Three wheels [Rue, Jackson]

[Genevieve Duval]

Genevieve was nervously looking down at her feet as they walked. Why was she here again? She scratched her cheek nervously as she looked up at the boy she'd been following. Osiris. She sighed sadly, looking back down. This was why she was here. He'd insisted she met his boyfriend. She felt her chest tighten at the thought. Osiris had a boyfriend. As sweet as he'd been lately and how nice it'd to be the subject of his attentions, it'd all been a lie and, today, meeting this Rue person, meant that she'd have to face that fact. It'd been easy to pretend Rue didn't exist, that she was actually, in this because Osiris wanted her to be. But that wasn't it. The boy had feelings for another boy. She sighed again, unable to hide her disappointed expression. This was going to hurt.

Making people you cared about was very difficult, she pondered, as she glanced again at the boy leading her. Well, if it were easy, everyone would be caring for others. So here she was, believing this was all for him. Truth be told, she was kind of curious. Who would make Osiris go through all this trouble? She figured he'd have to be wonderful and handsome to get the boy's attention. She sighed sadly again at the thought. 

They made their way up to the door and Genevieve stood nervously in front of it, playing with her hands while Vivian walked up her forehead, moving in circles, feeling the girl's anxiety. At least no other bees appeared. So she waited for Jackson to knock or for this Rue person to open and, as he did, she took a step back, suddenly not wanting anyone inside to open. What if they hated her? What if they were jealous or something? What if they blamed her for the whole thing? Or even accused her of liking it? She felt her cheeks burn and she took another step back. Wait- the door was opening. 

No turning back now. 

[Deleted]

On the other hand, this was good practice for whenever he did get a girlfriend, whomever that ended up being. So…he shouldn’t be feeling guilty about putting Ginny through this…no, he should but…it was good for her too, so that she’d know what it was like to have a boy’s attentions…NO! THAT WASN’T RIGHT EITHER! Why would Jackson even think that, as if she was someone too pathetic to ever get the attentions of another boy? Ginny was cute! And kind, and funny, and pretty, and honest, and….a guy, any guy…would be lucky to have her. So whenever it was that she found herself someone good enough(because Jackson obviously wasn’t) to be her boyfriend…at least she’d know what it was like and wouldn’t have to be nervous so much. First times were always the scariest…even if they weren’t really the real thing.

He also….sigh…why didn’t he tell her that Rue wasn’t actually his boyfriend? They were just…friends…who kissed a lot. They…Jackson didn’t really know what they were, but it wasn’t anything as serious as Ginny was probably thinking. If she knew that, she’d probably think he was a horrible person, wouldn’t she? But now that he thought about it, Ginny was probably going to find that out tonight anyway, because Rue….Rue said they were just ‘causal’. Finn said so…and Jackson found he didn’t actually mind that. Saying they were ‘serious’ was too….Jackson wasn’t sure if he could handle something like that…

It was hard enough dealing with a fake girlfriend, he could only imagine what it must be like having a real boyfriend….

Why had he thought introducing them was a good idea? Well…it still was, honestly, just he should have thought this through more before he impulsively went through with it. But they were already here, he and Ginny, walking up to the front door of Rue’s apartment. Jackson wondered if Finn was there, hanging out, or not? Probably not. “Uh…he has cats…!” Jackson said nervously, as if the mention of the felines was going to ease their nerves. “Yeah, Andromeda and…” What was the other’s name? “You’ll love them! And…you’re gonna love…like Rue too, I promise! He’s really nice! You’ll see!” Excitable much? Jackson was just a lot too much jumpy, clearly.

Jackson knocked on the door, then turned back to smile at Ginny, hoping to reassure her. When the door started to open, though, he snapped back around and his face brightened as Rue appeared in the doorway. “Rue!” he exclaimed, flapping his arms slightly against his sides. “We’re…we’re here, hi!” Dangit, he sounded(and felt) like a kid. Jackson slinked back a bit and blushed. “This…” he gestured to the shy girl standing next to him. “This is Ginny…Genevieve Duval….Ginny, this is Rue….” Uh-oh….Jackson didn’t know Rue’s last name....no maybe he'd said it before, he must have, and Jackson just forgot it? His face turned even more red and he looked up at Rue with pleading eyes, as if asking him to jump in and save him by finishing the introduction. Oh, Lord, please help him!

[Deleted]

When Jackson had first told Rue he’d gotten a sort of fake “girlfriend” in order to cover up for the hickeys that the older man had given the teenager, he’d felt guilty and uncertain. Who was this girl? Was she really okay with just being a cover? Or was she someone that really liked Jackson in that kind of way, and was just doing this because of that? Rue’s conscience tore at him the more he thought about it. He really did like Jackson, and he liked doing…. Things with him, like the kissing and stuff, but… Since someone else was getting involved and would potentially be hurt, he wasn’t sure how much more he should risk.

When Jackson had brought up the idea of Rue meeting this girl, the aura reader had leaped at the chance. At least this way, he could see for himself what kind of girl this “Ginny” was and try to determine if he should… Should stop seeing Jackson for her sake, or at least… Lighten up enough so she didn’t have to keep being involved.

He was just finishing heating up some water for tea when the knock came at the door. Smiling softly, he took the pan off of the burner and walked to the door, nudging a curious Sinbad away as he cracked it open and nodded at the two of them. Rue’s gaze fell on the girl quickly, and he got a curious first impression. She was cute, there was no denying that, but was that a… Bee on her forehead? Huh… Curious. He wondered if it was part of her ability. “Hello,” he greeted them both, his deep voice low and quiet. His smile widened at Jackson’s excited greeting, and he looked between them both at the introductions. “A pleasure to meet you, Genevieve… Or do you prefer Ginny?” He would use whatever she requested. “Rue Janggok,” he finished for Jackson, offering a large hand for her to shake. “Please, come in. And watch your feet, Sinbad is being rambunctious today.” Rue smiled down at the small black creature, who was eyeing the guests with interest.

