Note: Stormy belongs to GeekyCookie1.

~~~

Watching the two teenagers from afar, Amara was grinning from head-to-toe. "I really think this can work, you two. Look at how Aliya's responding to him. She's being herself again. Maybe, Jesse is truly going to change for the better," she optimistically stated, before gasping.

"Does this mean I can finally get out the merchandise?" Amara followed up, while Issac and Stormy glanced at each other before equally shaking their heads. "It's too soon," the two firmly answered at once. Upon hearing their answer, Amara frowned as she wanted to kickstart the merchandise train again, but knew they were right: it was still too soon to call.

"Besides, the real test is seeing when he's willing to openly embrace his friendship with her again. Just because he's talking with her here does not mean he'll extend the gesture outside of this household," Stormy insisted, crossing her arms.

"Plus, can we really trust him around Aliya?" Issac asked. "I mean, how can we know for sure he would go through the same lengths to preserve their friendship the same way she did?" he followed up as Stormy nodded, while Amara merely sighed.

"Look, you two are failing to see the bigger picture. It's natural for people to change," she criticized, much to the surprise of Stormy and Issac. "Yes, Jesse is a mixed bag, I admit, but he cares about Aliya," she pointed out, however Stormy had a counterpoint of her own.

"Okay, but Ama, you have to understand. Given his reputation and the pressure society has put on him, he won't hesitate to leave her behind again. I mean, just look at how long it took him to come back," she pointed out. "Still, he came," Amara stated in turn.

"Okay, but it wasn't even for genuine reasons," Stormy insisted, knowing that if she went any further, she was really going to march directly Senior Fae's place with Issac and wreak havoc together. "Besides, I'm still skeptical about him," she said, thinking back to the conversation she had with Jesse.

"I'm skeptical of him too, Storm, but we have to take a risk and just trust he'll commit to this," Issac insisted as Amara grinned, holding him close. "I knew you would come to my side," Amara softly said, nuzzling their noses together as Stormy jokingly gagged, secretly thankful her best friend chose someone who truly loved her.

If she ever found someone, Stormy wanted her love to be similar to Amara and Issac. A relationship built on trust, comfort and stability. She didn't know when, but she knew that day would come soon enough. For now though, she was happy being with the couple and watching over Aliya.

"You two are so gross. When I find love, I'm going to be so different from you two," Stormy insisted as Issac and Amara glanced at each other before laughing. "Storm, we both said the same thing and look at us now," Amara tenderly said, trying to contain her laughter before failing.

As her laughter continued, Issac lovingly stared at her, thanking his lucky stars Amara was his wife. He knew her parents didn't approve of their relationship and he knew they had wanted the Senior Fae as her husband, but Issac was glad she fought for him, and now he would do the same. He would fight for her because he loved Amara, and nothing would ever change that.

"Trust me, you will be acting like this too in time," Issac forewarned her, much to her 'surprise.' "But it's not so bad! At first we were grudgingly against the whole thing, but now, it's just another natural thing for us," he added as Amara took this time to excuse herself.

"Ew," Stormy teased, as Issac laughed. As the woman smiled, she considered lucky enough to find the two and kept their friendship for as long as it was now.

Then with Aliya in her life, her love towards the girl grew over the years. Seeing the way Issac and Amara handled their daughter made her want to be a great parent in the sense they were to her niece. Stormy just hoped she would live long enough to see her kids grow, just like Issac and Amara.

But for now, Stormy was happy just being in great company. When that time did come though, she would know what to do.

|||||||||||||

Hours later, Jesse woke up and after he was on the couch with Aliya, he realized he must have fallen asleep. However, when he saw his best friend resting on his shoulder, whatever worries he felt for himself faded away when he saw her face glistening in the moonlight.

Noticing that her hair was in the way, Jesse placed a few of her curls behind her ear, revealing more of her face. Gently holding her head, Jesse got up before slowly lowering her head onto the couch, grabbing a pillow to steady her head while laying a nearby blanket on her as a cover.

