Branwen laid in a pile of pillows on the bed, staring at the sheets she had ripped off her bed. She should really get up and put new ones on but she didn't have the heart right now. There was a light knock on the door and she called for them to enter. She had unlocked the door a little while ago after her shower.

Aria opened the door and peeked her head in. "Hey. How are you?"

When Branwen shrugged Aria nodded and came to lay on the bed beside her.

"I went to see Caleb. Nathan said he stopped by."

Crap. "Yeah, sorry. I forgot to tell you with all the Pogue stuff."

Aria nodded. "I figured."

"How is he?" Branwen asked, wondering if Caleb was mad at her too.

Shrugging, Aria sighed. "We fought."

Branwen looked over at Aria. "I'm sorry. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really. I told him about the wedding being a sham."

Sighing, Branwen looked back at the ceiling. "I figured you would."

"Are you mad."

Branwen shook her head. "No. I tried to explain it to Pogue but I just couldn't figure out what to say. And then Nathan showed up."

Nodding, Aria readjusted a pillow. "He told me. Nathan, I mean. I called him a tool. I also explained the Pogue and Caleb thing to Nathan. I didn't see him when I got back but his car is still here."

"He's probably with Maggie. I'm probably being rude right now, being up here, but I just don't have the energy yet to act."

"I'm sorry if I haven't been very helpful or supportive."

Branwen looked over at Aria again and waited for her to meet Branwen's eyes. When she did, Branwen frowned. "You always help me, Aria. Like now, just having you here with me helps. I know you don't like the whole fake engagement thing, and I don't blame you. It is one big disaster. But I know that no matter what, you're always there for me."

Aria smiled, her eyes watering. "When I fought with Caleb, I told him that you were my very best friend and we get through things by relying on each other and if he didn't like that then he could leave because I will always choose you, no matter what."

Branwen smiled. She really had the best friend ever. She could get herself into some really messed up situations sometimes and Aria was always there for her. Branwen didn't know if the engagement was going to work the way they had planned it but she knew that as long as she had Aria things would be okay.

It was the same for everything in her life. School, Family, the coven. There was nothing she couldn't do with Aria beside her. Branwen wondered how men were ever going to fit into their lives. She cared about Pogue. A lot. And she hated that she was hurting him. She hated that even when the act was done she still couldn't explain herself to him. There was no path that didn't end for them. If she couldn't be honest she couldn't have a real relationship with him and if she was honest, he wouldn't want one.

She was pretty sure there wasn't a hallmark card that said, "hey I really love you but I'm the direct descendant of the witch that cursed the families of you and your closest friends and my coven has been making sure you never get out from under that curse ever since". It just didn't work.

If only she could let go of the feelings she had for him. It would be much kinder to let him go and move on with life. Even Aria didn't have to deal with the constant reminder. If Aria wanted to, she could hide her powers from Caleb for the rest of her life. But sooner or later Pogue was going to start wanting to know why Branwen tingled every time one of the sons touched her. She couldn't cover all of her skin for the rest of her life.

So she would be single for the rest of her life. Sure, she would have dates and some relationships and probably a lot of sex, because she was rather fond of that. But she had a feeling that she wouldn't love again like she did with Pogue. That was her curse. And she would have to live with it.

Luckily she had one think going for her. She had found a silver lining in her storm cloud. She had Aria. Smart, beautiful, caring, talented Aria. The best friend a girl could hope for.

Taking Aria's hand, Branwen smiled. "I will always choose you, too." She traced a finger over Aria's matching scar; a thin white line that ran down the palm of both of their left hands. "Gyda'i gilyddam byth yny galona gwaed."

Aria nodded. "Together forever in heart and blood."

Caleb drove back to campus thinking about Aria's words. He found it surprising how he liked Aria more because she would choose Branwen over him. He understood it, sure, but it was still weird. The male in him told him he should want her to put him first. But the witch in him said he would always put his brothers first. At least he would put his family first. That's what Aria was doing. Would that change if they ever became family?

Caleb shook his head to clear it. All the engagement talk had his mind wandering in odd directions. But as he walked through the dorms, Caleb wondered what he was going to say to Pogue. Aria didn't want him to say anything, and considering he had jumped to conclusions and blown things up, he saw what she was saying about not starting more problems. But he also couldn't let his best friend suffer.