The auras of the two visitors followed them inside – Jackson’s puppy, a bright, happy yellow like usual, and a smaller, more rusty-colored bee that trailed along behind Ginny, indicating that she was nervous. Rue hoped he would be able to alleviate that quickly. “Have a seat anywhere you would like,” he told them both, ushering to his couch and armchair. “I was just making some tea… I’ll bring out some mugs and let you choose which kind you would like.” He smiled at both of them again, with a lingering gaze at Jackson, before he moved back to the kitchen to do as he said he would. He reappeared a short while later with three mugs and a small box of various flavors of tea bags. “Help yourself,” he offered, pulling out a mint tea for himself and placing it in the hot water. He stirred it around for a moment before looking back up at his visitors. “So… I hope you don’t have a bad impression of me,” he told Ginny with an apologetic smile. “From what I’ve heard… Well, it sounds like my reputation might seem a bit… Promiscuous.” And he hoped to dash those beliefs if they were true. “I don’t know what Jackson has told you…” He chuckled quietly and took a sip of tea.

[Genevieve Duval]

She sent Osiris a nervous smile as he talked. "I like cats." She said with was she hoped was a bright smile, though it was a bit forced. But he couldn't tell, she figured. He was never noticing her. She sighed sadly again. How depressing... Not as depressing as he mentioned love and she felt her chest suddenly tighten again. So he loved this man? Ha. She smiled bitterly, still staring at her shoes. Well, not like she had any hope to start with.

Genevieve jumped slightly as the door opened and blinked up at the man opening. She stared at him, tilting her head to the side. He looked older than she'd imagined. Maybe... a tad too old for Osiris? She shook her head. No, that wasn't nice. Love had no age after all, right? He was also handsome, just like she'd imagined and she suddenly felt self conscious of her own appearance.

"Hi!" Replied the French girl in a loud chirp, perhaps a bit too loudly, and even that short word showed her thick accent. Another big difference between the two, considering the man's smooth voice. "Yes! Pleasure." She took his hand, and for a moment there she thought he would kiss hers. Ah but he shook it and she flushed as the positioning had been off. This is America! Stop being an idiot! "Either is fine." She said with a nervous smile. Wasn't 'Ginny' Osiris exclusive though? She scratched her cheek again. Maybe not... No, now that she thought about it, it wasn't. "And this is Vivian." She added, motioning to the bee on her forehead. It didn't even move as it was acknowledged.

She stepped in and smiled down at the cat brightly. Ah! Something good came out of this. She leaned down, her hands on her knees as she beamed down at the cat. So cute! "Hello, Sinbad!" She said happily, perhaps a tad too happily for someone talking to a cat. And maybe it'd been a tad more enthusiastic than the greeting she'd given the man, but at least the sight of the furry friend helped soothe her nerves slightly.

"Ah, yes." She said as Rue told them to take a seat. She sent the cat one last smile as she moved to the couch, looking around the house. Ah, he had an house and, from the looks of it, he lived alone. How... grown up. She sighed again and sat down, sending Osiris a gentle smile as Rue disappeared to the kitchen.

"He is handsome." She commented with the same smile. "I can tell why you like he- ah, him." Was he as nervous as she was? Maybe not... What had been surprising, now that she thought about it, was the greeting between the two. They didn't kiss... She pouted, scratching her cheek. Weren't couples supposed to greet each other with a kiss? That's- that's what Osiris had said, right? At least a kiss on the cheek? Ah, Rue was back.

"Merci." She said, her nervousness suddenly hitting her again and she leaned to grab her own tea. Chamomile. Well, at least it was good for the nerves. She looked up mid serving when Rue talked to her and she giggled nervously. "Ah, no. Not that bad." She cleared her throat and sat back, gently placing her mug over the nearest table. "Osiris has not told much. Just- uh... his problem, yes?" She sent the boy a gentle smile, her chest suddenly giving the same tug as before. She flushed and turned her attention back to Rue. "The uh- band-aid?" She turned again to her fake boyfriend. "That is what is called, yes?" She turned back to Rue. He seemed nice, as if he portrayed peace around him. "So, you can tell." She smiled again, "I am- uh. Happy to hear." Not only was she glad to listen, but she also was curious about him. About them. She felt her chest tug again. "Like, where you meet?"

[Deleted]

Of course she liked cats. Who didn't like cats? Jackson didn't know a single person in the world who didn't like cats, except maybe his aunt Esther. She'd run the over with her car given the chance....

If there was anything wrong with Ginny, Jackson just figured it was nerves. He had them too, which made his already poor perception to become even poorer. 

That greeting, however....could she be any cuter!?  Jackson looked upon her with the most amused smile that was desperately trying to not be more amused than it was. Because surely, Ginny wouldn't want to be laughed at, she was nervous enough without someone pointing out her flounders. Jackson instead tried to focus his attention on the older, serious, more dignified Rue. Rue who had thankfully picked up where Jackson had left off in the introductions.  Last name...Janggok. Gotcha.  Jackson was committing that to memory, hopefully. He turned back to Ginny as the introductions continued...with Vivian, the bee who, for some reason, always seemed to be chilling somewhere on Ginny's face, usually her cheek....he remembered that she did that when they first met too.  But the idea that she introduced the bee as if it were the most normal thing in the world....Jackson had to keep himself from laughing again.  His smile was obviously holding something back now.  He just hoped that Ginny didn't pick up on it. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel bad about Vivian....

Yes! He knew she’d like the cats! Or, well, cat, Sinbad, yes, that was his name. But surely the cats offered some points in Rue’s favor, right? Jackson hoped so.

Jackson followed them both inside, his eyes glancing between Rue and Ginny as he wondered how this was all going to turn out. Fine, right? When Rue told them to sit, Jackson took the seat next to Ginny without a thought. “Isn’t he?” Jackson agreed brightly. Yes, Rue was very good looking. The very image of a man, yup! “His friend, Finn, he comes over sometimes, and he’s really cool too! Funny and all, you’d like him too!” Jackson suddenly wanted to introduce Ginny to Finn as well. They could all be…like some big group of friends, right? That would be amazing if it could happen!

