A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps

We go back to the dance floor for a while but the shine has worn off and it doesn't seem as fun as it was half an hour ago. It sucks that one bad person has ruined the mood but it doesn't seem to be improving. Ashton and I decide that it might be best if we just head home. We can't afford to spend all day sleeping tomorrow. But before we can go we need to wish Marcus a happy birthday and make sure everyone has a safe ride home, particularly Lucy since she came with us. We find all four of our companions by the bar taking another round of shots. Marcus seems to have his head on straight, but Lucy's eyes are glazed over and I'm not totally sure she should be having another drink. I raise an eyebrow at him and point at her and he leans in to speak loudly in my ear so I can hear him over the music.

"Don't worry. That one is just lemonade. We're just having one last drink and I'll take her home. Her place is on the way to mine." He promises. His words are a little slurred but not enough that I'm particularly worried. "Okay thanks, she can come by and collect her makeup and stuff from my place some other time. Happy birthday. I owe you a lunch or something, alright?" I promise, giving Marcus a tight hug and ignoring that he's a little sweaty from dancing. This is a club. There are so many people in here I doubt that Marcus' sweat is the grossest thing I've touched. I shudder at thought. All the more reason to head home and have a hot shower. Plus my feet hurt from my heels. "No problem, I know I won't see you at work for a while so keep in touch, alright?" He holds my hand tightly and waits for me to promise before releasing me. Ashton is watching the interaction curiously. I guess for a guy who was alarmed by someone touching his collar, all this hugging might be a bit much. Then again, he sort of hugged me when wew first met, but that was mostly to save me from falling into the river so I guess it doesn't really count. I am now rethinking a whole heap of our interactions, particularly every time I've grabbed his arm or something to guide him to point him to something. Was I overstepping? Ugh, I'll add that to my list of things we should discuss more when I'm less tired. Along with his weird bowing slash thanking thing and more questions about magic in general. Okay questions about everything to be honest. Maybe I should be writing these things down...

Ashton wishes Marcus a happy birthday and instead of a hug or handshake he gives him a deep, respectful nod. Yeah, he definitely isn't super touchy feely. No wonder he looked so awkward every time he shook hands with anyone, although he has seemed okay every time he's grabbed my hand. So I guess hands aren't totally off limits, just maybe not ideal with strangers? I wonder if there is a fae etiquette book or guide somewhere and if anyone could translate it into a language I can actually understand. I feel like that would be helpful. It would be way easier to warn Ashton about situations he might find uncomfortable if I actually had any idea what he considers normal. We make our way to the exit. Ashton is leading the way this time but it doesn't take long for me to fall behind in the crowd. A moment later he reappears and takes my hand, much like I did earlier. He leads me outside, holding my hand tightly so he won't lose me. I ordered an Uber when we were looking for Marcus to say goodbye and it conveniently arrives just as we exit. We climb into the car and it's so quiet in the car compared to the noisy club that my ears feel like they're ringing. I can't imagine how loud it must have felt to Ashton with his superior ears.

"So, you were wondering what a night out is like here, aside from that one creepy drunk chick, what did you think? Is it anything like back home?" I ask curiously. Ashton nods happily.

"It was fun. I do like dancing. The music was quite different to back home but I suppose that is to be expected. It was also rather stuffy and hot in there, most fae parties tend to take place outdoors although they often have just as many people and just as much noise, it does not feel so overwhelming since there are no walls to trap everything inside." He explains. I try to picture what that would look like. I'm kind of picturing a music festival or something, just condensed. "Are these places like a temporary set up, or is it more of a permanent arrangement, like a bar?" I ask.

"There are some that change locations and can only be attended for certain events. But there are also many that are open regularly and have set locations and regular attendees." He answers. I sigh wistfully.

“I'd love to see one. It sounds like so much fun." I tell him. He smiles at me, apparently pleased by my interest.

"If we ever have the chance, I will take you to see one. I do not believe that is likely though. I am unsure if it is possible or safe for humans to travel between realms. I would not be willing to risk you for the sake of a night out." he says seriously I wave a hand in the air.

"It's alright, I get it. Don't worry, I'm not offended. It's kind of a shame becuase I would love to see what your home is like, but as cool as that would be, I agree that it's not worth risking my life over." I tell him reassuringly.

When we get home the porch light is on so my dad must have made it home at some point. The indoor lights are all off when I unlock the door though so I assume he's asleep which is good because my dad is a heavy sleeper. We don't have to worry about waking him up while showering or anything. I kick off my shoes and throw them onto the floor in my room. I can't be worried about it being messy at this point. Lucy's makeup and hair stuff is everywhere so it's kind of a lost cause. I'll make her help me clean when she comes to collect her stuff.novelbin

"Did you want to shower first?" I reluctantly offer. I really want to get cleaned up, but he is the guest after all. Ashton shakes his head firmly.

"No, I will wait until after you have finished." He says chivalrously. I reward him with a smile.

"Thankyou. I won't be long."

I head into the bathroom then shut and lock the door behind me. I turn on the shower so the water can start heating up then turn to the mirror to see what I'm working with. I look sweaty, my makeup has faded and smudged down below my eyes giving me a tired look that somehow makes it look like I spent a lot more time drinking than I actually did. I pull all the pins out of my hair and it falls in a messy tangle around my shoulders and I sigh. "Ugh, I look like a total mess." I complain to myself. I jump at a soft knock on the bathroom door.

"You should not speak about yourself that way. You look beautiful." Ashton calls out gently through the door and I flush red as I listen to his footsteps walking away down the hall. I forgot about his hearing, but that was incredibly sweet of him I call out a quiet thankyou that I assume he can hear. I reach around to untie my dress. I grip the tie firmly and tug at it, but no matter what I do, I can't get it undone. It's too tight. Lucy helped me into the dress and I did tell her to make sure it was secure, but she might have overdone it. I struggle with it for a full five minutes before giving up. Well now what?