The Heart Collector (Under Editing)

Chapter Nineteen: Human

Hughes was dumbfounded, "I'm sorry, you want me to do what?"
"You heard me. After you get the test results, I want Milo to stay with you until this has all blown over." Fare repeated.
He looked over her shoulder at Novus, "But why me? Wouldn't he be better off here or even protective custody if you're that concerned about his wellbeing?"
Novus walked over and put a hand on Hughes' shoulder, "Under normal circumstances, yes he would be safe in protective custody, but we are far from normal."
"B-but I'm not as skilled as you are at fighting. I barely pass the physical portion of my interview!" He tried to reason his way out.
Novus just smiled, "Hughes, you and I both know that the physical part of the interview is tailored more towards Fae applicants, so you barely passing is still quite the feat. Now why don't you tell me what really bothering you."
"I-I," He sat down and sighed, "I work in forensics. I've never really worked with...people let alone a protection detail. What if I mess up?"
Novus looked to Fare. Novus moved aside to allow Fare to crouch down in front of him.
"Listen."  She started, "I understand we're you're coming from. You're used to doing things on your own without much interaction with the outside world. You have your own little close knit group of people that you trust and it makes you nervous at the idea of straying to far from them."
Hughes stared at her wide eyed, "How did you know that?"
"Because I am the same way, but recent events have forced me to come out of my own little world. Too many lives have been lost and more are at risk if we stay there. I know that you're scared of something happening but you have Novus and I to lean on for support."
"But why me and not someone who specializes in protection? I'm only human."
Fare looked at Novus.
"It's because I trust you, Ryan. I'm finding it hard to find people to give it to lately. You being human has nothing to do with it."
Fare could tell that he was burning with questions, but he didn't follow up on it. If anything, she thought that she spotted a dusting of pink on his cheeks. While it took a few moments, a look of determination appeared in Hughes' eyes.
"Okay," He said, "I'll do it, but promise me that he'll leave the moment this is over."
Fare nodded, "How long do you think it will take for you to run those tests?"
"I'll start them when I get back to my lab later. It could take a day if there's nothing or it could take up to three. Each test is different so it is hard to give you a definitive answer."
"That's fine." Novus jumped in, "Just let me know on my personal line when you have the results."
"Your personal phone? Is there something I should know?"
Novus looked at Fare and she gave him a pointed look.
"I'm sorry Hughes, but right now I think the less you know right now would be best."
Hughes contemplated that for a moment, "Okay, but promise me that if I need to know anything in the near future, you'll tell me. Especially if it involves my safety or anyone else's."
"Of course."
Hughes picked up his kit and shook hands with Novus before he left.
Fare turned to Milo, "You can take my room. I can take the couch."
Milo opened his mouth to interject, but Fare spoke first.
"If someone is targeting you, my room would be the safest. It would be one more door they would have to go through."
"But-."
"No arguments. It's fine. I haven't been sleeping much anyways. I have to say this though, there will be absolutely no drug use. You are to remain completely sober. If I find or discover that you have taken any, I'll throw you to the wolves." She flashed her eyes for emphasis.
Milo looked fear-stricken and nodded rapidly.
"Now, go and get yourself cleaned up.  You smell like you haven't showered in a week."
He ran towards the bathroom in attempt to please her.
"There's towels under the sink!" Fare shouted right as the door shut.
"Was it necessary to flash your eyes at him?"
"It was the only way to make sure that he'll behave."
"What about when he returns home, what's to say that he won't go back to the drugs?"
"It's his life. Hopefully this will show him that life needs to be lived not experienced in a narcotic fog."
"Wow. How poetic." He teased.
"Shut up."
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask. Why do you only fight without using your ability? I've seen your eyes. I know that you have Medusa's Gaze. Why not use it?"
Fare sighed, "Because I don't wish that fate on anyone. I mean if it came down to my life being in danger, then I would use it as a last resort. I've never really liked that part of myself. Haven't you ever wanted to change a part of yourself?"
Novus was silent for a moment, "Would you want to change your ability?"
"Honestly, I would want to be human."
Novus was visibly shocked, "Really? May I ask why?"
"Being a Fae has brought me nothing, but heartache all my life. My own kind has never done anything for me. I was a human family that raised me. They embraced all of me without a second thought. Being human is all I've ever known."
"Fare just because we're Fae doesn't mean we don't follow the laws of human nature. We may possess qualities and abilities that humans do not, we are far from flawless. We make mistakes. Sometimes we make the same one more than once. We are really not that different. The only thing dividing us is an invisible line in our understanding of on another."
Fare was speechless. Were man and Fae really not that different from each other? While Fare was not entirely ready to fully consider discovering the Fae-side of herself, Novus had made her question what she had thought her entire life.
"And you called me a poet." She came out of her stupor, "Well, Mr. Philosopher. You asked what I think we should do next and I think that we should look at the Thirteenth's Commodore."