Chapter 43

"I can't tell if he approves of me as your boyfriend or not," Jade said as he sat with Ariel on the couch, holding her hand as Conner paced in front of them, his arms crossed.

"If he disapproved, you wouldn't still be sitting here," Ariel whispered back. "He's just struggling to come to terms with his new reality. I don't even think it has to do with you being an elf, rather—"

"Yes, it's about Ariel dating. I know I let you two have one date, and I encouraged her to admit her feelings, but I thought you were gone for good, and she'd be alone for a few more years," Conner admitted.

"My apologizes, but are you happy I'm back or not?" Jade asked.

Conner stopped and turned to him. "Happy, but overwhelmed, as my imagination is going into overdrive. I'm not ready to have the talk with my sister—"

"You don't have to have that talk with me. We learn that stuff in school," Ariel said.

"Right, right... I should've remembered that, but I've heard parents referencing it for the longest time. Ugh, I'm so glad I don't have to explain the... logistics of it all—"

"You don't need to talk about it at all. And Jade just got back, so how about we order food or something, and you can stop acting like I'm like other teenagers that get in over their heads."

"Ahem." Jade cleared his throat. "If you're worried about her purity, don't be. I understand the word 'no', and I am a patient man."

"I guess we weren't being that subtle with this conversation. But at this point, I'm more worried about her jumping your bones."

"Conner! Shut up. Seriously, I can't take this anymore." Ariel covered her burning face with her hand. "Let's move on, please."

"Agreed. I'm going to order Chinese food. Any requests?"

"Sweet and sour chicken balls."

"I will eat whatever you provide for me," Jade said. Once Conner was in the kitchen, Jade wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

"I-I thought you said you wouldn't do anything." Ariel bit her lip as she stared at the coffee table.

"That's not what I said, unless you're saying no to even this much?" He gripped her chin, turning her to face him, as he sent her heart racing.

"Oh! N-no... I'm not." Oh, geez. How am I supposed to get used to this? I'm actually not sure where the line would be with him to make me say no. This, from someone with no experience.

"Good, because I have an urge to keep you as close as possible and shower you with love." He kissed her cheek and lingered as he stared into her eyes. "I always thought love-struck people were fools, but I completely understand now." Jade sighed, and in a sudden burst of courage, she kissed him. "Mm..."

"I... Me, too."

Jade sighed and rested his head on her shoulder. "I better not push my luck with Conner in the next room, but how about a nap? It's taxing to transport between worlds."

"Oh, okay. I'll let you rest until the food arrives. Whoa!" she yelped as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her down onto the couch, laid on top of him. "W-what are you doing?" she whispered, worried Conner had heard her.

"Getting comfortable on the couch for a nap with you locking in my arms." Jade sighed and closed his eyes.

Figuring he had no intention of letting her go, Ariel rested her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat as she closed her eyes. Before long, she fell asleep.

"Hey, guys..." Conner trailed off when he saw them. "Never mind. I doubt either of you has slept well lately."

"Are you sure about this?" Ariel asked, as Jade set himself up to start back at school.

"Of course I'm sure. What better place to learn more about this world?" Jade asked, standing after tying his shoes.

"Is it luck, or did you pull some magic?" Conner asked as he got ready to head to work.

"I may have swayed them."

"Well, Leo's going to help us get you documentation, and you can use that with the school, and use your magic to set things up more officially. We're lucky he has more connections than me."

"Indeed."

"Are you sure you two don't want me to drop you off?" Conner asked as he checked his watch.

"We're sure." Jade smiled and held his hand out to Ariel. "It's a part of our normal routine to walk to school together, and we're bound to have questions."

"Yup, we're good to go." Ariel took his hand, smiling.

"Fine, fine. Off you two go." He waved them away.

"How'd you get yourself back into school?" Ariel asked, as they walked to school. "And aren't you worried about catching up?"

"No, why would I when I have the top student with me? The perfect tutor."

Assuming I can focus enough to teach him. The whole way to school, she couldn't stop sneaking glances at him.

"Is there something on your mind, or do you just like the view?" Jade asked, peeking at her out of the corner of his eye as the school came into view.

"Oh!" He noticed! "Um..." I can't say I like the view, can I? "Ahem, both..."

"Can't say I mind, as long as it's me you're gazing at, but what's on your mind?"

"Oh my gosh! Is that you, Jade?" Janice and her friends rushed over to them. "I thought you were gone for good! No communication whatsoever."

"My family had a change of heart. I'm here for good."

"That's great." She motioned to give him a hug, and he backed away. "Oh..." She glanced at Ariel and forced a smile. "You must be happy to have him back."

"I am," Ariel agreed.

"So am I," Andy said. "I still want your help with training. You can turn me into a wrestling star here."

"I apologize, but I don't know the rules to wrestling, and thus doubt I can help with it."

"I think you could still help me train. I know the rules, and what's not allowed, and you know techniques I've never seen. This will work."

Jade gazed down at Ariel and smiled. "Only if Ariel is around. I don't want to be away from her for too long."

"She's a big girl; she can handle herself for..." Andy trailed off under Jade's glare. "She can come along and hang out with my girlfriend while we train."

"That would work for me," Cherry said, having never actually minded Ariel, only going after her for Janice. She leaned in close to Ariel. "I get bored while waiting, and those two never join me, since they don't have a boyfriend on the team."

"Um..." What in the world would I have to talk about with Cherry? I'd only if Jade wanted me to.

"Come on; it'll be fun. You can even join the wrestling team," Andy suggested.

"Isn't it too late in the year for that?"

"It would be up to the coach, but I can't see him turning you down with the way you move."

"I appreciate the offer, but I decline. The wrestling team isn't where I want to be. That said, I might be willing to train you, for a price."

Andy's face lit up. "Hell, yeah. I can work with that."

People Jade had barely talked to kept approaching him throughout the school day, welcoming him back, and people invited themselves to their table at lunch.

"Barely here, and you're Mr. Popular," Ariel sighed, as they headed to their final class for the day.

"Welcome back, Jade," Mr. Lux said and glanced at Ariel, whom he had noticed had been down in the dumps since he left. "Glad to have you back."

"Thank you, sir. Glad to be back."

Everyone had left his seat open, so he had no trouble fitting himself back into Ariel's classes. "I hope you won't get tired of me," Jade whispered to her as she turned to help him with the work.

"Never."

"Even though I'm severely behind in school?"

"Just gives me an excuse to hang out with you all the time."

He raised an eyebrow. "Funny, I was thinking that was my excuse."

Janice sighed, watching them. "Where can I get one of him?"

"Dream on," Pat said. "I don't think anyone matches him."

"I guess I will have to dream about it."

Ariel couldn't help but smirk when she heard them. At least it sounds like she won't fight me for him, despite her obsession. Now, things are finally back to normal.