After making sure she was comfortable, Jesse had made the effort to go before he felt something brushing his arm. Glancing over, he realized that Aliya held a light grip on his hand. "Stay," she softly pleaded, a whisper in the night. "I'm sorry, but I can't," he disappointedly stated, despite truly wanting to stay the night with her. Jesse 'tried' to leave, but Aliya held onto his hand longer.

"I love you," she whispered, stirring in her sleep. While initially caught off-guard by her response, the realization of her words had finally dawned on him. As such, a bright and optimistic grin overcame him, knowing if she was awake, Aliya would have definitely called him a dork. Seconds later, Jesse found his hair turning brighter than ever before.

In that moment, Jesse knew he was in trouble.

At least when he had suppressed his feelings towards his best friend, Jesse could make himself act interested in Iris and pretend he was in love with her.

But now, he was going to look at Iris, and wish Aliya was in her place. It became clear to him that Iris would never come close to the way Aliya made him feel. Because while he was absolutely certain that Iris was only interested in his status, Aliya had actually cared about his true self.

All of the years he spent with Aliya came back to him and for a moment, Jesse became convinced that he was willing to spend his entire life with her. He would give up his gift and his fame to be with the girl that essentially lit up his whole world. But, knowing that his dreams would never come true, Jesse solemnly sighed to himself, wishing he could change his life to include her in it.

Deciding that he could at least settle for the small, blissful amount of happiness, Jesse took advantage of this quiet opportunity. Tonight, he wasn't Avalon's matchmaker or the self-local love fairy who looked out for everyone's love-related interest or even Iris's "boyfriend."

Tonight, Jesse was going to reclaim his identity, if only briefly. He would let himself be love with the one person who had loved him back.... Even if, Jesse knew her words were based on their recently-reunited friendship, not the feelings she (possibly) had for him.

Still, the words were enough for him. For once, Jesse was truly happy and he wanted that feeling to last longer, even as his heart crumbled at the thought of pushing his best friend away again. At least, he could hold onto the sliver remains the night had to offer him.

Kneeling beside her, Jesse chose to lightly squeeze her hand before intertwining their hands together. With his hands intertwined with hers, Jesse felt content, and he never wanted to let this feeling go.

"I love you too," Jesse sincerely said, lightly stroking her hair before releasing the grip they held on each other. "Sleep tight, princess," he whispered, before planting a soft kiss on her left cheek. Looking at her fondly for one last time, his heart wrenched from the idea of dealing the demands of society, his parents, and Iris.

Jesse couldn't truly be himself in Avalon, but here with Aliya beside him in these walls, he could and that's what had pained him most of all. It was that with each gentle notion of genuine love he gave her, his heart ached at the idea of pushing her away and going back to his bleak routine.

Realizing that he and Aliya could never truly be together, he made it his cue to leave right then and there. After leaving the house, Jesse flew as far as he could and once he was alone, his knees buckled on the grassy area, where he released a series of anguish cries.

As Jesse laid his feelings bare, he became frustrated at the world (for doing this to him), and his parents (for making him turn on the person he loved), but mostly he was mainly frustrated at himself for buying into Avalon's lies and allowing society to mold him into someone he wasn't.

When all of this was said and done, Jesse made a silent vow to renounce his birthright, give up everything he knew and permanently become human. Perhaps with time, Aliya and her family would follow him. It was a risky move, he knew, but one he was willing to take. If he could find a way, Jesse would do anything to make good on his vow. 

One way or another.

——————

The next morning, Jesse descended from the stairs in his pink floral T-shirt, black jeans and light pink sneakers. While releasing his feelings last night had helped, that couldn't stop the dread he felt. It also didn't help that he dreamt of Aliya, the first time in six years that the thought of her followed him into his nightly slumber.

