"Jewel? I think you should wake up."
I stirred at Alice's questioning voice, unsure why she sounded hesitant. Why?
"Well… uh… hmm… this kind of looks like straight from one of those Yaoi books. You know, two males cuddled up next to one another. Very romantic,” she hummed in my head.
What? I opened my eyes, noticing an unfamiliar defined chest in my view. "Finally awake, Jinn?"
I slowly looked up to see Nixon sprawled out next to me. I had to take a minute to appreciate his sleepy yet sexy appearance. His red hair was now loose and messy but made him look extremely hot. His lazy black eyes were filled with amusement and I lowered my gaze down his bare chest that was muscle central all the way from his pecs to his abs. I mentally cursed at the red blanket hiding the rest of him, wishing I had a chance to ogle his lower muscles.
"Just as a reminder you’re still a guy and you shouldn't be getting hard for Mr. Strawberry," Alice reminded. Strawberry. He does smell like strawberries. Wait… male… I'm a male… am I male? Hmm.
"This is why you’re most vulnerable when you’re only half awake," Alice sighed and I felt something nudge me in my face. I groaned, blinking a few times before I looked down at Alice's fox form, her purple eyes blinking innocently at me as she sat between us.
"Wake up and get out of this bed before Logan loses his shit seeing you with Nixon. Jeez, there's only so much you can do to tease a jealous lover," Alice complained in my head.
Jealous...why would he be… wait. WAIT, WHAT?
My eyes widened as I finally put everything together. "Nixon?!" I whispered but my voice came out at a higher pitch, especially for my male voice.
Nixon grinned before he yawned. "Evening, Sexy Jinn. How was your nap?"
"Uh… it was fine, thank yo- wait! NIXON! Why are you in my bed?" I huffed, my face growing hot with embarrassment as I backed up against the wall. I was still wearing my white dress shirt but the buttons were all undone; before, they had been two-thirds buttoned up.
"I wanted to nap,” he stated matter-of-factly.
"You have your own bed to nap in!" I pointed out.
"True." He frowned at my observation. Nixon sat up and let his hands run through his hair as he stretched. I paid attention to every muscle movement and the lines of his body. My eyes traveled down to his lower half, getting a glimpse of his V lines that peeked out from his maroon sweatpants. Damn pants… and that blanket.
"Losing focus here," Alice pointed out. Ah right!
I sat up, pressing my back against the wall while I crossed my legs in yoga style. "Nixon," I asked more seriously.
Nixon looked away, scratching his head. "You were crying."
I tilted my head in confusion, totally blown back by what he said. "What?"
"You were crying. I didn’t know why, but you kept mumbling someone's name. I climbed the ladder to check and you were drenched in sweat and looked like you were gonna get sick,” he confessed, his cheeks growing a light shade of red.
"I didn't want you getting sick so I held you until you calmed down. My mom used to hold me when I had fevers and stuff; it always worked. I thought it would be helpful..." He trailed off, meeting my gaze.
I was rendered speechless at his confession. I normally remembered my dreams, even if they were nightmares, but I must have been so tired that I couldn't recall anything.
"He did comfort you. He unbuttoned your shirt so you'd get some air and held you till you quieted down," Alice confirmed. She scrambled over my crossed legs to sit in the middle space, resting her head on my right thigh.
"Ah… I'm sorry. It just… took me off guard," I confessed.
"It's okay. I was planning to leave but I fell asleep by accident,” he admitted.
We were quiet for a minute before I replied, "Thanks, Nixon. I appreciate it. I...get nightmares a lot."
He nodded, giving me a small smile. "Me too." After a moment of comfortable silence, the door opened.
"What the hell are you doing up there, Nixon?" Logan growled and I wanted to groan. I didn't want to deal with this manly war, especially when I was still tired.
Nixon slowly turned his head and lifted his hand, showing that he was holding a joker card. Alice lifted her head to stare at the card and I gawked at it, wondering where the hell it came from.
"I'm playing cards with Jinn. You wanna join?” Nixon asked calmly.
Logan was quiet for a moment before he grumbled something under his breath.
"I need to talk to Jinn, alone," Logan announced.
Nixon shrugged. "Sure. Guess we'll finish our game later."
He turned to me, leaning forward to whisper in my ear. "Don't get too mad at him. I like teasing him."
I blushed at his words and he winked, moving to the ladder and his way down. I unhooked my legs and Alice hopped forward to look over the rail. I noticed Nixon shuffling a deck of cards in front of Logan, who stood with his arms crossed as he glared at Nixon's smug expression.
"Don't get into a fight, lovers,” Nixon hummed, before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him.
