Could It Be Magic

by Heather Mar-Gerrison

  They’d parted company on the way back from eating lunch and he was making his way back to his dormitory, alone.

  He was fooling himself into thinking that he and Laars could ever be anything more than friends. There was nothing else for it. He was going to have to tuck his feelings away into a box and put them somewhere safe, where they couldn’t get him into trouble.

  There was an incantation for that, he was sure – not that he could remember it well enough to use it…

  He sighed. They’d had a nice time eating lunch together and had actually spent the rest of the day together but lessons started tomorrow and they were studying different subjects to each other. He could hardly be summoning his friend all day long while they were meant to be in lectures – he had to get a grip of himself. Sometimes he wasn’t even aware that he was summoning him and things could definitely get tricky if Laars suddenly found himself walking out of a lecture and turning up at one of Saul’s…

  He stuck his key in his door and opened up. Instantly he felt as though someone had been in his room – but that wasn’t possible, surely? Unless…

  He looked around with narrowed eyes; all of his senses suddenly on high alert. Who’d been in? It had to be someone from the magical community because no one else could bypass the key-card system they had going on.

  His jaw dropped when he saw what had been delivered. It had been delivered by hand definitely – and quite clearly from one of the highest qualified magical personnel of his community.

  The delivery was sat looking totally innocent on his sideboard alongside his rocks. It was wrapped in brown paper and tied with cord but there was no mistaking what was inside that package. It was his spell book.

  His father couldn’t possibly know about this because he had informed him, quite categorically, before sending him off to college that he had no use for the spell book and that it had been returned to the Pyramid vaults for someone far worthier of its pages wealth of magical information and knowledge.

  He approached the package with trepidation. What the hell was it doing here? Who’d authorised it?

  “It’s yours.” A disembodied voice that sounded terribly like his headmaster’s at his senior school floated through his mind.

  “Mr Chandler?” he whispered.

  A low chuckle, “Congratulations on finally making the grade, son.”

  Silence ensued. He hadn’t imagined it. Mr Chandler had something to do with the delivery of his spell book.

  What the hell he was supposed to do with it, now that it was back in his possession, was something else entirely, though…

  As it turned out, either the spell book knew what it was supposed to do – or Saul’s magical prowess was far better than he’d ever imagined and he totally suspected it was the former as opposed to the latter of those two scenarios.

  “Nice to see you again.” He murmured.

  The package vibrated and then, the paper it was wrapped in miraculously just disappeared and there was his spell book, looking absolutely beautiful as it always had done. “Sorry to be rude.” He said to the book apologetically, “but I really need a run,” he muttered.

  He turned towards his wardrobe to get out his old joggers and trainers and nearly died of heart failure with shock.

  A brand-new tracksuit hung on the door and the most desirable pair of trainers. “Fuck’s sake.” He muttered, “Those must have cost a fortune.”

  Mr Chandlers voice floated through his mind again, “Every good student gets their reward for finally earning their spell book.”

  “Wow,” Saul breathed, “Thanks Mr Chandler.”

  Discarding his jeans quickly, he pulled on the tracksuit bottoms and then pulled on the trainers. They fit him perfectly. “Oh, yeah.” He groaned as he looked at himself in the mirror on the inside of his wardrobe door, “You are going to have fun today.”

  He grabbed his keys and shot off down the stairs. He hadn’t done any free-running since he’d arrived. He’d been too wrapped up in Laars to even think about anything else but he had a date with him tonight and he really needed to work out some stress – and free-running was a great release…

  Chapter 14 – Spiderman or something…

  Laars

  “What the fuck can I wear?” Laars muttered to himself as he flicked through his clothes, “Wore that already…”

  His mobile phone rang. Smiling, he answered, “Hey, Mum.”

  “Laars, darling.”

  He settled himself into his desk chair for a chat, “I’ve got a date tonight.”

  There was a beat of silence and then, “And who’s the lucky boy?”