He had made his way to the door after grabbing his things when Jesse suddenly heard footsteps descending from the above. Knowing he wasn't going to get out in time, Jesse turned around, confidently expecting his parents to scowl him when he saw the family's advisor and frowned.

"Oh. It's just you."

Realizing his poor choice of words, Jesse winced, knowing it was something his parents would say when their advisor came around. Perhaps, his parents were rubbing onto him a little.... The thought of that nearly made him sick. The last thing he ever wanted to be were like his parents.

"I mean, hey Atticus!" Jesse immediately greeted, attempting to recover from his response. Besides, if he could find a way to flatter Atticus, then maybe just maybe the advisor would be merciful enough to spare him a lecture. He struggled with what to say until Jesse noticed his advisor's choice of attire.

Staring at the older pale-skinned male's reddish black robe, his white shirt, blackened dress pants and shoes, Jesse chose to jump at that direction. "You look amazing this morning. How are you doing? I was just about to—" he continued, only to get cut off by his hand motion. That's when Jesse knew he failed and a lecture awaited him.

"You came in late last night. Want to explain why?" Atticus sharply inquired, while Jesse awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, well you see...." Jesse began, silently trailing off as he scrambled for an excuse. "Castor and I were hanging out and we simply lost track of time," he insisted as Atticus politely hummed before striking the boy with his scepter.

"Ow!" Jesse exclaimed, rubbing his head. "What was that for?" he exclaimed, glaring at his family's advisor before his eyes widened. "Oh...." he mumbled, dreadfully groaning afterwards as the realization hit him.

"You should know by now that I specialize in the art of detecting lies," Atticus insisted before shaking his head. "I'm disappointed. You know, lies don't get past me," he added as Jesse silently cursed himself for forgetting.

"So, tell me what really happened," the advisor firmly ordered, annoyed when the boy shook his head. "Either you confess to me or I bring the matter up with your parents," he followed up as Jesse's face fell at the knowledge that his parents were unaware of his absence last night.

If he ever went missing, would his parents even know? Would they even care? Jesse found himself not wanting to answer those two questions that currently burned in the back of his mind.

"Your choice."

"Fine, I'll just confess to you," Jesse answered, knowing he didn't have much options left. "I... I was at Aliya's house," he admitted, with a tiny amount of guilt. "So, does that explain the object I found in your room?" Atticus followed up as Jesse gasped, realizing he forgot to hide his comb from last night.

"Wait, you went to my room while I was asleep?" Jesse asked, more annoyed by the fact his privacy was invaded in the middle of the night. "I wouldn't had to enter your room, if a certain someone had came back on time," Atticus factually pointed out, further adding to Jesse's level of annoyance with him.

"Now, answer the question."

"Yes."

"You haven't gone over there in six years. What made you decide to break your parents' protocol and risk getting caught to go there?" Atticus firmly asked, glaring at the boy closer. "Iris dedicated this short play to me, but uh...." Jesse paused, struggling to find the right words. Luckily for him, Atticus knew what he was talking about.

"That show was distasteful, to say the least," Atticus admitted in his brisk tone. "But, go on," he ordered, urging Jesse to continue.

"Right, well I confronted Iris and told her to apologize when the show ended. However, I felt like I needed to apology to Aliya and her family too, so I went over to her house to do just that," Jesse cautiously continued, watching his advisor's every move.

"Okay, modesty. I'll give you that," Atticus admitted, but when he saw Jesse's lit up face, he made sure to let the boy know he was still in the wrong. "But an apology like that doesn't take long, so why didn't you leave sooner?" he persisted as Jesse fumbled with his next choice of words.

I just feel like a screw-up and I... I just felt like a burden! I know my family love me, but even they're starting to get affected by everyone's perception of me. I thought about sneaking out to find you, or maybe just try to clear my head, but when I saw everyone laughing at my suicide attempt and Iris said those things to me.... I was convinced you had truly gone to despise me too.

