Ch 4 – A second meeting.

The dark night embraced Malcolm in a cocoon as he laid in his unmade bed, and his thoughts poured over the day's events like a waterfall would into river. He wasn't sure how to feel after being succumbed to the woman's overbearing torment, and all Malcolm could ponder on was how this pain impacted Tobias daily.

What is she doing to him? How is she draining his mana so quickly, and why not just kill him now? His thoughts were possessive, for he yearned to question or even kill Tobias himself. The bastard probably thought he was dead, after all.

Malcolm knew the pain that lingered was only of his imagination, yet he squirmed in discomfort and took shallow breaths between his flooded thoughts. The flares of fire rising through his body felt genuine in that moment, and sounds of the desperate screams pierced the veil that kept him sane. They echoed like a drop of water would against a sink, and carried a desire to be set free.

That wench was so fuckin' screwed up. He thought. I've got to tell someone. I can't just push my feelings away this time.

He knew it wasn't the time or place to approach Vi about this, and feared that such a disturbed tale would isolate Jayce from him. The last thing he wanted was to screw a chance at a new relationship up, despite it being a happy accident. The man gave off a vibe that was too inviting to refuse.

He fumbled in the sheets - a response to the uncomfortable events that replayed in his mind, and closed his eyes tighter in hopes of drowning the flashbacks out with a peaceful dream. Anything would be better than replaying the events, but the torment Malcolm endured was too severe. The sharp threads of reality threatened to slice him like a skilled samurai, and the serene light his dreams offered would then burn the wounds he endured.

I guess I can text Jayce. I doubt he's up, but maybe the guy can give me a good laugh tomorrow. He thought

Malcolm withdrew a hand from the comfort of his blanket and fumbled for his cell phone on the dark brown nightstand. The phone's light illuminated against the pitch black bedroom, yet Malcolm still feel like a speck of dust compared to the darkness that surrounded him. He adjusted his eyes to the menu settings, and they eventually settled from an indistinguishable blur to clear colorful icons.

He tapped the green messaging icon and typed Jayce's number in from memory. The message was brief.

Hey, just wanted to text you my number. Had a great time last night.

Malcolm clicked send and half heartedly tossed his phone back on the nightstand. It was going to be a restless night. He didn't expect to receive a text back, and opted to ponder how his meeting would go tomorrow.

Should I tell the full or partial truth. He thought. Would this guy even believe me anyway? 'Hey there's this crazy chick that tried to kill me and has my former partner in crime locked up in some place called the Shadow Isles' Seems legit.

He felt defeated, and acknowledged keeping this to himself wasn't an option.

Buzz.

His phone illuminated face down on the nightstand. Malcolm groaned and reached for his phone. The response he received was concise yet concerned..

How thoughtful. Shouldn't you be asleep

It took Malcolm a moment to respond.

'ur awake too though? Lot's of stuff on my mind.'

He powered the home screen off and laid his head back down on a pillow after the reply was sent, and the phone vibrated again immediately after the tired man closed his eyes.

'Only because you messaged me. ;) We'll talk about it tomorrow. Meet me at the local Cafe by where u work. '

Malcolm felt terrible for waking Jayce at an early hour, for his midnight messages could've waited until morning. He couldn't fathom how to relay even part of yesterday's events to him, or anyone for that matter.

An investigation of his own seemed only partially viable because even with all of the books he possessed no references to the shadow isles existed. The torment Malcolm endured could be referenced with ease if he owned a book on the topic. The description would be simple - fatle agony. Malcolm acknowledged in defeat that he had nothing on the topic, and perhaps some further research would do him some justice.

He sighed under the weight of his emotions and closed his eyes. He evened out his breathing by imagining tomorrow's events. An honest conversation with Jayce - a man who captured his full interest. The demented memories scattered away like thrown ashes in a breeze. A delightful dream of tomorrow's possible events layered themselves over his new fears.

It was 8 o'clock in the morning, and the sunlight through the window woke Malcolm before his alarm went off. He sat upright lingered on the edge of his bed, and the bright ray's bathed him in an irresistible warmth. The ice cold floors jolted the tired man wide awake. He walked towards a pallet of clothes and dressed himself in a dark short sleeved blue shirt with black colored jeans.

Malcolm slumped into his shoes and walked towards the restroom. He went through the usual ritual of spiking his hair up a few inches, and blitzing the hazel scented cologne across his chest. The mirror echoed his confident, contemplative complexion. Malcolm turned away from his reflection to remedy his sleepiness, and - after turning the sink on - cold water ran through his hands while he massaged his eyes to a more alert status. He exited the bathroom and grabbed his keys, cigarettes, phone and his wallet.

Malcolm locked the door behind him as he stepped outside. The gorgeous overcast-free morning promised a day without worry.

Well, time to get a lot off my chest today. He thought. Malcolm's objective for today was cemented - give Jayce the full truth, even if it freaks him out.

