Chapter 42

"The winner of this year's Beanfest game is... The monster team!" Vargas announced at the ceremony, to everyone's cheers. Grim, Jade, Cater, and I had found each other again and stood together. Floyd appeared completely absent. "I hereby present the monster team's two MVPs, Ashengrotto and Howl, with their hard-earned prize."

"Thank you, Coach," said Azul as he accepted the prize.

"Hmph..." said Jack.

"MRAAAGH! This stinks!" Grim complained.

"That last big lunge for the harp fell short by about a fingernail," said Cater.

"If only I'd been just a little faster..." I said.

"No, you carried out your role with aplomb, Ona," Jade said with a soft smile, momentarily placing a hand on my shoulder.

"For sure," said Cater. "The one thing we weren't counting on was Jack's insane reflexes. How is that even fair?"

"By the way, Cater. You said you'd take a picture if we won, but now we've lost."

"That I did." Cater sighed. "Maaan... I had my victory hashtags all ready to go and everything. But hey, it was a fun way to spend a day." He looked around at us and smiled. Ona. Grimmy. Jade. We may not have won the day, but we WERE the last ones standing. How about a picture to commemorate that?"

Jade gave him his polite smile. "I'd be delighted."

"Psh... If I hafta," said Grim.

"Cheese!" I said once we were gathered together.

Cater happily snapped the picture. "Thanks, guys!" He looked at me curiously. "What are you going to do now, Ona? Go back to Ramshackle?"

I hesitated. "I'd rather not at the moment."

"You may relax with me at Octavinelle," Jade said with a smile.

I gave him a small smile in return. "Okay. I'd like that, Jade."

"Excellent. And you, Grim?"

"Grim, you should hang with me at Heartslabyul," Cater said.

Grim looked up at him. "Huh? Why?"

Cater gave him an innocent smile. "I have something I want to show you."

Grim shrugged. "Okay. See you later, Ona." He proceeded to walk off with Cater.

"That was interesting," Jade said so close to my ear that I nearly jumped.

"Y-Yeah," I said. "I don't know what's gotten into him. Let's go." He chuckled but did not say anything more. The walk to Octavinelle was pleasantly silent. There wasn't anyone in the lounge yet, so I kicked off my shoes and laid all the way across the couch, resting my head on the pillow.

Jade looked down at me in amusement. "You look tired." Before I could make room for him, he picked up my legs and sat at the far end of the couch, allowing my legs to fall across his.

"Yeah, I'm wiped. That was a lot of fun though."

Jade smiled. "Indeed, it was." I realized Cater was right. He rarely gave me his fake polite smile - especially when we were alone.

I heard someone enter moments later. "Ona, what are you doing here?" Azul asked, though he did not sound upset.

"Hanging out with Jade," I said. "What does it look like I'm doing?"

"Shouldn't you be back at your own dorm?"

"Nah, Vil gave us the whole day off, and I have no desire to go back to his mini kingdom that has become my dorm. I may respect Vil, but I can't stand all his rules. I would hate to be in Pomefiore... or Heartslabyul, for that matter. I much prefer your dorm, Azul. I think it's my favorite. It's much more relaxed here." I leaned my head back and observed the aquarium. "And there are cute fishies."

"Do you mean us or the fish in the tank?" Jade said with an amused tone.

I lifted my head to smirk at him. "Definitely you."

Jade smiled widely, showing his sharp teeth. "Good."

I glanced at Azul in time to see him roll his eyes. "Do whatever you want," he said.

"Thanks," I said, leaning back onto the pillow. "So, it sounds like you played well today."

"Yes," said Jade. "Congratulations on earning the bonus prize, Azul."

"Honestly, I was sweating for a moment there," said Azul. "If not for Jack's reflexes, the farmers might have taken this year's game."

"Yes. I failed to properly account for Jack's abilities and paid the price. But it was still a fun day." Jade smirked. "After all, there aren't many opportunities for a vice housewarden to face off in earnest against his housewarden."

"You're not wrong. I'm taking this as a lesson to NEVER get on your bad side if I can help it."

