The silver doors of the Starwyn Wing closed quietly behind David.
For a moment...
He simply stood there.
The afternoon sun felt warmer than he remembered.
The conversation with Lord Starwyn replayed through his mind.
"If you ever require the assistance of House Starwyn..."
"You need only ask."
David slipped the silver contact card into the inside pocket of his academy jacket.
It somehow felt heavier than something so small should.
The Starwyn messenger inclined his head.
"Our business has concluded."
David returned the gesture.
"...Thank you."
"It was my pleasure."
Without another word, the messenger turned and disappeared back into the Wing.
The massive silver doors closed behind him.
David stood alone.
"...Well."
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"I wasn't expecting today to end like that."
I AM:
Neither was I.
David blinked.
"...That's not exactly comforting."
It was not intended to be.
"...Fair."
David sighed.
"Guess I'd better get back before June convinces everyone I got kidnapped."
Probability: High.
David laughed.
"...Yeah."
"So you've met June."
He is... difficult to ignore.
David couldn't argue with that.
He started walking back toward the Academy.
The Twelve Family District slowly gave way to the familiar stone walkways of the main campus.
Cadets moved between buildings in small groups, still talking excitedly about the tournament.
Every so often...
Someone recognized him.
Conversations stopped.
Heads turned.
Then whispers followed.
"That's David Wyn."
"The Champion."
"That's him."
"He really beat Kael."
"House Starwyn summoned him."
"I heard Lord Starwyn himself invited him."
"No way."
"That's what everyone is saying."
David resisted the urge to walk faster.
"...This is weird."
I AM:
Fame often is.
"...I could live without it."
I suspect that opportunity has passed.
David groaned.
"I liked it better when nobody knew my name."
The Academy dormitories soon came into view.
David climbed the familiar steps toward Gamma Squad's floor.
He hadn't even reached the hallway...
When—
The dorm room door burst open.
"HE LIVES!"
June practically launched himself into the hallway.
David barely had time to react before June grabbed both of his shoulders.
"I knew it!"
David blinked.
"...Knew what?"
"That House Starwyn wasn't secretly harvesting your organs!"
David stared at him.
"...That was one of your theories?"
"It was Theory Number Three."
Lucian appeared in the doorway.
"There were six."
"There were eight," Mira corrected.
June nodded proudly.
"There were eight."
David slowly looked from one face to another.
"...How long have you guys been waiting?"
Nyra folded her arms.
"...About two hours."
David winced.
"...Sorry."
She smiled softly.
"You don't have to apologize."
"We were worried."
For just a moment...
Their eyes met.
David smiled.
"...I'm okay."
She smiled back.
"...I know."
Nyra tilted her head slightly.
Then frowned.
"...Seriously?"
David blinked.
"What?"
She stepped closer before he could react.
Without asking...
She reached up and straightened the collar of his academy jacket.
"It still amazes me."
David looked down.
"...What does?"
"I can't believe you walked into House Starwyn looking like this."
David laughed.
"In my defense..."
"...I had just finished the biggest fight of my life."
"That's not a defense."
"It feels like one."
She smoothed the fabric one final time before brushing an invisible speck of dust from his shoulder.
"There."
A satisfied smile crossed her face.
"Much better."
David looked down at his jacket.
"...I honestly didn't even notice."
"I know."
Behind them, June narrowed his eyes dramatically.
"...Okay."
Everyone looked at him.
"I have to ask."
Nyra raised an eyebrow.
"Ask what?"
He pointed between the two of them.
"Why do you always fix his collar?"
Silence.
Nyra blinked.
"...I do?"
"You absolutely do," June said.
Lucian nodded once.
"You do."
Mira smiled faintly.
"I've seen it several times."
Nyra looked genuinely surprised.
"I..."
She glanced at David.
Then back at the others.
"I never realized."
David smiled.
"I guess I never did either."
June folded his arms with the expression of someone solving a great mystery.
"Huh."
David laughed.
"What?"
"I don't know."
June shrugged.
"I just think it's interesting."
Nyra rolled her eyes.
"You're impossible."
"So I've been told."
Castiel, who had been quietly watching the exchange, spoke without looking up.
"...It's become a habit."
Everyone turned toward him.
He met David's eyes for a brief moment.
"Neither of you noticed."
Silence settled for a heartbeat.
Then June clapped his hands loudly.
"ANYWAY!"
"We have much more important things to discuss."
He pointed dramatically at David.
"Start talking."
"What happened in there?"
Lucian folded his arms.
"I'm curious too."
Mira nodded.
"So am I."
Nyra stepped aside.
"...Come inside."
"We've been waiting all afternoon."
David laughed.
"...Yeah."
"I guess I owe you guys an explanation."
June immediately pointed toward the room.
"I CALL FIRST QUESTION!"
"You don't get to call questions," Lucian replied.
"I absolutely do."
"No."
"Yes."
David shook his head, smiling despite himself.
Somehow...
Everything already felt normal again.
He followed his friends inside.
The dorm room door closed behind them.
Outside...
The rumors continued spreading across the Academy.
Inside...
David was exactly where he belonged.