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The Sky's the Limit	By : Spleef Category: +G through L > Jackie Chan's Adventures Views: 14394 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Jackie Chan s Adventures, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Silence
- 2-Apologies
- 3-Spat
- 4-Dance
- 5-Bite
- 6-Claim
- 7-Honesty
- 8-Taste
- 9-Offering
- 10-Revelations
- 11-Almost
- 8
- 9
- 10
The Sky's the Limit
Chapter IX – Offering
o0o0o0o
“Jade, we expect you home in August so you can get ready for college here!” her mother told her. “We can’t waste time with the preparations! Your father has already bought the plane tickets, and-”
“Mom!” Jade bit back a groan of exasperation. She had already filed the paperwork that would start the process of her gaining American citizenship instead of the visa she currently had. “I already told you, I don't want to co to college this fall! I need a break from school, and I have a job, and I haven't decided yet what I want to major in-”
“Nonsense! We will talk about it and help you choose your major.”
You mean, decide my major for me, Jade thought bitterly. “No, Mom. I know for absolutely sure that having a job is best for me right now. And I like being with Uncle and Jackie. They're happy to have me stay here, and I've also been helping Uncle around his shop.” That was the truth, and she enjoyed it. As an adult, even a very young one, she had a deeper appreciation for the work her Uncle and Tohru did with not only running the shop, but their research and work with magic. Sometimes it made her blush to think of the mischief she had done with magic, like that time she tried to make a clone of herself, or when she had tried to make herself an adult and just ended up becoming a giant.
“We did not raise you to work in a shop! It's all and well for a old man, but you deserve better than that!”
She pinched the bridge of her nose, setting her jaw as she listened to her mother's tirade.
“I like it here.” Jade said bluntly. “I'm happy here. I like working with Uncle in the shop and being at the museum. I like being with my friends. I enjoy the fact that I can choose what to do with my time.” Jade hadn't even read one chapter of any of the books her mother had given her to study. After just graduating from the rigorous curriculum of the high-ranked high school her parents sent her to, she had no interest in studying for a long while.
“You are coming back in August. That is the end of this discussion.” her mother replied, plowing over everything her daughter had just said. The younger woman took a deep breath, remembering her breathing exercises with Jackie.
“I am eighteen years old. I am an adult, and there is no way that I'm going to let you push me into something that I know will make me unhappy later on.”
“You are still young, and need guidance from your elders! This has been a fact through time immemorial, and one that the Chinese know very well... the parents know best! We worked very hard to give you a good life!”
“Not a very good one if all you and Dad do is bitch at me and try to run my life!” she shot back, resisting the urge to throw the phone at the wall.
“Ruin?” Mrs. Chan's tone filled with heated indignation, “You are coming back here and getting a good education whether you like it or not, I do not want a lazy or disobedient daughter!”
Without further ado, Jade turned off her phone. I probably should get a new one or just block their number, she thought wryly before turning her head to look at the flowers on her desk. They had come to the museum that afternoon, a small but elegant collection of flowers with her name on it. Not so coincidentally, she was sure, Jackie was at another museum, helping them categorize and authenticate several art pieces. She knew that the flowers wouldn't have come if he was here, because the card had been signed from 'Seymour', and on top of that – much to her amazement – was an obviously expensive gold and jade bracelet.
The card and bracelet were now out of sight, tucked away in her chest, but the flowers remained on her desk, and a small smile came to her face as she looked at them. It had been several days since she saw him last, and she still tingled at the thought of his kiss, though she was also annoyed that he had purposely made her all excited for another one only to leave her high and dry.
Though at the same time, she had to begrudgingly admire him for his cleverness. He really was the Demon of Cunning, wasn't he? She glanced down at her phone, picking it up. Hsi Wu hadn't bothered her since that night, not even with a message. She looked at the flowers again before deciding to turn her phone back on, ignoring the messages from her mother and dialing his number. After a couple of rings, she heard his voice, and wondered which form he was in.
