At first I though I'd imagined it. But then Luke walked right up to Jam and they stood face to face. Jam's hand was still on my shoulder. Luke bared his teeth as well and a growl let loose from his mouth. Jam looked surprised for a moment, then immediately went back to being angry. Another snarl ripped through his throat. I was officially terrified now. Jam and Luke were growling at each other, back and forth.

"J-Jam?"

Jam's growl cut off with a low grunt as he looked to me. He cleared his throat. "I apologize, sir."

Luke was looking at him with a meaningful expression, which Jam returned. Something told me that they knew something about each other that I didn't.

"You have until the crescent moon on the night of the summer solstice. When Big Ben strikes midnight it will be too late for her. I expect you'll take her safety into consideration. I look forward to seeing you again."

Jam narrowed his eyes. "I know it's no use arguing."

He steered me away from the alley and I gave in without complaint. I wanted out of there and I wanted out now. This place scared the living daylights out of me. I couldn't imagine living here. The light turned off, causing it to look even more ominous.

Just before we were on the street again, I heard Luke once more as he retreated. "The crescent moon. Remember that...Wolfgang Aründ."

Jam then tightened his grip on my shoulder so much that I could no longer feel my arm. We fast-walked back to building number one and back to Alypium. I was so glad to be back home. Jam looked stricken, however. He was breathing heavily.

"Why did he call you that?" I asked, rubbing feeling back into my arm.

Jam sighed. "Uh...pet name...from when we were little."

"German?"

Jam looked at me and I knew to shut up. We walked back in silence. It was nighttime now. We met up with the king.

"Well?"

"No luck, sire," replied Jam. "But we know now who has her. His name is Luke and I knew him as a child. Erec and I will be going back on the summer solstice to get Bethany, as that is what he promised."

"Why not now?"

"You do not know him as I do, not to sound rude," Jam said. "He doesn't give up easily and loves suspense."

"Well, I shall be accompanying you then. No arguing."

I yawned suddenly, and realized how tired I was. The happenings of this evening were a little too much for one night alone. Jam decided to see me off to bed. King Piter headed up to his room as well. We reached my room and went in. Jam walked over and looked at the moon. It was a half moon. That was good and bad. It forced Bethany to be with that tyrant for a while longer, but it gave us time to create a plan.

"We'll get her back, Jam," I said. "Trust me."

He snorted. "I do trust you. I trust you with everything I have, sir. But...too many things have been going on lately."

"I know what you mean," I replied, walking up next to him. He took my hand in his. "Long week."

"There are some good things to come out of it, however."

I laughed. "Yeah..."

Before I knew it Jam had thrown himself on me. I was pinned between the wall and my faithful companion.
And there was nowhere else in the world I would rather be.

...

I didn't really want to get up the next morning, so I stayed in my bed for a few moments longer. I found myself longing for a morning kiss. I twisted my body to my right side and was startled. Jam was sleeping with me. He was still asleep and I figured it would be best not to wake him. He'd gone through so much lately I knew he deserved a night of peace for once. I noticed that he was shirtless, which wasn't surprising considering that was how he slept, but what really confused me was the fact that I was shirtless as well. I looked and saw our clothes strewn on the floor in various places. I didn't remember doing that.

I turned back to Jam. Even when he slept he was perfect. I found myself still somewhat tired and figured I should take this advantage to catch up on some well needed sleep. I moved slowly so as not to wake my friend and pressed against him. His body felt almost too warm, but I was only half conscious. I was just imagining it. I nuzzled into his chest and under his jawbone and drifted back off into a deep sleep.

...

Nothing hurts -.- I remember writing this one, too. 2 in the morning surrounded by Pepsi and Oreos. Don't judge.