The start of a new school year was a special kind of torture. Teachers and students alike loathed the end of their freedom. And although everyone came back fresh-faced and full of energy, scholastic routine soon sucked everyone dry of their joy. By the middle of October, with the days growing shorter and cooler, a pall settled over the building.

It was nothing new, and this far into his career Kyle expected it. What he didn’t expect was Adam’s sudden immunity to the start-of-school-blues. While everyone else trudged down the halls like they were one day into serving a life sentence, Adam practically floated from the teachers’ lounge to his classroom.

The ongoing hypothesis - discussed by staff and students alike - was his newlywed status. Only a few months prior, he and Kate had finally said their “I Do’s.” Kyle had seen the pictures; it had certainly been a day worth celebrating. And he could imagine wanting to hold on to that happiness. But this was getting silly.

Kyle had been topping off his coffee in the lounge when Adam had all burst into the room, bearing two boxes of donuts. “Morning!” He didn’t seem to care that he received only half-hearted replies and grumbles in return.

Kyle put a little more effort in, managing a befuddled, “Morning. Happy … Tuesday?” as Adam queued up behind him to refill his travel mug.

Whether it was the commotion of Adam’s arrival or the aroma of baked goods, Ryka awoke. He was the one who swiveled Kyle’s head around to glare at Adam. Kyle tried to fight it, but couldn’t stop his eyes from narrowing, and barely avoided a menacing scowl. What he couldn’t stop was the stern, “No,” that rumbled out of his throat, along with a healthy dose of growling.

The other staff in the room knew that voice all too well, and scrambled for the exit, leaving only Kyle and Adam. And Adam wisely took a few steps back, putting some distance between them. “Um, I’ll come back after first period. Take a couple donuts before they get snatched up.”

With that, he, too, left.

“What was that about?”

It’s too fucking early for that shit.

Kyle couldn’t have agreed more.

***

Although he was as perplexed by Adam’s continued good mood as everyone else, Kyle only had so much time and attention to speculate. Besides, he was sure Adam would get around to telling him eventually. They had confided quite a bit in each other by this point, and Kyle was sure that if something was up, he’d hear about it soon enough.

His free period after lunch was not the best time, however. Amazingly, he was caught up on his correcting and lesson planning, and had a truly free period. Ryka thought there was only one way to use their time together, and Kyle had quickly given in.

The blinds were drawn, the door closed, and people were walking by the room like it didn’t even exist. Most people, anyhow. Kyle never heard the soft knocking on the door, or his name being called. Mostly because he was too busy muttering Ryka’s to hear much else, at least until Adam was already halfway across the room.

“Kyle?”

“Oh!” This for Ryka and his always impeccable technique. “Oh shit!” And this for tipping his head back and opening his eyes to discover that he and Ryka were no longer alone.

He wasn’t sure who’s timing was worse: his, Ryka’s, or Adam’s. Though given what his friend had just walked in on, he supposed Adam won that award. Kyle’s only consolation was that his chair was spun to face away from the door. That and the handful of tissues that had prevented this situation from getting any messier.

“I thought you were napping! I’m sorry; I’ll leave!” Adam said much too loudly while backtracking with great haste.

“No, wait!” Kyle managed, fully expecting to hear the door slammed closed any moment. When it didn’t, he continued, “I’m so sorry. I … it must be important, right? Just … wait one second.”

Adam did, turning back toward the door to give his friend more privacy. Chuckling to himself, he teased, “And people say newlyweds are bad. You guys put honeymooners to shame.” He heard clothes rustling, but waited for the sound of a zipper before turning back around.

“And you should know, huh?” Ryka returned, his face just a few inches from Adam’s. The only response Adam could give was a squeak and a small nod – the rest of his body was frozen in place, rigid with fear. Ryka took a step, closing the gap between them, and Adam nearly pissed himself.

The demon didn’t seem angry - there was no hissing or snarling - but he didn’t look particularly pleased, either. Finally, Adam got his mouth working again. “I’m really, truly sorry. I thought there was a ‘not at school’ rule ….”

“You thought wrong. Did you come by because you wanted to get in on the fun?” As he spoke, Ryka reached a hand out, and Adam quickly jumped back. His eyes were too focused on those razor-sharp claws to catch the brief dimming of the demon’s eyes. “Then what brings you here, big boy?”