“How lovely to hear from you, Jade!” The delight was clear in his tone, and she smiled faintly. “I was wondering when I would hear from you.”
“Truth be told, I was wondering the same thing.” She received a quiet chuckle as a response before he spoke.
“Miss me, hm?”
“Maybe.” Jade's tone bordered on flirtatious, and she leaned back against her pillows, relaxing, her parents being pushed to the back of her mind. “I appreciate the flowers. They're wonderful. But the bracelet...” She took on a more serious tone. “It's too beautiful and valuable. I can't take it.”
“It's a gift from me to you. Acquired legally, of course. How much it cost matters not.” he replied matter-of-factly.
“But...” Such a gift was not given casually. She doubted that her father would even be able to afford such a gift if he wanted to buy it for his wife, even if he had a good job.
“No buts. I thought you would like it. Look, taking it doesn't mean that you owe me anything. There's no strings attached, all right?” His tone was reassuring, and she let out a quiet sigh.
“All right.”
“So... what have you been up to?”
“Just... working, helping around the shop... dealing with my parents.”
“Giving you a hard time again?”
“I haven't even told them that I already filed the paperwork.”
“I suppose they'll find out soon enough, won't they?” he asked dryly. “If you ever need any help...”
“I know. Thank you.”
“You're more than welcome.”
“So... how has it been going with your memories and all?”
“Making good progress, and also came up with some ideas on what to do next.” Hsi Wu sounded optimistic.
“Like what?”
“I'd rather tell you in person. Do you work tomorrow?”
“Actually, no.”
“How about lunch?” he asked casually. Jade realized that she was actually looking forward to seeing him again, and smiled to herself.
“Sure.”
o0o0o0o
“Yes!” the Sky Demon hissed softly to himself as he put down his phone. He had been so tempted to call her several times through the last few days, and had to force himself to focus on other things. Tso Lan had proven to be quite a useful distraction, and now Bai Tsa was in it as well, having gained enough memories of her own, and it was interesting corroborating their memories and reminiscing about things they had experienced together.
Soon enough, he would perform the spell that would enable his siblings to escape. He was confident that Tso Lan and Bai Tsa had gained enough of their original selves to be able to behave in this world, but there were still four siblings left who needed help with their memories. Though he shared the unanimous opinion that Shendu had to stay in the void, Tso Lan and Bai Tsa were also unsure of what to do about Drago. He was the son of Shendu, yet they were certain he had nothing to do with what had happened in the past, since they had no memories of a nephew, and Drago frequently got into fights with his father, so there was obviously no love between father and son.
When he wasn't talking with his brother or sister, Hsi Wu spent much of his time in meditation. He now had distinct memories of his family and childhood, even his parents. It was interesting to reminisce about the dynamics between his siblings and himself. Tchangzu led the siblings due to his alpha-male personality, something that the other siblings had bowed to for as long as he could remember. However, it wasn't out of fear or intimidation that the Thunder Demon had asserted his role. He was an loving brother, protective of his siblings. How different the Tchangzu in these memories were compared to the bully he was in the Void! It was like that with all of his siblings with these newly awakened memories. A generous and friendly Po Kong, a playful and flirtatious Xiao Fung, a sweet and shy Dai Gui...
Except for Shendu. Even back then, he had been a bully and an antagonist. He pestered his siblings, and the problems he caused only grew bigger as he became older. What was once a bratty child became a malcontent teenager... and then worse. For some reason, he simply was not happy with his lot in life, or the fact that he was the son of a wealthy and powerful demon lord who had ensured that all of his offspring led lives of comfort. There were still several vital pieces of memory that the Sky Demon had yet to uncover, and then he would have all the answers. He still was unable to remember just what it was that had set him and his siblings on their path of evil, and this part of his memory was stubbornly resistant to the dream and memory-spells he used. However, it only made him all the more determined to find out what had happened.
