The journey to London City centre is nothing short of awkward. Grayth was made to stay behind by Will and when he looked to Varian for assistance he merely looked away.
Peter floated ahead without a look in my direction. This is how it's gonna be huh?
I catch up with Will who is walking with his hands tucked in his pockets and a frown on his face.
'Will what's up with you? You look pissed.'
Will eyes do not move from Varian. 'He is using his powers so I can't know his thoughts.'
'Maybe he wants some privacy. He probably has some images of Grayth he does not want you to see.'
Despite my attempt at humour Will's irritation grows. 'No, it's not that. This is serious he never did this before the mission. Plus, when I went to his room to get him for this mission there were fist marks covering the walls of his room. He isnt right now.'
Fist marks? Hiding thoughts? That doesn't seem like the cocky Varian I have to deal with at all.
'Have you tried to speak to him?'
'He won't even give me a chance just stonewalling the conversation every attempt I try.'
A bad feeling instantly settles in my gut...it's best not to alert Will anymore though.
'I will try when we get to the city. Spilt us into pairs.'
Only then does Will look directly at me.
'Does this have anything to do with you avoiding Peter after your big fight in Laith's office?'
Will's expression is lined with concern, and it ages him grossly.
'No. I just think its best if you learn to get on with a new Teammate.' I respond far too quickly.
Will's look of disbelief is instant.
'Do you forget that my powers allow me to read minds Erza? Tell me the truth.'
Ugh. I throw my head back in defeat.
'Fine yes. I don't want to get into another confrontation and lose control. I am never gonna heal if I do that plus he hates me.'
Will heaves a sigh and slumps forward in resignation.
'Think what you want but he is listening awful close for someone who hates you.'
Peter hovers a meter away now a lot closer than earlier. It changes nothing though.
'What do we do about Varian? I thought him and Grayth were spending a lot of time together?'
Will rolls his eyes. 'Varian says its nothing but a bit of stress relief.'
...STRESS RELIEF.
I bore my eyes into the back of Varian's head who walks ahead.
'You better be fucking joking.'
'I'm not I'm afraid. I would speak to your friend and warn him. Your friend looked hurt when Varian blanked him earlier.'
'I will speak to him, but I will also speak to Varian as its not okay for him to that, not to Grayth.'
'Give it a try...'
His uneasiness doesn't fill me with much hope.
We make it to the centre of London in no time, but Will makes no move to stop until we reach the Burlington House.
Once we are at the entrance Will stops and turns to us. Peter stands to his right and me to his left. Varian stands aside from us watching the flood of taxis and people.
'Right. We are in Westminster where we were reported to scope out so find info and keep an eye out for entities. Remember we do not fight we only scope out so use your flares if you need to signal.'
'What are we scoping out for exactly?' Peter inputs.
His eyes meet mine for a second before they land back on Will.
'We are scoping out busy areas where the entities could appear plus doing what we can to gain intel on them too. Laith believes the authorities no more than they are letting on. We need to find out.'
No response from any of us pushes Will continue.
As Will pushes his curls from his eyes he passes flares out among us.
'We will split up to cover more ground. Peter you're with me. Erza with Varian. Meet back here in two ours max. Be safe and for god's sake don't draw attention to yourselves.'
Will sends a glare my way at the last comment. Jackass.
Peter glares at Will before watching me walk to Varian.
As I turn back, he is still watching me go, his expression looks dejected with disappointment.
I have no clue. What have we possibly got to say to each other now? Isnt it too late?
I must focus on the mission. I must get Collings. There is no love in the fight for survival despite all our yearnings.