Kissy made a little faux curtsy as she made her way out of the door. In honesty, she was a little flustered from having her ego stroked. It was an amazing thing to have real self-confidence in yourself. As much as people at Halcyon could come down on her, there were times when Kissy could reassure herself firmly that she had talent.
Flying for the first time and seeing the what she assumed was shocked expression on Mr. Hecaloom's face. Her proud stance as she finished her Season of Dance number. Reminding herself that she'd met no other student who could do what she did with smell and taste. Being able to help out Frankie.
But still, she struck out with the boys and Kissy was finding it a little harder lately to not let the little cracks in her confidence show. "Thanks!" She hopped out of the room eagerly. When he'd come up behind her she'd been a little surprised --older siblings and cousins made you quick to easy tricks--, but he'd been so nice to her. And unpatronizingly so. Kissy wasn't thinking logically about the attention he was paying to her. Only that it felt good and different to have it without feeling like the youngest.
She let him close the door but never bothered to lock it --she wasn't going to change that today. He stood by her and waited for her lead. Kissy smiled back at him over her shoulder and walked on, immediately setting off into a long list of things she still had to do and kNock listening to her patiently all the way through dinner. Cooing appropriately at her magic. Staring at her intently. Being so polite and thoughtful.
By the time she got back to her room she realized she hadn't had a day this good in a long time. He made her happier about going home to her family. Next time, she would have to invite him to come visit. It had to be tough to be alone.