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.

1/4

Cam 34- Faking and fretting

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

liked him! You guys make such a cute

practically squeals.

I argue.

date him if you didn’t like him?” She

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. Although Cora seems a little

it’s like you’re fake dating him then.” She

out by pretending to be my boyfriend once and now I

know it’s fake. I’m not exactly the type to

although I know I’m just trying to justify it.

a real couple. I suppose Harry is hoping it will turn out to be real. He is pretty desperate to win you over.” She smiles. I

one date. It’s not like it’ll ever really go anywhere.” I point out. A thought

occurs to me.

word gets around then it will

will keep harassing me.” I sigh. Cora holds out

Your secret

Harry feels awkward. It usually doesn’t, but I can’t stop thinking about how weird I made things earlier. I know we both agreed to move on,

2/4

Faking

he is being unusually quiet.

interrogation tonight?”

was thinking about something else and

why you’re so quiet. You don’t have any

but it feels so unnatural. He usually talks so much that

know how to deal with quiet Harry, except

ven

have you ever cared if a question is worth asking? I didn’t realise that you actually THOUGHT about the questions you ask.” I tease

stray cat he’s trying not to frighten away. I have no idea what he wants and I just stare at him dumbly.

is, can I hold your hand?”

question without thinking. Harry

I might have to go visit Ryann and at least get