Rue came back with the tea and Jackson leaned over to pick out his own flavor. Raspberry White. Nummy. He deposited two packets of the artificial sweetener into the mug and stirred it with the steeping bag, listening to the exchange between Rue and Ginny. He blushed when she brought up the band-aid. And then even more when she asked about how they met. “Um…that was….kinda…actually it was over tea, like this, only at the Bubblebeam Tea Shop. Right?” He looked back excitedly at Rue for confirmation.

[Deleted]

Rue immediately picked up on Genevieve’s accent, and his smile broadened. Definitely a subject he would bring out later, for his own curiosity. It grew even more when she seemed floundered by how he shook her hand; expecting a kiss, right? Wasn’t that typical in France? Cute. “I like Genevieve, it’s a very pretty name,” he replied quietly. Rue glanced to the bee when it was mentioned, and nodded like this was the most normal thing in the world. “Hello, Vivian,” he greeted with a small smile. “Have you two been friends for a while?” Or was it just a random bee she had just met, he wondered? Very curious.

Sinbad mewed and bumped his head against Ginny’s knee as she kneeled down to greet him. Rue grinned again. “Careful, he’ll attack you when you least expect it,” he warned. “He’s a little troublemaker. Andromeda is a lady; she’s around somewhere, making sure her house is in order, I’m sure.” She likely wouldn’t show up, since she wasn’t a fan of guests except for Finn and, more recently, Jackson.

Rue was oblivious to what they were talking about while he was in the kitchen. When he returned, his gaze kept slipping between the two sitting next to each other. His armchair was on Jackson’s side, fairly close, though he hadn’t yet made physical contact with Jackson out of respect for getting to know Genevieve first. “De rien,” he replied to her thanks, hoping to ease her nerves; the bee aura was still buzzing around her head nervously, the same anxious rust color. “Ah, well, I’m glad to hear that,” he said with a chuckle and another sip of tea. Osiris? Right… That was Jackson’s first name. He wondered why she used that instead of his preferred name? Interesting. “Yes, the ‘problem’,” Rue replied with a small, guilty sigh. “I’m… Sorry that that happened without warning. I admit I… Got a little carried away that day.” He shot Jackson a glance, and his free hand subtly reached over to brush the back of the younger boy’s.

“As long as you’re okay with this… Set-up,” he went on, worried that she was only doing this for Jackson’s sake and wasn’t really happy with the situation. Rue hadn’t missed the small tinges of pink in her aura as well, and he felt… More guilty. Jackson was speaking now, though, about where they had met, and Rue nodded. “That’s right,” he replied, smiling fondly at the teenager. “It was a cold day… I didn’t want to leave the building, for more than one reason.” Heh, nostalgia. The hand that had brushed Jackson’s earlier moved to just barely link their fingers together. Rue then cleared his throat and looked back to Genevieve. “If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you been in the States?” he asked. “<My French is rusty, but I can communicate… Somewhat,>” he added in her native tongue, slightly haltingly.

[Genevieve Duval]

She flushed as he complimented her name and smiled gently. "Thank you." She said in a low voice, feeling flustered. It wasn't everyday a handsome man said something nice to her like that. Well... there was one but... She sent Osiris an anxious look. But those didn't count, right? She introduced Vivan and sent a pout to Osiris as he smiled. Was he making fun of her? Oh, Rue was asking something. "Yes!" She said happily, "Ever since I have powers." She rose a finger and gently stroke the bee. "She has been near me since." Rue, she thought, was a good person. Not everyone had the manners to greet Vivian. It made her feel warm and welcomed, instead of nervous. Ah, if only she could find someone more like that and less- She sent Osiris another glance and sighed sadly. Life was unfair.

She giggled as Sinbad rubbed its head against her, but she didn't dare lean down and touch him. First, it was still a strange cat and Rue's warning didn't go to deaf ears, second, because she still had Vivian on her forehead and she knew cats could get jumpy at her presence. He mentioned another cat: Andromeda. What peculiar names! The French girl stood back up, looking around the place just to see if she caught any glances of the other cat. Oh well.

Genevieve smiled awkwardly at Osiris. Now there was someone else involved? Finn was it? But that wasn't why she was uncomfortable again. He'd said Rue was handsome. Well, of course, she'd said so first. But why did she feel so disappointed now? It wasn't like she didn't know he liked the older man.

Ah, Rue was back. She smiled shyly when he replied back in French. Well, she figured it was a common thing to do to foreigners and the French had slipped out. She blushed to a deep red as he so naturally admitted he'd gotten carried away with Osiris. "I- ah. No..." She scratched her cheek nervously as Vivian moved down her temple. "It- it can happen, yes?" She actually didn't know. She'd gotten so worked up just by one kiss on the cheek that doing that whole love bite thing seemed a bit... She sent a curious glance at Osiris and suddenly felt her face burning up. He- he wouldn't want to do that too, would he? Her jitters lessened down to a hollowness in her stomach when she saw Rue tenderly caress Osiris' back. Ah... Right. No need to get worked up over anything. Nothing was going to happen. Nothing at all... She looked down sadly at her tea and took a sip. She really needed to relax...

And then of course, Rue mentioned to her the big question. Was she okay with the set-up? "I-" She sent another look at Osiris and her chest tightened again. She wasn't okay. She looked down at her tea, pouting as she thought about it. Maybe it'd been the touching. She just had always touched others in the same manner, kissing their cheeks, hugging them, holding their hands, even caress their backs like Rue had done Osiris before was something normal for her. But then Osiris had mentioned all those things were done by couples and everything suddenly changed. She realised why Colton had been so uncomfortable with her... poor boy. And now every gesture Osiris did to keep up the facade made her flush and her heart beat louder than usual. But that was all because of the idea of it, right? So... "I am." She said finally, wearing a nervous smile. It was for Osiris sake after all. She'd do anything for her friends. But... she lost the smile. "You are okay?" She asked, suddenly worried about it. If it were her... she was sure she would get too jealous to go ahead with such a plan. "I do not mean to be... Uh- To touch much." She flushed as she realised what that sounded like. "I mean the act! I do not act much! I try- I-" She sent Osiris a begging look, wanting for him to explain. She really didn't want to be dishonest about that. Rue knew what Osiris had asked, right?

