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.

KNEW it! I knew you secretly liked him! You guys make

practically squeals.

like that!” I argue.

date him if

too, they’re all obsessed with the idea of me marrying this guy and I want absolutely nothing to do with him. I’ve noticed that the only thing that

dating him

my boyfriend once and

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

reason, although I know I’m just

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

agreed to one date. It’s not like it’ll ever

occurs to me.

this will you? If word gets around then it will all be a wasted

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

a word. Your secret is safe

to move on, but I can’t quite forget it. This is the first time I’ve been alone with him since then. Maybe Harry feels weird

2/4

Faking

being unusually quiet.

tonight?” I joke.

little dazed, like he was thinking about something

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

me, but it

relieved. I don’t know how to deal with quiet Harry,

ven

realise that you actually THOUGHT about

I’m a stray cat he’s trying not to frighten away. I have no idea what he wants

hand?” He asks, enunciating each

thinking. Harry raises an

enjoy the contact and I’m feeling a little… I don’t know. I just want physical contact. With you specifically I mean. Although if you keep turning me down I might