:Hmm, I wonder...Am I correct to assume that my readers like Jealous Bartimaeus, maybe? Because if you do, you might like this chapter a little. Anyway, no spoilers. Please enjoy!:

The Arish Library wasn't very large, Nathaniel had to admit, but the literature held within it was quite interesting. In London he had had access to different types of magic, both modern and ancient however it never held too many records for some odd reason. Nathaniel had blamed this on the paranoia of the government, but thought it better not to mention it at meetings.

The Library here held countless amounts of knowledge if a person knew where to look, which in this case was the back room where only citizens of special status could enter. The workers here knew this rule and kept a tight lock on the door due to it. They held a notebook near their front desk, holding names of important figures and occupations that were allowed in this room. Nathaniel had no doubt that he was on the list, mainly because he had went in the room a number of times.

He stood in front of the large, wide building. The sanded stone blinding him as the sun beat down on his back. He took a glance next to him, seeing Bartimaeus look over the structure as well, probably about to insult it in some way or form. That was what he would expect it to do, anyway.

"This it?" Bartimaeus asked him, the arms of it crossed.

"Yes, what were you expecting?"

"Something larger or at least impressive looking, most libraries tend to at least look important."

"Don't judge a book by its cover." Nathaniel grumbled, moving forward and entering the building by pushing on the door.

Inside looked like a standard library, the scent of new and old books flew about in the air, the walls were a smooth darkened stone, the floors a padded, hardened sand, and the shelves around flowed among the wide area impressively. It was bigger than it looked, and this made Nathaniel love the place dearly. It had a peaceful atmosphere that reminded him of the garden back in his old home.

He went to the far back, the Djinni near him now leaving his side to look around. No doubt it never visited libraries too often, it might be interested in something. He looked forward, a large desk was at the end with a locked, dark door near it.

At the desk was a thin girl, her hair a light brown and eyes a gentle maroon. She held a book in her hand, flipping through it slowly as her eyes shot across the pages. She let out a sigh, a smile showing before she giggled. She must have been reading something she enjoyed.

Nathaniel took a deep breath, not yet approaching the desk. He knew this girl well, yet he never talked to her for a few reasons. One reason was that the young girl was fond of him, despite the advances of others. The other was that she was a bit obsessive when it came to things she liked, often he heard her talking about him as if he were a precious jewel and how he was perfect in every detail. It made him uncomfortable to be in her presence at times.

He tried to think of ways to get her to talk without stuttering, for that was yet another reason as to why he didn't speak to her. Poor girl was nervous whenever he was near, yet like previously stated, she talked about him endlessly to others. He remembered what he had told Carlos and felt himself relax in relief. The one way to get her back on topic once he talked to her would be to bring up Carlos, the girl didn't like him much.

With this on hand, he strolled up to the desk smoothly and folded his arms on top of it. The girl didn't look up, turning a page as he gazed down at her. She was enamored with her book at the time being.

"Good morning, Ms. Elizabeth." He greeted.

The girl's eyes widened, her cheeks flashing red as her head flew up to look at him. She gaped at the sight, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

"D-Drake..." She breathed out, her eyes went down to her book, quickly closing it and placing it to the side before she padded her hair down. Nathaniel just let out a chuckle, trying not to show his growing discomfort.

"U-Um...G-Good morning..." She sat up straight, her hands folding in her lap as she tried to smile sweetly at him. "It's...uh..." She fidgeted in her chair. "It's g-good to see you. Long time no see." She giggled awkwardly, her cheeks getting brighter by the minute.

"It's only been about a couple days since we last spoke." Nathaniel smiled, hoping it looked charming in a way. "But it is good to see you as well."

Elizabeth let out a squeak, releasing a breath and twirling herself around in her seat, a hand playing with a strand of hair. "S-So...um..."

"I have to ask a question, Elizabeth." He saw her become stiff in her seat, hand ceasing its movements. "Carlos wanted to know if you were, perhaps, free later on tonight?"

She readjusted herself, her face now clear of any blush and a stern expression replacing it. Nathaniel restrained a smirk, watching her become sour at the thought of the bald headed man.

"No." She spat. "And for him, I never will be." She crossed her arms, throwing her nose up in the air. "And for the last time, call me Liz."

"Yes, of course." He nodded. "Now, would it trouble you to let me and a friend go into the back? I have need of a book."

Liz returned her gaze back to him, sighing and nodding quickly. She grabbed something inside of the desk, bringing out a pale notebook and flipping through it. She reached for a writing utensil, having landed on a page with a column of names and placed a check next to it with a parenthesis. She looked back to him.

"Who is the friend?" She asked, her eyes searching around him. "And where are they?"

Nathaniel let out a grumble, turning around and scanning the area quickly. Where had the Djinni gone? He held up a finger to Liz, indicating he'd be back soon and went to search for the demon. He knew it wouldn't have left though, it had been too worried that he would run away. Although, it might have trusted him and left-

His eyes rested on a dark boy, leaning against a wall with a thick, dark book in his hands. His eyelashes lowered, focused and relaxing as he read and turned the page slowly. It was a similar position to what Liz had been doing, only for some reason it looked more peaceful when the boy did it. Perhaps because it was not reading at an intense pace. The gold eyes trailed the page, not bothering to read faster, as if in no rush to finish.

Nathaniel's face held a blank expression, vaguely surprised at what he was seeing. He didn't think Bartimaeus would have liked reading. He moved his feet slowly, oddly trying not to disturb the being as it read. Without saying anything, the spirit lifted his head up, meeting eyes with Nathaniel.

"Did you find what you were looking for?" It spoke. It sounded almost saddened that its reading had been interrupted.

Nathaniel shook his head as he walked to Bartimaeus' side, looking at the book it had been reading and briefly glancing at the words on the page. "You enjoy this book?"

Bartimaeus shrugged. "More or less." It slammed the book close in one hand, crossing its arms with it being still held. "So, are we done here?"

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes. "No. I need you to come with me." He snatched the book from the demon's hand, marching away with it following close behind.

"Rude much?" Bartimaeus grumbled. "I was going to put it back."

Nathaniel said nothing and guided him back to the desk, placing the book on top and flipping it to a memorized page. "Liz, may I have a bookmark?"

The girl nodded, handing him a strip of paper and then turning to look at the boy beside him. "Is this your friend?"

"Yes." He placed the paper in the book, closing it and handing it to Liz. "I'd like to check that out, and access to the back please."

Bartimaeus blinked at him, watching as the girl copied the book's number onto a different notebook and handed it back to Nathaniel. The girl picked up a pencil, grabbing an already opened book and looking up at Bartimaeus.

"Your name?"

"Uh..."

"Bart." Nathaniel told her. He shoved the book onto the Djinni's chest, ignoring how the girl giggled at the name and the spirit now glaring at him.

"Wipe that expression off your face." Nathaniel whispered. "I gave you a book, so at least look a little happy."

"Was that an order?" Bartimaeus sneered, the girl getting up and unlocking the door slowly.

Nathaniel made a dismissive gesture, ignoring it as Liz opened the door. He walked in with the demon at his side, only to hear her call to him;

"Oh, there's another person in there by the way." She mentioned. "I just thought you would like to know, just in case you'd-"

Nathaniel flashed a grin at her, watching her face become red at the sight. "Thank you." She made another squeak, closing the door quickly and locking it.

Bartimaeus let out a sharp whistle, having watched the girl at that moment. "Never thought I'd see the day you, out of all people, using charm to get your way." It paused, turning away from the door. "Then again, you never really had any charm to begin with, so-"

"Shut up." Nathaniel snapped silently. "I'm going to go look for the book, so why don't you go off and read somewhere."

"And risk the chance of you running away from me?"

"Then stand near the door." Nathaniel marched off, ignoring the demon as it did as he said, beginning to lean against the nearby wall.

Not even a couple steps away from him, it called out; "Hey! What if there's another entrance you're not telling me about?"

"Will you be quiet?" Nathaniel growled. "I promise you that there is absolutely no other way I can leave, is that good enough for you?"

Bartimaeus flipped open its book, scrunching its nose in thought. "No. Not really, seeing as you're prone to break promises." Golden eyes narrowed and looked at the magician with a fierce gaze, obviously Nathaniel hadn't been forgiven for his disappearance just yet.

The magician ignored this, quietly moving away from the entrance and directing himself toward the literature. The back room wasn't really note worthy, however it did hold a sense of magic inside, some of the books had auras that could be viewed and would tell a person, should they be able to see them, if it held powerful knowledge or not. The area was not large though, it was a wide and small room. It wasn't made to impress, for the room's purpose was business only.

Nathaniel trailed his eyes over the multiple books, his hand gliding over the binds as he moved himself. There were books on ancient history, demons, magicians, spells and the like. What he needed though, he could not see. He had a whole room to go through, of course, but he didn't know if he had the time to search every shelf.

He cursed under his breath, moving farther into the back and searching. Where was it? There had to be some kind of book that held spells about binding, or at least marriage. Yet, maybe there wasn't. After all, the act of even attempting to be in a romantic relationship with a demon was unheard of! The only one who even dared to venture into this was Makepiece, and he had ended up being insane.

Nathaniel wanted to give up at this point, sure he had his ability of reading fast, yet that didn't account for his actual speed. He had improved in his speed and strength, but it didn't help him in this case. He did not want to be here all night, and what if he was just wasting his time? There could be the chance that a book he was looking for didn't even exist and-

"Drake?" Nathaniel's ears perked up, moving his head to look at a handsome man, his hair in a ponytail. He wore the guard's attire and in his hand held a large crimson book. Nathaniel let out a breath.

"You startled me, James." He told him, before quickly looking over him and narrowing his eyes. "Why are you not at your post? You guard until this evening, do you not?"

James smiled cheekily. "I could say the same to you. You're supposed to be on patrol."

Nathaniel turned his head away in embarrassment, what he had said was true. He was supposed to patrol mornings until evening, then rest until night to guard the princess. He bit his lip, what could he say?

"I finished my patrol quickly today, I had wanted to relax." Nathaniel lied. "My friend has come to visit me, and I felt the need to show them around."

"Then why are you back here?" James laughed. "Is your friend interested in old books?"

"Yes, he is." Nathaniel replied. "He's actually reading right now, I was going to look for a book to read myself." His eyes moved to the book in Jame's hand. "What's that you have there?"

"This?" James lifted the book. "The princess sent me to get this, saying that it's needed for something important. Did you hear, by the way?"

"Hear what?" Nathaniel's eyes were focused on that book. If he could just see what it was about, everything could be made clear.

"The entire guard is going to be summoned early into the night, the king has something to announce, which means you," James jabbed him playfully with a finger. "have to be there for once."

Nathaniel let out a grumble at the words. In the past he had skipped out on meetings that were announced to the guard, however if they were brought together by the king himself, he was forced to go. He tore his eyes away for a brief moment before refocusing them to the book. "I'll be there, but may I ask to see what book you are holding?"

The guard shrugged, holding it out to him. "Go ahead."

Nathaniel took hold of it, staring down at the cover and masking his surprise. The book had no title, yet it held two thorned roses on the cover and a ring surrounding the two. The stems were intertwined and petals flowed across the thick leather. It was a beautiful, yet menacing, design.

"When does the princess need this?" Nathaniel questioned, not daring to open it.

"She said before tomorrow evening, for some reason."

"May I..." Nathaniel paused, holding his breath for a second. "May I borrow this from you? I promise I will return it as soon as I am done reading."
James blinked in shock, looking down at the book and back at him. He scratched the back of his neck. "I dunno, the princess looked-"

Nathaniel stepped closer to the man, looking up at him with pleading eyes. At times like this, he was often glad that he was shorter than the common man. "Please. I will do anything in return, if it is in my power."

The guard's face flushed, gulping and staring down at the magician. "Anything, Drake? This is a bit...weird coming from you."

"This book is important to me." He said. "Please, I only ask to borrow this until tomorrow morning. In return, I will-"

"Oh, Drake." Nathaniel looked behind himself, freezing as he saw Bartimaeus with its arms crossed, tapping its foot and glaring at him harshly. "Did you forget that you were showing me around today?"

Nathaniel backed up a little, removing himself from the close proximity between him and James. "U-Um, yes...I mean! No, I just..." He tried to not look at the eyes staring him down, they were filled with a raging fire and he couldn't place what emotions he saw within them.

