Complications with Jealousy

Silently, Jack and Sage head towards the commuter lot where his car is parked. He's walking a few steps ahead of her while she is lagging behind, her focus fixated on the paved pathway. The twinkling stars and luminous moon are hidden tonight, thick dark clouds shielding them from sight. If it weren't for the string of lampposts lined up along the side, they wouldn't have been able to see a thing. On the trip there, Jack makes sure he doesn't walk too fast and pays careful attention to the length of his strides. He doesn't want to insert even more distance between the two of them.

This is supposed to be his chance to get to know the real Sage Chan better, so what is he doing? He's blowing it by being an awkward dunce, that's what he's doing. If Claudius and Simon saw him now, they would surely be disappointed yet completely amused by the ordeal. What are friends for? He needs to be the one who makes the next move because it's clear Sage isn't going to be initiating anything. Clearing his throat, Jack comes to a halt and waits for the girl to catch up to him. When she falls into step with Jack, he resumes moving.

Immersed in her own thoughts, Sage fails to realize that they are now strolling side by side. She's too preoccupied thinking about how she managed to get herself into this kind of situation. In all honesty, Sage barely accepts rides from anyone, whether it's Morgan or Blake, but here she is with Jack, a guy she's just met. It's only when her hand brushes up against his, their knuckles barely grazing, that Sage is pulled back into reality. Her eyes widen slightly as she looks up and discovers Jack walking next to her. When did this happen?

The young man then glances her way and their gazes meet a second time. Realizing she has been caught staring at him, Sage immediately averts her eyes. Discreetly, she attempts to inch away from him without making her intent obvious. She doesn't understand why but being so close to Jack is a bit unsettling for her. The color of his steel gray eyes is still vivid in her memories and an army of chills marches down her spine. Sage doesn't think too much about it, however, and assumes it must be a result from the frigid winter weather. It makes sense, doesn't it?

"What are you majoring in?"

The inquiry, without a doubt, catches her off guard. It takes her brain a few seconds to comprehend the words and another moment for her to form a coherent response. "Environmental studies," she replies after what feels like an eternity. Jack simply nods and Sage wonders what's going on in that head of his. "What about you?" she returns in order to keep the conversation going. To be honest, Sage isn't really good with small talk but perhaps this can be her chance to improve her social skills a bit.

"I haven't picked one yet," he says as he rubs the nape of his neck, feeling slightly embarrassed. For the time being, Jack doesn't know what he wants to do for the rest of his life besides serving the country he loves. He's put a lot of thought into the matter, but so far he hasn't managed to come up with anything solid. Selecting a career isn't as easy as it seems and Jack feels like he's lagging behind everyone else. He knows it isn't a race, but it doesn't make him feel any better.

Sage, who doesn't notice his discomfort, openly speaks her mind. "There's no need to rush," the girl advises as she stares straight ahead. "Most people don't decide on a major until the end of their sophomore year anyways. Just make sure that whatever it is you choose, it's something you're passionate about. That's the only way you won't regret the choice you've made."

Her encouraging words manage to lift the imaginary weight that's been burdening him for quite some time now off of his chest and the corners of Jack's lips quirk up into a tiny smile. "Does that mean you're passionate about the environment then?" he questions. From what he can recall, his mother did mention that Sage was someone who was extremely conscious about the world they lived in. He just wants to hear it from Sage herself. 

"I am," she confirms proudly as she turns to look at him, a sparkle in her eyes. "Nature itself is a phenomenon worth protecting. As humans, we should be cherishing it more, don't you think?" This isn't the first time Jack has encountered someone who had the same interests as her. There had been people like her at his high school. Yet, to him, there's just something about Sage that sets her apart from everyone else. He can tell she genuinely cares about the planet by her tone, which is filled with nothing but admiration, and the way her eyes seem to light up at the mere mention of the topic. So this is the real Sage Chan? The one he didn't have the pleasure of meeting during their blind date?

Mindlessly, Jack nods and shows that he's agreeing with her. His thoughts then stray elsewhere as he wonders about what could have happened if the two of them had actually met up at Sappho's. Although he hasn't spent that much time with the girl, he can tell she wouldn't have been rude and uncouth to him like the fake Sage had been. He's not saying the two of them would have hit it off right away, but it seems like they have more things in common than he expected. If she had sent a stunt double in her place that day, it would also mean that she had no inclination to get involved in a romantic relationship whatsoever. It looks like they're on the same boat after all. But then why doesn't Jack feel happy about it?

