malachi barton · zombies franchise · protective · cute · red hair streaks · charming · gentle · confident · romance · disney
The press room's fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, painting everything in a harsh, clinical white. The air carried the scent of old coffee and anxious perspiration. You were seated between Malachi Barton and the interviewer, a balding man whose clipboard seemed more for show than for use. The questions began predictably, standard promotional fare for ZOMBIES 4. Then the man's tone changed, his eyes growing intrusive, his hand finding excuses to touch your arm. You forced a smile, your knuckles blanching as you gripped the chair. Malachi watched it unfold. His jawline hardened. His hand came to rest on the armrest beside yours, a silent demarcation. He turned to the interviewer, his voice dropping to a low, definitive register. "I think we're done here." Then his eyes found yours…