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Alex sat on a sun-warmed bench near the fountain, a sketchbook balanced on her knee, though it doesn’t want to stay still, she was switching between her two knees since the start and hadn’t really drew anything yet, it’s annoying, this place have nothing interesting to draw. The park itself was too quiet; just random demons and magical creatures walking aimlessly and a couple of kids chasing floating orbs of light. She tapped her pencil against the page, her nerves weren’t really because of the setting, but in reality, the thing betraying her "calm" posture and was starting to make her tick, was the fact she was waiting for someone who was supposed to come 15 minutes ago, her eyes kept flicking toward the park entrance, checking for the familiar figure she had been expecting to see.
That was putting it mildly. he had asked her out, in a way only he could, half-joking, half-serious, but with that sly glint in his eye that made her think he really, actually wanted to see her again. She had said yes, of course, and now here she was, wondering if he actually meant it, acting like she wasn't nervous while her mind ran through a dozen little what-ifs.
Finally, A shadow fell across the path, and her head snapped up. Indeed there he was, sliding into view with a casual, "I don't care if I'm late" swagger, Jazz. Her lips curved into a subtle smile, as she stared at him.
He didn't notice her gaze, well, he did, but only after a second.
In truth, the moment he stepped into the park, his eyes had been scanning the place. He wasn't about to admit it, but the thought of her even coming crossed his mind. Or worse-if she'd already gotten bored and left.
Couldn't exactly look like he was searching, though. Not his style. So instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets, sauntering slow, like he had all the time in the world. But behind the lazy walk, he flicked his magic into place.
Pit: Furtive Glance.
He crossed the first section of the park but nothing, wait, where did they decided they’ll meet again? Oh yes, the closest to the cafe, he changed course till he reached the fences, another turn and then.
There.
A familiar shape outlined on his inner sight: a small notebook balanced on a lap, a faint glimmer of pencils.
Alex.
Relief tugged at him before he could stop it, and he clicked the ability off in an instant, letting the world blur back to normal, coming into her view with that easy grin, cruby
earring catching the light like a well-placed calling card.
"Well, look who's early," he drawled, like he hadn't been scanning the entire park a minute ago, before setting in the bench with her. "Planning a heist or something?"
Jazz had a way of making it seem like nothing mattered, but she knew better.
Alex's grin widened slightly, her gaze flicking to the glint of red at his ear, it was a nice ruby, matching his irises so nicely…
"Nice earring," she said offhandedly, tilting her head, studying it more. "Ruby, right? Didn't expect to see you wearing something so... precious. And It match your eyes so sweetly."
That made Jazz freeze for a moment, precious? It wasn’t that precious if compared to any of the jewels he owned had stolen. And did she just comment on his eyes? That did caught him off guard. But his mind flashed directly back to a memory, it came unbidden to him.
The fact he actually this jewel was one of his favorites in his collection, for the exact fact that she was made in the first place to be matching of that specific red hue, and as base, but he was still reminded of the smirk painting Rock’s face that random day where he lost it. Jazz was sure, in a way that no one can make him change his mind, it was Rock that stole it that day, but he never found it, Not even Pit helped him.
But he was sure it was in his big brother’s stash, and well, he could get pretty competitive when he want to. The stress, thrill and tension of last night as he vowed to go find it, and went in Rock’s room as the man wasn’t home, and searching for and reclaiming it, yep, those feelings are never leaving him.
He blinked, coming back to the present, trying to keep his voice nonchalant. "It's... uh... nothing," he muttered, though the faint curve of a proud grin betrayed him. "Just something I happen to own. You know." Yes, he totally didn’t commission this one this is years for reasons and mourned it lost like a special pet, and actually went and stole it from Rock himself, and was flustered that was the first thing she noticed about him. Yep, he just happened to have it.
He leaned back on the bench stretching a bit, he need to think of what their supposed to do now, hmm, should they go already for their plans or wait a bit, as for her, she caught the way his fingers flexed over the golden rings he had. Yes, he did say his family are jewelers. He also explained his abilities that time… she doesn’t really remember though.
"So... what are we doing first?" she decided to break the silence, flipping her sketchbook closed.
Jazz shrugged. "Whatever you want. Thought we could wander, see what's around... maybe hit that café later."
