It was something Kyle hadn’t wanted to think about - what would happen to him afterward. When their time was up and Ryka was called back home, Kyle along with him. He knew, of course, in a general sense, what his fate would be. Suffering, and lots of it. Forever.

Beyond that, he had very purposely avoided thinking about what awaited him after death. But their talk in Salem of others who had hosted demons had started him thinking, and now he couldn’t stop himself wondering what his punishment would be.

Ryka certainly knew what was on his mind, but was waiting to be asked about it. It was only when Kyle wanted Ryka to intrude on his thoughts that the demon refused to do so. Finally, after days of fretting and too much time spent spacing out in the classroom, Kyle worked up the nerve.

Safe at home, beer in hand, he fell onto the couch. He cracked open the can and immediately lost his appetite for alcohol. With a groan, he set it on the coffee table. “Can I ask a question?”

Of course, Master.

This new obedience was shocking after his prolonged rebellion, but Kyle knew he shouldn’t complain. Especially not now. “What’s going to happen to me? After this?”

There was a pause that went on just a little too long. I don’t know, Ryka finally replied.

“But, you must. What happened to all the others who did this?”

I can tell you that. They’re slaves now, playthings for their parasites. Anything asked of them, they have to do. They have no will to refuse. Though they probably wish they did.

Kyle felt his stomach turn. He could hardly imagine what they were made to do. Bile rose in his throat, and he swallowed it back. “Oh,” he managed, voice small.

But that’s them. They hated their parasites by the time they were called back. Treated them like a means to an end. I told you once before, I’m a willing servant - not a slave. Those assholes would have disagreed - they expected their parasites to go along with their every whim. Not that the demons cared much; they were happy to play along. They knew how it would end, knew they’d get revenge. An eternity’s worth.

At that, Kyle couldn’t help but wonder how he would be paying for his sins.

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What sins? Aside from the obvious, that is. You don’t use and abuse me like others have done with their parasites. Quite the opposite.

“I couldn’t do that.” Ryka’s purr rumbled in his chest and he held his hands there, feeling it vibrate under his palms. “But, you always made it sound like I wouldn’t be able to see you. Once we’re ….”

Everyone’s punishment is unique to them. Those hosts never wanted to see their demons again. They knew they’d pay for their hubris. And because that’s what they wanted least, that’s exactly what they got. But, stud, answer me honestly - which would be worse: Being stuck with me forever? Or never seeing me again?

All at once, Kyle felt a pit open up inside him. Throat tight, he admitted, “The second one.”

There you go then.

“Oh.” What else was there to say?

I’m not going to let that happen, though. You’re mine, stud. Forever.

The confidence with which he spoke almost made Kyle believe him. But one thing Kyle knew for sure was that Ryka wouldn’t be the one deciding his punishment. That task was left solely to Lord Satan. “But ….”

Don’t worry. Drink your beer. Finish that bullshit correcting. And then let me help you forget all about it.

Not that he was brave enough to admit it - not yet - but that sounded like a good plan. Still, Ryka knew, and Kyle’s own lips curled into a grin as he reached out for the open can. “I suppose.”

Do you?

“Ryka ….”

I can tell you’re blushing. If you’re going to do that, at least go stand in front of the mirror so I can see.

Already, Kyle was all-too-familiar with the demon’s version of flirting. With no other choice, he was honest. Embarrassingly so at times. Though as much as Kyle pretended to be annoyed or exasperated by it, it still somehow worked. Not that it meant he was going to be cooperative. Ryka was done being difficult, so Kyle was taking his turn.

But Ryka had far less patience than his host. You’re worried about what other demons are going to do to you for eternity. Maybe you should be more worried about what this one wants to do to you now.

“Worried?” Kyle returned, lips quirking in a smile.

You heard me. A playful threat, accompanied by a plethora of images of the things Ryka wished they could do. Kyle would have been on board for most of them. He acted uninterested, but his racing pulse betrayed him. Maybe you should chug that beer and get somewhere more comfortable. Yes?

“But ….” he trailed off, glancing at his briefcase. There was that correcting still to be done.

That’s not going anywhere. And won’t it be easier to focus if we have some fun first?

Kyle didn’t need a devil on his shoulder to lead him astray - the one in his head was more than persuasive enough. Cheeks burning, he gulped down his drink, stood and started for the bedroom. Sure, he was going to end up behind on work. But those were consequences he was willing to deal with.