The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"How do you know this shit," Jackson mutters, shaking his head, letting himself be led.

"You handle kicking the shit out of the bad guys," Jesse says, giving Jackson a broad grin. "I'll handle the girls. Besides, Rafe and I reserve the right to yell at Ariel tonight. We've known her longer, we get first dibs. You come to breakfast at our place tomorrow before the train leaves - really give her a piece of your mind then."

"If you say so," Jackson sighs, his eyes moving upwards to the window he knows is hers - or, at least, the one closest to the nook in which she sleeps. There's still a light on, which means she's still up. "Trust me, Jacks," Jesse says, giving him a little squeeze, "I wouldn't do you dirty. We're friends now, after all. Best friends."

"Don't push it," Jackson grumbles. But as the pair walk back into the castle Jackson has to admit...the whole friendship thing, it does have its perks. Even if it involves a lot more talking than he'd prefer. "So, how'd you know?" Ben murmurs, sitting at the other end of the couch while I stretch my legs between us. He digs into his half-eaten third slice of cake with abandon.

"Benny, my love," I sigh, lifting another forkful of chocolate icing to my mouth -

"You'd better be careful with that word -" Ben says, pointing his fork at me with a wink. "Men have been beaten tonight for expressing lesser sentiments -"

murmur, rolling my eyes and kicking him, which just makes him laugh. Ben - he's really been an angel over the past hour or so, cajoling and teasing and being sweet to me

the most disastrous

situation - I had to wait for them to just stumble upon it. God, what the hell is wrong with me "Don't go there," Ben murmurs, leaning back against

sigh. "You laugh at all of

and then bursts out laughing. "Yes,

I say, smiling and shaking my head at him. "You're just listening to him with your love earmuffs on.

job of keeping to ourselves, revealed by our laughter...what are the chances of

at him, but then I lean forward and cock my head. "Benny," I say, and he lifts his head to smile at me. "Why did you keep it a secret? I mean, you know that I'd never judge you for it, right? And I have no idea if Rafe or Jesse knows, but I know they

he pushes

curious, and pleased to be distracted from my own

it would be different," Ben says, definite.