Alex nudged him lightly with her elbow, smiling. "Lead the way, troublemaker."
He chuckled, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve, though the earring caught the sun again, twinkling, the only prove he prepared for this date seriously. "After you, genius.”
666666
They set off down the path, side by side. The gravel crunched softly underfoot, Alex slipped her sketchbook into her satchel. For a second she looked at his hand… wondering if. Should she? Well, they are on a date, they should probably. But the fact he didn’t initiate it is making her hesitate. Who even is supposed to start that!!
As for Jazz, he actually was thinking of a whole other situation, what are they supposed to do now. He totally and absolutely forgot the most important thing of planning a date, PLANING THE DATE. He can feel it in his bones, Rock making fun of him if he knew this, the younger brother of the biggest Casanova forgot to plan well for his first date, after finding quite the perfect demoness to spend it with. That was literally the hardest part!! He decided to calm down and actually think it through now, yes, there was a place he could take her to, then the cafe, then they could chat all they want there, and after that… let the vibe decide what’s next, or maybe she want to do something or had plans.
“So,” Alex said, kicking at a pebble that skipped across the path. “Is this your grand plan? Wandering aimlessly?”
Jazz smirked. “You say that like it isn’t the best plan. You find all the good stuff when you’re not looking for it.”
Alex raised a brow. “Sounds like an excuse for not planning.”
He feigned offense, placing a palm on his chest. “Excuse me, I’ll have you know I put a lot of thought into this. Very top-secret, classified. Can’t reveal my sources.”
She giggled despite herself, shaking her head. “Uh-huh. Sure. Totally believable.”
Jazz then nodded her off, as he finally reached the place he had in mind… this look like somewhere Lied would take his date to… well. It was Lied the reason he meet Alex and went on this date in the first place. So no problem with that.
The path opened up into a brighter stretch of street, lined with lanterns and stalls. Music drifted from a small troupe of demons playing enchanted instruments, the kind that strummed themselves when tipped. Ahead, the road was busier, dotted with colorful booths and flashing signs.
A roadside fair.
Alex slowed, blinking at the sudden burst of activity, rings being tossed at bottles, bright charms dangling from hooks, the pop-pop-pop of a magic dart booth, and the sugary smell of fried snacks wafting through the air.
Jazz took her hand in his by reflex as he pulled both of them to join the magical activities, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smile, yes, this might work out. “See? I told you. Wandering gets you places.”
Alex eyed him suspiciously. “You definitely knew this was here.”
“Pfft. What, me? No way. Pure coincidence.” He shrugged, but his none existing poker face betrayed him. “But since we’re here…”
Her lips curved in an amused line. “You want to impress me, don’t you?”
“Impress you?” He scoffed, tilting his chin up. “Please. I don’t need to impress anyone. I’m just naturally—”
A sharp ding! cut him off. A demon kid just managed to ring the bell on a hammer strength test, squealing with pride as he got a stuffed bat plushie twice his size. The two watch for a second, before Alex turns to him with a lazy beam “Go on, then. Show me how ‘impressive’ you are.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Oh, you’re challenging me now?”
“Maybe,” she said sweetly.
Well, did Jazz already say it? But he could be quite competitive, and so, Jazz look around, what’s the first thing to tackle?
“Any specific prize you wish for Alex?”
She was about to use her left hand to mention for a very shiny crystal feathered pen, she want to try drawing with that one… only to notice the hold he had on her hand… when did he. Wait, no. she is not letting go of it now. Nope, a shiny pen? Really? She couldn’t care less.
“Let’s walk first, I’ll search for the hardest game seeing you want to showcase your abilities.” Jazz just nod at that, absolutely blind to what’s going on in her mind, and off to walking around and viewing they go, fingers intertwined all the way. Strolling deeper into the fair, weaving through the crowd as the lantern light reflected and shined. She glanced once, twice at their joined hands, her pulse skipping every time she felt his thumb twitch against hers. Jazz, meanwhile, was far too busy scouting the booths to notice the little storm in her chest. His eyes darted over the stalls with a practiced precision, cataloguing prizes, vendors, and the odds of each game in a heartbeat.
