A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan
Rule 82- Being tired is your body's way of saying, "Please don't make any life decisions right now."

A glance out the window shows me that it's now dark outside. It's probably getting late which might explain why I'm so exhausted.

"Are you guys ready to leave?" I check. Ashton and Fin both agree with no issues. I give dad a quick hug and head out of his office with the two fae in tow behind me. Ashton takes a few steps ahead of me and starts to lead our group towards the stairs. Yeah, that's not happening. I don't have anywhere near enough energy to deal with the stairs. I make a beeline towards the lift but before I can take more than a few steps, Ashton puts on a burst of what has to be magically fueled speed and catches me. In seconds he has me scooped up in his arms and he's making his way back to the staircase. I don't bother resisting. I'm tired and it's not worth the work. Besides, I know that if I REALLY objected that he would actually put me down, and who am I to complain if he wants to save me some effort. Ashton seems very content to carry me and he's clearly noticed that I'm worn out because he doesn't bother trying to force conversation. In the end I just rest my head against his chest and close my eyes for the few minutes it takes to make it back to the car. Ashton gently puts me back on my feet and I rouse together the energy to drive us home.

"You know this is getting a little ridiculous. You can't keep carrying me around everywhere." I point out. I can see Ashton smirking out the corner of my eye.

"Should I interpret that as a challenge? Besides, you are clearly tired. I was allowing you a moment to rest." He says in a tone that implies he was doing me some big favour. I roll my eyes. "You're ridiculous." I repeat.

Ashton and Fin maintain a steady stream of easy conversation and questions on the way home, making sure to include me in the discussion. I suspect it might be mostly so that I don't fall asleep behind the wheel but I'm not going to complain about it. We make it home and I mostly want to just go to bed, but I don't feel right abandoning my guests. Particularly when I look at the time and realise it's not actually all that late. It's probably not been dark for very long. Maybe I'm coming down with something, I'm not usually this tired so early. I collapse into the couch and search around for a topic of conversation.

"So, what are our plans for tomorrow?" I ask.

"I am not sure. That family is the only lead we really have and according to your father they have been checked on and they are okay. They spoke to the father in person." He sounds how I feel. Confused. Like there is something not quite right. I know the cops have completely moved on, but I just can't. Besides, dad has been at work all day and hasn't made any other progress. So there's no harm in continuing to work on it. Wait... At work all day?

"Hey, do either of you remember what my dad said Mr Logan did for work?" I ask. I'm sure he mentioned it but I can't remember. Ashton flounders for a second but Fin answers confidently.

"I believe your father said that he works as some kind of repairman." He responds.

"Ah, yes, computer repairs." Ashton chimes in. I frown.

"So it's sort of a job he could be doing from home, but usually he would have an office or something. That's... odd. Because dad said that Mr Logan made it VERY clear that Lara hadn't stopped by all day, that no one stopped by. He could only really know that for sure if he's also staying home. They said he seemed totally fine right, not sick or anything?" I think out loud.

"Yes." Ashton agrees.

"Then why wasn't he at work when they stopped by?" I question.

"Perhaps his children are unwell?" Fin suggests.

"But their mum is also home, right? Would both parents really stay home for that? Surely at least one of them needs to work. Not many families could afford to just take a bunch of time off of work without some serious planning." I conclude. "You believe that something is wrong?" He follows my line of thought. I shrug.

"Maybe. It just doesn't seem quite right. Like it's not IMPOSSIBLE. But it's not normal either..." i trail off.

"But it is enough to cause you concern?" Ashton confirms. I nod slowly.

"Yeah, it just feels off." I answer.

"That is enough for me. Tomorrow we will investigate further. Perhaps we can go to the Logan's house and see if there is anything unusual or any signs of magic use there." Ashton says determinedly. I smile at him, appreciative of his faith in my suspicions, even though I don't really have any evidence to back them up with.

"That sounds like a good idea. We will have to think of ways to look in the home without being noticed. If there is a fae involved, you and I will both draw attention." Fin reminds him. Ashton agrees.

"Yes, we will have to be careful.” He nods. I can't help it, I let out a huge yawn, covering my mouth with my arm before sinking back into the couch even further.

"Kat... You are very tired. Perhaps you should go to bed." Ashton suggests awkwardly. I can tell that he's doing his best not to sound too bossy, but he also doesn't want me to argue. Luckily, I have no intention of fighting him on this. Going to bed sounds blissful.

"Will you guys be alright on your own?" I ask, more to pretend politeness than anything else.

"We will be fine. I believe I have properly understood the use of your television and Lucy told me about a show that she thought I might enjoy. Perhaps I will try to locate it." Fin says with a cheerful smile. I glance at Ashton and he gives an encouraging nod.

"Alright then." I slowly get to my feet.

"Night guys, sleep well." I head out to the hall and pause in front of my doorway to stretch my shoulders. I jump when hands land on them and twist around to see Ashton behind me. I didn't realise that he had followed me out here. "Did you need something before I go to bed?" I ask tiredly. Ashton uses one hand to sweep my hair over my right shoulder and gently massages my neck for a moment which makes me want to groan and collapse my head into my bedroom door. If I weren't so tired already, I could stand here all night.

"I do not need anything, I wanted to say goodnight properly." Ashton says softly. I reluctantly turn to face him and he just moves his hands to sit on my shoulders from the front. I didn't turn on the hallway light so it's a little dark here, but even in the darkness I can see the concern on Ashton's stupidly handsome face. It might be because I'm tired, or maybe it's just because he's looking at me like I'm someone precious, someone to worry about. I practically collapse into him as I wrap my arms tightly around his waist. Ashton's hands immediately drop and wrap around me, holding me tight.

"You're worried about me. But I'm okay. Just tired." I say into his chest. Ashton squeezes me a little tighter.

"You would not be so tired if it were not for my being here." He grumbles into my hair. That makes me pull back so I can see his face properly.

"We've talked about this before. I want to help, and none of this is your fault. Besides, there's nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it." I sigh and straighten up.

"I need to sleep. I'll see you in the morning." In what is either a moment of extreme bravery or stupidity, I reach up, link my arms behind Ashton's neck and pull him down a little where I press a light kiss on his cheek. I'm about to pull back but before I can manage it, he turns his head and kisses my cheek... Sort of, the edge of his lips are definitely touching mine, but I wouldn't consider it to be a proper kiss either. Ashton is smiling as he pulls back and I would usually be blushing but I'm too tired to bother.

"Sleep well Katerina." He says sweetly as I turn and step into my room, leaving the handsome fae standing in the hallway watching me leave.