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The session with her advisor had gone… alright. Willow still had so many burning questions she wanted answered, but she had the feeling that Cal wanted to talk to their advisor more. That or their advisor really had nothing more to offer her.

Willow rubbed at her temple a bit, thinking about a few things and realized what she really wanted to do was talk to Cassie. The other woman had checked in on her before Cal had scooped her up and taken her away. She hadn’t even gotten to properly answer her before that, and Willow did feel a bit bad about that, and a few other things. It wasn’t hard to see that Cassie was harboring feelings for their dragon covenmate, and those feelings might get her in trouble.

Willow sighed as she turned to Luna. [color=#CCCCFF]”Have you any idea where she might be?”[/color] The moth just turned towards the courtyard where the sound of something hitting the tree was heard. She could see the vague shape of Cassie, and smiled. [color=#CCCCFF]”Thank you!”[/color] She took off for the courtyard, and waved as she entered it.

[color=#CCCCFF]”Cassie! Do you have a moment?”[/color]

Cassie had just finished up her cast, taking a moment to savor in the fact she did something that powerful. There was a thrill there, both enthralling and terrifying. 

Just as she was about to try something more, she heard someone call out to her. A familiar voice and, in turning towards it, a familiar shape. Willow. She hadn’t seen her since Cal had carried her off from the library, leaving Cassie to her own devices. There was still some uncertain tension there. Cassie remembered being dismissed at the new student soiree when she had just wanted to help and get to know Willow. This, on top of the clear something going on with her and Cal. 

Still, Cassie waved in return, then, remembering that Willow would not see that, put her hand down. [color=CCA1A1]”Willow! How are you feeling?[/color]

[color=#CCCCFF]”I’m doing a bit better now since meeting with Professor Zephyrine, but still a bit mush. I am sorry about earlier, just… that book overwhelmed me. It was [i]his[/i] journal. And I think he went a little crazy at the end. But, I have some new charms, which is always a plus. How did the meeting with your advisor go?[/color] Willow smiled at Cassie and relaxed a bit, and then waved to the other person there, before giving Cassie all her attention again. 

Cassie shrugged, [color=CCA1A1]”I don’t know, honestly. Our advisor went on vacation and left us some things to do to practice. Jake and I kind of went off to do our own thing. Thus, the destroyed tree.”[/color] Cassie looked over to the tree that was still slowly dissolving from the acid. 

[color=CCA1A1]”I’m a little bummed because I wanted to learn how to control my magic better, but at least it’s something. And I can always talk to Professor Mikkail, I’m sure. And there was Professor Sariel at the start when we had to get the key from the fish who said I could talk to her. I’m sorry, I am rambling. I’m glad you’re feeling better and that Cal got you to help quickly.”[/color]

[color=#CCCCFF]”Cassie, please never apologize to me for rambling, ok? I do it sometimes as well. Especially if overtaken by a vision. I am sorry to hear about your advisor. I’m sure Professor Mikkail wouldn’t mind helping you when he can. Though,”[/color] she looked over at the tree that was dissolving from the acid, [color=#CCCCFF]”It seems you’re making strides yourself.”[/color] Willow chuckled softly at that and looked at her. 

[color=#CCCCFF]”I did want to ask if you were alright after last night. I would have asked then, but… vision triggered.[/color] Willow sighed as she hung her head a bit, feeling awful. She did want to be friendly with Cassie, but was sure she had started off on the wrong foot.

Cassie had to admit she felt a little thrilled to have her work recognized. Then she remembered the other night in the library, where she had wanted to impress Cal and felt..ignored? And how him and Nick were acting like she had interrupted something. How Cal wanted her to not be there in that moment. Only to end up swooping in and being the hero Willow needed. Cassie only wanted to show she was meant to be there. She did what she was asked. So why did she feel so bad?