"He's interesting," Alice whispered in my head. Agreed.
Logan looked up and our eyes met; his anger was so apparent it sent shivers down my spine while the anxiety that I thought had vanished from the effects of being a guy, reared its ugly head.
I lifted my hands in defense. "Don't give me such an angry face. You've awakened my anxiety," I mumbled. He frowned, knowing from the way my voice trembled I wasn't joking.
"Come down here, Jinn,” he whispered. His voice sounded less threatening than it had before but I still didn't feel confident enough to go down and face him.
"Maybe in a minute… or two," I stalled. I kind of wished I was in my girl form so I could cry and he'd automatically feel sympathy for me. Were there any good things about being a male? I had yet to find any benefits.
"Fine,” he replied. I thought I'd get a moment to calm my racing heart, but instead he climbed up the ladder and was by the end of the bed in seconds.
I gulped and then a stream of words left my mouth suddenly. "Don't be mad at me or about the fact that Nixon's purposely pissing you off," I rushed out in a jumbled sentence, before shuffling to the head of the bed and crossing my legs.
Alice whimpered and hopped off over to where Logan was before making her way down the ladder to go hide somewhere in the room. WHERE DID YOU GO?! You're supposed to give me moral support!
"Nah. I’m not with angry Logan. Y'all can fight without me. Bye."
Worst familiar ever!
"I love you too," she replied and just like that, her presence was gone. I bit my lip hard, slowly turning back to Logan who was still looking in the direction Alice ran off to.
"Why does she always run away when we fight?" he wondered.
"Because violence doesn't solve anything. She's being smart by avoiding conflict," I reasoned.
Logan looked over and lifted an eyebrow at me. "We're not gonna fight.”
"I have no confidence in your words," I replied cautiously.
He sighed, ruffling his hair. "Switch back,” he instructed and I knew from those words that this would end up either in an actual fight or in angry lovemaking. I secretly preferred the second option.
I glanced away. "Someone could walk in," I mumbled.
Logan took another deep inhale, letting the breath out slowly before directing his hand to the door. I heard it lock and felt the wave of magic leak into the air.
"Did you just lock the door with magic? You know, Nixon’s supposed to sleep here too," I pointed out.
"He can sleep on the fucking couch," Logan grumbled. Men and their jealousy. I wonder if I'll experience that? Nah. Being a girl is way better. When we’re jealous, we'll say it and make that bitch know whose side our men belong on. Simple savagery.
I rolled my eyes but then closed them, retracting all my magic. I waited till I could feel my long locks and the extra weight of my breasts before I opened my eyes. I mentally sighed that the spell to cloak my body after I changed back to my female form worked, my black lace lingerie set covered my properties.
Logan's eyes scanned me from top to bottom and my stomach did that flippy thing while my lower region tingled at the flicker of attraction in his gold eyes. Even if he looked angry, it didn't hide what my female body did to him.
I raised my hand to make a shirt for me to wear with magic, but Logan lifted his hand. "Don't,” he ordered.
I blushed at his command, pausing in my actions as he removed his shirt. I hadn't realized he'd changed out of his normal clothing, and was now wearing a white t-shirt and black sweatpants. He handed me his shirt and I smiled. "Thanks," I whispered, secretly squealing with joy at the chance to wear his clothing.
I think over the years he realized half his 'missing' wardrobe was actually due to me and not the mysterious magically possessed washer and dryer I liked to blame. Men just didn't understand that us ladies loved smelling them all the time.
I put his shirt on and let my hands run through my long hair as I nervously bit my lip again. He eyed me carefully, still keeping quiet. I personally hated when he was so silent. Totally meant he was disturbed and just thinking of what to say. To some, that was a good thing, but in this scenario, it meant he was ready to tell me everything he hated about Nixon and how I should have intervened at some point. Might as well get this over with.
"You don't like Nixon," I began.
"No. I hate his fucking guts,” he replied.
I rolled my eyes. "You just met him. You can't just hate him like that."
"Why are you defending him and not me?" He sounded irritated.
"I'm not defending him. I'm trying to point out how irrational you sound right now. We just got here and since that test, you've been in a pissed off mood," I pointed out.
"You see no problem with him?" he questioned.
"Why should I? He's clearly pushing your buttons, and guess what? You’re falling for it," I replied.
"He likes you."
"He does not."
"Jewel, are you blind? He's fucking interested in you!" Logan pointed at me.
"He's not interested in ME!" I emphasized, gesturing at my female body. "He hasn't seen THIS me. He sees Jinn Starfire and he does not like him in that way. I don't get what you're seeing."
