You’re My Best Friend
Slash
The little demon was adamant that I take him to the Doc’s office when the class let out. Since I could sense his fear and tension throughout Major Diabolus’s ego-driven lecture, I agreed. Kit has a free period and lunch back-to-back today, so I will arrange for someone to pick him up when he’s ready for food. I have been consistently surprised by his relationship with the previously cranky old demon physician, but the prince trusts him. Now that he’s taking such conscientious care of our new member, I am also solidly behind the plague-masked doctor.
Much like the Keeper, I will accept allies who are fond of the little demon and seek to help him adjust.
“I really appreciate you escorting me to see Dank,” Kit says as he looks up at me.
I know he’s worried about my reticence, but I am struggling with my inner animalandmy demon. When Oriel and Salem could shift to comfort him last night, my own beasts were furious. The shark because I could not physically do the same, and the demon because we have not been given permission to do so in private. Yes, Kit saw us all in various forms out of necessity at that ridiculous party, but the only people who he has specifically consented to meeting their other sides are Salem, Oriel, Anton, and Xerxes. I will not disrespect his decision to meet our alternate selves when he feels ready; he’s been violated enough in his life.
So, I consider my words before I respond. “The doctor is trust-worthy, according to you and our prince. And I would never refuse to keep you safe from harm on your travels between locations.”
He looks slightly vexed at my answer, and I’m not sure why. “Yeah, I know, big guy. You’re a big supporter of ‘Kit goes nowhere alone’. I’m just sorry you’re stuck with it this time.”
That seems very self-deprecating, and he’s been so much better about confidence in us lately.
We cross the lobby of the admin building without being accosted as I mull over what I can say. “Little demon, no one is ‘stuck’ with you. We all agree that you are a target, and we wish to keep you unharmed. You know that because we have discussed it. No one is being forced.”
“I know, except…” he trails off as we get in the elevator and I flash teeth at anyone who tries to join us until the doors close. “…I feel you are really distant today. I guess that is triggering that foster kid thing of being a burden. It’s not your fault, though; you aren’t doing anything bad. That’s my shit to deal with.”
His admission is insightful, yet shows how vulnerable he is when his past comes into the present.
“Kit,” I say as my mind races with possible responses. I don’t know how to deal with my emotions without putting pressure on him when I tell him the issue. “I have been quiet because… because…”
The elevator dings, and we exit it, walking down the hallway to the door of the doctor’s office. He gives me a sad smile as I struggle. “Because I’m a pain in the ass and now your father’s henchman is here to make us even more miserable?”
“Well… Yes. The Major’s presence is not a good indicator of how this is going to play out.” I frown, shake my head, and then lean down to look him in the eye. “But you are correct in assuming that something else is bothering me. I simply do not know how to express it.”
His soft laugh should make me angry, but it’s not mocking. His expression tells me it’s in surprise, and the hand that shyly reaches for mine confirms that. “Slash, I know you’re not… effusive. I don’t expect that, but you can tell me things like I do with you guys. If it upsets me accidentally, I’ll tell you and we can work it out. The only person who doesn’t seem to get adult communication is Jasper, so don’t take a page out of his book, okay?”
My eyes narrow, and I squeeze his small hand before I say, “You must promise that if I do, you will not internalize this as something that it is not.”
“I mean, I’ll try?”
I suppose that’s as much as anyone can promise truthfully.
“The other night, Salem and Oriel could shift and comfort you when you were upset. I cannot do so for obvious reasons; that makes my shark angry. But my demon was frustrated as well because I could have partially allowed them to emerge, but… You have not given us permission, and even if you had to see things at the demon house, that does not change your wish to be prepared for our other sides revealing themselves here.”
The little demon blinks for a second, looking surprised, then he beams. “Slash, you are a very good man underneath that vicious shark demon facade. Do you know that?”
I scoff. “That is highly questionable.”
“Not even a little bit,” Kit insists as he continues smiling in a way that makes me very confused. “But whether you agree with me or not, I am sorry that honoring my request was giving you discomfort. I’m not sorry for setting a boundary; don’t get me wrong. However, I get that you guys have beings inside you that have desires and needs that ignoring makes you fairly unhappy.”
“Unhappy isn’t quite the word, but yes.”
He chuckles again, shrugging. “I don’t know the right words for it yet, but I do get the general concept of feeling like something is trying to crawl out of your skin. So, before I go in and visit Dank, I want to make something clear, okay?”
I nod, waiting quietly for whatever it is he needs to get off his chest, even if it will frustrate me.
“You have been endlessly kind to me, and you work hard to show what a good person hides behind the demon mask. I would like to meet both of your shifts—or whatever—in a more official way.” Kit licks his lips, pushing up on his toes to say the last part right in my face. “You don’t scare me, Slash. That isn’t something I say often, but it’s true. I like you for who you are, and whatever those revelations show me won’t make me fear you.”
Blinking, I gape at him as he lowers to flat feet, squeezes my hand, and winks.
“Now I have a doc to chat up, and you have class. We can talk more later after you’ve… digested this.” That said, he lets go of me and opens the door to go into the office.
I’ll be damned—it was like an entirely different person came out once I admitted feelings. Is that what our brothers are doing to curry such favor?
