Page 137 of Gratification in Gluttony

“So, we take it to the grave,” Tad said somberly.

“Just like a Hellahoola,” Rusty said in a haunted voice.

“Agreed,” Glyma said, and one by one, they went around the table, each making a vow of silence.

“They can never know,” Toni said, and everyone nodded. Then Zef appeared from the hallway, and Toni said, “’ey, Zeffie! You’re back.”

Slowing their walk, Zef scrutinized the group, everyone smiling a little too widely. “This is a very strange energy,” they said as they slowly sat back down.

“I’m just happy that Bryce can stay with you.” Oliver’s eyes widened as he pulled out his phone and started typing furiously. “I’m just gonna make it super clear to him that you’re onlyinviting him to live with you as a roommate and maybe future friend. Nothing more than that, though. Like no unspoken relationship or—ow!”

Bending over, Oliver rubbed at his leg where Jude had kicked him. And Liel had kicked him. And honestly, Toni had kicked him too.

As the young closing crew bid Glyma farewell, the Sypent who enjoyed hitting on Toni hovered behind Tad, their keen eyes watching as they all resumed the game. “What are you playing?” they asked in their posh Pride accent.

“It’s called Bullshit, and you have to lie.” Brandishing his many, many cards, Gem scrunched up his face. “I’m clearly very bad. You wanna play? You can take half my cards!”

The Sypent tilted their head in a curious, yet somehow haughty manner. “I do not know the rules.”

“It’s super easy,” Oliver said, rubbing his thumb over the back of Liel’s neck. “Like you literally just have to lie about what cards you’re playing.”

“Have a seat, Cya,” Glyma said. “Join us.”

After a moment of hesitation, the Sypent—Cya—retrieved a chair and scooted it between Toni and Gem, lowering themself into it elegantly. Gem immediately handed them half of his cards, explaining the rules in a rush. Toni shifted a little closer to Jude, just to make sure Cya didn’t get any ideas.

“Everyone, this is Cya,” Glyma made introductions as Gem took his turn. “Cya, this is, well, everyone. You know Gem and Toni. Zef works in the kitchen with Toni, and Rusty and Oliver work the front with Gem. Willow bakes with me, and Tad is our dishwasher extraordinaire.”

“Better fucking believe it,” Tad said as she slapped what had to have been fifteen cards onto the table. “Six fives.”

“That is clearly more than six cards,” Liel lamented quietly.

“Then call bullshit,” Oliver whispered.

“I would, but I am afraid of her,” Liel whispered back.

“Welcome to the club,” Oliver muttered. “We’re all afraid of her.”

“And this is Oliver’s boyfriend, Liel. He works in Greed. And Jude, Oliver’s best friend and Toni’s boyfriend,” Glyma finished.

Cya offered a subtle nod in acknowledgment but didn’t say anything. Toni didn’t know if it was the Pride ego or the fact that they were nineteen surrounded by adults that had stolen their tongue. But since he wasn’t going to beef with a literal child, he let the slight slide.

When it was their turn, Cya placed two cards on the table and said, “One four and one eight.”

“No, it has to be the same number,” Gem corrected gently.

“Oh.” Cya’s cheeks dusted with a light blush as they exchanged their cards. “Two fourteens.”

“But it has to go in succession,” Gem said, grimacing. “I don’t think I explained it very well. I’m sorry. So, Toni laid tens, which means you have to lay elevens.”

“But I do not have an eleven,” Cya said, somewhat broodily.

“Okay, well, that’s when you lie and say that you do anyway,” Gem said encouragingly.

Cya slid one card toward the middle, “One eleven.”

“Bullshit,” Rusty said, and the Sypent reared back in offense.

“I beg your pardon?”

---