Alek knows he should have predicted trouble when Deryn's brother showed up two days earlier than expected. Jaspert Sharp has arrived by train, leaving Alek in a somewhat awkward position as Deryn greets him enthusiastically, tackling him in a bear hug. He looks to Mr. Volger for aid but receives nothing but an amused smile and a shooing motion.
Brother and sister are talking animatedly, possibly in a lengthy discussion about the events of the past few months of their lives, but that's not true. Alek's not kidding anyone; he's the topic of discussion, judging by the way Jaspert keeps glancing at him every few seconds. Finally, Deryn drags him over.
"This is my brother, Jaspert," she says, and Mr. Volger and Mr. Klopp greet him. Alek manages a 'hello'.
"Nice to meet you all," says Jaspert. "I know I wasn't supposed to get here for another couple days, but I figured I'd stop in early, maybe check in on Deryn. I've got a few friends here to visit, too."
Alek'll bet anything that Deryn isn't the only one he's come to check in on.
Like he's just remembered, Jaspert gives Alek a look, pointing at him like he's just realized he was there. "You're Alek, right?" he asks, and Alek nods. "Could I talk to you for a second?"
Both he and Deryn begin to protest, Deryn more insistently than him. He doesn't really know how to react as Jaspert takes his arms and guides him off to the side.
"Blisters, Jaspert, get a grip, will you?" Deryn says. "You're going to scare him."
Jaspert ignores his sister and goes straight to the point. "I don't know if you know, but Deryn's mad about you. I don't know why, but she is," he says. Alek starts a little; mad about him? She can't really like him that much.
"And I really hope she's already told you because she'll kill me if you didn't know." Jaspert shakes his head. "You did know, right?"
Oh, yes, Alek knows. He remembers how she told him in perfect clarity; in fact, he's almost never stopped thinking about it since. "Yes, sir."
He grins, and Alek suddenly sees the striking resemblance between the two siblings. "Sir. I like the sound of that," he says thoughtfully. "Also, I've heard you are sharing a bedroom, and I swear to God, if you – "
"Nothing will happen, I promise," assures Alek hastily.
"Good." Deryn's brother relaxes, and just when he looks like he's about to let him go, he opens his mouth again, his voice lowering. "On that note, I hope you're treating her well. Even if you don't…feel the same way, you treat her right, you hear?"
Alek does hear, he understands completely.
"Deryn's a special girl, alright?" Jaspert's tone takes on a tender, brotherly feel. "But if you hurt her in anyway, I might just forget that you're the president's kid. Got it?"
"Don't worry," says Alek. "I know, and I'm lucky to have Deryn in my life."
"Glad to hear it."
That's it, really, until Alek realizes: he hasn't stopped thinking about it – about her. Then it's like a slap in the face, and because it's the way he was always taught, something must be done.