Page 103 of Coven of Corpses

“Sorry I ruined date night,” Cody said.

“You didn’t ruin anything. You came back to yourself, to me.”

Cody turned away to grab more towels, ever considerate even in the aftermath of passion and grief. As he handed off the towels, he looked away, embarrassed. “Sorry.”

"It's okay," Demetrius said, cleaning himself up. His heart pounded, accentuating the tenderness of the bruised skin on his neck and the pleasant ache from Cody's penetration. Every sensation was a reminder, a physical memory he would carry forward. It was all worth it to be with Cody.

Once they had both cleaned up, Cody stretched out beside him on the seat. His long, warm length was a familiar comfort, a touchstone to reality even as the fantasy lingered. "I love you, Demmy."

"I love you, too." Demetrius cupped the side of his face, thumb tracing the cheekbone he knew as well as his own. “So much. You okay?”

Cody nodded. “Better. I’ll be okay.”

“It’s all right not to be, you know.”

“I know.”

"Thank you for this,” Demetrius said. “For this amazing night, and the opportunity to go out on a date with Cody Duran Bower, star linebacker on the Parson’s Hollow football team.”

Cody grinned, and it looked more like himself, at any age. "Thank you, for never giving up on me. On us." Cody kissed him again, the gesture full of reverence. "You've changed my life."

They kissed again, sealing promises both spoken and unspoken, as outside the Cadillac the insects and frogs continued their eternal chorus. A breeze came in through the windows, freshening the musky scent of their union and bringing a gentle hint of lilac and other spring blooms—life renewing itself, beautiful in its persistence. Demetrius couldn't think of any place he'd rather be than right there, in that moment, with Cody.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“Now it feels like everything’s back to normal," Cody said, looking around Margie's Diner with newfound appreciation. It was Monday evening, and he was unemployed, again, but he was back inside his own body, and Margie’s was there for them, like always. The familiar smells of burgers and fries felt almost sacred.

Demmy smiled from across the booth. "Is it weird that I sort of expect to see myself when I look at you?”

“A little, but I get it. It was weird being shorter. How do you manage looking up at everyone all the time?"

"I'm five-ten. That's average height. Not everyone's a walking redwood."

"Average is just another word for short.” Cody winced when Demmy kicked him under the table.

The diner was busy for a Monday. Couples and families took up nearly every booth and table. A warm feeling of contentment had settled within his chest over the weekend. It was like the amazing date he’d had with Demmy on Friday had been the pin he’d needed to pop the bubble of grief wedged inside him. Hopefully, contentment might shift into a bit of happiness at some point.

Margie herself had returned to her regular schedule, barely missing a beat after taking part in the ritual. She'd brought them their iced teas earlier, giving them a smile before heading off to handle the dinner rush. She was walking with a slight limp from a pulled muscle when they’d all been knocked to the ground during the ritual, but otherwise, she seemed fine.

"Jugs said he wants to have a party next weekend," Demmy said, scrolling through his phone. "To celebrate not being possessed or killed by a demon."

"Hard to put that on the invitation," Cody said.

"You thinking about going?"

Cody shrugged. "Yeah, maybe. If it doesn't conflict with my busy schedule of unemployment and existential dread."

Demmy reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "Hey, we'll figure it out. We always do."

The bell above the diner door jingled, and Cody looked around. His hand tensed under Demmy's when he saw who had entered.

"Is that...?" Cody said.

“The city manager, Morton Whitfield.”

“Pain in our ass," Cody muttered. “He going to give us another year until we can get our license back?”

“I hope not. Maybe he’s meeting someone for dinner.”