Thankfully, the conversation went some place else. Genevieve turned to Osiris as he explained. Tea? Oh... Rue took Osiris hand suddenly she felt uncomfortable again. She'd taken his hand before too, back when they were at the closet, when he'd asked her to be a part of all this. She couldn't hold back the sad sigh that left her lips, but she still forced out a smile when Rue made a new question.

"A year." She said, glad that she could answer that. "More months than that." She flushed again, though this time in embarrassment. "I- I am no good with languages, yes? But- uh... i try." He started speaking French and she looked up in surprise. Of course he spoke French. She was starting to figure it out, why Osiris likes Rue so much: He was perfect in every way. Genevieve felt her stomach drop at that realisation. No, she should be happy for him, right? Yes! She WAS happy for him. Very much so. She wanted him to be happy. That was all... all she wanted. "<Don't worry about it.>" She replied back in her mother language, smiling gently, "<Your French is miles better than my English. I'm glad someone can understand me like this. I usually can talk more, but my English is atrocious. If I could talk like this all the time, I would, but->" She sent Osiris a glance and smiled sadly, "<I don't think anyone but a few people would understand me.>" That'd been the longest she'd spoken and, actually, it felt good to actually hold a conversation. But that was rude to Osiris, right?

"Sorry..." She muttered in his direction, smiling sheepishly, "I did not mean- He says his French is... ah, rust, yes? But it is better that my English." She took another sip of her tea and frowned down at it. This needed... "Honey." She whispered and looked up at Rue. "You have honey?" She asked, not really noticing her question might have sounded rude until she'd said it. "I- uh, please?" She added with a slight blush. She was really ruining this, wasn't she?

[Deleted]

Genevieve….it was a pretty name, but a complete mouthful, honestly. That’s why Jackson shortened it to Ginny. He was glad she liked it, he’d been afraid that she’d think it sounded like an old-lady name(which it sort of did, sorry Ginny!). Of course Rue would call her by her full name. He was a proper man like that. (Yeah right, a ‘proper’ man who whisked away the 16-year-old into a closet and stole his first kiss). He wasn’t sure what to say, though, about how Rue greeted Vivian too. It was done just so…straight-faced. It was admirable, how he did it. Why couldn’t Jackson be like that? Maybe he would someday….

What did Rue think of Ginny so far, he wondered? It looked like they were getting along, but the subject… Sigh… Why did they have to talk about that thing Rue left on his neck? Jackson lowered his gaze in embarrassment, lifting his eyes slowly to look at Rue when the older man reached over to touch him. That was…okay, he was okay. Still red, but….Jackson smiled meekly.

Even though she had said so over and over again that she was fine with the set-up, Jackson still found himself holding his breath, awaiting the answer to the same question from Rue. Her hesitation and silence made his heart thump, worried that maybe she was about to bow out. It was hard to tell what she was thinking sometimes. But then she said she was and Jackson had to hold back the urge to hug her. That wouldn’t be appropriate right now, would it? Everything seemed so formal and stiff… Then she posed the same question to Rue and…his heart stopped this time. W-what if Rue wasn’t okay? He did sort of make this plan without talking to him about it first. He shouldn’t have done that.

Ginny flustered herself again, stumbling over her words, and looked to Jackson. Why? OH! “Uh…yeah, she’s….Ginny isn’t good at….she’s worried that she can’t act the part well enough, I think.” He thinks? What else could it be? Oh, yeah, the lying part. Well, it wasn’t really…well, it was but….. “She doesn’t have a great poker face, is what she means.” Right? Please let that be right. Jackson was flushing something awful, afraid he’d gotten it all completely wrong.

Jackson nodded when they started speaking of the day they met. “Yeah, I was out for a hot drink! We’re not used to cold where I’m from. At least, not so much of it.” Rambling. He grew quiet again when Rue linked their fingers again, bringing another flash of pink to his cheeks, and uttered some…things… he didn’t understand in the least. Was that French? Jackson didn’t know he could speak it! That made him feel…a bit inadequate, honestly. Hey! I wasn’t his fault he didn’t know French! He never had a need to know it so…well, maybe Ginny could teach him? Or, no! Rue definitely could teach him, and then he could surprise Ginny with it later, right?

In the meantime….he just looked between them, confused as to what they were talking about. Ginny was…a lot more talkative in French, wasn’t she? Why was she looking at him? Jackson quirked an eyebrow, wondering if they were talking about him in front of him. But then Ginny turned to Jackson again and started translating. “Ohh….okay, I thought maybe you were saying something about me, but…ah-ha-ha-ha…” Awkward. He hid behind his cup of tea, barely tasting the raspberry through the two packets of sweet ’n low.

[Deleted]

“How long have you had powers?” Rue went on curiously, still smiling between Genevieve and her bee friend. “That’s incredibly sweet. I find that non-human companions are often more comforting and helpful than our own species.” That was why he had cats, after all. He was probably at risk for becoming an old cat man, really.

He sighed and chuckled softly when Ginny responded to his apology. “Yes, I suppose, but…. I usually have more self-control than that,” he admitted sheepishly. “I don’t know if I’ve had just too long of a dry spell or what, but…” Rue trailed off. He didn’t want to speak to teenagers about his history, nor his emotions on that kind of level. It was inappropriate, especially with Ginny. “Well, anyway, it happened, and I suppose there’s no reason to linger on that which has passed,” he finished with a somewhat forced smile. This was harder than he had anticipated. “I still feel sorry for what happened with your involvement, though.”

