I didn’t plan on my day being filled with manual labor of any sort. But I like rifling through Gloom’s things, so at least I’m getting something out of it.
Many black trash bags later, and a few trips between our realms, we’re standing outside of Cupio’s house. Looking at the pink marble pillars and the double doors that are wide open.
“Why are we outside?” I ask, looking at how Gloom’s stuff looks like garbage piled out front.
“I’ve got to carry you both over the threshold,” Cupio announces, and before I can even say anything, he’s tossing me over one shoulder and Gloom over the other.
I bounce with each step, laughing as I hold my glasses, making sure they don’t fall off my face. Gloom’s smile is just as wide as mine as he grabs my hand.
“I love you, Birdie,” he says.
“I love you too, Gloom.”
Cupio carries us through the foyer and we both slide down his body before we’re safely on our feet. He grabs both of our chins, kissing Gloom and then me.
“I love you both so much,” he says, before engulfing us in a ridiculous hug.
“Can we pay someone to move my shit?” I ask, nestled against his chest, making him laugh.
“It’s already done,” Cupio, says and I sigh in relief.
“I love you too.”
“Me too. Fuck, I’m lucky,” Gloom says as there’s a knock on the doorframe, and I groan in frustration.
My annoyance only rises when I see that it’s Eros standing there looking like a petulant child.
“Dad, can we talk?” Eros asks.
Cupio takes a deep breath. “Come on in,” he tells his son as we all head to the kitchen.
Eros’ eyes are bloodshot as he sits at the table and rests his head in his hands. “I’m so fucking sorry, Dad. I should never have asked you what I did. They’ve already forgotten about me, anyway. I just. I don’t know why I am the way I am. I want to do better, be a better cupid, a better son, fuck, a better person.”
I want to roll my eyes, but I can already see Cupio’s heart bleeding through his shirt. No matter what fucked-up thing Eros does, at the end of the day, he’s still Cupio’s son.
“I fear I raised you with a silver spoon in your mouth, Son. You wanted for nothing. I loved you and wanted the best for you, so I just let you climb the ladder, even when you didn’t deserve it. You’ve been spoiled, selfish, and at times cruel. You’ve hurt fellow cupids, you’ve hurt me. If you really want to make things right, you’re going to have to make a lot of changes,” Cupio says, and I’m thankful he isn’t letting him off the hook.
I glance over at Gloom, who looks like he’d rather be just about anywhere than in this kitchen listening to this conversation.
“I have eighteen years of accrued vacation time,” Cupio says.
“What?” I reply in shock and Cupio shrugs.
“There was no reason for me to take the time for myself, but now I have a reason to,” he says, glancing over at me and Gloom. “So I’m going to pick an interim Head Cupid. I could use the break and maybe Cupidale needs a fresh perspective.”
“You’re going to make me Head Cupid?” Eros says.
“Oh, Hell no. I’m going to ask Love if she wants the job. And if you truly want to find your place in Cupidale and make amends, you’ll take the position as her assistant. I’m going to still need Ladybird to manage my time, and I fear she may kill Love if she works for her,” Cupio says and I smile. “Plus, I thinkI’d like to get back out there and make some love matches again. I missed it.”
“That’s fair. Whatever chance you give me, I’ll take it.”
“Love will be your boss. You’ll be a public servant of Cupidale. There won’t be any awards or accolades. This is you finding your place as a cupid and a valuable citizen. If you can’t prove yourself, then I’m afraid I’ll have to revoke your realm permissions in Cupidale. As much as I love you, this is your last chance, Eros.”
Okay, him being an assertive father is actually doing it for me.
“I understand. And I just wanted to say that I’m happy for you. I read the article. Harmony was always the worst.” Eros looks around and part of me doesn’t hate him as much. I still don’t trust the little shit, but I’m rooting for him, at least for Cupio’s sake. “I’m glad you found the love you were always looking for,” Eros says, standing up and heading out. “I promise I won’t let you down,” is the last thing he says before leaving the house.
“Do you think he can do it?” I ask, leaning against the doorframe.