"He's not sleeping here," Logan declared. I had to laugh, but tried to lower my volume so the others in the house wouldn't hear me.
"You are not in charge of making that decision, Logan Cross. What's really bothering you?" I demanded. He opened his mouth to speak but paused, closing his lips shut. I took a calming breath, pinching my nose and praying to the heavens to give me divine patience.
"Logan, are you upset that he's stronger than you?"
He didn't answer, looking away. I sighed. "Logan. Just because Nixon is stronger than you, doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to dump your sexy ass for him. Stop jumping to conclusions without asking," I huffed.
"I wasn't jumping to conclusions,” he argued, looking embarrassed. I gave him my 'yes you were' look. He bit his lower lip and ruffled his hair again. "He pisses me off."
"I can clearly see that," I replied. "Doesn't mean he's going to replace you,"
"But what if he does, Jewel? Many assignments required dual partnership. What if I can't keep up and he becomes your partner in crime for everything?" Logan whispered and I could hear the vulnerability in his voice. I frowned and my tense shoulders sank at his admission.
"Logan. Even if that happened, do you really think I would stop loving you?" I asked.
His eyes met mine and he slowly nodded, looking ashamed. "I'm not used to competition. In Natala, I was always top with everything and I had the woman of my dreams who was the best at everything there next to me. I'm just… scared you'll ditch me, especially when you're so confident as a guy. I'm not that self-assured. I have to present myself that way for my own ego… doesn't mean that I am,” he confessed.
My heart clenched at his words. I wasn't used to seeing his vulnerability, especially over something like Nixon teasing him.
"Don't get too mad at him. I like teasing him."
Was Nixon teasing him on purpose just to see if he'd break? Why though? I sighed in defeat, deciding to heed Nixon's advice to not get upset. There was no point of us arguing anymore and I hated when we fought anyway.
"Logan," I whispered, using my finger to gesture for him to come closer to me. I uncrossed my legs and opened my arms, gesturing for him to come get a hug. He crawled over without delay into my arms and we held each other in silence for a while.
"I'm sorry,” he whispered after some time and I knew he meant it.
"I'm sorry too. I knew you were upset, but I was just really tired and not in the mood to talk. I shouldn't have brushed your anger aside for later," I replied. We pulled out of our hold so I could lay down, already feeling like I'd fall asleep again soon. I hadn't realized the exam had really taken such a toll on me and the additional mana lost from shifting back to my female form was having its effect.
Logan frowned and I shook my head, knowing exactly what he was thinking. "I'm okay. Just need a little more rest. Maybe another nap," I suggested. My weak voice didn't seem to reassure him, but he nodded.
"It's already late afternoon. You might as well sleep, unless you're hungry?" Logan inquired.
"Nah. I don't feel hungry right now. Sleep sounds like the better bargain," I admitted.
"Okay,” he replied, lifting his left hand. The lights slowly dimmed until they were off, the lamp on one of the desks the only source of light.
"Are you staying?" I asked.
"Do you want me to?" he countered.
"Yes," I replied confidently. My admission made him grin and he lowered his head. I closed my eyes and relaxed as his lips met mine. Even if I was tired, I would never pass up a kiss.
He deepened the kiss; his tongue brushed along my lower lip as if asking for entry and I moaned quietly, allowing his tongue to slip into my mouth. I enjoyed the way his tongue intertwined with mine and couldn't help but want more, my body responding to the growing tingles vibrating through my lower region.
A part of me wanted him to keep going, for his hands that gently rubbed up and down my side to slide between my legs and ease the growing ache and wetness pooling between my folds. Yet, the logical side of me realized we couldn't be any louder than our 'not so quiet' kisses.
We broke apart when we needed air and I relaxed against my pillow, taking slow breaths to focus on something other than how turned on I was. Logan's lips pressed to my collarbone unexpectedly and I closed my eyes, letting out a soft moan as I reveled in the sucking and nips he gave to my feverish flesh.
"Logan… we… should stop," I encouraged, though my mind wanted the opposite. Logan didn't stop, kissing me over and over again before he began sucking hard on my flesh again, followed by a gentle bite. I moaned again, a little louder than I expected to, but Logan seemed unbothered by the noise, his free hand moving up and resting onto my right breast, while his left arm held him up to hover over me.
"A little more,” he whispered along my flesh, lowering his mouth to my shoulders to leave another set of love bites while his hand massaged my left breast. I wished my bra and this shirt weren’t in my way, wanting to feel his bare hands on my breasts and get a chance to feel his fingers tease my already hard nipples.
