-Rain-

I scan the small, cozy cafe filled with students. Some are studying and typing away on their computers intently, while others sit with friends over a cup of coffee. The pastel, floral print on the walls with white furnishings creates a calm atmosphere. The great tea selection and pastries with free internet is also another reason why Scout's Coffee is incredibly popular. Plus, it's one of the only cafe spots outside the campus.

My eyes stop as I recognize Aster's sleek bob. A pair of oversized, bright yellow sunglasses frame the top of her head. She seems to sense my eyes on her as her bright red lips pull into a smile. I notice she loves bright and bold fashion statements, which draws away from her pale complexion.

"Good morning." I pull out the chair across from her. "I hope you didn't wait too long. Have you ordered yet?"

"Good morning. Not yet, darling," She peers at the small selection of pastries on the menu. "I hear they have a delightful blueberry and poppy muffin."

"I'll probably order the slice of lemon pound cake and a matcha latte." I decide, "But I agree, the muffin here is divine."

After we ordered at the counter, she asked, "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing well. And you? How have classes been?" I feel a little awkward at her politeness. Small talk is always like that with me.

"Likewise. The business classes are quite dreadful. I am glad I am studying photography, or else I would be bored to death. These ancient geezers are still stuck in the stone ages when it comes to introductory courses. I'm ready to get further into the classes." She complains before switching it to me, "And you? How do you like the art classes here?"

"I feel the same way. The introductory classes are painful to relearn from the basics. I think it should pick up within the next week." I am majoring in Museum Studies, but the university requires an introduction to a diverse set of art classes. I assume this is to prepare the students to be well-rounded upon graduation. There are many faculty who hold board positions and influence in the museum and art industry.

"I did not know we even offered a Museum Studies here." She adds, "But it does make sense if you think about it." She bites into her muffin and makes a satisfied noise.

"There are very few students studying in the major...so how did you get into photography?"

"My mum is a fashion stylist and my pops is a travel photographer. He has a photography business in London and does portrait photos for some big magazine brands. You can tell my mum has influenced my fashions, but I have always loved photography. I am always tagging along with my pops on shoots. I have built up a network in Europe and hope to expand it in the States. I guess that makes me a bit of a nepo baby."

I almost snort my latte through my nose. "I don't think most people say that to someone they just met."

"I reckon we will be quite good friends and my gut is usually right," she winks. "I have a lot of privilege and you seem trustworthy. I thought you were a quiet but edgy beauty when I saw you in class."

"Oh really? Now, that's a first for me. Edge is not the word I would choose." I doubt her, "I'd think you would better fit the edgy description." My eyes trail from her sunnies to her nails and finally to her silky outfit. "..Or I guess, sleek and chic."

"You're a sweetheart. That is the style I am going for." As she leans back casually into her chair, she says, "For real though, you did catch my eye in class. And it wasn't yesterday."

"I did?" I am puzzled by her sudden honesty. I would usually sit wherever there was a seat in the lecture hall, take notes, and leave immediately after dismissal.

"You have shiny, wavy hair that I would kill for. I admire your street clothing, too. You totally give a cool girl vibe."

I honestly never thought of myself as cool. My brothers and I were close enough in age that we did almost everything together. I grew up with scrapes and bruises from our roughhousing. Emily and I were always knee-deep in mud with them, though she found makeup in middle school. 

The "street clothing" style is just hand-me-downs from my brothers and cousins. I wear a lot of "thrifted" clothing from my mom's closet. I glance down at my baggy jeans, white t-shirt, and my mom's vintage leather jacket. I glance at Aster's chunky gold jewelry and look at my bare neck.

Perhaps I can accessorize a bit more.

Emily would question who I was if she knew what I was thinking. With only one brother, I am the sister she never had. Except, I really struggle to keep up with the makeup and cute trends on social media. She loves doing my nails, but then I wreck them the next day sculpting or climbing a rock. When we were thirteen, she pierced my ears before she did them on herself. Then, she tried cartilage piercings. I look back at those moments fondly, but our parents were incredibly upset.

"I'd love you could give me some styling tips. As much as I hate to admit, these are all hand-me-downs."

"Girl, you look fabulous as is. A little bit of hair styling and accessories would not hurt, but you are gorgeous already. Whoever is handing these fits down, please send their number my way. They don't make leather that well-crafted anymore." She looks closely at my outfit with her designer eye. "Have you considered modeling?'"

"Geez, that is one way to give me a panic attack. I'd keel over in anxiety before I would dare step in front of a camera. I like to be the creator and hide behind my easel."

"Kindred are beautiful creatures, but you've got the look. I will guide you. Please let me know if you ever change your mind."

"The world shall burn before I change my mind."

"I love a challenge."

"You're ridiculous."

"I think we get along so well!"

Despite the awkwardness in the beginning, I am a little surprised at how well we flow together. I am still warming up to her but she is easy to talk to. I decided to bring up Friday plans to see if she is free. I am excited when she is. It will be nice to have another girl companion. Most of Roan's friends are men.

"There's a party on Friday in the city, if you'd like to join. It'll be my brother and his friends going. I don't know how large this event but it's at a lake house."

