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 joy in 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 me THE Jackson 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’s before your 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.”
J: “Perfect. Jean-Claude will be there shortly, we can get you settled in tonight it seems.”
H: “Move in the same day? Is that ok? No more checks you need to run?”
J: “I told you, Hakeem, the room is yours. Do you need more time to handle your affairs at your old place?”
H: “Uh, no, Charlie is still up anyway so I can just hand them my keys.”
J: “Awesome, see you soon. Just text me the address to pass on to Jean-Claude.”
“Charlie, someone will be portaling in to help me move. So don’t be alarmed, okay?” Hakeem puts his phone away as he calls over his shoulder to the kitchen where Charlie was making a late night snack.
“Portals? Wow, this Jackson is quite the gentleman. Must be nice to have staff for everything. Not judging, a little jealous honestly.” Charlie pouts a little as they settle into the couch with their plate of food.
A rush of magic fills the air before a knock comes at the door.
Hakeem opens the door to a very classic definition of a butler.
Combed gray hair, mustache, three piece suit with coat tails and gloves.
Even a pair of small spectacles sitting on the bridge of his nose.
“You must be Jean-Claude. Thank you for not appearing in the middle of the room. Though, I should’ve figured as much, I suppose. ”
Jean-Claude offers a bow of his head. “But of course, Master Al-Najim. That would have been rude, a trait unbecoming of a member of the Nocturne family staff.”
Hakeem visibly recoils at the title. “Please, just Hakeem is fine. I don’t think my heart can handle being regarded like that.”
Jean-Claude arches a single gray brow then nods his head. “Of course, Mr. Hakeem.”
Baby steps, thinks Hakeem to himself.
“Is this all you need moved into the residence?” Jean-Claude gestures to the pile of boxes and luggage behind Hakeem.
“Yes. It’s not too much, is it? I’d hate to impose.”
Jean-Claude waves a gloved hand and the pile of luggage gets covered with a soft yellow glow. Then with a snap, they disappear. “Nothing I can’t handle, Mr. Hakeem. Did you have a bed to move as well?”
Hakeem closes his mouth, which he didn’t realize had dropped open.
That was an impressive spell, the construction simple yet sturdy.
Jean-Claude chuckles, a smirk growing on his face.
“I was told you were pursuing a PhD in theoretical thaumaturgy, Mr. Hakeem. I can see you have a keen eye when it comes to spell craft. I hope my teleportation magic doesn’t disappoint? ”
Hakeem turns to the man, eyes filled with fascination.
“Not at all, the spell had impressive composition. No verbal incantation, multiple targets, long distance travel of items of varying mass. And nothing more than a wave and snap of a gloved hand for somatic components, your mana control must be near perfect!”
Jean-Claude bows. “You flatter me. This is the standard for a member of the head staff of the Nocturne family. It is my pleasure to be of service.”
Charlie gets up from their spot on the couch, strolls over to Hakeem and places a manicured hand on his shoulder.
“Well, Hakeem already gave me the keys, and even cleaned up his room. What a good boy this one is.” They pinch their friend’s cheek jokingly, before their hand gets batted away.
“You take good care of him now. I expect him back in one piece.” Charlie narrows their gaze at the butler.
Jean-Claude offers his hand and Charlie places their hand in his. Jean-Claude places a kiss on the back of their hand and levels his gaze behind small spectacles at Charlie. “But of course. Mr. Hakeem is in good hands. You have my word as a senior member of the Nocturne family staff.”
Charlie giggles behind their hand, blue and blond hair falling over their pale forehead. “What a gentleman.” Charlie turns to Hakeem and pats him on his cheek softly. “I’ll see you later, ok?”
Hakeem nods then turns to Jean-Claude. “See you, Charlie. I’m ready. Jean-Claude, shall we?”
* * *
When Hakeem arrives at the apartment via portal, he finds a man similar to Jean-Claude in the kitchen with Jackson. “Your twin works for the family as well?” He turns to Jean-Claude who simply nods.
“Something of that measure, Mr. Hakeem. Jean-Paul is making a simple evening meal. Master Jackson figured you both could use a nibble after the exciting day you’ve had.”