He became sorrier with the apparent hesitation in the French girl’s answer. Some days, Rue was frustrated that all he could do was get a sense of how people felt, rather than read their thoughts or help with their emotions. It made him feel helpless at times. Rue wanted to know the truth about how she felt, but he felt that the answer she finally gave was not that. Still…. “Well…. As long as you are sure,” he said uneasily. Rue glanced at Jackson, wondering what he was thinking. Did he know Ginny liked him? He was surprised when the girl suddenly asked him if he was alright with the set-up. “Oh, sweetheart, don’t worry about that,” he told her kindly. Even if Ginny did like Jackson, Rue wasn’t the type to be jealous… In this regard. And it wasn’t as though he and the younger boy were that serious anyway. He smiled at both of them, amused by Jackson’s flustering. He wasn’t sure that was what Ginny had meant, but it was cute to see him blushing and stammering. It took all of the man’s effort not to give him a kiss. “It’s alright. Really,” he told both of them. “I’m afraid I’m the biggest inconvenience in all of this.”

He fiddled with Jackson’s fingers, thinking back to that day with a smile. Poor Ginny would probably have been better off if they had never met there…

“A year?” he repeated, nodding slowly. “You must still be adjusting. I hear that moving so far away, and with such a language barrier, is difficult and can take a long time to get used to.” He smiled at her again. “I think you’re doing just fine, sweetheart.” He was glad, however, to be able to give her some small taste of home, no matter how rusty and hesitant. He understood most of what she said, though some words did go over his head; fortunately, he still got the gist of what she was saying. “<I thought you might be… More talkative than you seem,>” Rue replied, still smiling. “<Learning a language is difficult, especially one as… Confusing and illogical as English. It will get easier with time.>” He hoped to give her some reassurance, no matter how small. She was growing on him already, with her bee friend and attention to Sinbad and selflessness. The desire to protect her was growing strong quickly.

He glanced back at Jackson when they were done, nodding with what Genevieve was saying. “Sorry for that,” he apologized, his thumb circling the back of Jackson’s hand. Rue laughed when the teen spoke. “No, no, I would never do that, that’s just rude,” he promised. When Ginny asked for some honey, the older man made a self-depricating noise and stood. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking,” he told her sincerely. “I take my tea straight and Jackson has his own sweetener. I’ll be right back.” Rue started towards the kitchen, then paused as an idea came to him. “… Actually, I have some scones that should be eaten as well. Jackson, can you help me with the box?” His eyes sparkled slightly as he motioned to the telekinetic before he turned and passed the corner into the kitchen. He didn’t really need help, but he needed to get this kissing urge out of his system before he did something stupid in front of Genevieve.

He really was becoming a weird old creep, wasn’t he?

[Genevieve Duval]

How long? Well... Genevieve tapped her chin as she thought about it. "Three years?" She wondered out loud. Wow, had it really been so little? It felt like she'd been with her bees all her life. It made her feel awkward though. Now Rue was going to think she was too young, right?

Wait, dry spell? The French girl blinked at him, her eyes widening. "You are under spell?" She wondered in a curious voice, not really knowing what he'd meant. "You look hydrated." What would he mean by that? Maybe it was an American expression? "Did a meta do it?" Was there such a power? Wait, he was apologising. She blushed and waved her hands at him, shaking her head. "Do not worry for me!" She said hurriedly, "I am- eh, happy, yes? To be useful." She really was, especially because she was doing this for Osiris.

Speaking of him, he was trying to explain to Rue what she'd meant and she flushed red. That... wasn't exactly what she was saying. She wanted Rue to know that they were putting up an act, that Osiris had kissed her cheeks and held her hand and hugged her. And wanted to reassure him that hadn't meant anything at all, that it was all an act. Well, if she was to be honest, it wasn't all an act. Her heart beat loudly every time Osiris was close and she fully enjoyed having his attention, but she couldn't tell Rue that! Or Osiris for that matter. It would make things awkward. No. She needed to control herself and be helpful at all times. She needed to make them happy because, well, because Osiris had saved her life and Rue just seemed like a wonderful person who truly cared for him. They looked like they really loved each other... The idea made her chest tighten again and she felt like she wanted to cry. No. She had to be strong.

"Uh, yes." She said in a low voice, agreeing with Jackson, though her dejected voice gave away that it wasn't exactly it. "I am no good acting." Well, that part was true at least. Wait, Rue was saying he was an inconvenience! The French girl shook her head, "No! Not a little! At all! I mean- no. You- you are good, yes? I am the one..." She looked down blushing. She was the one getting in the way, at least that's what it felt. But it was to help them, right? She looked away, mostly because them holding hands was hurting her. "Forgive me. I did not mean to- to make feel bad, yes?" She really didn't. Rue was being nice to her and she wasn't being grateful enough. Was that why he said that? "I honest do not-." She almost winced as she said it, "mind." She added finally, still looking down. "Osiris is- he-" She blushed, still refusing to look up at the two. "He save my life, yes? He- I owe it. I want... You too, I want you to be happy, yes?" That'd been her mantra when getting involved in all of this and she wasn't about to deny it either. Even if it meant having to deal with that pain inside her chest. Besides, it probably was nothing, right? She'd just never had anyone's attention before. She'd never had a boy hold her hand like- she sent a glance at their joined hands. Like those two were. Or kiss her, or even hug her. She was always the one giving those attentions to her friends and, well, now that Osiris was forced to do that to her, she was probably just reacting to it.