In the car, it's quiet. The radio is usually off since Jack doesn't care much for all of the paid advertisements the media keeps trying to shovel down his throat. Because, sometimes, he simply enjoys listening to his own thoughts. Sage has yet to make a complaint either and he assumes she doesn't mind the silence. Jack can't help but steal a few glimpses of her through his peripheral vision. Oddly enough, he doesn't feel that uncomfortable in her presence. Nervous yes, but uncomfortable? Not really. There's just something so... familiar about her. It's probably because their families are already acquainted with one another that he feels this way.

At the moment, Sage's eyes are focused on watching the moon, which has finally revealed itself. When she was younger and didn't know any better, the girl had naively believed that the moon followed her wherever she ventured. Thinking about it now, however, she supposed it was because it was comforting for her to bear such thoughts. She had moved around so much, with her father being a dedicated military man and everything, that the only things that were ever constant in her life were the sun, moon and stars. Things which were always the same no matter where she was. Things which will always be the same no matter where she might end up.

A bittersweet smile appears on her face and her gaze falls down onto her lap. Next, a loud grumble echoes through the vehicle and Sage's eyes triple in size at the sound. Color flushes her cheeks and she bites on her bottom lip, wondering if Jack had heard the unattractive gurgle. Secretly, she peers over to him. He's looking straight ahead and her worries are momentarily put to rest. Maybe it wasn't as loud as she had thought it was. Her tense posture relaxes, a small breath of relief escaping her lips. ­­

"Should we grab a quick bite?" Jack questions nonchalantly as he comes to a steady halt at a red light. He still has his sights set on the road stretched out ahead of them and Sage's breathing hitches. "I haven't had dinner yet." The blush tinting her cheeks deepen once she realizes that he did, in fact, hear the noise which had originated from her stomach. He must have chosen to ignore it out of politeness. She doesn't know if she should be thankful, embarrassed or both. She's never been in this kind of situation before and has a difficult time understanding why she's been so easily flustered tonight. This is unlike her.

"No, I'm okay," she manages to spit out at last. "I can wait until I get home."

The light turns green and he resumes driving. Another gurgle rumbles and this time Jack barely manages to stifle the chuckle, the corners of his lips twitching upward. A smile threatens to break free and he strains to control himself. She must be starving, which makes total sense considering Jack didn't see her consume anything at all while they were busy studying. "You should really eat something," he advises after clearing his throat. "It'll save you time, don't you think? I know a place that has pretty good food."

Sage contemplates on the idea. A late-night dinner with a potential new friend doesn't sound all that bad. She definitely prefers this option over one of Tabby's rowdy, frat parties anyways. Besides, she can use a break from all of the studying. Who knows? It can even turn out to be an enjoyable experience for her. After, she nods her head. Jack internally cheers and pats himself on the back as he takes off towards Martha's Diner.

They arrive fifteen minutes later and exit the vehicle. Sage pats herself down to make sure she has her wallet and allows Jack to lead the way. The bells dangling above the door jingles when he pushes it open and the pair is greeted by a waitress who looks no older than they are. Thankfully for the young man, the girl doesn't seem taken with him and guides them to a booth. Once they settle into their seats, she places the menus down in front of them and disappears after asking what they'd like to drink. Sage requests a glass of water and so does Jack. Again, silence fills the space between them but this time it is Sage who takes the initiative.

"Thank you," she says, catching him by surprise. She doesn't dare to meet his eyes though and clears her throat. "For pretending not to notice the unattractive noises my stomach was making," she specifies. Sage doesn't usually get embarrassed by these kinds of things since they're only part of human nature, but she can't help the heat rushing into her cheeks.

Jack, on the other hand, has no problem looking at her, a small smile swinging on his lips. "It's not a big deal," he answers. "I was pretty hungry myself." Eventually, Sage gains the courage to glance up at him. He no longer has his sights set on her and she finds him already skimming through the menu. "I'm not sure what you like, but the Bourbon Burlington Burger is a house favorite." Jack then peers over his menu and his heart stutters when he locks eyes with Sage from across the way. Why is she starting at him like that? Does he have something on his face?

After a moment Sage breaks the gaze and flips her menu open. She locates the burger he was talking about under the cook's recommendation list and nods her head in approval. "I think I'll have that," she declares. She barely orders burgers when she's out but if it's a house favorite, she might as well try it while she's here. The diner has a rather cozy feel to it and Sage wonders why she's never heard about the place.

Before he has the chance to reply, they are interrupted by another party. "Jack?" They both turn to see the unexpected visitor standing beside their table, both of her brows arched. Sage doesn't recognize the girl and immediately looks at Jack for a response.

"Charlie," he coughs out, startled by her appearance. His ears then turn red as he deciphers that inquiring and mischievous look his cousin is currently giving him. God. Can she make it any more obvious?

He gets an answer to his question a second later. "Who's this?" Charlie asks bluntly, not even bothering to beat around the bush like most people would have done.