"She was in distress, Atticus. Aliya was so genuinely sad. I couldn't just leave her like that. So, I stayed to cheer her up," Jesse answered, hoping his response would suffice Atticus's inner lie detector.

"Right. Is this before or after you slept with her?"

"Before," Jesse answered, before processing the mistake he just made. "Wait! I uh—" he finished as Atticus shook his head. "You started with honest intentions and gradually found yourself falling back in love with her. Does this sound correct?" the advisor logically reasoned, as Jesse's eyes widened, which Atticus took as a "yes."

"But how—"

"You and your family, I swear. None of you ever pay attention," Atticus lowly mumbled, before releasing an annoyed sigh. "Jesse, I read minds for a living. If I'm not trying to catch a liar, then I'm analyzing people's minds to see what else they're hiding, whether those actions were intentional or not," Atticus slowly stated, bored from explaining to someone who has clearly not paid attention to the way his powers work.

"Anyways, I hope your second-guessing that dream of yours to live in the human's realm permanently," Atticus continued. "Trust me, I've been down there once and the human world..." he paused, struggling for the right words. "The human world is a mess," he lamely finished.

"I don't understand how a world that makes such beautiful things could be bad. I mean, why should humans labeled as terrible when we're literally no better?" he reasoned as Atticus dreadfully sighed at the boy's unique perspective on things.

"Jess—"

"Am I wrong?"

Atticus paused, a frown across his face. "No, you're not wrong," he reluctantly admitted, though partially annoyed of the whole thing. Why was he the one in charge over this child? Yes, he knew Jesse's parents were busy, but still. At this point, he was their responsibility, not his.

"Ha! I knew it!"

"If you are truly set on this dream and you're absolutely certain that this is what you want, then you should go see Narcissa," Atticus plainly suggested as Jesse tilt his head.

"Who's Narcissa?"

"My ex," Atticus bluntly answered. "No, but in all fairness, she's a sea witch hidden deep within Avalon Lake. If you can survive the way down, then chances are she's going to heed your request. However, her help doesn't come cheap and if you fail to read her contracts beforehand, then you'll pay a hefty price later on," he continued as Jesse's eyes widened.

"How do you know all of this?"

"I read a few minds from Avalonians who went to Narcissa for help," Atticus quickly answered. "Oh, would you look at the time! I have to start getting the preparations for your birthday bash ready, and you need to get a plus-one by then," he followed up, pushing Jesse out of the house.

"Now, go get a move on!"

Closing the door from behind him, Atticus glanced at his arm, where he saw a red dragon image embodied into his skin. A moment later, a sharp pain erupted from his head as the advisor silently bite his tongue to avoid detection, even if he was the only one in the house.

Pushing his robe sleeve back, a part of his right arm gain dragon scales, before gradually fading away. But as he felt his arm, it became clear that the scales were part of him. "I'm running out of time! I need to find that lamp!" Atticus angrily exclaimed to himself, forcibly banging his hand against the table.

"When I get my hands on that lamp, I am going to kill Nissa for what she did to me," he vowed to himself before glancing outside, "then when I'm through with her, I'm going to ensure no one else takes me for granted."

—————————

"Narcissa?" Jesse repeated to him, thinking about to his conversation with his advisor. "Could she really be the one to solve all of my problems?" he asked himself, wondering why it was the first time he heard of this "sea witch." There had to be more to her, or was she truly a lock-and-key secret?

Knowing there was only one place in town that would have the answers to his questions, Jesse had set to the local library in town. Searching through Avalon's catalogs, Jesse's eyes landed on a particular cover.

With its black designs and seaweed imprints on the cover, Jesse glanced at the book further, revealing the title "Sea Witch Chronicles." Holding the book steady, Jesse only managed to get a glimpse before a loud noise startled him. Glancing up, Jesse clutched tightly to the book, but after staring at the light blonde male, Jesse simply smiled back, now at ease and thrilled to see the male in his knight attire.

