You Will Live Forever

Chapter 30: Testing Waters

Michael above.

I spent one more night with Ian. Jeremy thought it was best to have me meet up in the morning when everyone was wide awake.

I stared up at the ceiling. Something about Jeremy was off. There was a coldness to him I wasn't used to seeing. It was subtle but it was there. Ian lay on his stomach in the bed next to me, his arm draped over my chest.

"What's worrying you?" He turned his head to me. I could still see his face in the dark. Concern was etched into his brows.

I put a hand on his face and traced his jawline. "Jeremy was just weird is all." I mused.

Ian chuckled and propped himself up on his elbow. "Oh come on. You know why."

"I do actually. I just never thought he... felt that way." I said quietly.

Ian rolled his eyes. "Jer Bear is mad in love with you. He's been in denial for quite some time. He doesn't like competition and let's just say... you have quite a bit of suitors."

I gave Ian a small smile. "Jer Bear? Really?" I laughed.

"You have to admit, dude is a fucking sweetheart," Ian said quietly.

"That he is. I guess that's why it was weird to see him jealous."

"I think the only reason he was jealous is that this is the furthest you have gone with anyone. Somewhere deep down, he wishes it was him." Ian said.

"I guess you're right. I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship." I said quietly, pulling the covers to my chin.

"Hate to break it to you sweetheart, but I think it already has."

***

The next morning, Jeremy came to collect me with Kibba. Kibba pounced on me immediately. He was in his dog form today. I'm not entirely sure why, but I missed his lil fluffy face. I hugged Kibba tight and gave him lots of scratches. He passed out on the floor from exhaustion.

"What a weird dog." Ian laughed. He kissed my cheek goodbye. "I'll be seeing you soon. I need to find Seth and catch up."

"Good idea," Jeremy said. "He showed up briefly in the beginning but has been MIA since." Jeremy gently nudged Kibba's foot and Kibba bolted up, ready to go.

"I guess this is goodbye," I said, letting go of Ian's hand that I didn't realize I was holding. He gave me a small nod. Jeremy, Kibba, and I exited the penthouse and he closed the door softly behind us.

We stepped into the elevator in silence.

"So... how are things with everyone?" I said, trying to make it less awkward.

"Fine." He said.

"Are you mad at me?" I blurted.

He looked at me in shock. "No, I... I could never be mad at you. At least I don't think..." He pondered to himself for a moment. "No, I'm not mad at you. Sorry. A lot has been on my mind." He reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. I smiled at him. He's back.

Jeremy rolled his eyes at my inner commentary.

***

When we got to Jeremy's hotel, everyone was ecstatic to see that I was still alive. Our group was so small now. With Karli off-grid with Hades and Raguel and with Becks and Shelby back at home, that left Leo, Jeremy, Blake, Poseidon, Larson, Michael, Kibba, and Athena. Everyone else was either killed off or couldn't associate with us any longer.

I hugged everyone. Athena was a little teary-eyed.

"I knew you were ok. Poseidon and I could just sense it." She laughed through misty eyes.