Oh dear, that's a pretty huge upload gap. Sorry about that, I just lost my motivation a bit, but I am determined to finish this. Also trying to post slightly longer chapters, especially as I'm coming towards the end now I think. I'd massively appreciate a review if you've got the time - if not, thanks for reading anyway!

- Chapter Eight -

Attached

"What the hell is wrong with you, Horn-head?" Rafya says, flashing a terrifying scowl and throwing a book at my head. Her aim is terrible, but I duck anyway.

"N-nothing," I say, but really I was daydreaming about Maya. This has become a depressing constant in my life. The more time we spend together - whether we're working, watching dumb outtakes from The Plumed Punisher or chatting about nothing in particular - one thing becomes incredibly clear. I've got it. Bad.

I expect Rayfa to say something else, but she's silent, staring down at the book she's holding. I'm fairly sure this is the first time we've been alone together since Maya put the idea of her crush in my head. I've been constantly finding ways to make sure there are other people around and then keeping things light.

I notice she's staring at the book so intently that I start to wonder whether maybe should be ducking again. I watch her for a moment; she looks so downcast and thoughtful.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asks.

"Well yeah, throwing books at people isn't great."

"Being weird and avoiding people isn't great either," she mumbles.

"A-avoiding you?" I say, instantly hating the way my voice trips as I say it. I look away, busying myself with stacking the books, "I'm not being weird." I add on, somewhat as an afterthought.

"You're always weird," Rayfa replies, a slight sneer in her voice, "And yeah, I can tell you've been avoiding me. We spent all that time hanging out and then ever since that dumb party at the palace, you never want to speak to me anymore."

I pause, my breath hitching slightly, "Rayfa - " I begin, shocked at this sudden show of vulnerability.

"Whatever, it's fine. I mean, it's your problem I guess. You've probably been too busy going gooey-eyed over Maya. I don't care," she pauses, staring fixedly at the books that she'd already homed on the shelves, "I don't."

You-you're right. It is my problem," I say. This gets her attention, her head turns quickly.

I start to panic that maybe I'm doing the wrong thing here. If things are stunted and awkward now, I dread to think what they'll be like if I'm honest with her. All the same, I take a deep breath and carry on.

"It's something someone said to me at the party."

Rayfa is staring right at me now, seemingly shocked that I'm about to explain myself. She was clearly expecting me to feign ignorance. But I've started now.

"They said they thought that you might be getting quite a attached to me?"

"Attached…" she says, slowly, stringing out the syllables. The effect is odd and her face is hard to read.

"Attached as in liking me," I clarify, although I seriously doubt this is needed.

Her eyes are wide, "Like you?" and suddenly her face is wrinkling into an expression I very much can read: disgust. "Seriously? With that ridiculous horn hairstyle? You've got to be kidding."

"Ouch." I reply, my ego bruised, but quietly feeling quite hopeful, "You're sure?"

"Eugh, never."

"Well, I guess that tidies that up then?" I mutter, "yeash, there was no need to be so blunt."

I see Rayfa soften almost, but then her jaw clenches, "I disagree. Honestly, I think you need to be taken down a peg or two. Walking around thinking everyone fancies you and keeping people at arms length for no reason."

I try another tack, sensing that maybe she's piling the insults on for another reason. My bracelet is going crazy.

"Well, methinks the lady doth protest too much," I even hazard a smile, not daring to make eye contact.

"Urgh, you are just the most arrogant, ridiculous -" but the she sees my expression and stops, "oh just quit teasing!" she says, her face puffing up.

"Fine, fine," I say, laughing a little, glad to feel the tension drifting away. "Sorry Rayfa," I add, hoping to she understands the subtext.

"Whatever, let's just get on with sorting these out."

"Sorting what out?" says a voice from the doorway. We both turn rapidly to see someone we're both very surprised to see in Khura'in. it's none other than Trucy, with Athena stood behind her, beaming.

"Trucy!" I exclaim, rushing forward to hug her. I stand back and look at her properly, "I've missed you so much!"

And in that moment it hits me just how badly. It's weird when you go from spending every day with someone to occasionally talking on the phone.

"What about me?" Athena says, stepping forwards buoyantly a wide grin set across her features.

"You too, of course," I say, hugging her too.

"I wonder whether you've been missing your old boss?" Phoenix says, stepping through the doorway, a coy smile on his face.

"Even you, Mr. Wright." I joke, but deep down I'm honestly thrilled to see all of them.

"What are you all doing here?"

"Well, I know how busy you've been and the firm has been...ah, quiet, shall we say? I figured we could all pop over to visit and raise your morale." Mr. Wright says, clapping me on the shoulder encouragingly.

I smile at him, stopping to look at him for a moment. Really look at him. It suddenly hits me how handsome he is. Ridiculous thoughts about how it's no wonder Maya favours him over me pop into my head. He's so strong and experienced. I'm nothing more than a lowly greenhorn in comparison.

"Anyway, don't just stand there. We should all get food - oh, and we should find Maya first too!"

I gulp, "sure, yeah. Good idea."