"I see you got accepted into knighthood," he stated, grinning brightly. "Congratulations, Castor!" Jesse excitedly cheered as Castor flexed his arms. "Thanks, but I mean it was pretty obvious. The tournament was full of losers, and next year will be no exception. I can't wait to see the unfortunate loser facing me in the arena," Castor smugly boosted, flexing his arms once more.

While Jesse rolled his eyes, Castor had stopped upon staring at the book in the boy's possession. "So, what are you reading?" Castor curiously inquired as Jesse lowered his intense grip on the book. "Nothing too special," Jesse obviously downplayed in an attempt to keep the book longer.

"Come on, let me see."

After Jesse reluctantly hands over the book, Castor only glanced at the title before blinking. "Dude, are you reading The Sea Witch Chronicles? You know, this is the book mothers read to kids, right?" Castor scoffed, as his laughter continued.

"Don't tell me you're thinking about actually seeking out a sea witch," Castor jokingly stated as Jesse's hair glowed in embarrassment. "What if I was?" Jesse shot back, a hint of anger rising inside him.

"Sea witches don't exist," Castor emphasized, much to Jesse's annoyance. "Witches in general haven't existed since the executions took place five hundred years ago," Caster logically explained.

"Besides, why would you go search for a sea witch, anyways?"

"Wouldn't you want to search for a sea witch if it meant changing your life?"

"No, because taking shortcuts are stupid, Jesse. Everyone knows it's hard work that gets you through, but you wouldn't anything about that, my friend," Castor pointed out as Jesse cautiously stared at him. "What is that supposed to mean?" Jesse sharply asked, offended by Castor's response.

"All you do is make people fall in love. Like it's such a stupid gift that should have never been prioritized yet everyone still looks at you like a god. So, forgive me, but I find your idea to be pointless," Castor angrily answered.

"My life isn't as perfect as everyone thinks it is!" Jesse snapped back, but to his dismay, Castor laughed. "Dude, what are you even complaining about? Your life is perfect. You have two parents, you're rich, people respect you and all the girls want you. What could you possibly not want?" Castor sharply criticized, now irritated by Jesse.

"Whatever. I just think you're stupid to throw your life away," Castor insisted, harshly tossing the book at Jesse. "Come back to me when you actually have struggles in your life," he followed up, glancing at Jesse with disgust, but not before the love fairy heard Castor calling him "privilege" and "entitled."

"Why did I think I could tell him? He would never understand what it's like to be in my shoes," he angrily mumbled, sliding down to his knees.

"No one would."

———————

After checking out the book, Jesse didn't bother trying to use his wings and fly. He ignored the stares, and furiously tried keeping his despair at bay. So when he saw Aliya chatting to Jaxon and Lillian, Jesse smiled at the sight of her. It was nice knowing that she was in brighter spirits again.

When her eyes landed on him, she (understandably) glanced around to make sure no one else was around. Then, Aliya softly waved in his direction, a gesture he happily returned. Perhaps, Jaxon and their sister sensed something, because a moment later, Jaxon was already leaving with Lillian in tow, who managed to whisper in Aliya's ear.

Approaching Aliya just as the two siblings left, Jesse saw her hair briefly glow, which he presumed had something to do with what Lillian had whispered in the girl's ear.

"Hey," Jesse softly began, awkwardly rubbing his neck as a shy smile formed, his heart beating harder than usual. "Hey, you," Aliya awkwardly began, trying to sound casual before face-palming herself by her response. "Sorry, that sounded a lot better in my head," she followed up as Jesse found himself genuinely laughing.

"I get it. We haven't really talked in six years. It's understandable," Jesse reasonably stated, trying to control his beating heart. "Right, right. So I think Iris mentioned something about an apology because...." Aliya began, before trailing off at the sight of his smile falling.