Unbelievable. If Jack could bang his head against the table without looking like a complete idiot he would have done so already. However, he can only clench his fists underneath the table instead as he attempts to compose himself. "Oh—this is Sage," he introduces with a stiff and strained smile. "She goes to school with me."

"Really?" A smug smirk crawls onto the girl's face as she quickly examines Sage from head to toe. "Hi, I'm Charlie," she introduces as she sticks her hand out. Can a giant black hole just appear and swallow him up already? Jack's come across that expression way too many times and knows exactly what's going on in Charlie's mind. She's never going to let this one go. Ever. How can he forget the joint is practically her second home?

Sage politely shakes Charlie's hand, unsure of what to make of the situation. Why does it feel so awkward? "It's nice to meet you," she replies.

"Same. You look awfully familiar though," Charlie points out as their palms disconnect. "Have we met somewhere?"

The older girl searches through her memories and shakes her head when nothing surfaces. "No, I don't think so."

Despite her denial, Charlie doesn't resign. She's positive she's seen Sage somewhere before. She just can't put her finger on it. Jack recognizes her concentrated countenance and silently curses to himself. What is she trying to do? Does he have to drag her out of the place for her to figure out she's infringing on their late-night dinner together? "I'm ready," another familiar voice chirps from a distance. Jack's tense posture loosens up a little as he glances towards the restroom. Never in a million years did he think he'd be this happy to see Ethan. Ethan, who is momentarily stunned, joins his girlfriend's side and greets the older boy, "Oh, hey Jack."

"Moron-dozo," he returns stiffly. Sage picks up on the minor dose of hostility laced in his voice and her curiosity is peaked. She leans back, stares at the three of them and begins to access the situation. She manages to put the pieces together without an issue and exhales. No wonder it felt so awkward!

Ethan isn't hurt by the crude nickname he's gotten accustomed to and laughs it off. Sooner or later, Jack will warm up to him. It's only a matter of time. "Well, we've got to go," Charlie says. "I'll talk to you later, Jack." Next, she winks at him and Jack nearly jumps out of his seat. Hopefully Sage didn't see that or else it will be hard for him to explain. Once the couple leaves the establishment, Jack sucks in a deep breath. He's definitely going to get Charlie back for this.

"She's pretty," Sage compliments as she watches Ethan and Charlie climb into the rusty, old truck.

"Not really," disagrees Jack with a snort. "Don't let her looks fool you. Charlie can be incorrigible. Actually, she can be a lot of things, none of them being good."

Sage then shifts back towards him and takes a sip of her water. "You two seem close."

"Of course," the young man confirms without reluctance. "We grew up together."

What she's doing might be considered prying but the words come out before Sage has the chance to stop herself. "Did you have history?" For a brief second, Sage freezes. Her eyes round as she thinks about what she's just done. She doesn't know why she asked him that sort of question. Normally, she doesn't care about other peoples' private and personal matters. So then why is it different with him? Why does she suddenly want to know more about the young man sitting across from her?

Jack blinks, furrows his eyebrows and purses his lips out. "What do you mean by that?"

It's too late for her to go back now. "You didn't look happy when that boy showed up," she remarks, adding a nonchalant shrug.

"Who, Ethan?" Jack says.

"Yeah," answers Sage. "Were you jealous?"

"What? No, of course not," he dismisses. "Why would I be jealous of him?"

"Because you used to like Charlie," Sage proclaims brazenly, her head held high.

The statement is absolutely absurd and Jack's reaction displays utter disbelief. "What? Where'd that come from?" he balks.

Sage is a bit taken aback by his response but relays her observations anyway. "Your rigid exterior and biting tone when Ethan first appeared."

Once he hears her explanation, Jack can kind of understand why she might have jumped to the wrong conclusion and he doesn't blame her. Besides, it's not like it's the first time someone has mistaken the two of them as an item. "I wasn't jealous. More like overprotective," he corrects as he chuckles. "Charlie's my cousin."

Sage doesn't get flustered for making such a grave mistake like most people would have and calmly nods. "Oh. I must've read that wrong then." She really needs to improve on some of her skills. No wonder Rosemary is always complaining about her being terrible when it came to people. Is this what she meant?

"Yeah, way wrong." Jack laughs again, his shoulders bouncing up and down. This is funnier than it should be. However, Jack can't help but think that maybe, just maybe, Sage might be interested in him. Even if that interest is the size of a speck, he'll take it. Slowly, but surely, he is getting to know more about the real Sage Chan, as enigmatic as she may be.

- - -

Author's Note: Hello, hello. I know it's been centuries since I've updated and I'm soo sorry. I hope you all understand and forgive me. Are you still there? I hope so! I thought this chapter showed a lot about Sage, don't you think? And look, it's Elie! <3