Nathaniel felt the train hit a bump. He and Kitty were traveling together. He dared to cast a glance at the girl, and she smiled at him.
Kitty said, "John, how long do you think it'll be before we get there?" Nathaniel was silent for a moment before he remembered John was his official name. "I don't know, I'm sorry." He watched her sigh, and turn her head back to the window.
Jane Farrar watched them. She had insisted on accompanying them. She sighed and leaned against Nathaniel, almost involuntarily. It was going to be a long journey.
When they finally all got to Prague, Nathaniel smiled. I just need to get away for a moment, summon Bartimaeus.
Nathaniel smiled kindly. "I'll be right back." He blushed as Kitty gave him a friendly peck on the cheek.
She smiled at him, her teeth shining. "'Kay."
Nathaniel walked away. Once inside his personal apartment, he lightly touched the spot Kitty had kissed him. His heart pounded as he silently reprimanded himself. Why should I care?
He sighed and got to work. Soon, he summoned Bartimaeus.
The djinn looked at him. "Looking even worse, Nat." Nathaniel rolled his eyes. "God, I could use without the smart remarks, Bartimaeus."
Bartimaeus shrugged. "Told you already. Insults come with the summon."
Nathaniel muttered, "Whatever…" He sighed again. "I have a charge for you… But first, I need to talk to you."
Bartimaeus sighed and adopted the form of Kitty, just to see his reaction. To the djinn's surprise, he blushed. "Shoot."
Nathaniel sighed. "I like Jane, but I think I like Kitty too. What do you think I should do?" Bartimaeus thought for a moment. "I think," he said at last, "That you should go for Jane. You have common ground with her as a magician." Nathaniel sighed and nodded. "Now for your charge. There's more and more enemy djinn appearing. I need you to help kill them."
Bartimaeus nodded. "Fair enough." He disappeared.
Kitty looked at Jane, almost absently. "What do you think John is doing?"
Jane sighed. "Probably summoning."
Kitty muttered, "Bartimaeus… Liked him. Nice djinn."
The older girl looked at her, quizzically. "You've met him?" Kitty nodded. "As a hostage. He was surprisingly good company." She saw Nathaniel coming back and ran over. "Hey John! Did you summon Bartimaeus?"
Nathaniel nodded. "Why would you care, Kitty?"
The dark-haired girl shrugged. "No reason, really. So, where are we all going to be staying?"
Jane was rather pleased with her colleague's plan. She and him were sleeping in the same room, and Kathleen was sleeping a few halls away.
Kitty had originally objected to it, for reasons she wouldn't say, but eventually consented.
She snuggled closer to Nathaniel in the chair. They were talking about their djinn, and which ones were better, etc.
She was surprised at his knowledge. His youth made people underestimate him.
At about 6:00, they went to sleep in the single bed in the room. Jane kissed Nathaniel, then fell asleep.