"Hey, are you alright?" Aliya softly asked, the question catching Jesse off-guard. "Yeah, of course!" Jesse exclaimed, perhaps with too much force as she raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms. "I'm fine, really," he insisted, but still she didn't budge.

"Jesse, I know you're lying. Something is clearly bothering you, so what's wrong?" Aliya inquired as Jesse sighed, craving in. "Sometimes, I wish I could change my life. I enjoy helping people experience love, don't get me wrong, but I just wasn't prepared for all of the expectations that came with being a love fairy," he started as Aliya softly nodded, indicting she was listening.

"I know it's stupid, but it's just everyone thinks my life is so easy and I just feel so... so..."

"Trapped," Aliya quickly suggested, much to his surprise. "You feel trapped by the burden of trying to please everyone and uphold their expectations, but you're so caught in trying to please them you become unaware that you're sinking in the process," she plainly explained as Jesse nodded.

"Yeah, exactly," he said, relieved to know someone understood him, which only made sense that Aliya would be the one to understand him. "I'm sorry you feel that way. This town has a way of making good people feel inferior and I just —" she paused, letting out a frustrated scream.

"I really want to burn this place sometimes, but yeah. I know it's tough, but I'm proud of you all the same. Maybe, one day, Avalon will come around and get to know the real you," Aliya softly reasoned, before pulling him into a hug. Smiling, Jesse accepted the hug.

"Thank you."

"Hey, don't thank me. I was just returning the favor," Aliya shyly replied, moving a strand of her hair behind her ear after ending the hug. "You're a good person, Aliya. I wish more Avalonians knew about that. Maybe then, they could start taking a page out of you," Jesse reasoned as he saw Aliya downplaying his compliment.

"No, really it's true!" Jesse protested. "Anyone would be lucky to have you in their life," he added, holding her hand while her eyes softly widened. "Jess, what are you..." she began, only for her voice to trail off as the two made eye contact. It was so subtle, but Jesse could have sworn their hearts were beating one and the same.

"Aliya, I know our friendship is only now getting back together, but you make me so happy and I would honored if you were my—"

"Jessibear!"

Aliya immediately pulled herself away from Jesse, luckily just before Iris could see the two affectionately together. "Oh, my Jessibear! I've missed you so much!" Iris happily exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him, secretly sending a dark glare to Aliya, who meekly glanced away.

"Iris, hey," Jesse awkwardly began, as he brushed off her affection. "You uh, what are you doing here?" he politely asked, secretly annoyed that she came at the wrong time.

"Oh, Jessibear, did you forget?" Iris sweetly inquired, flipping her hair back. "I came to confirm my good deed for apologizing to that thing over there," Iris happily stated, before staring at Aliya, whose face conveyed a mix of confusion, rage and hurt.

"With her as proof, of course," Iris added as an afterthought, while Aliya rolled her eyes, annoyed with the girl. "What? You didn't—" Aliya began, only for a sharp glare to make her switch tones. "I mean, you did apologize. Um, thank you," she awkwardly corrected, releasing a tense laugh afterwards.

It was clear to Jesse that Iris didn't apologize, much less she didn't even bother with her attempt. However, seeing Aliya go through with the lie saddened him. He thought he was being helpful, but instead Jesse indirectly made things worse.

"You see, she confirmed my good deed and now we can celebrate!" Iris excitedly cheered, passionately pulling Jesse to her side. Then, before he could even anticipate anything, Iris leaned in and kissed him, her lips interlocking with him. By the time he managed to break off the kiss, Jesse didn't see Aliya in sight.

"Aw, what a shame," she sarcastically stated with a smug grin. "I guess that freak finally got the memo that she never had a chance with you," Iris smugly continued, laughing while Jesse's heart felt itself shattering in half.

On the surface, Jesse managed to appear neutral, but internally, he was crying because the real person he wanted to have as his plus-one was gone and now, Jesse was stuck being trapped once more. So, Jesse faked a laugh and forced himself to look at Iris with some degree of affection.

