"Um, no. I just heard it's like that." Zane replied, appearing deep in thought.
"Doesn't matter to me. Dates, to me, are spending time with one another. I don't care about who pays the bill, though I don't think as a guy you should always pay for a girl. Or vice versa. It should be a balance of roles, but I may be wrong. Aside from you guys and Logan, I never really dated anyone, so I don’t know enough to talk about dating etiquette."
"You're really easy going." Zane shot a smile my way as he complimented me.
"I try to be. Don't need diamonds and pearls to be happy. I like chocolate though. Oh, and coffee!" I added.
"At least you have a week off to rest. No early mornings."
"Yes. I'll need lots of sleep," I replied followed by a yawn. "Like when we get home."
Zane chuckled, and we turned onto our street. Once we reached our house, I noticed Kage relaxing against the wall next to the door with Maximus.
Maxi saw us first and grinned. "Welcome back you two."
I looked at both of them and turned to Zane who was looking at the floor with a worried gaze. "What are you guys doing here?" I asked.
"Kage was worried about his bro-OW! Fuck Kage. Didn't Diana tell you to keep your hands to yourself when you're mad? Jeez," Maxi whined. Kage just pouted his lip and crossed his arms.
I giggled, shaking my head at Kage's cute expression. I knew they were worried about me, but they were also concerned about Zane.
I leaned in to whisper in Zane's ear. "Just be honest with your feelings. Let him understand you, just like how you made me understand."
I leaned back to stare into his green eyes, and he gave me a reassuring smile. "Okay. I will. Thanks, Jewel," he replied, leaning in to give me a kiss on the cheek.
I blushed at the gesture and gave him a shy smile before I made my way up the stairs to where Maxi and Kage stood watching our little moment.
"Jewel and Zane, sitting on a -OW!" Maxi began as I reached him, but was cut off when I elbowed him. "What's with everyone abusing me today?”
"Stop over exaggerating," I huffed with a smile. I moved to give Kage a hug in greeting and leaned back to look into his eyes.
"Everything was okay?" he asked.
"Yup. I even get a week off to rest." I winked. Kage and Maximus gave me worried looks, but I shrugged. "Savannah wants me to have a week off to rest my magic because midterms are coming, and my body needs it. If I keep being in my guy form all the time, Jinn could fade away."
"Fade away?" Maxi asked.
"It's complicated. I'll explain it tomorrow. Let's go inside Maxi." I pulled away from Kage and moved toward Maxi, slipping my hand into his. I glanced back at Kage who was catching on to my plan. Though he looked a bit irritated, he had a tiny smile on his lips.
"Just listen," I mouthed to him. He took a deep breath and nodded.
"Get some rest, Jewel. You too, Maximus." Kage motioned towards the door with his hands, encouraging us to go in.
"Night," Maxi replied. I gave Zane a quick glance and noticed he looked more confident than before. I knew they would work it out, they just needed to sit down and talk.
We headed inside, and Maxi talked me into going to sleep early while he finished cleaning up. Braxton hadn't been feeling well, so Maximus made him go to sleep early too.
I reached the top of the stairs and walked over to Brax and Maxi’s room, poking my head in to check on Brax. I had a hunch he was in our room at the end of the hall, but it didn't hurt to check.
My eyes scanned the room, landing on the empty beds. No Braxton. I moved down the hall to our room, walking in to peek in the bunk bed first. I saw Nixon on the bottom bunk with Logan asleep at the edge of the same bed, his head facing up. Nixon was sleeping on his side.
Those two are getting comfortable sleeping in the same bed. I guess it's better than Logan complaining. I checked the bed I'd temporarily claimed when I was recovering.
I loved the bunk bed, especially when I was in my male form, but the big bed meant I'd always be sandwiched between two guys. Who would complain about that?
I quickly stripped out of my clothes, putting them in the hamper before I unhooked my bra and sighed in relief. One thing I don't miss when I'm a guy is this diabolical thing.
My eyes lingered on it with spite before I placed it in a separate hamper for my delicate laundry. At least they make them super pretty now.
