Deflecting from everything

Mia eyed Ford carefully. Was he implying what she thought?

They hadn't spoken much for what felt like a long time… until today. Ford crooked his elbow slightly, and she moved her fingers to clasp there. It was indeed more stable than holding his hand as they continued to wade across the water.

Taking his arm had moved Mia closer to him, and she grimaced when someone coughed behind them. Papa was probably unhappy with this, but it did, in fact, help to keep her from falling.

"Is this all right?" Ford asked suddenly. "I mean… does it still help not drain your magic, or is skin contact required?"

He blinked as if the question had come out far differently than he intended, and looked away. Mia's face heated. It was a valid question, but that didn't make it easier to talk about.

"This is fine," She glossed past the part where his question could have been interpreted poorly. "Thank you."