Even before he opens his eyes, Zye leans into the strong arms wrapped around him. He slowly rolls over. The movement is enough to rouse Jace but not before Zye smiles up at him. A shift and a shimmy later, Zye’s lips gently press against Jace’s.
Jace drags one hand up Zye’s back to press him closer still. He deepens the kiss, unwilling to let Zye go just yet. The warmth that blossoms is addicting. The feeling of Zye’s leg slipping between his own dares him to go further.
He’s just licking along Zye’s lips when the latter is suddenly pushing him away. “What’s wrong?” Jace asks softly.
Zye’s brows furrow as he tries to concentrate. “Can’t kiss you and receive messages.”
“We can work on that.”
“No I mean I don’t get any of the ones you all talk about. But I do get Callua’s and she said to let her in when we’re up.”
Already slipping away, Zye is off the side of the bed and hurrying to the closet for some clothes. Jace huffs a bit as he rolls over to watch Zye get dressed. He’ll take that as enough of a win while he calms the heat that had dared to rise.
“We’ll talk about it some other time. It’s more than likely a good thing you don’t get all of the alerts I do. Not yet anyway. You can filter them in slowly.”
“Guess so.”
Zye shrugs quickly into a black t-shirt and a pair of gray jeans that fade into black past the knees. He spins around with a smile. “I’ll let her in and you can take your time.”
Jace sees it. The happiness that makes Zye’s eyes shimmer just with knowing the fact that Callua is here. Considering how distant she’s been with things the way they are, it’s no surprise to him. Not when he feels the same.
Bare feet slapping against the floor, Zye stops at the edge of the bed and bends at the waist. Just enough for Jace to lift his head and peck the lips offered to him. He smiles up at Zye while tucking one of the pillows beneath his head. “Go. I’ll be slow today.”
Zye nods before hurrying out of the room. He shuts the door to give Jace privacy. Once he has, he’s to the door and slinging it open. Standing there is Callua with Adrian right behind her. She shakes her head at him.
“You look like a kid on… What was it? Christmas?”
“I— well, you’re here?”
From around Callua’s shoulder, Adrian gives a wave. “Can we get inside? Please?”
“Right, come on in,” Zye replies while stepping aside. He shuts the door tight once they both stride past with wandering eyes.
Callua goes further, staring at everything. “Zye…it looks… I love it.”
Zye rubs at the back of his neck as he goes to join where they stand. “Really? You’re more than welcome to stay whenever you want. I can always get my Mark to let you in.”
“You’ll spoil me if you do that.”
Adrian clears his throat to get their attention. “Not to be rude. But we’re not here so you two can be cute together and make eyes.”
Glancing between Adrian and Callua, Zye doesn’t know to way to say. It catches him off guard. It doesn’t help he can’t tell if Adrian is joking or not. He hasn’t been around him long enough to tell.
Even if he doesn’t care what others think, is that what it looked like? It’s surely only because he’s so excited to see her. The circumstances aren’t the best, but they are in a waiting period. The calm before the storm.
He’s in his ming with thoughts racing, daring to get deeper, when it all stops.
Callua’s fingertips brush over his elbow as she laughs softly. “Don’t listen to him. He’s been anxious all night. He’s kidding.”
“Right, makes sense. I really am sorry, Adrian. We’ll get this wrapped up soon.”
Adrien lets out a long sigh as if he’s been holding it since he’s gotten here. “Thanks. Being worried to death and then your friend wants to drag you out of somewhere that’’s safe doesn’t help.”
“I told you, you could have stayed,” Callua counters back.”
Zye walks past them a bit, arms crossed over his chest, as he mumbles, “I don’t even know what making eyes means.”
From beside him, Adrian snorts. He’s clearly amused by what he’s managed to hear. Makes it all the more fun to be the child that dares to poke the bear for a reaction.
“Flirting.”
“I’m with Jace?” Zye pauses for a moment and turns to him. “And I wasn’t flirting! I don’t flirt with just anyone.”
Callua snickers while leaning over to pinch his side. “Is that so? But you’re so good at it.”
“I had to be, it was my < i>job!”
