“Well,” Hakeem does some mental arithmetic, “if we count all theredundant, obsolete and minor spells from days past that aren’t used in modern day, then it comes up to about…… three hundred and sixty nine.”
Jackson and Sergeant Soleil’s eyes go wide, the room coming to a halt. Jackson closes his jaw which had dropped open, “Hakeem?”
“Yes?”
“Did you say three hundred and sixty nine?”
“Approximately, but so many of those are redundant and relatively useless in modern times. I just liked reading about them in old grimoires I could find in libraries. I find them fascinating since they hold the history of magic in their pages, even if the spells in them are labeled as worthless.” Answers Hakeem, wistfully.
“You do realize that is still a large number, right?”
“Ninety percent of them shouldn’t count,” says Hakeem bashfully.
“Any chance you are considering a career in teaching the history of magic?” Asks Sergeant Soleil when she regained her composure.
Jackson wraps an arm around Hakeem’s waist, pulling him close in a possessive gesture. “I do hope not. I rather like having our dear Hakeem here as my own personal instructor.” Jackson laughs to himself as Hakeem’s brain shuts down at their proximity.
Sergeant Soleil leaves the apartment, satisfied with her findings. Jackson leaves Hakeem’s side to get ready for work. “Told you it would be fine. I’ll talk to you later, okay?” He offers a cheeky grin and wink before heading upstairs.
Hakeem is left standing in the living room, brain still recovering from Jackson’s playful possessiveness. Jackson was just being playful, right? So why is Hakeem’s heart going crazy?
Hakeem’s mind is in a daze until he has to get ready for work himself. Did he really kiss Jackson while mana drunk yesterday? Why didn’t Jackson or Eddie mention anything if he did? Was it just not a big deal? Why did his body make him feel like it was a big deal? Did he want it to be a big deal?
Hakeem snaps out of his daze when Eddie calls out to him as he is about to head out the door. “Hakeem, wait up!”
“Hm? Oh hey, Eddie, what’s up?”
Eddie seems really antsy, Hakeem can’t imagine why. “Want to join me for a ride and I can drop you off at work? I wanted to talk about something kinda important and didn’t notice the day slipping away.”
Hakeem looks at Eddie with wide silver eyes behind his glasses, causing Eddie’s heart to race. “Sure, that sounds nice.”
Eddie can’t muster up his courage the entire ride, Hakeem clinging onto him only seeming to scatter his thoughts more. He was so sure of himself last night, but the act of asking Hakeem to be his date to the ball is much more terrifying when he has to actually go through with it. They arrive at ‘Shape of Brew’ and Hakeem is getting off his bike.
It’s now or never.
“SO!” Hakeem jumps at the sudden increase in volume. Eddie clears his throat in an attempt to regain his composure. “Sorry, I didn’t think I’d have this much trouble asking you this.”
Hakeem is now visibly confused, concern shining in his eyes, “Ask me what? You said you wanted to talk about something, Eddie. Is everything okay?”
Eddie takes three deep breaths, takes off his helmet and shrinks his bike. He doesn’t want to risk himself driving off like a coward. “That depends on your answer, Hakeem.”
Eddie closes the distance between them, looking down at Hakeem who’s now gazing up at him, hands close to his heart. “I have a plus one to the solstice ball next week in the Spring Realm. I know it’s a little last minute, but I haven’t had the chance or the courage to ask before now. I was hoping for all of us to go together. Jackson has his own invite, but is still deciding. Regardless of his choice I’ve made mine. Hakeem, will you be my date to the ball?”
Hakeem’s mouth falls open, a single breath escapes his lips in a shudder. “Me? You want to go with me? As your plus one?”
Eddie gently takes one of Hakeem’s hands in his, planting a kiss on the back, “As my date, Hakeem. I’m sorry to spring this on you, but I have to be honest with myself. I can’t make the choice for Jackson, but I wanted to offer you the chance to share this evening with me.”
Hakeem can’t believe what he’s hearing, did Eddie like him more than a friend? He specified it was a date, but also mentioned wanting Jackson to join them. Does Eddie like Jackson? Was it the same way he liked him? Does Hakeem want it to be the same way? Were his feelings about them both finally becoming clear in his mind? His throat dries, his tongue feels thick in his mouth. None of this makes sense, what could either of them see in Hakeem?
Before logic can take over, Hakeem’s heart speaks on his behalf, “YES!” He didn’t mean to shout, one hand clamping shut over his mouth in embarrassment. “I mean, I would like that. I’d really like to go with you, especially if Jackson can join us. I mean- not that you aren’t amazing- but like you said it would be really great to go together.”
Eddie chuckles softly while Hakeem scrambles to gather himself. He leans down and fixes Hakeem’s glasses that had gone askew in panic. “I’d love for all of us to go as well. I already talked to Jackson, he said he’d consider it. He also said we should go regardless of his choice. I must admit, I’m overjoyed you said yes. Do you need help with a suit for the event?”
Eddie is very close, smells really good and is radiating a comforting warmth. Were his eyes always such a stunning shade of blue? Hakeem’s brain, that had gotten him so far in his academic career, is currently failing at all functions outside of keeping him alive. He eventually manages to squeak out a reply, “I can ask Charlie for help. The cafe and university are closed for the solstice anyway so I don’t have to check my schedule.”
The solstices were major events every year in the fae and magical realms, most business and schools closed on them.
Eddie gives Hakeem a satisfied smile, ocean blue eyes catching the light in a way that causes Hakeem’s gaze to linger on him. “I’ll talk to you later about details, hope you know how to dance.” With a wink, Eddie turns on his heels, hands in his pockets and strolls off to the gym.