He rose from the couch and entered his bedroom, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. With a regular supply of meals, he was no longer the scrawny, emaciated-looking Demon he once was. He puffed out his chest, grinning at his image as he flexed his biceps. Though he could still be considered thin, he looked a lot healthier than he had, and certainly more handsome. He certainly hoped that Jade thought so. He knew that he was strikingly handsome in his human guise, turning many female heads and even a few male ones when he went out in public. But that was all it was – a guise, a form to fit in a world that had changed from the one he grew up in. What he truly wanted was for Jade to accept him for who – and what he was. Would she appreciate being kissed while he was in his Demon form? Would she enjoy the feeling of his claws trailing along her body?
o0o0o0o
Jade sat on a bench in the park, waiting for the Sky Demon to make his appearance. He had simply asked her to meet him here, and she wasn't sure what he had in mind for lunch. The shouts of children met her ears, and she smiled as she remembered her own childhood, playing on the swings, climbing the monkey bars, showing off her kung fu moves...
'Seymour' came around the bench and slid down next to her. He smiled at her warmly, and Jade registered the fact that her heart had skipped a beat. She wasn't really developing... that kind of feeling for him, was she? What would it be like to be mated to him?
“Hey.” she managed to say after a couple moments of silence.
“That's all you have to say?” he teased. She scrunched her face at him, and he let out a quiet chuckle.
“I remember this place. You and I played here once, when you were on your way home from school.” he commented lightly as he glanced at the frolicking children.
“Yeah.” Jade murmured. She remembered playing tag with him. Their friendship had lasted a few days, her being blissfully unaware of the fact that he was a demon.
“Something the matter?” he asked as he noticed the glimmer of wistfulness in her gaze. She blinked and shook her head.
“Come on, you can tell me.” He gave her a reassuring smile.
“I was just thinking about when we played tag. We had so much fun back then, before I found out who you really were.”
An arm draped itself across her shoulders. His hand squeezed her shoulder, and she looked at him.
“I'm sorry for hurting you. I truly am.” His expression showed regret. She remembered that he had lied to her before, but right now, he seemed so genuine. She wanted to believe him.
“Maybe I shouldn't have asked you to meet me here.” He shook his head.
“No. It's just... never mind.” She quickly pulled away and rose from the bench. “I thought we were having lunch, and you were going to tell me about stuff.”
“Right.”
o0o0o0o
Rather than choose a restaurant with an exotic menu, Hsi Wu had found a sandwich place. Sometimes it was nice to have some plain fare, something quickly put together with a tasty combination of common ingredients. He added some mayo to his sandwich before sitting at one of the picnic tables with Jade and cracking open his bottle of beer.
Jade took several bites of her sandwich, waiting for him to speak. He took his time, wishing to simply relax and enjoy his meal with the girl he wanted. Finally, he spoke, sharing Tso Lan's thoughts about the talismans, along with the eventuality that the other siblings would be able to enjoy normal lives. Jade did not answer right away, processing what he had said.
“I have to be honest – I'm not too crazy about you releasing your siblings into this world...”
“I understand. Tso Lan wanted me to let him out right away, but I wouldn't. I told him that he had to try to remember first. Now he's changed, like me. He doesn't want to use the Moon to destroy the earth or anything like that. He just wants to be free, and happy. You wouldn't have to worry about him, he'd be too busy exploring the books and the Internet to even think about world domination.” He meant the last line half-jokingly, to take some of the tension out of the conversation.
Jade stared at him dubiously, and he offered her what he hoped was a reassuring smile.
“I should tell my uncles.”
“No!” Hsi Wu hissed. Though he was confident that the flute had no more magical hold on him, the elder Chan was a formidable magician, and he was loath to take a gamble and underestimate the old man. Immortal or not, the old magician had proved himself more than adept in magic due to the fact that he had been able to re-banish all of the demons and even send Drago to the Void. “Please, don't.” The Demonic side of him stirred, going into defensive mode, telling him to kidnap Jade and keep her prisoner to ensure that she wouldn't be able to blab to her uncles. He had to protect himself and his siblings! There was no way in hell he was going back to the Void! Never never never never! Images of the carnage he and his siblings had once inflicted surged through his mind, and he imagined decapitating Jade's uncles, ensuring that they would never be able to go against him...
