When Colors Collide

Realization hit him, and he yanked his leg back as if scalded. "Oh fuck," he burst out, composure crumbling. "Get your hands off me!"

The genie chuckled low, clearly entertained. "Ah, I see it now. You desire me, but you act like you're hard to get." He looked at the ghosts around. "All because of them." The mere expression on his face sent the sleepwalkers scurrying away in terror. His fingers trailed away slowly. "So be it."

Fanfar sneered, trying to sound nonchalant, but he could not hide the nervousness in his voice. "Oh yes, you're... you're handsome, attractive, impressive. I mean, who wouldn't be impressed?" He hesitated, glancing sideways, and added dryly, "That is... except for Jazz. He'd probably look at you and shrug. Don't think anything impresses him."

The genie's eyes narrowed curiously. "Jazz?"

Fanfar forced a laugh, but it had an edge of defiance. "Yeah, Jazz! Do you believe that you are the star of this show, the only one?"