“When Mom...” I trailed off. Neither of us wanted to discuss that. “You were just a kid, so I had to step up and take care of our family. We needed the money, and I was young and fit. The choice was obvious at the time. But now, you’re all grown up. You can take care of yourself.”
Cygnet’s black eyes wavered. He rubbed his face against his black-sleeved arm, as if holding back tears again. He suddenly looked fifteen years younger. He wore the same pout when I sent him off to middle school and started my first day of work as an exorcist.
“What kind of business?” Cygnet asked.
“Chase and I are opening an aquarium store, right next to the donut place. Dad’s old unit. That’s what he wanted to do with it, so I’m keeping it in the family.”
Cygnet groaned, but there was a hint of warmth in it. “You are so cheesy.”
“I know. Chase is rubbing off on me.”
“As long as you don’t start wearing those stupid muscle shirts and hoodies...”
My voice was grave. “God, no.”
My brother and I shared a laugh. That was nice. For the first time in a long time, things felt normal between us again.
“In that case, I better start buying fish food from you guys,” Cygnet said. “Since you’re leaving me in charge of Blue.”
I hadn’t even left the temple and he’d already named the betta in the pond.
“By the way, where did that fish even come from? You brought it here one day without a word, and I know you’re not the type to buy a fish from any crappy chain store.”
Everything was so chaotic back then—what with Faust manifesting in our world that night—that I never had a chance to bring it up.
“Chase saved that fish’s life,” I explained. “I’m sure he would’ve taken Blue home, but he was a little too busy being possessed by a demon, so I stepped in.”
A new respect lit up Cygnet’s face. It was delightful to watch his opinion of my boyfriend change in real time.
“Huh. Chase seems... decent,” Cygnet said.
“You could say that. Anyway, I hope you don’t mind taking care of Blue. And it’s not like I won’t be around to help. We’re just a short walk away.”
My brother paused, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Text me when you throw your grand opening. I won’t book any clients that day. Promise?”
Those simple words made my heart soar.
“I promise.”
Chase helped me pack up the belongings in my room, which didn’t take long. I’d lived a minimalist life at the temple, owning only a few outfits and some items inherited from my dad. The burden was so light that Chase and I could carry them out in our arms—though it certainly helped that he was buff.
I wasn’t the most charismatic guy on the grounds, but I said a friendly goodbye to anyone we came across. I didn’t bother with Hartford, since I figured Cygnet would fill him in later.
But we did run into a familiar face on the way out.
Professor Fairfax looked haggard as he trudged towards his office. He didn’t even notice us until we nearly bumped into him.
“Professor? Are you okay?” I asked.
Fairfax started, as if awakened from a dream. “Sagitta! Yes, I’m just a bit tired. Conferences, time zones... And the flight back was delayed. Geese on the runway.” He sighed heavily, then perked up when he noticed Chase. “Oh, I see you ended up finding each other. How did my student fare?”
I didn’t know the two had met. I blinked at Chase, who grinned at me.
“He’s great. We got everything sorted out,” Chase told my teacher.
“Lovely!” Fairfax went to check his watch and accidentally dropped his half-latched briefcase. Pamphlets went flying. “Ah, excuse me. I’ve got it, don’t worry...”
As we headed on our way, Chase asked, “Not gonna tell him about quitting, huh?”
