I waited for the walkway to clear then prepared to leave when Jey said
"I've never been rejected before... It's odd but I don't hate it. I'll talk to you again." He then left the gym ahead of me, but before leaving he waved bye, with a grin. I checked my phone, saw no new messages, and finally got up to leave, as well.
Serco's POV
I noticed Tiren on his phone for the 20th time today. I've reached my boiling point of irritation towards him so I flicked his forehead. Using more force than I intended, so his head flew back and he stumbled over onto his ass.
"Pay attention" I chastened "Because the next time I catch you slacking, I will break your phone." He grumbled, putting the phone into his pocket. "So your name is Zwein and you're a C-ranked citizen?" I asked the Afarion I had contracted with for clarification
"Yes... and even though I have done my fair share of evil, I hate the king and the royal family. Nothing I have done compares to what he does to anyone, including his own people."
"I don't need you to prove your loyalty to me, you're branded. I also don't care." I pointed to him for my brothers "This one belongs to our side... don't hurt him, I need him in good health and cooperative." I began walking around the room and placed the sandwich and bottle of water I bought for Zwein on the desk in his room. "Is the Prince waiting on Afaria?" I inquired,
"No... he was banished by his father. There's a lot of drama going on in the royal family. I was actually sent here to not only test you but to report back on his whereabouts." I felt a slight camaraderie towards this guy I have only met once...
"Then why is he here?" I asked, deciding to hand over the candy he requested. Afarions need a lot of sugar to function.
"He... wanted to meet you, his counterpart. When I met him we talked about his plans to overthrow the throne and meet you... he asked for my help... I don't know anything else." I sighed
"Yes, you do... you know what he looks like." Zwein bit his lip after my statement and looked away from me.
"I... rather not say, if I tell you that you'll kill me. I won't have anything left to offer." I frowned
"I'm.... not merciless." Even after I said this he remained silent, "Fine... give me one identifying mark... unique to him." I reasoned
"He... has a birthmark on his face. At least I think it's a birthmark...3 of them" Zwein refused to say anything more even after I activated his brand.
"Fine... I guess that helps." Wherever he is, he's not a normal human. He's bound the standout and with a birthmarks on his face, he'll be even easier to find.
Spending all this time with my brothers was stressful... but as soon as I informed my father of the situation I was in, he insisted that I needed assistance, so he sent these useless a**holes.
Since I finally had a moment to think I checked my phone and saw that Akina messaged me this morning... I unknowingly began smiling and that made my brother Tiren curious about what I was doing and peek over my shoulder.
"Wow... you actually like that human girl." I put my phone away and closed my eyes.
"Give me space... or I will break your face, instead of your phone," I said this in the kindest way I could, which was not very kind. He backed away until there were 5 feet between us.
"Sorry... so... where do we begin searching first?" He inquired,
"We should split up and search. I do not care where you go... let's meet again tonight to discuss any discoveries. Just do not search in the same area... I will check near the Academy myself." After my announcement, Tiren groaned,
"That's not fair, I have a friend there." How is this fool supposed to be helpful to me at all?
Akina's POV
As I was leaving school I was surprised to see Serco waiting for me. Since he hadn't replied to my message earlier I was under the impression that he would be too busy to meet. He looked more relaxed, perhaps because his brothers weren't around.
"Hey!" I was startled by the person beside me, I knew it was Jey by the voice.
"Hello..." I glanced back at Serco but he was staring at the sky, he didn't seem to notice me at all.
"I have a proposition for you." He declared.
"What is it?"
"You're the only person who treated me normally since I transferred here... so I don't want to give up on being friends." He clarified.
"Um... okay but so there are no misunderstandings, I do have a boyfriend," I stated.
"Irrelevant."
"And I rather not be alone together," I added.
"Fine by me." He sent me a smile. "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow." Then he waved bye. As soon as he was gone it was like a veil was lifted and Serco looked in my direction. He smiled at me as I rushed over.
"How was your day?" I asked as he pulled me into a tight hug.
"It was ... tiring... I missed your presence." My heart fluttered and I knew he noticed because he let out a soft laugh.
"I....missed you too," I admitted as I held him in return. Serco kissed my forehead before releasing me from the hug and then he held my hand.
"That boy you were talking to, what's his name?" So he did notice.
"Jeremy." We began walking down the sidewalk while continuing the conversation.
"He... if he does anything odd, please let me know." I nodded my agreement with a smile. "Also... have you ever wanted to kill your brother?"
"Of course not!" He sighed in response.
"So... I guess that is not normal...?" I squeezed his hand
"Are you having family issues?"
"Not any new ones..." Serco was with me but he was looking around more than usual. Scanning all the faces of the people in the city.
"Hey... if you don't want to talk about the issues that you're having, I understand but..." I took a deep breath before continuing "I want to be your safe place... I'm always here for you." My heart was racing all over again, I could also feel his temperature rising through his palm.
"Why... are you so damn cute?!" His face actually looked upset, he put his free hand over his mouth and cleared his throat before saying. "It's... a long story, I'm also not sure a ... human would understand."
"I want to understand! I... I will learn more about your culture... your duties... I'll become a dependable listener. I promise!" We then arrived at my house and Serco chuckled before kissing my lips.
"I believe in you... we'll talk more later but... bye for now."