Some people are like hurricanes—you brace for impact, but can't help loving the thrill.
Little Fireball of Destruction
Alex greeted the boy with his usual enthusiasm, practically bouncing as we walked in. The moment he sat down, a steaming plate of food appeared in front of Berti, though he barely looked at it, his hands nervously clutching his sweater under the table.
Alex shot me a knowing glance. I rolled my eyes in response, starting for the bathroom for a quick shower.
After a moment, Alex began chatting with him, his voice gentle and casual, like they were old friends catching up. Berti relaxed a little, his grip on the sweater loosening, shoulders dropping just enough to notice. That was Alex's gift—he had this way of making people feel at ease, as though the weight they carried didn't matter for a little while.
It never failed.
While Alex worked his magic on Berti, I ate my fill and pulled out my phone to type a quick message to Lil:
[Need you here. Could use your assistance with a... situation.]
I hesitated for a moment, watching Berti glance up nervously at Alex's attempt to pull him into conversation, then sent the message.
Lil's response came almost immediately:
Trouble's Chauffeur: [I'm not in your court, Shay. Ask Mazen for help if you need it.]
I let out a low sigh. Of course. It was classic Lil, always keeping her distance.
But I wasn't about to give up that easily. Her curiosity was a weakness—one I'd used more times than I cared to admit. My fingers hovered over the letters as I typed:
[I just found something interesting. You might want to see it for yourself.]
There was a moment of silence, then the familiar notification. Her response was quick, sharp.
Troubel's Chauffeur: [Busy. Try someone else.]
I could almost imagine her frowning at the screen. I stared at the message, half-smiling. She was playing hard to get, as usual. But busy? That was Lil's polite way of saying "I'm curious, but make it worth my time." Knowing her, she'd come over—if only to satisfy that insatiable curiosity.
The knock came just as I predicted—sharp and precise. We barely had time to finish dinner before I heard it. I paused, glancing over at the door, while Alex continued his cheerful conversation with Berti, who had calmed down more with every bite of food.
Lil didn't waste time; she never did. In the next moment, I saw her peeking into the kitchen, her gaze focused entirely on Berti. She didn't say a word at first. Just stared, studying him. I leaned against the doorway, watching her reaction unfold.
"Unique, right?" I smiled, breaking the silence.
Her eyes remained locked on Berti as if dissecting every layer of him, her brow furrowed in thought. "I've never seen someone whose magic feels so different from their personality." There was a weight to her voice, an analytical edge.
I chuckled softly. "Yeah. He seems meek, but… if Rolo's the smartest mage of this era, Berti's the strongest."
Lil's gaze narrowed as if piecing something together. "But he won't be able to fight. His magic is wild, untamed. There's no control, no spells."
I nodded, watching Berti across the room. He looked worlds away from what he could truly become, but that was fine by me. "That's just it. I don't want him to fight. He's not good at it."
Lil finally tore her gaze away from him, turning to me with that penetrating look that saw too much. "You know him," she stated, her voice low, careful.
"Well, yeah," I said, meeting her eyes without hesitation. There was more behind that answer, but I didn't give it away. Not yet.
I gestured for Lil to follow me upstairs, feeling the energy shift as we moved away from the warmth of the kitchen. As we reached the second floor, I turned to face her, my tone turning serious. "I need your help with something. I want to create a room for Berti."
Lil raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A room? Why?"
"Because he needs a space of his own," I explained, glancing back down the stairs. "I want him to feel safe here."
Her expression softened, and I could see the gears turning in her mind. "You want me to use spatial magic?"
"Exactly. I know you can make it work," I urged, trying to sound persuasive. "We can expand the upstairs area and give him a proper room."
Her arms crossed defensively, and I could see the hesitation in her eyes. "You know creating a room isn't just a snap of the fingers, right? It consumes a lot of magic. I'm not sure if I can spare that right now."
"It's important to me that he feels welcome," I said.
She frowned, considering my words. "It's not just about making space, Shay. It requires focus and precision. If I use too much magic, I might end up drained for a day. And don't forget we're in conflict with dangerous mages right now. We need to reserve our energy for when it really matters."
