A Cassarian Story
Varian always knew that he cared for Cassandra. But he didn't realize how much until she was gone.
Six long years after Cassandra leaves Corona, she finally returns. Varian is overjoyed, but she comes bearing terrible news. A stran...
"This is so exciting!" Opal says. "I'm so happy you finally started to have feelings for Daddy."
"Not that she would've admitted it," Varian teases.
"I know you're joking, but you're right," Cassandra says to Varian. Turning back to Opal, she adds, "My feelings for your father did begin to stir that day. And they terrified me... I didn't know what to think about them, or if they were even true. It wouldn't be long before I learned the answer, though."
"And while she was struggling with her feelings, I was struggling with some of my own," Varian says. "I still believed our almost-kiss was all in my head. While I didn't want to give up on your mom, I also wanted to respect her boundaries. But experiencing a brief moment of what could have been made that tremendously difficult for me..."
The entire boat ride, all Varian can think about is Cassandra. Not that it's really unusual, but right now his thoughts are more intense. He is already aware that he has been in love with her for a while. But something he didn't think was possible is happening... His feelings for her are growing. Deepening. Ever since he almost kissed her on the beach.
He almost kissed her... what an idiot. If he had gone through with it, he can just hear her screaming at him: "What the heck are you doing? Do you have a death wish?!" She may have even slapped him, or worse. Yeah, it's a good thing Hugo interrupted...
But now, ever since he almost kissed her, kissing her is all he wants to do. Every time he looks at her, he imagines his lips upon hers... What it would feel like, what it would taste like. The desire is so strong, he is afraid he may not be able to hold himself back if another opportunity arises.
As much as he loves being around her, being near her, it is probably best that he stays a decent distance away from her for now. At least until these feelings subside a little. His life could depend on it...
The journey feels like it takes an eternity, but finally they make it to land. They disembark on a dock in a small town, and immediately set out to find somewhere they can buy supplies.
Abhu follows along with them, but he still keeps his distance, which Varian is perfectly fine with. He used to be jealous of how much time Abhu got to spend with Cassandra, but now he feels sorry for what Abhu put her through. He wondered why Cass kept Abhu around for so long, but after hearing her side of the story he realizes she didn't have much choice.
"Hey nerd," Abhu says, walking behind the others. He has his father's journal out, studying it closely.
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Varian spins around to face Abhu with a glare, but Hugo also turns. "Yes?"
Varian whacks Hugo on the shoulder, and rolls his eyes.
"Well, you are both nerds, but I was addressing Alchemist Number One," Abhu says.
"Considering I'm older than him, wouldn't that still make me Alchemist Number One?" Hugo points out with a smirk.