[color=CCA1A1]”I mean, you weren’t in the best state to be checking in with others so you’re easily forgiven for that. There was a moment, however briefly, when I had found all of the research Cal asked for. I even found something more extensive and wanted to share. But he seemed so….irritated. And he was with Nick, and Nick makes my skin crawl, kinda. Does that make sense? Then you needed help, don’t get me wrong, I am glad you are good, but again, I felt like I was a nuisance when all I wanted to do was help.”[/color]

[color=#CCCCFF]”They have… an interesting relationship. Nick and his brother, well, I get the feeling they’ve been through a lot.”[/color] There was no way Willow was going to tell Cassie what she knew about the brothers, but she couldn’t fault Cassie for feeling the way she did about Nick. He wasn’t really warm and welcoming. [color=#CCCCFF]”And Cal did carry me off before I could let you know how I was doing, and I am sorry for that.”[/color] Willow was not sure how to explain that to Cassie either, what their relationship was. Protective was one word for it, but Willow was afraid if she said that, Cassie would be hurt more.

[color=#CCCCFF]”If it is any comfort, Cassie, I do not think you are a nuisance. I want to be friends with you. You are very kind, and I think much like me, learning how the world works. I know it started awkwardly, but do you think we can be friends?”[/color] 

[color=CCA1A1]”I mean, I kinda thought we were friends this entire time,”[/color] she said warmly, to show she had no ill will. [color=CCA1A1]”That’s why I am glad we got to be in the same Coven. I had someone I connected with. I’m new here and, admittedly, don’t know much about how all of this works. Not just the magic parts, but relationships in general. I was homeschooled by very Conservative Christian parents who never let me leave the house unless it was with them and then it was only to go to some other rich adult’s home so they could foist me on their irritating and gross son. I think my parents were afraid of me. So I wanted to learn how to control my magic, moreso for me than them, because it kind of scares me too. So when I was dismissed by Cal and Nick, and to a lesser extent you, it hurt more than maybe it should.”[/color]

[color=#CCCCFF]”Oh.”[/color] Willow blushed deeply at that. [color=#CCCCFF]”Clearly, I am also bad with relationships. I… I mean I was raised in the rainforest, by my Tia. She was the only person around. I grew up with monkeys, birds, lizards, snakes, and my visions. So, I guess, I didn’t realize that friendship was that easy. And also that hard. But… we’re here now. And we’re friends. And I’m sorry about your parents. They are missing out by not knowing you, the real you. I will do my best not to dismiss you again.”[/color]

Cassie felt herself tear up, but held firm. She would not lose it, not now. [color=CCA1A1]”I mean that sounds awesome! I love animals!”[/color] She did ignore the bit about her parents. She wondered what they were doing right now? Did they call the police to come find her? Did they even care at this point? [color=CCA1A1]”We’ll need to do all the things friends do then. Like I need to introduce you to some critical media like romantic comedies. And have you ever had a mani-pedi?”[/color]

[color=#CCCCFF]”I’ve never heard of a mani-pedi. What is that?”[/color] Willow tilted her head curiously. 

Cassie gasped. [color=CCA1A1]”Oh my goddess, it’s like…one of the best things. My mom and I actually went often and it was…well I liked the process. It’s basically getting your fingernails and toenails done. They buff and scrape and clean and it feels soooooooo good after. You can even get color on your nails! I doubt the school will let us leave to do it, but maybe we can conjure some home stuff to do them ourselves in our magic bedrooms!”[/color] 

Willow’s grin grew wider as she could hear Cassie’s excitement in her voice. [color=#CCCCFF]”I think that would be lovely. Probably have to be in our bedroom, but as you said, they are magic.”[/color] She giggled softly.

[color=CCA1A1]”I mean it spawned a lot of stuff I asked for, it’s so cool! This school is awesome. I’m happy I was able to come.”[/color] She left the other part unsaid. How, if she hadn’t, she would be locked up like some fairy tale princess. But there would be no Prince Charming to come save her. She’d likely die in that room.

[color=#CCCCFF]”So am I.”[/color]