*Knock, knock* Anyone there?

I know, it's been too long… half a year long. I just want you to know that I've never forgotten this story, nor shall I ever do. My life's been incredibly busy, honest. If this ever happens again, go check on my profile, it should have a (good) explanation.

I've already PM-ed my reviewers and followers, but as for the guests: hello there! :D Pull a chair and have a cookie; don't feel shy, drop a line whenever you feel like it, and, oh, Chloe, thanks a bunch, you're too kind :)

Ah, and no pun intended in the first paragraph.

Nathaniel

Nathaniel was still too far from comprehension when it came to the matter of how being in a hospital bed with Bartimaeus inside him would ever work the so-called magic to heal his wounded flank and help him "recover from the traumas", as had Kitty put it. If he was sure of one thing, it was that he would never recuperate from this particular experience of sharing mind and body with the djinni.

For the love of all spiritual creatures, quiet your whiny rambles. You're giving me a headache.

Bartimaeus, please, djinn do not have headaches - or any kind of physical pain, for that matter. Nathaniel pointed out, furrowing his eyebrows.

This time, Natty-boy, I would be more than happy to agree with you. But fact is that my essence is throbbing from your incessant moodiness since Kitty left this morning.

Nathaniel ran a hand through the back of his military cut, then slightly frowning upon the realization of how inappropriate it was for him to be wearing such a cut - insultuous even. Bartimaeus didn't take long to give him a piece of his mind, stating what could be understood as a reprimand and something in between the lines of That's what I've been saying all along, but why bother listen to me? He was, however, quickly dismissed by the boy, who decided to engage in their previous topic once more.

I just don't appreciate the fact that she's willing to risk herself so much for merely checking on her parents! If I recall correctly, they abandoned her when she needed them the most.

The young magician could have sworn that, somehow, Bartimaeus had rolled those demonic yellow eyes at him. But the groan coming out of his throat was not imagination, Nathaniel was pretty sure of it, mostly because, frankly, it was his own throat.

Let me tell you something, brat. Humans are stupid, irrational beings that allow themselves to be conducted by feelings and emotions; and magicians, a cold, ambitious, emotionless version of the species. Even though I consider Kitty a particularly intelligent exemplar, she's not immune to none of those, which I'm glad for. And so should you, because if it weren't for her compassionate, noble nature, you would have been a golem's meal, or worse - turned into the slave of a spirit. Now that would be quite ironic, but entertaining too, don't you agree? Bartimaeus' thoughts were slightly lacking the jovial and ironical tone that usually lingered when he made such commentaries.

By the time Bartimaeus finished, Nathaniel's frown had expanded to his entire face. The djinni could be such a pain sometimes, always making witty remarks about anything he did, be it good or bad. Bartimaeus was right still - Nathaniel was, in fact, sulky since had Kitty left that morning.

However, for some reason, he wasn't the only one - Bartimaeus was a little less humorous and a lot more grumpy than usual. Considering that the djinni was not being harmed by anything, due to Nathaniel's body protection, the magician could only guess that this bad temper conveyed only that they both had the same reasons for behaving in such an immature way.

Nonetheless, listening to that speech Bartimaeus had just deliberated made Nathaniel muse as in which category he could be inserted in the djinni's perspective. Would Bartimaeus see Nathaniel as a magician or as a human? On the other hand, giving the spirit the knowledge of the nature of these thoughts was not something he intended to do.

Learning how to block and hide his ponderings from Bartimaeus was something Nathaniel had been working on his free time, which was considerably extensive since the spirits' invasion and the fall of the British Empire (not to mention how his own condition had helped to play it off). That had proved to be immensely useful whilst the djinni lingered around his mind - that way Nathaniel could try to mask things Bartimaeus didn't need to know. As far as the djinni was concerned, Nathaniel could tell Bartimaeus too had learned his own techniques.

The tension that usually lingered around both of them had softened since the prior events; nevertheless, stretching the line that secured their temporary friendship too far - if one could call it that - could bring the young magician deadly problems. Considering how close he had recently been of losing his precious life, Nathaniel decided to not push it.

Bartimaeus seemed to share of this opinion - having not invaded Nathaniel's mind with his usual talkative manner was something highly appreciated by the owner, albeit suspicious and peculiar. As the djinni was always so eager in sharing his opinion with anyone, especially Nathaniel, the quietude of the past hours had come almost foreign to him.

Still, he wouldn't complain, because that precise morning, after Kitty left, Piper had come to him. Nathaniel still had his ears ringing from her reprehension. To say he was admired was an understatement; after all, who could have guessed his collected, harmless assistant had that side on her? Good thing she waited until Kitty left to tell him off; and that was why Piper had been chosen to be his assistant among all others - she knew when to speak and when to be quiet.

However, what Nathaniel hadn't expected was for her to actually worry about his condition, and, in between all that fuss, he didn't manage to tell Piper that a hybrid had been exterminated.

The lie Bartimaeus had told Kitty - about Piper letting them know her whereabouts - didn't go unnoticed by the assistant, and so, living up to her reputation, Piper waited for the opportune moment to inform - although fiercely - Nathaniel of such.

