A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan

Now that I've sort of figured out things with Fin, I should probably ask him the question I originally approached him for.

"Hey, with all the drama I never got to hear how things went meeting with the mayor yesterday. Up until then I was keeping him away and keeping secrets for you guys. Would you tell me about it?" I ask curiously. Fin shrugs.

"There is not much to tell. Your mayor Simmons demanded many answers and we gave very few. He wanted to know why Ashton did not reveal his title, we simply reminded him that he did not ask. He had many questions but Ashton just continually steered the topic back to the missing assassin and what can be done to find him. Eventually Ashton demanded that we leave, I believe he was anxious about staying away from you for so long. I was surprised that he chose to leave today. I did not think he would be willing to leave you behind again, particularly not with me." Fin frowns.

"What? Why particularly not with you? You're his best friend, who else would he trust?" I ask. Fin seems to almost crumple in on himself as he hunches over, his wings draping over his shoulders.

"While Ashton is still my best friend, I am unsure if he still considers me to be his. He was very upset that I revealed the truth to you yesterday. I have not spoken to him since then aside from when he ordered me to stay and protect you." Fin explains. I shake my head.

"No, no way is Ashton really angry with you. He was probably just upset. He told me... He told me that if something happens to me, he will probably die, or at very least lose his magic right? If he didn't trust you completely, would he have left you behind to look after me? Would he have trusted you? I... I did speak to him last night. He was frustrated and emotional, we both were if I'm honest. But not once did he mention being upset with you. He even admitted that he should have been more honest with me. He knows that he made a mistake. He can't really blame you for trying to do the right thing. He was probably just shocked." I try to reassure him. I might be having difficulties with Ashton right now, but I don't believe he would be angry at Fin over something like this, not really. Maybe just temporarily upset. He probably felt betrayed in the moment but he would have gotten over it quickly. Fin still looks sad, like he doesn't quite believe me. "Just remember, he trusted you with me which is the same as trusting you with his life. Even if he is upset I'm sure he will get over it." I promise. Fin gives me a soft smile and I decide there's no point in us both sitting around and moping. "Alright, hop up." I order, jumping to my feet. Fin gives me a bemused smile as he follows my direction.

"What are we doing?" He asks.

"Have you ever heard of stress cleaning?" I ask with a grin.

When Ashton gets back later that evening, Fin and I have scrubbed every inch of the kitchen and have moved on to the living room. Fin has his long hair pinned up in a loose bun and mine is up in a clip. We're both kind of grimy but I don't think either of us has the energy left to be stressed about anything. Once Fin figured out what we were doing he threw himself into the stress cleaning with unexpected enthusiasm. I guess I'm not the only one who wanted to forget my troubles. The cleaning went especially well since Fin's particular brand of magic is very suited to housework. As we cleaned he made a lot of small improvements, magically repairing scratches in furniture, dented pots, loose hinges and any other little thing he came across. I swear our kitchen looks like it's brand new. I don't know where Ashton has been all day, I haven't heard from him at all and while I couldn't shake my anxiety about his absence, at least I managed to find a productive outlet for my stress.

"What are you both doing?" Ashton seems bewildered. Probably because Fin is using the vacuum cleaner which he is loving. He really is a fan of human technology and we've been debating if his magic would extend to repair technology, even if he doesn't really understand it.

"Avoiding our own thoughts. What about you?" I answer pleasantly. Ashton seems confused by my good mood. To be fair, I am too. I didn't expect to feel so good about my decision to talk to Ashton properly, and now that he's back my anxiety is already melting away.

"I... I was at the station with your father. He agreed to help me look for the fae who hurt you." He answers, still watching as Fin packs up the vacuum.

"Alright then. Well now that you're back, I'm going to order dinner. Then we should talk. Oh but before we do, are you upset with Fin about telling me the truth?" I ask. Fin freezes up behind me while Ashton tilts his head in confusion. "What? No. Not really. I was upset at first but once I thought about it I realised that he did the right thing. Why are you asking?" He is glancing between Fin and I with concern. I shrug, but I don't miss Fin's relief in the way his droopy wings perk back up and his posture straightens.

"No reason." I answer, then turn to Fin with a grin.

"Are you sure you don't owe me a hug Fin?" I ask, turning my biggest puppy dog eyes on him. Fin shakes his head then after a moment he bursts out laughing.

"Oh very well." He holds out an arm and I tackle him in a hug. We bonded a lot today, stress cleaning together is apparently a great way to get to know someone. Fin tolerates the hug for a moment before stepping back, glancing up at Ashton who seems confused, annoyed and a little freaked out.

"You... But... What?" He stammers out and I can't help myself. I laugh.

"Fin and I have decided that we're friends. Proper friends. Now I'm just waiting for him to stop being an idiot and to make things up to Lucy." I say pointedly and Fin frowns.

"I have not decided what I should do about her yet." He insists and I roll my eyes.

"Well, figure it out soon. She won't wait around for you forever. I can't even promise she will forgive you now." I remind him. Fin sighs.

"I know." He straightens up and in an unexpected movement grabs my hand and bows over it.

"Kat, thank you for your support today." He says formally. I frown.

"You don't need to thank me, besides, you helped me first yesterday. I think this makes us even." I insist. Fin shakes his head in disagreement, releasing my hand.

"No. You are forgetting that I also kept your connection a secret from you at first. You have not held it against me. But it was not right of me to do so. You cannot owe me for simply telling you something that I should never have hidden in the first place." He looks guilty and I pat his arm gently.

"Alright. But I still say we're even." I grumble. Fin smiles. I turn to Ashton who seems to be staring at Fin, no wait. He's staring at the spot on Fin's arm that I was touching. He does not seem pleased. I give him a slight smile. I really AM relieved to see him. I just don't know what else I'm feeling.

"Come on, I want to talk to you." I tell him calmly before I turn and head straight to my room.