Rue was talking about her English and she nodded, smiling gently at him. What a nice, understanding person he was. No wonder Osiris liked him so much. And he called her 'sweetheart'. That brought a small blush to her face. "Thank you." She muttered in a low voice, smiling shyly. But then he spoke French again and she giggled. "<I do talk a lot.>" She admitted, "<It's just difficult when it's in another language. I much prefer French but I haven't met a lot of people who can keep up, even if they speak it a little. But yours is very good. I'd love to talk more, in another time, if you want. Just for practice?>" Rue was doing great, more so than other people she'd met. Maybe just behind Colton, but it wasn't a fair comparison. Colton could speak any language, that was his power. Rue said it would get easier and she nodded. "Merci." He was so kind. She wished she could be that way too. So... elegant with every word, even the way he moved. But, if she was to be honest, she preferred Osiris energy. The reminder made her turn to him and giggle when he hid behind his tea, thinking they'd been talking about him. He was so cute, yet at the same time so manly in her eyes. Well, it was hard to see him as anything other than manly and strong when he'd managed to pull her out of that pool. Plus, whenever he smiled, his eyes would bend cutely underneath. And how he smiled! She admired that of him. Osiris was always smiling, always energetic, always kind and merry. Just seeing that smile made her forget all about Kocher and just focus on Hammel. Wait- she was staring now. She flushed again and turned to her tea. It really needed honey.

Rue stood up and left for it, talking about scones. Good! Genevieve loved sweets. Ah, but he was asking Osiris to go join him? Um... that would be so awkward, being left alone in a strangers house. She still waited though, turning to catch Sinbad around. She sent the cat a smile, waving her fingers at it.

Well, this wasn't going too bad, she figured. Maybe things would work out. Rue was so kind and gentle and she found she really liked him. Rue could make Osiris happy so easily, she figured and then sighed at the tug inside her chest. When was that pain ever going to stop? She placed a hand on it, taking a deep breath. This was for the best. It wasn't like Osiris liked her anyway, and Rue was the best for him. If she knew this, then why was her heart so set on tugging for the boy? Maybe after all of this was over, and Osiris convinced his family of this relationship, she could find someone like him. Someone who would aways make her smile and be kind to her. Someone to kiss her and touch her and actually feel good about it, instead of forcing it. Poor Osiris, she figured, having to be close to her when he liked boys. Maybe he was disgusted by her? Oh no. That never crossed her mind before. Maybe he was! And here she was focusing on herself like a selfish jerk. Speaking of selfish, she probably should go help as well, right? Rue said he needed help.

Genevieve stood up, placing her cup on the nearest table and moved to look for Rue and Osiris through the door they'd left, not really thinking of what she could've found when finding them.

[Deleted]

More self-control? When? Jackson had never seen it, not even the first time they met when Rue blurted out those things at the high-schooler.  And what did he mean by dry spell?  Did he mean….?  Jackson refused to finish that thought, though that didn’t stop him from blushing a fire red and turning his face away from the two.  Did Rue always have to be so….?  Then he heard Ginny respond to Rue’s statement, and he had to snap his head back to gawk at the innocent girl and her incredibly off-target response.  Should…should he say something to her?  Whisper in here ear, maybe, about what Rue meant….though Jackson could barely get through that idea without flaring from his head to his toes, so he just…dipped his head…and sat there, silent and awkward. 
 
Jackson looked over at Ginny as he gave his flustered explanation of her words, looking for any sign of confirmation within her eyes. But she said it, thankfully, that he was right. It was her inability to act and lie, and she was worried that she’d mess it up. “It’s okay, though, Ginny,” he assured her leaning forward slightly and turning his head to look on her shy face. “I trust you! You’re going to be fine.” Hopefully a smile would calm her nerves. “And you’re not an inconvenience. I never would’ve asked you if I though you were.” She apologized and nervously reconfirmed her position in this situation, explaining why she was doing it in the first place. It…it honestly made him feel bad. That she was doing this because he saved her life and not because they were friends? Well, they were friends…but putting it that way made it sound like he was blackmailing her into it. And maybe she really didn’t want to…? Which was it? Were they friends or did she feel like she ‘owed’ him? Jackson didn’t want to ask….that would just….if he asked that might ruin everything because….what if it was true? Then things would get all messed up and she might back out and what if she decided to not be his friend anymore?

Best keep his mouth shut and pretend he didn’t notice, he decided. Jackson really was terrible for that, but…it was for the best…probably.
 
Wow….Jackson was learning all sorts of new things about Ginny today. Manifested three years ago, been in the US for a year, and…seemed to speak with a lot more confidence in French than she did in English. He just…had no idea what either of them were saying. Yes, he’d catch a word or two that he thought he had a general idea of what they were(someone once described French to him as just Spanish with a bunch of silent consonants tacked onto the ends of words), but he was, for the most part, completely lost.

Good thing he had his tea(and his free hand being stroked by Rue’s thumb, ahhh!) to keep him occupied. He wanted to put sugar in it…but he’d end up putting about ten cubes once he started, so that wasn’t a good idea. Or maybe he’d try some honey, since Ginny was asking for it…honey was supposed to be better for you. It was good, he’d just never had it in tea before, just in the sopapillas that his grandmother would make when he came to visit…his other grandmother.

He still hadn’t spoken up again when Rue requested his assistance in the kitchen to bring in some…scones? Uhh…was that really a two person job? he wondered. Still, Rue asked and Jackson was never one to refuse an earnest request, so he set his tea down and stood up. “Okay!” he squawked a little too excitedly. His face was surely flushed again. “I mean, um…sure!” he corrected, and he scampered around the sitting room and followed Rue into the kitchen.

By the time he’d reached the kitchen he was already a little more relaxed and was scanning the room for the mentioned box of scones they were to eat with their tea. “Heh heh….I love scones,” he started to say as he passed by the tall, dark, and handsome host of this little meeting. “Once I start, I can’t stop, I swear.” Jackson was rambling away his nervousness. “So, don’t let me have more than a couple, o…kay…?” Jackson’s eyes met up with Rue’s and the boy fell silent. He recognized that look. “Oh…” Well, then, Jackson had completely fallen for that ploy, now hadn’t he?

[Deleted]

Rue blinked in bewilderment when Genevieve asked if he was under a spell. “Oh, oh no, it…” He tried to hold in his laughter, because even though it was funny, he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “It’s, ah… It’s an expression,” he explained a little awkwardly. “I haven’t… Been with anyone in that way in a while. Some people call it a ‘dry spell’.” He smiled good-naturedly. “I’m not under any real spell, I promise.” He shot an amused glance Jackson’s way, wondering why he looked so flustered still.