“I know dummy,” replies Callua as she stifles her laughter. “Relax. It was just a joke. Right, Adrian?”
Adrian raises a brow while stuffing his hands into his pockets. “Yeah. It how I fight the nerves.”
The bedroom door opens with Jace stepping out fully dressed and with his bandanna in his hands. “Glad to see you all are as lively as ever.”
Smiling, Callua gives a wave to Jace. “Good morning, Jay. Sleep well?”
“I did. And it always is if you’re here.”
Callua blushes and turns away. She strides away from them both and begins opening drawers, surprised that they’re mostly full of various utensils and gadgets. Although some are empty even still.
“Flattery aside,” she begins, “I was wondering if Adrian could stay here for a couple of days. I think it’d be safer. I know you’d probably rather have your space.”
Zye gestures toward the couch. “That’s fine. The couch is right there. Not sure I want another person trying to cuddle me in bed.”
“Especially since Callua is a clinger,” Adrian adds with a sly smile.
The tease has Callua shutting the door. She spins back around with a glare directed towards him. “It’s only until we’re ready. He’s safer here or I might kill him, too.”
While they stick their tongues out at each other, Jace nods. “I agree. Adrian, you can stay in either of our rooms.”
Attention retrieved, Adrian stops making faces at Callua to turn to Zye. “Does the kitchen actually work?”
“Yeah give or take. If you make a mess and don’t clean it you won’t have to worry about Soren.”
“Challenge accepted.”
Zye takes a deep breath. It’s only for a few days at most he tells himself. He can get through this. Holding out his hand, Zye concentrates enough to summon his Mark. The second he does, Callua squeals and runs over. She squats down to its level.
“Oh my Gods, Zye, this is yours? It’s so cute! And so small! Kind of like how you used to be when you were little.”
“How in the hell did you get my pictures? Jay?”
“Nope,” she replies while scooping the Mark up into her arms. “Lyra did. She wanted one of you while she was in the hospital, so I snagged one from her room.”
Zye’s already walking over to her before she can finish. “I couldn’t get away with anything and she let you steal a picture.”
“Borrowed.”
Hands on his hips, he smirks down at her. “Bet you still have it don’t you.”
The smile she flashes up at him doesn’t deter him. “Aw, does the big bad man want his picture back? It was very cute. I think your ninth birthday.”
“Brat. Happy birthday to you. You can keep it.”
A small stomp of her foot and she steps forward only for her ankle to go sideways. Zye reaches out, grabbing both of her elbows and holding her steady. The only thing between them is the Mark. It looks up between them, waiting patiently for an order.
Zye notices the flush on her face as she hurries to step back. She squeezes hold of the small being as she recovers. “You’re not getting me anything?”
“I don’t even know when it is. Adrian, do you know?”
The man shakes his head, tail swishing gently behind his legs. Callua smiles and bends a bit, setting the Mark down. “I’ll tell you if you’ll do one thing after this is settled. Promised?”
There’s no hesitation. Not when he’d give her the world if she asked for it. “Anything. Promise.”
Adrian sighs and crosses his arms over his chest. He glances over at Jace. “How do you put up with this sappy lovey-dovey stuff?”
Jace hasn’t stopped staring at the two people that mean everything to him. Evident by how his chest rises and falls ever-so-slightly. “I think it’s cute. Now, I’m going to see the others to lock in a few more details.” He holds his hand out to Adrian. “You can call for me if you need me. Unless you want to go with me to Noctis.”
Taking the grip, Adrian waits a moment before pulling his hand away. “I’ll stay here. Maybe try out the kitchen.”
Nodding to both Zye and Callua, Jace turns on his heel and makes for the door. He’s already sending a message to Orion on his way out. As he does, Callua turns to Zye with a clap of her hands and a smile.
“Mind coming with me for a bit?”
“Where to?”
“Adrian, stay here. Got it?” Once she has a nod from him, she returns her gaze to Zye. “I want to put you to the test. Come on, please?”
Zye rolls his eyes, yet he’s already heading to the bedroom. “Hold on and let me grab my shoes.”
