26

Val gives a slight smile. "Well, you've never had it. It's not as straightforward as you think. I'm still trying to get my head around it."

Fritz nods. "I was born with it," he puts in, "and it still does a number on me, some late nights."

"I'll apparently keep going forever," Michelle states. "I'm just taking it one day at a time."

There's a short reflective silence. It seems that, out of everyone in the room, you've got a lot less time to get through your to-do list.

Eventually, Val turns back to you. "Still," she says, "you're right. It's a serious decision."

As friendly as Val and Fritz are acting, the room's atmosphere is certainly suggesting that they'd both be quite keen to get back to what they'd been up to before you arrived.

Without trying to make it obvious (not that it seems like the vampire or werewolf would much care if you did), you exchange a few pleasantries, make your excuses, and then leave, heading out into the corridor and on to the outside.

It is, you have to admit, a nice day. The sun is warm without being overbright and hot, and sitting on the steps outside the school is as pleasant a way as any to tuck into what feels like the first meal you've had in several days.

"How are Romilly and Will?" you ask. "Have you seen them?"

Michelle grins. "What, wondering about your posh boy?" She laughs as you turn away, a slight heat in your cheeks. "Yeah, they've both been around. They're keen on the rest of St. Mary's getting to mix with our lot. Though," she adds, "it might be a while until both sides are ready for that."

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