As it did every weekday at five a.m., the alarm started screeching. Kyle fumbled for it blindly, swatting an empty glass off the bedside table and hitting every button except “Off” before finally locating his target. In years now long gone by, he had been able to hit “Snooze” a few times, scrounging a few more minutes of sleep before facing a long day at school. But, annoyed by the frequent interruptions, Ryka had learned to simply turn off the alarm, and Kyle had found out that - whether they were bold enough to say it to his face or not - showing up to class twenty minutes late was frowned upon by his superiors.

So now there was no choice. With a joint-popping stretch, Kyle sat up. He brushed hair out of his face, swung his legs out of bed, and staggered to the kitchen. Once more, he was convinced that coffee makers with built-in timers were the best thing ever created. Eyes still half closed, he poured himself a mug and sat down to enjoy it.

Ryka awoke, also with a loud yawn, when Kyle was halfway through his first serving. Mornin’.

“Good morning, dear. Sleep well?”

Mm. And I’d hate to ruin something this good, so I’m going to keep at it.

“I’m very jealous.”

The only thing that Ryka did quickly, besides lose his temper, was fall asleep, so Kyle was never given a response. Without interruption, he finished his coffee, enjoyed a second helping, showered, and skimmed through his lesson plans for the day. Then it was straight to his favorite chair to catch a few minutes of the news.

He could only stomach ten minutes of current world events before having to turn the TV off. Luckily, Ryka was still dozing, and therefore Kyle didn’t have to listen to him go on about how the whole species was damned. A few minutes of international news conveyed that clearly enough without the need for a professional opinion.

Knowing he would be stuck in meetings after school, Kyle left himself just enough time to throw something in the slow cooker before heading out for the day. He wasn’t looking forward to being stuck at work an extra two hours, but at least he’d have something warm waiting for him when he finally got home.

You sure will, Ryka interjected, flashing him a very sexy mental image, just in case Kyle hadn’t gotten the gist of his words. Sleep was always second to sex, or the opportunity to suggest it.

“Thank you, dear, but today’s going to be a long day.”

So don’t tease you?

“Exactly.”

That’s no fun. Why do I have to suffer, too?

Kyle didn’t have an answer for that one.

***

Really, though, most of the day wasn’t bad. His classes all went smoothly, and it was one of those days where he truly enjoyed his job. His students were focused and eager to participate, and as disappointed as he had sounded that morning, Ryka behaved himself during Kyle’s free period, letting him get caught up on work so he wouldn’t have to take it home. It was the two-and-a-half hour faculty meeting that Kyle was dreading.

It didn’t matter how long it had been since any of his colleagues had last seen Ryka – they knew he was there. Kyle did his best to ease their unspoken concerns. He sat farthest from the door whenever he could, so they’d be closer to the exit, just in case. Not that it would matter. Their free will would be null and void if Ryka wanted it so, leaving them easy targets. Never mind that the demon could also easily lock the door, trapping his prey in the room with him in the event they could somehow fight off his influence.

But it seemed to make his coworkers feel better if Kyle gave them easier access to escape routes, so he kept his mouth shut. Something else he tried to do, since no one was likely to disagree with him if he made any kind of suggestion. He only spoke up when absolutely necessary. And never mind small talk. Adam was the only one he could chat with normally.

At least he had his students, who seemed much more willing to push aside all thoughts of their teacher’s other half. His pupils, however, weren’t here now, so Kyle plopped down at a far corner of the table, next to Adam.

“I really can’t wait for this to be over – I need a drink,” Adam muttered.

“Long day?”

“Well, the first half of the day was fine. It started to go downhill at lunch when I had to send three kids to the office for trying to start a food fight. Last period I had to hand out two detentions for tomorrow, because a couple kids just couldn’t bear to stop playing on their phones. And on the way here, I had to give out another for skateboarding in the hall.”

“Wow.” Even more amazing was that none of this had come to Ryka’s attention. Or he just hadn’t cared enough to give up napping to intervene.