He hurries to retrieve them and return to her. He hops a bit on one leg while putting the other on as he leaves the room. Both of his feet are barely on the ground when Callua grabs his wrist. He nods to Adrian from where he sits on the couch. All before he allows Callua to drag him out of the room and lead him to the training area.
She doesn’t say a word until she’s taken him into it and to the area she wants. It’s nothing special either. A simple rocky outcropping with a small piling of boulders here and there. It’s simply a mix-match of dark brown and gray throughout the area. To Zye, it’s rather bland.
Standing before him, Callua cups both of her hands beneath the backs of his. She takes a deep breath. He waits for her to lift her gaze only for her eyes to remain on his hands.
“Charmilla,” she starts with a sad smile, “worked with me often. So did Hax. They taught me a lot about control. But also, you have a well of power. She helped me realize I can stretch it if only by a little. That extra sliver of energy could be what turns the tide of battle or keeps you alive.”
“How do I do it?”
“It’s exhausting…but I know you can manage. You’ve pushed so hard since I’ve known you. Even when you were sick, tired, or the medicine was kicking your ass.”
“You do what you have to do.”
Finally, she lifts her chin. “Exactly. Zye, I think you’re impressive and resourceful. I want to be as spontaneous and reliable as you are.”
His hands twitch in her grasp, a bit uncomfortable with the praise. Even so, he tries to keep them still. “Hey, hey, I’m not—”
“You do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. That’s why I know you can handle this training. It isn’t meant for everyone. It takes you all the way down to nothing.”
It certainly doesn’t help that she makes it seem so ominous. Still, if she did it, he knows he should try. He glances down at the way her fingers gently hold against the backs of his.
“What do you mean?” Zye asks.
“Some passed out. Others quite the next day.” She giggles at a fond memory he can’t possibly know of. “Charm had a way of pushing too hard. Always asking for more than you think you can do. And yet…she’d be there when you did and tell you congratulations. She knew you could in the end.”
“Sounds scary, to be honest.”
Her grip tightens a bit to where he has to meet her eyes once more. “But I know you can do this and I’m going to be right here the entire time to heal you if I need to.”
“Promise you won’t let go?”
The gentle smile she gives him matches the soft breathy response. “I promise.”
“Then tell me what I need to do.”
Callua straightens her shoulders a bit and nods. As if to tell herself she’s ready for this as much as he is. “It’s easy. But also not. So listen carefully because I also don’t want you to lose control of your magic either.”
Zye stares deep into her eyes. He’s not worried in the slightest about that. Even in an overwhelming state of magic thrumming through his body, he knows he’d never harm a hair on her head if he can help it.
“If you think I can do it, then I will. I don’t need to believe in me if I believe in you instead.”
“Dumbass… You’re going to use all of your magic at once. It’ll startle some of those in here but don’t worry. I let Kerse know so she’ll make sure they know it’s okay. I need full output, Zye. Throw it out all at once.”
“That’s all?”
“And once you have, we’ll go from there.”
Zye nods slowly and closes his eyes. “Alright, I’ll try.”
“Or as fast as you can. Just…let go a little bit.”
He really isn’t sure at first. The palms beneath his hands are comforting and assure him to try. It’s alright to fail if he at least gives it a go once. Besides, he knows he can do it. Callua already has and she’s the one guiding him.
A deep breath and he tries to do just as she says. All while pinching his eyes shut a bit tighter. He can feel the energy warming his body. The horns manifest before turning into bright glowing flames that flicker over his head.
The purple of his magic steadily forms into rifts around them. At first, they’re slow. Fade in, fade out. Until they begin to grow faster at the rate they’re appearing. To the point that the previous ones haven’t died down before the next ones are popping up. A fantastical light show at the expense of his stamina.
As they all seem to coalesce because there are so many, they all blink out at once.
Callua slides her hands up to grab beneath Zye’s elbows, steadying him. He’s already swaying a bit and doesn’t realize it. Cracking his eyes open, he only knows that he feels woozy and his knees don’t seem solid. Callua waits for the visage to vanish before she smiles softly at him.
