A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps

I thought that maybe Ashton would make a funny face, or maybe stumble a little bit. What I didn't expect was that he would completely collapse onto the floor. Sure, he is still technically holding onto the rail, but he's basically hanging onto it while sitting on the floor looking VERY pale and somewhat horrified. The elevator dings as we reach the fourth floor and the doors slide open. Ashton doesn't budge from where he is clinging to the rail. "Um... Are you okay?" I ask. I didn't expect such an extreme reaction. Ashton visibly shudders.

"That was awful. Are you sure this is safe? It does not feel safe.” He grumbles. I do my best not to laugh at him as I hold out a hand to help him up, although I'm sure a slight smile slips out.

"I did warn you that it feels odd. And yes, I'm sure it's safe. I've taken this elevator plenty of times and nothing bad has ever happened." I try to reassure him. It takes him a moment to uncurl his fingers from the rail. But then he does grasp my hand, almost uncomfortably tight and allows me to help him get up off the ground and exit the elevator. Luckily the elevator comes out into a small hallway near the bathrooms so I doubt anyone noticed the drama. It's not a big deal, but I suspect that Ashton would be embarrassed. Judging by the way he is looking at the floor and avoiding my gaze, he already is. I squeeze his hand reassuringly.

"You know, for a guy visiting here for the first time, you're doing extraordinarily well. I bet I would be way more freaked out." I try to comfort him. I'm not really sure that he believes it, but he does meet my eyes and gives me a half smile, so I think it helped a little at least.

Dad's office is the furthest from the elevator. As we walk past all the desks and offices, I quickly release Ashton's hand and tuck my hands behind my back. Ashton looks at me strangely, probably confused by the sudden, jerky movement, but i Old Pete was accusing him of being my boyfriend just for standing next to me, holding hands would definitely give people the wrong idea. Most of the cops here treat me like a niece or younger relative, I don't need them getting all overprotective over absolutely nothing. Ashton doesn't try to reclaim my hand but he does stick VERY close to my side. As I had hoped, no one is saying anything, although I can feel several sets of eyes following our movements curiously. Damn, I should have bought in lunch or something for dad so I would have some visible reason for being here. Do these guys even know about the fae criminals? Who did dad tell? I'm starting to think that we should have called first or something. Oops.

"Hey Kat!" George calls out. George is a giant of a man who looks terrifying but is actually the least scary one here. I can't think of anyone less likely to want to intimidate or harm someone than George. He is a whiz when it comes to small details and paperwork though. I'm fairly sure there isn't a single person here who hasn't approached him for help when their reports aren't turning out right or they don't know which obscure form they need to submit.

"Hi George!" I break away from Ashton to allow George to pull me into a giant bear hug.

"Is dad busy? I wanted to talk to him.” George looks me over suspiciously.

"He's always busy, but you know he will make time for you. But who is this? If you're bringing your new boyfriend by then give us all ten minutes first to hide or make excuses for when he gets into a temper.” He says the words jokingly but there's a serious edge. He wants to know who Ashton is and why I've brought him here. I'm about to answer but Ashton speaks up first.

"You believe that if Katerina were to bring a suitor to present to her father that he would be unhappy?" He asks curiously. I look up at him, pleading with my eyes for him to just be quiet.

"Well yes, Kat is his princess and I doubt he will ever believe that anyone is good enough for her. I can't say that I disagree but I'm willing to give you a chance, for her sake at least." George raises an eyebrow and waits for Ashton's reaction. “I... appreciate that.” He answers simply and I smack my palm into my forehead and groan. That was not going to give George or all the people listening in, the right idea.

"George, this is Ashton. He is NOT here because he's my boyfriend." I take a risk. If anyone here was going to know about the fae visiting it would be George. He's very plugged in, probably because people are always coming to him for favours and people talk.

"Do you know about the unusual meeting dad had the other night?" I ask cautiously. George grins at me.

"Of course," he says proudly.

"Right, well this was who he was meeting. He wanted to talk to dad further about the issue and I volunteered to bring him." I explain. George pauses, a little surprised.

"Huh, from what the Chief was saying, I thought he would be older. He was complaining about you taking the job all day yesterday. I had to talk him out of assigning a unit to follow you around." he adds.

"Wait, if you knew that Ashton is fae, why were you trying to give him 'the boyfriend talk?' You know I'm working with him.

"Aww honey. Even a fae would have to be blind to not be interested in you. Besides, I thought it might do the boy good to hear that it's not just him specifically that the Chief takes objection to." He explains. Huh, so George was trying to..... encourage Ashton? But encourage him to what? Blushing, I shake my head at George.

"I'm not all that. You're just flattering me." I object. Ashton surprises me by taking my hand and pulling me to face him.

"He does not exaggerate. Any man, human or fae, would be lucky to be in your presence. I am fortunate to have you as my guide." He says clearly. Well what the hell am I meant to take from that?! One second he's giving me the nicest compliment I've ever received, and the next breath he is reminding me of our working relationship. I suppose it was a polite way of saying I'm nice but he's not that interested? Then again, do fae even have the same rules as us regarding working relationships? Maybe it's not a big deal to them. I stammer out an awkward thankyou.

Ashton turns his attention back to George.novelbin

"I appreciate your words regarding Katerina's father. I am... pleased to hear that his objection to me is out of love for his daughter, not just because I am fae. As you are clearly aware, I came here with a task to complete. I was hoping that Chie Falls or someone else here may have information to assist me." He explains. George opens his mouth to answer but is interrupted by my dad exiting his office.

"What's going on out here, I- Kat?" I am suddenly very aware of where Ashton is lightly gripping my hand. Oh dear, this conversation is not going to go as smoothly as I had hoped.