His last week in the human realm sped by faster than he expected, and he lay awake in his childhood bed on his last night, unable to sleep over his excitement at seeing Zef the next day. He read through their text thread, smiling at the picture they’d sent of them and Gem, Zef with large curlersin their hair as Gem wore his silk bonnet. They were hosting a slumber party with Willow, Tad, Gem, Enfys, their newest coworker, Abi—a timid demon with short white-and-gray fur, black, mouse-like ears, and a scaly, rodent-esque prehensile tail, who loosely resembled, strangely enough, an opossum—and, surprisingly, Dex.
How the wolf demon had landed an invite Bryce didn’t know. Not that he was a bad kid, but he was a bit too high-energy for Zef to deal with a lot of the time. But he was in one of the pictures, tongue lolling as he showed off the colorful manicure Gem had given him.
We are watching a rom-com because Gem insisted it is the necessary genre of film to fit the slumber party aesthetic.
Sounds fun. I’m already in bed, like an old man.
You are not old. You are younger than I am. Also, Gem says I need to ask what you are wearing, though I do not understand why.
Oh God, of course Gem would try and get them to sext.
I’m wearing a t-shirt and boxers, but to satisfy Gem, tell him I said I’m wearing nothing but my good looks. *winky emoji*
I am wearing my muumuu, but Gem insists I should lie and say I am naked in the bath. I do not understand sexting.
Naked in the bath, huh? How scandalous.
If you were in the bath with me, I’d jerk you off with my toes. *evil demon emoji*
Gem, give Zef their phone back.
[Gem?] OMG, Bryce, you’re good. What gave me away? Was it the use of contraptions?
You mean, contractions? No, it was the blatant sexual proposition.
[Gem?] Damn, I thought I was being subtle.
[Zef] I am sorry. Gem took my phone and would not give it back.
I assumed as much.
I hope you know that, should we ever share a bath, I would not assault you in such a way. I do not have toes, and my barbs would hurt your manhood.
Laughing, Bryce hooked a hand under his head as he typed with the other.
Don’t worry, baby. If we’re ever in the bath together, I’ll just hold you. Maybe wash your hair if you let me.
I would very much like to cuddle in the bath together, and you may always wash my hair.
Sounds good.
Is this sexting? Because I may like it, after all.
Sure, this can be sexting.
Excellent. We have reached a new level of relational intimacy. I am pleased.
Sometimes, he couldn’t handle how adorable they were.
You’re cute.
YOU are cute. And handsome. And kind. And I like your body hair and your big hands.
Good grief, how could such innocent compliments get his blood pumping like this? He had a half-chub already.
Thank you. You’re beautiful. I like the way your hair glitters and how smooth your skin is. I like the way your brain works and how you say exactly what you’re thinking.
He hesitated, before adding:
