Jackson leans back into the couch, top of his head brushing Eddie’s arm. “Brenda’s will told me to find two roommates, I found the two of you. Her final letter to me says I’ll have no use for the book and to decide what to do with the wand. To find a use for them. Hakeem apparently has an affinity for astromancy, and with you the means to repair the tome.”
Jackson looks over at Eddie and gives a knowing look, “I don’t believe all that is merely coincidence. It might be fate that Hakeem holds on to them for now, something Brenda frequently meddled in.”
“So you trusted your gut and left it all up to fate?” Says Eddie with a quirk of his eyebrow.
Jackson relaxes with a sigh and simply shrugs. “It worked out, didn’t it? Hey, maybe if I trusted my magic as much as I did fate I’d be as amazing as Hakeem says I can.”
Jackson chuckles bitterly to himself and Eddie leans in closer. The laughter stops as Jackson’s chin is taken by Eddie’s thumb and forefinger, turning his head to face the larger man. Eddie’s face is serious, his eyes honed in on Jackson. Jackson’s heart flutters and his stomach twists. Eddie leans closer, noses a hair apart. “You already are, and I cannot wait for you to see that for yourself.”
An audible gulp comes from Jackson. What is happening right now? His voice trembles slightly as he speaks. “You’re pretty amazing yourself. Do you realize that or do you just point it out in others?”
Eddie chuckles, the sound small, barely audible. “I’m not sure, but with you two by my side, maybe someday I will.”
Eddie cups Jackson’s face in his large hand, Jackson stops himself from melting into his touch. He keeps his eyes focused on Eddie, who begins to pull away. He brushes a strand of hair that had fallen to Jackson’s cheek, tucking it over his ear. “Goodnight, Jackson. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
It had indeed gotten late, with the winter sky darkening so soon these days time had slipped away. Jackson watches as Eddie heads up the stairs and waves goodnight from the second floor. “Goodnight, Eddie,” Jackson waves as he slumps back onto the couch. Jackson wasn’t sure what just happened, but he knew in his heart he was looking forward to many more days with the boys. Especially, if it meant his heart would continue to feel so full and warm.
* * *
Eddie presses his back into his door as he closes it behind him, sliding down to the floor, head drowned in his hands. He was about to kiss Jackson. He had wanted to kiss Jackson! Heir to Winter’s throne.
Who the hell do I think I am?
And Hakeem, that gleam in his eyes that made them shine like the moon, it did something unspeakable to his stomach. Where was this boldness coming from? Eddie can hardly grasp the feelings growing for the two men, but he doesn’t hate the sensation. In fact, it filled his heart and made him feel warm and whole.
* * *
Hakeem clutches the grimoire close to his chest, besides the necklace around his neck. The wand in its case on the bedside table. He’s eternally grateful to Jackson and Eddie, for their help and for the opportunity to learn from this tome. His heart is full not just of enthusiasm over the magic, but with a growing fondness. He thanks the stars he found his way to both of them.
Chapter 15
Eddie and Jackson had gone to work for the day.. Hakeem is left in the apartment alone since he didn’t have to leave for an hour after them for his usual Friday shift.
As he gathers up his phone, keys, subway pass and his bag, Hakeem’s phone begins to ring. He pulls the device out of his pocket and takes a peek out of the corner of his eye at the caller I.D. as he puts his shoes on.
“Allu, Hakeem?” His aunt’s voice comes clearly out of the speakers as he holds it to his ear.
“Hi, Khalto Bahera. Everything okay?”
“Yes, habibi. Just calling to check on you.”
Hakeem smiles as he locks the door behind him. “Hamdella, all is good, Khalto Bahera. I’m just leaving the apartment now for work.”
“Ah okay, tell Charlie hi from us. Next time you have a break tell them to come, it’s been too long.”
Riding the elevator down Hakeem nods and lets his aunt know he will do just that. Charlie had become family over the years they spent working and living together. “Yallah, okay okay. I’m sure Charlie would love that.” He hears his aunt laugh lightly over the phone, he’s glad she seems well.
Hakeem exits the elevator, waving to Steven at the desk as he strolled past. “Hi, Steven, hope you’re well.”
Steven gives a polite nod and waves back, “Good afternoon, Mr. Al-Najim. I am. The same to you, sir.” Hakeem still isn’t used to Steven’s formality even after a little more than a month at the Alexandria Building.
“Hakeem,” his attention snaps back to his phone at the concern in his aunt’s voice. “How are things with….. The Nocturne and LaLune boys?”
Hakeem picks up the pace so as to not miss the train. “Hamdella, they are great. Jackson and Eddie have been so friendly, we’ve grown close really fast.” As he heads down steps to the subway Hakeem feels the smile on his face, he never expected to grow so close to his new roommates, especially not like this.
“Just be careful, okay? Those boys come from very different worlds. Your Khalo Shadi and I are just a little worried.” Hakeem can tell, the worry laces her voice. He knew his uncle had reservations about the apartment, especially after Eddie had moved in. What he didn’t know is where all this was coming from. Jackson and Eddie had been perfect gentlemen, kind and caring.
“There really is no need to worry, Khalto Bahera. I know Khalo Shadi has reservations about the exceedingly wealthy, but Eddie and Jackson aren’t like that. They never treat me as lesser.” Hakeem didn’t bring up the grimoire, the wand or the magic lessons. Jackson hadn’t said to keep them secret, but something told Hakeem his uncle wouldn’t like the idea.
