“Ah, well. This is, ah, nice. However, why is he acting like a fool?” The mayor reached forward and pulled a sticker off Atlas’ neck. “Why am I surrounded by idiots? Is there more than one on him?”
Lucien nodded. “Probably five?”
I petted Atlas’ head while they spoke. I didn’t know what was going on, but everyone else seemed to be relieved. Harlow was tilting her head back and forth and writing on a notepad. I could ask for details later because I’m going to need a change of panties soon.
“He’s in no position to do anything this evening. Lucien, why don’t you take him home? Miss Kassie, perhaps you and Atlas can see each other another time.”
My lips pulled back, baring teeth as I made a sound that started low in my throat and ended in a sharp hiss. The Slenderman, unamused, crossed his arms at my display. Around us, the party's rhythm stuttered to another halt, conversations dying mid-sentence as heads turned our way.
“No one tells me what to do.Iwill take care of Atlas until he gets better. I’ll take these things off him. I don’t know what you small-town druggies are up to.”
The mayor scoffed.
Atlas made a sound, a cross between a chitter and a whine. He rubbed his head against my breasts, and I had to hold in a moan. A pleasant smell of sandalwood and damp earth just after a heavy rain filled my nose. It felt like a home I never had. It felt safe, despite his weird and strange habits right then.
I couldn’t let him go, not when this feels so good.
I cradled Atlas' head against me, his feathery antennae tickling my scalp like a crown. We were locked in this strange dance of possession—neither willing to let the other go. With surprising strength, Atlas inched forward and tugged me onto his lap in one fluid motion. His arms encircled me completely as my ridiculous lamp hat tumbled to the floor, the bulb shattering with a delicate crash that nobody seemed to notice.
Lucien stood up straight, four arms displayed out in front of him. “Atlas has spoken! Best let the lady take care of him.”
The other Mothmen had gathered around as they all hummed together collectively.
Oh, my god, it’s a swarm.
The Slenderman slapped his hand on his face; his mouth gone, but the annoyance was clear.
“It’s alright, why don’t we take him to our place?” Harlow placated. “We can get some coffee in him tomorrow, and he will be good as new.” She came around and patted me on the shoulder.
Atlas quickly swatted her hand off, and she jumped back in surprise.
The Slenderman rubbed his chin.
Lucien spoke up, “I will keep an eye on them, be there at dawn to check on him, to bring him clothes.”
A silent conversation passed between the two of them.
They were wondering how to pass off Atlas when he looked like a human again. Little did they know…
Harlow put her hand on the Slenderman’s arm. “It will be alright. I can take his extra clothes to my house. Atlas can slip out and change. Heaven knows you originals don’t want to share your costume secrets, huh?” She adjusted the Slenderman’s tie, and I swear I saw him blush.
Lucien’s wings buzzed behind him. “Yes, yes. I’ll pick it up in the morning!” he chimed in.
The Slenderman nodded. “I suppose that will be all right.”
“Match,” Atlas trilled, his face burrowing deeper into my breasts.
Yes, my boobs match, you sweet little bug.
Lucien helped Atlas stand, reasoning with him he was to go home with me. My sleepy, humming Mothman was coming to my house.
Little did the big guy know he was about to experience the one bed-trope.
Chapter Nine
Kassie
Lucien tucked his wings against his back as we guided Atlas up the stairs. All I really did was walk ahead while Atlas stumbled behind me, his hands constantly reaching forward, mumbling incoherently and making these desperate little chirping sounds in his throat.