"Heh heh heh. I won't lose the next go-around."

Azul smirked as well. "Bold words. You'll have to let me know how they taste when I make you eat them next year."

"I'm already counting the days, Azul."

"That sounds fun," I said. "Count me in! I'll help whichever one of you I'm teamed up with."

"What, you're going to betray me, your prince?" Jade said, putting a hand over his heart with mock sadness.

I rolled my eyes. "I can't join you if we're on opposite teams."

Jade smirked. "Why not? That would make the game very... interesting."

I laughed. "Yeah, I suppose it would."

"Don't indulge him, Ona," Azul said, shaking his head.

I ignore him. "Hey, Jade?"

"Yes?" said Jade.

"I see you too, you know. I see who you are." I gave him a warm smile. "And I think you're really great."

Jade appeared surprised at first, but then he smiled back at me. "Thank you, Ona. That means a lot to me." A long moment of silence followed as we watched each other.

"Hey, guys!" Floyd said loudly as he entered the room, causing Jade and me to break our gaze. My eyes flickered to him instead. He brightened when he saw me. "Little Shrimpy! Do you want to play?"

"I'm too tired to play, Floyd," I said, relaxing against the pillow.

"That's a first," said Azul. "Usually you have enough energy to keep up with him."

"Not today. I ran faster than I ever had in my life and got tackle by Jack. So, I'm beat."

"Jade!" Floyd said with a gasp. "How could you let that happen?"

"I didn't see you anywhere," Azul muttered.

"Yeah, Jade, you said you would protect me," I said with a small smirk.

"My apologies," said Jade. "I will find a way to make it up to you, princess."

"Princess?" Azul scoffed. "Ona is the farthest thing from a princess there is." I gave him a fake annoyed look before taking the pillow underneath my head and throwing it him. He appeared shocked at my actions. "What did you just do?"

"Pillow fight!" Floyd said excitedly.

It turned out I had some energy left after all. Jade pretended to stop us at first before joining in. Even Azul seemed to have fun in the end. Then he made us clean up the lounge. It was worth it.

Sunday brought the return of the SDC training camp. However, this day brought a welcome break. Floyd arrived at Pomefiore earlier than normal, excitedly demanding that Vil teach him that new move now. Vil relented and made us all head outside so we could practice. He paired me up with Epel since we were of similar height.

"This is pretty fun," I said after Epel and I managed to successfully throw each other several times.

"Y-Yeah," Epel agreed. He appeared hesitant about something. "Ona, you're close with Floyd, right?" He looked over at the Octavinelle student enthusiastically having it out with Vil.

I follow his gaze and smile. "Yeah, we're close." I wondered about his sudden interest, but then I remembered something. "You spent time with him yesterday, didn't you?"

"Yeah, that's right." Epel paused. "I think I-I... admire him."

I looked at him in surprise. "What?" I was sure there were some first year Octavinelle students who admired Floyd, but Epel? It seemed just as odd as, well... my friendship with him. "Really? Why?"

"It was something he said yesterday. Vil beat him, but he wasn't mad. It just made him more determined to get stronger and beat him. He said he doesn't resent anyone who's stronger than him. He thinks it's... fun."

I smiled. "Yeah, that sounds like him. He does make a good point. Having a friendly rival to try and beat is a great way to motivate yourself to work hard and become stronger."

Epel nodded. "I didn't think he was reliable at first. His motivation comes and goes so quickly... I thought he was superficial."

I thought about that for a moment. "It's not his fault, you know. It's not his fault if he can't do something when he doesn't want to. Just because most people can stir up intrinsic motivation to accomplish an unpleasant task doesn't mean his brain works that way. It's not that he doesn't care, he just... can't do it..." I thought about the way he made sure Jade and I played together so we wouldn't be alone when he did not have the motivation to join either of us, and I knew it was true.

"I see that now. He did say that he can do boring things when he knows the outcome will be worth it."

"I've seen that two. If you want to work with him you have to find a way to motivate him. Work with his strengths instead of against his weaknesses."

Epel smiled at me. "You know so much about people. Do you... see good things in me too?"