"Well..." It sung out, moving forward. "I just finished my book and placed it on a nearby desk so I could come find you." It turned its fierce eyes to James, looking him up and down. "So, who's your friend?"

"This is-"

"James." The guard interrupted, moving beside Nathaniel closely. "And you are?"

Nathaniel watched them, the two glaring at each other. What had gotten into them? They had just met! So, why were they looking at each other as if they wanted to kill one another?

"Bart." The Djinni answered.

To this response, James had let out a stiff laugh. "Interesting name."

"No more interesting than yours." Bartimaeus challenged. "Anyway, did you find the book you wanted?" It returned its eyes to Nathaniel, who nodded in response.

"Yes, I'm-"

"Yes, I helped him find it." James spoke, making the magician look to him in surprise. "He was having trouble looking for it, so I found it for him."

"Is that so?"

"It is, and in return-" James shot a look at Nathaniel and snaked an arm around his waist. "He said he will accompany me on a walk until evening." He turned his eyes to Nathaniel, whose face had frozen in shock. "Isn't that right?"

"Ah, yes?" Nathaniel murmured. What in lord's name was happening? Not only was this overly uncomfortable, but he had never known James to act like this. It was as if the man was jealous over-.

He felt his cheeks become hot. James thought that he and Bartimaeus...? How absurd! That would never happen, and it was wrong in all basic principles of life! And why would that matter to James anyway? The way he was acting was so strange and he didn't like being held. The arm had wound tightly around him and was almost painful.

"But..." Nathaniel rose a hand and pushed the guard gently, pulling away from his grasp. "I would like to give this book to my friend first, I do not wish to get it dirty as we walk." He smiled the best he could. "Would you wait outside for me?"

James smiled cheekily, shooting a victorious look at Bartimaeus and nodding firmly. He pat Nathaniel on the shoulder, moving past the Djinni. The two didn't dare speak until they heard the door unlock, open and close.

"And here I wondered if you ever heard of being queer." Bartimaeus grumbled. "Turns out you have admirers of both male and female. Aren't you popular?"

Nathaniel stepped forward, shoving the book onto the Djinni. "Why were you acting like that?"

"Acting like what?"

"James did nothing wrong, why were you looking as if you wanted to burn him alive?"

"Nothing wrong?" Bartimaeus let out a laugh. "He looked like he wanted to eat you, you should be glad that I even came by to stop him before he actually did."

"Why should that matter to you? And what does that even mean anyway?"

"Dear me, aren't we the little virgin?"

"What?"

"Never mind that." The Djinni smiled. "I say you, I come by and rescue you from being taken advantage of by some lustful beast and then you agree to go on a walk, alone, with him. My my, you really are naive."

"James is a loyal guard, who would do no harm to me." Nathaniel spoke slowly. "He has been my friend for quite a while, I trust him with my life."

"Yes, but do you trust him with your hind quarters?"

Nathaniel blushed. "What does my buttocks have to do with anything?"

"You are a virgin, aren't you?"

"Will you shut up?!" Nathaniel yelled, quickly covering his mouth as if it were to hide his volume. He let out a sigh, his face burning. "Look. He's not going to do anything to me, and if he does, I can get away easily, not that I think he will."

Bartimaeus shuffled its feet. "If you say so." It made a gesture at the book. "This what we're looking for?"

Nathaniel wanted to breathe in relief at the change of topic. "Yes, I believe so." He looked at the book for a second. "Look over it with Kitty, I will return to you and her as soon as possible."

He walked past the Djinni, only for his arm to be grabbed and tugged back. He came face to face with Bartimaeus, who stared down at him with a firm gaze. Nathaniel's heart leaped into his throat.

He spoke first, his voice trembling."I-I promise I won't be gone long."

Bartimaeus breathed out, a firm, commanding tone replying. "You better not, or else I'll hunt you down."

The Djinni let go of him gently. The two looked at each other for a brief moment, Nathaniel felt himself calm down slowly, ignoring how he felt at that moment. He was confused and didn't know what to think about what had happened. It didn't matter anyway.

He nodded to Bartimaeus, before he turned and left with his heart wound tightly in his chest.

:My my, Drama drama and tension tension! How exciting! Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please review!: