The memories were still so clear, the events replaying in Kyle’s mind like they had just happened yesterday, not decades ago.

It had been right after the bloodbath in Mexico City. Very grudgingly, Kyle had allowed himself to be kidnapped by one of the city’s most notorious gangs. They had hoped to ransom him off, like they did with other tourists, and he’d had to insist over and over there was no one to pay this much hoped for sum. When it became clear that really was the case and he was deemed too risky to let go, Ryka had finally intervened. From the trunk they’d been tied up in, Ryka had heard what they intended for his host and ensured their plans were never enacted.

The footage on the news the next morning must have been nauseating - Kyle remembered it looking like a bomb had gone off in the back of the car and what had to have been miles of intestines - but Kyle’d never seen it. He’d snuck back into their hotel immediately after the massacre, still dripping gore, and stood in the shower until the pressure had run out.

At the time, he and Ryka had been traveling less than twenty years. Although he had done his best to cut off all communication with his family, he had made one exception: he had asked his cousin, Chris, to email once a month, just to let him know everyone was still doing okay. Typically, Chris emailed the first of the month with the requested update. And although that date was weeks away, Kyle had felt compelled to check anyhow.

He now suspected it was more than a coincidence that he logged in when he did. Because there was a new email waiting, informing him his mother’s health had taken a turn, and would he be able to see her? She was asking for him.

They had jetted back to the U.S. that night, and Kyle had gone straight from the airport to the hospital. By then, it was close to 2 a.m., well out of visiting hours, but with Ryka’s assistance, he was able to make it to her room without anyone noticing.

Mary had been unresponsive, but he held her hand all the same, staying as long as he could until Ryka had warned him they needed to leave before it got too busy again. Sleep hadn’t come easy, but he’d refused to let Ryka help him. He remembered tossing and turning for hours, finally waking in the late afternoon. To an email that she’d passed, within minutes of when he’d left, it seemed.

And then Ryka hadn’t given him the choice. He was forced asleep, and woke in a dream to find Ryka waiting to hold him while he cried.

The funeral had been at a church, and he knew it would be too physically painful to attend. Nevermind the questions his sudden appearance – having disappeared and somehow not aged a day in decades – would cause. But he had visited her grave, and made a habit of it whenever his travels brought him back to the area.

“Hey, stud, you okay?” A hand on his shoulder snapped him back to the present, and still reeling, he turned to look at Ryka.

“Uh ….” Shaking his head, he took a step backward, into Ryka’s arms. His wings folded back, and Ryka’s opened around him - a shield, and his safe haven. “Sorry.”

The memories faded, and he found himself again standing in Lucifer’s throne room. Lucifer was sitting on said throne, head cocked, watching him. Judas was standing by his side, trying not to show an expression, but looking vaguely concerned.

“You did hear me, yes?” Lucifer inquired, already bored.

He could feel Ryka growling. “Don’t be an ass,” he warned, arms tightening around Kyle’s waist.

“It was an honest question. Kyle, would you like me to repeat what I told you?”

“Please.” Maybe it would be different this time.

“Your mother would like to see you. Typically, the wishes of the saved are answered, except in cases where that wish would mean having one of the damned leave Hell. Since you’re in Hell, but certainly not one of the damned, you can fulfill her wish. You can go see her.”

Nope, it hadn’t changed. His blood was ice in his veins, and he didn’t know why. Well, he had some idea, but it was nothing he wanted to admit here.

Instead, unsure, he glanced up at Ryka, who instantly asserted, “If he wants to go, I’m going with him.” Lucifer tried to interject, but was promptly cut off. “I wasn’t asking.”

“Very well,” he agreed, as though he’d somehow be able to stop Ryka. So far, Ryka had played by the rules, not venturing into Heaven. He, Kyle and Jinx had gone back to Purgatory a few times, and only for short trips. “Kyle, tell me if and when you’d like to go, and I’ll arrange it.” Meaning he didn’t want them showing up unannounced, or through any means other than his own. Kyle nodded before letting Ryka escort him back to their residence.

There, he collapsed onto their bed, pulling Ryka down with him. “You don’t seem very excited about this. It’s your mom. Shouldn’t you be happy?”

“I know. I’m just … not. I’m worried.”

“Why?”

Hiding his face, he admitted, “I’m ashamed.”

“Of?”

“What I’ve done. What I’ve become.” At this, he fully expected Ryka to react with justifiably unholy anger. But he only whimpered. Somehow, that was worse. “I know I shouldn’t be. But I thought I’d never have to face her again. It’s been enough to know she’s saved. And happy with the rest of her family.”

“None of that will matter to her, I’m sure.” Kyle managed to look at his partner. Ryka was trying to offer a reassuring smile, but his eyes were dimmed with worry.

Now whining himself, Kyle snuggled closer. “I hope so.”

“You’ll see.”

***

Heaven was even more beautiful than he’d imagined. Hell was dark and dreary, its colors a miserable palette of black, gray, brown and red. But in Heaven, everything was vibrant. Brilliant white clouds dotted a sapphire sky, and there was so much greenery. There was no brimstone here – the air was heavy with the perfume of flowers. Paradise really was an apt descriptor.

And out of that lush foliage stood the home he so fondly remembered from his childhood. The saved were given free rein to dream up where they’d like to live out their eternities. Many, it seemed, chose a place of happy memories. His mother was one of those, so now Kyle stood at the end of a cracked concrete walkway that led to the front door. The same door he had walked through every day on his way to and from school. Ryka trailed a few steps behind him, garnering concerned looks from nearby angels. He ignored them all, completely focused on Kyle.

Sighing, Kyle stepped up to the door and prepared to knock, which felt weird in and of itself. But before he could complete the motion, the door swung open, and he found himself staring down at his mother. Not as she had looked at the end of her life, or even the time she’d come to visit, when he was already Ryka’s host. But as he remembered her from his youth. The saved also spent their eternity living as the happiest versions of themselves. For her, that had been in her thirties.

“Mom,” he managed, overcome.

“Kyle! Look at you!”

At that he quailed, taking a step back toward Ryka. His wings were trembling, and his tail was curled tightly around his right leg. Look at him, indeed. No longer the young man his mother remembered, but a monster. At least that’s the reaction he was expecting.

“So handsome!” she exclaimed instead, stepping forward fearlessly and reaching up to touch his face.

Unable to stop himself, he purred and leaned into her hand. “But …?”

She laughed, and he thought it was the most wonderful thing he’d heard in ages. “Were you worried?”

“Yes,” he admitted. “I mean, I ….”

“You’re still my Kyle. Nothing could change that. And I was so happy when they said I could see you after all.” She removed her hand, and opened her arms. With an elated sigh, Kyle stepped into the embrace. His wings and tail relaxed, and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to let go. It was a feeling he thought he’d never get to experience again, and he didn’t want it to end.

But his endlessly jealous guardian demanded attention, too. At least he’d learned how to do so subtly. Kyle smiled a little more as Ryka’s tail entwined with his. Chuckling, he released his mother and took a small step back and into the protection of his partner’s wings. “Mom, do you remember Ryka?”

“I don’t think I could ever forget.” He remembered how terrified she’d been when she’d first seen him. There was no fear now, just awe.

“I promised you I’d take care of him,” Ryka said by way of greeting. “How’d I do?”

“Very well. He’s here now, so you did very well.” That seemed to satisfy him, and Kyle was happy to see how proud he looked at the compliment.

“I, uh, realize I never told you the truth. About me and Ryka.”

His mother hid her smile behind a hand. “Your cousin cleared it up for me. He said to consider you married.”

Blushing, Kyle laughed. After their conversation during Chris’s visit, Kyle had later felt compelled to tell him Ryka really did have a crush. And that he reciprocated. “He did say that; I forgot. I wished I’d been able to tell you myself. For once.” He’d never been open about any of his relationships, and he regretted it. Most especially not telling her himself about what Ryka had really meant that day.

“Oh, hunny. I understand why you didn’t. I’m not upset, so you shouldn’t be either.”

Kyle wanted to argue, to apologize again, but he knew neither his mother nor Ryka would let him linger on his regrets. Best to move on. “Do you get to see him often? Chris?”

At that, Mary beamed. “All the time. And your auntie, too. It’s wonderful!”

“I’m so glad.”

Kyle had wanted to ask more, but was interrupted. “Since we’re on the subject of family, tell her about her grandkid.”

Wide-eyed, his mother looked between Kyle and Ryka. “An imp?” Kyle was surprised by how excited she looked. He supposed that when your possessed, commitment-averse son avoids damnation by being turned into a demon, any grandchild you ended up with was worth being happy about.

“Yup. His name’s Jinx. He’s ours.”

“Well, he had to be made,” Ryka explained. “We kept trying, but it just wasn’t working. All those years of fu-”

“Ry!” Just in case that didn’t stop him, he clapped a hand over the other demon’s mouth. And promptly had his fingers sucked on. “Behave yourself,” he warned, pulling his hand away.

“But you make it so hard,” Ryka returned with a wink. If he could have stopped himself blushing, he would have, because it only egged his partner on. “Ooh, I haven’t seen you get embarrassed like this in so long. I forgot how much of a turn-on it was.”

“I need you to listen to me, Ry,” Kyle started.

“I’m at attention. I mean paying attention.” In the nick of time, Kyle stopped himself from checking and kept his gaze well above Ryka’s waist. Since this was Heaven, they hadn’t been allowed to show up naked, which was their usual state of dress at home. Lucifer preferred robes for himself, but Kyle and Ryka had both gone with what amounted to fancy-looking sweatpants. And Ryka’s left very little to the imagination as it was. “You almost looked.”

“Please, dear.”

“Sorry, stud.” He gave Kyle a quick kiss on the cheek, then looked past him. “Sorry, Mom.”

“And this is why I always looked so distracted. This was going on in my head pretty much constantly.”

His mother laughed. “I can see how that would make it difficult to focus. But why don’t we go inside and sit and catch up? Tell me more about Jinx.”

Kyle started after her, but Ryka hung back. “How about I go get the brat so she can meet him? It shouldn’t take long to track him down.”

“That would be nice.” They exchanged another quick kiss before Ryka stepped back into the swirling gray vortex that had opened behind him. His mother looked more than a little surprised at the method of Ryka’s quick exit. He was sure she’d been told who he was – Heaven seemed to love gossip just as much as Hell, and Ryka’s status was without a doubt gossip-worthy. It was an impressive sight, but he didn’t want to dwell on it, not now. “Guess you’ll be able to meet your grandson right away.”

“I can’t wait! Now come in already!”

Laughing, Kyle followed her into the house. He didn’t need a tour, but followed her around all the same. The house was just as he remembered, even down to his childhood bedroom. He was glad Ryka wasn’t there for that. As a parasite, he had been able to dream up intimate encounters for the two of them, and it was no boast that if Kyle had a good enough memory of a place, Ryka could recreate it. There had been a few times Kyle had requested a dorm-room rendezvous, but once - just to see how accurate he could be - Kyle had asked to wake up in his old bedroom. It was hard not to blush when he thought of what they had done there.

His mother didn’t seem to notice his mild discomfort, and grabbed his hand, pulling him along. “What do you think?”

“This is amazing. Exactly like I remember. And was that Auntie’s house I saw next door?”

“It is! Just like before.” She ushered him to the couch, and he gratefully plopped down there.

“I’m so happy you have this, Mom. It really is perfect.”

She was practically glowing as she sat down next to him. “I love every moment of it. And now you’re here, too.”

Without anyone around to be jealous about it, he hugged her again. And found the courage to ask about something that had haunted him for too long. “Did you know I was there? At the end, I mean. I tried so hard to get there, but ….”

She held him tighter, then gently pushed him away so she could look him in the eye. “I did; I was so glad to feel you there. But, Kyle, that wasn’t the end, but the beginning.”

“I know. Ryka told me the same thing. It still hurt, though.”

“How could you think you’re a monster when you have feelings like that?” That was truly reassuring. He wanted to thank her for saying it, but she shook her head. “You know, there was an angel that came to me, after you’d left that night. She was there to help me, but she was scared.”

This was news to Kyle. “Of?”

“The two of you. She was scared for me. Maybe a little for herself, too. I told her not to be silly, that you were my son. What was there to be scared of?” Proudly smiling, she held his hands.

“Mom ….” Maybe it was because he’d been human once, too, and it had been a more common reaction, but Kyle could feel tears stinging his eyes. Although they didn’t do it often, demons could still cry. But tears burned off quickly in Hell. That wasn’t the case here. Blinking them away, he let out a shaky sigh.

“Can I ask you a question?” Kyle nodded. Her smile fading just a bit, she squeezed both his hands and looked him square in the face. “Are you happy?”

“In my new life?”

“Yes.”

“I am,” he answered without hesitation. “This is certainly not what I ever expected to happen, but I’m happy. Very much so.”

“I’m glad you ended up in a good marriage.”

“It is very good. He’s a handful, but he’s worth it. He takes good care of me. He always did. And I never had to be lonely. I’ll never have to be alone.” At the mention of Ryka, Kyle unconsciously sought him, feeling for his presence. And his shoulders slumped just a little when he didn’t find it. “He insisted on coming with me, as emotional support. I never have to ask, he just knows.” Kyle paused. He hoped Ryka knew this, too. But he supposed they had been together long enough that there was no way he didn’t. “I think he went for Jinx to give us a chance to catch up. Though I really do want you to meet him.”

Now his mother looked like she was fighting back tears. Happy tears, he had to assume. “Is he cute, your little one?”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

As if summoned, a portal opened in the living room and Ryka stepped through, leading Jinx by the hand. The imp was wide-eyed and slack-jawed, goggling at everything around him in disbelief. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to wake him up,” Ryka remarked. “But who’s lying about going to Heaven now, huh?” This in a mocking tone as he ruffled the imp’s hair. Jinx grumbled and Ryka just smirked.

“Come here, Jinx.” Kyle waved the smaller demon over. “We brought you here to meet someone. This is my Mom, Mary.”

“Your mom?” he breathed.

“Mm hmm. So, your grandma. And you can call her that. I think she’d like it.”

The older demons fought back laughter as Jinx turned to look at Kyle’s mother, his eyes somehow even bigger. “Grandma?”

“That’s right,” she told him. “Let me get a look at you.” Obediently, he stepped closer, letting her cup his chin so she could tilt his head and inspect him up close. Kyle was worried he’d balk at the attention, but instead of his usual hissing when strangers got too near, he heard the imp’s high, rattling purr. “Handsome, just like your dads.”

“I get the good in-law,” Ryka boasted, cramming himself next to Kyle on the couch. “She’s nice.”

“Ry, my father-in-law is the literal Devil. How is this even fair?”

“He does like you, you know. His emotional range is garbage, so he doesn’t know how to express it. But if he didn’t like you ….”

“I know, I know.” Kyle had turned his attention away from Jinx for just a moment, and when he looked back to his other side, he was surprised – and delighted – to see Jinx crawling onto his mother’s lap. He really was getting too big for this behavior, but she really didn’t seem to mind. After all, he was the grandbaby, and that title stuck no matter what.

So, while Jinx clung to her, arms wrapped tight around her neck, she continued her conversation with her son. “Speaking of family ….” Kyle knew what was coming. He knew he’d be able to control himself, or he hoped so. But he wasn’t sure how Ryka would handle it. “Would you ever want to see your father?”

“No,” he answered quickly. Next to him, he could feel Ryka growling, and it was getting louder. There was no limit to how much destruction he could cause, and he knew well that his partner’s temper was shortest when it came to defending him.

The walls were starting to shake when Ryka opened his mouth to say something, and Kyle took his chance. Turning, he put his hands on the sides of Ryka’s face and kissed him. Intent on being angry, Ryka tried to back away. Now offended, Kyle changed tack and grabbed him by the horns, offering lots of tongue. He could feel both his mother and Jinx staring, but he just didn’t care. Not when it was working. It was risk some embarrassment or watch Heaven burn.

Ryka’s growl quieted to a purr, and his hands, which had been closed into fists, found their way to Kyle’s face. “Easy, dear. I’m fine.” Kyle assured, their lips still brushing. When that didn’t seem to be enough, he added, “I promise. And you’d know if I was lying, right?” Grudgingly, Ryka nodded. Sure now that it was safe, Kyle sank back to his previous position.

Mary, to her credit, apologized. “Sorry to bring it up. It was for my own curiosity. I can understand Kyle’s feelings. And yours.” Damn, she was good, Kyle thought.

“Thanks, Mom. And it’s fine. Really. Right, Ry?”

Ryka grumbled something that sounded like an affirmative. It was obvious he was still quietly seething. But he was no longer on the verge of obliterating Heaven, so Kyle felt safe turning away.

His mother was unperturbed, or doing an amazing job acting that way, but Jinx was whimpering. Looking torn, he reached across Kyle for Ryka, arms outstretched. And that immediately washed away the rest of Ryka’s anger. “Needy brat,” he teased, scooping Jinx into his arms. With the help of his wings, he stood. The imp had a stranglehold on his neck, but Ryka didn’t seem to mind. “What’s with you? Still tired?”

Jinx nodded, and his ragged wings drooped.

“Poor thing. But I’ve got a good spot for a nap. Come with me.” Mary stood, beckoning Ryka to follow. Kyle did as well, and was rewarded with the opportunity to blush again as they crammed into his old room.

Eyebrows raised, Ryka ran the tip of his tail up the inside of Kyle’s thigh. Kyle shot him a withering glance and nodded toward Jinx, who was already dozing off.

“He can sleep right here,” Kyle’s mother explained, pulling back the sheets. Ryka managed to pry the imp off of himself and set him on the bed. Wearing a warm smile, Mary tucked him in, even nestling a stuffed bear next to him. Jinx grabbed it and pulled it close, purring quietly. “Comfy?” she whispered, and Jinx nodded. “Sleep tight.” In true grandmotherly fashion, she leaned down to kiss his forehead before turning to walk away. She had barely taken a step when Jinx shot out a hand and grabbed one of hers.

Kyle had a brief moment of panic, but his mother was still smiling as she settled herself on the edge of the bed. “Want me to stay until you fall asleep?” Jinx’s nod was hardly perceptible, but obviously enough for her to notice. “I’ll be right back out,” she told Kyle and Ryka.

“Behave yourself, brat. No biting,” Ryka warned. That got Mary’s attention, but she didn’t seem too worried. Not when Jinx was worming his way deeper under the blankets and clutching the teddy bear to his chest.

“I’ll be good,” Jinx said. He knew better than not to respond to Ryka. “Promise.”

Kyle’s mother waved the older demons away. Having been summarily dismissed, they sauntered back to the living room. “Well, we know where to send him if we need a break.” This as Ryka dropped back onto the couch, pulling Kyle down with him. “Muribelle’s good, but I think he likes grandma even more.”

“It’s so weird to hear you say that.”

“Like calling Lucifer your father-in-law?”

“Yeah, I guess that was weird, too.” Kyle paused, snuggling himself closer to Ryka. “I’ve never brought a guy home to meet my mom before.”

“It only took how long?”

“Better late than never.”

Since Mary hadn’t returned yet, Ryka took advantage of their moment alone and leaned over to kiss Kyle. He grinned as Kyle melted against him. Before he got himself too worked up, Ryka pulled away. “I keep thinking about that dream ….”

“You need to behave, too.”

“I’m doing my best.”

This was followed by another long kiss. Now Kyle was the one to force himself away. “There’s no way he’s taking this long to fall asleep.”

“That manipulative little shit.” It was easy enough to hear Jinx talking, rattling off questions about anything and everything that popped into his head. “Let’s just leave him here.”

“Don’t say that,” Kyle scolded. “And stop pretending he annoys you that much. He’s only manipulative because he knows you’re just as weak to him as I am.”

“I’m not that bad,” Ryka grumbled, laying back on the couch. His wings were splayed out at awkward angles under him, but he didn’t seem to care. Especially not when Kyle stretched out on top of him. “And you tell me to behave.”

“He’s going to be asking questions for a while yet. She finally has a grandkid, and literally all of time to answer him.”

“So much for your visit.”

“Will we be able to do this again, do you think?” Kyle looked wistfully toward the closed bedroom door, simultaneously happy that Jinx had been able to meet his mom, but also a little jealous that he had hijacked their reunion.

“We can do anything you want. Who’s going to stop us?”

“This isn’t Hell.”

“It’s not. But we’re not here to cause trouble. Just to grant your mom’s wish. So if she wants to see you again, I don’t think anyone can object.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Aren’t I always?”

“I’m not answering that.”

“So mean.”

“If I was that mean, would I do this?”

There was no time for Ryka to ask what ‘this’ was before Kyle kissed him again. A bit longer this time, and neither wanted to be the one to end it. Kyle finally did, though, panting. “You’re going to get us in trouble,” Ryka teased, breathless.

“Like you care.” To that, Ryka only offered a toothy grin. “Thank you for coming here with me.”

“Of course, stud. Glad I could take you to Heaven literally, and not just figuratively.” Kyle was sure his eye roll was audible, but laughed all the same. “And we really can come back whenever. I bet your cousin would like to see you.”

“You mean you’d like to harass him?”

“Well ….”

“I would like to see him again, if he’d be up for it.”

“I’m sure he would. And hey, we could bug Adam at home.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m pretty sure Kate’s one wish upon reaching Heaven was to never have to see you again.”

“Ouch.” It was hard to tell if Ryka was genuinely hurt by the remark, or just playing. Kyle suspected it was a bit of the latter to cover up the former. Time to change the subject, at least somewhat.

“Isn’t there a demon that lives here?”

Ryka nodded. “Soti. He was the first Reaper. He’s retired now. And not to be bothered. I have no desire to find out exactly how strong he is, or how many friends he still has back home. So unless we’re invited, we’re leaving him the fuck alone.”

“Shit.” Kyle hadn’t thought there was anyone left that was a match for Ryka, except Satan himself. But Ryka didn’t seem too concerned.

“He’s pretty easy-going. Which is why it wasn’t a big deal to let him stay here. He happily minds his own business.” Ryka paused, and Kyle could feel his partner squirm uncomfortably under him. “Would you rather be here?” he asked quietly, looking away.

“What? Of course not!” Even though they were still so connected, Ryka didn’t quite seem to believe him. Grabbing one of Ryka’s horns, he turned the other demon’s head so they were face-to-face. “I want to be wherever you are. So unless you’re planning on moving here ….”

“It is a better neighborhood. But I don’t know about the school system. Jinx is already enough of a wuss, I don’t think hanging out with cherubs all the time will help him any.” Ryka was grinning again, but still seemed uneasy.

“You’re an idiot sometimes, you know. For having such an incredibly over-sized ego, you can be pretty insecure.”

Surprisingly, Ryka didn’t argue. “Losing you is the only thing that scares me.”

“Then you have nothing to be scared of; I’m not going anywhere.” To add some weight to his words, he pressed his lips to Ryka’s again, and now when Ryka started moving under him, he suspected it was for very different reasons.

Hearing that Jinx was still interrogating his mother, Kyle allowed himself a few moments to be swept up. Ryka wasn’t the only one who needed the distraction – he really was a bit jealous that the imp was hogging all the attention. But he could always count on Ryka to make him feel like the center of the universe. “I love you, dear.”

“Love you, too, stud. Now, how shall we keep ourselves entertained until Jinx is done?”

***

Heaven really was beautiful, Kyle thought. Which is why he felt a little guilty about what had just happened. Still panting, he turned and leaned back against the tree, settling himself between the claw marks he had left there. Sap oozed from the gouges, but it was the least offensive thing currently dripping down the bark. And at least the damage he had caused wasn’t making the bark wither and peel, like it was in the places Ryka had touched.

“Glad I could also figuratively take you to Heaven, too,” Ryka purred, resting his hands on either side of Kyle’s shoulders.

Before Kyle could sigh, Ryka kissed him. His wings flared open, shielding them from view. Something which would have been more useful moments ago, when they were putting on a free show for any passing angels or saved. But of course, his wings had been trembling at his sides, and Kyle hadn’t been able to find the strength or focus to control his, either.

Now it was his will that was failing him as Ryka moved his lips along his jaw, then down to his collarbone. “Wait, we need to get dressed. What if someone sees us?”

“I can’t imagine someone already hasn’t. Heard us, at least.” Kyle tried to complain, but Ryka knew how to stop that, sliding one of his hands down between Kyle’s legs. Kyle only managed a groan as he slumped against the tree, once more sinking his nails into the bark.

Ryka pressed himself closer, entwining his tail with Kyle’s. He let his wings drop a little, just enough that he could see over the tops. And immediately regretted it, because they really had attracted an audience.

“Wow, crazy running into you here. While you’re doing … that.”

It was a voice Kyle hadn’t heard in a long, long time, but one he recognized immediately. He jerked away from Ryka, accidentally slamming the back of his head into the tree. He supposed it owed him one. And giving Ryka something to laugh at diminished his anger at Kyle’s reaction. “Chris!”

His first instinct was to run over to greet his cousin, but he very quickly remembered he was in no state to do that. “Clothes, please,” he growled at Ryka.

“They’re not going to hide your boner.”

“Maybe if you’d stop touching me for a second.” Even with the sudden appearance of Kyle’s cousin, Ryka hadn’t ceased his attentions. Saying it was distracting was an understatement.

“Please?”

Looking not remotely happy about it, Ryka pulled his hand away, then used his tail to scoop up their clothes. Before Ryka could change his mind or be otherwise difficult about it, Kyle snatched his pants. Ryka kept his wings up while Kyle dressed, but felt no compunction to hide himself once Kyle was finished.

“You, too,” Kyle called back over his shoulder, already walking to meet his cousin. He wanted to ask how Chris had found them, but it was obviously thanks to the path of charred foliage leading away from the sidewalk. Grass and flowers curled, smoking, under Ryka’s feet. Kyle hoped it would regrow.

Almost as much as he’d hoped Chris wouldn’t have mentioned it. “You really are the AntiChrist, huh?” he asked Ryka, who stood, still naked, arms crossed over his chest as he stared at Kyle’s cousin.

“I’m not a fan of that title,” Ryka told him, eyes narrowed.

“Sorry. Really. Let me try again.” He paused, shaking his head at himself. “It’s good to see you both again. How’ve you been?”

Kyle had hung back, waiting to make sure he didn’t need to stop Ryka. But he could feel his other half relax.

“I mean … good. And it’s so good to see you,” Kyle told Chris, pulling him into an embrace. And it was nearly as good as hugging his mother had been, to feel familiar arms around him again. So good he completely forgot to be embarrassed he’d just been caught fooling around with Ryka in Heaven.

And so good for a brief moment he almost forgot about Ryka, at least until he and Chris fell under the shadow of Ryka’s spread wings.

This time, Ryka wasn’t subtle. Still unclothed, he wrapped arms and wings around them both. “Hey, handsome,” he purred at Chris. “Come to have some fun?”

“The wife might not appreciate it. Or end up really jealous. I mean ….” he looked Ryka up and down, the demon all but preening under the attention. It was a little scary, Kyle thought, that Chris was instantly this comfortable joking with him. But he’d never really been scared of Ryka. Not that he’d had much opportunity to deal with him. “Either way, not a good way to spend forever.”

“You know, first Jinx steals my mom, now you’re trying to sleep with Chris? Do I get to visit anyone here?”

“You were invited, too,” Ryka rumbled, pressing himself closer to Kyle. Well, it was more like grinding, really. Kyle scooted away.

“I’m going to pass. We’re related, you know. And no, don’t even ask.” Ryka had opened his mouth, but snapped it closed, baring teeth at Kyle. “Quit it. Get dressed and let’s go see how my mom’s fairing with Jinx. Chris, come back with us.”

With only minimal complaining, Ryka did as Kyle said, trailing behind him and Chris on the walk back. Kyle threw a grin back over his shoulder and Ryka winked back. He was giving them space, just as he’d done earlier with Mary. So no hard feelings.

They hadn’t wandered far, so it was a quick walk, Chris talking a mile a minute to try and catch Kyle up on his life. And his afterlife. And Kyle trying to do the same. Though Kyle was compelled to edit out most of the details of his long life, and most of what he’d done since being granted his demonhood.

Which is why he didn’t mind having to cut himself off when they arrived back at his mom’s. Chris let himself in, leaving the door open for Kyle and Ryka.

“There you are!” Mary exclaimed, standing from the couch.

“Sorry,” Kyle told her, dropping his wings. “We figured Jinx was going to be a while, so we thought we’d do some sightseeing. And then Chris found us.” No need to divulge how little they’d seen, or how Chris had found them.

“Wonderful! Your little one really just settled down.”

Kyle smothered a laugh hearing Ryka’s sigh. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. He’s very sweet.”

It was obviously killing Chris not knowing, and Kyle watched his gaze ping-pong back and forth between himself and his mom during their conversation. “Jinx. Our imp,” Kyle explained.

“I’m an uncle?” Kyle supposed he was, too, but had never met Chris’s kids. Now he could, he hoped. They’d be safe. Safer, anyhow.

“I guess so.”

Apparently, Jinx had just been waiting for his cue. The bedroom door cracked open, and as soon as the imp saw them, he flung it open and threw himself at Kyle, wrapping himself around Kyle’s legs. He watched Chris with huge, glowing eyes. “Who’s that?” he asked, a quiet growl behind his words.

“My cousin, Chris. You can call him Uncle Chris.”

“And you can drop the attitude,” Ryka added, his own rumbled warning easily drowning out Jinx’s. That put a quick end to the imp’s attempt at a threat.

Cowed, Jinx dipped his head and studied Chris through his eyelashes. Chris smiled down at him. “Hi, Jinx. Nice to meet you.”

“Hi,” Jinx mumbled, hiding himself even more behind Kyle.

“You? Being so shy? I don’t believe it,” Mary interjected, giving her nephew a hug. Chris kept an arm draped over her shoulder, and Jinx watched them closely, now creeping slightly closer. Kyle gave him a gentle nudge forward, but Ryka wasn’t so subtle.

“You look for trouble at home where you can actually get hurt. But now in Heaven you’re being cautious?” Ryka taunted.

“I’m not scared!” Jinx asserted, finally working up the nerve to approach Chris. Who was probably the least intimidating person Kyle had ever met. But he supposed this was a lot for the imp.

Wings spread to make himself look bigger, Jinx stepped up to Chris. And with his jaw set, reached out and grabbed one of his hands. “Uncle?”

“Hey, kiddo.” Chris sank to his knees so he was eye-level with the imp. “You got to meet your grandma, huh?” Jinx nodded. “What do you think of it here?” A shrug, and Jinx finally dropped Chris’s hand, now reaching for Mary’s. Although he was a bit too big, she grabbed him under the arms and lifted him up, resting him on her hip.

“You bite strangers and this is how you act with family? We’re going to leave you here,” Ryka threatened. Kyle let him this time.

“No you won’t.”

“Watch us.” The portal opened behind him, right there in the middle of Kyle’s childhood living room. Ryka took a single step backward, and Jinx launched himself back to Kyle, who had decided to play along and was inching toward their exit as well. He staggered back into Ryka, who caught them both while closing up the vortex.

“No!” Jinx wailed, face buried in Kyle’s neck.

“You know we wouldn’t. Now let’s go actually take a nap, hmm?” Luckily, there was no arguing, and Jinx let himself be tucked back into bed, falling asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Leaving the door open behind him, Kyle headed back to the living room, walking in just in time to hear Ryka tell Chris, “I can finally thank you in person, handsome. So, thanks. And I owe you one. Though some favors are free.”

Kyle rounded the couch to see Ryka leering at Chris, who was smiling like an idiot. “Happy to help. And I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Thank him for what?” Kyle interjected. A little warily, he settled himself next to Ryka on the sofa. Chris and Mary were in chairs, and Kyle thought his mom looked nervous.

“Planting the bug,” Ryka explained, as though that answered anything.

Losing patience, Kyle looked to Chris, who shrugged, but still said, “‘I think your demon’s got a serious crush on you.’”

“What?” And then the memory came back - Kyle lying in bed, Chris propped up against it on the floor. This just after Kyle’s first time witnessing Ryka dispatch a sinner. And after a night of Ryka and Chris chatting, with no way for Kyle to hear what either had been saying. “Wait, hold on. He told you to say that? You told him to say that?” He rounded on Ryka, wings spreading even in the confines of the living room.He wasn’t angry, just surprised. Well, maybe a little angry. Because Chris had, for once, kept a secret. He’d known how Ryka had felt, but played his thoughts off as speculation. Though he understood why Chris had done it, and that those were feelings better left for Ryka to convey on his own. Which he’d done that very night. Sighing, Kyle hid his face in his hands.

“He offered.” This as Ryka put an arm around him.

“I mean, it was already a done deal, was’t it? No pun intended.”

“You…” Kyle started, not sure which of them his frustration was aimed at. Letting his hands fall to his lap, he leaned back. It was far too late to even pretend to be annoyed now. Besides, it had all worked out. Here he was, sitting in Heaven, with his family, with Ryka at his side.

“What was that, stud?”

“Nothing. ‘Thank you,’ is what I was trying to say.”

Like they had planned it - which Kyle wouldn’t put past either of them - Ryka and Chris simultaneously replied, “You’re welcome.”

Mary laughed, and Kyle tried not to do the same. No need to egg either of them on, though. Not when he was eager to hear more about all that he’d missed with his family. And they were just as eager to hear about his.

With a quick peek back at the bedroom, Chris leaned forward, elbows settling on his knees. “I know what happened with the other one, so … tell me about that cute little imp.”