“Yeah. I just really want to get home and relax.”

I can help him unwind, Ryka offered. Now, of course, he was awake. Kyle sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Do I want to know?” Adam inquired.

“Nope. And here comes Dr. Taylor. Let’s hope this ends earlier than scheduled.”

***

Luck was not on Adam’s side that day, it seemed. The meeting ran twenty minutes over, and Dr. Taylor asked him to hang back afterward to discuss the students that had been sent to his office during lunch. Kyle could only offer a supportive smile as he made his exit from the conference room and started toward the parking lot.

That poor bastard.

“I know. Maybe I should see if he wants to go grab a beer.” Kyle stopped outside his car to light a cigarette, and noticed he was parked a couple spots away from Adam - his being the only other car left in this lot. The rest of the staff had high-tailed it out of the meeting and were already long gone. Dr. Taylor’s vehicle was nowhere in sight, so at least he had no reason to be in this area. Glad for small favors, Kyle took a drag and perched on the hood of his car.

Bring him home for a beer. I want to stretch and have a smoke. And a few drinks.

“Why don’t we wait and see if he even wants to go out? And you know, he might not be in the mood for your nonsense.”

What the fuck does that mean? Ryka hissed, and Kyle could feel the hair on the back of his neck stand up – Ryka bristling at what he perceived as an insult.

“Take it easy, will you? I’m talking about the sexual harassment. And it’s not all verbal – you’ve gotten a bit too touchy-feely a couple times. I’m pretty sure he thinks you’re using him as a buffet.”

There was a pause, then Ryka told him, tone serious, Then he’s misunderstanding completely.

“What? What do you mean?” But Ryka didn’t answer, because at the moment, Kyle found himself turning his head toward the building. Adam was finally exiting, and headed in their direction. “Later, then,” Kyle said. To Adam, who was now only a few feet away, he asked, “How’d it go?”

“It was fine. But were you waiting for me?”

“Having a butt. But figured I’d see if you wanted to get a drink.”

Adam considered for a moment, then shook his head. “That’s very tempting, but I’m going to pass. Stay in and get obliterated on my own couch. Maybe this weekend, though?”

“Works for me.”

For who?

“For us,” Kyle corrected. As though Ryka’s social calendar was somehow going to be fully booked. “See you tomorrow, then.” He was about to get into his car when he saw Adam open his door, look down, then slam the door closed again, cursing loudly all the while. “You okay?”

“I should have listened when Kate said my tire looked a little low this morning.”

Kyle walked over to where Adam stood looking at the front driver-side tire, so flat it was resting on the rim. “Well, I can help you change it. I’d say call Triple-A, but you probably want to get home sometime tonight.” Having suffered hours-long waits in the past, he knew better than to expect prompt service. Especially with the day Adam was having.

“Fair point. Thanks. Let’s hope the spare isn’t flat, too.”

The spare wasn’t flat, but the jack was missing. Cursing again, Adam explained that Kate had given hers to a stranger in need, so Adam in turn had given his to her. They checked Kyle’s car, and were equally disappointed. His slightly-newer sedan only came with a can of “Fix-a-Flat.” “A bit late for that,” Kyle remarked, closing his trunk. “Triple-A it is, I guess.”

Adam was pulling out his cell phone when Ryka decided to involve himself, his rough voice rumbling out of Kyle’s throat. “I’ll hold the car up.” To Kyle, he said, And I’ll keep my hands to myself, even.

Since it was already starting to get dark, Kyle agreed to let Ryka help. It was better than sitting in the parking lot for another couple hours waiting for someone to come and change the tire for them.

Knowing the drill all too well, Adam turned around so Kyle could get his shirt off. It was only a few seconds later that Ryka was standing next to him. “Ready, big boy?” Adam nodded and fetched the spare and lug wrench from his trunk.