Taking everything into account, Nathaniel should have seen it coming. The aura emanating from Piper was slightly different from the usual discrete and contained one, and the way she had been acting the hours before and after Nouda's defeat was clearly an interesting indicator to deem.

It had been a quick conversation, or was it a monologue? Piper had stepped in between the curtains that separated Nathaniel's bed from the others, not taking the chair when offered, and after locking eyes icily with him, hissing what could be translated by: "Have you gone mad? Do you wish to die a violent and cruel death? Mrs. Jones shall not know about this, but only this once. Just because you saved us all, you have no right of disobeying the doctor's orders. Now rest."

Yes, you've been acting like a married couple, Bartimaeus intervened. You and Kitty, I mean.

Nathaniel was a bit startled at first. Keeping in mind that the djinni had been quiet for this long, it was only natural for him to be so. Just a few moments after the initial shock, he considered Bartimaeus' words, and the sign of it was spread all over his face.

Why are you always so nosy? Nathaniel half-groaned, half-moaned.

Why are you always so loud? Bartimaeus reciprocated, using a tone too high for his usual voice, clearly to mock the young magician.

It's not like I can help it, okay? I've been trying.

I'm aware of that. Try harder, or else I'll consult the union of spirits.

There's no such thing! Nathaniel exclaimed. Is there?

I'm still waiting for you and Kitty to plan it out. After saving your arse, I think it's only fair.

Why are you always reminding me of that, and in those terms? I know! I know you saved me; can't we just let it go now?

Well… no. Nathaniel's face turned into a huge grin, manipulated by Bartimaeus' will.

And stop doing that! It's my bloody body!

Bloody it is, indeed. How much time do you still need?

As if I rejoice on the fact of being momentarily incapable of moving! Once more, I can't help it.

It's been months! Bartimaeus whined.

It's been less than three days… Nathaniel corrected with a sigh.

All the same. The thing is I'm tired of this.

Stop that, Bartimaeus, I'm helping you heal as well.

But not because of the food you've been eating - it's dreadful.

Tell me about it… Nathaniel sighed once more, and after a short pause, he commented to himself, But forget that. We've both been anticipating the moment I ate for the same reason. All the hybrids that ate started growing off the body of their human shapes. I haven't felt any difference. You?

None. I've been quite aware of your whole digestive system and no flaws found - well, no more than the usual. Seriously, you humans are so…weird.

Don't tell me the almighty Bartimaeus hasn't once read about the humans' digestive system. It was Nathaniel's turn to roll his eyes.

Well, it's different once you are in it, don't you think?

Nathaniel groaned in frustration. Nevermind. Back to the topic. No difference in your essence?

I've told you already, you insufferable kid - no. Maybe your brilliant mind doesn't reach the possibility of our situation being different because I did not eat your brain?

Is sarcasm your first language? Bartimaeus attempted to respond, but Nathaniel was a tad quicker. Well, you insufferable djinni, just checking. Weren't you the one stating you didn't want to be here forever?

I may change my mind if this implies your brain silenced for all eternity.

But those were empty promises, Nathaniel knew that. While the argument was taking place none of the two could really focus on restraining neither their actual meaning nor the emotion behind it. Bartimaeus wasn't angry, and that sufficed.

Doubting books was never something John Mandrake would do, but right now, Nathaniel realized how wrong they could have been during centuries. Bartimaeus could have easily finished him off, but he hadn't.

Because the present situation filtered any possibility of one of them lying, Nathaniel considered this briefly before choosing something to ask the djinni. There was a huge amount of things he would like an answer for, and his thoughts were spinning around in his mind with huge speed.

Oi, chum, slow down, won't you? One question per second. Pull a chair - yes, you're in a bed, I know. No, I won't make you stand. Let's start the interview! His thoughts came crashing down with the djinni's enthusiastic voice, nudging them to a corner and successfully making Nathaniel lose track of where they could have gone to.

The magician rolled his eyes with an exasperated groan. Typical: only Bartimaeus would see his torrented mind as a way of showing interest in him. Now, he regreted even considering asking something.

Ah, cat got your tongue, Nat? Oh wait, I did!

You infuriating, agonizing-

Hold your horses, pal. I saved your life, don't make me take it.

You wouldn't.

Wanna test it?

Go ahead.

For some reason, Nathaniel had been pushed to think those things. Being aware of Bartimaeus' thoughts sure had its weight on it; besides, he knew the spirit wouldn't want to be there forever, just like the magician wished for the sharing experience to accelerate and jump to the last of it.

You know I can just walk around screaming your birth name, or make you dismiss me. Even better, why don't I do both? Bartimaeus suggested in a mischievous thinking tone.

I'm just stating how unpleasant you can get when you go through one of your mood-swings. Nathaniel offered, not wanting to push it too far. Better safe than sorry, they say.

Mood-swings? Me? Tch, have your heard yourself?

