Chapter 29

"I've seen something similar to these before from an army buddy of mine," Conner said, as he examined the rune stones sitting on Ariel's desk. "I guess there might be a real link between our worlds."

"I've found several books with information on runes from the library, but nothing has suggested an ability to teleport," Jade said as he tapped on the stack of books. "I've done an extensive amount of reading already."

"But that doesn't compare to first-hand knowledge." Conner pulled out his phone. "I'll see if I can get a hold of my buddy, and we'll see if he can help. Excuse me." He left the study to make his call.

"That's a glimmer of hope, right?" Ariel forced a smile. I shouldn't be torn about this. Any hope for him to return home is good...

"Yes, it is, but I have doubts that runes are the solution. I have heard of ancient powerful ones that contain more magic than all of those combined." He motioned to his set on the desk. "But I've never seen one in person."

"Maybe I should help you research." Ariel reached for a book, and he grabbed her hand. "No?"

"Not right now. Seeing as I might be in your school for a while, I should make an effort to learn your academia. And since I have all the same classes, you can help me catch up as much as possible." He smiled at her.

"Oh, okay. I... We can do that. I doubt you'll need much help from me with how intelligent and astute you are."

"But there is always more to learn, especially in a foreign world." He kissed the back of her hand. "You're not opposed to teaching me, are you?"

"N-no, not at all." Her face burned as she gazed down into his eyes.

"Then let's work on that for a while." He led her downstairs to the living room to study, knowing Conner wouldn't be happy with them anywhere else.

"So this is where you two were... studying?" Conner entered the living room. "I thought you two would be upstairs in the actual study room for that."

"I thought you didn't want us in a room together like that, alone." Ariel looked up from the textbook.

"Well... I guess. But I'm home right now, and as long as the door stays open, it's okay. Oh, and not during the night, but right now, it's okay."

"Good to know. So, did your friend help any?"

"Well, he went on a long spiel about the history of runes first, excited I was finally interested in them, and then questioned why I'd ask certain questions. It'd be easier if he knew about Jade, but I don't want to compromise him. That said, he has a large collection of runes he wants to bring over and talk about... for hours."

"I wonder if they're real," Jade said.

"Wait, he's coming here?" Ariel asked.

"Yes. He said it was rare to find someone with the shared interest, and he had no problem travelling right now, while he's on his time off."

"Oh, but isn't that time precious?"

"Of course, but this makes him happy, so it's okay."

"Is it okay for me to be here when he shows up?" Jade asked. "I'm not sure how you'd explain my presence."

Conner pointed between the two of them. "You guys are already fake-dating at school; keep it going here when he shows up."

"Is he coming today? Now?" Ariel asked and looked around the house, expecting to have to fix it up. "Wait, why does it feel cleaner in here?"

Conner and Ariel both turned to Jade.

"Yes, it was me. You lot are terrible at keeping up with the dust." Jade sighed.

When did he have time for that?

"Whatever." Conner shrugged. "I can't complain; I know neither of us wants to do it, or will get around to it more than once a season. By the way, do you mind letting him see your runes, too? We can set them up on the coffee table."

"Sure, I see no reason we shouldn't. I'll grab them." Jade stood and weaved around the living room to head upstairs.

"Guess we're done with this." Ariel closed her textbook.

"Didn't finish your homework?"

"The homework is done, but he was asking more questions and going through previous parts of the textbook."

"Is it possible you've found someone more studious than you? I didn't think that was possible."

"Ha ha." Ariel threw a couch pillow at him. "It's not like all I ever do is study."

"You read all the time." He tossed the pillow back. "What do you call that?"

"Part of it is research—"

"Studying."

"And part of it, the bigger part of it, is all fiction. I read stories, and you know that. It's much easier to live in my mind and in a book than it is to live out there." She gestured towards the window.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry for teasing you. When'd you get sensitive about your studying habits? I thought you were proud of them." Conner sat beside her on the couch and bumped her shoulder lightly with his.

"My studiousness is apparently part of the problem. It makes me stand out at school, and the nail that sticks out gets hammered. Teachers like me, which makes others dislike me, especially if they have a crush on said teacher."

"Oh, so that's how it really is." Conner nodded, gritting his teeth. "They deserve whatever Jade does to them and more. Should I be calling the school to complain? It's their duty to keep the students safe."

"Don't bother; it'll make me stand out more, and Jade's handling it." Anyone with Jade will also stand out extra by association. But what will happen if he leaves soon?

Jade came back down with his sack of runes and a few books so they could research while waiting. "Is something wrong?" He could feel the tension in the room.

"Just learning more about the bullying." Conner stood. "And feeling helpless. So much for the big, strong military brother. Can't even protect what's most important."

"You're being hard on yourself about circumstances you don't control. You've both gone through a great deal of sorrow in the past, but have successfully made a home for yourselves, and that says a lot about the two of you." Jade sat on the other side of Ariel. "You have an admirable bond that has created a home out of a house. You two should be proud."

Conner and Ariel looked at each other and couldn't help but smile. "You're right." Conner laughed. "I guess no matter how good you have it, you'll always wish things were better." He reached over and patted Jade on the back. "I've been thinking..." He took a deep breath. "I know it's only been a few days, and I've only just gotten to know you, but based on how you present yourself and your interactions with my sister, I'd say you're already a part of this home. And you'll have a home with us for as long as you need it."

"That's dangerous to say; what if I can't find a way back to my home?"

"Then you live here. That was the point."

Ariel stared at Conner, wide-eyed. Since when does he take to people this fast?

"And here I thought you didn't trust me." Jade thought about the new rules.

"I trust you'd protect my sister if she needed it, but I don't trust either of you to keep your hands to yourselves."

"Hey!" Ariel complained.

"You think I haven't seen the way you two look at each other?" He pointed at them. "I'm worried about something happening."

"I'm responsible; I won't do anything—"

"It's different when you fall in love. Your mind gets clouded, and you do things you wouldn't normally do."

"Is that true? I've never been in love, so I can't say one way or another." Jade frowned, his eyebrows scrunched as he thought about it.

"Yes, it's true. The number of times people have done stupid things in the name of love is unimaginable."

"Conner..." Ariel sighed.

"Yes?"

"Please stop talking about this."

"No! It needs to be said. And if you two date sometime down the line, make sure it's after you're certain you're not going back to your world. I don't want you to break Ariel's heart."

Ariel covered her face. Why does he always have to be so embarrassing?

"I never want to break her heart. I think I'll make snacks for your friend." Jade headed to the kitchen, the tips of his ears red.