“You’re looking normal again. That was okay. So I need you to release the form one more time. Push it as hard as you can.”
“I don’t know,” he exhales hard and tries to suck in a breath in hopes it’ll make the world stop spinning, “if I can.”
“For me? Come on, I know you can be cool if you try.”
“Brat,” Zye replies with a petite showing of a smile on his lips.
He feels like he’ll pass out any second. And yet the squeeze to his elbows encourages him. So he tries something different. This time he tries to focus on her. She’s done this— be strong like she is. All he has to do is keep trying. One rift. He convinces himself that’s all he needs.
Staring into her eyes, he doesn’t see anything else around them. He can’t feel the way the visage returns and the rifts are reappearing. They’re coming to life faster this time. As if they’re running on borrowed time. A dozen of them spring to life and hold there for a few breaths.
Until he can’t hold it any longer.
The form drops as his knees hit the ground. Callua is bending down with him and letting him lean forward. His forehead rests on her shoulder while she reaches around him. The water conjures between her hands to where she wears it like a pair of gloves. Pressing it against his back, she waits patiently for him to respond.
It’s soothing. Somehow Zye can sense it even through his shirt as if it’s soaking into his skin. So warm and cool all at the same time. It’s much like waking up from a power nap where suddenly he feels like he can take on the world. A brief feeling if nothing else.
He pokes at her knee and waits for her to sit up, the water vanishing as she does. “This sucks.”
Callua giggles, “It does. But at least you didn’t pass out yet.”
“How did you manage?”
“She didn’t go as hard on me at first. I can heal or at least stabilize someone. I don’t think she wanted to scare me off. But also, wanted me to realize my potential.”
Zye nods his head, understanding at the same time that the words aren’t fully sticking. “Thanks,” he replies breathlessly.
“Don’t be. I’m being selfish.” She glances off to the side to avoid his questioning gaze. “I want you so strong that I don’t have to worry about losing you. That’s all.”
He can’t say anything. There’s nothing that can get across how that makes him feel. The feeling of how his heart should be hammering in his chest at the same time as sinking into his stomach like a stone. All Zye can do is lift his hands that feel like they’re tied to cement blocks.
Yanking her into a hug, Zye leans his head back on her shoulder. He can’t blame her or chastise her for thinking like that. Not when his own head does the very same thing. A healthy reminder to enjoy those around him. To tell them he cares about them and do for them if he can.
“I never did thank you for the drink that day.”
Callua pushes him away by the shoulders. “What?”
“That day I didn’t feel well when we actually met. I was an ass and you were still kind… Thanks.”
“You big idiot. Come on, again.”
She stands up and holds her hands out to him. Except he sits there shaking his head.
“Seriously? Again? You’re going to kill me.”
“Nope, don’t worry. I’ll keep you up.”
________________________
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Jace is climbing the stairs in Solis when he gets the message from Adrian that they’re all waiting for.
“It’s done and ready.”
“Alright, tell Zye to let me in.”
Stopping before Zye’s door, he raises a brow at the fact Adrian is the one opening the door. “Where are they?”
“Callua said she wanted to ‘put him to the test’,” Adrian states with a shrug of his shoulders.
Jace shakes his head. “Charm’s training. I’ll take care of them after. You mentioned Ren was in touch. I’ll escort you halfway to Ilista and she’ll escort you to Celeste. Stay with them and I’ll be there shortly in case you want to come back here.”
“Wait, wasn’t I supposed to stay here?”
“Celeste has questions about your magic.”
A pout tugs at Adrian’s lips. One that Jace ignores while sending Ilista a message. It’s not but a few seconds later that he hears her reply in his head. Gesturing to the door, Jace follows Adrian back out into the hallway.
Jace notices the way Adrian glances back at him. “Would you prefer I walk in front, behind, or next to you?”
“Feels safer with you behind. Thanks.”
They begin down the stairs with Jace watching the way Adrian’s body language stiffens. “I doubt anyone is aware.”
“I don’t take chances when it comes to Soren. One of my teammates was killed by him and I watched it. Well… They went back to the cycle, but they’re still gone and I don’t get to see them again.”
