Upon their departure, they stepped into Toni’s space, making the Elas freeze. They lifted their top right hand and placed their palm to the side of Toni’s cheek, and the skin warmed under their touch, darkening a deeper blue.
“Thank you, Toni. I very much enjoy your company.”
His black eyes turned glossy, the gills on his neck fluttering. “Ah, Zeffie, don’t get cute with me. You know I can’t handle that.”
They snickered quietly, giving his cheek a pat before stepping back. “I will see you on Monday.”
“Yeah, yeah, get outta here before I hug you,” he postured, even as he rubbed the back of his hand under his nose with a sniffle.
“I am not ready for a hug,” they said honestly, though they did give Toni’s hand a quick squeeze. The Elas squeezed theirs too, his thumb rubbing over the back of their knuckles. “Goodnight, Toni.”
“Goodnight, Zef.”
Chapter thirteen
Virgin Eyes and Ears
Zef
While Bryce was gone,he sent pictures and videos of him assisting sheep giving birth, and while Zef found it fascinating, it was also rather… invasive.
[Zef] Must you insert your arm inside the sheep? It seems unnecessary.
[Bryce] I only do it when I need to. Sometimes the lambs aren’t in the right position, and I have to help.
It must be scarring for the mother. Your arm is very large!
I give her medicine so she doesn’t gointo shock.
Perhaps she requires more medicine because she looked very shocked when your entire arm disappeared inside her vaginal canal.
Okay, now you’re making me sound like a creep or something. I’m not molesting the sheep, Zef. I’m helping.
Sounds like something a sheep molester would say.
… You’re spending too much time with Gem.
Three days before Bryce would be traveling home, Zef sent him a selfie of the vines tangled in their hair.
I forgot my hat.
Oh no, do you have anyone to come save you?
Tad is here.
A knight in webbed armor.
No, she is wearing a bodysuit.
In response, Bryce sent three laughing emojis.
On Saturday, Zef offered to meet Bryce at the station, but he assured them it was not necessary. So they cleaned the house and prepped dinner—the pot pie Zef had learned from Nan, which had since become Bryce’s favorite—and anxiously awaitedhis arrival.
They were eager to see him, they realized, having missed his presence in the condo. Which was nice, in a way. To know that their friendship with Bryce had strengthened enough that they missed him when he was away.
When Bryce walked through the door late in the afternoon, Zef sprang to their feet and rushed to him, wings humming happily. “Bryce, you are home. Hello. It is good to see you. Are you well? How were your travels? Here, let me—” They nearly wrestled his backpack out his hands as they ushered the bewildered man inside.
“I was expecting you earlier, but your train must have been delayed. Expectable, of course. Purgatory is not known for their timeliness.” Wide-eyed, Bryce gaped at them, and they smiled, almost shyly. “Hello.”
