Vile Attraction (Floyd Leech/Yuu, Jade Leech/Yuu)

16 ~ For a Price

Azul was careful to lock the door after Jade entered. He was always careful about locking things up, especially when they were of importance, such as this conversation they were about to have.

"You don't need my permission to sit down," Azul said, noticing how Jade remained standing by the black leather couches.

Jade took a seat, a wry smile on his face. "I apologize, Housewarden, I was under the impression that with you having so much authority over me, I am at your beck and call at all times and that I shan't do anything without your express permission."

Azul let out an exasperated sigh, sitting on the couch across from him. "Are you really that upset with me?"

"Oh, no," Jade responded, bringing a hand to his chest and equipping a solemn expression. "I could never be upset with my dear housewarden."

"You know I needed to, Jade," he sighed. "For what it's worth, I apologize, but you've been harder to track down lately than Floyd!"

The twin glanced to the side, away from Azul. He knew that what he was saying was true, but it was almost embarrassing to hear how poorly he had been covering his tracks.

They sat in silence for a few moments before Azul asked, "Do you have feelings for the prefect?"

"What makes you ask that?" Jade wore an unreadable expression.

"You've been behaving strangely as of late," Azul responded. "And it seems to be centered around her."

Jade let out a hum at that, not revealing anything with his expression. "Perhaps, perhaps not. Perhaps that's what I want you to think."

Azul furrowed his eyebrows at the statement. Jade never was the type to wear his heart on his sleeve, only displaying emotion when it benefitted him. Was it really all an act..? Azul couldn't believe that.

"Act or not, it's affecting your performance at the Lounge, and I cannot allow that." He picked up a pen, idly spinning it in his hands. "You've been going to see her on your days off, haven't you?"

Jade narrowed his eyes and Azul continued, "You make sure that Floyd is working when you take time off. What's your reasoning, unless I'm right?"

Taking his hat into his hands, Jade wordlessly began observing it as though it was the first time he was seeing the object he wore on his head every day. His fingers slowly ran along the rim, and after a few moments, Azul realized that Jade was not going to make any effort to answer.

"Jade..." Azul exhaled deeply. "I'm not going to lecture you since I'm sure you know what you're doing is wrong—"

"—Is it, though?"

Azul furrowed his eyebrows. "You're seeing your brother's girlfriend behind his back. You know that that's wrong."

A peculiar smile appeared on Jade's face. "I personally think that I'm justified."

"Why?"

"Because I know something you don't."

Jade's smile shifted into a knowing smirk. He knew just how to get under Azul's skin. If there was one thing the octopus hated, it was being oblivious.

"Are you going to tell me what that is?" Azul asked tersely, crossing his arms.

The taller boy's smirk grew even more, showing off his pointed teeth as he crossed one leg over the other. "Perhaps... for a price."

"Tch." Jade was enjoying the exasperation he was bringing Azul, which only frustrated him more. "This is all just some ruse to make me end up in your debt, isn't it?"

"If that's how you'd like to view it," Jade answered, his tone even and calm. "But I think you'd like to hear what I have to say."

Azul took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. "What's your price?"

"I want to continue to be able to take days off whenever need be."

"No," Azul answered quickly, "That's the issue here! The fact that you're allowing this to impact your work!"

"I admit that I have been neglecting my responsibilities lately, but my request shouldn't be a problem if I agree to stay on top of my work from now on, correct?" Jade waved his hand in the air next to him, mimicking the motion Azul usually made when he used his Signature Spell. "Go on, create a contract. I'll be in breach of it if I neglect my work again. How does that sound?"

Azul mulled it over in his head. "And all you want is to be able to take days off?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Preferably without Floyd's knowledge. And if you could assure me that he works on the days I take off, that would be lovely as well."

"The latter seems a bit much just for a tidbit of information that I supposedly would like to hear."

"I find that I'm actually being under-compensated if anything, but I know you won't believe me until you hear it. As long as I'm able to do what I'm taking time off to do, I'll accept what I can get out of this deal."

"As long as you can see the prefect," Azul murmured, to which Jade nodded and smiled. "Fine, no need for a contract. I'll assure you that you can take days off without your brother's knowing so long as you don't take an excessive amount of days off nor fall behind on your responsibilities. Remember, I made you Octavinelle's vice-housewarden for a reason."

Jade nodded again. "That sounds perfect."

Azul leaned forward in his seat, lowering his voice ever so slightly. "Now tell me."

"Tell you what?" Jade asked playfully, a mischievous grin gracing his face.

"Jade."

"My, Azul, you've gotten so uptight lately," Jade chuckled, leaning back on the couch. "I fear I may have hyped it up a bit much and it won't live up to your expectations."

Azul clenched his jaw, not in the mood for Jade's antics. "If it doesn't, I take back my end of the bargain. Maybe I'll even tell your brother. Go on, spit it out."

Jade brought a knuckle to his chin, eyeing Azul for a few moments before finally speaking.

"Floyd has been slipping Yuu love potions."

Azul's eyes widened and his mouth fell slack-jawed."What?"

"She's not truly in love with him," Jade said with a smile, his voice lowering to a whisper. "She's in love with me."