I closed my eyes, fighting to keep my breathing steady while I pressed my legs together to ignore the growing throbbing sensation. If he didn't stop, I wouldn't have any resistance left in me to listen to reason.
"Logan, please," I begged and he stopped, lifting his head to meet my gaze. He lowered his lips to give me a passionate kiss before he pulled back.
"That's what you get as punishment,” he whispered. Oh baby, if that's punishment I'd argue with him every damn day.
"Okay, I accept it," I replied, wishing I could tell him my thoughts instead. He relaxed next to me, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me into an embrace. I pressed my lips against his skin and he quietly moaned.
"Next time, I get to leave hickeys on you," I whispered, closing my eyes. I was far too weak to attempt it now, giving up my fight against sleep.
"I look forward to it,” he replied with amusement which made me smile.
"Logan?"
"Yes, my precious Jewel?"
"You suck at sharing." I giggled and he groaned.
"Do I have to share you with other people? It's irritating."
"If you want me to last the semester, yes," I pointed out.
"Fine. I'll attempt to share you. Except for Nixon. You're off-limits to him. I don't care if he likes Jinn,” he mumbled. I let out a weak giggle.
"Men are cute when they're jealous," I mumbled while I began to fall asleep.
"I'm not jealous,” he replied. I smiled but didn't reply as I dozed off.
"Jewel?"
I tried to reply but I was too far gone, already on the verge of sleep. Something soft pressed against my temple. "I love you. No matter what,” Logan whispered.
Oh Logan. I love you too.
"Go back to sleep. You can barely stand," Logan suggested, his arms crossed over his chest as he gave me a wary look.
I sighed. "I want to shower and I need to change back. I want to check out the campus more and figure out where our classes are," I whined, grabbing a set of guy clothes for later.
"You look like you’re gonna crash into something in three steps. Don't deny that hasn't happened before either," Logan pointed out. I gave him a pout as my cheeks grew hot from the memory.
"That… I was just really tired that time," I complained.
"Uh huh." He looked skeptical. I closed my eyes for a second, debating if I should take his advice and rest. I was still adapting to this whole switching genders thing. His mother did say it would take me a few times before it took less of a toll on my body, but I really didn't want to spend all day sleeping.
Hands pressed on my shoulders and I opened my eyes to see Logan in front of me. "Please, rest,” he whispered with worried eyes.
I stared at those gold orbs filled with worry and sighed. "Fine," I replied. He lowered his lips to mine and gave me a sweet kiss.
"Fuck, Maximus! Don’t!" I heard Nixon huff before the door opened. We broke up our kiss just in time to see Kage, Zane, and Maximus fall to the floor while Nixon stood at the door with a scowl expression on his face.
I blinked, pulling away to stare at all four of them as their eyes met mine and ever so slowly descended down my body.
My face grew beet red and I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or kill someone at the realization I hadn't put Logan's shirt back on, leaving me only in my black lingerie.
"Well damn. First day in the dorm and Logan has a sexy girlfriend," Zane commented.
"Very sexy. Nice booty too," Kage complimented.
"How… what magic does he possess to sneak a girl in here?" Maximus whined.
"He didn't sneak anyone in. Morning, Jinn," Nixon said in a calm voice. I gawked at him, standing there like a deer in headlights.
Maybe if I stand here, I'll just disappear. Yes. Disappear. Hmm... Or I could fake passing out? Would that work? I really wished that would work. Wait, what was that memory-erasing spell I learned from that book? Nope, I didn't learn it cause I thought it was useless and thought knowing how to blind someone would be more useful for attacking stalkers. WHY?!
"Out."
My eyes slowly turned to Logan's whose eyes were a dark orange. "Before you get all antsy, it was Maximus fault," Nixon said calmly, pointing to Maximus who blushed.
"I didn't know there was a fucking girl here! Wait, did you just call her Jinn?! MALE JINN?! The one you’re hitting on Jinn?!" Maximus exclaimed.
"That would make sense with Ali then," Kage mumbled.
"What does Ali have to do with Jinn being a girl? Wait, Jinn is that really you?" Zane asked, looking back at me.
"GET THE FUCK OUT!" Logan demanded, a gust of wind picking the three off the floor and slamming them into Nixon and then into the hall. The door slammed shut and Logan walked up to it, holding the knob.
"Stay here,” he instructed, opening the door and closing it shut after he left. I blinked after him before I turned and climbed up to my bed. I lifted the sheets and slid beneath them, my head falling into the pillow.
"Well then. Guess I'll just go back to sleep," I mumbled, giving in to my tiredness as I fell right back to sleep.
So much for not being discovered.