He knew very well how strong Ryka was, but it was still impressive watching him easily lift the front end of a car off the ground with one hand. The other he used to find and light a cigarette. Adam focused on his task, and was relieved that he was at least able to loosen the nuts holding the tire on without any assistance.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Sorry about this,” he said. “I’m sure you both wanted to get home.”

“Don’t worry about it. I just wanted to smoke, and now I am.”

Since Ryka seemed perfectly content as he was, Adam went back to work. He had just gotten the second lug nut off when Ryka growled. Barely managing not to fling the nut across the parking lot, Adam looked up. That terrifying glare was aimed not at him, but the building. Or whoever was leaving it. The growl grew louder and deeper as Ryka fanned his wings open, then quieted again as he closed them. Adam followed the demon’s gaze, and thought he saw someone do a quick about-face.

“Was that Dr. Taylor?”

“Yup.”

“Well, thank you for that, then. I’m all set with more work for the day.”

Ryka didn’t reply, and Adam focused on getting the last two nuts off. It was much easier than the last time he had to change a tire, mostly because he wasn’t crouched down on the pavement – Ryka had the front bumper level with his hip, so Adam didn’t have to kneel on the ground. But with it now unsecured, he didn’t want to let the tire fall and risk crushing his foot.

“Um, Ryka?”

“What’s up, big boy?” He could feel the demon’s stare, the heavy weight of immortal attention.

“Would you mind lowering it for a minute so I can get this tire off and put the spare on?” Ryka complied, and Adam pulled off the flat. Before grabbing the spare, he decided to take the opportunity to thank Ryka again. He knew how lucky he was that Ryka tolerated him at all, never mind went out of his way to do things like this. “Thank you for your help.”

“No problem. I’ll jack you off anytime.”

Adam was sure he hadn’t misheard, but thought better of flat-out correcting the demon currently holding up his car. Who could probably quite easily shot-put that car across the nearby football field. “Um, did you maybe mean-?”

“Nope. I meant what I said. We’ve been over this. Flirting, remember?”

“Oh,” was all he could manage. Adam risked glancing up, and caught an impressive eye roll.

“That wasn’t for you, big boy,” Ryka explained. What was meant for him was a wink and matching suggestive grin. Cheeks burning, Adam got back to work. Or tried to.

“Keep blushing like that and I won’t need hands to hold this thing up.”

As if hearing Ryka say that was going to help him stop – Adam could feel his face getting hotter. And it didn’t matter that daylight was fading fast. Even if Ryka couldn’t see his reaction, he could surely sense how anxious he was. At least it was good motivation to get the tire changed as quickly as possible. He managed to get the spare on and secured in a time that would have made a pit crew proud.

“All set,” he said, carrying the flat and wrench to the trunk and unceremoniously dropping them inside. Without needing to be asked, Ryka had lowered the car back down so all four tires were on the ground again. However, he didn’t move otherwise, and was still standing at the front bumper, finishing his cigarette. “Well, um ….”

“I know. You need to get home to what’s-her-face.” Adam was surprised at how disappointed Ryka sounded. Still, after he dropped his cigarette butt and ground it out, he opened the driver side door.

Feeling this was a trap, but not having any other options, Adam slid into the seat. Ryka was glowering as he closed the door. Time to leave, Adam thought. He started the engine and rolled the window down. Maybe it was a risk he shouldn’t take, lingering with an increasingly annoyed demon, but he felt he needed to do something to show his appreciation. “Thank you again. Drinks are on me this weekend. Well, I mean, I’ll buy you a bottle of something good to have at home. How about a good whiskey?”

It was nearly full dark now, and the ember glow of Ryka’s eyes gave his face a fire-bathed tint, but even with that, Adam swore he saw it again. Blushing. But it didn’t last long.

“Go before I slash your tires,” Ryka growled, hinging forward so he could bore a scowl into the side of Adam’s abruptly turned head.

Adam threw the car in drive and peeled away.

I think it’s time we get home, too, dear. I’m ready for dinner, how about you?