“I understand. I’m sorry. We’ll work hard to fix this as quickly as possible. You’ve been a tremendous help already.”
Adrian steps off the stairs and shoves his hands into his pockets. “I guess. I don’t feel like it. I should have told Cal… I was so scared of screwing this up in case Ren really was helping.”
“We’d be going in blind right now if it wasn’t for you and Ren. We owe you both a lot in that regard.”
They reach the middle of the hallway and Ren turns to face Jace. “Just be careful around him. He would turn on Soren in a heartbeat but…”
“I get it. He puts his interests first and foremost.”
“Yeah, that.”
“If there’s anything you need, feel free to ask for it. I’ll try my best.”
He’s trying to be comforting. Especially when he’s more than sure that Adrian is simply caught up in this. The last place he wants to be is in the middle and Jace understands that. Jace nods to Ilista as she jogs over to them.
Adrian shifts nervously beside Jace. “Are you going to punish Ren?”
“That’s not my decision alone to make.”
“I… Okay.”
Ilista comes to a stop before them with a hand landing on her hip. “Ready to go?”
Jace is already turning around. “I need to check on them. I’ll be back.”
“Sure thing. If you need help, let me know. I wouldn’t mind going a round.”
While Ilista escorts Adrian to Celeste, Jace makes for the training room. It’s the only place they could possibly be. Regardless, he quickens his pace and doesn’t pay anyone in the main area any attention. He opens one of the doors and steps through.
Immediately he knows where they are. There’s a small gathering of Stars and Dark Stars alike. They’re murmuring amongst each other while Kerse stands to the side of them with her arms crossed. Sensing him, she glances over her shoulder as he moves closer.
“Just missed the final show.”
“What?” Jace asks.
“Charm’s training at its finest. I brought some of these guys over to see it for themselves.”
“I’m sure they’re both tired.”
Kerse uncrosses her arms and gestures over to where Zye is slumped forward on the ground. His legs are bent beneath him with his palms flat to the ground. He can barely hold himself up from the way his arms are shaking.
“Oh, he’s done. He didn’t manage to hang in there as long as some of us but still, it’s good to work his limits. I’ll get the little ones moving and back to training. You take care of them.”
Jace can read between the lines. It’s not that Zye failed, he simply didn’t succeed in her eyes. Then again, it’s not something someone can master with one attempt.
“If you want to head to Celeste’s, we have more news.”
“Understood. I’ll see you there.”
Jace moves toward them while Kerse begins to usher the onlookers away. He comes to a stop before them with a shake of his head. Callua notices him first and flashes him a sheepish grin.
“Oh, hey there, Jay.”
“Don’t Jay me. A bit risky, no?”
Zye spares a hand to wave in front of himself. “It’s fine. Trust her…with my life.”
“As do I. Now come on, we have word back.”
“Can you, uh, carry me there? I don’t think I can stand.”
“No. You’re going back to your room.”
Callua tilts her head. “I didn’t hear from him, is Adrian alright?”
“He’s fine and already at Noctis. You two can rest up while I get the other team ready to go.”
“I’m fine,” Callua replies with a puff of her cheeks.
“I won’t hear it,” Jace starts while holding his hand out to her. “I’m still mad at you for that stunt you pulled.”
She gives a gentle roll of her eyes and takes the offered hand. He hoists her up with a bit more strength than she’s ready for. Jace is quick to react in an effort to correct the mistake. His arm wraps around her waist as she stumbles forward, her hands braced against his chest.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“Mm-hm, thanks.” She quickly pulls away and steps to the side.
Jace bends down in front of Zye next. “Can you stand at all?”
“Of course.”
Callua scoffs from behind them both. “Terrible liar as always.”
“Just help me up, it’ll be fine.”
Sighing, Jace loops his arms under Zye’s and helps lift him up. Except Zye leans most of his weight against Jace in the process. Doing so has Jace glancing over his shoulder.
“Hey, Cal? Can you hold him steady for a moment?”
