Page 42 of Demons Treasure Warlocks

“Huh, that’s a bit morbid. Do you know why it worked?” Bale chewed a thumbnail as he spoke.

“I thought you might have an idea. Since Elijah was containing all of Hastur as one big balloon. When Elijah lost his finger, it popped the balloon, and Hastur leaked out. He as a demon needs a host unless he’s fully here, and he’s not yet.” Dare shared his theory while tracing a finger on the table. “Sound about right?”

“I think so? Demons in other dimensions wasn’t ever in my interests. How did the rest of the visit go? Did you manage to talk to Hakko about other things? I realize hurting a demon would dominate conversations, but you never know.”

“He’s got my back. Said that life isn’t always so black and white. Said that I was good.” Darius ducked his head, and Bale barely heard the whispered “I’m not really.”

“Darius,” Bale gathered him into his arms and squeezed him tightly. “You’re doing the best you can, and I am honoured to be by your side.”

Darius dropped his head to Bale’s chest and sighed. It would take a few more comments for the words to drill into Darius’s head.

“He wants me to visit him and his partner tonight once the sun sets.”

“Are you okay with that?” Bale wasn’t sure if he was, but Darius said Hastur had been banished.

“Well, I guess? I’m curious. Some of the letters at the exhibit were soaked in magical residue. So, it’d be a good thing.” Darius acted like he wanted to continue talking but he kept drifting. Maybe he needed to process.

“Why don’t you go sit by the fire and relax. We don’t need to do anything 'til later, right?” Bale asked as he pushed the pliant Darius away. He didn’t want to, but Darius was miles away already.

“I’m going to my workspace. There might be a clue or something.” Darius grabbed a mug of coffee and sniffed it contentedly before descending to the basement.

The afternoon dragged as Darius puttered in his basement. Bale leapt off the cottage roof a few times to fly. His wings weren’t strong enough to bear his weight, and all it did was make him despair. How was he ever going to protect Darius if he couldn’t use his strongest weapon?

“Balor, stop it,” Darius ordered as he came outside. He wore a heavy sweater and held a towel in his hands. “You’re going to ruin every bit of progress, and the brownies are going to tear you apart when they find out.”

“I have to protect you, and I work best in the sky.” Bale puffed out. His stamina was nonexistent, and his muscles twinged with every movement. He took the towel gratefully.

Darius opened his mouth. “Don’t strain yourself too hard. You need healing as well.”

It wasn’t exactly the reprimand Bale expected. It was more a cautionary word of advice. “Is it time?”

“I was thinking of starting dinner. You go inside and warm up.”

“I can do that. It’s no trouble,” Bale offered immediately. Darius had to rest. He was still tired and troubled.

“No, you sit and do that winding down thing. You apparently had quite the workout.” Darius led them into the house where he pushed Bale to the recliner. Darius pressed his lips together before kissing Bale lightly on the mouth. “Take a moment, Bale. You gave me time to think, and maybe you need to do that too.”

Bale didn’t rest easily, but Bossy Cat took advantage of a warm lap and nestled on Bale contentedly. The orange fur begged to be stroked, and Bale fell into rhythmic motion. “I can make you something.”

“No moving,” Darius ordered. Cupboards opened and closed. The fridge had the same treatment, and Bale itched to nudge Darius out of the way. “I mean it, Bale.”

“But it’s…” Bale subsided as he listened. “I want to do it for you.”

“You can’t. You’re too busy with the other person in your life. And I can guarantee he will not be impressed if you stand.” Darius came to the edge of the room with a contented look on his face. He nodded at the kneading Bossy who had claimed Bale’s lap.

“Darius.”

“Bale,” Darius teased, and Bale almost choked on air. Darius teasing was a rarity, and he hadn’t been witness to it in forever. It was something to be hoarded. “Let me take care of you today? Please?”

Once Darius put the chicken in the fry pan, Bale lost his commanding lap warmer. He followed Bossy into the kitchen where Master was already underfoot. Bale looped his arms around Darius’s waist and kissed the top of his head. It was a risk, but Bale ached to feel Darius in his arms.

Darius rested against Bale briefly as he sautéed the vegetables. “I think you fell asleep out there.”

“I did not.” Bale’s cheeks burned as Darius needled him. He stepped away from Darius and eyed the wine rack on the far counter. “It was Bossy. He’s loud.”

“Bullshit. I saw you. You were completely gone.” Darius continued to banter as he plated the food. Bale had the wine open and glasses poured when Darius approached. “Oh, this is nice.”

Bale stopped, and a wave of dread washed over him. What if this wasn’t what Darius wanted? He seemed receptive to hugs and platonic caresses but romantic dinner? “Too much?”

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