A teasing grin spread across my face. "If you end up drained, I can always walk you home and sleep over. Just to make sure you're alright, of course."
Lil raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk creeping onto her lips. "Uh-huh, so this was your plan from the start! Sleeping over at my place, huh?"
I chuckled, trying to keep my tone light. "Well, who wouldn't want to enjoy a cozy night after a hard day of magic and mages? It sounds like a win-win to me."
She rolled her eyes, but I could see the corner of her mouth twitching upwards. "You're incorrigible, Shay. Always scheming."
"Guilty as charged," I admitted with a wink. "But seriously, if it means getting Berti a proper space and looking after you in case you overdo it, then it's worth it."
Lil shook her head, though I could tell the lighthearted banter was easing the tension. "Alright, fine. Let's get this done."
As she began to concentrate, I watched her hands move gracefully, weaving strands of magic that danced in the air like whispers. Each gesture seemed to conjure flickering trails of light, ethereal tendrils that shimmered with hues of red and gold. The very essence of her magic felt alive, swirling around us like a gentle breeze, a comforting embrace that stirred something deep within me.
The walls around us began to shimmer and pulse with energy, responding to her intent. I could feel the shift in the atmosphere, the air thickened with anticipation, crackling with latent power, as the room expanded.
With each wave of her hand, I could see intricate patterns emerging in the air, luminescent glyphs tracing the outlines of doors and windows, while soft glows ignited along the surfaces. It was as if the very fabric of reality was bending to her will, each motion an enchanting dance that transformed the mundane into the extraordinary.
Lil's expression was one of serene concentration, her brow slightly furrowed, yet her lips curled in a smile as she poured her essence into the spell.
As the last strands of magic wove together, the room shimmered into existence.
"Almost there," Lil murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, a note of triumph lacing her tone. I watched as she poured herself into this creation, every ounce of her energy manifesting into something tangible and beautiful.
I turned to Lil, a grin stretching across my face, ready to express my gratitude.
However, as I opened my mouth to speak, her expression shifted slightly. She took a deep breath, and for the first time, the sparkle in her eyes dulled just a bit. "I… I think I'm almost out of magic," she admitted, her voice steady but with a hint of weariness beneath the surface.
I nodded, instantly recognizing the toll her powerful spell had taken on her. "You pushed yourself," I remarked gently, concern creeping into my voice. "Are you okay?"
Lil offered a faint smile, one that barely reached her eyes. "I'm fine, really. Just a little drained."
"Guess that means I'll have to walk you home," I suggested, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips.
"I see what you're doing, Shay. Trying to charm me into thinking you're a sweet guy?" she shot back, raising an eyebrow.
I chuckled, savoring the playful banter. "Well, I can't help it if I want to make sure you get home safely."
"Or maybe you just want an excuse to sleep over," she teased, her lips curving into a sly smile.
"Who says I need an excuse?" I retorted, matching her playful tone.
Lil rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin as she stepped back, admiring the new room. "Alright, lead the way, sweet guy."
With a wink, I gestured for her to go first. "After you, my lady."
As we made our way downstairs, I paused at the kitchen doorway, where Alex was busy arranging the dessert on a plate. The delicious aroma wafting through the air made my stomach growl.
"Hey, Alex," I called out, catching his attention. "We conjured up a new room for Berti upstairs. I'll be back in the morning."
Alex's eyes sparkled with a knowing look as he glanced between me and Lil, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Okay, take care, guys."
I couldn't help but smirk, feeling the teasing energy in the air as I waved.
Lil offered a polite nod and then she stepped outside, the evening air cool against our skin. I fell into step beside her, the street illuminated by flickering lanterns that cast dancing shadows on the cobblestones.
As we walked, a comfortable silence settled between us, the sounds of the city humming softly in the background. I stole glances at her, marveling at the way the lantern light illuminated her features, making her look almost ethereal.
"Why did you really want me to come over?" she asked suddenly, breaking the quiet.
"Maybe I wanted some company on my evening walk," I teased, nudging her playfully.
