A/N: Thank you for any reviews. I don't own anything but the plot.

Later that evening Jerome and Nina did their usual Monday night thing. Jerome was attempting to teach her how to play, but progress was far into the future.

"What's the matter Rome?" she asked quietly, using her nickname for him.

"I don't know Neens." Jerome responded in a dismissive way.

"Alright." Nina smiled, "I get it. You don't want to talk about it."

Jerome didn't mention that he had no bloody idea what was up with him. He grinned at his fake sister.

"You want to talk about that boy you fancy?" he asked, looking pointedly at Fabian

Nina blushed scarlett.

"Oh, hush!" Nina commanded, throwing a rook at him.

LINE BREAK

Curfew was often a relief for Jerome. It was a time to be alone, save Alfie, who had long ago learned that this was Jerome's time. He made his way to the bathroom to shower. But blocking his way was Mara. Her hands were on her hips again, this time with the added bonus of a furious glare.

"Hello Mara." Jerome greeted in a bored tone.

"You fail your classes on purpose!" she hissed, looking quite appalled.

"Alfie is a loud mouth." was all Jerome said, trying to side step her.

But Mara stood her ground, pushing some black curls from her face.

"Why on earth would you do such a thing?" she said, sad eyes looking up at him.

So Jerome did what came naturally to him.

"Listen, nerd." he snapped, physically moving Mara to the side, "What I do or don't do is no concern of yours. So how about you leave me bloody well alone."

He saw Mara's lip tremble, trying to avoid crying. He gave her a disgusted look, entered the bathroom, slamming the door in her face.

As the shower heated up, he played back what had happened. And again, he felt quite odd.

LINE BREAK

Jerome was late the next morning, as he usually was. He crammed down a few of Trudy's waffles and was the last out the door. He was surprised to see Mara waiting for him in the front of the school.

"I thought I got rid of you Mouse." Jerome snapped, walking past her.

"Shut up Jerome."

Jerome froze in shock. Mara was the "nice" one. He had never her heard her say shut up before.

"Excuse me?" Jerome turned and stared right into her brown eyes.

Mara coward a bit, but cleared her throat and stood straight.

"You-you heard me." Mara stammered, "I am getting extra credit for helping you. So I will be tutoring you one way or another."

With that, she walked away. Jerome laughed. He loved a challenge.

LINE BREAK

Mara found out the hard way that Jerome liked to play games. Her attempts to coax, command, and even bribery got her no where. She found herself begging Nina to try to get him to a tutor session. But then she came up with a plan. She didn't know if it would work, but she had to try.

LINE BREAK

Jerome was excited. Alfie had texted saying that the guys were getting together to prank Mr. Wesley's class room. Jerome quickly headed back to the school. He hurried to the room. But as soon as he entered the classroom he knew he'd been duped. The door closed behind him.

"Sit down." Mara instructed.

Jerome smirked and sat down, humoring her.

"I am surprised you would play so dirty Mouse." Jerome leaned back in his chair, "I'm actually a tad impressed."

Mara looked at him suspiciously, not knowing if he meant it.

"Don't call me Mouse." Mara responded quietly.

"Why not?" Jerome chuckled, "You're small and squeaky."

Mara answered by throwing a book on his desk.

"Pride and Prejudice?" he said in confusion.

"I found out that you really did not understand this book. I informed Mr. Wesley of your little game. So to get my extra credit, we will be reading and discussing this book."

Jerome blinked, again finding that he was duped again. Recovering, he lazily flipped through the book.

"Done." Jerome said.

He felt Mara's anger.

"Tell you what Mouse." Jerome said, "I'll do only one more session. After that you'll need to do something for me if you want that extra credit.

"Fine." Mara said, "Tomorrow before dinner."

Jerome felt relieved. The ball was back in his court.

"And don't call me Mouse."

"See you Mouse." Jerome said, walking out of the classroom.

LINE BREAK

Mara's blood boiled. For a few minutes she was in control, but Jerome had skillfully taken it away.

Mara headed back to Anubis House. It was beginning to get dark. Mara shivered. The dark never felt safe to her.

"Hey Mara. What cha doing out so late?"

Mara jumped a mile with a little squeak.

"Whoa. It's just me."

Mara felt safer with Mick by her side.

"Practice run late?" she asked.

"Yeah. Amber's going to kill me." Mick said with a strained laugh, "I missed another date."

"Well," Mara reasoned, "you are busy."

Mick laughed and threw his arm around her.

"You always know what to say Mars."

Mara could barely think. The Mick Campbell was touching her. Mick gave her a side hug before they entered the house, where he was swept away by an angry Amber. Mara's mind was still a little fuzzy. Jerome sauntered over to her, causing her to tense up.

"Unrequited love." he whispered in her ear, "Quite amusing to watch you pine for something you cannot have little Mouse."

Mara was about to cry. Oh, he was so cruel.

"Don't call me Mouse." she hissed, walking away.