While she does as he asks, Jace is quick to bend down a bit and turn around. Before Zye can protest, Jace has him picked up and leaning against his back. For once, Zye doesn’t want to make a fuss. Instead, he drapes his arms over Jace’s shoulders. Trusting Jace not to drop him, he leans his head against his arm and closes his eyes.
Callua steps around them, intending to lead the way. “Sorry. I probably should have told you.”
Jace follows beside her as they make for the door. “I’m not his keeper and you’re both adults. You two can do what you want. That being said, I am proud of you both. You did well to stay conscious, Zye.”
A groan comes from behind Jace’s ear. “Just get me to the bed, please.”
“We’re going, settle down.”
Waiting for Callua to open the door, Jace takes each and every step with caution. The last thing he wants to do is drop Zye. Not that he thinks he will. Still, the stairs prove a trying act that he’s grateful Callua stands behind him for. It’s a reassurance that she’d push him forward should he lose his balance.
It takes some time, but they reach Zye’s room. Another second passes waiting for Zye to use whatever scraps of consciousness he has to call for his Mark to open the door. From there, Jace takes them both straight to Zye’s room.
Jace backs up to the edge of the bed so that he can sit Zye on the side. Guiding him to lay back, Jace smiles down at him. “Comfortable?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
He moves aside and begins taking Zye’s shoes off when he feels it. He lets Tia’s message enter his mind.
‘I have bad news, boy. Meet me by the connection.”
Setting the shoes on the floor, Jace steps away. “I have to go. Both of you aren’t to leave this room. Rest only.”
Callua moves aside and gives him a mock salute. “Yes, Dad.”
Jace can’t help but chuckle as he reaches the door. “I mean it. Please, for me.”
When he leaves, Zye groans and rolls onto his side. Callua is on the bed next to him before he can blink. She smiles down at him and somehow it makes the exhaustion not feel as overwhelming.
“Please tell me I don’t have to do that all the time like I do with Keke.”
“Kerse helps you with your physical mentality. I’m working on your soul’s strength.”
“Are you staying?”
“He did just say not to leave.”
“I… Thanks.”
Callua lies down on her side, face-to-face with him with one arm bent beneath her head. “For what?”
“Staying. It feels nice with you here. Maybe I can get some sleep.”
“Nightmares?” Callua asks while reaching over, poking his cheek. The small groan of confirmation is all she needs. “I get them too. They’re nasty little things aren’t they?”
“Yeah. Just my brain puking up my anxiety when I want to sleep.”
“You can always call for me. I’ll show up.”
“I know…” Zye rolls back onto his back and stares up at the ceiling. “Are you having fun?”
Callua blinks, utterly caught off guard by the question. “What?”
“With everyone. You’ve been busy lately.”
“Oh… Sorry, I don’t mean to be.”
“Nah, don’t be.” Zye lolls his head in her direction. “I’m just being needy. You’re allowed to have other friends.”
The hum she gives in reply lasts longer than he expects. “Maybe… But I do miss you two a lot. It was so much easier back then even if it was still, well, weird. I’m glad I don’t have to keep secrets from you anymore.”
“Oh really? Well, it’s fine. I’m used to you trading me in for someone else. Had a lot more in common with Shae anyway.”
“Jerk,” she replies with a laugh. The grin on his face has her reaching above her and grabbing the pillow. She slings it and hits him in the face with it. “I’ll remember that.”
Zye grabs it from her with whatever strength he has left. “Still my best friend?”
“Stupid. Only if you give me the pillow back.”
“You threw it at me first.”
“But you want me happy right? Gimme.”
Sticking out his tongue at her, he pushes the pillow back into her hands. Laying there, he knows just how tired he is. And yet he already feels a little lighter. The smallest amount better, but still better.
“Don’t mind if I leave the light on?”
He watches her snuggle the pillow up under her chin, cuddling it. She shakes her head and it has waves of her light green hair cascading down into her face. “Nope. Are you still scared of the dark?”
“Not with my hero here.”
“Then I don’t mind either way. Now rest. If you don’t you can’t make me something to eat later.”
The smile she flashes at him is blinding in the best of ways. He closes his eyes, happy he got to see it. He taps the bed with his hand. “Anything you want, tell me.”
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