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

Lucy is miserable, she seems like she's only holding it together because she doesn't want to mess up her makeup. Probably also because of the two handsome fae currently staring at her. Fin stands from his seat and approaches. "I will take care of this." he says to Ashton who just nods and sits back down. Fin kneels in front of Lucy and holds out a hand to her.

"May I?" He asks. Lucy looks confused and clearly has no idea exactly what he is asking, but she nods anyway. Carefully, Fin takes her ankle in his hand and unhooks the skirt from her heel.

"I believe your shoe is also damaged." he comments in a neutral tone. Lucy sighs and bites her lip.

"It is no matter. I will take care of it.” Fin assures her. He holds his hands out over her shoe and the heel which was loose and definitely unsafe to stand on straightens out. He tests it gently tugging at it then nods, apparently pleased with the repair. He then repeats the motion over the tear in her skirt which sort of weaves itself back together. It's fascinating to watch and I'm not the only one staring. Lucy is watching Fin, wide eyed with awe. Repairs complete, Fin stands and returns to his seat. Lucy is running her hands over the now flawless fabric in absolute fascination.

"That was amazing! Thank you so much!" She gushes, blushing slightly as she beams the biggest smile at Fin. She turns to Ashton.

"Thanks to you as well." She adds. He smiles and nods.

"You are welcome." He answers.

"I'm starting to think that catching people is a habit of yours. I'm glad though. It might have been hot but I didn't really want to take a dip in the creek.” I comment and Ashton grins at me.

"I cannot help it if women keep falling at my feet." He says dramatically and I roll my eyes.

"Hah! Funny.' I comment.

An alarm goes off on Lucy's phone.

"Oh, I set that to remind me when I need to leave, just in case we got caught up." She says with a guilty smile and I nod seriously. It wouldn't be the first time Lucy has been super late for something because she's having too much fun getting ready. But it wouldn't be cool to be late for a wedding.

"I'll walk you out." I hop to my feet. Fin also stands up and wordlessly follows us to the door. Ashton trails behind with a sort of bemused expression, like he doesn't know why he's following, he just didn't want to be left out. We all follow Lucy out to her car and I give her a hug.

"You look gorgeous, I hope the wedding is fun." I say brightly.

"Thanks." She turns to Fin.

"And thanks again for fixing my dress and my shoe, you really were my hero." She blushes red but doesn't look away.

"It was not difficult. I am glad that you were not injured, I cannot fix that. I have enjoyed meeting you.” Fin says with a charming smile. Lucy practically melts as she scurries away to her car. Seriously, he has to know what he was doing just then "That was interesting." Ashton murmurs quietly into my ear. I jolt slightly, I didn't realise he was standing so close. Then again, with fae hearing being as good as it is, he would need to stand that close for there to be any chance of speaking without Fin hearing.

The three of us head back inside and finish breakfast before splitting up to finish getting ready for the day. Ashton thankfully decides to volunteer to teach Fin about using the shower and such. While they take their turns in the bathroom I star getting texts from Lucy.

Lucy- OMG, you weren't lying about the fae being hot.

Lucy- Any ideas how I can convince Fin to let me see/touch his wings?

Lucy- He was so sweet, SUCH a gentleman. <3 <3 <3

Kat-Touch his wings.... Is that meant to be a euphemism for something or do you seriously just want to touch his actual wings?

Lucy- Can't it be a bit of both?

Kat- Hahaha I suppose. Just remember how weird Ashton reacted to you touching his collar and stuff, maybe take it slow.

Lucy- That's fair, I wouldn't want to scare him off. When can I come over again?

Kat- I'll keep in touch and let you know. Our plans aren't super set in stone yet.

Lucy-Fiiiine. Don't forget.

Fin finishes in the bathroom first, Ashton insisted on going last. I find myself sitting in the living room with Fin, not quite sure what to say, which is why I'm thrilled when he starts talking first.

"Your friend Lucy is very friendly." He comments casually. I nod my agreement.

"Yeah she is. When she decides that she wants to get along with someone there's no stopping her." I joke.

"I can see that. Does she stop by here often?" He asks. I shrug.

"Sure, she usually does at least. I don't know if she will come as much since I already have guests." I point out. Although to be fair, given her interest in the fae, it's entirely possible that she will turn up even more than usual "Hmm, okay." Fin responds, giving no hint as to his opinion. I raise an eyebrow suspiciously.

"Why do you ask? Do you have a problem with her stopping by” I demand. Fin is quick to reassure me.

"Not at all. I would be happy to see your friend again.” He promises. If it weren't for the fact that fae can't lie I would think he's lying to me. As it is, I guess he really is okay with it so I relax.

The drive down to the shopping centre is kind of entertaining because Ashton is doing his best to play tour guide. He explains seat belts and road rules to Fin and even shows off this knowledge of how to play music from my phone. Walking through the shopping centre itself is like taking kids to a candy store. They insist on stopping and looking at almost every single store. It would be annoying if it wasn't so cute. We buy ice creams and we do eventually stop somewhere useful and pick up a little camper bed thing for Fin to use. It's not amazing but it should still be a lot better than just sleeping on the couch. I can't help but look at a jewellery store as we pass. I love this kind of thing. Ashton notices my interest and insists that we go inside and look around properly. I have no intention of spending money on accessories today, but there's no harm in window shopping, right? In the little store everything is clean and fancy. It's the kind of place where I feel like I need to declare that I'm not stealing anything when I leave without making a purchase. What is actually concerning though is that there is a woman, the manager I think, absolutely tearing into one of the employees. "What were you thinking? I can't believe you would do this! Obviously I am going to have to let you go, and I expect you to pay back the cost of the missing items. You're lucky you're my nephew or I would have to call the police!" She hisses, clearly absolutely furious. I can't help but eavesdrop, it's too interesting. Did this guy steal stuff from work? Did he seriously think he could get away with that?

"I really am sorry Aunt Emily. I don't know why I did it. I just met this woman and it was like I couldn't help myself. I had to give her whatever she wanted. I feel like such an idiot." He sounds absolutely despondent and kind of heart broken. Ashton is listening with interest. We leave the store and he immediately grabs my hand and pulls me aside.

"Kat, is there a way to see if there have been any similar crimes to this, ones where staff have stolen from their employers to please a woman they barely know? It might be fae magic.

"Well, if they don't report it like that woman then no, but most places will report significant cases of theft. I'll ask dad.” I pull out my phone, oddly excited to have another potential lead.