So when he entered the dorm he walked over and stuck his head in Pogue's room. Pogue was looking at one of his new text books like his head was going to explode. He looked up at Caleb, frowning. "How is it that I've been able to understand legal since I was eight and could reassemble a motor since I was ten but I can't wrap my head around this philosophical shit?"

Caleb smiled. "Because you're not philosophical. You're too laid-back and casual for that."

"Yeah, well B… Not everyone who deals with Philosophy is stuffy and boring."

Branwen might not be relaxed in nature, but she could be very casual. Caleb was just sorry that Pogue was going to have at least another month of seeing her before she would tell him anything. And that was only if she eventually did. Caleb still thought the situation was stupid but it wasn't his life. He just wished Pogue wasn't involved.

"You could ask her for help." Caleb didn't know why he suggested it and wasn't surprised by the dark look on Pogue's face. "Sorry, it's just you're going to be around her for at least two classes the rest of the semester and she is kind of a genius, right?"

"She's also engaged and rubbing it in my face."

Caleb sighed. "It's not like that."

Pogue stood and Caleb felt the pressure he'd just put on himself immediately. "What do you mean it's not like that?" Pogue asked, coming around the bed to stand in front of Caleb. "What do you know?"

Taking a deep breath Caleb tried to figure out how much he was willing to say and realized he maybe didn't always put Family first. After all, he was protecting Aria and Branwen's secret. "Not much. It's just I don't think you should give up."

"She's getting married, Caleb. They set a date. I'm not the kind of guy that sets out to break up marriages."

"I know that. Just, look, I can't tell you everything I know because I was asked not to tell anyone. Just trust me when I tell you it's not what it looks like and I don't think you should close the door on Branwen just yet."

Pogue glared and took another step forward, making Caleb step back. "How about just you then?" Pogue then stepped back and closed his bedroom door.

"Haha, funny." Caleb said through the door. It's not like he blamed Pogue. It would be so frustrating. Pogue had openly admitted to loving Branwen and now all this drama must be putting him through hell. And it didn't get any better.

The next week Pogue barely came out of his room and despite knowing he wasn't happy about Caleb not telling him everything, Caleb was also starting to suspect it had a lot to do with school. Caleb had found an assignment on the counter one day and Pogue had not done well. The two stressors were getting to Pogue.

Not knowing what else to do, Caleb drove to Beacon Hill. He felt like a traitor, standing outside the fancy town-home but what other way was there to help besides using? And if Pogue found out Caleb had used on his behalf, Pogue might just murder him. Or die of another stressor.

Caleb was put in a sunnier mood when as he went to knock, the door opened and he almost ran into Nathan Gregory. Of course seeing the guy who was messing up his best friends life wasn't great but what he said gave Caleb a sudden burst of warmth.

"Oh, sorry. It's Caleb, right? Aria's boyfriend?"

Aria's Boyfriend? Was that Aria's title for him or someone else's? "Yeah. Caleb Danvers." Caleb replied.

Nathan nodded and smiled. He did seem like a polite and even kind person, so why was he doing this to Branwen and why did Aria dislike him so much? "Aria's in class all day today."

"Actually, I came to see Branwen." Caleb said and watched the dark flash play across Nathan's face. Despite the favour, Nathan wasn't objective when it came to Branwen. "I have a question about Philosophy. Figured she'd be the best person to ask."

Nathan smiled again, but it was a little strained. "She is somewhat of a master in that area. You should hear our vows. Very philosophical."

"She's writing your vows too?" Caleb asked, surprised.

"For our sham wedding? I don't see the point in worrying about who is writing what."

Caleb was surprised Nathan admitted to it. "Sham wedding?"

This time Nathan's smile was both dark and ironic. "Aria is not supportive of the ruse. I have no doubt that she has told you." Sighing, Nathan motioned for Caleb to step inside. "I am sorry, though, about the problems it caused with your friend. I was unaware about he and Branwen's situation until last week."

Nathan took Caleb's coat and hung it while Caleb took off his shoes. Then Nathan led Caleb up two flights of stairs. "I have to go out and run some errands but Branwen is off today. She has a few details to finalize but I'm pretty sure she'd like your company better than mine."

Caleb was surprised that Nathan didn't create any illusions to a relationship he and Branwen didn't have. Illusions that definitely wouldn't have held up after Nathan knocked on a door.

"Branwen?" Nathan said, knocking lightly.

"Go to hell, you ass! I swear to god you come near me today and I will make sure you don't make it to this wedding. Go curl up and die somewhere."

