A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps

The dance floor is crowded and while we stay mostly together as a group, it's hard to keep track of everyone properly. Lucy is the easiest to spot due to her brightly coloured outfit and I suspect that she is using my coloured hair as a way to keep track of me too because she stays close. Luckily, Ashton seems to be adept at navigating large crowds beause every time I lose sight of him he returns to my side moments later. I have also discovered that he wasn't lying when he told me he likes to dance. He was originally trying to keep his distance but after one particularly over affectionate couple elbowed me causing me to stumble into him, he has stayed much closer and appears to be doing his best to block me from any further blows which I greatly appreciate. Up close I can appreciate his moves for myself and I'm starting to think I should have left a little more distance between us because I'm somewhat concerned that I'm going to make a fool of myself. After a while, I excuse myself to get a drink at the bar. I slip through the crowd and away from Ashton, wanting to put a little space between us because I am about two seconds from throwing myself at him which would really not be very professional and would definitely make things awkward, particularly since he's staying with us. I chose to stick to soft drink because I really don't think that alcohol is going to improve that whole situation. I feel a little bad about leaving him behind, but he's an adult and a great dancer. He will find someone else to dance with easily enough.

Once I have cooled down a little and I am satisfied that I am not about to make a fool of myself, I go searching for Ashton again. When I left, he was next to my friends, but when I find them on the floor he is nowhere to be seen. Where did he get to? I try to make my way around the crowsed dance floor as I search for him. I find him towards the back of the room. He has stopped dancing and seems to be trying to disentangle himself from a particularly outgoing brunette who I suspect must be very drunk. Her words are slurring and she is not taking no for an answer as she keeps trying to place her hands around his neck and tug him closer. She is swaying her hips out of time with the music and stumbles as he tries to back away again. Ashton looks very alarmed as she is not backing off. I push my way through the crowd so I can help when she tugs him down and attempts to kiss him. Ashton immediately shoves her away, hard. She falls over and tumbles into the group of people dancing closest to them. Another annoyed girl who I think just took an elbow to the head shoves her away again and she stumbles to stand in front of Ashton again. Finally, I'm close enough to hear what she is saying "Wha the hell? Why're you so rude? You didn't need t- push me!" She says accusatorily to Ashton. He seems panicked. He probably has no idea if he's actually done something offensive or not. I take the chance to intervene. "He wouldn't have needed to push you if you weren't being so grabby. You can't blame him for wanting you to back off since you clearly weren't taking the hint.” I tell her. My tone definitely IS rude, and a little defensive. I just feel bad because I'm meant to be keeping an eye on him but I must sound jealous because she is eying me angrily.

"And why's it your business? Are you his girlfriend?" She demands aggressively. I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Why should it matter? She was being inappropriate, but I guess to some people a person isn't really unavailable unless they're 'taken' by someone else. I give her a vague answer.

"He's here with me." I confirm. It's not techinically a lie, but I'm pretty sure she will interpret it to mean that he is taken and that I have a right to be mad about her trying to lock lips with him. She crosses her arms over her chest defensively. "Well how was I s-posed to know that? He could've just said so." She storms off, pushing her way through the crowd and probably elbowing way more people on her way through. Ashton looks kind of freaked out and I think he needs a break. This club has a little outdoor garden area if I recall correctly, it might be quieter out there. I don't want to lose him in the crowd again so I hold out a hand, intending to lead him to the garden but not wanting to grab him and stress him out further. I really need to find out more about fae rules regarding touching and personal space... Ashton hesitates a little but does take my hand and lets me lead him outside.

I was right, it's much quieter out here and there are a few unoccupied tables around. It's still warm out though so it isn't really much cooler. Ashton and I sit down.

"Are

you okay?” I ask. I suddenly realise that I'm still holding his hand and quickly release it. Ashton gives a half nod.

“I am fine. I was trying to reject her but... she just would not give up. Then she tried to kiss me!" He shudders as if disgusted.

"Yeah, sorry about that. Some people just can't take a hint. She was probably drunk too, not that it's an excuse." I sigh.

"Yes. She asked if we are a couple?" He confirms. I nod.

"Yeah, I just told her we came together. I didn't techically lie, but I'm fairly sure she assumes we're a couple. She probably would have gotten more aggressive if she thought I was trying to get in the way for any other reason." I roll my eyes at the riddiculousness of it all.

"I hope this didn't ruin your night." I say sympathetically.

“It was... concerning. But I have enjoyed dancing and spending time with your friends.” He decides and my shoulders drop a little in relief. I would feel really guilty dragging him out here just for him to be harrassed. I search around for a way to chage the topic.

"Uh, so you mentioned you have drinks back home that are stronger than the ones here. What kind of drinks do you have?" I ask curiously. Ashton grins.

"We also have alcohol, but it is often infused with magic to make it more potent. Compared to fae wine the drink your friend gave me was practically water." He says smugly and I laugh.

"So basically you're telling me that you're no lightweight." I joke. Ashton looks confused and I clarify.

"A lightweight is someone who gets drunk really easily with only a small amount of alcohol." I add. Ashton nods.

"Ah, yes. I am not a lightweight. At least not with human alcohol. I wonder how you would react to fae wine. It is very strong. I suspect it would not take much for you to become intoxicated." He says thoughtfully and I laugh.

"At least it would make me a cheap date.” I joke. Ashton understands that statement with no explanation and nods his agreement with a smile.

"Yes. A night out would not cost you much." He agrees.novelbin

"I suppose there are some benefits to being human.”