Saving Me [MxM]

Chapter 09 (Part Two)

Nathan rolled his eyes at that, opting not to comment. He could barely have a civil conversation with her- how the hell was he supposed to ask her something like that? And how did Varian not know she was his other mate? You could feel when someone was your mate, and Varian's more perceptive than Nathan, what with his heightened senses and all.

"This girl, what's her name?" Ace asked, sounding very interested.

"Jecklynn Ushkowitz."

Ace began walking again, heading toward Swanson Hall. "Been a long time since I've heard the name Ushkowitz," he commented. "And your mate, Varian right? What's his last name?"

"Joll." Nathan said, following.

"Joll? J-O-L-L, Joll?"

Nathan nodded.

"Fascinating."

"...How?"

"Most people don't know this, but the Joll family, starting with Vox, were the head of the creation of the V.C. Board of Trustees. I'm sure your mate's told you all about it," Ace said, nodding to himself.

"Yeah."

"How did you manage to land yourself such an interesting paradigm?"

Nathan shrugged. He'd been asking himself that for a while. "Your guess is as good as mine. Sometimes it's sort of cool, other times it annoys the shit out of me."

"Well, this is where we part ways. I've got to head home, there's a hungry German Shepherd probably chewing up my couch," Ace said as they neared Swanson Hall, stopping and looking at Nathan. "It was pleasant speaking with you. Don't forget your assignment, and if you ever have any more questions, you know how to contact me."

Nathan nodded. "Thank you."

"Ah, Nathan, I would like to say you're welcome, but I fear I've made your life much more difficult," Ace replied apologetically. "I look forward to having you in class on Monday. Have a good evening."

Nathan hesitated before exhaling and shrugging. "It'll work out in the end, hopefully. Good night."

Ace left after that as Nathan headed up to his room. Thomas was in there, laying on his bed, but not asleep, glancing over as Nathan came in with a smile. "How was class?" he asked cheerfully. Nathan didn't even respond as he walked over to his own bed, putting his bag down beside it and taking his shoes off before laying on it, keeping his back to Thomas. "...That bad, huh?" he heard. It was silent for a few minutes before he heard some shuffling, and the lamp in the room switched off. 

The Wednesday after Nathan left, Varian actually moped around in bed. He lay curled up under the covers and glared at his wall. That stupid headache was back with a vengeance, he'd noticed that over time, it got worse faster than it had before. A mild one throbbed at his temple, making him despise the separation more.

At this point, he was annoyed with his body. It'd never bothered him before, but now, not only did he like being touched, but he wanted to touch and participate in more than just watching or kissing. But nothing in his life could be normal and he hated it. At least he was reacting to Nathan now though. Before nothing had happened, but on a couple occasions.

More now so. That was good. Still bugged him though.

Great, now he really was moping. He didn't want to talk to Helen right now, though he'd finished that sixth entry. Turns out his dad had mated Cercea. The very night he explained to her how mates worked.