Nathaniel really didn't know what was wrong with himself. He saw Bartimaeus as Ptolemy before, in even skimpier outfits than that. Maybe his hormones were finally kicking in? But then why Bartimaeus, and not Kitty or one of the pretty nurses or something? Oh well, he'd figure it out eventually.

His worries were quickly forgotten about once Kitty gave him that look. Sure, he was healing pretty fast now, but he still had no hope of outrunning her.

"Nathaniel…" she began, scowling. Bartimaeus hopped up and made for the door.

"Well, see ya Natty-Boy! I'm off to… uh… get some fresh air! Yes, fresh air, heh…" And then he was out the door with his tail between his legs. Stupid coward…

"Nathaniel," Kitty began again, and his attention snapped back to her. "What did you do?"

Nathaniel gulped quietly as Kitty stalked forward. "Um… I released Bartimaeus."

"Why?"

"He said he was getting 'cabin fever' or something… Look, Kitty, just doing spells can't really hurt me, so please don't break my arm or anything. I'm in enough pain as is." He flinched into his pillow at the very thought. Kitty's expression softened.

"I wouldn't break your arm. I'm just mad you didn't tell me what you were going to do." Nathaniel blinked.

"Oh. Sorry." There was a bit of awkward silence. Kitty went to sit down in the chair, looking very interested in playing with her shirt sleeve.

"Nathaniel, I've been noticing something," she began hesitantly. "I think someone has a crush on you."

Nathaniel paled. "Kitty, I am very sorry, but I really don't like you that way. Can we at least be friends?"

Kitty's head snapped up, and she looked rather confused. "Huh?" She thought over what he just said. "Oh! You thought it was me?" She suddenly laughed loudly, shaking her head. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm talking about someone else, silly."

Nathaniel sighed in relief. "Oh really? Well who is it?" he asked, closing his eyes boredly.

"Bartimaeus." His eyes snapped back open and he stared at her in horror.

"WHAT?!"

"Didn't you see how angry he got when I kissed you? If he liked me, he would have been happier, because technically, I was kissing him, too. But he was all angry and stuff, so he's got to have a crush on you." Kitty looked absolutely thrilled at the prospect of them together. Nathaniel thought it over. He had been feeling strangely towards Bartimaeus lately. Could the djinni really like him that way?

"I-I… I don't know what to say," he mumbled finally. Kitty grinned at him.

"Well, if you do decide to get together, I'd just like to let you know, I'm still both of your friends. I support you both no matter what you do." She skipped over to his bed and bent down to hug him tightly. Nathaniel blushed and hugged her back, being careful not to bother his wounds.

"Um… thanks, Kitty. But I'm really not sure what to do. I mean, Bartimaeus could have just gathered more respect for me after the Glass Palace incident. Maybe he just doesn't want us together because he thinks you're not good enough for me?" Nathaniel couldn't help but go through every possibility, not wanting to get his hopes up and have them crushed. After all, Bartimaeus was very pleasant to be around, as long as you were on the same side as him.

"Yes, you're right. And the sky could also be purple." She pulled away and flopped back down in her chair, still smiling happily. "Why don't you just accept my judgment, hm?"

"How can you tell, anyway?"

"I'm a girl. I know these things. Now, don't try to ask him about it before he tells you how he feels, alright? He might be still in denial."

"Whoa, hold up. I'm still in denial, too. What do I do if he asks me?" Nathaniel didn't know when he came to accept that Bartimaeus might be in love with him, of all people, but he still wasn't sure if he felt the same.

"Tell the truth," she said simply. "Come on, don't be nervous. He's still the sarcastic djinni we all love. Besides, who wouldn't want to fall in love with you?" She grinned at him some more, and he blushed. He didn't think he was that good-looking…

The door opened, and Bartimaeus walked into the room, looking subtly ticked off. "Kitty, I'd like to talk to you alone for a bit, please." Nathaniel's heart dropped as Kitty got up and happily walked out with Bartimaeus.

Had he been listening to their conversation? Had he heard everything? Did he hate him now? Nathaniel's heart throbbed at the thought. Yes, alright, so maybe he had a tiny crush on Bartimaeus. It's not like any of you would be able to resist that hunk of a djinni.

But what if it is Kitty that Bart is after, not Nathaniel? Perhaps he was just angry that Kitty thought he would love pathetic little magician John Mandrake?

Nathaniel found that he was needlessly stressing himself out, and forcing himself into depression. So what if Bartimaeus hated him? He'd live. He'd probably go off and marry some nice magician girl, adopt an apprentice, and live happily ever after.

But the thought of running away with Bartimaeus and meeting danger at every corner sounded a lot more exciting. Nathaniel sighed. He decided to wait and see what happens. If Bartimaeus started flirting with him, great. If he didn't, too bad. No need to get all worked up about something that may or may not be true.

After a few more minutes, Bartimaeus and Kitty came back into the room, both looking rather pleased. Nathaniel didn't get a chance to talk to Kitty, because Bartimaeus seemed afraid to leave them alone. It was as if they were joined at the hip.

Oddly, this worried Nathaniel to no end. He had decided not to think about it, and so he wouldn't. Even if he was scared to death.

I thank you all for being patient. School just started, and it fails majorly. D: I'll try to update faster and make longer chapters and such. Also, please review and give me plot ideas, if you want this thing continued. I'm thinking about resurrecting Jane Farrar and making Barty beat her up. 8D Everyone likes sexual frustration, right? Poor Natty. Well anyway, tell me what ya think! If I can't come up with a great idea, I'll probably end it in just a few chapters. But don't worry, I'll make bunches of little humor stories about an AU-ish Natty and Bart, who're roommates, and Kitty, their neighbor. It'll be tons of fun, I promise. xD Alright, I'll shut up now. ON TO TEH REVIEWNESS.