After kidnapping one of Brax's t-shirts resting on one of the drawers and going to the washroom to brush my teeth, I finally slid beneath the sheets. I noticed Brax was cuddled up in the blanket, which was rather odd for him. He liked to sleep just in his boxers, or nude if he could because it was too hot.
"Brax?" I whispered, reaching out to move a few strands of his hair from his face. I grimaced when I touched his forehead. Heat emitted from his skin and sweat rolled down the side of his face as he trembled. Brax was sick.
"Hmm," he groaned, squeezing his eyes like he didn't want to get up.
"Brax, you have a fever." I worried my lip as I studied him. He opened his weak eyes, staring at me for a few seconds before he replied.
"Jewel. You better?" he asked.
"You should be more concerned about yourself, silly." I tapped his forehead gently. He gave me an adorable look, appearing a bit lost.
"So, not better?"
"I'm fine, Brax. I'm better. I need a week off, though. Guess I'll spend it making sure you're better. Let me get a cold cloth."I turned over to get out of the bed, but his hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me into a warm embrace.
"Brax?"
"My Jewel-Jinn-Precious."
"I don't think you can use all three of those together, Brax."
"Why? I like it," he mumbled against my skin, resting his head on my shoulder. I sighed, giving up on trying to argue with him if he liked the three-combo name. He most likely wouldn't remember this anyways.
"Brax, I need to get you a cold cloth. Also, no school for you tomorrow," I said firmly.
"In a few minutes, and only if you're staying home with me."
"I'll be home with you. And fine, just a few minutes." I emphasized the last part of my statement. I didn’t want him to keep a fever. He didn't reply but tightened his hold around me. I decided to relax and wait till he fell asleep before I got him a cloth.
Hey, Alice? You still awake?
"I'm watching something," she replied.
Watching what?
"Kade and Zane making up. Koa and I are watching to make sure it goes smoothly," Alice said. "You going to sleep?"
In a bit. Brax has a fever, but I'm a bit stuck and can’t get up to get him a cold cloth right now.
"Sleep. I'll get one in a few minutes and put it on him."
Are you sure?
"Yup! Just because I've been chilling with Koa doesn't mean I can't help. Did Savannah say you’re okay?" she inquired.
I'm forced to take a week off. No changing into Jinn either. Oh, she also suggested for you not to use too much energy. At least until she says I'm clear. Is that okay? I know you're enjoying the human life, but it’s just for a few days.
"Being human is overrated. Koa and I haven't been in our human forms much. We only do it to play pranks on those silly alumni." I mentally groaned.
Please don't tell me you're causing trouble?
"Not at all. Can't cause trouble when you technically don't exist." Pride filled Alice’s tone as she bragged.
I'm going to sleep.
"Jewel?" Alice asked.
Ya?
"I'll be good. You're my Mistress and come first. Just wanted you to know that." She spoke softly, and. I wished I could hug her for those reassuring words. Deep in my mind, I knew there would come a time when Alice might find another familiar that she would love and want to build a life with, but I always tried to push away the thought. Maybe I was afraid to lose her.
Even if I knew in my heart that she'd always be my familiar and love me, it was nice to hear her state it again. Thanks, Al
ice.
"You're welcome. Sleep well, Jewel. Love you."
Love you too. I let out a yawn, feeling the sleep begin to take me away.
One conflict down. I just hope there's no more. Six weeks left in the semester.
~THREE WEEKS LATER~
"Fuck, I needed that nap. Today was shit."
I glanced up from the table with a piece of jerky in my mouth to see Maximus enter the kitchen.
Midterms had thankfully gone smoothly, and though it was a bit difficult, all of us had passed. Zane and Kage had made up after their dispute and now did everything together, like at the beginning of Brighten.
Nick had come by last week asking if Zane wanted to attend some event for seniors that he'd been invited to, but Zane immediately refused. I'd been napping with Nixon at the time, but from Maximus’ explanation, Nick didn't seem too pleased.
I'd enjoyed my week off, half of it spent serving a sick Brax chicken noodle soup and enjoying warm cuddles. Zane and Kage felt horrible, but they did their part by ensuring we didn't miss anything in class, each of them making separate study notes for us so it wouldn't be hard for us to catch up.