It was a little hard to look at Genevieve’s aura. It was shifting quite a bit, and none of them in positive ways. And when she spoke about her acting skills, Rue wasn’t sure how to respond. “I’ll believe whatever Jackson says,” he replied, agreeing with the younger boy. “I’m sure it will all be alright.” He wasn’t sure which of them he was trying to convince more. When she started talking about being an inconvenience and making him feel bad, Rue frowned in concern. “The only thing that’s making me feel bad is that you’re being so hard and unfair on yourself,” he told her softly. “You’ve done nothing wrong. We’re both really grateful for your help.” At this information about Jackson saving her life, Rue’s brow rose and he looked over at Jackson again. “How did that happen?” he asked, worried. “Are you both alright?” Had something life-threatening really happened? Rue was more concerned about that than what Jackson was thinking. “I had no idea…” His expression was colored with worry. “I’m glad that you’re alright.”

When she started speaking French again, Rue listened carefully, concentrating on picking up the words as best he could. “<I understand,>” he replied with a small smile. “<I would be… Less confident… In another country too. It’s not just language, but… Mannerisms, and figures of speech, that can be so different.>” Still, he smiled at her compliment. “<Thank you… I speak a few other languages as well. And I would love to practice when you have some… Free time. I think it would… Be good for both of us.>” That way he could get better and Ginny could have someone to talk to more comfortably. “Sorry Jackson,” he apologized over to the boy whose hand he still held. “We’re still not talking about you, I promise.” He didn’t want to be rude, but he also thought this was good for Genevieve too.

Rue just had to go and be selfish though, didn’t he? Even as he stood and had Jackson follow him, he was kicking himself for how rude he was being. Still… It was too late to change his mind now without seeming weird. And besides, Genevieve wouldn’t know. He could be quick. Even as he tried to convince himself, the struggle continued on in his head until they were alone together in the kitchen. Rue was distracted enough that he hardly even noticed the boy’s rambles. “…. Sorry,” he said softly, guiltily. “I didn’t want to kiss you in front of her, but… I couldn’t wait anymore…” Rue wrapped his hand gently around the back of the boy’s neck and pulled him in, drinking in the faint taste of tea on his breath. He eventually smiled into it, and his free hand found its way to the boy’s lower back, almost to the curve of his rump. Rue stayed like that for a time, just enjoying the sensations and letting himself go against his better judgement (like he had been doing so often with Jackson….)

They eventually parted and Rue was still smiling, the hand around the boy’s neck sliding forward to tentatively touch his face. “You’re cute when you blush,” he murmured, brushing the pad of his thumb over the warmed skin before giving it a peck. It was only then that he realized they were no longer alone. Flustered, Rue’s hands dropped and he stepped back a little, worriedly wondering how much the young girl had seen. “… Sorry,” he said quietly, dipping his head in shame. “I’ll get the honey now. Jackson, the scones are in that cupboard.” He motioned to the correct place as he went to grab the bottle of sweetener, unable to look at the younger boy as he went back into the living room with a heavy, guilty feeling in his chest. What a jerk. What had he been thinking? For a few moments, he was lost for words, brewing in his own self-loathing.

[Genevieve Duval]

Ah? Genevieve tilted her head to the side after her question, surprised at Osiris' reaction. Had she said something wrong? She blinked in confusion, pouting and moving her eyes from one boy to the other. What had she done now? And why was Rue now smiling like that? The older man tried to explain himself and- oh... the French girl blushed into a deep red colour and looked down, still blinking in confusion. Wait... that way? Did that mean... the two of them were- the two had...? She peeked at Osiris and felt a tug inside her chest. Oh, so that was how their relationship was. It was so confusing to her. Wasn't Osiris too young for this? Well, she was younger than him, so what did she know? "Um..." She started uncomfortably, scratching her cheek nervously, still feeling saddened about the thought of the two together. Well, she knew about it already, right? This changed nothing. "Sorry. I- uh... I not know the expression." Not like she had many opportunities to even hear it. She didn't have many friends as it was and the ones she had never said things like that. It just proved how much of a grown up Rue was. It, once again, made her feel uneasy. Would she too be willing to do that if someone she loved wanted it? She sent another glance at Osiris and felt her face redden as she realised curiosity had filled her. No. She lowered her gaze again. It didn't matter. She didn't have anyone like that, so why should it matter?

She looked up at Osiris as he encouraged her and smiled nervously. She couldn't feel relaxed around Rue though. It was so nerve wrecking being around someone so... well, someone Osiris liked. Loved? Anyway, she still smiled and nodded at the encouragement. It was then when Rue mentioned her downplaying her role and she sent him a shy smile. "Sorry... ah." She shouldn't apologise, right? She cleared her throat. "I want to help." She said with conviction, "I want- uh, be good, yes? In helping. Acting. I- I try the best." Why was she feeling so nervous?

As Rue asked about Osiris saving her life, she suddenly felt pride swell up her chest and she nodded excitedly, smiling widely. "He did!" She said, leaning forward, suddenly forgetting her nervousness. "And we are. Osiris pull me out of the pool, yes? I could drown, but he pull me out. It was brave! Very brave. Bees were around, yes? But he did not care! He helped and pulled me! I cannot swim and he save me!" She leaned back and sent Osiris a caring smile for a moment, and turned back to Rue. "He then becomes my friend, yes? Helps me with homework and uh- English, yes? He is a hero." Her hero. This was why she needed to do this for him, do anything that would help him be happy.

It was easier talking to Rue in French, she realised. "<Of course.>" She said with a smile, "<Any time you wish. I don't get to speak it very often, so I like to take any opportunity I can to do so.>"

Genevieve had been feeling slightly better for the last part of their conversation. It seemed Rue was the kind of person you just couldn't help but like. She'd been feeling actually glad that she'd met him and she could see why Osiris liked him so much, as hard and painful as that was to realise. But she figured she could be okay with it. She could help without problems. It would make Osiris happy after all, and Rue, well, it seemed he was nice enough to deserve happiness too. Unlike Genevieve who still had too much to learn and was fighting her best to not be selfish and deal with the pain inside her chest.