It took almost superhuman effort to collect himself and repress these urges. As much progress as he had made, whatever had influenced him and his siblings onto their path of destruction still lingered, a shadow at the edge of his consciousness.
“No.” he finally said after several moments of terse silence. “I refuse to go back to the Void.”
“I didn't say...”
“No.” He stared at her, his jaw set with determination. “I didn't have to approach you when I escaped the Void, but I felt that you deserved an apology. I also didn't have to tell you about what's going on with me and my siblings, but I wanted someone to talk to, someone who would offer me a fresh perspective on things.”
“But...” Jade felt torn between wanting to tell her uncles and honoring the Demon's wishes.
“No buts. Your elder uncle was the one who sent us all, including Drago to the Void! Or is that something you forgot?”
“He had reason to!” Jade shot back before she could stop herself. He narrowed his eyes at her before abruptly rising from his seat and storming off. She was so stunned that she simply sat there for a few seconds, staring at his back. Finally, she climbed off the bench and went after him, turning around the corner where she had seen him disappear. However, 'Seymour' was nowhere to be found, even after she continued walking, calling out his name.
o0o0o0o
The Demon of the Sky let out a frustrated roar as he slashed at the tree trunk, leaving wide gashes in it that no axe could have accomplished. Tso Lan would berate him and call him a fool, for his involvement with the Chans' niece. As much as he had talked with Tso Lan, he had not let one word drop that he was seeing Jade.
Slashing at the tree and rampaging through the forest was one way to get his Demonic urges under control, but even then, he still imagined tearing the old wizard apart and bathing in his blood. It was amazing – and frightening – how one simple comment had roused the bloodlust within. He remembered all too well centuries past, when this bloodlust had dictated his actions and those of his siblings. In the Void, the only outlet for this was to fight one another.
When he finally spent himself, he collapsed on the leaf-lined ground, breathing in the scent of the vegetation around him. In the Void, there were no such scents, and the melange of odors that surrounded him provided him with a much-needed distraction. He closed His eyes, spreading himself out, feeling the leaves and grass under his palms. The rage had subsided, thankfully. It almost surprised him how good it felt to be free of that rage, but what truly pleased him was the fact that he had been able to exert that rage without harming anybody. It had been an entirely different matter in the past, where the typical answer to anger was lashing out at servants or innocent passers-by, even for some tiny offense or a genuine mistake.
Suddenly, his phone rang. He was surprised that it was still intact after the raging he had done, or that it hadn't fallen out of his pocket. He ignored it.
o0o0o0o
Jade had tried calling him several times through the afternoon, but he wasn't answering. What was worse, Uncle and Tohru knew something was wrong when she came back to the shop. Hsi Wu's reaction must have affected her more than she thought if her distress was so obvious to Uncle and Tohru. She tried to shrug it off and tell them that it was something little, that they didn't need to worry about her and that she just needed a bit of time. They had acquiesced quickly enough and she was glad that Jackie was still at work. She was sure she could cheer herself up before then.
Still, she felt that she needed to talk to someone. Since she had already talked to Tohru about Hsi Wu – or at least part of it – she felt that he was her best bet. Uncle was in the front of the shop, while Tohru was in the backroom doing some research and accounting. He looked up as she closed the door quietly before pulling up a seat.
“I had the feeling that you would want to be talking soon enough.” Tohru said patiently as he regarded her. She smiled back at him.
“You'd make a great counselor, you know that?”
He chuckled softly, peering at her over the rim of his glasses.
“It's about... the guy I told you about before.”
“Did you talk to him about your relationship?”
“...Sort of. We started to talk about it. He tells me that his feelings haven't changed for me.”
“And how do you feel?”
“I am attracted to him. Yet at the same time...”
“I know this may sound old-fashioned of me, but perhaps you should bring him here so we can meet him.”
Jade stiffened, imagining the reaction her uncles would have if they figured out who 'Seymour' really was. Though 'Seymour' had an adult appearance now, she was fairly sure that he would be recognized, if not immediately, then in due time.
“Jade.” His tone was serious. “You have known him for over a month. You are a grown woman and I am not going to give you a command, and I can see that you're not rushing into this. However, it is clear to me that you're very conflicted about this, and that causes me worry. I do not want to think that you're afraid to bring him around because he's... a criminal of some sort.”
Shit. Though she was certain that Hsi Wu hadn't broken any laws – aside creating a fake ID and what have you – there was his past to consider.
“He's had a... difficult past.” Jade admitted.
“So have I.” Tohru retorted evenly.
“And look at you now.” Jade shot back lightly.
“Your uncles gave me a chance. I made some bad decisions when I was young and naïve, but I learned from them. I've been off probation for several years now, and I find working here much more rewarding than when I used to work for the Yakuza or Valmont.”
That sounded sort of like Hsi Wu, Jade pondered. He seemed genuinely regretful for what he had done in the past, and it appeared that his newly-uncovered memories were suggesting that he and his siblings weren't even responsible for the evils they had committed, at least not entirely.
“Does he seem like the sort of person who wants to leave his past behind?”
“Yes.”
“You're sure of this? He's not trying to... charm you?”
“No, he does seem genuine. I want to believe him, but I'm being very cautious.”
“Has he ever tried to harm you or make you feel unsafe?”
Jade thought about the rage in his eyes earlier this afternoon, and how he had gone off to deal with it himself instead of lashing out at her even when she was the one who had provoked him. “No.”
“Good. Can I at least have a name?”
“Seymour.”
“All right.” He looked at her again. “Be careful, Jade. If something does not feel right...”
“I got it. Believe me, I do.”
o0o0o0o
She tried to call the Sky Demon several more times, but he still didn't answer his phone. He didn't have an e-mail or any other sort of contact, and she considered going to his apartment. After some deliberation, she decided against that, figuring that if he really wanted to talk to her, he would call her. Perhaps he had packed up everything and scuttled to the other side of the world to make sure her uncles wouldn't find him.
Maybe he was going to go ahead and try to free his siblings. That thought did not bode well, and when Uncle closed the store for the night, she asked him if she could talk to him.
They sat in the kitchen, and Jade waited patiently as Uncle prepared tea, fetching the cups as she did so. Soon enough, they were seated and sipping their tea. Jade took comfort in the heat of the cup, wrapping her fingers around it.
“I was thinking about Shendu and the Demon Sorcerers. When you re-banished them, it was supposed to be permanent, right?”
“Yes.”
“Didn't the Immortals think their spell was going to be permanent, too?” Jade asked casually.
“Hm.” Uncle frowned thoughtfully. “Yes. And it would have been, if not for Shendu. But now he and Drago are trapped there.”
Jade nodded slowly. She could not help but recall her time in the future when she was helping her future self against the dark chi wizard Iso. The Talismans had been there, and Captain Black had given some of them to her and the others to fight Iso. If the Talismans were in the Void in Shendu's body, then what had the Talismans been doing in the future in the custody of Section 13?
If Hsi Wu released Shendu from the Void, that would explain the Talismans being in this world in the future, and she definitely didn't like the idea of that...
“What if someone else were to try to release him again? We never did recover the P'an Ku Box.”
“Why are you asking these questions? It's been years.”
“I was just curious. I mean, yeah, we defeated a lot of bad guys... but some of them manage to make more trouble. After Daolon Wong ended up in prison, he ended up summoning Tarakudo...”
