say that?”