There was a mumbled response, but Kyle couldn’t make it out, and then was too worried about nearly landing on his face in the parking lot to question his other half. Those he was saving; he’d had plenty to think about while Adam had been changing his tire.

***

“So about earlier ….”

Shit.

Dinner was over, the dishes already washed and dried. It had been an unusually quiet meal – Ryka, in fact, hadn’t said anything since he’d threatened to flatten Adam’s tires. It hadn’t been a comfortable silence, either, and it was only getting more oppressive.

“Does that mean you’re going to be honest with me?”

That’s my only option.

“About Adam.”

There was a long, almost satisfyingly awkward pause. If that’s what you want.

“I’d really appreciate it. I’m not doing this to make you uncomfortable, even if I certainly owe you on that front.”

Making me feel bad is just a bonus.

“You know that’s not it. Well, not entirely.”

Douchebag. It was the most half-hearted insult Kyle had ever heard the demon utter.

“I really am curious.”

Ryka grumbled, but didn’t attempt to change the subject. Kyle had had his suspicions. He was sure Ryka knew that, but this seemed like a good opportunity to clear the air. Just get everything out in the open.

The truth was going to have be dragged there, though, because Ryka didn’t offer any revelations.

“Well, I noticed that you never worry about him. Being close to me, I mean. You get unnecessarily upset about lots of other people even looking in my direction, but it’s almost always been fine for him to hang out with me.”

Because he’s not trying to sleep with you. I don’t have to tell him to back off because that’s not what he’s after.

“That’s right. I’m also a little surprised you don’t mind me wanting to hang out with him. Usually, anyhow.” Of course, Ryka preferred it when he was the sole focus of Kyle’s attention. But Kyle had once hoped Ryka could learn to share, and it seemed he had. Maybe a little too well.

You don’t want to fuck him, either. And I know you like having someone else to talk to. And he’s trustworthy.

At that, Kyle smiled a little. “I’m glad you understand that, dear. He’s a good friend. It’s just … uncharacteristically generous of you. To let him come visit so much. Or let me go there.”

What? I can’t be nice?

“That’s not what I said.” Nice was much better than the alternative. “But it’s not just me you do that for, is it? You like to spend time with him, too, right?” This triggered the uneasy muttering Kyle had been expecting. But forthcoming, Ryka was not. Here came the dragging part. “Ry, do you have a crush on Adam?”

If the demon had been in charge, this would have been the point of submission: wings lowered, gaze averted, throat bared. The low whine in his head was pathetic enough. As much discomfort as Kyle owed Ryka, this really wasn’t any fun. Especially when the answer was so obvious.

Yes.

For a moment, Kyle didn’t respond. The more he had thought about it, the more obvious it had become. His unending patience with Adam had been the first clue. For Kyle’s family he had shown the restraint his Master had desired. For Adam he behaved not just for Kyle’s sake, but for Adam’s. The only person he was trying to please when he offered to help Adam with anything was Adam.

And then there was all the teasing and taunting - Ryka’s heavy-handed version of flirting. All the blatant advances, including sneaking into Adam’s bed, hadn’t been meal opportunities. They’d been tests. And because Adam - clearly oblivious to Ryka’s intentions - had continued to respond with only kindness, Ryka had continued trying, making his attempts increasingly less subtle.

It had taken Kyle quite a long time to realize what was happening. Disbelief had been a factor, and was probably also why Adam would never imagine a scenario where Ryka felt this way about him.

You’re not angry?

It had been a lot to think about, a lot to come to terms with. But Kyle had. Of course he’d been upset at first, hurt and jealous. Those feelings hadn’t lasted long. How many times had professed his love for Kyle, and Kyle alone? Which meant whatever he felt for Adam was something less. Kyle had never been as sure of anything as he was of Ryka’s endless devotion. A little crush was no threat.