Nathan smiled over his shoulder at Caleb and whispered conspiratorially. "I may have irritated her a little this morning when I suggested a fake honeymoon if Maggie doesn't kick the can too soon."

He knocked again. "You have company."

There was a few thumps from the room before Branwen whipped the door open. She froze when she saw Caleb standing there. "Caleb? What are you doing here?" she looked at Nathan but he just shrugged and walked away.

Caleb watched him disappear down the stairs before turning back to Branwen. "Sorry to disturb you."

"No! no disturbance." She grabbed his arm and pulled him into the room. It was clearly her bedroom and was quite tidy. She sat him down on a couch by the front windows and sat down beside him. "What's it like out there in the world? Any big changes? Financial scandals, political strikes, is Kesha back in rehab again? Cause if she is I saw that coming."

Caleb had to blink. He honestly expected Branwen to be a little more stoic. She must be going crazy. Literally. "Don't get out much?"

She rolled her eyes and got up to pace. "I don't get out unless I have to finalize something for the wedding." She turned and looked at him. "I never realized how much planning went into a wedding. I never want to do this again. If I ever get married for real, it's straight to the courthouse for me."

Smiling, Caleb found himself losing some of the anger he held towards Branwen. She was hurting his best friend, but at least she was getting her own punishment. "Do you want to go for a walk? Get some coffee?" Or maybe tea for the crazy woman.

Her eyes grew wide and she came over to sit down beside him. "That sounds like heaven." Then she frowned. "But I have to finalize seating, pick a centerpiece for the tables and pick the song for the first dance."

And everything she had to do probably made her more and more miserable. He was beginning to see what Aria saw. Branwen was putting everything into this, despite hating the groom. This Maggie woman must be really important to her.

Getting up, Caleb smiled. "I'll go make some tea, you gather supplies and I'll meet you in the living room."

Branwen smiled and he could see in her eyes how despite her craziness she was so tired. "Thank you."

"No problem."

Three hours later they finally finished the seating arrangement and sat back against the couch. "I can't believe we figured that out." Branwen said.

"I thought this thing was supposed to be small."

Branwen rolled her eyes. "You and I both. But Maggie keeps suggesting things and Nathan and I are helpless to resist her."

"You don't seem to like him very much."

Laughing, Branwen sighed. "He irritates the hell out of me and he needs to learn boundaries. He can be a really good guy, though. When we were young he was a pompous jerk, but he was a pompous jerk that would do anything he could for his family. These days he just doesn't show the good guy as much. But he's in there. I don't always give him the benefit of the doubt. He's gone through a lot. His mother died in childbirth and his father just walked away from him when he was a kid. All he had was Maggie and she means the world to him."

Caleb could understand that. Reid was very similar to that. Right down to the way he acted. The only exception being Reid's father had died. But dying because you won't stop using could be very similar to choosing to walk away. But despite all the tough-guy bullshit Reid pulled, he was a good guy who was always there when his friends needed him. They all were, because they didn't have much family left.

"I noticed Aria is the only person on your side. Are you trying to keep your family out of the charade?"

Branwen looked at the seating board they'd just finished. "Kind of. Aria's parents are the only people I would invite and I don't want them involved in this."

"You really wouldn't invite your mom?"

"Not in this lifetime."

He wanted to ask more but her tone spoke for itself. Seeking to change the topic, Caleb broached why he was there. "I'm glad I could help but I actually came here for a favour."

Branwen looked at him and frowned, motioning to the seating board, flower arrangements they had picked out and pile of CDs they had gone through. "I'm still neck-deep in the last favour I agreed to."

Caleb laughed. It was true. And he didn't think his would be any easier. At least not emotionally. Not if she really cared about Pogue. "I understand. And I wouldn't ask if I knew another way, but you're really my only option."

She held up her crossed fingers. "Please don't say you need a wife."

Laughing harder, Caleb shook his head. Branwen was a really great person. He had enjoyed hanging out with her today. She would make a great addition to their group if only she and Pogue could work out their shit. "No, I like you but you're not my type."

Branwen nodded. "Not enough red, huh?" she said, playing with the end of her braid.

Caleb's lungs got a little shallow and he chose to ignore the reaction. It was just his brain focusing on the wedding stuff again. "Actually, it's Pogue that needs your help."

It was like a curtain went over Branwen's face. She was suddenly unreadable. "I'm pretty sure I'm the last person Pogue needs right now."