I grinned at him. "Of course I do. Want to practice some more?"

Epel brightened. "Yes!"

Training camp left me more winded than ever. It was not that I had too much work to do. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I might not have minded if I had to practice singing and dancing, but my duties were so repetitive that it drained my energy. I wondered if this was what Floyd felt like with boring tasks all the time.

Wednesday night, I found myself unable to sleep. It was an odd feeling, being so tired and yet so awake. I tried for nearly an hour before realizing I needed help. Tea might do the trick. I was all out, though, because Vil's regimen did not allow me much time to shop. And the cheap tea I could afford probably would not do a whole lot of good. I glanced at the time. 11 o'clock. Not too late for most students.

I got up and walked into the lounge so as not to disturb Grim. Then I dialed Jade's phone number. He answered on the third ring. "Hello? Ona?"

"Hey, Jade," I said with a tired voice.

"What are you doing calling this late?"

I froze. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'll leave you alone."

"No, don't hang up. Something must be wrong if you didn't realize that was a joke."

He was right. Normally I would have enough sense to figure out that, if I was truly bothering him, he would have never picked up. "Something's not wrong, really. I just... I can't sleep."

"Oh? And what do you want me to do about it?" Despite the seemingly dismissive question, I could hear concern in his voice.

"Can you... talk to me?"

"Talk to you?"

"Yeah, I... I find your voice soothing."

"Really?" I could almost hear his sly grin. "Don't worry, dear, I'll be right there."

"Wh-what?" I had said nothing about having him come over, but he had already hung up. I sighed, resigned to my fate. I waited in one of the lounge chairs.

I heard a knock on the door not ten minutes later. I hurried to answer it, lest someone awaken. Sure enough, Jade stood there, carrying something in a bag. "Hello, Ona," he said, smiling brightly. "I am here to save you."

I stepped aside to let him in. "Huh? What's in the bag?"

"Tea." Jade entered the kitchen and took a canister of loose leaf tea out of the bag. "It is my own creation. It will help you sleep. You have a kettle, yes?"

"R-Right." I helped him find everything he needed, and then I watched him work with awe.

Jade smirked. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm just... surprised. Why are you doing this for me? I didn't even ask you to come."

"Oh dear. I'm not up to something, if that's what you're implying."

My eyes widened. "No, that's not what I mean! I know you're not up to anything. I'm just..." I smiled at him. "Thank you, Jade."

He paused his work to smile back at me. "You're welcome. A prince has to come to his princess' aid, after all."

I smirked and rolled my eyes. "Come on, the game is over."

Jade appeared amused at this. "And you believe everything in the game was just an act?"

I paused, uncertain now. "It wasn't? Then what was real?"

Jade chuckled but did not answer me. "So, do you really find my voice soothing?" He gave me a sly smile.

I flushed. "Uh, yes, actually. Is that weird?"

Jade smirked. "Not at all. I find it quite flattering. I will be happy to talk to you if that's what you wish. Not many people are willing to listen to me for that long."

"Thanks. And I'm always willing to listen to you. I love hearing you talk."

Jade gave me a genuine smile before pouring the hot water into the teapot. "It will be ready soon."

"What is going on here?" said a stern voice.

I turned to find Vil standing in the kitchen, his eyes looking from Jade to me. I froze in fear. Jade quickly came to my side, standing slightly in front of me almost protectively. "I am sorry for disturbing you," he said in a smooth voice.

Vil did not appear impressed. "No one is allowed here except for those practicing for the SDC."

"I asked him to come," I said. "I couldn't sleep, so he's making me tea."

Vil's expression relaxed ever so slightly. "I see. I suppose that is understandable."

"If I may," Jade said, "I would like to continue offering tea to Ona every night." He smiled politely. "To help her sleep, of course."

Vil lifted his eyebrows. "You could leave the tea here. I am sure Ona is perfectly capable of brewing it herself."

"Yes, but then what would I get out of it?"

"What would you get out of it?" When Jade did not answer, Vil turned to me.

