Strings of Fate

3/3

Strings of Fate

Cam 34- Faking and fretting

Cora and I are just cleaning up for the evening while Harry hovers around to walk me home. He excuses himself to the bathroom and Cora immediately grabs my arm and pulls me aside.

“Did I hear right earlier? Did you finally agree to go out with the Incubus?” She whispers excitedly. I should have known she would ask. She’s probably been waiting all evening to get

me alone.

“I honestly can’t believe it. I thought you would keep him waiting way longer. Like at least another three months. You seemed so determined to reject him. I can’t quite work out when things changed, but you have definitely softened towards him.” She smiles at me conspiratorially.

“I have not!” I automatically argue. Cora raises an eyebrow.

“You used to barely react to him, but now you talk to him and engage with him. He doesn’t say nearly as many outrageous things either. Which confirms another suspicion I had.” She nods, satisfied.

“Huh? What suspicion?” I query.

“Well, I always kind of thought that he liked to say ridiculous things because he wanted your attention. You never reacted to anything he said so he kept escalating. He was never nearly as… vocal… with me. I haven’t noticed him speaking that way to any of the other customers either. He’s actually usually quite polite, particularly for an Incubus. I’ve just noticed that since you’ve started talking to him more he’s been a lot more relaxed. Like he isn’t. desperately trying to get attention and show off.” She explains..

“Oh, I guess maybe that’s true. He doesn’t take being ignored well… does he?” I observe. Coral giggles.

“No he doesn’t.” She agrees.

“But you didn’t answer me. Are you actually dating him?” She pushes on. I shrug.

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Cam 34- Faking and fretting

“Sort of, I guess?” I say noncommittally. She claps delightedly.

knew you secretly liked him! You

practically squeals.

like that!” I argue. Cora tilts

would you date him if you didn’t like him?” She asks,

idea of me marrying this guy and I want absolutely nothing to do with him. I’ve noticed that the only thing that seems to make him back off is when he sees me with Harry.” I explain. I DO like Harry, but in my embarrassment I decide not to mention that.

dating him then.” She says slowly.

my boyfriend once and

else or my family are going to know it’s fake. I’m not exactly the type to jump

I reason, although I know I’m just trying to justify it. Cora nods. her understanding.

suppose that makes sense. It is a shame though, I thought that you guys were a real couple. I suppose Harry is hoping it will turn out to be real.

it’ll ever really go

occurs to me.

anyone about this will you? If word gets around then it will all

harassing me.” I sigh. Cora holds out her hands to

say a word. Your secret

both agreed to move

2/4

34- Faking and

is being unusually

no interrogation tonight?”

seems a little dazed, like he was thinking about something else

so quiet. You don’t have any random questions for

but it feels so unnatural. He usually

I feel relieved. I don’t know how to deal with quiet Harry, except maybe for when he’s sitting in the corner of my work room doing his own work. But even then he usually

ven

that you actually THOUGHT about the questions you ask.” I tease him and he smiles

hand to me like I’m a stray cat he’s trying not to frighten away. I have no idea what he wants and I just stare at him

question is, can I hold your hand?” He asks, enunciating each word

Why?” I question without thinking. Harry raises an eyebrow.

keep turning me down I might have to go visit