“Good always overcomes evil. I created the banishment spells to be permanent, but even if someone does figure out how to use the P'an Ku box, I will simply re-banish them. Now that Tohru is an wizard in his own right, I have more help than before, and in time, you can become a wizard yourself.”
“Don't you mean witch?” Jade shot back. Uncle regarded her with a rare smile.
o0o0o0o
Jade was roused in the middle of the night by the ringing of her phone, and she let out a low groan as she raised her head off her pillow. Was it her parents calling to bitch at her again? It was still afternoon in Hong Kong, after all. She considered just turning off her phone, but decided to see who was calling.
She was met with a mixture of surprise and relief when she saw Hsi Wu's number on the screen.
“Hey.” she said quietly.
“Hey, you.”
“So... feeling better?”
“... Yes.” A soft sigh met her ears.
“I didn't mean to make you angry, honestly. It was a thoughtless thing for me to say. I can't blame you for not wanting to go back to the Void.”
“I suppose I shouldn't blame you for your concern and wanting to tell your uncles. We were pretty ugly to all of you... before. We don't really have the best track record, do we?”
“Yeah, but from what you told me of your memories...”
“I'm close to figuring it out. Whoever did this to us put an especially strong block on that part of my memory. I've not gotten through it yet, but...”
“You will. You've already come so far.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Jade could practically see him smile as she heard him say that.
o0o0o0o
Jade could not help but feel a bit nervous as she approached the building where the Sky Demon had made his home. She had the flute in her purse, and a couple of spells and magical ingredients at hand, just in case.
The doorman and concierge waved her right through. The door to his apartment opened after she had barely knocked once. Hsi Wu was obviously happy to see her, and he bowed as he gestured her to come in, acting the part of a perfect gentleman.
“I put together some food for us in case you get hungry.” he explained as she sat down on the sofa.
“Thanks.” They didn't say anything for several moments after he sat down, and both of them felt unsure of what to say. Finally, she spoke again. “I didn't mean to sound mean yesterday. It's just... when Drago gained all of the chis of you and the other Demons and Shendu was also restored to his old self... well, they caused a LOT of damage, and that was just the two of them!”
The Demon gave out a wry chuckle. “I can imagine. Again, let me assure you that I have no intention of world domination or hurting people. Look, if it'll make you feel better, I'll drink a truth potion and you can ask me questions. Would that make you feel better?”
“Actually... yes.” If he was going to offer to make himself open to the truth, that did speak highly of his motives. Only someone who was truly innocent would submit themselves to a lie-detector test, or if they were a very good liar. However, if a machine could be fooled... well, the same couldn't be said about magic. When reading through the old texts or getting lessons from Uncle or Tohru, she had come across several spells of varying potencies and durations that had different effects, such as rendering one unable to lie, and another one to make someone speak out whatever was on their mind, however blunt or mean it was.
“There is one thing that bothers me, though. It...” She paused, trying her best to figure out just how to say what she wanted to say without upsetting him. Well, hadn't he just volunteered to drink a truth potion? He should be able to handle the truth, then.
“A few years ago, I time-traveled into the future. Long story short, the Talismans were in that future. But since Shendu's trapped in the Void, the Talismans shouldn't have come back to this world...”
She was unprepared for the expression she saw on Hsi Wu's face. It was a mixture of shock, comprehension, and thoughtfulness. She did not see one iota of rage. Just what was he thinking about? She could practically see the gears turning in his head.
“Who was in possession of the Talismans?”
“Section 13. Captain Black had them, and when we were fighting Iso, he gave us some of them to help us fight because Iso had the Chi Arcanum, and...”
“And you think that since I talked about releasing the other demons, I was going to release Shendu. Don't worry – that is not going to happen.”
“But the Talismans...”
Hsi Wu grinned at her.
“What?”
“This is perfect! Just perfect.” He rose from his seat, looking excited as he started to pace the room. “If the Talismans end up back here, then that means the plan worked!”