“No, dear. I know you love me.” Ryka’s reaction was so strong that Kyle could feel the demon’s purr in his own chest. Smiling, Kyle placed a hand over his sternum. The vibration grew stronger before fading away.

I do.

“And I love you, too.”

But?

He hadn’t meant to, but Kyle had left an unspoken query at the end of what should have been an unwavering sentiment. “‘But’ nothing on the loving you part. Sorry it sounded that way. I am curious when and how this all came about. If you don’t mind.”

You know I didn’t like him at first. You’re all mine, stud, and he was getting in the way. But he grew on me. He’s nice. To us both. And respectful. The last one meant a lot to Ryka, Kyle knew. Boundaries were hardly approached, never mind pushed.

“He is. So you’ve felt this way for a while?”

Another whimper followed this question. Master …. That was an affirmative. The timing didn’t really matter; it’s not like Kyle needed a date.

Though suddenly, the memory of a particular visit popped into Kyle’s mind. “That night you cut yourself and he tried to stop the bleeding.” Kyle’s cheeks burned, and it felt like Ryka was trying to mentally crawl away, whining all the while. Gently, Kyle told him, “He was nice to you first.”

Which maybe was something Ryka hadn’t experienced much in Hell. No wonder, then, he reciprocated by falling in - at the very least - lust. Love, in the case of Kyle, who had done him the biggest kindness of all, offering himself up body and soul, no questions asked.

Master …. If Kyle could have fed on misery, too, that one word alone would have left him satiated.

“I’m fine. Just say what you need to say.” When only silence followed, Kyle prompted, “He’s respectful, he’s kind ….”

He’s highly fuckable, came the delayed reply.

“I can’t deny that he’s attractive, but you know he’s not my type.” Just because Ryka was feeling embarrassed didn’t mean he couldn’t switch to dangerously possessive in an instant. Best to be clear.

He’s too nice. Sometimes Master wants to be treated rough, and he couldn’t do that to you.

Kyle rolled his eyes. “I don’t -”

The second eye roll wasn’t his. Sure, whatever. But you want honesty? He’s got some girth, so I certainly wouldn’t mind a ride, but really, I just wanted to pound that perky ass of his. Spread him wide and watch his face when he cums, then roll him over, close my eyes, and pretend he was you. Sometimes I think about him when I’m jerking off. He’d even admitted this much to Adam, Kyle realized. But Adam obviously had no idea how deep the demon’s feelings ran. Better that way.

Though the physical attraction seemed to win out above all else. Or about you and him, or …. he trailed off, growling low.

Kyle’s own muscles tensed and his heart was pounding; Ryka was on edge, dredging up these fruitless desires. Carnal ones, mostly, it seemed. Feelings aside, Adam was immediately, physically available. Or would be, if he had been consenting. And Kyle knew he wasn’t the only one grateful Ryka hadn’t simply taken what he wanted. He’d come a little too close, but apparently returned enough of Adam’s respect not to push too hard.

Though there had been lots of little tests to see just how lenient Adam was willing to be with Ryka, how much Ryka could get away with. And how much Kyle could take.

But Kyle understood the demon’s frustration. No one could be closer than they were, but that was its own curse – they could also never be as close as they wanted. “Do those dreams make it worse? Because-”

No! As long as I’m well fed and can rest a bit after, I’ll do that as much as you want. They feel so good. And it feels real, right?

“As far as I’m concerned, it is real. I just didn’t want you to feel frustrated or unsatisfied.”

I’m not. Frustrated, anyhow. I’ll never be satisfied. I can’t get enough of you, stud. Gone were the whimpers and shrill growls that had been the background to most of this conversation. Replaced with a velvety purr that made Kyle’s knees weak all on its own, even more so when paired with a very promising, Let me prove it to you.

Now Kyle’s heart was racing of its own accord. Adam was about to become the farthest thing from both their thoughts. And for just a moment, Kyle allowed himself to feel just a bit smug. To know that, above everyone else, he had won Ryka’s eternal affections.