And another chapter. Personally, I think this is a random bit of fluff which is a waste of space, but yeah. I needed to put it in. xD

In which research may not only be about books...

The view stretched out before me, seeming to go for miles. I gazed outwards, trying to pick out the familiar buildings of the Lower City, but I wasn't having much luck – things kept catching my eye. More than once I found my gaze caught by one of the many messenger birds that flew to and from the palace. Frowning, I placed my hands on the rail, leaning out over the balcony in an attempt to get a better position from which to see.

I was a slight thing, so it was to my alarm that the rail creaked somewhat. I took a step back, raising my hands as I eyed the balcony warily.

"It's not safe."

At the voice I turned. Jon leaned in the doorway of Balor's Needle, his expression one of faint amusement as he watched me. After a moment he pushed off the frame, walking out to stand next to me. "This thing is gods know how old. It creaks in the wind."

"If it's not safe, then maybe it should be replaced," I replied, turning to look back out at the horizon.

"It hasn't collapsed yet," my brother replied amiably.

"So you're waiting for it to collapse?" I said, my voice dry. "Must you need a death to stir some action?"

"What I meant was that this balcony has been here ever since it was built. If it hasn't collapsed yet, I doubt it will today, or any time soon." Jon turned to face me. "You don't come up here as often as you used to," he remarked. "Is there anything wrong?"

I shook my head, sighing regretfully. "No. I just haven't had the time."

Jon studied me warily. "Thom's been up here, hasn't he?" he asked abruptly.

I sighed again. "I was never very good at hiding things from you, was I?"

Jon said nothing. He only slid an arm around my shoulders in reply. I leaned on his side automatically, my gaze never leaving the horizon. "We came up here once, to map the stars. Thom said that a great many rituals are performed depending on what moon there is that night, or whether the sky is cloudy or not. It was beautiful, not just because of the many things that he spoke about, but also because of the beauty of the sky and the stars itself. I felt like everything and nothing at all." I frowned. "Does that even make sense?"

"If it makes sense to you, then it makes sense," Jon replied. His odd words made me wrinkle my nose. Ignoring my expression of confusion, he continued on. "Are you going to speak to Thom again?"

I shrugged helplessly. "It just seems…too awkward. And…I don't know whether he's ready to see me."

"You mean you don't know whether you are ready to see him." Jon turned to face me. "It's only awkward if you make it."

I shrugged again. "Jon…what happened that day, it changed our whole friendship. I don't know where to go from here. I don't think I'll ever know."

Jon was silent for a long moment, then dropped his arm. "Enough. This is depressing." He offered me a hand. "Come on. Come beat me at chess."

I smiled wanly. "It's not fun anymore, beating you," I said, half-teasing.

Jon grinned. "Well, then I'll just have to start forcing draws, won't I?" he fired back. I couldn't help smiling properly as we walked back inside.

Hearing footsteps echo, the pair of us slowed and moved aside to make room or whoever was coming up.

Red hair came into view.

Thom passed us on stairs, pausing to look at us. Finally, he nodded politely, a lord greeting two members of the Royal Family, his face blank, then continued on his way.

"Thom, wait."

At my words, the man turned, studying me. Jon had gone ahead, probably to give us some space. As I stared up at the man who had been my friend, I felt my mouth open and shut…but nothing came to mind. "I-I-How's your research going?" I blurted, looking for something to say. I knew that he'd found another project to work on – he was being rather secretive about it – and he'd been spending copious amounts of time in the Royal library.

"The research is going…well," Thom finally replied, his gaze puzzled at my choice of topic.

I opened my mouth again. "Thom, I…" I swallowed, then tried again, intending to apologise.

Thom watched me, expressionless. At last, when it became obvious that I couldn't manage a proper sentence, he turned away, continuing his trek up the stairs.

"I think I like you. I mean-Thom, that kiss, I…It was more than what I said it was right? You…you felt it too?"

The man paused again, and wheeled slowly around. He moved far too slowly – by then I'd fled, clattering down the stairs, my cheeks red flags of embarrassment. I had not meant to say that! Goddess, what was wrong with me?

I reached the ground floor – and bumped straight into Jon, who'd been waiting for me at the bottom. He took me in, then raised a brow.

"Don't-don't talk," I begged, seeing him open his mouth. "Just…play chess with me?"

Jon looked me over silently, then slid his hand into mine. "Alright," he said, his voice quiet.

I nodded, trembling, and let him lead me away down the hall.

Dun dun dun. Another cliffhanger. And of course, everybody knows what Thom is researching, and what he's going to do next...I'm such an evil little git.

Yeah...so, even now, looking at it, this chapter annoys me because it seems so empty compared to my other chapters. Oh well. I'll just have to get over it. It does have some useful stuff, but it's mostly just random stuff, so yeah.

Reviews are much appreciated! :)

~ MagicalLeaves