Chase continued to examine Jack's new form as he no she shrieked in horror. This does explain much about her balance problem. Anyone would have trouble with such… magnificence. The object of Chase's thoughts weren't at all hidden by the vest Jack wore. They bounced splendidly with each horrified shake of denial but just when the flaps were about to fall open completely Jack seemed to realize what was happening and held them closed in a desperation to not be humiliated any more. Nearly in tears, Jack looked at his idol eye him like he was a piece of meat. He'd seen many men look at him like that watched as lust turned to horror when they discovered the whole package. He couldn't stomach that happening again Jack wasn't gonna wait for Chase to command for him to do something, low and demoralizing.
"You said laundry and housework right?" He said in a small defeated voice. In the next moment he was gone.
Chase was now very interested in Jack, if only as a concubine, and looked forward to seeing her at dinner. Still Chase was puzzled. Breasts like that seemed like something the young genius would flaunt. Even using it to get her way in certain situations. If Jack had arrived with those in the first place, the only monk she'd have really had to fight was Kimiko. The boys would have been various levels of distracted and would have likely gone easy on her on the mere principle that she was a girl. There was another problem as well. Jack had hidden his gender for years. How had he hidden it? It was more than binding, he'd seen Jack bare chested just the moment before, it had to be magic. But how? Jack had never shown any aptitude for magic. He didn't bend elements like the monks did and was constantly getting injured and failing. Hmmm, she is certainly a fascinating puzzle, maybe she can be more than a concubine. There might be a little potential to find in her yet. But even with all of that, one thing bothered Chase, sticking out as a red flag even more than the other facts. When Jack's true form was revealed, why hadn't her scent changed?
Meanwhile, Jack had finished laundry and had finally gotten himself back to, what he considered, normal Spicer. He was cooking dinner while muttering about 'stupid wu" and "horny dragon lords" a warrior cat looked on, amused at his ranting.
"Seriously, don't you guys have any food?! I'm trying to distract myself from impending doom, and you guys are out of cinnamon! How am I supposed to stress cook if you don't have any spices?"
The warrior cat, a sleek panther, then showed him to the food stores where Spicer found cinnamon and every other spice he needed. Jack thanked the panther and made him honorary test tester as a reward. By the end of around five hours Jack had finally relaxed. He'd cleaned the kitchen, washed the dishes, and plated all of his creations. Before him sat a feast. Every food group was represented and every dish was expertly plated, he'd even managed to incorporate some of Chase's weird soup stuff into some special dishes for Chase.
While he was cooking Jack had had time to think. Maybe it was time for someone to know the truth, the whole truth. Maybe Chase would be the one worthy of understanding him and he would finally be free from his secrets. There really was only one way to find out. Chase would have to discover the secret on his own, without any help from Jack. It would be a challenge, after all any other person had only been able to scratch the surface of the truth. But Jack's mother had always had two sayings. 'All good things are worth the wait' and 'You'll know your love is worthy when they know and recognize who and what you are, and accept you. Anything less will not survive your love.'
Jack's mother had learned the hard way that when one person loved too much and the other only barely enough, it could only end in heartbreak. Jack had been cautioned again and again against loving those who could not return the sentiment. Finally, together they had devised this test and many unworthy (for Jack's mother always said it was their loss) lovers had been rejected or had just flat out quit. Jack really hoped that Chase would be different but he was wary of getting his hopes up too high just in case.
As Jack thought, Chase walked in took in the amazing amount of food and sat quietly in his seat waiting for Jack to notice him. It took only a few seconds after Chase sat down for Jack to notice him and follow his example. Both stared at each other before opening their mouths to speak,
"We need to talk."
"We need to talk."
Jack held himself back from saying jinx as he gestured for Chase to continue.
"It has come to my attention recently that you may be much more… interesting than you appear. I am of the firm belief that you can use magic, and while I would like to know how, I would also like to offer you the position of my apprentice and consort. At least until I find you less, intriguing."
Jack thought for a moment. It was more of an offer than he had ever hoped to get from Chase. To train with the man was certain to be beneficial, but to train under him. Jack couldn't do that, not yet.
"I actually I had a proposal for you as , more of a challenge really."
Chase looked interested as he gestured for Jack to continue.
"Discover who I am, what I am, and you will own me truly body and soul. I will be yours to do with as you please, even if "as you please" is to throw me away."
"What are the rules?"
"You cannot simply ask me what I am and have me answer. You have three days to figure it out and it is unlikely you will be able to try again afterwards. You have already discovered a very small part of me, discover the rest and I'll be yours for as long as you please." Jack conveniently forgot to mention that Chase would also be his.
"Intriguing indeed. I'll agree if you'll still allow me to let me train you as my apprentice." Chase could already imagine how much he could do with the young Jack Spicer as she nodded in agreement.
"Then I believe we have a deal, Jack. We shall start training in the morning."
In order to clarify Jack refers to himself as a male and Chase refers to him as female. You'll discover Jack's reasoning later.