I think the baths were the best part, being less therapeutic and more pleasurable than anything. Overall, I was glad to have had the week off, especially with how the remaining three weeks were starting to look.
The final test was going to be off campus and would involve each group having to find three magic circles. Every group was assigned a different area to avoid teams clashing, as the main focus of the test was on teamwork and utilization of all members.
I didn't see the difference between the two, seeing as you needed to utilize your team members to work together, but we'd figure it out when the time came.
Kage and Zane were sitting on the floor, their backs against the bottom half of the sofa as they had multiple books open and magic spell spreadsheets scattered on the table. Zane was struggling with a few things, so Brax and Kage were helping out.
I wanted to help too, but I decided the brother study bonding moment was good for them. I'd been distracted by Nixon playing with my shoulder-length hair while Logan had been resting his eyes after a long day. They both went to get everyone dinner since we all knew this would be a long night of studies and practicing magic spells outside in the backyard.
I continued nibbling on jerky, putting my 'Hidden Jewel' bookmark between the pages to keep my spot in the chapter regarding different transportation spells.
"Why was today shit?" I asked.
"I unexpectedly saw some of my old bullies after I went for a jog," Maxi admitted. This caught the brothers’ attention, all three of them stopping mid-conversation to look at Maximus. He lifted his hands in defense.
"They didn't do anything. I'm not the scrawny little kid I was before. Still gave me a weird vibe though. What's with all these random students being on campus, lately? Weren’t there stricter rules?" Maxi complained, walking to the fridge and grabbing the orange juice container.
"That's a good point. Do you know if they graduated from Brighten?" I asked.
"The main guy who bullied me? Hell no! He can use his fists, but his magic ability sucked balls, even back then. I doubt he goes to Brighten, but he was wearing the uniform. Weird right?" Maxi pointed out.
"Now that you mention it..." I trailed off, turning to Braxton who was sitting on the couch with his legs crossed and a book in his lap. "Brax? Those Alumni guys. Do you know for sure they graduated?" I asked.
"Not sure. I simply assumed because Nick said so. My only problem with seeing them, was why didn't we see all these alumni last semester? We would have seen them once, or even at the assembly," Brax replied.
"Everyone had to attend the assembly," Kage acknowledged.
Zane scrunched his face and nodded. "Ya. Now that you mention it, Nick was sitting beside an Alumni. They have unique uniforms. Their blazers have red outlining, so you know they've graduated. Did those guys have that?"
"No," Brax and I said together. I reached out for my phone and dialed Logan.
"Are you calling Logan?" Maxi asked.
"Ya. My instincts are all weird right now. Did you see those guys in the afternoon Maxi?" I asked.
"Yup. They looked like they were heading to the library, but I wouldn't know why," he admitted. I nodded and grimaced when the phone continued to ring.
"He's not picking up?" Brax asked, closing the book on his lap. Zane and Kage glanced at each other and rose up, giving Brax space to get off the couch.
"No. Which is weird for Logan." I hung up and tried again. Maxi looked concerned and pulled his phone out. He tapped at the screen and lifted his phone to his ear, giving me the impression, he was calling Nixon.
Again, Logan didn't pick up, and now I was getting worried. Alice.
"Yes, Jewel?"
I need you to find Logan asap! It may be me overreacting, but I have a really bad feeling.
"I'm on it! Tell Kage, Koa's coming with me." Alice declared. Thank you.
I turned to Kage. "I told Alice to find Logan. Koa's with her."
He nodded in understanding, but the guys all seemed worried. "Maybe he left his phone?" Zane suggested.
"Logan always carries his phone on him. Even to the washroom. He always picks up when I call because of my history of seizures," I confessed, dialing one more time as I slid off the stool.
"Nixon isn't picking up either, and he normally has his phone on him unless he's napping," Maximus declared.
We all exchanged looks, and Braxton sighed. "Let's go and check the campus. They left a while ago. Even if they were snail walking, they should have been back by now."
"Or they would have at least called if they were running late or something was wrong," Kage added, voice a tad lower than the normal.
