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Before continuing to host the party, in secrecy, you invite Billy to tonight’s poker night, Billy seems troubled, until you clarify there’s no actual money to be bet, and it’s all in good fun. He quickly accepts. He wants his day of liberation to be pure fun, and thanks you for another opportunity to have a good time somewhere else.
After that, you continued your duty alongside Nina, trying to carry most of the burden on your shoulders, but your teacher wouldn’t allow it, she even sat you down and forced you to have wicked fun with the boys. Which, in hindsight, was a blast.
You witnessed why people (allegedly) call your rescued ally ‘Perfect’ Billy Buonanotte! He never missed one shot throwing random garbage at an empty container; he says he doesn’t throw unless he’s 100 percent sure he won’t miss… you feel like that’s cheating. Hearing George speak another language was wild, in fact, he speaks many languages, he has traveled around the world, and picking up languages is easy when you have someone to bounce them off of. Lord Gargoyle’s clones don’t seem like they’re that coordinated, they even smack each other when they miss or do something stupid. Also, the cats hate them, they’re afraid of weirdly similar people. Henry has perfect balance, he says learning his powers just naturally developed his sense of it. In fact, he’s so good, you guys played Jenga on his head. And Oliver, once again, told everyone about how his friends died. Awkward. Henry hugged him this time.
The party dies down and everyone goes their way. Life is busy, and people are busier. Billy asks for the address of the poker night venue before bailing. Obviously, the thoughtful among you didn’t leave without helping to clean up. You, Lord Gargoyle, and George stayed for a bit, even though Nina insists that you don’t have to. Mainly you, because she’s worried about a certain Dragon outside. But tidying up goes so quickly, it doesn’t make much of a difference.
Everyone but you has left by this point; you’re right outside, Nina is resting her body on the doorframe from within.
“I hope you had a splendid day here, Mr. Ando.” Nina’s smile has some hints of concern.
“Eh, I always do around my cute teach.” You wink.
“…I’m so glad you’re back.” Nina grabs your hand. “I almost jumped right in there to help you, you know? Many of us wanted to, but we had to trust one another. And you.”
“I missed you too.” You smile back. That’s heartwarming for you. How times have changed…
“Next time, we should do something together. I can invite you when Susie is asleep.” Nina winks back. “We could watch a movie.”
“Sure! If I have the time!” You nod like a doofus.
“Take care, and tell me how it goes, okay?” Nina lets your hand go.
“We’ll keep in contact!” You start walking away.
