A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan
Rule 46- It’s better to seek forgiveness than wait for permission.

Finvara gives me a deep nod. I smile at him and he startles.

"Oh, I believe the human greeting when being introduced to someone new included a strange hand gesture." Since his right hand is still holding the glowing rock, he awkwardly holds his left hand out with his palm facing the ground. I just shrug.

"It's fine, you don't have to. I know you guys aren't as touchy as we are." I wave him off and he drops his hand to his side and gives me a slight smile.

"It is good of you to understand that. I was not sure." He says pleasantly. Ashton squeezes my hand lightly and smiles at me sideways so I guess I did something right.

"Anyway, there's no reason for us to be standing around in the doorway. Come inside... I was just about to arrange dinner. Are you hungry?” I dash through the house quickly, turn out lights and set up a candle in the living room until the place is set up the same way it was on Asthon's first night here. Finvara looks at me curiously as I join them in the living room. Both men are seated on either side of the large couch. I go to sit between them but Ashton immediately moves over towards his friend and leaves space for me on his side. Okay then. I take a seat and pull out my phone.

"Hey Finvara, or is it Fin? Is there anything you don't like to eat?" I confirm before ordering anything. He answers that I can call him Fin and similarly to Ashton that he's fine with anything so I order a couple pizzas to be delivered. Getting comfortable, Ashton removes the glamour that he put back on to answer the door causing Fin to raise his eyebrow in surprise. Oh right, I'm not supposed to see that am I? Oh well. I wait for someone to start the discussion to explain what Fin is doing here. Ashton is the one to speak.

“Fin, I assume my mother sent you after me. But how did you know I would be here?” He asks curiously.

"Your mother did send me. She asked me to tell you that it was rash and irresponsible of you to run off alone and that I should make sure you are secure or do what I must to convince you to return. It is not my place to criticise you, but I find I am displeased that you left me behind. As for finding you, I have a tracking charm your mother made when we were children to keep track of you." He places the glowing stone on the coffee table. Cool, that sounds useful.

"Now, I assume you came here to capture your father's killers. What progress have you made? And how did you form an acquaintance with Miss Fall?" Fin asks. Before Ashton can answer I chime in.

"You can call me Kat." Fin glances at Ashton for confirmation. Ashton just shrugs.

"Very well Kat." Fin agrees easily. Much easier than Ashton did. I suppose he's following Ashton's lead on this. He must have seen people walking around clothed because he is wearing a very human looking outfit, including a shirt, although he doesn't have any shoes on. I would bet money that his shirt is part of his glamour.

"We have successfully captured one of the assassins. He was an imp and is currently locked away and guarded by the human police until I am ready to transport him home. We are in the process of searching for the remaining criminals." Ashton updates his friend.

"Very well, how may I assist you with this?" Fin asks. Ashton pauses and turns to me. Uh, darn. I don't know either.

"Do you know anything else about these assassins? We're currently searching reports for any unusual activity that may be related to magic. We also have the police searching for hints. My dad is the police chief so we will know as soon as they do. That's how I met Ashton. I ended up accidentally at the meeting he had with our mayor and my dad and he asked for my help.” I answer.

"Kat has proven herself particularly observant. She is useful as a guide and investigator." Ashton comments and I smile at him.

"I did notice she turned down the lights for me. I appreciate it." Fin smiles at me with a polite nod. A thought occurs to me.

"Does this mean you're planning on staying here?" I question. We don't have another bedroom. Ashton is in our only spare. Fin just turns to Ashton. He does that a lot. I don't know their exact relationship but I am going to guess that Fin works for Ashton in some capacity. Or at least works for his mother. He already said that they've known each other since they were children and it shows. Despite Fin's formal manner, the two of them are both clearly very comfortable around each other. Ashton frowns and turns to face me with a guilty looking expression. Yeah, he definitely wants Fin to stay with us.

"Kat, I would like to request that you allow Fin to stay here and assist us with the search. I will make sure to increase your compensation to account for the expenses and additional work caused by his presence." Ashton's tone is pleading. I'm still hesitant.

"I don't know Ashton... I don't mind him being here but my dad will hate it. Plus we don't have another spare room. I guess he could sleep on the couch but that isn't ideal..." I trail off. I'm not quite willing to actually say no to his request, bu I can't easily say yes either. I mean, I can't even offer the guy a proper bed! Ashton takes my hand and bows over it again, the same way he did when he asked me to work with him. He's offering me another debt......

"Please Kat. Sweetheart he has nowhere else to go and I would not trust my friend in someone else's care." I blink in surprise at the unexpected term of endearment. Before I know it I'm nodding my head and agreeing. Ashton beams a smile at me and kisses the back of my hand lightly. I glance awkwardly at Fin who is watching with a surprised but satisfied expression.

"You really don't have to keep thanking me like this Ashton. He can sleep on the couch tonight and I guess we can go out and buy a better fold out mattress or something tomorrow." I sigh thinking about explaining this to dad.

“I do need to thank you. I already owe you several debts and I am only adding to it. Fin is my attendant and is only here because of me, so making sure that he is safe and provided for is my responsibility.” he explains. Oh, attendant. Yeah that makes sense. I'm going to guess his role is something like a personal assistant slash friend.

"If you say so. What should I tell the mayor about him? I bet he will insist on meeting Fin and it's going to be so inconvenient." I frown and Ashton sighs.

"Must we tell him?" he asks.

"Well, I don't have to say anything, but I can't promise that my dad won't. I can ask him though."

I pull out my phone and decide to text dad. That way I can plan out what to write and it's harder for dad to argue.

Kat- Hey dad, don't freak out but a friend of Ashton's has come looking for him and wants to stay with us. He's also a fae obviously and he wants to help investigate. I told him that he could stay. He's going to be sleeping on the couch tonight, I'll figure something better out tomorrow. Also... Can you maybe not mention to the mayor that there is another fae here? It's just going to make him pressure me for information more. I love you dad and sorry for not checking with you first, I was kind of put on the spot.

I send the message and my phone chimes so quickly that I'm shocked. Since when does dad answer the phone so fast? A glance tells me it's actually from Lucy.

Lucy- Hey hon. Obviously I didn't make it down to collect my makeup today, but I'm going to my cousin's wedding tomorrow and I'll kind of need it. Is it alright if I stop by in the morning? I'll be pretty early and I might borrow your room to finish getting ready. Plus I can drool over your hot fae guest a little more. ;)

Kat- Of course you can stop by but OMG update. ANOTHER fae guy just turned up on my doorstep. Apparently he's a friend of Ashton and he's going to be staying here for a while too! I said yes.

Lucy- !!!!!!!!! SERIOUSLY. Why are you hoarding all the hot fae guys?? How do I get one to show up on my doorstep? No fair! I'll be there bright and early to appreciate the eye candy.

As I respond I can hear Fin asking Ashton what I'm doing. Ashton gives a slightly butchered version of my original explanation of phones, but it's fairly accurate so I let it be. I re-open the chat with my dad to see three little dots. He's typing. I stare at them and wait.