Palms slick with sweat, Kyle thought it was some sort of miracle that he managed to get a good enough grip on the countertop to pull himself to his feet. But he did, practically flopping onto the island between the kitchen and living room, letting the counter hold most of his weight. More sweat ran down his face, stinging his eyes and dripping from his chin. “Please, Ryka, that’s enough.”

We can’t stop now. You promised we’d go all the way to the end.

“But ….” Kyle panted, unable to even finish his thought. Suddenly, it seemed like air wasn’t that easy to come by.

Come on, stud. Show me what you’re made of.

“Jell-O. Right now, it feels like I’m made of Jell-O.” That was the truth. What little energy Kyle had left he was using to keep his knees locked, so he wouldn’t slide back to the floor. Never in his life had he been so absolutely worn out. The room was starting to swim around him, and he didn’t think he’d be able to fight off unconsciousness much longer.

Don’t leave me hangin’. We’re almost done.

Groaning, Kyle succumbed to Ryka’s demands. Somehow, he managed to get his hand to cooperate. “After this, I’m done. And next time, we’re not taking turns like this.”

Fine, fine. Just go ahead and finish already.

With fingers that almost refused to bend, Kyle grabbed a dart and shakily aimed it at the dart board in the living room. It flew two feet before landing on the carpet. He promptly followed suit. As he lay prone on the floor, he very much regretted this most recent purchase. Almost as much as agreeing to go through the ridiculous number of transformations it took for them to play a game. He knew Ryka hadn’t suggested it to be cruel, but at this point, he was starting to doubt the demon’s intentions.

I’m sorry. I’m tired, too, you know.

“Forget it. Let’s just take a nap, okay?”

Do you want me to get you to the couch?

“No! I mean, no thanks, Ry. I’ll be fine right here.” He didn’t think his body would make it if Ryka tried to take over one more time. Ryka started to say something, but Kyle didn’t hear it. The moment he closed his eyes, he was asleep.

***

With the ringing of the final bell, a cheer went up in Kyle’s classroom. Across the entire school, it sounded like. Another school year was in the books. “Have a good summer, everyone,” he called as his students rushed out of the room, eager to start their long-awaited summer vacation. Most of them returned the sentiment as they left.

He was a little sorry to see them go. This had been the first year in many that Ryka hadn’t been forced to come to his Master’s aid at school. The only time he had made an appearance had been when the Hell Hound had shown up on Halloween. And after that, the students who hadn’t seemed at all interested in school had suddenly started putting a lot more effort into their work. To his great delight, he hadn’t given out anything lower than a “C” since.

“Well, hopefully next year will be that good.”

Your break just started, and you’re already thinking about work again? Shit.

“Sorry. I can’t help it. And really, I should look for a summer job. You’re pretty high maintenance, you know.”

I’m worth it. Kyle huffed out a laugh. What’s so funny? It’s true. Right? Hey, asshole, are you listening to me?

“Is everything alright, Mr. Saunders?”

“Dr. Taylor.” The principal was hovering in the doorway. Thanks for the warning, Kyle thought, wiping the grin from his face. “Uh, yeah, we’re fine.”

That shut down that line of questioning. Not as though Dr. Taylor would ever forget, but it was certainly easier to move a conversation along when he’d been reminded it wasn’t just Kyle’s time he was eating up. “Do you have much left to do here? Clean-up wise, that is.”

“No, I’m almost done. I had my classes help clean up during the day.”

“Good, good. But no need to stick around, janitorial will handle the rest.”

“I don’t mind -” Ryka did, already bitching about having to spend one more minute in this dump, and wouldn’t it be easier just to purge the whole building in an infernal conflagration.

Luckily, the principal insisted. “Really. You’ve earned your break. Enjoy it.”

Having been dismissed, Kyle could only offer “Well, then, have a nice summer.”

“You, too.” He smiled at Kyle, but even Kyle could tell there was a great deal of fear behind it.

The confrontation with Ryka in his office alone would have been more than enough reason to be nervous around them. Then the pep rally had happened, traumatizing all involved. And Kyle knew Dr. Taylor was fully aware of all the other instances where Ryka had intervened. Surely, Kyle had thought, the man would be smart enough to avoid them whenever possible.

But Dr. Taylor hadn’t made himself as scarce as was safe. In fact, he’d taken the opposite tack, even going so far as to enlist the demon’s help in straightening out a misbehaving student. He would never admit it, but the demon haunted his dreams, and for that last, he worried Ryka would be featuring prominently in his afterlife as well. A fear that made Ryka all the more eager to play along.

Kyle felt a little guilty as he watched the principal head across the hall to the next classroom. Don’t feel bad. Isn’t it nice to be able to get away with anything?

“I think that’s why I do feel bad.”

But for once, Kyle didn’t dwell on it. He gathered up the rest of his personal items in his desk, stuffed them into his briefcase then started for the exit, ready to get his summer break under way, too.

***

Beer in hand, Kyle whooped along with the rest of the crowd in O’Rourke’s as the Red Sox scored another run. Half a dozen empty glasses already sat between himself and Adam. Knowing that they had been waiting for this since August, Kate had offered to be their taxi service, so that they could thoroughly enjoy the last day of school.

Kyle polished off his fourth beer, and quickly ordered another round. “Thanks, man,” Adam said, also adding another empty glass to their collection. “Next one’s on me.”

“If I can make it through this one. Besides, someone’s going to be pretty pissed if I blow the week’s liquor money in one night.”

“And I’m sure Kate really didn’t intend for us to get fall-down drunk.”

That decided, they settled on three more rounds, plus a few celebratory shots, before finally closing out their tab and calling for their ride. Kate had managed not to roll her eyes as they’d all but fallen into the car. Kyle had slurred his farewells to Adam and Kate, then stumbled into his dark house. You’re such a lightweight.

“Shut up. I didn’t ask you, did I?”

Someone needs to get off. Sit down and let’s see if we can’t improve your mood a little.

Only because standing was too tiring did Kyle flop backwards onto the couch. After telling Ryka at least five times that he didn’t need the demon’s assistance at the moment, Kyle glanced in the direction of the kitchen. With only the nightlight on, he didn’t know how he hadn’t noticed it sooner – the light on his phone was flashing. Someone had left him a voicemail.

“Can you possibly get that?”

Ryka grumbled about it, as though this required some sort of major effort on his part, but he still made the phone play its message, the disembodied voice of the caller loud in the otherwise silent living room.

“Hey, it’s Chris. I wanted to let you know your Mom’s flying up for a surprise visit. She’ll be there tomorrow afternoon, and I think she said she was staying two weeks. She had a hotel booked for at least the first week. I’m sorry. But there wasn’t anything I could say to convince her not to go that she would have actually believed, not without breaking my promise. So, um, good luck, I guess. And I hope you’re doing well. Both of you.”

Instantly, Kyle felt sober. Until his cousin, Chris, had actually seen Ryka, he hadn’t really suspected anything. But Kyle knew his mother wouldn’t be so easy to fool. She’d take one look at him and know something had happened. “Oh, shit.”

I guess I’m not going to be allowed out for a while, huh?

“Sorry. But you really do have to be good this time. I don’t need my Mom having a heart attack.” He could feel Ryka’s disappointment, and it made him cringe. “Ry, don’t be upset. You understand, right?”

Yeah, yeah.

There was at least one sure way to make Ryka feel better. Still embarrassed to be offering, Kyle worked up some courage, then asked, “How about I give you a hand, then? Since I don’t know how much my Mom will be around.”

His mind’s eye saw the demon’s naughty grin. I love you, stud. Now hurry up and get those clothes off.

***

The next morning was spent cleaning the house. Since he was strong enough to easily lift all the furniture, Kyle had Ryka vacuum under most of it. “You know, I wouldn’t have asked to come out at all if I’d known you were going to make me work.” Still, he finished vacuuming the living room without having to be asked. His shadow was entertained, its low, rumbling laugh following Ryka as he went about his chore.

“Shut the fuck up, you,” Ryka snarled, waving the vacuum hose at the portal. It continued cackling, at least until Ryka managed to actually start sucking up the pseudo-demon. Then, its eyes went wide as first one finger, then another, disappeared down the hose. Of course, since it was physically attached to its host, it wasn’t long before Ryka started feeling the effects of his own prank.

One of the shadows arms had entirely vanished into the vacuum when Ryka let out a surprised yelp. “Hey, let go! Don’t touch my tail!” Having a rather fluid form, the shadow had been able to stretch out its free arm far enough to grab Ryka’s tail.

As amusing as this is, please knock it off before something gets broken. When Ryka ignored him, Kyle was forced to use his angry-teacher voice. He had discovered that it also sometimes worked on misbehaving demons. I said to knock it off! Now finish cleaning or you can forget about me buying you any more beer.

“Sorry, Master. But he started it.”

I don’t care. You didn’t have to continue it.

“But -”

If you do something ridiculous like that again, I’ll sell the TV.

“Master, no. Please.”

Although effective, it was still an empty threat. Kyle found it rather funny the things Ryka picked up. Besides, the television really was a good babysitter. And he’d miss it too much himself. Still, he had to at least pretend to be serious. I mean it, Ryka.

“Fine, sorry. It won’t happen again.”

It probably would, but for the time being, at least, Ryka gave up the fight and finished the chores Kyle had asked him to do. By three that afternoon, Kyle’s house was as clean as it was going to get. Then all that was left was to wait. A task boring enough to put Ryka to sleep after only five minutes, leaving Kyle to fret alone. Luckily, he wasn’t kept in suspense long. Half an hour after settling himself on the couch to fidget nervously, the doorbell rang.

He practically ran for the door.

“Chris told you I was coming, didn’t he?” Kyle’s mother, Mary, asked with a grin, setting down her luggage before pulling her son into an embrace. He only hesitated a moment before fully returning the gesture. It felt good to hold someone.

The last time he had seen his mother had been nine years ago, right before he was hired at his school, and right before he had made his contract with Ryka. She’d moved to Florida with her sister, Chris’s mother, and since then, he’d only occasionally spoken to her on the phone. She was often traveling with her sister, and he had a very needy demon to keep him busy.

“Hi, Mom. You know he can’t keep a secret. But come on in.” Reluctantly, he let her go. He grabbed her suitcases, wondering if Chris had been mistaken about her having a hotel booked for the week. She followed him into the living room, giving it a cursory glance. All her attention was on her son.

“You look so good, honey. And no more glasses?”

“Uh, thanks. And no.” His last pair had preceded him to the afterlife, but he couldn’t tell her that.

“I don’t know about the hair, though. It hides your handsome face.”

“Mom ….”

She laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek, something which required her to stand on tip-toes and him to lean over and meet her partway. “Are you feeling okay? You’re burning up.”

“I feel fine. Guess I’m just warm from running around cleaning all morning.” The falsehood came with surprisingly little effort.

“Well, it looks great. You have such a nice place here. Though it smells like an ashtray. Please don’t tell me you’ve picked up that nasty habit.”

No amount of airing out the house would have helped, so he hadn’t even bothered. He had been anticipating this question. “I know, I know. I’m trying to quit.” She gave him a look, searching for the lie. “I promise,” he finished, cringing inwardly. It hurt, but it was the littlest lie he’d be telling.

“I hope so. Those things will kill you.”

This seemed like a good time to change the subject and ask why her luggage had accompanied her inside, instead of waiting in the rental car he had seen in the driveway. “Um, do you need a place to stay? I mean, I thought Chris had said something about a hotel - not that you can’t stay here - but I was just wondering.”

“Could I at least stay tonight? The hotel overbooked and gave away my room.”

“Of course. The guest room is right over here. And you can stay longer than that.” Unlike his slip-up with his cousin, Kyle knew this time he had to offer.

“I don’t want to be in your way.”

That’s not a trap at all, huh? Ryka interjected, sounding amused. He should have known better than to hope that his other half would remain asleep when there was someone he didn’t know in the house. But after that one comment, Ryka kept quiet, being more intent on listening to Kyle’s conversation with his mother. A conversation which lasted right through dinner and well into the night.

Somehow, Kyle managed to put together a more realistic-sounding version of his life over the past nine years. The lies had been easy enough to concoct. Telling them wasn’t so easy. To his great relief, his mother bought every word of it. But it left him feeling like a husk, emotionally and physically drained, and by the time he closed his bedroom door behind him around midnight, he was barely able to get himself undressed before collapsing into bed.

That was fun, huh?

“I’m too tired,” Kyle mumbled, face buried in his pillow. “Later.”

Now that’s not very nice, stud.

“Sorry.” A few moments later, Kyle was sleeping peacefully, and Ryka was left with only himself to talk to.

***

When Kyle’s mother had accepted his offer for lodging, he’d worried that things would go downhill quickly, as they had when Chris had stayed at the house. The first night had been fine, however, and Kyle had foolishly hoped the trend would continue. That maybe his streak of bad luck was finally coming to an end.

The second night proved how jinxed he truly was. After a nice day spent in Boston, shopping and catching up over meals at some of their favorite restaurants, they had decided to retire early. Kyle was still worn out from the night before, and it was clear Mary was exhausted from her travels.

With Ryka providing his insight on the day’s conversation, Kyle readied himself for bed, washing his face before grabbing his toothbrush. He was nearly done when intense pain forced him to double over so fast he nearly knocked himself out on the edge of the bathroom sink.

He wanted to scream, but his jaw was locked shut. He’d never been electrocuted - never even been convinced by his childhood friends to lick a nine-volt battery - but he could only imagine this was what it was like, body jerking and twitching, not a single muscle left under his control

Through the haze of agony, he couldn’t be sure if it was his teeth or the toothbrush he heard cracking in his mouth. Mentally, he pleaded for reprieve.

I’m trying, I’m trying.

But trying wasn’t working. Trembling, Kyle put clenched fists on the vanity and forced himself upright. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, blood oozing out from the corners of his lips. Maybe those had been teeth, he thought, before another wave of pain dropped him to his knees.

His nails were embedded in his palms, and he could feel them breaking skin. Though skin was the least of things he was worried about breaking as another spasm had him bent so far backward he could swear his shoulder blades touched his heels.

What’s happening? he thought, hardly able to manage that much. It was almost a relief when another current toppled him to his side, where he was finally able to curl up in a tight ball.

She’s praying for you, Ryka replied, sounding as miserable as Kyle felt. His words were choked out by whines and growls, and Kyle knew it wouldn't be long before Ryka lost the ability to control their volume. Make it stop.

There was nothing Kyle could do, and they both knew it. Staggering into the guest room, tears and blood staining his face, begging his mother to stop her nightly prayers, would only lead to questions he had hoped never to answer.

Stop her before I do.

The threat - and the fury behind it - was enough to help Kyle overcome his suffering. With great effort, he pulled the toothbrush from his mouth and rubbed at his jaw until it relaxed enough for him to be able to speak. “You won’t.”

It hurts.

“I know. But I’d never forgive you.” That was enough to quell Ryka’s anger, though it did nothing for their pain. Only when Mary had concluded her nightly ritual did the torment end. Prayers for her son’s well being hadn’t expelled the demon, but they did purge the contents of his stomach. Kyle vomited, heaving up an expensive dinner and a mouthful of blood. It was his tongue he’d bitten, he finally realized, its throbbing the only remnant of their misery.

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Now doubly exhausted, he tried again to brush his teeth, successful on this attempt because his mother was now fast asleep in the other room. “Why did that happen? She must do it every night.”

Not from ten feet away.

“Shit.”

Indeed.

***

The next several nights were much the same. At least expecting it allowed Kyle and Ryka to brace themselves, with Kyle hunkering down in bed until the moment was passed, Ryka fighting the muscle spasms during the episodes, and easing the ache of exertion afterwards. And aside from a slight, temporary lisp after biting his tongue the first time, there was no evidence anything was wrong, so his mother was none the wiser.

It was easy enough to pretend nothing was wrong, and go on enjoying her visit. Because at some point, he knew he’d have to let her know this would likely be the last, and that was something he still had no idea how to say. A nagging worry that ate at him every moment they were together.

So it was almost a relief when, on the first Wednesday of her visit, she decided to meet up with a group of her old friends. Assuring him she wouldn’t be home until he was probably already in bed, she headed out, leaving him and Ryka completely alone for more than an hour for the first time since her arrival.

“Now what?” Kyle asked, watching out the window as her rental car disappeared around the corner.

We’ve got a while, right?

“Yup.”

Really, Kyle could have easily guessed what Ryka wanted to do. It was just a matter of figuring out the order in which he wanted to do them. You know what I want. But what do you desire, Master?

Gaze directed at the floor, Kyle stammered wordlessly, hoping Ryka wouldn’t really force him to voice his feelings. It still embarrassed him to have to say exactly what he wanted from Ryka, when the demon could very easily read his thoughts. After a few uncomfortable moments of silence, Ryka’s own lust drove him to give up on waiting for Kyle to speak.

It’s been a long few days for you, huh, stud? I’ll make you feel better. And then you can make me feel better about not having been allowed out.

Kyle started for his bedroom, nodding briefly at his own reflection as he passed the full-length mirror on his way. Hoping his mother really meant what she had said about staying out late, he closed the door behind him. And just in case, he locked it.

***

Amplified by the bathroom’s tiled walls and floor, the deep rumbling sounded like a vicious growl. But Kyle knew it for what it really was – a purr. And after several nights in a row of torture, it was good to hear it. Even if it wasn’t all thanks to Kyle. He’d earned some if it, but sweets worked just as well.

“It’s mostly you,” Ryka assured him, taking another swig from a gallon jug of chocolate milk before sinking back up to his chin in the bathtub. “No offense, but I hope your Mom stays out all night.” Ryka set down his drink and reached for his cigarettes.

She’s meeting with people she hasn’t seen in nearly a decade. She probably will be. So enjoy it while you can.

“I was planning on it.” In the four hours they’d been alone, they’d already gone three rounds. For this, Kyle didn’t mind taking turns with their body. Letting Ryka out hit the reset button, so to speak. Meaning that after a few brief moments of wooziness, Kyle was refreshed and ready for more as soon as Ryka retreated.

The first two had been in the bedroom, where Ryka’s enthusiasm resulted in another divot in the plaster and ripped bedsheets. The third had ended with the tub needing to be drained, rinsed and refilled. Ryka was hoping for at least another two hours. Plenty of time for some more fun.

All he got, though, was another two minutes. Long before Kyle would have heard it, Ryka caught the sound of cars turning onto the street. And he instantly recognized the sound of Mary’s rental. “Fuck,” he muttered, quickly finishing his cigarette.

What?

“She’s back, and I think she brought all her friends with her.”

Really?

“Sorry, stud.”

Me, too.

With more than a little reluctance, Ryka relinquished control. His frustration was expected. What Kyle hadn’t anticipated was slipping further into the tub during the transformation, and resurfacing with a lungful of soapy water. He was still coughing when his mother knocked on the bathroom door. “Are you okay in there?”

“Fine,” he wheezed.

“I brought some of the ladies back with me. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” He couldn’t tell her that he really did mind. Grumbling quietly to himself, he struggled out of the tub, wrapped a towel around his waist, and opened the door. His mother was still standing just outside. Her friends, at least, were waiting elsewhere. “Mom!”

“Sorry, we don’t mean to intrude. But I thought you would have gone out.”

“Where?”

“On a date.”

Kyle was so stunned by her answer, for a moment all he could was gape wordlessly at her. Of course, Kyle couldn’t say he had – in a way – been in the middle of one when his mother and her guests had arrived. Instead, he had to keep up the lie he had started when she’d arrived. “I’m not seeing anyone. I told you that that other day.”

“I thought maybe you just didn’t want to talk about it. I know you like to keep your private life private, especially since Chris -”

“I know, I know. It’s fine. And I swear I’m not seeing anyone.” Flustered, Kyle could feel himself start to blush. Once upon a time ago, his cousin had accidentally outed him. His mother had been surprised, but supportive. But she was right; he didn’t like to talk about his private life. Especially now, when it was so very strange.

His mother threw her hands up. “Sorry. I’m being a nag. I just don’t want you to be lonely.”

“I’m definitely not lonely,” he assured her, realizing too late that his words could easily be misconstrued; now it sounded like he was sleeping around. “I’m fine, I promise. Um, you shouldn’t leave your friends waiting, right?”

His mother knew he was trying to dodge the conversation, but let it slide. “You’re right. Come have some wine with us?”

He almost laughed at how miserable this suggestion made Ryka. At least the demon could rest assured he’d be miserable, too, once a few glasses of Chardonnay had time to mingle with the half-gallon of chocolate milk still settling in his stomach. Catching himself, he nodded. “Sure. Let me put some clothes on first.”

“I don’t think the ladies would mind.”

“Mom!”

“Sorry, sorry. Hurry up then. And where do you hide the wine glasses?”

***

The next morning, Ryka was still grumpy about having been forced along for the ride while Kyle mingled with his mother and her friends. Because even though Kyle had excused himself after only an hour, he hadn’t wanted to pick up where they’d left off earlier, regardless of what form of enticement Ryka had tried. Which meant Ryka was left feeling very unsatisfied, and that translated to Kyle being on edge, too.

His mother had seemed concerned, but hadn’t brought it up over breakfast, something for which Kyle was very thankful. It was easier to plan a trip to the grocery store than deal with anyone’s feelings, his own most of all. And it wasn’t until his mother was in the shower he even spoke to Ryka.

“What do you need at the store?” Kyle asked, not worried about being heard.

More beer. And batteries.

“Batteries? You don’t even need the remote anymore to use the TV, so how can you need batteries?”

Because I have other things on my mind when I’ve got something vibrating up my -

“Okay, okay. I get it.”

Do you cut me off because I embarrass you, or because you’ll get excited?

Kyle couldn’t answer. And for once, Ryka didn’t pursue the topic. Even at the grocery store, he kept quiet, which was unusual. Kyle was sure it would be the first, and probably last, time since becoming Ryka’s host that he’d leave the store with only what he’d intended to buy, and not an extra half a cart’s worth of junk food.

His mother, however, appeared to be buying enough food to keep the two of them fed for months to come. “Why are you getting so much, Mom?” he asked. The awkward tension had dissipated on its own once they’d started shopping.

“I thought I’d make enough for you to freeze.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“It’s to make up for letting me stay at your place, how’s that?”

“I guess so,” he said, feeling much less reluctant about the deal than he sounded. “Crap, I forgot batteries. I’ll be right back.” He left Mary with their cart and started back toward the other side of the store. Just as he was reaching up for the item he needed, a familiar voice stopped him.

“Hey, Mr. S. Long time, no see.”

Like he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t have, Kyle grabbed a pack of double-A’s and hid them behind his back as he turned around. Nick was standing on the other side of the narrow aisle, arm wrapped around the waist of a girl Kyle didn’t recognize from their school.

“Nick. How’s college? Are you home for summer break?”

“It’s great, Mr. S. Yeah, I came back so I could introduce Ashley to my parents.” The girl, a cute brunette, smiled and gave Kyle a shy wave. “Ash, this is Mr. Saunders, the history teacher I was telling you about.”

“Oh! Cool, nice to meet you,” she said, her cheeks coloring. Obviously, Nick had kept his word and not said anything he shouldn’t have about his former teacher. Before Kyle could return the greeting, her cell phone began ringing, and she dashed outside to take the call. Now it was just he and Nick.

“I’m glad to hear school’s going well. When did you get out for the summer?”

“A few weeks ago. We visited her family for a few days, and have been here ever since. I was going to stop by the school, but ….”

“But?”

“I was kind of scared,” Nick admitted. “I was talking to some kids who just graduated. Um, you still have quite the reputation, Mr. S.” It looked like it pained Nick to say this, but the words slipped out anyhow. A cruel smile turned up the corners of Kyle’s lips for the briefest moment. Not an expression his teacher ever wore, but one belonging to his parasite. Nick knew it too well.

But the horrified look on Kyle’s face when his mother walked up to them and asked “What reputation?” was certainly his.

A sudden overpowering urge to defend his teacher, and do it well, possessed Nick. “As, like, the best teacher in the school.”

“Oh?” Kyle’s mother responded, sounding more intrigued than suspicious.

“Yeah. I mean, my class was really a bunch of jerks at first. But Mr. S. really turned us around. Me and Tommy even ended up as President and Vice President of our class. And we both graduated in the top twenty.”

When Kyle saw how impressed his mother looked, it was hard not to let out a huge sigh of relief. Kyle allowed himself a small smile in Nick’s direction, but instead of returning the gesture, Nick turned ghostly white and excused himself. “I should go see what Ashley’s up to. See you later, Mr. S.”

“Okay. Take care, Nick.” But the boy was already gone.

No matter how much his girlfriend prodded him, Nick knew he could never admit why he looked so frightened. For the rest of the summer, he would be plagued by what he had seen in the store. Because when he had looked up to meet Kyle’s eyes, they had been glowing with an unmistakable faint red light.

Helplessly, Kyle watched Nick take off toward the exit. “Kids,” he remarked, hoping the brush-off seemed cool enough.

“Well, you were strange when you were a teenager, too,” Mary reminded him. “But I’m glad to hear how much of a difference you make for those kids. I’m very proud of you, honey.”

“Thanks, Mom,” he replied, hoping not to sound too guilty. He hadn’t been the one to make the difference, only the one to unleash a monster on them. A monster who was being as patient as possible, and not getting much reward for it. Maybe he could change that. “Hey, remember those cookies you used to make for the holidays?”

“The double chocolate chip ones?”

“Yes! Any chance you could make a batch?”

His mother looked flattered to be asked, but he could also tell Ryka’s interest had been piqued. “Sure. You can always freeze some to save for later – my recipe makes a lot.”

“Yeah, of course.” They wouldn’t last that long, not with Ryka’s sweet tooth. But Kyle was fully prepared to endure the resulting stomachache when the demon was finally allowed out to enjoy a serving of three dozen decadent cookies.

***

Forget music, Kyle thought, food was what really soothed the savage beast. It wasn’t long after the aroma of freshly baked cookies had dissipated that Mary was back in the kitchen. For dinner, Kyle’s mother cooked him his favorite – meatloaf, using a recipe handed down from her grandmother that she had long ago memorized. That had been easy to do, with the frequency at which Kyle had requested the meal growing up.

Nine years was a long time to go without good home cooking. He did fairly well, but his skills in the kitchen were nothing compared to his mother’s. And the comfort level was upped further by having his mother puttering around the kitchen, humming to herself while she worked.

While Kyle ate, Ryka begged him to save some for him to enjoy later. Please, Master. It smells so good. I’ll do anything. Even vacuum.

What else? Kyle teased.

Windows. I’ll clean windows. And the bathroom. Please?

Pursing his lips to hide a smirk, Kyle eyed the pan on the stove. Still some left. Never would he have imagined hiring a housekeeper for the low cost of two pieces of meatloaf.

And your soul.

At that, he choked, and his mother rushed over to pat him on the back. “Did you forget how to eat?” She sounded both anxious and exasperated, and he realized he often took the same tone with his students.

He waved off her concern. “Sorry. It’s just so good.”

“Glad you like it, but slow down. It’s not going anywhere.”

Unless you decide to share ….

A roll of his eyes when he was sure Mary’s back was turned, and a nod. Fine, he finally conceded. And he managed not to eat the entire thing, although he was sure he easily could have.

***

After the meal - the remnants of which were safely stored away for Ryka - they relaxed in the living room. Kyle had just made himself comfortable on the couch when, out of the blue, his mother said, “I spoke to your father a few weeks ago.” Apparently, he wasn’t the only one keeping secrets.

“What?” Kyle turned to look at her so fast he nearly rolled onto the floor.

“He called to tell me he was moving to England for work. He wanted to give me his new address and all that.”

“Oh.” Kyle hadn’t seen his father in more than a quarter of a century, and was sure that he could pass the man on the street and never even know who he was. He had been four years old when his father had walked out on them. He had faithfully paid child support, but otherwise never really bothered with them. Or so Kyle had thought. It was upsetting to hear that his father kept somewhat up-to-date with his ex-wife, but not with his own son.

I kinda know the feeling, Ryka muttered.

“What?” Kyle couldn’t stop himself. The demon was surely selfish and egotistical, but still really never said that much about his past, even when prodded. But Kyle lost the chance to learn anything new.

“I didn’t say anything else,” his mother told him, shooting him a worried glance. “Honey, are you okay? I didn’t really want to say anything, but you’ve been acting strange. Like you’re living in your own little world. I keep seeing you smile, or nearly talk aloud, when no one else is saying anything.”

“What? Really?” It was hard not to sound like he was panicking. And his fear was only compounded when he felt Ryka slowly trying to take control of his body. “I think it’s just because I’m tired. The school year just ended, and those kids really take a lot out of me. I’m still catching up on rest.”

“Are you sure that’s all? You just seem so … off.” She was studying him, trying to meet his gaze while Kyle looked anywhere else. This was not what he’d wanted to hear, not when he thought he’d been doing a decent enough job keeping up the appearance that he was not, in fact, possessed.

“Off? How so?” His heart was hammering in his chest, and he felt pale, blood rushing from his face.

The question gave Mary pause. “I don’t know how to explain it, honey. Just … different.”

“Well, it has been a while since you’ve seen me. People change, right? Grow?” As long it wasn’t horns and wings he was growing …. He fought the urge to put a hand to his head and check.

“That’s the thing. You seem different, but you look just the same.”

“It must be your good genes, Mom. You don’t look your age, either. Just the same as the last time I saw you.” Please, he thought, let this conversation end. His will was bending to Ryka’s, and he wasn’t focused enough to fight it. When Ryka’s urge to protect his host was strong enough, it was difficult for Kyle to do anything but submit. He wanted to plead with Ryka to relax, but that certainly wasn’t going to help his case any.

The compliment seemed to distract her. “I’m sorry. It’s hard not to worry about you. You’re still my little boy, and now you’re so far away. Forgive an old woman for worrying, okay?”

Tears welling in his eyes, Kyle got off the couch and knelt down next to the chair his mother was sitting in. Never had he wanted so badly to confess his sin to someone. “You’re not old. And I’m sorry for making you worry,” he managed.

She rested her hand on his head and smiled down at him. “Don’t be sorry. Just please tell me if there’s something I need to know. If you need help. Otherwise, all I can do is pray for you.”

Kyle winced. The last time he had gone to a church service had been when he was six. For what little it had done to protect him, he’d been baptized and sat through dozens of Sunday services. His mother still went faithfully, several times a week. “Please don’t do that,” he said quietly. “It’s wasted on me.”

“How can you say that?”

“Because some sins can’t be forgiven.”

Aghast at his blasphemous declaration, she moved her hands to his cheeks and tilted his face up to hers. Now there was no hiding. “If this is about being gay, you know that’s nonsense. God loves you no matter who you love.”

“Not necessarily,” he muttered under his breath. Louder, he told her “This is different, and it really won’t be forgiven.”

“Kyle! How can you say that?” Then her eyes went wide. A fear there, that he had committed some atrocity. “Kyle, did something happen? Is that what’s bothering you? You can tell me, honey. Anything. You know that.”

There wouldn’t be a better time, Kyle knew. He had hoped she could die - decades on - never knowing. But even worse than the truth was what he worried she suspected. And maybe being honest now could save him and Ryka a few days of pain.

“Um, about praying. At home - far from here - it’s fine. If it makes you feel better, don’t stop. Maybe it will help somehow.”

“Help with what?”

But Kyle forged on. “But here, I’m asking if you can hold off. At least about me. It hurts us.”

“Hurts?” Kyle nodded, placing his own hands over his mother’s, enjoying the feeling of her palms on his cheeks. It was comforting, and he needed all he could get for what he was about to admit.

“Both of us,” he reiterated. He could see her working through it. She’d heard, but hadn’t comprehended. “It hurts. A lot.”

“‘Us?’ I don’t understand. Is everything okay?” The look of agony in her eyes, the unshed tears glistening there, said it all. She thought her son was experiencing a complete break from reality.

Steeling himself, Kyle stood up and backed away from her chair. “Yes, us. I didn’t want to tell you, and it’s not like I wanted to keep secrets. Not again. It’s just …” He trailed off. Showing would be easier than telling, but he was rightfully scared. He pushed it off longer, rambling instead. “If it looks like I’m off somewhere else, or talking to myself a lot, it’s because of him.”

“Who?” Her voice was shaking, her hands doing the same, now folded in her lap.

“Ryka. A demon.” Devout as she was, Mary still gaped at him, disbelieving. Before she could ask, Kyle continued, “I know that sounds insane, but it’s true. Right after I moved into this place, Ryka came to me. I let him use my body, and in return he keeps me young and healthy. He’s the reason I haven’t aged, that I don’t need glasses anymore.” Why I’m going to Hell, he thought.

“Kyle ….” Clearly, she thought he was unwell.

It was time, then, before she panicked and tried to have him hauled off somewhere with padded walls. “Ryka, promise me you’ll be good. Please?”

I promise.

“Don’t run away, Mom,” he said, taking off his shirt. “I’ll still be here. I’ll still be able to see and hear you.” Then, directing his gaze to the mirror by habit, urged, “Go on, Ryka.”

The demon didn’t hesitate. Kyle dropped to all fours as Ryka began taking over his body. Wings slowly unfurled from between his shoulders and horns twisted back toward his ears. It was the slowest transformation they had gone through in a long time, and Kyle was keenly aware of the time when his body belonged to both of them at once. And then he felt himself pushed to the background.

With a stretch that showed off his full wingspan, Ryka got to his feet. Through the demon’s eyes, Kyle saw his mother cowering in her seat. “Please, God ...” she gasped.

In a deep, rough voice that sounded nothing like her son’s, Ryka told her, “He wouldn’t help you. But you have nothing to fear from me. Your soul’s not mine to take.”

Ryka?

“Master, does it make you happy to know the people you care about won’t be joining you in Hell?”

The shock wasn’t enough to distract Mary from the demon’s words. “You mean my son can’t be saved?” Seeing his mother’s face when she discovered his fate was the closest Kyle ever came to regretting his decision to become Ryka’s host.

“Well, he’s going to Hell, but I wasn’t planning on letting anything bad happen to him.”

“B-but -”

“He made a bad deal. I’m going to help him renegotiate.”

Mother and son were both baffled. With you? We have a contract.

“With Lord Satan.” Mary winced at mention of the Devil. “I’m not his biggest fan right now, either. Your son, though, is stuck with me. Right, Master?”

Right, so -

“Later.” He had more immediate concerns. Carefully gauging Mary’s fear, Ryka took a slow step forward. “Master can’t say this to you, so I will. If you value your life, and your soul, you won’t see him again. You have to let go so that he can do the same.” In a rare show of submission, Ryka dropped back to his knees, wings lowering to his sides.

Still trembling, Kyle’s mother boldly met the demon’s gaze. His pupils were narrow slits, hardly visible against the Hellfire that always burned in him, but even through that, she swore she could still see her son’s warm, brown eyes. “Leave him all alone?” Nothing Kyle had ever suffered through would come close to what he felt seeing the pain on his mother’s face in that moment. Learning that he had damned himself, and there was nothing she could do - not even stay by his side - to help.

“He’s not alone; I’m with him. Now and always.” A pledge - a vow - that eased the ache in Kyle’s heart. “You got him this far, kept him safe. Now it’s my turn. I won’t let him suffer. Master’s happiness is my happiness.”

“Can I really believe that?” she asked, incredulous. Kyle was awed that even in the face of a monster, she had the nerve to ask.

“Only because I love him.”

She hardly had time to register what the demon had said before he disappeared, leaving Kyle hunched over on the floor. Fighting off the usual dizziness, he glanced up. At least she could still meet his gaze. “Are you okay, Mom?” he inquired.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Then let me talk for a while.”

***

Dawn was breaking by the time Kyle finally crawled into bed. It had taken the better part of a night to give his mother the true account, minus a few details, of the last nine years. And he felt much better having told her everything, and answered all her questions as best he could.

There had been some hard truths, things that hurt him to finally admit. No, there would never be a wedding, and he’d carefully skirted around Ryka’s earlier words. The demon’s existence was enough of a shock, divulging anything about their relationship would have been too much.

And no, there would never be grandkids, an acknowledgement that stung Kyle just as much as it did his mother. He’d wanted a family, but that door was closed to him. His job - as long as he was still able to do it - would have to fill the void.

Most of the time, Ryka had been silent, but Kyle knew he was awake, listening and watching. His ever-vigilant guardian, and the reason it was dangerous for anyone, even family, to get too close.

Even with that in mind, he was still glad his mother had agreed to stay the full two weeks she had planned for the visit. More than enough time, Kyle thought, to say good-bye.

“Thanks for helping me out with that, Ry,” he said, pulling the covers up to his chin.

It needed to be done. There was a pause, and Kyle knew that if it had been Ryka in charge, he would have been fidgeting. Master?

“Hmm?”

You won’t be upset when it’s just you and me, will you?

“How could I be?”

You won’t miss anyone? Or think you’re missing out?

“I’m sure I will, at times. But it’s nice to know that I won’t have to ever be alone.”

In lieu of words, Ryka sent him a mental image. Considering that what he usually showed Kyle were scenes of the two of them in positions that would make porn stars blush, he was more than a little apprehensive. But this time Kyle was nearly brought to tears.

It was him, curled up in bed as he was now. But instead of being buried in the sheets, Ryka was wrapped protectively around him, both of them shrouded in his wings. Someday, Master.

“I hope so, Ry. I really hope so.”