"Uh-huh," she replied, crossing her arms. "You expect me to believe that?"
"Hey, a guy can have motives, can't he?" I shot back, my smirk widening. "Besides, I didn't hear you complaining about it."
Lil laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
"But you love it," I replied with a wink, enjoying the playful banter that had become our signature.
I hesitated, the night stretching around us. "Having lived this life four times before… makes you appreciate simple things. Simple things you haven't even recognized before. Like the way the moonlight filters through the trees or how laughter feels like."
Lil studied me, her expression softening. "You've had to carry a lot, haven't you?"
"I get that. It's easy to lose sight of the small joys when the world feels heavy," she added.
I reached over and suddenly grasped Lil's hand, catching her completely off guard. Her eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, we both stopped walking.
"Shay!" she exclaimed as I intertwined my fingers with hers. "What are you doing?"
"Just wanted to see how it felt," I replied casually, though my heart raced at the unexpected boldness. Her hand was warm in mine, and the simple touch sent a thrill coursing through me.
Lil blinked, trying to process my sudden move. "You can't just—"
"Can't just what?" I interrupted playfully, squeezing her hand gently. "It's just a handhold. You act like I've proposed or something."
Lil glanced down at our joined hands, then back up at me, her expression softening. "You're such a tease, Shay."
"Only because it makes you blush," I replied, leaning in slightly, our faces closer now. "But really, I enjoy having you by my side."
Lil looked at me, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of surprise and something deeper.
"Oh, is this how you charm all the ladies? Because I'm not falling for it!"
"I know," I said with a small smile.
I took a moment to savor the warmth of her hand in mine.
(...)
The soft light of morning filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I blinked awake to the gentle rhythm of Lil's breathing, her head resting on my chest, her hair splayed across me like a cascade of dark silk. For a moment, I simply lay there, transfixed by the sight of her.
It felt strange like I was caught between two worlds—the past and the present. Lil had always been like this in my memories, her face never aged, her essence untouched by time. In that soft light, she looked just as she had in the fleeting moments of the last one of my past lives, with the same serene expression, and the same delicate features.
I couldn't help but wonder how many times I could have cherished this same image. But I did not because I thought that I finally changed everything. How many mornings had I woken up next to her, only to have it stolen away by her death?
As I gazed at her, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, mixing with the sweetness of the moment. I felt a knot in my chest, an ache for all the lifetimes I had known her but never truly had. The weight of those memories pressed down, yet there was something beautiful in this fragile peace.
I reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering against her cheek. She stirred slightly, a soft sigh escaping her lips, and for a heartbeat, the world outside faded away. It was just us—tangled in the delicate threads of the present.
As I continued to watch her, the peacefulness of the moment shattered. Lil's eyes fluttered open, and for a split second, confusion danced across her features. She jolted upright, her cheeks flushed as she recoiled from me, clearly startled.
A gentle smile spread across my face, amused by her reaction. "Good morning," I said softly, leaning in to place a light kiss on her forehead. It was a simple gesture, but one that felt infinitely precious.
She blinked at me, still processing the situation as I pulled back and swung my legs over the side of the bed, stretching my arms overhead. I relished the satisfying crack of my back, enjoying the feel of my muscles waking up after a long night. "Do you want some tea?" I asked, glancing back at her.
She was still sitting there, her expression a blend of surprise and bewilderment as she tried to gather her thoughts. I chuckled.
With that, I made my way to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to shake off the remnants of sleep.
I padded into the kitchen, determined to make a cup of tea for Lil. How hard could it be? I glanced around the cozy space, taking in the warmth and the aroma of the previous night's cooking still lingering in the air.
I reached for the kettle and filled it with water, setting it on the stove with a flourish. I grabbed a tea bag and tossed it into a waiting mug, then turned back to the stove, ready to ignite it. That's when things took a turn.
I pressed the button to ignite the stove, and... nothing happened. I frowned, pressing it again. Still nothing. "Come on, don't fail me now," I muttered under my breath. I glanced around for any kind of lighter or matches. There had to be something in this kitchen that would create a spark.