“Well, I wanted to-”

“Not now,” Ryka warned, his attempt at a smile ending up only as bared teeth. “I know what you want to say, and this isn’t the time or place. Got it?”

Eyes nearly popping out of his skull, Adam nodded. “I know, I know. I wanted to ask about going out for a drink later. Is that okay?”

“What do you think, stud?” Now his smile was genuine as he glanced up and to the side, waiting for his host’s response. “Sure, we’ll go.” It was still only the beginning of the week, but if Kyle wanted an explanation, this was the way to get it.

“Great, then-”

“But before that,” Ryka interjected, “why don’t you stay and help me out. You’ve been trying not to look, but since you’ve noticed … it’s kinda mean to leave me this way when you know what it feels like, right?”

Since he had been pleasuring his host, Ryka was quite aroused as well, and Adam certainly hadn’t meant to look. “I’m going to apologize again. I’m sorry for interrupting. And I’m sorry.” For a moment, Adam thought his apologies would be ignored. Along with his obvious attempt to extricate himself from this situation. He took a step back, but Ryka moved with him. And his periphery went black - Ryka’s wings opening around them. Around him.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Swallowing hard, Adam tried again. “I’m truly sorry. I need to get back to my room.”

Kyle must have said something, because with an annoyed “humph” Ryka relented, backing away and folding his wings.

That was apparently the end of their conversation, because Ryka offered no further comment, instead staring at Adam with his arms crossed over his chest.

Clearing his throat and hoping his voice didn’t crack, Adam told him, “Just call when you’re ready to head out. I’ll meet you at O’Rourke’s.” With that, he squeezed himself back into the hallway, trying to open the door as little as possible.

We’ll stop at home first. Ryka whimpered, and Kyle did his best to comfort the demon. There’s only one period left, and I can go right home today. You’ll be fine until then, right, dear?

“That’s not it.”

Then what-?

Ryka avoided the question by giving up control of their body, leaving Kyle slumped over his desk and wondering why it was so hard to get a straight answer out of his other half.

***

Getting answers out of Adam wasn’t any easier, Kyle thought, sighing as his colleague handed him another beer. This in lieu of explanation about his classroom visit earlier that day.

“Drink up, drink up.” Adam demonstrated by chugging a glass of beer, and Kyle followed suit, exasperated. “I need to be drunk for this, I think,” Adam admitted.

“For what? What’s going on?”

They had been at O’Rourke’s for two hours already, and six beers in, Adam’s happy façade finally crumbled. “Well, uh, Ryka already seems to know, but, um, I’m leaving at the end of the school year. We’re moving to southern California. Kate found a job already.”

With shaking hands, Kyle set his drink down. He watched his knuckles go white as he held onto the glass like a lifeline “You’re quitting? Is that why you’ve been prancing around the last few weeks? That’s kind of –”

“No! I mean, sort of, but no. I’m not happy I have to find a new job and move all the way across the country. I’m actually really dreading that bit. No, I’m happy because I’m going to be a Dad.”

Kyle was glad he’d put his drink down already. His first instinct was panic, and he wasn’t quite sure why. But he fought it, and instead forced a smile. “Congratulations,” he said, leaning over the table to hug his friend. “Tell Kate for me.” Because I might never see her again, he realized. California was about as far away as they could get without leaving the country, and he was sure he was the reason why.

No, stud, we’re the reason why. Well, it’s mostly me. You control your homicidal tendencies pretty well. Me, on the other hand, I just can’t stop myself. Don’t even want to.

“Ry ….” It had been years since he’d heard Ryka sound so forlorn. It was almost enough to make him forget he was in the middle of another conversation.

“I’ll tell her, but I’m sure you’ll see her again soon,” Adam was saying, not yet realizing Kyle’s attention was elsewhere. At least until he noticed Kyle’s look of concern. “Everything okay?”

“We’re fine. Just surprised. But this is incredible news! Do you know yet if it’s a boy or girl?” Kyle hoped he sounded excited. He was, but he was disappointed at the same time. It wasn’t easy balancing the two and expressing the proper emotion.