"You got an invite to Aidan's private party?" She seems to know immediately the details but leans in quietly. "I hear his full moon parties are out of this world. They will span for the entire weekend, but nobody talks about it."

"Who is Aidan and why is this a big deal? We just missed the full moon though." This girl is in the know. "My brother said it was a small gathering."

"He is one of the sons of the Caspian family, who influenced the eastern continent. They are very well-connected. Their bloodline goes way back. You need to know someone to be invited as it is very exclusive. If it's at the lakehouse, then this is one of their bigger parties."

"Sorry, that sounds so ridiculous and snobby...you should come." I smile. I faintly recall Roan mentioning hanging with Alec, the youngest Caspian. Our family has done business with the Caspian family. I recall a few summers when our families spent time with each other. After my dad's accident, my mom stepped down from the clan head position and limited her interactions.

"I wouldn't miss this chance." She looks at me in awe. She tilts her head questioningly as she asks who my brother and his friends are. There is not a flicker of recognition when I mention their names, though she does recognize my surname.

The Valentine line traces back through our maternal side of the family. My mom has six older siblings and she is the youngest of the seven. My aunts all live in our clan back home. The three uncles are spread out in Milan, London, and New York City with their partners and children. I am also the youngest in my entire family. Well, considering my dad has an unknown family background, this could be false. His clan found him as a baby placed in front of the elder's doorstep.

Aster seems to connect the dots and her eyes widen.

No way,  she mouths.

I put a finger to my lips as I wink back at her. She seems to understand my intentions.

I have considered hiding my identity, but a lot of the Valentines have strikingly similar features. Our electric blue eyes and raven-colored hair are dead giveaways. I keep a low profile, for the most part, so there has not been attention on me. My aunt and uncles are pretty active in our community. They have particular skills that are well sought after.

As we head out of the cafe, I tease back at her, "I guess you can also call me a nepo baby."

"Your secret is safe with me."

And I trust her words.

We head back towards her place. She has already offered to pick out my outfit for the party on Friday. She mentions the parties are always themed, which I freak out for a minute. After a few rapid texts to my brother, he mentions the theme is "Red" to kick off the start of October. Well, he says it's actually Red Moon and dress formally. I find it odd to throw a formal bash, but I have heard stranger things.

As we enter the dormitory complexes, we discover we are on the same floor as each other. We all have our own studio apartment space and each floor is alternated by male and female. Aster warns her apartment is a bit messy since 'that's just how she normally is.'

I almost trip over a mannequin as I make my way toward her direction.  I glance around her studio, which is supposedly the same format as mine. She has created a lofted bed to maximize the high ceilings and under bed storage. Under the bed, we can walk under with enough space to see clothes hanging around her sewing studio. Looking above at the ceiling, I see tension rods and ropes holding up more clothes.

"I like what you've done to the place." I marvel at each corner of the room. There is something new every time I look around. The wall next to the door has shelves full of different types of cameras placed neatly in display cases. "I really like the photos you have on the wall." I walk slowly down the hallway and gaze at the numerous framed photographs. There is an intentional framing orientation in the beginning, but they end up tapering off as I get towards her bed.

"I just have a shit ton of clothes everywhere. I was also trying to frame all my favorite photos and posters, but they are endless. I was hoping to fill up the entire wall space, but I just haven't gotten to it...nope, I gave up." Then, she holds up two red gowns in front of her like a magician.

"I think either of these two would suit you. Do you like silk or velvet?" She eyes my body and holds it up next to me.

"These look way too nice. I don't think I can pull it off." I refuse.

The silk dress is deep burgundy and looks skin-tight. As I spin it around, the backless dress seems daunting. I grab the velvet dress in a hue similar to blood. The dress is more modest with an off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve top and tapers down.

I decide on the velvet gown and change in her bathroom. I struggle to zip the back of the dress but I do admire myself in the mirror. The gown clings to my waist snugly and the length is just enough with a pair of heels.

Aster offers to help me zip as we both admire the gown in my reflection. "I think this is it." She does a few measurements as she pins the gown. "I'll get this ready by Friday. You're going to turn a lot of heads."

"Thanks for letting me borrow the gown." I blush as I feel suddenly shy.  I didn't expect to look and feel good wearing this gown.

"Honestly, you should keep it. I will tailor it to fit you like a glove. And I don't want it back." She holds a hand to stop my refusals.

"Please, it's for me. You shall be marketing for me." She layers some golden necklaces on my neck. Then, she digs through a few boxes on her vanity. With a satisfied sound, she places a large golden snake cuff earring which loops from my lobe to the cartilage.

"I think you're set. I wonder how many guys will be trying to talk to you."

"No, they won't."

"It's still uni and men are horndogs. Until they meet their fated partner, men are not going to stop dating and fucking around." She wiggles her brows suggestively. "Unless you're part of the group that waits for her one true love...which is totally okay and I respect that. Just let me know if I'm overstepping here since this can be a touchy subject for Kindreds."

"Nah, it's chill. I actually haven't thought about the dating culture. I am certainly not coming here exclusively to find my mate."

"Oh thank the gods, I'm currently talking to three guys. And I have dated a few humans too. A little tip--don't date humans. The women are perfectly acceptable, but the men are quite fragile--literally and figuratively."

We share a look and immediately burst into laughter.