“So…” he muttered, voice low with that focused tone he had … usually when he was planning a heist, but now look like he need to actually do this without stealing the rewards it seems. “Ring toss is too easy, dart booth is rigged, card tables are a scam…” His gaze landed on a stand, axe throwing, He can see many stuffed monsters, familiars, and the words “Prizes Personalized On The Winner’s Familiar. Or any wished image.” Look like it have something to do with the owner’s bloodline abilities… “Bingo.”
He tugged her gently toward it, their fingers tightening as if they’d done this a hundred times before. Alex’s lips parted like she might protest, but she didn’t. Instead, she let herself be led. Only to raise an eyebrow at what he choose… “Are you serious now.” “Yes!”
The stall keeper greeted them with a wide grin, sharp teeth glinting in the lantern light. “Step right up, test your aim! Hit the target, win a keepsake made just for you. Familiars, symbols, portraits, whatever your heart desires!”
Alex crossed her arms, staring at the rack of axes lined up at the side. “Axe throwing? Really?”
Jazz smirked, slipping a coin across the counter with that practiced thief’s flourish that made even paying look suspiciously like stealing. “What? You don’t trust me with sharp objects?”
She deadpan. “I don’t trust you without them, either.”
The vendor chuckled, clearly entertained, and set a four of axes on the stand. “four throws per round. The closer to the bullseye, the bigger the winning item.”
Jazz rolled his shoulders, stretching his fingers. His gold rings chimed softly as he picked up the first axe, testing the weight like it was just another tool for a job. He shot Alex a sideways look, smirk sharp as the blade. “Watch and learn.”
She raised a brow at that confidence, she didn’t think he’ll be like this when she first meet him on the blind meeting date they had that time, he had a nonchalant lazy charm, surely not fiery…
He let the axe fly.
Thunk! It buried itself just off-center. Not perfect, but solid.
Jazz clicked his tongue, annoyed but covering it with a cocky grin. “See? Easy.”
Alex gave a slow clap, dry as dust. “Wow. Almost impressive.”
Another one… this time it didn’t even hit it... she couldn’t even comment, knowing she’ll slip up and die of laugher. But Jazz don’t give up, he was never one to give up, he use his ability in silence, after all no one said any rules against using magic, he saw the perfect road and way for the axe to hit it perfectly, then got ready.
His next throw was sharper, smoother. Thunk! Dead center. The vendor whistled appreciatively. “Nice one.”
Jazz spun the last axe lazily between his fingers, he know now perfectly how to do it, before throwing it with casual precision. Thunk! Another bullseye. He turned back, grinning smug. “Naturally.”
Alex tilted her head, lips twitching. “I’ll admit… That was good.”
“High praise,” he teased. “Want me to get you something? They can put anything on a plush.”
Alex’s eyes flicked to the trophies wall, stuffed familiars, glowing trinkets, charms stitched with intricate runes. Then back at him, a small, mischievous smile tugging at her lips. “Surprise me.”
Jazz blinked. “Surprise you?”
“Mm-hm.” She leaned forward, curious. “I want to see what you think I’d like.”
That threw him off more than the targets did. He scratched his cheek, stalling, though his mind was racing. He could pick something safe… but she’d see right through that. Or he could risk something bold…
Finally, he turned and leaned toward the stall keeper. “Make it a plush like cover,” he said quietly. “Black fur, for a sketchbook this size, and red eyes on it glowing.”
The stall keeper’s grin widened, his magic flickering to life as fabric and thread spun in midair. Within seconds, a plush like book, or rather a thick cover of one was created, sleek black fur with cute wings like lock, and crystal- like eyes glowed faintly red.
The vendor gifted it to her. “For the lady.”
Alex froze, staring at the perfect gift made just for her. Her lips parted, then closed again, she twinkled in happiness she couldn’t hide. “You… choose well.”
Jazz smiled, he didn’t know if this would be nice or not, he didn’t know what she likes or dislikes fully. But he decided to try his luck on something he noticed, her sketchbook he saw with her, that time, and this morning, and the fact she did say she was an artist. He hopes she’ll like it… as for the red crystals, it was just a little something, wishing she may remember him with it.
“Mm-hm,” she said, putting the gift on her bag with the other things. “Naturally impressive, right?”
He groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “I’m never living that down, am I?”
“Nope,” Alex said, grinning now.
The vendor cleared his throat pointedly, gesturing toward the other set of axes. “Lady’s turn?”
Alex blinked. “Oh—I wasn’t—”
Jazz smirked, nudging her toward the stand. “C’mon. let’s see how good you are.”
She rolled her eyes but stepped up, gripping the first axe a little awkwardly. It was heavier than she expected, but she adjusted her stance. Throw.
Thunk! Outer ring.
Jazz grinned. “Not bad for a beginner.”
“Shut up,” she muttered, grabbing the next axe.
Her second throw landed closer. The third? Even closer. Jazz leaned forward, genuinely impressed despite himself.
Her last throw, dead center.
The vendor rang a bell. “Winner!”
Alex spun around, grinning triumphantly, hair swishing. “Well?”
Jazz clapped slowly, dramatically. “Guess you’re naturally impressive too.”
She shot him a look. “Too?”
“…Fine,” he admitted, chuckling. “Maybe more than me.”
The vendor offered her the choice of prize. Alex hesitated, then asked for the prize she saw earlier but ignored, this is the perfect opportunity! She described it. The stall keeper did as asked, making it back, with red hues to match the cover. Finally! Her shiny pen. But she soon hide it in the bag. Yep, she won’t show how much she likes it in front of him.
“I think we had enough fun, maybe go to the cafe now? That was the main plan, wasn’t it?”
Jazz stretched his arms behind his head, feeling a bit sore of all this axe throwing. “Yeah, guess we shouldn’t keep the café waiting. I heard their drinks are worth showing up for.”
They left the noise of the fair behind, lantern lights fading into the soft glow of the café windows ahead, the place they actually planned to come to, before fate wished to play a trick on them. Inside, the air was warm and rich with the scent of roasted beans and sugar. The two found a small table by the window, where they could watch the street outside while sipping at steaming cups.
The conversation flowed easily, little jokes, half-serious teases, Jazz still trying to play it smooth while Alex occasionally hit him with one of her unexpectedly forward comments that knocked him off balance. They laughed, traded small stories, and for once, Jazz didn’t feel like he needed to put up a front.
By the time they stood to leave, Alex’s satchel was heavier with prizes, and Jazz was already plotting what excuse he could use to see her again.
“Hey,” she said as they lingered by the door. “Give me your number, troublemaker. Makes planning the next ‘aimless wandering’ easier.”
Jazz’s grin was easy, but his heart kicked just a little as they exchanged details. He slipped his phone back into his pocket with a lazy shrug, but the glint of satisfaction in his eyes was unmistakable.
“Guess I’ll see you around, Alexy.”
Alex nodded shyly, adjusting the strap of her bag. “Yeah. You better.”
And with that, the night wrapped itself neatly. Well, look like Jazz can satisfy a date, maybe even better than his older brother.
…
Okay, maybe not as perfectly as Rock, that man seemed to read people like a book, always knew the vibe, the gifts, the gestures, and the six hundred and sixty-six ways to manipulate and please. But Jazz? Jazz was different. He was better in the real sense. He’d gone on only one date, with one person, not half the city. That had to count as a win by itself.
As for Alex… she couldn’t just walk away without leaving him something too.
She knelt gracefully on the cobblestones, pulling out her brand-new pen. The tip moved swiftly, sketching across the damp earth. With each stroke, the mud shimmered and lifted, the lines of her drawing bending into shape until the form was complete. She whispered a small spell, and let it take flight.
Two streets over, Jazz slowed when something small and glowing zipped past his ear. He caught it mid-air, blinking as he turned it over in his palm.
“Oh.”
It was a bracelet. Elegant and sleek, woven black with the shiniest tiny pair of wings folded along its sides. At the root of each wing, two gems gleamed: a ruby and a sapphire, their colors burning bright. His ruby, her sapphire.
Oh, something for him to remember her with? He slid it onto his wrist. The ruby gleamed against his earring, the pair catching the lantern light as if they’d always belonged there.
For the first time all evening, Jazz stopped pretending. He looked down at the bracelet, chuckling truthfully from the deepest of his heart, and thought to himself that maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t going to be a one-time thing.