  “I am.” He said honestly, “Because Saul Blackthorn in funny and gorgeous and intelligent…” he trailed off, suddenly a little embarrassed to be gushing about his friend to his mother.

  “Oh, Laars.” His mother sighed, “I thought I’d told you to be careful around that young man.”

  He bristled, “I can’t help the way I feel.” He replied stiffly, “And I’m pretty sure he feels the same way about me.”

  Obviously, his mother had picked up on his frostiness because she instantly changed tack, “Well, I hope you have a lot of fun together – what’s the occasion?”

  Laars decided to let her comments about being careful go – after all, she didn’t understand that he’d never felt this way about anyone before… “It’s just a social – the really big event this semester is Halloween.”

  She sucked in a sharp breath, “Well, go to this one and give that one a wide berth.” She said, her voice sounding panicked, “I’m serious, Laars – stay away from that one. There’ll be crowds and you might get hurt.”

  Laars rather thought his mother was overreacting, “Yeah, okay.” He said, “Chill out.”

  They chatted a little longer and then, just before he was about to say goodbye, his mother asked if he’d been down to check his mail.

  “No.” Laars said, “Why?”

  She sounded as if she was smiling, “Just go and check your mailbox, baby.” She said, “I think you’ll be pleased – and have a good time tonight with Saul.” She added, “Just be careful who you give your heart to, sweetheart. That’s all I ask.”

  “I’ll be careful.” He promised, “But he’s a really lovely guy, Mum – I think you’ll really like him.”

  “I’m sure I will.” She said.

  *

  “Holy macaroni.” Laars murmured as he saw the large parcel in his pigeonhole, “What’s she sent me?”

  He pulled the parcel out and headed back to his building.

  A noise from above him startled him and he turned to see his best friend running along the roof. Holy shit! What the hell was Saul doing? He’d surely fall and break his neck any second.

  But he didn’t fall. He was as surefooted as a mountain goat and as agile as a gazelle as he ran along the ridge tiles before jumping the gap to the next set of roofs. Christ! He was good. How far could he jump? That was incredible.

  No. That was more than incredible. That was superhuman. “Was he bitten by a radioactive spider or something?” Laars murmured to himself, “Because he moves like fucking Spiderman.” He chuckled to himself at the absurdity of it all. “There’s just no way.” He said, trying to convince himself that he hadn’t just seen Saul jumping across the roof like that. But he couldn’t deny what he’d seen. He just had no explanation for it.

  By the time he’d got back to his dorm, Laars had almost forgotten that he’d been sent a parcel from his mother – too caught up in trying to work out how Saul had managed to jump from one building to another like that. Had he been helped by a gust of wind or something? But no. He surely wasn’t that reckless. He liked rocks because they were dependable for chrissakes. Saul was about the least reckless person he knew.

  Dragging his thoughts away from Saul’s unusual keep-fit program of activities, he turned his attention towards the parcel. He ripped open the brown paper eagerly. “Oh, wow.” He murmured as he saw what she’d sent him
. A dark grey shirt and black jeans. He was going to look so hot tonight! “Or as hot as a red-haired, green eyed guy gets,” he murmured to himself.

  “That’s the hottest kind of guy in my opinion.”

  Laars jumped and turned around, half-expecting to see Saul stood there, but he was alone. So, where the hell had Saul’s voice come from, then?

  He shook his head. He was imagining it. He had to be…

  Laars headed for the shower. He’d shower, set his timer on his phone and have a nap and then he’d be party-ready for pre-drinks with the guys on his floor for seven. He’d have to text Saul to get him to come over for pre-drinks because there wasn’t really anyone in his building that he’d really shown any interest in spending time with.

  Chapter 15 – Pre-drinks

  Saul

  Saul grinned to himself as he read the text from Laars.

  He was to meet him at his dormitory at five to seven and then they were meeting the rest of his friends in someone else’s room at seven o’clock for pre-drinks.

  Saul had never really got pre-drinks before he’d been a member of the ordinary world.