I hesitated. How was I supposed to know what Jade was thinking? But then, looking at my friend, I decided the simplest explanation was probably the correct one in the situation. "He wants to spend time with me." Vil continued to stare at me, so I continued. "And I would like to spend time with him. I think he can help me sleep well so I can give it my all during practices. I haven't been feeling my best lately."

After another long moment of staring, Vil nodded. "You may have a half hour starting at 10. That should be enough to drink your tea. I only ask you keep your voices down and not disturb the others."

"Of course," Jade said, giving a small bow. "Thank you."

"Yes, thank you, Vil," I said, giving him a bright smile. Vil nodded before departing the kitchen. When I was sure he was out of hearing range, I turned to Jade. "That was surprising."

"Vil is not entirely unreasonable," Jade said.

"It's not that. It's just..." I hesitated before continuing. "Just about everything doesn't hesitate to judge my relationship with you and Floyd."

Something changed in Jade's expression, but I was not sure what it was. "I see. I suppose our reputations would have a negative effect on you." He paused for a moment. "Does that bother you? Having people judge you because of us? The last thing we want to do is cause you any harm."

My eyes widened as I understood his concern. "No, no, don't worry about that, Jade. Even if I was bothered by it, it wouldn't be worth losing either of you over it. I don't care what people think about me. If people judge me without knowing me, that's their problem. My friends think I'm naive at worst, and I can deal with that. What really bothers me is how you and Floyd are judged."

Jade appeared genuinely surprised at this. "Really?"

"I know you guys probably prefer people to see you the way they do, and that's fine with me. What really bothers me is the way people judge our relationship. They automatically assume you two are using me in some way."

"Well, that is the logical conclusion."

I shook my head. "Not to me. Anyone with eyes should be able to see how close you and Floyd are. They should realize how much you care about each other. And if that's true, why wouldn't you be able to care about others? I just want people to know that, despite how you may treat most people, you are very loving to those you care about. Your relationships are completely normal. You're not so different from everyone else."

A warm smile spread across Jade's face, and there was a hint of disbelief in his eyes. "You truly believe that? I could be manipulating you."

I smiled. "You're not. I'm certain of it. I trust you."

Jade chuckled lightly. "You are correct." He pulled me into a hug, which I gladly returned. Then he kissed the top of my head. "Thank you, Ona." He held on for a second longer before letting go. "Now, why don't you drink your tea and listen to me talk so you can get some sleep?" There was a playful smirk on his face.

I grinned at him. "Sounds great, Jade."

"I heard Jade stopped by to make you tea last night!" Floyd said excitedly during my next break.

I smiled. "Oh yeah. I couldn't sleep, and he really helped me out. He's going to keep coming every night."

Floyd grinned. "That's great!"

"It's kind of funny. I know I initiated the contact, but he was still the one to suggest he come over regularly. I think that's the first time he's gone out of the way to hang out with me. Usually I have to go to him."

Floyd nodded in understanding. "You must be making progress with him."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Floyd placed a hand on my shoulder and gave me a bright smile. "Keep it up, Little Shrimpy! I want the three of us to be really close."

I smiled warmly at him. "Yeah, I would like that two."

Floyd affectionately ruffled my hair. "Then make it happen!"

"I will do my best!"

"Great! So, do you want to practice that throw from yesterday? I promise I won't hurt ya."

I laughed. "Okay, Floyd. Let's do it."

We had a good time hanging out together. Practice was easier to handle after that. And then I got to see Jade that night. I was really starting to think I would enjoy this arrangement. However, Jade had not even gotten the chance to boil the water for the tea when someone entered the kitchen. This time, it was Jamil, and he was horrified.

"What is going on here?" he exclaimed.

"Hello, Jamil," Jade said politely. "Ona has had trouble sleeping lately, so I am brewing her tea and keeping her company until she grows tired. Do not worry; I have Vil's permission to visit every night."

Jamil's narrowed his eyes at him before turning to me. "Why didn't you ask someone else? Anyone else? Vil could have helped you, or-"

"Or you?" I said with raised eyebrows. "To be honest, it was late when I called Jade last night, and I didn't want to disturb Vil or anyone else. And now I really want to spend time with Jade."