We all nodded, and I quickly ran upstairs to change to something more appropriate for the outside. I could have easily used magic, but why waste energy on clothes? My instincts were telling me I'd need it for something more important.
We were out the door within two minutes and decided to go to the main building first. "Let's stick together. I know it may take us longer, but at least if anything happens everyone is close by," Braxton suggested once we were inside.
We all agreed and ran down the hall.
Fifteen minutes of searching and we'd yet to find them. We headed to the library, cafeteria, and changing rooms and couldn't find either of them.
We also noticed we hadn't seen one security guard or patrolling professor either. I bit my lip in frustration, continuing to call Logan's phone over and over again. Logan, Nixon. Dammit, where are they!
"JEWEL!"
I flinched and almost tripped. Kage let out a grunt and slid to a stop. "Fuck, Koa. What have I said about the shouting."
Ow. Alice, did you find them?
"Maybe? Logan’s energy! In the West corridor, Class 3 room!" Alice exclaimed. Kage was already running ahead and we all followed, turning to our left at the end of the hall before entering into the West corridor.
I saw Alice and Koa fluttering in front of a door. Kage was there first, and he didn't hesitate to kick the door. It opened with ease, and I followed him in with the rest of the guys.
My eyes landed in the corner of the room; familiar gold locks peeked out from behind the wooden desk. The tune of Logan's phone ringing echoed through the empty classroom.
"Logan!" I shouted. Kade was quickly at his side, immediately checking his pulse. I held my breath, bracing myself for what Kage was going to say but he sighed, looking relieved.
"He's okay. His magic level is super weak. Maxi! Do you have Savannah’s number? We need her!" Kage explained.
"Got it!" Maxi replied, pulling out his phone. I moved to Logan's side and carefully put his head on my lap.
"Logan? Can you hear me?" I asked. He let out a weak moan and moved his head slightly. He was pale, and I could tell with one glance that his mana was low.
I leaned down and pressed my forehead aga
inst his, holding back my tears. "It's okay Logan. Just rest. We'll find out what happened, okay?" I whispered, hoping he could hear me.
I felt a gentle stroke on my hair, and I pulled back slightly to see Logan struggle to open his eyes. They barely reached halfway, and his gold eyes seemed so dull. "Prec...ious?"
"Hey, Prince. You're gonna be okay. We're getting help," I explained, quietly.
"Nix...they...have Nix." He fought to speak. Shit, Nixon!
"We'll go find him. Just rest, please?" I encouraged. He stroked my head one more time before his eyes closed and he was unconscious again.
I looked up at the others and Maxi met my gaze. "You guys go get Nix. I'm fine on my own."
"Koa, Alice. Stay with Maxi and be back up. If anyone comes here, you don't let them enter this room unless it’s to help," Kage ordered.
"HOOT!" Alice replied in her owl form.
"KIKU!" Koa agreed.
I pressed my lips against Logan's forehead and took off the leather jacket that I'd put on. I rolled it up and slid it under his head.
Moving to the hallway, I bit my lip again and glanced in both directions. They could be anywhere. Literally anywhere! I need help! Where are you, Nixon?!
I whipped my head to my right, and my eyes barely caught a glimpse of a gold cape. Wait! I didn't think. My body moved forward on its own as I sprinted towards the hall the cape had disappeared down.
"Shit, Jewel!" Brax called out.
"Fuck, she's fast!" Zane shouted.
"Maybe she saw something," Kage exclaimed.
I knew they would catch up, but maybe this cloaked man was helping me. If he wanted to hurt me, wouldn't he have done it before?
I turned the corner and saw the end of his cape disappear into another corridor. My feet moved before I processed where I was going, my eyes catching a glimpse of "POOL CORRIDOR" on a white sign in red letters.
I moved forward and skidded to a stop, seeing three boys running off to the next room. Kage, Zane, and Brax were at my side in seconds, but I didn't have time to explain.
"THERE! After them!" I yelled. One of the boys turned around, his eyes locking onto mine.
"That fucking ass!" Kage snapped, and he was the first to rush towards them. Zane and Brax followed, and I was ready to do the same when a sharp pain vibrated through my head. Shit!
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