He walked beside the city's light traffic, and couldn't help but replay possible scenarios of the meeting. Would Jayce take him seriously? What if he left mid conversation? Hell, a woman that succumbed him to the floor painted an image for Jayce to laugh at.

Malcolm rolled his eyes, annoyed at how this could turn out,and forced his thoughts aside. He didn't want to worry about it anymore, for the walk to the local coffee joint, cupcake emporium, was only a few blocks away. Footsteps echoed down the crosswalk near his workplace, and yellow scraps of paint clung tightly against the building in the light breeze.

This bastard better not stand me up. He thought.

He walked along the busy street and made his way to the cafe's entrance Malcolm opened the door, and found new scents of coffee and fresh baked goods replaced the smoggy smell of the city. The sudden shift was pleasant, and - for a moment - he couldn't recall why he came here. He took a moment to examine his surroundings. The building was decorated with mahogany hardwood floors, tables were colored white with some black stools, and the booths had large blue cushions to compliment the red tables.

"Hey there, Malcolm." the voice belonged to Jayce.

Malcolm spotted him in a booth towards the back. He approached Jayce slowly with uneven strides. Thinking of going through with this was one thing, it was another to speak of the events evenly.

"H-Howdy," Malcolm replied before he sat down.

Malcolm cleared his throat in an attempt to disguise his nervousness, but it appeared Jayce saw right through it.

"So, did you get any sleep at all?"

"Maybe two hours at best. I almost have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not asleep right now."

"Oh, is that your way of telling me you were dreaming of a second date with me? How cute."

Malcolm cupped his face to hide his scarlett cheeks and furrowed his brows in response. He expected this kind of treatment from Jayce, yet he didn't anticipate the teasing to affect him so badly. It felt like his face was beginning to burn, and after a few moments of not responding Jayce chimed in again,

"Damn you're adorable when flustered."

"S-shut up. I'm n-not flustered damnit!"

"You're not doing a good job of convincing me. Try talking in clear English without stuttering."

Malcolm's face, laced with embarrassment and annoyance, ebbed from the light scarlet shade into a bright cherry color. His face was now akin to being on fire. He was wrong to assume this would be easy.

"Can I get you guy's some coffee, cake, or tea today?" a waitress in a blue striped uniform chimed suddenly next to them.

Thank god. Malcolm thought.

He breathed a quick sigh and glanced towards the woman. Just as he was about to ask for some coffee - Jayce chimed in,

"Two black coffees please. Bring a few packets of cream and sugar out too."

"Thanks, that'll be seven gold. I'll have it out to you two shortly."

Jayce handed the woman seven coins, and turned his attention back to Malcolm as she shuffled behind the counter to prepare their order. He flashed a cocky grin and relaxed into the booth's seat a little more. Jayce clearly intended to toy with Malcolm the entire time.

"So how'd you know I want coffee. Are you skilled enough to read my damn mind?" Malcolm hissed.

"No. I just figured you'd like it. How the hell can you not like coffee?" Jayce chuckled. "So. I want to actually learn more about you without any B.S. answers. Where'd you come from before living in Piltover, Mr. freelancer of sorts?"

Malcolm sighed - it was time to tell him the entire awkward truth, and Jayce's expression was intent on getting answers from him.

"Well. I guess I could make a long story short."

"No, not at all. I've got all the time in the world today."

Jayce's persistence stretched into a thin razor sharp line on Malcolm's nerves. The man would stop at nothing just to hear his past. Admittedly, he felt like it was his fault for not being a good liar. Malcolm's attempt to remain stoic were futile.

"I guess you could say I've lived a life of crime. I had a good friend I traveled with for awhile."

"Oh, so you're a bad boy then? Was he cute?"

"No. I'm a good guy. Didn't I say he was a damn friend? You're looking more like the bad boy with this interrogation though."

Jayce's eyes widened with amusement. It seemed, to Malcolm, like he caught himself in his date's moved his hand to malcolm's and dwindled his fingers between the crevices of the other man's hand. It was like Jayce's way of showing he was in control of their game of chess, for his hand covered any playing field Malcolm had to interject with. The younger man's touch came with a feeling of sureness.

The waitress spoke, "Here's your coffee. Enjoy you two!"

The woman placed a few packets of sugar on the table along with a canister of chilled creamer, and gave them an eager smile while she returned to her duties. Jayce picked up his coffee without hesitation and drank careful sips. Malcolm furrowed his brows and stuck his tongue out in disgust. Black coffee was too bitter for him.

Jayce noticed his reaction - grinned wildly - and spoke, "Oh god. Big ol' tough guy can't stand black coffee? You're adorable."

Malcolm used his free hand to empty a liberal amount of creamer into his coffee, and emptied two sugar packets into the cup. He swirled them around until the mixture was a light brown, and took a sip before replying to Jayce.

"Well, not my fault I can't stand bitter shit. Seems fitting for you to drink though."

"Oh come on. I'm not that terrible. Anyway, tell me more. Why'd you come to this boring ass town?"

Malcolm gulped him anxiety down and shifted his gaze from Jayce's face to the hand that covered his. He rubbed Jayce's hand for comfort and thought about where to start. He wasn't sure whether to start off with a disclaimer of sorts - this is crazy I know, but - or just tell the story normally. He sighed in annoyance and glanced back to his date's ocean blue eyes. Regardless, he knew this man wouldn't take no for an answer.

"I'm not sure if you'll believe me."

"If you start off with saying that I will. You're a shitty liar. Tell me and we'll go from there."

"Okay then. Well - I basically lead a life of thievery for several years with this guy. We attempted to rob a treasury, and I was left to die after we got caught. Now I'm here in Piltover simply trying to start over and be a good person."

"I should tie you up and detain you for that."

Jayce snickered, and Malcolm returned a flustered expression. He wasn't aware this guy would turn everything into a joke or try to make him flustered at every turn. It was a refreshing take on life after living on the same cycle for a few years.

"In all seriousness things were finally ok up until yesterday."

"Why's that? Did I cause you to remember this friend somehow?"

"No. it's the opposite honestly. I decided to put him behind me, and while we were out yesterday a woman said he was locked up in some location called the shadow isles. I was approached by that same woman and she put some kind of enchantment on me. I felt like my whole body was being ripped apart. Vi found me just before she went in for the kill I think, and then she vanished"

"What the hell?! You sure you weren't high off something? I'd never think a demon would run around in Piltover. We have strong defences against such creatures or malevolent magics."

"Yes I'm sure, and feel like shit now. I swear that bastard left me to die on purpose, and I wanna beat his ass and get some answers before I kill him." Graves took a breath in frustration before continuing, "I've looked all over my research material and advanced magical books my friend referenced. There's no mention of the shadow isles anywhere there or on a map of Runterra."

Jayce furrowed his brows in concern and shot his eyes towards the ceiling. Malcolm had a feeling he was hiding something.

"Well. I don't know about killing him, but if you're looking for information on the shadow isles I know a bright mage in Demacia that might have some information."

"Great. Can you draw me a map or something so I can see them?"

"Hell. I'll take you there, but on one condition."

"And that is?"

Jayce moved his hand away from Malcolm's and placed it on his right shoulder instead. He leaned forward closer to him, and started intently into his eyes. Malcolm froze in place as he wasn't sure what Jayce wanted.

"Kiss me."

Despite being alone in the back of a cafe, Malcolm hesitated. His first idea was to pull away and play it off, but then he might not get the answers he wanted. That, or Jayce would tease him until he got what he wanted. There seemed to be a force like gravity that caused his face to slowly pull towards the other man's. Malcolm could feel Jayce's hot breath brush against his scruff. He could feel beneath Jayce's cocky and playful attitude lied desire, and toyed with him a moment.

His lips brushed above his like sun would through rainy clouds, and Malcolm had every intention of making him wait for it. He brushed his lifts softly over Jayce's, and felt a surge of warmth flow through him. Jayce took the lead in the kiss and leaned forward into him. He cupped Malcolm's face and pulled apart a few moments later. The separation -momentarily- felt felt like a butterfly losing its wings.

Damnit. This guy does things to me. He thought bitterly.

"I'll pick you up at 4 O'clock." Jayce spoke.

Jayce called the waitress over to collect their cups and glanced back at Malcolm. He had a smile that was different from his usually cocky look.

"You know Malcolm. I like you quite a bit. I hope we can find whatever answers you're looking for," Jayce said

"Well enough about me. I haven't heard anything about you other than what you study," Malcolm replied.

"I'm the just an inventor for the largest company here. No crazy women are trying to murder me or anything."

Malcolm delivered a firm playful punch to the other man's shoulder. They then stood up and turned towards the door to leave. Once outside, Jayce reached for Malcolm's hand.

"Let me walk you home. I don't live too far away." Jayce spoke with intent.

Malcolm nodded in reply and sought the comfort of Jayce's hand. His fingers twindled between the other man's while they paced to his home. The scenes of cars rolling through the streets, people sending messages on their hex phones, and the children coming home from school were all a blur. Nothing else mattered but Jayce in that moment, and It was an eerily familiar feeling he reminisced with Tobias before the betrayal. He tried to brush the thought aside.

This is different. He told himself

The two shared only each other's company, for not a single word was spoken during the walk home. It was like the calm before the storm. Malcolm knew he was finally going to get his answers, or at least he would be on the right path to finding them. What came after may result in either a bloody massacre or a somber feeling he could never shake off again. This time, he knew he wasn't alone though. Jayce would be here beside him - someone who was actually genuinely interested in him for who he was.

Malcolm suddenly found they were in front of his door. Jayce gave him a swift embrace and kissed his forehead - the familiar electrical pulses from the other night returned. He smiled and waved behind him.

"I'll see you later tonight."

Those words gave Malcolm all of the reassurance he needed. For once, everything seemed to be piecing itself together. The answers he craved were only a few steps away in the journey of what initially felt like a thousand miles. His eyes gleamed with happiness, something he had almost forgotten again after that night's horrific events.