"Yeah, what a loser. I'm so glad she got the memo. I would rather die than have her get anywhere near me. You're all I need, babe," Jesse forced himself to say, then placed a kiss on Iris's forehead.

"Let's get you home."

——————

After flying Iris back home (as she requested to be carried in his arms), Jesse safely dropped her off where she invited him inside. There, Jesse and Iris spotted the girl's father descending downstairs with the father and daughter's smiles growing larger upon seeing each other.

"Hi, daddy!" Iris happily cried, rushing into her father's arms, who warmly returned the gesture. "Hi, Princess, how was your day?" he genuinely asked her, excitedly nodding to everything she told him. Seeing their interaction from afar, it was clear the Senior Fae cared deeply about his daughter and likewise, Iris cared deeply about her father.

Jesse found himself wishing his parents loved him the way the Senior Fae loved Iris. In fact, he grew envious and nearly left until Iris said something to her father and made her way upstairs. Now, her father was approaching him and his palms were sweaty — wait, why were his palms sweaty?

"Jess! I see you made quite the impression on my daughter," the Senior Fae playfully teased as Jesse stared at the older man in front of him. "Is it safe to say you two are official?" he followed up as Jesse awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.

"Uh, no sir."

"Well, that's a shame," the Senior Fae lamented. "You know, Iris is willing to love you, but you need to let Aliya go. She's not the one for you," he added, sensing the internal conflict Jesse faced. As Jesse sighed, the Senior Fae warmly placed a gentle grip on his shoulder.

"There's not many guys out there that are willing to put her interests first like you do. and truth be told, I genuinely like you, Jesse. It would make me so happy if you chose my daughter and not some low-class disgrace whose very existence soils this good land," he told Jesse, who was now making eye contact with him.

"With all due respect, Senior Fae—"

"Please, I think we're both past the title stage, son. Call me Ambrose," the Senior Fae insisted as Jesse's eyes widened from the informality, but nodded all the same before continuing.

"With all due respect, Sen—" Jesse paused. "With all due respect, Ambrose, why do you despise Aliya so much?" he curiously asked. It was a question that formed in the back of his mind. "She's a troublemaker, a nuisance and a rebel rolled up into one. Her type are the ones to burn everything and everyone around them," Ambrose simply began, his tone taking on a more exhausted tone.

"More so, Aliya comes across to me as a defect for her lack of contribution towards our beloved home and interest in changing our way of life. She neglects tradition and rules for 'inclusion' and her interest in humans is a crime in itself," Ambrose explained as Jesse awkwardly laughed at the last part.

"Yeah, humans are disgusting."

Ambrose nodded, truly proud to see Jesse growing into the man he was always meant to be. He would be more happy if Jesse and Iris got together, especially when he found a way to overthrow the current royal family. For now though, Ambrose needed to focus on winning the boy over.

"I could go on and on about your...." Ambrose deliberately trailed off and grew relieved when Jesse scoffed. "That freak? She's no friend of mine," Jesse responded, just the way Ambrose wanted him to answer. Perhaps, winning the boy over wouldn't take much time after all.

It was critical to get Jesse over to his side as soon as possible. Ambrose needed to get ready for preparations and although, the boy didn't know it yet, he would soon a vital role in his plans. But, that time would come soon enough.

"Good. Remember that, Jesse. Aliya carries herself like a victim, and she'll manipulate anyone to ensure her voice is heard. It's important to know that she's only trying to use you to advance her own hidden agenda. Under all circumstances, do not allow her to have power over you. Okay?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now, it was nice chatting with you, but I have some paperwork to do and meetings to assemble," Ambrose concluded, releasing his grip on the boy.

"Oh, but it was nice seeing you again. Come by for dinner next time, if you can. Iris and I greatly appreciate your company, and hope to see you soon," he sincerely added as Jesse nodded and smiled. "I will come again at another time, so thank you for everything," Jesse sincerely said.