  Back where he came from, someone would always be muttering an incantation of some sort or other to turn water into wine or other such alcoholic beverage. Therefore, no one needed to spend money on it. Pre-drinks were more fun in the ordinary world, he decided. There was more urgency to it and it amused him to watch Laars’ friends getting very quickly drunk.

  Laars turned to him, “Want another one before we hit the club?”

  He shook his head, “I’m good, thanks.” He said, “I’m not really a big drinker.”

  Laars grinned, his green eyes glinting dangerously in the half-light, “Lightweight, huh?” he teased.

  Saul suppressed a sigh of delight just for being with the most beautiful person he’d ever had the pleasure of meeting and shrugged his shoulder, “Yeah, well.” He said bashfully.

  Laars punched his shoulder playfully, “Hey, I’m only kidding – don’t take offence.”

  He shook his head, “I wasn’t.”

  Laars smiled, “Well, good.” He said, “Because you’re too cute when you smile to have a frown on your face.”

  Saul blinked. Cute? Fuck!

  Laars’ mouth had dropped open at his own words, “I mean…”

  Saul smiled, “No, no – don’t backtrack.” He said, “I’m good with you thinking I’m cute.”

  Laars opened his mouth to say something but the moment was ruined by a girl that Saul had seen hanging around Laars from the beginning of the term. She was very pretty and he couldn’t help the jealous feelings from bubbling around inside of himself as Laars turned away from him when she called his name.

  “Oh, hi Sara.” He said, “Who are you here with?”

  She flicked her hair deliberately and giggled. That was a well-practiced move. Saul narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched the interaction between the two of them. Was Laars interested in her?

  “I’m here with Brogan and Emmy.” She said, “Do you and your friend want to join us?” Her eyes flickered with undisguised interest towards Saul. Holy shit. It wasn’t Laars she was interested in. It was him!

  Laars smiled at her, “Maybe later.” He said, “We’ve only just got here.”

  She smiled and nodded and drifted away.

  Saul raised an eyebrow, “I was well in, there.” He joked.

  The light in Laars eyes seemed to dim a little, “Oh,” he said, “Sorry. Did I just, uh, cock-block you?”

  Trying his hardest to ignore the sudden rush of blood at Laars mentioning his cock, Saul shrugged his shoulders, “Nah,” he said, “I was joking. I think it’s pretty obvious that girls don’t interest me.”

  Laars’ eyes gleamed again, “Yeah,” he agreed, “It kind of is.”

  Chapter 16 – Definitely gay…

  Laars

  Phew! It wasn’t his imagination. Saul was definitely gay. That was a relief because he’d been wondering. Knowing was a far better option. He couldn’t inadvertently say something offensive now that he knew for sure. Not that he would have ever deliberately said anything offensive to his new best friend, but still…

  Ah, who was he trying to kid? It was a relief to know for one reason and one reason, only. He wanted Saul to be his boyfriend and sooner or later, he was going to have grow a pair and ask him on a real date…

  “Would you, uh, like to dance or anything?”

  Saul’s lips twitched, “Have you seen me dance?” he asked.

  Laars smiled and shook his head, “No.” he replied, “That’s why I asked,” he grinned playfully, “I thought it might be fun to see how you move.”

  Saul blinked, “Oh.” He murmured, “Cool, okay.”

  Rein it in a bit, Laars. Laars was aware that he was being kind of flirty and he was trying his best to be cool but he felt anything but. There was something about Saul that was just to forcefield around a magnet – and he was so attracted.

  Saul nodded, “Like a moth to a flame.” He murmured.

  It was Laars turn to blink. Had he spoken his thoughts aloud? He was damned sure he hadn’t but Saul had seemed to answer him, “What?” he asked.

  Saul looked at him and his expression went strangely blank, “Nothing.” He said, “I didn’t say anything.”

  Laars frowned. He definitely had said something. “Right.” He muttered, “Let’s dance.”

  He put his empty glass on the bar and grabbed Saul’s hand, “Come on.”

