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Douxie tried not to form too many attachments. He’d live far longer than any mortal and most sorcerers kept themselves hidden away. After all, no one wanted another witch hunt. Not to mention that Douxie had looked 19 for a while. And would keep looking 19 for a long time. All of which left him feeling... lonely sometimes. Sure there was Archie. And Douxie was glad to have him. But there was something to be said about the company of people, ones that didn’t lick their own butts. So he did get attached to people. Some he divulged his secret to, others would just be for a while and he could strategically move on. Krel was the former. The Akiridian boy had managed to nestle himself into Douxie’s small circle. Not difficult considering they had a lot in common already. Music, an appreciation of magic and tech, defending Arcadia, and recently loosing their parents. It helped that Douxie knew that Akiridian’s could live a long time, being energy cores rather than water blobs. So yes, Douxie didnt mind getting a little attached to Krel. And considering Krel had opened a wormhole to send Nari and Steve through to Akiridian V for a bit, it was definitely a good decision now that Douxie could have a little breathing room. His room above GDT Arcane Books had been blown to bits, making him effectively homeless and jobless. Krel had offered his place quite happily. Douxie was beginning to realise it wasn’t just a kindness but also a chance for Krel to quiz him up, down, and sideways about magic, magic tech and the flying ship.
“But where does the power come from?” Krel asked for the millionth time. Douxie smiled patiently despite having explained a hundred times. “If it’s not the gem, how does the staff work?”
“The gems are like...” Douxie trailed off, trying to think of how best to explain it. “Hmm they’re like a conduit. They have the right resonance to respond to our magic.”
“So the magic comes from you?” Krel asked.
“Yes.” Douxie said with a nod. “Sorcerers have magical energy, but it can be difficult to channel correctly. So we use staffs and things to do it properly.”
“Things like your gauntlet?” Krel asked, grabbing Douxie’s arm to look it over. “If I could just get inside it then maybe I could...” Douxie just accepted his fate, resting his chin on his free hand. Krel fumbled around with the gauntlet for a bit, trying to find some way to remove it.
“It doesn’t come off.” Douxie said after Krel tried to pry it off with a screwdriver. “They normally do but mine’s stuck on.” Krel stared at him in confusion.
“But you don’t always wear it. I’ve seen it not be there.” Krel said, gesturing at the gauntlet with both of his hands.
“I cast an illusion spell to hide it.” Douxie explained. “See?” He quickly cast the spell and his gauntlet turned into a watch. Krel’s jaw dropped.
“Just like Mother’s camouflage capabilities.” He said, looking at it from different angles. “How did it get stuck?”
“Magic accident.” Douxie said. “Before I became Merlin’s apprentice. Untrained magic is dangerous. I sort of. Welded it to my skin.” He finished with a wince.
“Must have hurt.” Krel said sympathetically. “Does it still hurt?”
“Not really. It’s over 900 years old.” Douxie said with a wave of his hand. Krel frowned at him. “What?”
“I keep forgetting your 900.” He said, shuffling awkwardly. “You act like a dumb teenager.”
“That’s because I am a dumb teenager.” Douxie laughed. “I guess it’s a little weird that I don’t look old.”
“Not really. Mama and Papa were both really old as well.” Krel said a little sadly, before shooting Douxie a smug look. “But they acted their age.”
“Oh ouch.” Douxie laughed. “Where’s the fun in that? I’ve always looked this young, so I’ve always felt this young.”
“Yes you must have an excellent skin care routine.” Krel joked. Douxie blinked at him.
“Krel Tarron, is that a joke.” He said in mock surprise. “A human joke no less.”
“Hey I make jokes all the time.” Krel responded.
“Sarcasm doesn’t count.” Douxie said cheerily. “Besides my skin care routine is flawless.” He poked Krel on the nose and winked before laughing again. Krel rolled his eyes before joining in the snickering. He looked at Douxie, who was still chortling before impulsively kissing him. Douxie jerked back and stared at Krel with wide eyes.
“Sorry.” Krel said before running off to his room.
“Krel wait!” Douxie said, going after him. He caught Krel’s arm, stopping the boy in his tracks. “I’m flattered. Really I am.”
“But you aren’t interested.” Krel finished, ducking his head.
“Well even if we took out the whole 900 years immortality thing, I’m still 19. And your 15.” Douxie explained, dropping Krel’s arm.
“So if I was 19 it would be fine?” Krel asked. Douxie flushed a little.
“That’s not what I said.” He said quickly.
“Right.” Krel said, slumping his shoulders.
“I’m sorry Krel.” Douxie said softly.
“It’s not your fault.” Krel said. “You’re right. I just... didn’t think it through.”
“I can go if you want.” Douxie said gently.
“Where?”
“I’ve roughed it before and I’m sure I’ll find somewhere.” Douxie said.
“You don’t need to.” Krel said. “You can stay here. I won’t jump you again.” Douxie hesitated and shook his head.
“It’s best if I go.” He said. He started to walk back to his own room to pack but stopped and kissed the Akiridian on the cheek.
“Huh?”
“Something to remember me by.” Douxie said. “I’m sure you’ll find someone who’s perfect for you some day.” Krel blinked but smiled a little.