After rummaging through a drawer filled with assorted utensils and gadgets that looked like they belonged in a science lab, I finally unearthed a small lighter. My heart raced with victory. I flicked it open and pressed the button.
Click. Click. Click.
I watched in horror as the tiny flame sputtered and died. I tried again, only to be greeted by more stubborn clicks. "Are you kidding me?" I exclaimed, shaking the lighter as if it would somehow magically start working.
After my battle with the lighter, I decided to call upon Flamma.
"Flamma!" I called, my voice echoing a bit too dramatically in the otherwise quiet kitchen.
Nothing happened. I knew it was near, it never wandered far from Lil.
I waited, staring expectantly at the empty air. "Come on, Flamma. I need you!" I said, waving my arms as if I were conducting an invisible orchestra. Still, there was no response.
Feeling a bit ridiculous, I decided to add a little flair to my summoning. I started humming a cheerful tune, the kind that would make any firespirit tap its toes.
As I hummed, I felt a warm gust of air swirl around me. My eyes widened. "Ah! There you are!" I exclaimed, grinning like a fool. I could practically feel the elemental's warmth in a little patch of air beside me.
"Could you, uh, help me out?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "I just need a spark to ignite this stubborn stove."
Suddenly, the warmth intensified, and I felt a flicker of energy as if Flamma was just teasing me. I chuckled. "Come on, buddy! Don't leave me hanging like this!"
With a dramatic flourish, I gestured to the kettle. "If you just lend me a spark, I promise to bring you flames next time!"
Suddenly, with a burst of energy, Flamma obliged. A tiny spark danced into existence, igniting the burner with a satisfying whoosh.
"Ha! Yes!" I shouted.
As the kettle whistled, I quickly poured the hot water over the tea leaves, watching as they swirled and danced in the steam. The aroma filled the kitchen, and I took a deep breath.
Suddenly, I felt a gentle warmth radiating from above. Flamma had settled on my head, its heat radiating down like a cozy sunbeam. Instead of feeling uncomfortable or scorched, the warmth was oddly comforting, wrapping around me like a familiar embrace.
The sensation reminded me of long-lost moments, cozy firesides, and laughter shared under twinkling stars. It felt so familiar.
I poured the steaming tea into two cups and set one aside for Lil. "You know, Flamma," I said, feeling the elemental's warmth intensify as it settled more comfortably on my head, "if you keep this up, I might start to think you're trying to roast my brain."
The heat flickered playfully, and I could almost imagine Flamma chuckling in response.
Sipping my tea, I let out a soft hum, savoring the warmth and flavor that spread through me. Humming a soft tune, I reveled in the warmth radiating from my new little companion. Flamma seemed to be enjoying my voice, responding with a gentle flicker of heat that felt oddly familiar and comforting.
I heard a rustle from the doorway. I turned to find Lil standing in the kitchen entrance, her expression one of utter shock. Her wide eyes flicked from my eyes to my hair, back to my eyes, and then to the steaming kettle as if she were trying to comprehend the sight before her.
"Shay?" she stammered, disbelief lacing her voice.
I nodded, trying to suppress a grin as I leaned casually against the counter. "Yep, just channeling my inner domestic god here. Care for a cup?"
Her gaze shifted, and her eyebrows shot up as she pointed at my head. "Wait, is Flamma... in your hair?"
"Yep! My little flame buddy seems to have taken a liking to my hair." I chuckled, enjoying her astonishment as Flamma basked in the warmth of the moment, radiating just enough heat to make me feel both familiar and comforted.
Lil shook her head, still dumbfounded. "I've never seen him like this before. He's usually so eager to burn everything in sight, not cozying up to someone like this."
I chuckled, taking another sip of my tea. "Maybe he knows I'm not on the menu."
Lil finally managed to gather her thoughts, crossing her arms as she watched Flamma bounce playfully on my head. "Just don't let him get too comfortable. Fire can be unpredictable, you know."
"Trust me, I can handle a little heat," I replied, a playful grin spreading across my face.
As I continued sipping my tea, I could feel Flamma's warmth dancing through my hair.