Hakeem nods his head enthusiastically in confirmation, earning another chuckle from Jackson. “One thing though, any chance there’s enough mana left over in the mana well for a wish to clean this mess up, and fix your glasses?” Jackson spreads his arms to gesture to the shattered glass and upturned plants on the terrace.
Hakeem looks at the mana well and furrows his brows. “Maybe, but I can’t be sure. I’ve never granted wishes using an external source of mana before, it’s weird to feel so…..energized. I may need a little more than what’s in there.”
Jackson joins Hakeem’s side by the mana well and offers his hand. Shocked, Hakeem looks to Jackson and back to the offered hand. “My magic is as good as yours it seems. If the well is dry, take what you need from the source.”
Hakeem swallows the lump that has formed in his throat before accepting Jackson’s hand. It’s warm to the touch, the rush of magic from under his skin sending a shiver up the mage’s spine. It’s wild and alive, and abundant. “Well, all that’s left is for you to make a wish, roomie.”
Hakeem cringes at his words while Jackson rolls his eyes, the corner of his lips curling up, showing off his pointed fangs once again. “I wish this mess was cleaned and fixed up, your glasses included.” He gestures with his free hand to the cracked spectacles resting in Hakeem’s curls.
Hakeem takes a steadying breath and draws from the mana well under his hand, and lets more flow into his body from where his hand is holding onto Jackson’s. He lets go of the elf’s hand and takes the other off the mana well, silvery wisps of mana filling the air around him. Jackson watches the green of his magic turn to silver around Hakeem, the man’s eyes softly closed in concentration. He looks otherworldly. His tan skin haloed in a soft silvery glow, his jacket lifting slightly to reveal the dark hairs under his navel. Jackson isn’t staring, of course he isn’t. Hakeem claps his hands together to complete the spell, speaking three words that would stick to Jackson from this day forward. “As you wish.”
Chapter 8
The glass is cleaned up, the pots back in place and Hakeem’s glasses sit on the bridge of his slightly curved nose, pristine as if they were new. Hakeem sways slightly where he stands, knees weak, before Jackson steadies him by the shoulders.
“Woah there, I gotcha.” Hakeem’s breathing is shallow as he opens his eyes to look up at Jackson who offers him a small smile, concern written all over his face. “You okay?”
Jackson’s hands are warm where he holds Hakeem. It’s curious how well he fits around Hakeem, like he belongs there. Shaking his head, Hakeem rights himself and straightens his clothes, hiding the slight rosiness of his cheeks from Jackson. “I’m fine. I guess even with external mana there is still a physical strain.”
Jackson sighs in relief and pats Hakeem’s back lightly, who barely contains a squeak at the contact. “So, after all is said and done, think you can move in alright before classes start up?” Hakeem nods gleefully with a smile that fills his soft cheeks.
***
Hakeem finishes signing the lease, exchanging numbers with Jackson before he leaves, and hurries back to Charlie. He makes sure not to forget their croissant, no good news could cover the betrayal of forgotten carbs. When he makes his way back to their apartment Hakeem can’t hide the joyin his demeanor.
“Well well well,” Charlie arches a playful eyebrow as Hakeem bursts into the room, “I’m glad I had someone else cover the cafe today. I wouldn’t want to miss out on croissants and good news. Well? Go on then. Either you found a prince charming to carry your little behind off into a happily ever after or you got the room. Which one is it then? Don’t keep me in suspense, it’s very rude.”
Hakeem makes an unimpressed face at Charlie’s remarks as they bite into the flaky crust of the croissant he handed them. “I got the place. It was a bit of a shit show, a lot more magic explosions of light than you’d expect, but it went great! Jackson said I could move in ASAP, with how little I have to move I can be packed and settled in a couple days.”
Charlie nods along at Hakeem’s explanation, but as what he says begins to settle in their head, they choke on their croissant.
“Charlie, you okay? Let me get you some water.”
“Fuck the water, Hakeem!” Charlie clears their throat and levels their stare at the concerned man in front of them. “What magical explosion?! And did you say Jackson? The flier said the Nocturne group owned the apartment, but are you telling meTHEJackson Nocturne is your new roommate/landlord?”
Hakeem realizes the explosion might cause more concern than intrigue in his non-research colleagues and friends, so he decides to hide that fact in his back pocket from now on. “Yes, Jackson Nocturne. I’ll admit I didn’t realize who he was at first. He was nice, and kind of alluring and cute too. I know his family is a major player around here but he seems like a sweet guy. And the explosion wasn’t his fault, it’s a long story that I’m not sure I fully understand either. That’s the life of a researcher, always discovering and learning.”
Hakeem tries to loosen the tension by making jokes but the look on Charlie’s face would prove he was unsuccessful. “I have the day off, so.” They crack their knuckles as they move past the mage. “Explain. I’ll help you pack. Please, Hakeem, I just need to know you’ll be okay.” Hakeem nods and begins to explain everything as he starts to pack up his room.
* **
“And the magic! Oh, Charlie, I never felt so much mana running through me before. It was exhilarating, and it felt so warm and safe. He looked at me like I was crazy when I said that, saying it never felt that way for him. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to feel like that again, but the view alone is a nice consolation prize.”
Charlie wipes a tear from their eye and regards their friend with a soft smile. “Oh, Hakeem, Mon ami. You found your mana match! That is a bond like no other, some say it’s second only to one’s fated mate. It doesn’t mean anything romantic will come of it, but I’ve known people in my life who found their match. Friendships that withstood the test of time and space were born from that bond. If this Jackson has a soul like yours; hell, if it’s half as kind as yours, my boy, then I’m sure this next part of your life will be filled with wonderful adventures.”
Charlie pulls Hakeem in for a tight hug, “But remember, I don’t care who this boy is, he hurts you, he deals with me. And that’sbeforeyour family gets their hands on him.”
Hakeem laughs joyously as he hugs his friend, thinking back about how his cousins used to vet any boy he dared have a crush on. “Thank you, Charlie, love you too.”
That night, as Hakeem finishes packing up dressed in black sweats and a gray tee, he gets a text from Jackson. They had exchanged numbers before Hakeem left that afternoon.
Jackson: “If you need any stuff moved here don’t bother with a truck. Jean-Claude does portals, he can get it done in a minute.”
Hakeem: “Portal Magic? That’s so rare. I’d hate to be a bother.”
J: “My magic blew up on you this afternoon, we’ll call it even.”
H: “Ok yes, that did happen. If it’s not too much trouble I’m actually done packing. I never had much to begin with. The hardest part was putting my books away. Haha.”