“What plan?”
“Have you heard of the legend of the twelve animals and the Jade Emperor?”
“I think I might have heard of it when I was little, but...”
“Shendu didn't have all of these powers way back then. I used to think so, but my memories tell me otherwise. He was a Fire Demon and a dragon, but that was it. He didn't have the power to turn others into animals, or super-speed, or levitation. He stole these powers. They were never his to start with...”
Jade stared at him. Nowhere in Uncle's research did it mention that these powers hadn't been Shendu's own. They had thought that Lo Pei merely used the twelve animals as a symbol, splitting up the Dragon Demon's power into twelve talismans rather than concentrate them all into one big talisman, so that it would make it harder for Shendu to regain his powers if he had the chance. Since Shendu and Lo Pei were both Chinese, it made sense to use the Chinese zodiac.
“Tso Lan proposed taking away the Talismans while we escape the Void, so Shendu couldn't have these.”
“...Ohh!” Realization dawned upon Jade. If this was what the other demons planned to do to Shendu, and this plan succeeded, that would indeed explain it! Even if in the future, the older Jade hadn't mentioned the release of the Demon Sorcerers... unless her older, wiser self had decided to keep mum about the whole thing so the future could occur naturally.
The pair stared at one another, both of them processing what they had just shared with one another.
What a load off my shoulders, Jade thought, shoulders slumping with relief. With Hsi Wu's offer and this new information, she felt a lot less wary around him than before. She would do what she could to help him uncover the truth of his past. She wouldn't tell her uncles, at least not yet. Let the Demons know the truth about what had happened to them, what Shendu had done, and then that could be explained to her uncles. Yes, that sounded just about right.
“Look... I'm not trying to make you mad, but I would like to tell my uncles. Not now, though. But I mean, when you find out the full truth, then you can explain it to them, or I could do it for you. If they understood what happened to you, that you didn't choose to be evil...” To her relief, he didn't snap into a rage as he had yesterday. He nodded slowly.
“That would be... acceptable.”
“Good. I'm glad that we could... talk about this.”
“We really should talk more.” he shot back lightly. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. Damn, but she felt a warm, fluttering feeling within the pit of her stomach as he gazed at her, his dark brown eyes filled with warmth and fondness. With things cleared up between them, she didn't feel so wary of him anymore.
What would it be like to have him as a boyfriend? To be in a real, bona-fide relationship with him instead of this on-and-off thing they had going? As if he sensed her thoughts, he approached her, gently stroking her cheek with the back of his fingers.
Rather than wait for him to initiate a kiss, she decided to repay him for before. Standing up on her toes and grabbing the collar of his shirt, she planted a firm kiss on his lips. She felt his body buckle a bit in surprise before he relaxed, wrapping his arms around her. His body was so warm and strong, and she was tempted to press against it, and she felt his tongue explore her lips, starting to press between them. Before they could progress any further, she firmly extricated herself out of his embrace, noticing with no small delight that the Sky Demon was adorably flustered, his cheeks tinged pink as he looked down at her.
“I take it that's payback for what I did to you.” he said slyly, approaching her with a playful smirk.
“Payback's a bitch, huh?”
“A sexy one.” He crossed his arms and grinned at her. “Is that all you have to offer, my jewel?”
“Was that not enough for you?” she asked sweetly, batting her eyes.
“You know the answer to that, Jade.”
“I do.” She looked at him with a sober expression. “You're serious about wanting me as your mate?”
“Demons do not take mating lightly. I have never considered mating before. This is no idle offer.”
“I know.” She sighed quietly and looked away before he reached out to place a hand on her shoulder.
“I certainly don't expect you to give me an answer now, Jade. But...”
“I can offer you something, Hsi Wu. It might not be the same as what you want, but I hope you find my offering enough.”
“And that might be...”
“I'm ready to start a real relationship with you. We can go steady, and see how that goes.”
“Sounds good to me.”
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The Sky's the Limit