"That's a bad idea."

"Well, would you rather I spend more time with Floyd?"

"Yes."

I lifted my eyebrows. "Oh?"

"Look, if Floyd wanted to hurt you, he would have by now. That could change in the future, but he's not planning anything. But him-" Jamil looked at Jade, dislike in his eyes.

"You wound me," Jade said with fake sadness, placing a hand over his heart. "What have I ever done to you?"

Jamil's face darkened. "You know exactly what you did."

The beginning of a smirk appeared on Jade's lip. "At Ona's request, if you remember."

Jamil glowered at him. "In any case, I know what you're up to."

"Oh, really? Please tell me what I'm up to."

"You're using Ona... probably for one of Azul's plots."

I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Jamil, he is not. Jade and Azul are both my friends. They wouldn't do that to me."

"You are hopelessly naive."

"You underestimate her," Jade said smoothly. "I am surprised you would make that mistake again."

Jamil took a step towards him in an almost threatening manner. "Look, whatever you are planning, I don't-"

"What I'm doing? What about what you are doing, Jamil?" Jade did not back down. Instead he took a step towards the other boy as well. Though he was still speaking in his polite tone, there was something intimidating about it now. "The only thing I am up to is spending time with Ona. You don't seem to be even after that. Why should she trust you?"

"That is exactly why she should trust me. I don't have any ulterior motive at all. I can be completely unbiased."

Watching the two of them gradually approach each other with increased intensity made me anxiously. Finally, I had enough and moved between them. I stood in front of Jade and pushed Jamil back. "Cut it out!"

Jamil appeared surprised at first, but then his eyes narrowed. "Of course you're defending him."

"Of course, you're the one who's wrong here. Jade is not doing anything wrong. What is so bad about spending time with him? Or Floyd, for that matter?"

Jamil sighed. "Even if they're not planning anything, if you spend that much time with both of them, you're bound to fall for one of them."

"Is that a fact?" Jade said. I glanced at him, but his face did not betray what he thought about that idea.

"Oh, so you're a love expert now?" I said. "I spend lots of time with Ace and Deuce. Am I going to fall for one of them?"

"You don't look at them the same way you do those twins," Jamil said.

I opened my mouth to respond but nothing came out. Azul had said something similar once, hadn't he? I pushed it out of my mind. Now was not the time to reflect on that. "Look, even if I do fall in love with one of them, it's none of your business."

"I'm trying to help you. You would be much better off with someone like-"

"Kalim, I know. I do like him... as a friend."

"It could be more than that. You need to spend more time with him."

"Spend more time with who?" said a new voice.

Jamil and I froze. "Kalim!" I said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to make sure Jamil was alright." Kalim looked past me. "Hello, Jade! Why are you here?"

"I am making tea for Ona so she can sleep," said Jade.

Kalim smiled. "Aw, that's nice of you. Jade is a great friend, isn't he, Jamil?" Jamil scowled while I held in a laugh.

"Thank you, Kalim," Jade said with a smile. "At least someone has faith in me." His eyes flickered to Jamil.

"You know, I think you're right, Jamil," I said, suddenly getting an idea. "I should spend more time with Kalim." I smiled at the boy. "Would you like that?"

Kalim brightened. "Yeah, for sure!" Jamil looked at me suspiciously.

"Then would you let me be your... adopted sister?" I hid my smirk. Jamil's expression was priceless.

Kalim's eyes widened in surprise. Then his face broke out into a huge grin. "I would love that, Ona! Welcome to the family!" He engulfed me in a huge hug.

I happily hugged Kalim back. "Thanks!"

"Kalim," Jamil said with a low growl, "you should get to bed."

"Okay!" Kalim let go of me and moved towards the door. "Bye, Jamil, sis!"

As soon as he was going, Jade and I burst out laughing. "That was great," Jade said. "If you're part of Kalim's family, does that mean Jamil has to do what you say?"

"Oh, that could be fun," I said with a smirk. "What do you think, Jamil?"

Jamil glared at us. "Forget about. You two deserve each other." With that, he stormed out of the kitchen.