  Saul followed and they headed for the dance floor.

  Once there, Laars allowed himself to be taken over by the music and he was delighted to learn that Saul could dance every bit as well as he could – well, that was no surprise since he’d seen the way he moved when he was free-running.

  “I saw you earlier.” He shouted over the music, “On the roof.”

  Saul laughed, “Oh, yeah.” He shrugged his shoulders bashfully, “I get a bit carried away sometimes.”

  Laars shook his head, “You were awesome.” He said, beaming at his friend, “Absolutely awesome.”

  Saul chuckled, “Thanks.” He said, “Fancy another drink?”

  Laars nodded. It was hot and crowded on the dance floor and they’d both been dancing for a while. It was time to cool off a little.

  Chapter 17 – Miles away…

  Saul

  How was he supposed to tell Laars the way he felt about him when they’d only been friends for a couple of weeks?

  And how was he supposed to tell him that he was witch? A pretty abysmal witch but one that was slowly increasing his magical ability, which he suspected was entirely down to being in Laars company?

  Laars was going to think he was completely and utterly crazy and he didn’t blame him one bit. It was going to sound utterly ludicrous.

  He’d have to do something to prove himself, but what?

  What could he show Laars to prove that he wasn’t lying? His spell book? Would he just think it was a prop? Could he actually perform a spell for him?

  When Laars spoke to him, he actually jumped, being so wrapped up in his thoughts, “Whah?” he yelped.

  Laars laughed, “You were miles away there.” He said, his eyes crinkling up and making him twice as handsome as usual. “Anywhere nice?”

  Suppressing a sigh of desire that was never far away, Saul shook his head, “No.” He said, “Closer to hell, if I’m going to be honest.”

  Laars chuckled, “Oh, dear.” He said, “We can’t have that.” He took a sip of his beer and then wiped his mouth where the moisture from the bottle’s rim had run down his chin. Saul watched the movement, almost wishing he could have reached over and done it for him. Or even kissed it away. Christ, you’re losing it…

  Laars gave him a funny look, “What have you lost?” he asked.

  Saul blinked. Fuck. Had Laars just heard what he’d been thinking? No way. No one had ever been able to read his mind in the magical world – including his father who was a master at mi
nd manipulation. “N-nothing.” He stammered, “Why?”

  “You said…” Laars frowned at him in confusion, his eyes searching Saul’s as they looked at each other, both of them freaking out a little, “I thought… Never mind.” He shook his head.

  They were definitely hearing each other’s thoughts. Holy shit. Saul thought, What does it all mean?

  Freddie, one of Laars friends from pre-drinks came sauntering over at that minute, “You two look like you need cheering up.” he slurred. He’d clearly had a fair amount to drink, “Coming with us to the after-party?”

  Saul looked at Laars in alarm, “I’m not.” He said, “I can’t get drunk. I’ve uh, I’ve got an assignment that I need to get done tomorrow.”

  Thankfully, Laars believed him, “Yeah, good point.” He agreed, “So do I – and so do you, Fred.” He said with a laugh, “When are you going to get yours done?”

  Freddie laughed, “I’m not.” He said, “It’s first year. What’s the worst that can happen?”

  Laars shook his head, “Uh, you could get thrown out for being a total loser.”

  Freddie threw back his head and laughed, showing perfectly white teeth. He was very handsome. A shiver of jealousy went down Saul’s spine when he lunged at Laars and kissed him square on the mouth, “I love you, man.” He said, “Not in a gay way.” And then stumbled off.

  Laars wiped his face, “Gross.” He murmured.

  Saul glowered after him, “Creep.” He muttered.

  Laars looked at him with a raised eyebrow, “Problem?” he asked.

  Saul shook his head, “I just don’t really like that guy…” And if he could just disappear, that would be cool. He smiled to himself. He could probably make that happen if he was any good at magic…

  Laars stretched his arms above his head and yawned, “I’m beat.” He said, “Shall we make tracks?”