“Not yet. Still a little ways to go for that. As soon as we know, though.” It was hard not to be happy, too, when Adam was so clearly ecstatic. But here he was, stomach turning to lead and throat constricting.

Luckily, Adam distracted him from his dismal thoughts. “It’s weird, sometimes I don’t know if I’m more excited about the baby, or moving somewhere I’ll never have to shovel snow again.”

With a genuine laugh, Kyle shook his head. “That’s a little harsh.”

“You know it’s the snow thing, right?” Adam joked. “No more sloppy commutes – I know you’re jealous.” That he was, Kyle realized with a pang. But not about the weather. Fatherhood had always been something he’d looked forward to. Happy as he was for Adam, envy lingered just under the surface. Kyle would never know this feeling himself, and as glad as he was to have Ryka, it still stung to know this was a door forever closed to him.

Nevermind that this good news was taking his friend away. He’d always have Ryka, and assured the demon he’d be happy when it was just the two of them. But that was assuming that day would be a long time coming. “But you won’t have snow days.” Was he kidding around, or really trying to stop Adam from going?

“Earthquakes, mudslides and wildfires. Can’t beat that. You never know if the school will even still be standing.” Kyle had thought he was the only one hiding misery, but when Adam’s smile faltered, Kyle realized that wasn’t the case. Moving hadn’t been Adam’s decision. It was Kate that felt the urge to get as far away from himself and Ryka as she could.

They both needed cheering up, Kyle thought. “No snow really trumps all of that, though. But, hey, congrats again. Next round’s on me!”

***

Somehow, Kyle made it through two more hours at the bar. Adam had cheered up quickly, talking about his hopes for he and Kate’s unborn child, and Kyle had managed to fake enthusiasm when he couldn’t be genuinely happy. Ryka was another story.

“You’re really bummed about him going away, huh?”

He’s fun. And I was hoping to go to bed with him at least once.

“You really need to stop mentioning that.”

I was going to pretend he was you, so chill out. Well, most of the time, anyhow. Forget it.

“Yeah, anyhow. So, you already knew about this?”

Mm.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

I didn’t want to be the bad guy. I’ve been, uh, what is it, typecast? Yeah. I always play the bad guy.

“You’re a demon, Ryka. You are a bad guy.”

Good with my hands, though, right?

He could see Ryka’s smirk in his mind, and laughed a little. “Is that what prompted you to pull my dick out during my free period? Was that a distraction?”

Partly. And I’d do it again if you wanted.

“Now’s not-”

Be honest.

“Now’s a good time.”

***

Too many drinks and too much late night fun aside, Wednesday morning was rough. Eyes crusted with sleep, Kyle slogged through his usual routine. Always at the back of his mind was Adam and Kate’s big news, and what that would mean come the end of the year. And what it might mean even before.

Kate was by no means controlling, but Adam valued her opinion, and rightly so. And if that opinion happened to be to stay the Hell away from Kyle now that Adam was about to be a father, Kyle wouldn’t have been the least bit surprised.

So he was almost surprised when Adam once again burst into the staff lounge, this time with a tray of cookies. Homemade, and Ryka’s favorite flavor: double chocolate chip. A peace offering, Kyle suspected. A suspicion confirmed when Adam slipped him a separate bag of the same cookies. “Shh. For home,” Adam whispered, as if he were handing over drugs and not baked goods.

“Thanks,” Kyle replied, still a little stunned. He pocketed the treats all the same, and Ryka purred his approval. “Um ….”

“I know I threw a lot at you last night. I just wanted to say-”

Kyle waved off his apology. “I’ve thrown more at you.” A baby announcement was important, but not something unheard of. Demonic possession, and everything that had gone along with it, was its own kind of news.

“I’d say you never showed,” Adam began, patting a nonexistent baby bump, “but … you are several inches taller than when we first met. Maybe I should have suspected.”

Kyle snorted. “I am happy for you. Really.” His other feelings, if he ever chose to divulge them, could wait. “These weren’t necessary.” Still, he grabbed a cookie from the tray - he’d save the others for Ryka - and took a bite.

“You know she likes to bake. And with her cravings ….”

Maybe this won’t be so bad. For now.