Chapter 3: Tears & Laughs

[A few hours later]

Iskander waited in the kitchen until Jade walked in with a cart of plates.

"There isn't much, but I can probably whip something up," Jade said as they scraped the leftover steaks into metal bowls.

"I can't wait." Iskander grinned.

Jade rolled up they're sleeves before they cut the mushrooms, zucchini and leftover steaks into pieces. Then Jade heated a large skillet over medium-high heat and added oil. Once the oil was shimmering, Jade added garlic and cook until nice and fragrant for about a minute. Jade then added mushrooms and zucchini. They cooked for another 5 minutes. Jade pushed the vegetables to the side and added some beaten eggs before scrambling them until just set and mix with the rest of the vegetables. Jade then stir in rice and cook for 3 more minutes before stirring it frequently. Jade then added the sliced steak before they stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Jade continued to mix and cook until everything is heated.

"It's done," Jade said as they passed a plate of steak fried rice to Iskander.

"Thank you, it looks delicious," Iskander commented before he stuffed his face.

"Okay." Jade simply uttered as they washed the dishes.

Iskander halted his chews as he raised a brow to Jade. Jade had they're back turned at Iskander, but he could tell something was off.

"Jade?" Iskander called.

Jade sighed before turned to Iskander. "Yes, Iskander?"

"Are you alright? You don't seem like yourself." Iskander said as placed his half-eaten plate on the table.

"Like my myself? HA! That's funny." Jade exhausted a half-hearted laugh.

"Jade?" Iskander called again as he left his seat.

"It's okay, Iskander. Some brat mocked my cooking, nothing more." Jade chuckled slightly.

"Who was it?" Iskander asked with a deep voice.

"I don't know, they left the room before they told me their name." Jade shrugged they're shoulders.

"JADE!" Jade's eyes snapped at Iskander.

Iskander kneeled to match eye level with Jade as he rested his colossal hands on Jade's small shoulders. Iskander stared intensely into Jade as he examined they're expression. Jade's face remained blank while tears rolled down they're face. Iskander sighed as he gently patted Jade's shoulders before he let Jade go.

Jade touched they're face before they rubbed they're tears against they're fingers. Jade then examined they're hand and saw the tears tringle down they're fingertips.

"What are these?" Jade simply said.

"What do mean?" Iskander questioned.

"The water," Jade said as they gestured the tears that dripped down they're face.

Iskander's eyes widen as he wondered if Jade said a joke. However, based on Jade's clueless expression, they were serious.

"They are tears, Jade," Iskander said as he wiped away Jade' tears.

"Tears?" Jade blinked.

Iskander nodded his head. "You get them whenever you are crying."

"Crying? Am I crying? I shouldn't be crying. I can't." Jade said as more tears poured down they're face.

"Why?" Iskander questioned.

"Because if I cry, then that means I'm sad right? I don't want to be sad." Jade sniffled as they roughly wiped away the pouring tears.

"It's okay to be sad," Iskander said.

Jade lifted they're gazed at Iskander. "It is? Is it really okay?"

Iskander patted Jade's head and laughed. "Of course it is! No one should tell you otherwise."

"Really?" Jade said with trembling lips.

Iskander chuckled. "You are allowed to cry."

After Iskander said that, Jade began to sob loudly. Iskander continued to pat Jade's head while they cried.

"Come now, let's sit down together. Food tastes better when eating it with some company." Iskander suggested as he offered a seat.

Jade rubbed over they're swollen eyes before they agreed and sat with Iskander. Jade took a utensil before they have bitten into the steak fried rice. Jade expression lit up before they started to stuff they're face full. Iskander laughed before he began to eat as well.

[A few days later]

"JADE!" called Iskander as he entered the cafeteria.

Jade mopped a mess next to a table before they lazily lifted they're gaze. "Morning Iskander." Jade yawned.

"Tired today?" Iskander grinned.

"A little," Jade yawned once more as they rubbed they're eyes.

"RIDER!" yelled a voice.

Both Iskander and Jade turned they're attention to a young woman with raven hair. Iskander sighed while Jade just snickered as they continued to mop the floor.

"Someone is in trouble~." Jade teased.

"It would seem so." Iskander sighed.

"Rider! What did I tell you about waltzing in here?" Iskander master growled.

Iskander scratched the back of his head. "To not do it?"

"Yes, which leaves the question. WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" Iskander master yelled.

Iskander shrugged his shoulders as he gestures to Jade. "To greet my friend."

"Your what?" Iskander's master stared at Jade before back at Iskander.

"Are you serious?" Iskander's master said with an annoyed expression.

"Yes, please understanding master Wynne," Iskander said with a grin.

"Rider..." Wynne groaned as she slowly cracked her knuckles.

Iskander chuckled before he quickly grabbed Jade by the collar and exited the cafeteria.

"RIDER!" Wynne yelled.

"Where are we going?" Jade yawned as they rested their chin against Iskander's shoulder.

"Somewhere my master won't find us!" Iskander laughed as he passed through some doors.

"King of Conquerors!" boomed a voice.

Iskander turned his head as he saw a familiar face.

"Napoleon!" Iskander grinned.

"And where may you be off to in a hurry?" Napoleon questioned before noticed Jade on Iskander's shoulder.

"Who that's?" Napoleon asked.

"This is Jade Quinn, my friend." Iskander chuckled while Jade nuzzled they're face in Iskander's neck.

"She seems fond of you." Napoleon chuckled softly.

"Jade did seem tired when we exchange greeting earlier," Iskander said.

Napoleon chuckled as he gestured to a room. "Then we should allow the fillette to rest."

Iskander nodded his head in agreement as he and Napoleon walked into a room. The room was a spacious lounge that had two long white couches, a large coffee table and a packed kitchen in the corner of the room. Iskander walked over to one of the white couches and laid Jade on it. When Jade was placed down, Iskander took off his crimson cape and blanketed Jade. Jade slept soundly.