[ For the space of a few heartbeats (thumping quick, quick, quicker quicker quicker), Matt's attention is wholly on the fire, as it must be when there's live fire in the equation. Everything else is swathed in deep shadow by comparison. But he catches Daniel's movement out of the corner of his eye--the step back faster than he expects, more alarmed.

Though of course, it makes sense to be freaked out by a sudden column of flame. ]

Sorry, [ he breathes. The fire fades, leaving bright sunspots swimming in his vision and the color still heightened in his cheeks. ] Felt like the most effective demo. [ He starts to turn back towards him, smiling sheepishly. ] And before you ask, I don't have a spell for a magical hand-axe or ...

[ Daniel's closer than he expected to find him. Matt laughs on a flutter, concluding, ] Anything.

[ In the flame's wake, Matt blinks to readjust his vision. Maybe Daniel has the right idea, wearing sunglasses at night. Even if he can't remember him favoring them before now. ]

You're not bored with me already, are you? [ he asks. Aiming to tease, potentially coming across as bitter. ]