Too bad she had to go to the kitchen.

The French girl lost her smile immediately as she saw the two kiss. Oh. She remained passive, staring at them as she felt her chest suddenly empty. Ha. She couldn't recognise what she was feeling, but whatever it was, it hurt. A lot. "Sorry." She said in a low voice, turning around and staring at the floor. It hurt to learn of the relationship, but it was an entirely new feeling to actually see it. "I- I was looking for restroom, yes? Uh- E-Excuse me."

Genevieve moved away from the kitchen, barely hearing Rue mentioning the honey or whatever, eyes downcast. She didn't even know where she was going, nodding as Rue told her where it was, and hurrying there just to hide whatever it was she was feeling. And what was it exactly? The French girl closed the door behind her slowly and leaned against it, still staring down at the floor as she had since she saw what she had. It really had been different to see the two kissing. She frowned at the feeling, pressing a hand against her chest. Why did it hurt? She moved to the sink and looked up to stare at herself in the mirror, shocked to see her eyes redden and tears starting to form. This was new. That was it. It was new and she didn't know how to react. She'd never seen someone close to her be like that with anyone, so that was it, right? She was confused- she was... She sobbed and looked down at the sink again, letting out a long breath. No. She couldn't start being a child here, not now. She needed to compose herself. She washed her face quickly, with plenty of water, moistening the curls around her face. Another deep breath and she turned to the mirror again. Okay. She looked better. Less... crying like.

The French girl walked out the bathroom and into the living room again, her eyes going to Osiris and then Rue and feeling the same hollow feeling again. She needed air. She needed-

"I go now." She said suddenly, moving to the entrance of the apartment. She couldn't stay there. Besides, after what she'd seen, they probably wanted to be alone and she was- well, she was being the third wheel. The extra. The unnecessary piece. Sh forced a smile, a very bad one at that, and nodded to them. "Sorry- I- ah. Got text, yet?" She didn't even own a cellphone. Osiris knew she didn't own a cellphone. Well, she'd told him as much before. Who knew if he would even notice. "My- um... brother! He- uh, want to see me, yes? Now. Cannot wait. So um... T- thank you for everything." She was such a bad liar. At least she actually had a brother to blame this to. "I-uh... go yes?" Please She begged at Rue with her eyes, knowing how insisting Osiris could be. She wanted to get out of there.

[Deleted]

He hadn’t been with anyone ‘in that way’….in a while….? Did that mean that Rue intended on…taking it that far?? Nope….nope nope nope! Jackson could only do so much so quickly and if that’s where this was going then….then….he just needed to slow it down, is all. Because he didn’t want to end it, not in the least. But Jackson definitely didn’t think he was ready for….for that. He was good little catholic boy!(yeah right) He was supposed to wait until marriage, then he could risk knocking up his wife or girl or whomever….but with two guys, pregnancy wasn’t really a problem, was it? No, it was the principle of the thing! And why was Jackson thinking about this sort of thing anyway, in the middle of a conversation like this!?

Jackson shook those thought from his head. This was no time to be flustered(although he’d been that plenty already since they’d arrived).

Ginny’s praise just made Jackson blush again. She was calling him a hero and everything and…he really just did what anyone would have done, didn’t he? He couldn’t very well have just let her drown, right? Though that still didn’t make him feel any better about the fact that she was only doing this because she felt she ‘owed’ him. Were it not for those ‘owings’ then Ginny wouldn’t have said yes, wouldn’t she? Jackson returned her smile. “I just…it wasn’t that great,” he said nervously. “But, yeah, we became friends after that.” It was a pretty nice memory, at least. “And Ginny here, you know, her clothes got all wet and she didn’t have any extras…and it was in the middle of winter too! I was afraid she’d freeze, so I loaned her my gym clothes and walked her back.” Now he was grinning stupidly despite himself. She’d returned those clothes sometime later….and Jackson got to have a girl…to have Ginny…in his bedroom! Heh heh heh….

Though all that…it happened before Jackson had met Rue, now that he thought about it. Since then, he’d had Rue in his room a few times…he’d been here at Rue’s house a couple times….he’d been with Rue in a closet even! And somehow, Jackson was still always surprised when the older man suddenly decided to take him in a long, dizzying kiss. Every single time Jackson felt like his mind floated away. Like he couldn’t catch his breath. His knees went weak….this time was no different. Jackson should have known what would happen once he and Rue finally found themselves alone, even if there was someone in the other room(that never seemed to stop Rue before, not even when Finn was around). Jackson fell into the kiss and gripped at Rue’s shirt, completely clueless as to anything else that was going on around them.

Sorry? What? Jackson was coming out of his daze when he realized that Rue wasn’t talking to him. He snapped his head around to see Ginny standing there, staring, and looking like the worst kind of awkward possible. Restroom? Right. Scones? “Uh…right!” Jackson blurted out sharply and scurried to the cupboard that Rue had indicated and pulled the treats out immediately. His face….it was flaming. Stupid Rue, he did it again! Stupid stupid stupid.

Jackson kept his head down as he passed Rue and went out into the living room. Ginny wasn’t there. Where…? Right….restroom. He looked up to Rue when he saw him again, but didn’t say anything. Instead he hid himself behind scones and tea, nibbling on one and washing it down with the other. He’d lost track of how many he’d eaten by the time Ginny came out.

Jackson looked up, trying to put on a face as if nothing was wrong…but then she announced that she had to go. “Uh…..okay…” Was it because of them? “We…we didn’t mean to make you—“ But then she gave them an excuse…her brother. Of course. And Jackson was too out of it to remember that Ginny didn’t have a cell phone. He would no doubt remember later, and feel absolutely horrible all over again. “Are….are you sure? I can walk you,” he offered. Jackson didn’t want to let her walk the streets by herself.