A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps

We get an early start the next day and after showering and having a rushed breakfast, we stumble out to my car, bleary-eyed and barely functioning. Or rather Ashton and I are barely functioning. Fin somehow seems just as put together as usual and frankly it's kind of pissing me off. No one should be so cheerful in the morning, it's just weird and feels borderline illegal.

“I will sit in the front.” Ashton declares with a challenging stare directed at Fin. I just shrug and accept it. Okay, whatever. I don't know why he's declaring it so fiercely, it's not like Fin is arguing, in fact he just nods happily and hops into the back seat where he struggles with the seatbelt for a moment. I offer to help him but after glancing at Ashton, Fin declines my assistance. He's being weird today, actually they're both being kind of weird this morning but I'm not sure exactly why. All I know is that Ashton is being a lot bossier towards Fin than he has been thus far. I'd be concerned but Fin is taking it in stride and appears totally unaffected. Besides, their relationship isn't my business. I trust that Fin can stand up for himself. Probably. Although if Ashton keeps acting so standoffish to his friend I'm definitely going to snap eventually. It's really weird though because he didn't seem to have an issue before.

We arrive at the first address on the list and I pull out my phone to check the time. It's still kind of early, we might not actually get much cooperation if we knock on the door now so I suggest that we go for a walk for half an hour or so to make sure the guy we're looking for is definitely awake and has had time for coffee. It might be early but the weather is already warm enough that it won't be unpleasant. Actually, walking around later in the day would probably suck. The guys agree easily enough and we end up walking in a weird triangle with myself and Ashton at the front and Fin trailing behind us. My phone vibrates in my bag and I pull it out to check my messages.

Lucy- Morning Kat. How's it going with your fabulous fae houseguests? Do you guys need anything? I'd be happy to help out. ;)

Kat- You just want to see Finvara again. Lolnovelbin

Lucy- Well duh. It's not fair for you to keep them both to yourself.

Kat-You're not wrong. I'll see if anything comes up that you can help with. If not, then you can join us for dinner or something, deal?

Lucy- Deal! You're a great friend. I knew I loved you for a reason.

Kat- Just don't get too attached. It's not like they'll be staying here forever, and I'm pretty sure humans can't go to their realm.

Lucy- Well that's disappointing. But you can't pretend you aren't getting attached. I saw you and Ashton together. Besides, clearly it's not that big a deal for them to visit, so I'm not ruling out the possibility. Do you think Fin liked me? I was kind of acting like an idiot, spinning around and ripping my own dress. I'm so embarrassed.

Kat- He told me he would be happy to see you again, and fae can't lie.

Kat- Plus he said he enjoyed meeting you.

Lucy- YES! That means I have a chance, right?

Lucy- Wait, is he even single? You need to find out for me! Please!

Kat- I'll do my best. Ashton is cranky this morning. I'm wondering if he and Fin fought over something, although I have no idea when they would have had the chance. Maybe when I was in the shower?

Lucy- Guys are dumb, but they'll probably get over it fast. Maybe give them food? That helps me when I'm grumpy.

Kat- Lol. I'll figure something out.

I pause our walk so that I can face them both while speaking.

"Hey guys, do you mind if Lucy joins us for dinner? She's keen to hang out, and she usually spends a lot more time with me than she has this week." I explain. I watch Fin closely to see how he reacts to my mentioning her, but surprisingly Ashton is the one to react strongly.

"Yes! You should definitely invite your friend to dinner." He says eagerly. Huh? I didn't think that Ashton liked Lucy that much. I thought he found her a bit overwhelming. I look back to Fin for confirmation from him too.

"I would enjoy speaking with your friend again. I appreciate her enthusiasm." He says. Well that's an interesting way of phrasing things. Either way, it was a straightforward enough response for me to know that he does enjoy her company at least.

As we head back the way we came, I notice that Ashton seems a lot cheerier. Maybe the walk woke him up a little.

"So Lucy and I were talking and it sort of came up in conversation. Do either of you have girlfriends?" I ask, trying to keep my tone casual but to be honest I doubt that I'm succeeding. The guys both look slightly confused by the question. Fin is the first to respond.

"Based on the way you are asking, I suppose that you are not referring to friendships with females but rather something more significant?" He says hesitantly, a question in his tone. I laugh.

"Yeah, a girlfriend would be a romantic partner, but one you aren't married to. More than just a friend who is a girl, but not a permanent commitment." I clarify.

"A girlfriend would refer to a woman you are courting." Ashton concludes and I nod.

"Sure, that sounds about right." I agree.

"In that case no. I am not courting anyone currently. I do not have a girlfriend." Fin answers easily. I fight the urge to grin. Lucy will be thrilled.

"I am also not courting anyone back home." Ashton answers. This time, I do smile and I turn away as I text Lucy while trying to hide my reaction.

"I'll let Luce know she can join us for dinner." I tell them.

Kat- Dinner is a go. Also I confirmed, both Ashton and Fin are 100% single. Or in their words ‘not currently courting anyone'

Lucy- Perfect. I'll be there at six? Let me know if you guys decide to eat out and I'll meet you there and wear something cute.

Kat- You like Fin, you're going to wear something cute anyway.

Lucy- Well yeah, but if we're eating at your place I'll be careful to pick something that's cute but doesn't look like I'm trying too hard.

Kat- I wouldn't worry too much. I doubt the fae know much about human women's fashion. Just wear something comfy and flattering and you'll be fine.

Lucy- Good point!. Think I can get away with that pink sundress we got last time we went shopping?

Kat- I think that would be perfect.

We arrive back at the car and Ashton's foul mood seems to have completely vanished. Even Fin, who was already in a decent mood, seems to have a bit of extra bounce in his step.

"I think you guys should try talking to him this time." I inform them. Ashton frowns, a little confused.

"Why? You are very good at getting people to share information.” he states.

“Thanks, but this guy was just manipulated by a fae woman, I'm betting he's not feeling super generous towards young women right now. He might be more comfortable speaking to you first. Once he's talking I can probably try and help out and I'll still clarify things if needed, but I really think you'll get more out of him if you talk to him yourself." I explain. Understanding passes over Ashton's face.

"Once again you prove how thoughtful you are. I had not considered that. Very well, we will try to speak to this man with your assistance." he agrees.

"Perfect. Let's go."