J: “Perfect. Jean-Claude will be there shortly, we can get you settled in tonight it seems.”
H: “Move in the same day? Is that ok? No more checks you need to run?”
J: “I told you, Hakeem, the room is yours. Do you need more time to handle your affairs at your old place?”
H: “Uh, no, Charlie is still up anyway so I can just hand them my keys.”
J: “Awesome, see you soon. Just text me the address to pass on to Jean-Claude.”
“Charlie, someone will be portaling in to help me move. So don’t be alarmed, okay?” Hakeem puts his phone away as he calls over his shoulder to the kitchen where Charlie was making a late night snack.
“Portals? Wow, this Jackson is quite the gentleman. Must be nice to have staff for everything. Not judging, a little jealous honestly.” Charlie pouts a little as they settle into the couch with their plate of food.
A rush of magic fills the air before a knock comes at the door. Hakeem opens the door to a very classic definition of a butler. Combed gray hair, mustache, three piece suit with coat tails and gloves. Even a pair of small spectacles sitting on the bridge of his nose. “You must be Jean-Claude. Thank you for not appearing in the middle of the room. Though, I should’ve figured as much, I suppose.”
Jean-Claude offers a bow of his head. “But of course, Master Al-Najim. That would have been rude, a trait unbecoming of a member of the Nocturne family staff.”
Hakeem visibly recoils at the title. “Please, just Hakeem is fine. I don’t think my heart can handle being regarded like that.”
Jean-Claude arches a single gray brow then nods his head. “Of course, Mr. Hakeem.”
Baby steps,thinks Hakeem to himself.
“Is this all you need moved into the residence?” Jean-Claude gestures to the pile of boxes and luggage behind Hakeem.
“Yes. It’s not too much, is it? I’d hate to impose.”
Jean-Claude waves a gloved hand and the pile of luggage gets covered with a soft yellow glow. Then with a snap, they disappear. “Nothing I can’thandle, Mr. Hakeem. Did you have a bed to move as well?”
Hakeem closes his mouth, which he didn’t realize had dropped open. That was an impressive spell, the construction simple yet sturdy. Jean-Claude chuckles, a smirk growing on his face. “I was told you were pursuing a PhD in theoretical thaumaturgy, Mr. Hakeem. I can see you have a keen eye when it comes to spell craft. I hope my teleportation magic doesn’t disappoint?”
Hakeem turns to the man, eyes filled with fascination. “Not at all, the spell had impressive composition. No verbal incantation, multiple targets, long distance travel of items of varying mass. And nothing more than a wave and snap of a gloved hand for somatic components, your mana control must be near perfect!”
Jean-Claude bows. “You flatter me. This is the standard for a member of the head staff of the Nocturne family. It is my pleasure to be of service.”
Charlie gets up from their spot on the couch, strolls over to Hakeem and places a manicured hand on his shoulder. “Well, Hakeem already gave me the keys, and even cleaned up his room. What a good boy this one is.” They pinch their friend’s cheek jokingly, before their hand gets batted away. “You take good care of him now. I expect him back in one piece.” Charlie narrows their gaze at the butler.
Jean-Claude offers his hand and Charlie places their hand in his. Jean-Claude places a kiss on the back of their hand and levels his gaze behind small spectacles at Charlie. “But of course. Mr. Hakeem is in good hands. You have my word as a senior member of the Nocturne family staff.”
Charlie giggles behind their hand, blue and blond hair falling over their pale forehead. “What a gentleman.” Charlie turns to Hakeem and pats him on his cheek softly. “I’ll see you later, ok?”
Hakeem nods then turns to Jean-Claude. “See you, Charlie. I’m ready. Jean-Claude, shall we?”
* * *
When Hakeem arrives at the apartment via portal, he finds a man similar toJean-Claude in the kitchen with Jackson. “Your twin works for the family as well?” He turns to Jean-Claude who simply nods.
“Something of that measure, Mr. Hakeem. Jean-Paul is making a simple evening meal. Master Jackson figured you both could use a nibble after the exciting day you’ve had.”
The man turns around, a steaming dish of chicken and potatoes freshly pulled from the oven in his hands. The two men really did look identical, the only noticeable difference Hakeem could see was the blue pocket square in Jean-Paul’s suit jacket pocket, in contrast to Jean-Claude’s yellow square.
Jackson, wearing a black tee and shorts, turns around on the stool where he sits and waves Hakeem over. “You made it. You gotta try Jean-Paul’s cooking, we only have him on loan for the night. We can sort the cabinet room for groceries and stuff in the morning after a good night’s sleep.”
The thought of sleep makes Hakeem realize one fatal flaw moving in so fast entailed, his bed. Charlie had a spare box spring and mattress he had used for the past six and half years. The room wasn’t furnished aside from a couple bookshelves, a dresser and a bedside table. In all the excitement of perfect matches and portal magic, he forgot. Even when Jean-Claude asked him if he had bed to move he had been too entranced by his spell to respond. Hakeem didn’t want to impose on the butler or ask Charlie to give up their spare. It looked like the floor and some blankets would have to do until he could figure something out. Perhaps there were still some holiday sales going, there was bound to be a mattress and boxspring he could afford with his savings. Hakeem sighs in defeat before fixing his face as he settles on the stool next to Jackson and thanks Jean-Paul for the food.
* * *
Jackson notices the worry flash on Hakeem’s face and turns his head to Jean-Claude, who gives a knowing nod before disappearing in a flash of yellow magic. Jackson wipes his mouth with a napkin before standing. “Hakeem, I noticed Jean-Claude didn’t move a bed into the apartment when he brought the rest of your stuff. Would I be correct to assume you will berequiring one?”