Yes, and I have no idea what you're going on about. Besides, Bartimaeus, I was ready to dismiss you seconds before certain death. Want to measure that, too?

Eh, you tried to, but I am the hero here. You clearly don't possess the ability to save lives, inluding your own, so…

Nathaniel rolled his eyes, annoyed by the spirit's cheeky response. However, as things were, everything was falling into place again - that was, Bartimaeus at least. Knowing the spirit and himself, the young magician was sure they would continue with their debate for a ridiculous amount of time.

Keeping that in mind, it was a good thing Piper decided to drop by, quietly asking for permission to step in and moving the curtains when said permission was conceded. Nathaniel instantly noticed how weary she looked - messy hair, bags under her eyes, furrowed brows, untidy clothes, her frumpy posture, and, to top it all, the way she sat on the chair beside his bed, tiredly sighing as she did so.

"Piper, you look positively exhausted," Nathaniel commented.

Excellent observation! Aren't you a genius?

Nathaniel ignored the djinni's prompt remark.

"Well, sir, London is falling apart in every possible aspect. We're still looking for the four remaining hybrids, but we fear they have gotten further away than what we first estimated. The commoners have been demanding absurd things, such as equal rights, and that the elections for the government accept both magicians and commoners as candidates. I suspect a new Resistance might be forming, and measuring our chances, I'd say we've got a problem. Besides, the men we sent to America are demanding to return, and France and Germany are breathing down our necks."

Nathaniel listened attentively, and after musing over what he heard for a while, he spoke. "You shouldn't deal with everything as separate problems. I mean, individualize the main problems London's facing at the moment, and then try to find a global sollution. Firstly, one hybrid is gone, so, there are only three left." Piper hummed at this, writing down notes in a small notebook she had taken from her jacket's pocket. Nathaniel briefly wondered if she had been expecting him to help from the beginning. "We need a handful of trustful people, and we need our people to understand we're going through a crisis right now, and need to remain together and calm. So, we need someone to control the Information sector-"

"But who?"

"The best we can do is to not let our situation out too much. We'll make the Americans an offer they can't refuse, in exchange for something. It is crucial that they don't realize how weakened we are, and the same goes for the rest of Europe. We need our men here, and we need them willing to help." Nathaniel paused, and the only sound lingering was Piper's pen scribbling on the paper, aside from the usual hullabaloo of the improvised hospital, which was rather silent that day.

Don't know if that's a good thing. Besides, I think you should ask for Kitty's opinion on these matters.

I'm aware of that, Bartimaeus, but I think she would agree with me so far.

Well, I think your intentions differ from hers. Moreover, hasn't she voiced her wish for a holiday?

Nathaniel had considered that, and it seemed incredibly unrealistic to imagine Kitty anywhere else but London. He knew for a fact that she craved knowledge, and he could completely understand and relate to that. Nonetheless, Kitty was also a rebel who fought for the rights of the commoners, highlighting the "abusive and selfish way" magicians applied their power.

If you're wondering which side of hers will win in the end, we could make a bet.

I don't bet.

Tch, you're no fun.

"Sir?" Piper was staring blankly at her former boss, probably finding his silence peculiar.

"I don't believe a new Resistance would form now, considering that all of the government's ministers are dead, or thought to be," he added.

"What should we do about the 'handful of trustful' people you suggested, sir?"

"Let me think of that. In the mean time, bring me a list of living magicians and commoner candidates."

"Sir?" Piper looked surprised by his words.

"We'd lose, Piper, that's for certain."

His former secretary nodded, closing her notebook and standing up. Before leaving she asked a final question. "What should I say, sir, when asked about the source of these solutions?"

Nathaniel mused for a while. It would be no good to draw any attention to himself in the present moment, but working without any recognition was far from pleasant. Nonetheless, he should probably stay low until things got calmer and stable.

"Well, you can tell them it's a friendly person who wishes to remain anonymous for now."

"Very well, sir. Thank you for your enlightening suggestions."

Wait till Kitty finds out what you've done. Bartimaeus' voice echoed in his brain. Before Nathaniel's puzzled expression, the djinni continued. Well, you tend to act like a hero when she's around.

What's that supposed to mean?

That she brings out a good side of yours.

Is that a compliment?

For Kitty? Maybe. Considering your insupportable personality, I'd say she's a winner. Never heard of a form of life able to endure such thing.

You're just jealous of my cleverness.

As if. I'd rather vacuum my essence than to be gifted with such detestable qualities.

I've been chatting with a few of you, and it's awesome to share my thoughts on Stroud's world with such eager fans of his (makes me feel rather normal). ;)

I have to say that after a (big) exchange with nkrockz23, I was kicked out of my writer's block and restarted writing this chapie. So, I dedicate this chapter to nkrockz23, as a thank you for (albeit unknowingly) shaking me out of that dreadful "illness". I really hope you, and everyone else, of course, enjoyed this chapter, because it was one of the most difficult I've written so far.

I'm looking for a beta-reader for this story, and possibly other Bartimaeus' fanfics. If you're interested or know someone who might be, contact me!

C'sMelody