A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan
Rule 61- Want to know someone's true feelings? Watch their friends.

On the drive home, Ashton states the obvious.

"I believe that Fin may be developing a romantic interest in your friend." He says casually. I grin.

"Yeah, I think so too." I agree. Ashton is silent for a moment as if he is waiting for me to say more. When I don't, he continues.

"Do... Do you think that your friend is interested in him similarly?" He prompts. I can't help but snort out a laugh.

"Definitely. She's not being subtle." I say bluntly. Ashton seems relieved.

"I admit that I thought that was the case. But I did not want to assume, and if she has no interest and is merely being friendly then I would like to be able to prepare him for that." He says fondly. "You're a good friend. But you don't need to worry about Lucy not being interested in Fin. To be honest, I'm more worried that she likes him too much." I admit. Ashton frowns.

"You do not approve of Finvara for your friend? I am confused. I was under the impression that you had a high opinion of him." Ashton seems almost offended. Then again, I guess I would be offended too if I thought that he didn't like my friend.

"It's not that. I DO like Fin. I think he's great, and I think he and Lucy would make a great couple. He's calm enough to balance out her excitable personality and they're both very kind and generous people. It's just... Neither of you are going to be here indefinitely. What happens when the two of you go home? I would hate to see her left behind and heartbroken." I point out. Ashton contemplates my answer.

"It is not as though leaving means he cannot come back.” Ashton argues.

"That's true, but I can't imagine Fin would want to stay here forever, not with the way people treat fae. And Lucy can't go to the fae realm, so he would have all the control over their relationship. When he comes to see her, how often and for how long. It just... It wouldn't be fair on her. Can you imagine not knowing when you would see the person you love? It would suck and I don't want that for her." I say sadly. Or for me, I add privately. I know we're talking about Fin and Lucy, but the reasons that I am not totally thrilled at the idea of the two of them together are the same reasons I know I need to avoid developing feelings for Ashton, or rather avoid developing stronger feelings for him. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't already attached.

"That... I... hmm." Ashton seems to be struggling to answer.

"I get it. You don't need to find a way to fix everything. Maybe it'll work and maybe it won't. Right now they're just at the point of maybe liking each other. There's no reason to worry about problems that might not happen. Maybe after a few days the appeal will wear off and they'll decide they don't like each other that much. Maybe they'll fall madly in love and they will find a way to make it work. But either way it's not up to us to decide. I warned Lucy to be careful and she's aware of the trouble it would be. Fin is no idiot so I'm sure he's thought it through too. At this point all we can do is keep an eye on them, right?” I was trying to tell him to let it be, but I can't help the little hopeful part of me that thinks he might have a solution so my statement changes to a question right at the very end. Ashton sighs in response.

"You are very wise.. And you are correct. We shall have to just wait and see. Although... I would like to believe that should they truly come to care for each other that they would not let the obstacles in their relationship stop them from being together." He says passionately and I can't help but smile.

"I think I'd like to believe that too." I agree.

When we get home neither of us really feel like going to bed. The plan is to head back to the hotel and trade places with Fin and Lucy a little after midnight if we haven't already heard from them. In the meantime we decide to put on a movie. We're both settled on the couch. I kicked off my shoes and I have my legs tucked up to the side. I also have a soft blanket with a cat on it laid over my lap so I can be comfortable without worrying about my skirt riding up and exposing me. I have my phone on the couch beside me and it's turned up to full volume because I am not willing to risk missing a call from Lucy and Fin. It's for that reason that I nearly jump out of my skin when the text tone chimes. I snatch it up, thinking i must be from Lucy, but nope. It's the mayor.

Simmons- Miss Fall it has been a while since you checked in. Do you have anything to report?

Kat- We've made a bit of progress in locating the second criminal. Hopefully we will have her in custody soon.

Simmons- That's good news. Is there anything else you want to share?

Kat- No, that's all.

Simmons- Are you sure there's nothing else?

Simmons- And are you still okay for money? I can send you more if needed. Just say the word.

Wow... Mayor Simmons is really not subtle. He is definitely trying to buy me off. Too bad for him I'm the worst spy ever and have zero intention of telling him anything useful.

Kat- Sorry, I don't really have anything else to tell you. I'll let you know if we make any more progress.

Kat- And I'm not worried about money. Thanks anyway.

"Mayor Simmons is trying to be nosy again.” I tattle to Ashton. He raises an eyebrow.

"Really? And what did you tell him?" He asks. I shrug.

“That we're making progress, I have nothing else to report and that I don't need him to give me more money.” I sum up. Ashton smiles gratefully and pushes his hair back. I can't help but stare a little, particularly since the movement exposes his horns which I usually can't really see through his hair. Actually, now that I'm watching him closely, I can see that he doesn't look comfortable. He's sitting up perfectly straight and stiff with his arms held close to his sides so there is no chance of even his elbows brushing mine. I'm almost offended. He walks around holding my hand all day in public, but now that it's just the two of us he's back to keeping his distance. I thought that he wasn't worried about that kind of thing so much any more. Maybe I was wrong. Or maybe I should stop trying to guess and I should take a page out of Lucy's book and just ask.