"Your daughter, Iris ... she's a sweetheart and I would do anything to protect her," he concluded. Jesse didn't know why he chose the words he did, but The Senior Fae seemed pleased, so that was good enough for him.

"Good night, Ambrose."

"Good night, Jesse."

———————

Back home, Jesse's eyes lingered on the sliver fork, lying on his bed while glancing at the ceiling. It was bare and bleak like everything else, but it was fine since the lack of design gave him a peace of mind. Or, at least, that's what Jesse tells himself every night he's stuck coming back here.

Jesse held the fork towards the moonlight, and smiled softly before frowning at the thought of Aliya. Placing his comb beside him, the boy groaned before screaming into his pillow.

"Sir, I heard your distress," Atticus insisted, knocking only as an afterthought. "Atticus, I need help. Should I follow my head or my heart?" Jesse asked as Atticus sat on the bed, while he actually sat up. "I know by choosing Iris, I'm solidifying my alliance with the Senior Fae, but if I go with Aliya...." he explained, only to trail off.

"You would be happier at the cost of losing everything," Atticus finished, before sighing at the boy's dismay. "Life is challenging, but sometimes it's best to value logic over love," he reasoned as Jesse's hair glowed brightly.

"But, I'm not—"

"You love Aliya, boy, now shush."

"But—"

"It's the only reason why we're in this situation. If you had actually stuck to the protocols set by your parents, this conversation wouldn't exist," Atticus continued, interrupting Jesse once more. "You would have simply continued performing your duty," Atticus sharply stated, not trying to hear another one of Jesse's half-baked lies.

"Look, you can lie to everyone else about how you truly feel about Aliya, but I know you will always love her. It's just what you do every time you're with the girl, Jesse, and every time she's around, you change," Atticus continued. "Mostly, it was for the better, but rarely did you ever change for the worse. But one time, an incident occurred and the two of you had your first fight. She ended the friendship with you, and well, you...." Atticus began, only to hesitate at the last second.

It was still too soon to tell that story, so Atticus decided against the whole ideal. "You change," he weakly finished. "Each time you chose your heart, consequences followed, but for each time you chose your head, you were greatly rewarded," he continued as Jesse slowly nodded.

"So.... What you are saying is...."

"What I'm saying is, maybe it's time you fully let go of your love with Aliya. As long as you give her control, you'll never fully grow into the person you're meant to become," Atticus calmly reasoned.

"But getting rid of her fully would mean—"

"Disposing of your human trinkets, I'm afraid. It's the only way you're going to fully be able to move on," Atticus responded while Jesse stared at his comb. "If I get rid of everything though, I'll never have a chance to start over. But still...." Jesse started, only to trail off. "If I'm able to move on, do you think... Do you think I'll be happier?" Jesse sincerely asked, just as his advisor was about to head out.

"Your happiness is entirely dependent upon you, sir. If you are able to gain peace by moving on with your past, then yes. You will be happier," Atticus wisely answered, before leaving the boy on his own. Now alone, Jesse held the sliver fork up and sighed to himself.

"I'm sorry, Aliya, but I made a mistake connecting with you again. We both to need move on, and maybe with time, I'll be a lot happier soon if I can fully convince myself to cut you out of my life," he stated, but each word came across as hollow and forced.

With each word, it was a stab to the kind of person he wanted to be with Aliya. But now that he made his decision, Jesse knew there was no going back. In the end, Jesse chose to follow his head and ultimately, his duty in serving Avalon.

So silently holding onto his mouth, he allowed his tears to fall, knowing that while his decision was in his best interest.... His choice wasn't for him. Yet as much as he tried telling himself it was for the best though, his heart paid the price for his choice. Despite believing he had done his best, Jesse knew he was trapped once more and this time....

He had no one to blame but himself.