Frowning, Caleb reached for her hand but she pulled it away. He looked at her and her face didn't show anything. "Actually, I think the problem is that you are exactly what he needs and he just thinks he can't have you."

"Because he can't."

"The wedding is fake, Branwen. When this is all over, he could, if you would let him."

She shook her head and got off the couch. "It's not that easy. Pogue and I could never work."

"Why not?" Caleb asked, standing to walk towards her. "You care about him. I know you do. And more than just friends."

"That's not the point."

"Then what is?" His voice betrayed his frustration and she looked up at him with those weird eyes, her cheeks slightly pink with a blush he didn't understand. Was it anger, or embarrassment?

"I don't deny that I like Pogue, a lot. But having a relationship, even with him, is pointless."

"Why?" Caleb growled in reaction to her sharp tone.

"Because none of it would matter in seven months!" She shouted. She turned and walked into the kitchen. He followed her and waited for her to have a drink before she explained. "I'm on an accelerated path, Caleb. If I can make top marks in all my classes this semester I can finish off my courses over the summer and I will have my doctorate by September."

He was missing something. "That's great. That's what you're working so hard for. It's what you wanted."

She nodded. "It's the reason I came here. It's the next step in my life plan."

Uh oh. Life plans were never good news. They never had room for things like unexpected romances. "What's the step after that?"

"Aria and I were going to disappear. Forever."

"Aria?" suddenly his chest tightened and he couldn't pass it off as wedding stuff. He didn't want Aria to disappear forever.

Branwen nodded. "She was going to come with me. But I think I will be leaving on my own if you have anything to say about it."

Caleb bristled. "Me?"

Smiling, Branwen sighed. "Aria always had the pull of her family. We are really close and I know she would do anything for me. And I would do anything for her. Which is why I think it is unrealistic to expect her to give up her family and love."

"Love?" Caleb almost choked on the word.

"She hasn't said it but she has other tells."

"Other tells?" What other tells? Tells that Aria loved him? Why did that make him feel like skipping down the streets when he really thought he should be laughing it off. He had loved Sarah. No! He LOVES Sarah. Right? Aria was great. She was beautiful and amusing and honest. And she didn't let him get away with anything. But Sarah knew him. Really knew him. And accepted him for it. At least she had. How could he love Aria if he loved Sarah?

Branwen smiled at him. "One day you might find this out yourself," she said, "But Aria talks in her sleep."

About him? He was suddenly fascinated by the idea of hearing her say his name in her sleep. He hadn't heard anything the night they'd fallen asleep on her bed, but he'd been asleep too. Now he suddenly wanted to watch her sleep.

"She could be persuaded to stay here with you and I want her to have happiness. I don't want to have her giving up everything to follow me around. I may be doomed to do so but she doesn't have to be."

"And why are you doomed?" Caleb asked, putting the image of Aria sleeping on a back burner for the moment.

Branwen just smiled. "Pogue is better off without me, Caleb."

Sighing, Caleb ran a hand over his face. "Well his heart might be but his education won't be."

She suddenly perked up and Caleb knew that she could shovel all the shit she wanted but she cared about Pogue and it wouldn't be as cut and dry and she was trying to make it. "What do you mean?"

"Pogue's marks are slipping. He can't wrap his mind around all the Philosophy. He spends every moment he can going over the books but he's not a philosophical guy. He's a mechanical guy. He's all about what's in his hands. He got lucky with law because my dad used to teach us about it all the time. But he's never been as into as I was. So now that he's getting into Philosophy it's taking him down."

Branwen frowned and looked out the window. Caleb could see her thoughts flashing through her eyes but couldn't decipher them. Eventually she sighed. "He'll never accept my help." She turned to look at Caleb. "I know you don't like how I'm treating him right now and I don't like it either, but I'm in this mess for the next three weeks. I don't see him wanting to spend time around me. For educational purposes or not."

"Then tell him what's going on. Tell him it's fake and you're doing it for a friend and his grandmother."

"Why? So he can get his hopes up for a relationship that won't happen and then he can watch me leave in seven months?"

"You're already breaking his heart, why not tell him everything and let him decide what he wants?"

Branwen looked up at him and he didn't miss the mist in her eyes. She cared about Pogue a lot more than she let herself believe. "Fine." Branwen said. "You tell him I'm willing to help him with his schoolwork and let him make the choice. But you keep my arrangement with Nathan and my departure at the end of summer to yourself. I'm not going to give him false hope."

Cursing her for being as stubborn as Pogue, Caleb agreed.