Disclaimer: I don't own The 39 Clues.


Phoenix sat backstage, more than a bit bored. He could hear Jonah performing on stage, and the cheers of obsessed teenage girls. The combination just made a jumbled-up sound that wasn't very pleasant to hear.

But it was worth it if he got to hang out with Jonah.

For some time now, Phoenix had liked his cousin. And not just as family. Call it his… celebrity crush.

Except it was a bit more than that.

No, he not only liked him, Phoenix was fairly sure that he loved Jonah. But he didn't have the courage to tell him, as he knew his feelings were not returned, and their entire relationship would be ruined.

No, Phoenix didn't want that. At the same time, though, it was tempting to finally get rid of the weight he'd been carrying for… how long? He wasn't sure anymore. All he knew was that he loved Jonah.

That was quite more than enough for him.

But despite that, he was going to try to tell Jonah as soon as he was done with the concert.

Another loud burst of applause and screams were heard from the audience as the concert ended. After dealing with the press and such, Jonah walked backstage and received a towel and a bottle of water from one of the people who had previously been running around backstage like a chicken with their head cut off. The rap artist draped the cloth around his neck and took a drink from the water bottle. "Yo cuz, how'd I do?"

"Great, as usual." Phoenix didn't really care for Jonah's music, but it made his cousin happy to hear that he did well. Besides, there were probably tons of people who had attended the concert that thought he'd done wonderfully.

A grin lit up Jonah's face as he heard the praise. "Thanks."

Phoenix's stomach felt funny as Jonah smiled at him. "Uh, y-yeah, you're welcome."

Still beaming, the famous Wizard took off his jacket and tossed it onto his director-style chair. As he took another swig of water, Phoenix spoke up, deciding he would attempt to tell him.

"Um, Jonah?"

"Yeah?"

"I l-love you."

"I love ya too, Phoenix. You're an awesome cuz; like my little bro or something."

"I don't think you understand, Jonah… I mean, as more than a cousin."

Jonah's face fell.