"So, getting ready to explore the exotic brave new world of Earth? Or whatever overcautious people feel about new exciting things."

"The two emotions are not very compatible, but I can't see why one can't feel both things."

Shrug. "Henry is getting up like he is going to a war zone or something."

"It's not that bad. Things are pretty tense, and the situation is complicated, but I think we can still find a way to stop the vampires without making things worse."

"Ah, I think he is worried about things from our side? Being afraid we are going to be kidnapped to be brainwashed or something."

"That is not likely to happen, but I suppose it can't hurt being extra cautious with wards."

"I can protect you from vampires."

"I know, Scott." Pause. "Thank you."

Gabe is so impressed by the awkwardness that he doesn't have anything to say. Not because he for once in his life has a filter, but because he is honestly speechless.

Having Gabe there is making him self-conscious. It's not like he doesn't know that imprinting is objectively weird, but it feels right. Fernanda seems to think of it as an inconvenience that she has to route around, though, and that hurts. It feels like his world is going to crash down around him at any moment if he makes the wrong turn. He doesn't like that feeling, and he doesn't know how to fix it so she sees him as useful instead. Be more useful. That's gotta be the right angle. He just needs to find a way to do that.

First, the phone call. He's here to support her.

"Anyway. Uh, it was nice seeing you again, Gabe. We should finish this call."

"Please, leave. We will talk to you later."

"Okay."

He leaves.

"Are you okay, Scott?"

Sure, he's fine. Nothing to worry about. Not when Fernanda is here. Everything else almost melts away in that moment-

-almost.

Still. She's not going to hurt him. He knows that. She's a good person, and even if she wasn't- which she is!- she has Felicia. They're going to fix things.

"I'm fine. It's hard trying to figure out how to solve all the big problems back home, but I think we can do it."

"And that is all in your mind?"

"-it's fine. I'm just worried about what happens when we get home. Just focus on your family right now, we have plenty of time to worry later."

"Alright." They get their turn for a phone call.

And Dal-Estare picks it up. After the short round of niceties they start talking.

"Everyone is going?"

"I am not entirely sure Gabe is going, but Henry - the man that looks like Scott - is going to. At least until the High School of Magic get a good look at the two of them? But we are pushing to going back to Scott's Earth as fast as possible."

"I see." even through the phone it's easy to pick up the reticence in her voice, "just be careful. Both in the way there and in there."

"We are. I am keeping Felicia close. Also, Katur and Scott. Henry is also being careful too."

"Henry too?"

"Yes, he is worried about those kidnapping horror stories that happen less than once a year. Or at least it's what his partner told us."

"Fernanda."