"I suppose you'll want my number then, just in case you ever get the urge for it." Which in turn meant that he would need to have Leon's number, of course. Instant access; Avery would be able to get into his head whenever he felt like it then...

"If you're doing things about it and it isn't going away then you aren't doing enough. That makes it your fault for not bothering to put enough effort in."

All of this sitting in his closet and pretending to be straight probably didn't help either, but Avery decided to leave that out. It would only lead to talk about Adelaide, and how was he ever going to get Leon on his knees if he was feeling guilty about hurting some idiotic, masculine girl?

"It's just a reference guide, a lot of people have them. Besides, I never said I wanted you to believe that my interest was strictly academic..." He met Leon's gaze for a minute. It was risky, acknowledging his interest in such a taboo subject, but he still had the kiss; he could hold that over Leon if needs be. Not that Avery thought he needed it right now, but it was nice to have a little insurance.

"What does the spell do?" Avery asked quietly, inching nearer. "And how did the Darkmantle react?"