Nerites

He had given his present to her and come to the party. Devon was practically a professional party goer, but it was rare that he was dressed down. Turning at Alex’s words, he fought the urge to sigh and instead brushed his lips to the back of her knuckles, first one hand then the other. “Now you’re at seven.” 

Alex: You're allergic to social functions? Man, you must about die during all of those council parties. You have my present already? Well, I can't wait to see that. I love presents. I look forward to seeing you there!

May the world stay at the bottom of your pumps where it belongs. I called the local spa and there is a day of treatments for you and a friend waiting, whenever you choose. 

I consulted my personal shopper (try not to laugh too hard) who recommended this as something you might enjoy. At the very least, your shoes will be in good company. 

Best wishes,

Devon

Your help last year was invaluable. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish going forward, but if your grace under pressure was any indication it will be truly great. I hope this particular office supply serves you in your internship and beyond.

Best wishes, 

Devon

The ball hit the net and Devon picked it up, “not bad,” he said, tossing the ball back to them and nodding at the student, “do that,” he said. 

“I’m not sure I’ve ever heard someone call this creative,” he admitted, “perhaps you should start taking better breaks.”

His mother had ruined more lives than he cared to think about over the subject. For one very specific reason. He could see her getting ready to get up and walk away. Devon was fully prepared to continue the status quo and let her go, but the bitterness over the past few weeks made him clench his fist. “He isn’t--” he fumbled, then kicked himself over his own cowardice, “he’s not a witch. That’s one of the reasons, the primary reason.” His mother had always put such an emphasis on his perfection, it was almost laughable that she had still gotten the ingredients together for such a flawed specimen. “It’s not something talked about except as rumors, she’s paid a lot of money to keep it quiet. Ruined a lot of lives too.” 

Alex: So I'm not sure how you feel about social functions, but my birthday is on the 4th and there's actually going to be a dinner with a lot of my friends and etc. Would you want to come? It's okay if you don't, but I promise I invited other staff so you won't be the only one.

“We could say it’s an energizing break if you’d prefer.” 

Alarm bells were going off in his head. Reminding him that this was a road that he’d been down before. Even if he hadn’t, it wasn’t a road he should go down. No matter how much she had proved herself, no matter how much he respected what he had pulled off. Actually all of that was even more a reason to not say any more on the matter. “Yes, well, as the world likes to remind me my mother is a revolutionary,” he said, remembering all too well how his old textbooks had lauded her. “The situation is more complicated than just that,” he said, “though I imagine I don’t need to tell you that since we’re talking about dna tests and labs.”