"Kazumi has an 8-year-old niece, and a sister who's turning 2?" Wuya asked Jack as he was getting ready for a birthday party.

"Yes." Jack plainly answered, "I know other people in similar situations."

"Be that as it may Jack," Wuya glared as Jack tried to decide whether or not to wear a tie, "it still feels off somehow."

"Well Rory doesn't seem to mind much." Jack said as he stared at a tie.

Wuya huffed. Then she crossed her arms and smirked, "I thought you didn't like kid's parties."

"Just the ones my parents make me go to." Jack defended, "Being forced to spend time with those stuck-up rich brats." He put the tie away, deciding not to wear it, "But, Kaz's family is different."

There was a slight pause before Wuya dryly stated, "Because they're dragons?"

"Not just that! They, they..." Jack eyed a family photo on his dresser, "they care." Jack slowly went towards the photo. "My parent's circle, most only care about themselves. If they do care about others, either it's not as much, or, not shown right." The 15-year-old brushed his fingers against the frame, "The Dragoons truly care about each other." He gripped the frame, "There's no sense of only being there simply because of obligation or networking."

Wuya frowned in sympathy. She knew the struggles, and had contributed to them in the past. Now, things were different. "Well I hope it stays that way."

"Kazumi seems like a decent person." Kimiko noted after Eagle told the Monks everything they knew about them.

"Yeah. So why would they see anything in Jack?" Rai asked.

"Like I said, Kaz likes balance." Eagle answered, "They probably just want to even the playing field and help Jack balance his 'goodness' with his 'evilness'."

"Well if there is any Heylin with enough goodness in them, it's Jack Spicer." Omi stated as Clay was starting to object. "I amend Mx. Kazumi's efforts to redeem him."

"I think you mean applaud." Rai told the little monk.

"Oh yes, I clap." Omi said as he started to clap his hands.

The others rolled their eyes and continued.

"I don't think Kaz is going to redeem him." Eagle stated.

"Why not?" Omi innocently asked.

"You said Jack is both capable and very willing to take over and rule the world." Eagle answered, "Kaz is good at reading others, and can see the future. Most likely they'll mold him into a consort or co-ruler." One of the Monks were about to speak, "Remember, Kaz is set to inherit a large and rich kingdom. They might need someone like Jack by their side."

"So...they're using him?" Kimiko asked, suddenly feeling conflicted about everything. Sure Jack was their rival, but, being used by someone else was just wrong.

"Perhaps." Eagle answered nonchalantly, "Or they view this as the only way to help him." Eagle shrugged their shoulders, "I'd have to see them interacting to be sure though. I could read their minds, however Kaz keeps blocking me."

Rai chuckled as he made a snide remark about exes.

Jack was in awe of the splendor of the ballroom. It wasn't showy like the ones of his parents and their rich friends, it was just a grand room.

Jack also found the Dragoon to be less stuck up and snooty than those his parents forced him to hang out with. Everything seemed perfect.

Until Kaz's brother Apollo Poseidon greeted them.

"Hey, Kazie." The notorious flirt greeted with a lustful grin, "I see you brought your handsome-"

Kaz instantly pulled Jack close to them and protectively covered him. Then they narrowed their eyes, "Lolo, stay away from him."

Lolo laughed. "Why?"

"Because you're just as bad as Dad." Kaz remarked.

Lolo pouted, then wickedly grinned, "Worried I'd steal him?"

Kaz and Jack instantly blushed.

"Oh, so you two are dating." Lolo taunted, "Vespi owes me five bucks."

Kaz started stuttering before getting out, "Go bother someone else."

Lolo chucked, "Sure thing lovebirds." Then he strutted away.

There was some awkward silence before Jack said, "Uh, I can see why he's your least favorite brother."

"Uh yeah." Kaz replied, "So, uh, what did you think of his assumption of us?"

Jack was at a lost for words. "Uh, we uh, are close."

"Yeah. So, do you want to?"

"Uh, sure."

Kaz smiled then kissed his check.