Church

(This book is being partially rewritten and heavily edited. The old version will no longer be available. I am slowly going to start working on it because I’ve had many requests to bring it back, so please be patient, I work… too much.) 

The hooting of an owl echoed in the quiet night as a little boy walked hand-in-hand with his parents. They were strolling through a small trail in Central Park, off the normal cemented paths though it ran almost parallel to them. When the boy looked up his father looked down, waiting for the question he knew was coming.

“Papa, have you ever sawed a demon?”

The young man chuckled and shook his head at his son’s odd wording.

“No, Hanna, I haven’t.”

The boy looked to his mother, but she was already shaking her head with an amused smile.

“No sweetie, I haven’t either.”

They were quiet for a few minutes until a loud screech of surprise came from the previously calm owl. The family turned at the sound, hands breaking contact with each other to be able to change direction quickly.

“What was that?” the boy’s father asked in a hushed voice. There weren’t many things that could kill an owl in the area, or really want to risk an attack from its claws or talons. So, when a sound akin to one you might hear from a raptor in those old Jurassic Park movies sounded from one of the trees overhead, the group immediately looked up.

“What the…?” before his sentence could be finished a large dark object dropped down onto his body from above, audibly crushing bones with a screeching roar. The little boy’s mother began shaking as the black creature started to tear her husband apart. 

It looked like a cross between a giant wolf and a velociraptor. Its front legs thin and slightly overextended, while the back ones looked strong and made to allow for the creature to jump with ease. Its head, though, was not comparable to much of anything. It looked as if a wolf’s muzzle had been stretched and pulled while its teeth resembled more or less an alligator’s. The last odd characteristic besides the lack of a tail, was the fact that it looked as if the creature had no eyes.

“Hanna, run!” The mother whispered as she pushed her son away. The little boy stumbled but his eyes were still on what remained of his father. The demon was swallowing pieces whole. 

“Daddy?” 

The demon turned towards him and shrieked, snapping the child back to the present.

“Run!” His mother gave him another hard shove, and this time, with a great amount of hesitation, the little boy took off through the dense forest. The scream of his mother spurred him on faster, but he soon heard the heavy thuds of the creature’s feet as it began to catch up. He pushed as hard as he could, squeezing his eyes shut for only a second before he slammed into something solid that knocked the breath from his straining lungs. He slid down the object and fell into the leaf litter, stunned and shaking. There was no way he could escape now. He would die, too, just like his parents.

The sound of the creature skidding to a halt in the dry leaves made the child whimper and curl in on himself, but as the demon that had come after him roared, it was interrupted by a much deeper sound from right above him. Hanna realized that there were two now, but when he opened his eyes and looked up, he saw something that surprised him.

The thing he had run into was the creature that had attacked the owl, as the bird’s carcass lay only a foot away, half eaten. Now, however, the demon was standing over him, its body incredibly large compared to the other. He watched silently as the two had a yelling match, but the smaller demon was quick to back down, then retreat.

Confused but relieved, the boy say up as the creature took a step back, then turned around, mouth opening slowly to reveal thick, sharp teeth. Its eyes were slowly becoming visible, too, glowing a bright gold in the darkness.

Hanna was squeezing a handful of fabric from his dirty shirt as a wet spot slowly spread through his pants. He knew he was going to die, even for a two year old, that much was obvious, but thankfully he fainted before the demon could attack.

“Chesh!”

The quiet sound of sobbing brought him out of his sleep. 

“Yes yes,” he said groggily, “I am coming.”

Sitting up, he shook out his messy hair and looked over at the clock on the nightstand.

Well, at least I got an extra hour this time… but still, three in the morning?

“Chesh!” 

Hearing the panic in the little boy’s voice, Church gave a quiet sigh, yawned, then forced himself out of bed. He had never intended to have a child, let alone a human one, but when the little boy literally ran into him in the middle of the forest, he just couldn’t let him be killed. 

He hadn’t said much since, besides his name, and even that was butchered pretty badly. Of course, he wasn’t expecting a whole lot after what he had witnessed. It was unfortunate that he remembered it all, too, especially for his sleep schedule. The kid awoke each night screaming and wouldn’t quiet down until Church was up and tending to his fears. He don’t understand why, though, because he was exactly what the boy feared.

Stepping into the large spare room, he saw the little boy shivering with a huge comforter wrapped around him on a bed that was much too big.

“Monsder!”

When he first said that Church thought he had been talking about him, so he’d left, but the second he had the door shut the boy started screaming for him again. It took a good amount of charades to finally figure out that he thought there were monsters in his closet… and under his bed… and just about everywhere else. As soon as Church got close enough the boy threw the blanket off and jumped into his arms.

Church was definitely not great at comforting, but thankfully the boy was always content to just be in his arms. Once he was decently relaxed, Church carried him back into his room and leaned sleepily against his pillows, then turned on the news. Human news didn’t really interest him but it never hurt to know what was generally going on. Though, of course, the first story that came up was for a missing two year old boy named Hanna. His eyes lowered to the little boy leaning against his chest. He was watching the television with teary eyes. Thankfully the story switched to one about a local church in town, a pretty big one, from the looks of it. When the newscaster began speaking about it the boy’s head jerked up so he could stare at him.

“They says you!” 

Church raised an eyebrow and looked at him like he was slightly crazy.

“What?” 

“Chesh!” 

“Oh, yes. My name is the same as that building.” 

“Can go Chesh?”

“Uh, you want me to take you to a church?”

He smiled widely and nodded.

“Alright then, I suppose we can go tomorrow… or well, later today.”

Hanna’s smile widened before he snuggled closer against his chest, making Church roll his eyes. Demon children never showed affection to their parents. Humans were so strange.

“Come on, Hanna, hands up.”

The little boy was pouting about something, though he had no idea what, and of course, the boy didn’t want to tell him.

“Do you want to go to church or not? It will end if we don’t hurry.”

Well, it wasn’t going to start for another thirty minutes but he didn’t need to know that. His face quickly changed from pouty to worried, right before his arms flew up.

“Good boy.”

Church tugged the little red shirt over his head and pulled it down, then helped him step into his pants. Being the not-so-good church-going demon that he was, the only thing he really knew about it was that you were supposed to look nice and he couldn’t touch anything possibly holy… fun. Once Hanna was completely dressed he followed Church to his room where he quickly pulled on a pair of black dress slacks and a white dress shirt.

“Alright kiddo, you ready?”

Hanna reached up toward him, his little hands opening and closing.

“… fine .”

Hanna’s little mouth turned up into a smile as Church scooped him up into his arms and they headed out.

The walk was thankfully short, the large brown and tan building two blocks from the apartment. Church carried Hanna most of the way, but as they approached the building h carefully set him down, taking his tiny hand in his own before they walked up the stairs. A young man was greeting guests at the door and the moment he saw Hanna his face lit up and he knelt down, offering his hand to the little boy.

“Hello there! What is your name, cutie?”

Hanna did exactly what Church expected him to do… he ran right behind his pant leg and peeked out at the strange man. Well, he wasn’t exactly strange, but Hanna probably thought that most people besides him were. The man actually looked quite handsome with a mop of dark blond hair and chocolate brown eyes. Church hadn’t realized he’d been staring until the man stood up.

“Good morning, welcome! You have such a cute son there!”

“Ah… thank you.”

The man quickly offered him his hand, which Church stared at for a second before hesitantly reaching out. Their hands touched, but separated immediately, his snapping back to grab at the cross around his neck while Church hissed and shook his own. The bastard must have had holy water on his hands or something of that sort in order to make his darn flesh burn.

“Get out of here now, demon!”

The young man growled the words so others walking by couldn’t hear, but Church wasn’t one to take orders very well. Instead of doing as told, he gently picked Hanna up and smiled.

“Hanna really wanted to see what a church was like.”

The man’s eyes glared at the little boy in his arms. When he reached a finger out towards Hanna the boy grabbed the finger and shook it like one would during a handshake.

“Want do see Chesh!”

Hmph. Excited little thing.

“He’s a…”

“Human, yes.”

The man immediately reached out to try and snatch Hanna away from him, but he should have known better than to even try. Church stepped aside and turned, his back to the inside of the building while the man was one step backwards from falling down the stairs.

“How long have you had him?”

“About a month.”

“Wait a second. He’s the lost child from the park!”

Raising a brow, Church nonchalantly shrugged.

“Will you let him go inside or not? I don’t have much patience today.” 

“What’s your name, demon?” 

That made him chuckle. 

“Church.” 

The man blinked, as if what he had said had been a very poorly timed jest. 

“My name is Church, and Hanna would like to see what one is like. Now then, will you deny him access?” 

The human stuttered but shook his head after a moment. 

“I will be watching you, Church .” 

“Enjoy the view, human.” 

The man stalked after him as they stepped inside the large building. 

“My name is Michael,” he said abruptly.  

“I’m sure it is, human.”

They turned and Church pushed open the main doors to the prayer room. Hanna squealed with delight in his arms as he saw all of the stained glass windows and bright colored paintings. Church couldn’t help but pause for a moment and look down at him.

“Do you like it?”

Hanna looked up, nodding his head vigorously before going back to staring. Church shrugged and began walking down the isle, eventually taking a seat right in the front with Hanna plopped down on his lap.

Michael stopped in front of them and leaned over, whispering by his right ear, “if you cause any commotion I will not hesitate to douse you in holy water.” 

“I have no intention of causing any issues. As soon as Hanna gets bored we will be leaving.” 

He pursed his lips as if he wanted to say something else, but was then called away by one of the other preachers. 

The service started shortly after and, surprisingly, Hanna was enthralled the entire hour and a half it was going on. When it finally came to an end he was staring up at him with excitement in his normally-scared eyes. 

“Can go Chesh again?” 

Of course. Because that’s exactly what murderous demons do on their days off.

“ I guess .“

Assistant or Babysitter?

“Chesh, Cach!” 

A medium blue rubber ball swished right past his nose as Church leaned back just in time to avoid it. Not that it would do anything besides bounce off of his face and down onto the floor, but he preferred not to get smacked while trying to work. He knew that bringing a little kid to work would be a pain, but when he’d tried to hire a babysitter Hanna just cried until he came back home… forty minutes later after several panicked phone calls.

“Hanna, what have I told you about throwing things in my office?”

The little boy plopped down on his bum and pouted, grabbing his tiny tennis shoes by the toes. 

“Don’t you do that, you know it won’t work. Time out young man.” 

Hanna looked down at the dark blue carpet, but when Church didn’t speak again he slowly got to his hands and knees and crawled beneath the desk to lay on his dog bed. Church was just about to get back to work when a knock sounded on the double doors leading to the hall.

“Come in.”

His secretary, Ms. Williams, sauntered inside in a way-too-short dark red mini skirt and a white blouse with one too many buttons undone. At least she had the body to pull it off, but there was definitely going to be a dress-code change in the works soon.

“Yes, Ms. Williams?”

“The man who applied for the assistant position is here for his interview.”

I really need to get this email done, but I did schedule the meeting for ten minutes from now. I suppose it’s at least good that he’s here early.

With a slightly annoyed sigh Church saved his email draft and leaned back in his desk chair.

“Send him in.”

She nodded and winked, then went to go get him while Church internally gagged. It wasn’t that he wasn’t interested in women, but with Hanna taking up literally his entire day and night, he couldn’t have anyone over. He’d tried. Hanna had hid from all of them and cried until he’d made them leave. 

Footsteps shuffling against the carpet brought his mind back to the present as his eyes rose to a disturbingly familiar face. The man seemed just as surprised to see him. The young priest was dressed in a very nice looking black suit and… pink tie?

Leaning his elbow on his armrest, Church pressed a few fingers against his cheek and raised a brow.

“Pink?”

Michael bristled immediately and Church knew that he was about to take off, but then something made his eyes widen and dart around the room, then return to him quickly.

“Where is Hanna?”

Of course.

“He is here.”

Church glanced down at the little boy curled up on his dog bed.

“You’re time out is over. Do not throw that ball at me again, understand?”

Hanna pursed his lips and nodded solemnly as he climbed out from under the desk to stand next to it. He eyed the priest but showed no interest in going anywhere near him. When he was sure that he would stay close Church raised his eyes back to the man standing before him and nodded. 

“Sit down.”

He seemed apprehensive to do as told, but after a glance towards Hanna he pursed his lips and stalked forward. When he dropped down into one of the black leather conference chairs across from his desk, Church grabbed a manila folder and slid out the single piece of paper Michael had submitted as his resume.

“So then. Michael Saunders, is it?”

The man’s eyes narrowed but he nodded, stealing glances at Hanna as the little boy rolled his ball against a sofa by the wall so that he stayed out of the way during the interview.

“You don’t have a very interesting resume. All you’ve done so far since getting an associates in business has been to work at the Reunion Church part time?” 

He licked his lips and fidgeted a little. 

“Yes… sir.” 

Church followed his eyes as they darted back to Hanna for a split second. 

“Do you have a problem with my boy? If you are interested in this job I suggest that you pay attention to what I am telling you.” 

He straightened immediately, sighing out a stressed breath.

“I’m sorry, Church.”

“Mr. Remaro.”

He flinched and quickly corrected himself.

“Mr. Remaro. You have my full attention now.”

“Good.”

Leaning forward, Church steepled his fingers as he rested his elbows on his desk and leaned his chin atop them.

“So then, why do you want this job besides the money? I know you have a degree in business, but why do you want to be my assistant?”

“I…”

Hmm? Doesn’t he have a stupid speech ready to try and suck up or kiss my ass?

“I’m desperate for money and this field is where I do my best work. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear, but that’s honestly it.” 

“Is it now?”

“Yes sir.”

Glancing over towards the sofa, Church noticed Hanna looking at him and grinned.

“Hanna, come over here please.”

Church stood from his seat as Hanna got up and ran over, his little feet nearly tripping over each other. When he got close Church knelt down and scooped him up into his arms, then set him down on his desk, his little legs hanging over the edge. He then looked down at Michael and smirked.

“Play with Hanna.”

Michael blinked, immediately confused at his request.

“Play?”

Church leaned over and spoke to Hanna, completely ignoring Michael for the moment.

“Do you want to show Mr. Michael your new ball? I’m sure he’d love to play with you.”

The little boy’s eyes went wide as he looked towards the other man. Michael had a light sheen of sweat on his forehead but surprisingly pushed his chair back and walked over to kneel down by the sofa so he could pick up Hanna’s ball. He tossed it from hand to hand for a moment before sitting down with his legs out to either side, smiling as openly as he could.

“Wanna play with me, Hanna?”

Church watched as Hanna contemplated the question. He might have been just two years old, but he knew who was the safest person to him, and that wasn’t the man before him. He was trying to figure out if Michael was dangerous and if he was too far away from Church to be able to help in case he attacked.

“Here…”

Lifting him down to the carpet, Church dropped to his knees behind his desk and pulled out Hanna’s dog bed and stuffed plush puppy.

“Hanna, why don’t you take your bed and Mr. Woofers with you to play?”

The little boy perked up immediately and reached for the stuffed dog and bed.

“Okay, but you stay here, right?”

Church smiled and patted his head. The kid had caught onto a bit more vocabulary when they had spoken last night and probably from other conversations they’d had over the past two months. It was nice to at least be able to communicate a bit better.

“I’ll be right here sitting at my desk working. If you need anything just ask Michael, okay? If he can’t help then come get me. But remember the one rule?”

Hanna smiled and nodded, his soft hair bouncing around his head.

“Yes! No leave with any buns but Chesh.”

Church bit back a grin and patted the boy’s again.

“Good boy.”

Hanna giggled as Church gently turned him, then nudged his little body toward Michael.

“Go play.”

It took Hanna a minute to actually walk over, stopping a foot or so away to sit down on his dog bed and set the stuffed animal next to him for protection. He was pretty tense and kept checking that Church was still behind him.

“I’m not going anywhere, Hanna.”

The boy pursed his lips, but nodded and turned to finally give Michael a tiny smidge of his attention.

I have no idea how to work with kids!

Sure, he’d run the daycare sometimes at the church, but that was always with two or three other people. So, when the little boy came over and sat down on his little dog bed and eyed him, Michael just smiled awkwardly and probably looked stupid. Thankfully, it only took him another minute to realize that he was likely to lose the job he desperately needed if he didn’t play with the little boy. 

Even if I don’t end up with the job for long, if I do get it, I can at least try to get the boy safely away from the demon. 

“Hey there, Hanna?”

The boy fidgeted a little, looking back at Church before returning his attention to Michael.

“Hi…”

Michael held up the ball and smiled, hiding behind it a little.

“Wanna play with me?”

Hanna looked a little panicked and checked that Church was still there again, which he obviously was, then looked back at Michael.

“That Hanna ball,” he said quietly, gesturing to himself hesitantly. 

“Oh? It’s very nice. Can we play with it together?”

He looked nervous again and did his little check for the demon, then slowly gave a nod.

“Okay miss her Migal.”

“Alright, I’ll roll it to you. Then you can you roll it back to me?”

Hanna nodded again and Michael carefully rolled the ball straight toward him slowly. The kid did something he honestly hadn’t thought he would, though. He actually pounced on the ball, bouncing a little before falling off onto the carpet with a thud.

Michael quickly scrawled over to help him up, worried that he might have gotten hurt, but the second the boy got to his feet he squeaked and ran over to Church, sniffling. The demon sighed and turned his chair so that he could easily scoop up the boy as he got closer.

Crap, there goes this job.

“Um, I suppose I should go.”

Hanna was nuzzled in Church’s arms, making the religious man inside of him cringe, but there was nothing he could do about it right then. The kid was literally glued to the demon for some reason.

“You may go for today. I will see you tomorrow.”

Michael’s head jerked up before he got to his feet.

“Huh? You need me in tomorrow?”

“No, but Hanna wanted to go back to the church.”

“We don’t have services tomorrow,” Michael replied quietly. 

“Can he not just look around?”

Michael raised a brow but then shrugged.

“I suppose he could.”

“Good. Will you be there, human?”

Michael’s spine stiffened in annoyance at the sudden jab, but he bit his tongue and nodded.

“I can be… sir.”

“Good. I will see you there around noon.”

“Chesh?”

Michael’s eyes lowered from Church’s face to the little boy now staring up at him with curiosity.

“We cans go chesh for morrow?”

Church nodded and smiled, though Michael could see a hint of annoyance in his eyes. He probably hated going to such a dangerous place.

“Yes, we will go tomorrow before lunch, alright?”

The little boy clapped his hands a few times and giggled. “Yay!”

“But, we’ll only go if you behave today, okay? I have more work to do so you need to be good. Can you do that?” 

Hanna nodded frantically, making Michael chuckle as he watched his antics. 

“I want you to show us around tomorrow. If you can win his trust you can have this job. Most of the work would be babysitting as I am desperately behind due to taking him on when his parents died.” 

“Then why don’t you just give him over to the authorities so he can be adopted?” 

“Because he’s afraid of everyone besides me. Perhaps when he gets better I will consider that option, but for now, I would prefer that he be as comfortable as possible… and for now, that is while he is with me.” 

Who would have thought that a demon would care about anything other than themselves. There must be something else to it, but I can worry about that another time since we are meeting tomorrow, anyways. 

“Alright. I will see you tomorrow at noon in front of the church,” Michael confirmed. 

Church nodded as he turned to his computer and began typing while Hanna dozed in his lap.

Assuming that he was dismissed, Michael gave him a nod and turned, walking out with determination. He had to figure out what he was going to do about their odd relationship. Perhaps if he could win Hanna’s trust enough, he could get him away from Church without the demon causing injury to anyone. Then he could exorcise Church and get Hanna into adoptions.

Those thoughts put a small grin on his face as he left the office. He would save Hanna and rid the world on one more evil… in due time.

Let’s Play

(When you’re trying to edit but your dog decides that your shoulders are a perfect vantage point to lie down.) 

Church had gotten the most work done yesterday than he had in the past month, so he was more than happy to reward Hanna with a trip to the church as he’d requested. This time, however, Church put on a pair of black motorcycle gloves so that he wouldn’t get burned from touching Michael or anything inside the building. 

Once he was completely ready, he went over to Hanna’s room and was quite surprised to see that the boy was trying to dress himself.

“Hey there, Hanna.”

He looked up with a big smile and tugged his shirt down with determination.

“Wow, you got dressed all by yourself.”

The little boy ran over to him immediately after he’d finished settling his shirt around himself so that he could be picked up. When Church got him in his arms he noticed that the shirt was on inside out and backwards, but eh, he wasn’t going to correct him since he seemed so happy to have managed to get it on by himself.

Hang on a second.

Looking down at him, Church noticed his shorts and raised a brow.

“Did you get those on yourself, too, or did you just sleep in them?”

There was a small bit of disapproval in his voice since he was pretty sure that he already knew the answer, but he wasn’t going to chastise  him for doing it once. 

Hanna pursed his little lips and hugged him, giving Church the answer he needed to know. He’d been right in his assumptions.

“We’ll have bath time after we go, alright?” he said. 

Normally he gave him a bath in the morning, but Hanna wasn’t a huge fan of it most times, so maybe taking him to the church will get him to behave better afterwards.

“Ready to go?”

“Yesh!”

Carrying him out of his room, Church stopped in the kitchen to get him a small juice pouch before they headed out to the car. He missed riding his motorcycle, but after he’d gotten Hanna, there was no way to find time to use it. The kid literally went everywhere with him, and he’d be damned if he ever became stupid enough to try and have him ride with him on it.

Once he had him fastened into his child’s seat in the back he slid into the front and got them on their way.

“Chesh?”

“Hm?”

He glanced in the rear-view mirror to see Hanna sticking his thumb in his mouth.

“No talking with your thumb in your mouth, Hanna. You know I can’t understand you when you do that.”

He squirmed but put his hand down, deciding to play with his shoelaces instead.

“Der yet?”

 Church rolled his eyes and replied, “we’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Hanna gave a slight nod, then spent the rest of the ride sucking on his thumb until they pulled into the church’s parking lot.

“We’re here but someone needs their shoelaces tied before going inside.”

Getting out of the car, Church shut his door and opened the back one, grinning as Hanna pouted up at him, but presented each of his feet after Church unbuckled him from his seat.

“You don’t want to trip and hurt yourself so it’s best to let me tie your shoes.”

Nope, still pouting. 

Oh well.

“Alright, all done. Come here, kid.”

Hanna hopped into his arms while still doing his best to keep his frown on, but Church knew that the second they turned toward the building behind them the boy would be grinning. 

It was a relief to see Michael standing at the top of the stairs as they approached. Sure, Church wasn’t a big fan of the human, but he did hope that he would be able to watch over Hanna, and thus, needed to somewhat gain his trust.

“Good morning, human.”

Michael glared until Hanna turned around and stared up at him.

“Hello, Hanna. How are you today?”

Hanna looked like he was about to answer but ended up gluing himself against Church’s chest so that he could hide his face in his shirt. Church smirked at Michael, who just returned to glaring as they both turned to enter the building.

“There is a small daycare class going on, maybe he would like to play with the other kids.”

That’s an interesting idea.

“Take us there.”

Michael nodded and led them down the main prayer hall and then left toward a side room. When he opened the door a disturbingly bright room came into view.

God, it looks like a unicorn vomited rainbows and cartoon animals all over the walls.

“Hello! Good morning, Michael.”

A very chubby woman with bright red cheeks ran through the small herd of tiny children to wrap Michael in a burly hug. She was easily a foot shorter than him, but made up for it with enthusiasm… way too much enthusiasm.

“And who is this adorable little guy?”

Hanna squeaked and struggled to get closer to Church.

“His name is Hanna but he doesn’t do well around people. Yet… uh, we wanted to see if he could sit in with the daycare group for a little bit?” Michael asked.

I don’t want to stay in this grossly bright room with a bunch of smelly kids.

“Of course! Most of the kids are over there playing with the blocks and toys so if you’d like you can take him over to the corner where the beanbag chairs are so he can relax a bit.”

Church pursed his lips in annoyance but nodded, carrying Hanna over to the corner and dropping awkwardly into the a red bean chair.

These are nothing like any kind of chair I’d ever consider buying. 

“Chesh…”

Looking down, he noticed watery eyes looking up at him and tried to force a smile.

“What’s wrong, Hanna?”

“Scawy.”

“I know sweetie, want to go?”

He nodded, but when Church tried to get up, he just ended up falling backwards further into the stupid bean chair.

“Sorry, Hanna. This thing is really weird.”

The boy had flopped partially off of his chest so that his legs were pushing against the big bean bag. Church thought that he would freak out without being able to stand properly, but he actually rolled completely off his chest and onto the shifting bag of beans… then giggled?

“Hanna?”

His bright brown eyes looked up at him like a little gremlin, then a smirk played along his lips.

“Chesh!”

“Yes?”

“Pway?”

Church glanced over at the little kids running around. Some were playing, and a few staring were at them.

“You want to go play with them?” he asked, unimpressed by the other children. 

Hanna immediately shook his head, soft wavy hair whipping around his little face.

“No!”

“Oh, okay. Um… then you want to uh, play with me?”

He nodded.

I’m not exactly a playing type of demon.

“Hey Hanna.”

Michael knelt down next to them, a calm smile on his face as he held up a big blue bouncy ball.

“Will you play with me?”

The look on Hanna’s face was torn between excitement and fear. He definitely wanted to play, but he was afraid of Michael.

“Play with him, Hanna. I’ll be right here.”

He shifted from foot to foot for a moment before scrambling back onto the beanbag, trying to get into Church’s arms. He let him for a second before setting him back down on the padded floor.

“Play with Michael and you can have dessert after lunch.”

It was clear that Hana didn’t want to do it, even for the dessert, but he ended up taking a hesitant step towards Michael anyways.

I might not be good with kids, but Hanna was just too adorable not to love.

Holding up the ball, Michael smiled and let it drop, watching it bounce  slowly toward the little boy. He hadn’t really expected him to play, but the moment it got close he pounced, just like he had the last time. And, also like the last time, he fell off with a bounce. Michael had to lunge forward to keep him from smacking his head on the foam floor, even though it might not have hurt a whole lot.

“You certainly like to jump on things, don’t you?”

Setting Hanna down, he watched the boy quickly shove his thumb into his mouth and rock on his heels near Church.

“He does that when he isn’t sure of what to say or do.”

Michael glanced up as Church spoke and moved, kneeling down to grab the ball.

“Here Hanna, sit.”

The boy did as told immediately. Church nodded his approval, then rolled the big ball toward him. The little boy pushed it back right away. They both did that for a few minutes before Michael hesitantly took a seat so that they formed somewhat of a triangle.

“Can I play too, Hanna?”

Church rolled the ball toward him almost immediately, making him reach out quickly to stop it from going past him.

Guess that’s a yes?

“Here. It’s coming to you, Hanna.”

The little boy started getting up, but Church quickly shook his head.

“No, Hanna. Each time you jump on a ball you hurt yourself if we don’t catch you. Sit.”

Hanna stuck his thumb back in his mouth, which he’d removed to stand up, then dropped back to his bum.

“Now catch the ball when it comes to you.”

Michael was just about to roll it again when he heard a quiet voice next to him.

“Um, can I play?”

Looking over, he saw a little boy with dark red hair and freckles staring at him with a nervous smile.

“Sure.”

The immediate sound of scrambling brought his attention to Hanna as the little boy stumbled into Church’s arms.

Oh, I probably should have said no. Forgot how shy he was.

“Here Hanna, sit with me,” Church said as he slid to the floor, taking Michael by surprise. He was wearing pretty nice clothing but didn’t seem to mind as Hanna took the spot between his legs. 

“Roll it here, Michael.”

He did as told, smiling when Church moved Hanna’s hands to stop it.

“Now we’re going to push it towards…”

He glanced up and raised a brow.

“What’s your name, kid?”

“Remi.”

“Roll it to Remi, Hanna. We’ll do it on three, okay?” 

The little boy looked utterly terrified, but he nodded and let Church push his hands forward, in turn pushing the ball. When nothing negative happened, he looked up at Church, then back to Remi and then to Michael. Both Michael and Remi smiled at him warmly, and after a long pause, Hanna offered them a tiny, hesitant smile. 

“Here.”

Excited that they were finally getting somewhere with Hanna, Michael motioned that he’d take the ball next and stopped it as Remi rolled it to him. The next twenty minutes or so they spent rolling the ball around. Hanna even pushed it by himself a few times. He was still right up against Church as much as he could be, but he was really glad he was at least playing with him and another kid.

“Alright guys, Time to go. I hope you all had fun!” the woman yelled abruptly. 

There was a chorus of random voices as all the other kids got up, including Remi, and ran towards their parents just outside the door. When Michael looked back at Hanna he was snug in Church’s arms.

Probably got spooked from the sudden shout and scrambling of children.

Michael pushed himself to his feet as Church did the same, smiling when Hanna peeked over at him. Church ducked around the children with Hanna in his arms and made his way toward the front doors, clearly not wanting to socialize any longer. Michael quickly followed, both of them stepping out into a darkening afternoon a few moments later. It was definitely going to rain soon…

“Thank you for your time. We didn’t exactly do a tour, but I suppose that can be done another time,” Church said with a half shrug as he looked down at Hanna and gave a small smile.

“Did you have fun?”

Hanna nodded, making Michael inwardly sigh with relief.

“Good. Now then, time to get some lunch. I will see you tomorrow at eight A.M., human.” 

Why does he have to keep calling me… wait a minute. Tomorrow at… 

“I got the job?”

Michael thought that Church would turn around with a snide remark, but instead, he shoved Hanna into his arms and then pushed them back into the church with a growl. Stumbling, Michael managed to keep himself from falling, but was seriously confused about what had just happened. 

“Hey Church! What the hell are ya doing at one?”

Michael backed up a bit more so that him and Hanna weren’t visible, then listened to the new voices. 

“Nothing. Just had business to tend to.”

“Ah, nasty place. How can you even go in there without burning to ash? You’re like, the worst of the worst of us.”

That’s wonderful to know. 

“Ha ha. What are you guys doing here?”

The voices began to become quieter, telling him that Church was walking away with the obvious group of demons.

“We came to get you for tonight’s hunt. You better not ditch again.”

He wouldn’t go hunting for people with Hanna in his care, would he?

“Nah, I’m game. I could use some good kills after these last few months.”

“Where Chesh?”

Michael’s eyes darted down to Hanna as he spoke. He already had tears running down his cheeks as he tried to look out the open door, then up to him. 

“Chesh gone. Want Chesh.” 

The thought crossed his mind to tell him about what his precious Chesh was going to do, but Michael knew that it wouldn’t mean much to Hanna coming from him, or really at all, considering his age. So, with a forced smile he waited until the voices were completely gone, then walked out the door toward his car. 

“Church said that you need to sleep over with Mr. Michael today and I’ll take you to his work tomorrow for a surprise, okay?” 

Hanna shook his head as he got him buckled in with the normal seat-belt. He knew that he needed a car seat, but he hadn’t exactly planned to have a child in his car, ever.  

“I’m sorry hun, but that’s how it has to be.” 

It hurt him to lie, but he couldn’t just tell him that he was taking him away from the one person… or creature, that he trusted. He would just have to earn Hanna’s trust or turn him over to be adopted. 

That decision will be for tomorrow, though. Tonight, I just need to make sure that he’ll be okay without Church.

What Must Be Done

The drive home wasn’t too bad, but as soon as Michael opened the door to get Hanna out he noticed that he had moved. The kid was curled up on the floor and definitely not in the seat where he should have been. 

“What are you doing down there?”

He wanted to yell at him because of how dangerous it was to get out of a seatbelt when a car was moving, but he knew that it wouldn’t end well. 

Deep breaths. He’s just a kid.

“Want to come inside and have some lunch?”

Hanna immediately shook his head and scrambled to the other side of the car, as far away from Michael as he could get. 

He’s just like a scared cat. 

“Hanna, you can’t stay in here. It’s not safe.”

The boy reached down and grabbed Michael’s spare jacket, then pulled it up over his body like a shield.

“No.”

“Hanna, come on. You’ll see Church again tomorrow.”

Hanna’s eyes began to water and Michael could feel other people in the apartment complex beginning to stare through their blinds at him.

Whatever, gossip away you nosy people.

Biting his lower lip, he reached in as far as he could and snatched Hanna out of the car. The boy screamed, but Michael held on tightly, getting him into his arms and then running like crazy after kicking the door shut. Thankfully, he made it to his apartment before anyone could come investigate. 

Nothing to see here. Just a priest in training to kidnap little boys. Dear god, this looks bad. 

He almost wanted to just go find Church and return the kid, but he knew that it would look even worse if he just handed over a human child to a demon. So, once they were finally inside, he nudged the door shut and set Hanna down, watching as he scrambled to get as far away from him as he could, again. He went to hide beneath the tiny dinner table while Michael locked the door and headed for the kitchen, calling to him while digging through the fridge.

“What do you want for lunch?”

There was a quiet whimper in response before he heard a near-silent “Chesh.” 

Of course.

Deciding to just ignore the reply, Michael grabbed a box of macaroni and cheese from the cupboard and got busy making that. He figured that it was his best shot. Almost every kid liked mac and cheese. The noodles were finished in a few minutes and he quickly added the cheese and milk before stirring it all together.

“Lunch, Hanna!”

When he didn’t get any kind of response Michael looked around the corner to see that Hanna had moved from beneath the table. His eyes darted around the room, then looked towards the living room.

Where is he?

Setting down the hot bowl of food, he walked into the living room and checked behind the sofa, then headed into the hallway. He looked in the bathroom, too, but Hanna wasn’t there.

My room then.

At first, he didn’t see anything as he switched the light on and glanced around, but the boy had to be in there.

“Hanna?”

After checking the closet, he grinned and got on his knees, then leaned over to look beneath the bed. 

“There you are, kiddo.” 

The little boy sniffled and backed farther away, clearly wanting nothing to do with him.

He really is acting just like a feral cat.

“Do you want some macaroni and cheese?”

Hanna shook his head and let the flood gates open with a loud cry.

“Awww, hey. Come on, kiddo.” 

The crying just got louder, so Michael stood up and walked back to the kitchen.

I swear I’m missing something. How could this boy be so comfortable with a demon, but be terrified of me? 

Thinking for a moment, Michael dished out a small bowl of chocolate ice cream, then picked up the macaroni one, too. He then returned to his room and sat down against the nightstand by his bed.

“I’ve got macaroni and some ice cream, want to come eat with me?”

Michael sat there listening to the boy cry for about an hour as the ice cream melted and the macaroni went cold. If he wasn’t so far under the bed he might have tried to pull him out, but he couldn’t get to him without moving the mattress, then lifting up the frame… and that would probably freak the kid out even worse.

It was getting close to four in the afternoon when Michael finally got up and took the bowls into the kitchen to clean them. If Hanna was really hungry, he would say something… hopefully. He was just finishing drying the clean ice cream bowl when he noticed a shaggy mop of hair just beyond the hallway entrance. Hanna was peeking around the corner, one tiny hand on the wall as he tried to see where Michael was.

The thought to call out to him or try to sweet talk him into coming over was quickly shoved away, since that obviously hadn’t worked the last two times he’d tried it. So, Michael just continued to dry the dishes as if he hadn’t seen him.

It was about a minute later when the bathroom door slammed shut, then he heard the toilet seat drop down.

Thank god he’s potty trained!

When the door clicked open five minutes later Michael glanced up to see Hanna disappearing back toward his room. Resigned, he decided to just let him be, even though he would really like the boy to warm up to him faster. Since Hanna was likely back under the bed, Michael decided to just clean up his place. Living alone, he sometimes found himself being a bit of a slob, even though it was never intentional. 

By the time he was content with his work it was getting dark outside. He dropped down onto the sofa and sighed, turning the television on so that he could catch the news.

Tonight on NY News: Another attack in the park leaves two dead with multiple large bite wounds on their bodies. Demons are thought to have caused the attack but no suspects have been apprehended.

If you have any information related to this story or the one two months ago that involves a missing two year old child, please call…

He quikly clicked the TV off and looked toward the hall, catching a faint hint of brownish blond hair as Hanna ducked back behind the wall.

How could he go out and kill again if he really cared about Hanna at all?

Anger fueled his frustration as he got up, turning off the lights and stomping back to his room. He knew that he should be quiet and calm since Hanna was still very much afraid of him, but he was seriously upset. He was a bit more careful after he turned off the light in his room and laid down, though, not wanting the kid to panic or worry that he was going to be hurt.

“I’m going to sleep, Hanna. There is a blanket folded at the bottom of my bed you may use., or you can come up here.”

There was no response. Not that he expected one. 

With a tired yawn, he stretched out and let his eyes close. He could hear Hanna’s belly rumble underneath the bed and heck, he had hardly eaten anything, either, but he couldn’t just force him to eat if he didn’t want to. And his own stomach probably wouldn’t have been very happy with food right then, too. 

Michael was finally beginning to drift off to sleep after thirty minutes or so when he heard the low bellow of a demon somewhere nearby. The sound had him jumping out of bed, only to see the huge creature standing on the balcony looking in through the sliding glass door to his room.

“Oh great father…”

Michael grabbed a large wooden cross from his dresser and ran to the balcony door. The creature bellowed again, but quickly backed up, knowing that it couldn’t touch the holy item. The second he slid the door open, he waved the cross toward the creature, forcing the demon up onto the railing, which looked rather humorous since it was so large.

“Be gone!”

It’s black, elongated, crocodile-like mouth opened and closed, showing off a very nice set of white teeth that could easily tear him apart if given the chance. Since it wasn’t moving any farther, Michael decided that killing it would be best. The world could definitely do without a demon, or fifty. 

He was just about to attack it when Hanna ran past him and over to the thing screaming at the top of his lungs, “Chesh!”

Wait. What?

The giant demon stepped down from the railing, making Michael flinch. It was easily four times as tall as Hanna and even loomed over his own head when standing on its four thin, extended legs.

“…Church?”

The demon lifted its head from where it was nuzzling against Hanna’s to hiss at Michael in response.

“How did you know where I lived?”

The demon ignored his question, and instead stalked past him with Hanna hot on his heels. The biggest smile Michael had ever seen was plastered on the kid’s face. Church went straight to the bathroom where Michael heard him speaking to Hanna moments later. A demon couldn’t speak though, and when Michael walked around the corner, he could see that Church had shifted back to his human form.

“I need to wash up. Hanna, will you go sit and wait for me in the living room like a good boy?” 

“Chesh went gone!” the little boy yelled frantically, clearly not willing to leave the demon.

“I’m sorry, Hanna. Chesh had to go for a little bit. I promise I’ll be out in a few minutes, so please be good and go wait?” 

It was quiet for a minute before Hanna hesitantly walked out of the bathroom and into the living room. That gave Michael the chance he needed to quickly run into the bathroom and shut and lock the door. Another second later and he had the lights on and was staring the demon down.  

Jesus Christ.

He’d caught Church about to lean over to get the shower started, but when the light flickered on, the demon straightened and turned to face him. The fact that he was completely naked wasn’t a surprise since he had just changed from his demon form. What was, however, and terrifyingly so, was the amount of blood splattered all over him.

“You did it… You killed. In the park earlier…”

Church took a step forward, a quieter sound similar to the bellow from his demon resurfaced through his throat. 

Michael jerked his cross up, making Church immediately step back, hissing.

“You killed them. Admit it!” Michael yelled, feeling his mind become frantic. 

“Why must I confirm something that is obvious, human?” Church replied, his demeanor much calmer, though it was clear that he was also on edge. The cross was not something a demon ever wished to come into physical contact with. 

Michael bristled at his words and stepped forward again, forcing Church backward into the shower.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you right now,” Michael growled, barely holding himself back. He could rid the world of the evil standing before him in just a few motions. Just a few touches from the cross would do the trick. 

Church allowed the edge of his lip to quirk up into a half-smirk as he pointed over Michael’s shoulder.

“Hanna.”

“He will live with or without you, demon,” Michael replied. Sure, it would hurt Hanna for a while if Church disappeared into a pile of burnt ash, but the boy would eventually have to move on. 

“You don’t believe that, but let’s change tactics, then. How about your job? Kill me and you will ultimately be fired, since I do not have you on the books yet.” 

That made him hesitate, but it definitely didn’t convince him. He could always find another job.   Church, however, seemed to take his pause in aggression as him giving up on killing him since he turned and got the water running, then stepped beneath it.

Damnit! I need to kill him. He killed two people tonight and he’ll kill more if I don’t stop him. 

Grinding his teeth together, Michael jumped into the back of the shower and was about to raise the cross again when he froze, mouth agape. The hot water had already washed away most of the blood and dirt, revealing well-defined muscle… and lots of it.

Wait, I thought people with that kind of body were only in those photoshopped magazines. 

“Enjoying the view, human?” 

Michael gave his head a slight jerk to snap himself out of his staring… and then felt warm hands settle on either side of his face, with Church’s nose mere inches from his own. His heart immediately jumped into his throat and he couldn’t manage to swallow it back down no matter how hard he tried.

I need to kill him right now.

Michael lifted his hands abruptly, grasping the cross painfully-tight before shoving it into Church’s chest.

The man before him shrieked and bellowed at the same time, the loud mixed sounds reverberating off the walls of the tiny room as he jumped back against the wall near the spigot and then slid down immediately, grabbing at his chest as his skin sizzled in the shape of a cross. It was the perfect chance to finish him off. All Michael had to do was press the cross to his skin again and it would likely burn through in seconds, but the sudden banging of tiny fists on the bathroom door made him jump and hesitate.

“Chesh!”

Hanna.

A grunt was forced from his mouth when Michael was abruptly slammed back against the damp tile, the cross slipping from his fingers to fall just outside of the shower. He felt his skin heating up slowly as Church leaned in, a growl rumbling through the man’s bared teeth as he held his wrists above his head.

“This is your one warning, human. You may think you know why I kill, but you have no idea. If you kill me, you will make things a thousand times worse for the humans in this city.”

Bristling at his words, Michael hissed out his own determined retort. “Why should I believe a murderous demon?”

Church seemed to contemplate that question for several moments before making a decision on what he wished to say. 

“Because, human, I am the one in charge of all the demons in this city. I hunt to keep them from doing so. They feel the urge and channel it to me, through me. I mutilated those people to keep them from going on a rampage through the streets.”

Michael swallowed, unable to form another response. What Church was saying made no sense, but he knew that there was some sort of hierarchy in the demon world. He just didn’t understand how it worked. There was little time to ask a demon, either, when you were taught to just kill it without hesitation. 

Church released his wrists with a slight wince after a moment, making Michael look down at the demon’s slightly burned hands.

“You would do best to think before doing something so stupid again. When I am gone, this city will be as well.”

Michael’s body slid to the floor of the shower as Church stepped out and dried off, wrapping one of the clean white towels that had been hanging across from the toilet around his waist before opening the door to scoop Hanna up.

“Chesh!”

“Hey there. Did you behave for Mr. Michael?” he asked as he rustled the boy’s hair with his free hand. 

“No!”

Church laughed, the sound growing quieter as he walked into the kitchen with Hanna in his arms.

Michael eventually got himself up and turned the shower off, stripping out of his now-soaked clothing and changing before finding his way into the living room. By that time Church was sitting on the sofa in a pair of Michael’s boxers from the clean laundry he’d forgotten near the front door after coming home from the laundromat. 

Hanna was in his lap, a bowl of fruit on his knees. Church looked nothing like the demon he had behaved like in the shower as he lifted a small blueberry and pressed it against Hanna’s tongue when the boy opened his mouth with a giggle.

Why is it just him? He is a demon, but the boy will trust no one else.

“Will you eat for Mr. Michael?”

Hanna shook his head, making Michael scowl on the inside.

“Please, Hanna?” Church replied with a small smile. 

The little boy looked up at Michael, then back to Church with a quiet whine.

“Hanna, don’t give me that look. It won’t work.”

The child pouted, but when Church looked up at Michael and nodded, he took a deep breath and walked over, sitting down next to them on the sofa. It felt awkward after having just burned the man so badly, but he knew that he wouldn’t act aggressively in front of Hanna.

“Here.”

He was abruptly handed the bowl of fruit, and with a mental shrug, reached for a blueberry.

“Not that one. He doesn’t like eating the same thing he’d just had.”

Michael’s brows furrowed, but he switched his target and instead grabbed a small piece of cut-up banana. It took a minute of holding it up before Hanna finally leaned over a little and let him put it in his tiny mouth. Of course, he immediately shrank back against Church to savor the fruit… but then he sat back up and eyed the strawberry Church had cut in half near the side of the bowl.

Taking the hint, Michael offered it up and Hanna took it eagerly. While he chewed, Michael looked back down and grinned.

“Oh, an apple slice with peanut butter? I think I actually want that.”

He saw Church raise an eyebrow as if to say really? You’re going to take the treat away from him? but when Michael began lifting it toward his own mouth, Hanna suddenly slid into his lap from Church’s and grabbed his right hand, stopping the apple just before he was able to take a bite.

“Chesh… saids… is to me,” the boy mumbled shyly, his eyes downcast nervously. 

A grin slid onto Michael’s lips as he leaned forward a tiny bit.

“Can we share? I get a little bite and you can have the rest?”

Hanna looked shocked as his eyes darted up to meet his, then to Church’s, then back to his.

“Here, look.”

Michael lowered the piece of apple and carefully snapped it in two, offering Hanna the much bigger piece.

“Share?”

He raised the small piece he had claimed to his lips right as Hanna took a bite of the bigger piece he’d given him.

“Mmmm?” 

“Nn…”

Hanna reached over with his free hand toward Church as he finished his apple slice. Church took the hint and reached over with a smile, taking the little boy back into his arms with a soft kiss to his forehead.

“Good boy, Hanna.”

The rest of the night went on with Church and Michael taking turns feeding Hanna small pieces of fruit. He stole a couple for himself, too, since he was pretty hungry, but neither seemed to care. Michael didn’t really remember what happened as the bowl got low, leaving only a few remaining pieces of banana and a blueberry, because his eyes closed without permission, taking him into a dreamless sleep.

(Hanna’s name is

pronounced Honn-uh)

Behave

(The song that inspired this book a long time ago) 

Michael heard the other two walking around come morning, but he couldn’t bring himself to open his eyes. He was sure that Church knew he was awake, since he’d shifted a few times to get more comfortable, but he didn’t seem to care either way. Him and Hanna were in the kitchen, judging from the sound of their feet against the tile.

“Hold it tightly, Hanna. You don’t want to get an ow, do you?”

“No!”

“Good boy, now let’s cut…”

There was an almost-mute cutting sound as they sliced something on the plastic cutting-board he’d left by the sink the night before.

“Good job. You have the ants?”

“Yesh!”

There was a deep chuckle from Church but Michael’s mind was a bit side-tracked.

Ants?

“Alright, put them on.”

“Perfect. Yeah, you can eat that one.”

Don’t let him eat ants!

“Okay, will you go set it on the table by the sofa please, Hanna?”

“Okay Chesh!”

“Shh, it’s not nice to wake up friends while they sleep.”

Hanna gave a quiet yip in response, then the sound of feet running first on the tiled kitchen floor, then the carpet, reached Michael’s ears. A moment later he heard a plate being set down on the coffee table, ceramic tapping the glass surface.

“Alright, come here Hanna. We need to get back to our apartment and get cleaned up before work.”

The little footsteps quickly made their way toward the front door. Michael could hear Church grunt a tiny bit as he likely leaned over and scooped the boy up, then the door opened and closed, telling Michael that he was now alone. 

Wait a second… oh crap. Work! 

He sat up abruptly, his head spinning from the sudden movement. His eyes blurred for a moment before he could see what Hanna had left on the table near his legs.

“Ah, that’s what they meant.”

On the messy white plate was a banana, cut in half, with peanut butter and raisins sprinkled all over it. Most of the raisins missed and were scattered about the plate, but it was still absolutely adorable that Hanna had made it for him. He’d seen a similar snack made with celery, but the banana seemed like a great idea for kids. 

Taking the ants on a log, he ate it on his way to the bathroom. Once he had the water running nice and warm, the food was gone and he was able to get undressed to shower. Michael wanted to make it to work a little bit before Church so that he could take Hanna right away, allowing Church to take care of the meetings he needed to get done. Sure, he still didn’t trust him with Hanna and would eventually have to do something about them, but he also needed the money just a little bit more. Especially since he was about to get kicked out of his place for not paying enough of the rent. Besides, Church wasn’t hurting the boy… but he was murdering other people. Killing was killing, and God said very clearly that thou shall not kill . 

Finishing up his shower, he got himself dressed in his only decent suit and headed out. The drive was a bit trying since the traffic was getting bad, though that couldn’t be helped. Going downtown always took awhile. Thankfully, by the time he ran up to the office Michael noticed that Church’s door was still locked.

Yes! I’m here first.

“Chesh, is Migal.” 

Turning, Michael saw Church calmly walking down the hall toward him. He looked absolutely, well, perfect. Nothing like the bloodied, exhausted demon he had seen walk through his balcony door the previous night. He was squeaky clean and dressed in a sharp dark blue suit that must have cost at least four times what he’d make on his first paycheck, and Hanna was also nice and clean in a pair of jean overalls… and no shirt?

“Uh…”

“He kept taking it off,” Church grumbled as he fished his keys out and unlocked the door to his large office. Not a second after stepping into the room he stalked over to his desk and pulled out several manila envelopes, then knelt and set Hanna down. 

“Hanna, Church has something very important to do today. Will you be a good boy and play with Mr. Michael until I come back?” 

Hanna immediately shouted a screechy “No!” and hugged Church’s bent leg, nuzzling against it while blinking back tears.

“Chesh leave afore, no again.” 

Ah, he’s probably worried about what had happened yesterday when Church suddenly left.  

He’d been thinking about that, too, and thought he’d finally figured out why the demon had suddenly thrown Hanna at him. He was hiding the human boy from the other powerful demons. After all, if a demon as high-up as him was caught taking care of a human child? Michael couldn’t imagine that would end very well… especially for little Hanna. 

Shaking the grim thought from his mind, Michael walked over and knelt next to Church, doing his best to smile reassuringly as Church spoke again.

“Hanna, you need to stay with Mr. Michael. I have to go for a little while.”

“No!” 

“Hanna, you will stay here and you will behave. If you cry or raise a fuss then I will take longer to get back.” 

The little boy sniffled and bit his lower lip, obviously not wanting Church to go, but afraid that if he shouted or cried he might actually keep his word and stay away longer than needed. 

“Good boy. Now behave and have fun with Mr. Michael.” 

Church then leaned over and pressed a kiss to Hanna’s forehead before getting up. He was gone a few seconds later, leaving Michael with a very hesitant Hanna. 

“Hey there…” 

The boy’s big, wide brown eyes looked up at him, fear obvious in their depths. 

“It’s okay, Hanna. Do you want to play? I’m pretty good at… uh, tag?” 

He tilted his head, soft blondish-brown hair swishing across his curious eyes.

“D… ag?”

“Yes, tag. You play it by tapping someone on the shoulder, like this…”

Michael tapped on his own shoulder, knowing that it was likely not the best idea to just randomly poke the kid when he was on edge from Church having just left.

“When you tap their shoulder you shout tag  loudly and then they run after you.”

His mouth dropped open, then curved into a huge grin of excitement.

“Migal tag!”

Hanna smacked his bare shoulder and started running, giggling loudly as Michael watched him, trying hard not to crack up at the boy’s mistake. 

Well, at least he likes the idea of tag, but he kind of got it wrong… though I guess it doesn’t matter much.

Michael got up and ran after him after a moment, being sure to move slowly so Hanna thought he was winning. They ran around for a few minutes before Michael got close enough to get his attention, then tapped his own shoulder and shouted “tag!” 

Hanna skidded to a halt so fast that he tumbled onto the carpet, but was hopping up like a jackrabbit almost immediately. He dropped back to his hands and knees a second later, then gave out a loud growl. 

I guess that’s where the idea for the dog bed had come from. 

 Before Michael could think of a response there was suddenly a hyper Hanna running after him with his arms outstretched yelling like a dinosaur. 

A species swap is perfectly logical, too.

They ran around for awhile before Michael got close enough to Hanna and shouted “tag!” as he tapped his own shoulder. He watched with a smile as Hanna turned and started running around Church’s desk, but when he heard a loud thump  sound, Michael hurried over. 

Uh oh.

When he came around the side of the desk where Church’s huge office chair sat, he saw Hanna curled up on the floor, holding his hands to his head with red running between his fingers.

“Oh crap!”

The boy whined in response as Michael dropped to his knees, yanking his jacket off and quickly wrapping it around Hanna’s head. He pulled the sleeves tight, then tugged the boy into his arms. They were out the door in a blur, then downstairs and outside. Michael knew that he should have driven, but the Urgent Care was just one block down the street… and he made it there in less than three minutes.

Panting like crazy, he stumbled into the waiting room. Thankfully, it didn’t seem very busy and the second a doctor walking by the receptionist area noticed Hanna’s injury he quickly took him from his arms and rushed him into one of the treatment rooms. Michael hurried to follow after him, answering his questions as he got Hanna situated on a padded exam table, then removed the jacket tied around his head to reveal the gash there. 

“Okay, sweetie. Can you sit still for me for a few moments? This is going to hurt, but I promise it will feel much better once I’m finished cleaning it up,” the doctor said with a reassuring smile. 

Hanna was shaking from head to toe, tears just barely contained in his terrified eyes.

Walking over to Hanna, Michael took his hand and pulled out his cell phone with the other. Within a second he had Church on the phone and told him that Hanna was hurt and at the Urgent Care office down the street. The line went dead a moment later, making Michael feel uneasy. Tucking the phone away, he took Hanna’s hand in both of his own and squeezed gently. 

“Hanna, Church is coming right now, okay? He’ll be so excited to see how strong you’re being.”

The doctor leaned down and gently began dabbing at Hanna’s forehead with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball.

“You’re doing very well, hun,” the man said as he worked. 

He switched the cotton ball out for another, but this time Michael couldn’t smell alcohol on it.

“This will make the pain go away, and make you feel a bit funny,” the doctor said with a reassuring smile. 

Hanna still looked petrified as he squeezed Michael’s fingers as hard as possible. 

“Okay, I’m going to give you a few small stitches. I promise they won’t hurt. Just stay still for one more minute.”

When Hanna saw the needle and thread coming towards his face he whimpered and squeezed his eyes shut tight. Michael carefully freed one of his hands and wrapped him in a partial hug, giving the doctor just enough room to stitch up his injury without being in the way. He had to admit, the guy knew what he was doing. He got the wound cleaned and stitched up in less than four minutes, and was soon unwrapping a big bandage with Toy Story characters on it. After pressing that against Hanna’s forehead gently he smiled and reached into his pocket. When he pulled his hand out again he had a little dum-dum lollipop.

“Here you go, sweetie. You did great.”

Hanna hesitantly took the candy and Michael thanked the doctor, telling him that he’d pay before they left but they needed a minute for Hanna to relax again. The man nodded and left, letting Michael return his complete attention to the scared little boy.

“Hey kiddo, why didn’t you cry at all? I know it hurt and I wouldn’t have been upset if you did.”

Hanna licked his shivering lips and shook his head.

“Chesh sets no to cry.” 

He didn’t cry all this time because Church told him to behave and not complain in his office?

Hanna sniffled and looked down at the candy in his hand but Michael knew that he wasn’t interested in it. What he was interested in, however, came storming through the door a moment later.

Church scooped Hanna right up into his arms, not giving a damn about the blood still on the boy’s chest and face as Hanna buried his nose in the demon’s neck. Loud bawling came just seconds later. The doctor even checked-in on them again because of the volume Hanna was putting out. They both reassured him that the boy was just really happy to have Church back and he quickly dismissed them to head to another patient. 

When Hanna finally quieted they stepped out of the room, but right as Michael was going to start explaining what had happened, Church glared at him and stopped walking. Michael hesitantly did as well, turning to face him with a feeling of dread in his belly.

“You’re fired. Stay away from him or I’ll kill you.”

Leaving the threat hanging in the air, Church walked away, leaving Michael standing in the little lobby, completely at a loss for… anything.

Picking Up A Stray

(Another picture I found from a while ago when my roommate was babysitting. Rip Mr. Snowman.)

“Yes sir, I think we’ll be able to close the deal at that price.”

Church could hear Hanna flopping around on the carpet behind him, making just about as much noise as he could without actually talking. It was blatantly obvious that he was bored, but he wouldn’t let him take him to the company’s daycare so there wasn’t much else he could do. 

I can’t play with you all day. 

He almost wished that Hanna was still afraid of people to the point of sitting in the corner silently like he used to. That would be nice. He’d previously also never cared about playing with anything and would just sit in Church’s lap all day without a word.

“I think your boy has had about enough of this meeting. Shall we shake on the price and end it here?” the man across from his said with a hint of humor to his eyes. 

Giving a tired nod, Church grasped his hand firmly and put a strained smile on his face.

“Sorry about him.”

The older man gave a deep chuckle as he glanced over at Hanna.

“It’s quite alright. Yours?”

“Uh… babysitting indefinitely.”

He gave another laugh and stood, his balding head reflecting a small shine from the ceiling lights. Church stood with him and took his hand one more time.

“It has been a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Remaro.”

“It has been my pleasure, Mr. Green. Have a good day.”

“You as well, goodbye.”

Church gave him a nod and short wave, waiting until the door to his office clicked shut before he spun around in his chair and opened his arms.

“Come here, brat.”

Hanna jumped up instantly and scrambled into his lap with a little help. It had already been about a week and a half since his accident and Church had taken the bandages off earlier that morning. He was definitely going to have a scar, but the injury had stopped bleeding so he had just scrubbed it clean again and then put some antibacterial ointment on it, then left it uncovered.

“How is your forehead feeling?”

“A wittle hurd.”

Church smiled and ran his thumb beneath his bangs, lifting them gently so that he could see the full wound.

“It looks really good.”

When he didn’t reply Church let his hair drift back down against his forehead and looked him in the eyes.

“Hanna?”

“Em…”

Ah, he wants to ask me something that he knows I’ll likely say no to.

“What is it, Hanna?”

“Em… Chesh, can go chesh?”

They hadn’t gone all week, and perhaps that was why he had been so restless.

“Alright, fine. We’ll go.”

“Yay!”

He threw his hands up with the shout, making Church roll his eyes as he lifted him up and stood. It was a relief to finally have the deal with the other man settled. Now there was only one more important thing to take care of, but so far it won’t let anyone near it besides him. 

As he carried Hanna from his office and toward the elevator, Church couldn’t help but become a bit frustrated. Hanna had been doing somewhat okay with Michael, but none of the other fifteen people he’d previously tried to hire could get within ten feet of him without him screaming his head off.

This kid is a pain. 

Once in the elevator Church leaned over just enough so that Hanna could press the Close Door button, then the First Floor one. At first he’d wanted nothing to do with anything in the weird moving box, but after Church had hit the buttons a few times and they lit up, he got intrigued and started trying to smack them all. So, he figured that it was just easier to let him push the ones they needed instead of having a fuming Hanna for half the day because he didn’t let him make the buttons light up.

The bell above the door chimed, letting them know that they were now on the first floor. A few of his employees nodded or waved to them as they made their way through the main lobby. Church nodded in return and Hanna, being Hanna, just hid against his chest, halfway inside his suitcoat.

When they finally got outside where he had parked that morning in his rush to get ready for the meeting, he quickly got Hanna buckled into his car-seat and handed him a few crackers for the drive. He crunched away at the last couple ones from the package as he got them to the church. They both finished their food by the time he pull his car into the only available cramped parking spot on the street.

“Alright, ready? This is the late service so if you get tired just tell me and we can go home.”

When Church got out and opened the back door to get Hanna out of his seat he was already free and jumping out of the car. He barely managed to catch him before he landed right in traffic. Giving a very angry growl, Church had to fight against his demonic side to not throw him back in the car and spank him for that! 

Instead, he set Hanna down in his car seat and made sure to hold his wrists tightly until he met his eyes.

“Do not ever do that again, do you hear me Hanna? Do not unbuckle your seatbelt or get out of the car without holding my hand.”

He’d nearly had a heart attack. 

Hanna looked taken-aback at the sudden outburst but he needed to learn that he had almost just killed himself. Forcing a sigh from his lips, Church made his shoulders relax and slowly got himself under control again. Hanna was sniffling and blinking back tears, but he didn’t regret what he’d said.

“I’m really sorry, Hanna. You just scared me. Please, next time just wait for me to come get you, okay?”

It took the boy a minute to calm down again, but eventually he nodded and Church carefully released his wrists and tugged him into his arms for a hug.

“Do you want go home and have some ice cream for dinner, or want to still go to church for a little bit?” 

He sniffled one last time and shook his head. 

“Wans go to chesh.” 

“Alright Hanna.” 

Church carefully stood up, holding him with his right arm so that he could shut the car door easier. When they got up the stairs he expected to see Michael standing there greeting people, but another person, an older woman with glasses and a bright yellow flowered dress was there offering up a smile instead. Hanna’s face seemed confused at first, but when the woman started reaching out a hand towards him he squeaked and hid his face in Church’s shoulder.

“Nod Migal!”

The woman flinched, looking up at him in surprise.

“Uh, he’s not good with people.”

She offered a small smile and nodded at that before gesturing towards the main hall doors.

“That’s okay, have a good time you two.”

Church forced a smile and walked past, feeling a little bit uncomfortable. Hanna actually mentioned Michael. Did that mean he was okay with the man even after he’d caused him to get hurt? He wanted to ask him, but the service was already going on so he couldn’t talk as they took a seat in the back so that they wouldn’t disturb any of the other people there.

Hanna seemed a bit distracted during the first half the service, making Church lean over after twenty minutes or so to whisper in his ear.

“What’s wrong, Hanna? Want to go?”

He shook his dark reddish brown hair and turned, getting up on his knees in Church’s lap so that he could whisper into his ear.

“Where Migal? I not see him.”

Church tilted his head, nudging Hanna’s hair aside a little so that he could talk into his ear again.

“I’m not sure, would you like me to find out?”

Hanna sat back down in his lap and nodded. 

Guess I can ask the greeter since she’s still probably by the door.  

“Alright.”

scooping Hanna back up, Church carried him into the middle hall and walked over to the greeter.

“Excuse me, ma’am?”

The woman turned from an older man she was speaking with and smiled, giving him her full attention as the gentleman walked into the service.

“Yes?”

“I wanted to ask where Michael is? Does he not come in on Wednesdays anymore?”

The woman’s face fell a little and she gave him a sad smile.

“He said he wouldn’t be able to come in for awhile since he needed to find a new job. The poor lad was kicked out of his apartment the other day. I tried to offer him some money to pay the rent for this month and he could just pay me back another time, but he was adamant about not taking anyone’s money.”

“He’s homeless?”

She pursed her lips and nodded sadly.

“It’s such a shame. I hope he finds himself a well-paying job soon, he doesn’t deserve to be living out of his car. He’s a nice young man.”

Church’s stomach twisted into knots as he nodded and immediately stepped out of the building.

“Chesh?”

Hanna’s little face looked up at his worriedly.

“Migal ’omeness?”

“Yeah, Hanna.”

“He not have home now? Why?”

Because I fired him for an accident.

“Let’s go take a drive, okay?”

He seemed confused that he had dodged his question, but nodded anyways.

“Otay.”

Church got Hanna buckled up in his seat and then slid in behind the wheel, pushing the button to roll the window down. It was a long shot, but he began to sniff the air as he drove around, doing his hardest to weed out the fumes and nasty human musk while trying to find Michael’s personal scent.

It took nearly an hour to finally catch it. He smelled just like the old church. How cliché. Taking a left, Church pulled into a shopping center parking lot and easily found his car parked farthest away from the stores. Leaving his vehicle on with the air conditioning running, Church looked behind himself at Hanna and grinned. 

Already asleep.

Getting out, he left his door open and walked over to look into Michael’s car. It was pretty full except for the back seat. Michael was curled up beneath  a dark blue comforter sleeping soundly… in a damned parking lot.

Groaning to himself, Church ran shaky fingers through his hair and immediately regretted the idea his brain came up with to solve the little issue.

“I’m an idiot for even considering this.”

Using a tiny fraction of his demonic strength, he gave the car a hard shove, knocking it enough to rattle Michael awake. 

As soon as the man realized who was outside, he lunged for the door.

Unlocked, hm? Not smart, Michael.

Church pulled the door open right as Michael was about to flip the lock. He came to a stop on his hands and knees, panting from surprise and fear as he stared up at him.

“What are you doing here, Michael?” 

He sat back on his heels and looked at him like he was crazy. Considering their current situation, he probably was, but that’s an internal conversation for another day. 

“Um, I was sleeping?”

“Idiot.”

He scowled at that, shifting so that his legs were back in front of him. Then he hugged them, looking just like Hanna when he was pouting about Church forgetting his evening cookie after dinner.

“I’m not giving you a cookie.”

“Huh?”

“Dammit. Just get behind the wheel already!” Church growled. 

Michael jumped, scowling as he scooted out the other door and slid into the driver’s seat.

“I’m here, now what do you want?”

His annoyed attitude wasn’t going to beat how pissed Church was. 

“You’re going  to follow me back to my apartment.”

He seemed to choke on his own spit at that… which was rather humorous to see.

“Do I need to repeat myself? Because my patience is draining fairly quickly.”

“No…” He growled out. 

Smart decision.

“Good.”

Shutting the door, Church walked back to his own car and slid in behind the wheel. Hanna was still out cold when he looked in the rear-view mirror, so he turned the radio off and drove carefully until they were back home.

When Michael parked in the spot next to him Church got out and moved a finger to his lips, signaling to Michael, as he got out of his own car, to be quiet. He gave him a look but when Church pulled a sleeping Hanna from the backseat his expression softened. It turned a little guilty, too, but Church just ignored that as he nudged the door closed gently and headed up to his apartment. He could hear Michael following him up and once they stopped outside his door Church took his keys from where he’d tucked them between his teeth and unlocked it, then let the man in before following behind. 

He got the boy tucked into bed, deciding to skip the bath for the night since he’d picked up a guest. Once Hanna was situated and comfortable Church pressed his lips to his forehead and walked out, switching the light off after checking that his new nightlight was working.

When he came back into the living room Church could feel eyes on him from the direction of the sofa. Michael was there, his expression confused but a little more relaxed than before.

“You’re staying here for the night.”

“But!” 

“Shh! Hanna’s sleeping.”

His eyes cut to the hallway but quickly returned to Church as he pulled off his suit jacket and unbuttoned his shirt a little to get more comfortable. 

“It wasn’t a suggestion. It was a fact.” 

“I’m not sleeping on your couch, Church.” 

Church’s feet stopped right before they got to the kitchen. 

Really? He was going to do this now?

Turning, Church walked over to Michael and tossed the guy easily over his shoulder. His left hand burned a little where it touched his pants, but he managed to get him into his room and toss him on the bed before there could be any lasting damage to his skin.

“There. Now you’re sleeping on my bed. Want to complain again? ’Cause I’m sure I can find several other places to put you.”

When Michael wisely didn’t say anything, Church smirked and tossed his jacket onto his dresser, then pulled his shirt off.

“I-I’m not sleeping with you…”

“Glad we both agree with that little piece of information.”

Church turned toward him with a cocky chuckle.

“I would never find myself in bed with such a holy human, either. So your virtue is safe.”

Michael scowled, making it that much more humorous.

“Go to sleep, little priest. You are waking up at six.”

Michael groaned as Church walked out, shutting the door behind himself. He had a feeling that he would be up much earlier since his sofa wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thing. Oh well . He had no idea what he was going to do with the human, but at least he could help him deal with Hanna tomorrow, because god, and his priest, both probably knew just how much he needed it.

What You Were

Sitting up in bed, Michael stretched and gave a huge yawn.

Haven’t slept that well in awhile.

Getting to his feet, he straightened and let his left hand scratch himself over his boxers . He wasn’t really sure when he had taken off his clothes, but he did tend to sleep in his boxers, so he’d probably just kicked off his pants and tossed his shirt sometime during the night. 

Oh well. What I need now is a shower. A nice, super hot shower. 

God does that sound so good.

Just the thought of the scalding water running between his shoulder blades made his body hurry its way into the bathroom, even though he was still half asleep.

Convenient

, shower’s already on.

Letting his boxers drop to the floor, he carefully stepped into the shower and drifted beneath the water. It would help him wake up eventually, but the first few minutes were just for relaxing. 

“Enjoying my shower?”

Michael grunted incoherently. 

“The soaps are right behind you on the ledge to the left.”

Michael nodded sleepily and grabbed the black bottle of shampoo, clicking the cap open so that he could squirt a small amount onto his palm. Scrubbing his hair was his second favorite part of showering. Lifting his hands up over his head, Michael massaged the shampoo into his scalp, tilting his head back slowly as he worked, though he made sure to stop just before ducking it beneath the water.

“I’ve never seen anyone orgasm from washing their hair, but I suppose there’s a first for everything.”

“….heck yeah.”

Michael was just leaning back to rinse out the soap when his eyes jerked open. That left him staring straight up at a very amused Church.

Michael’s back was against the wall near the spigot in less than a second. He had ducked under the water to do it, but thankfully the soap was just running between his eyes and around the sides so that they didn’t get burned, yet.

There were a lot of things he wanted to scream at the demon who was suddenly there. He also had a lot of questions. A lot of expletives, as well. And a lot of muscle… and that’s a huge —“My face is up here, human.”

Michael’s cheeks lit up like a Christmas tree when he realized that he’d been staring at something he definitely shouldn’t have been. It took a lot of effort to actually lift his eyes to meet Church’s. 

“What are doing in my apartment?” he finally asked, honestly confused as to why the demon was there. 

The question was barely a whisper, but he was pretty sure that he could hear it, even with the shower running between them.

“Your apartment, hmm?”

Michael gave a confused nod at his nonchalance and replied quietly.

“Yeah?”

Michael’s hands splayed against the cold tile behind him when Church leaned forward slightly.

“Take a look to the left.”

He did as told, seeing the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles.

“Are those yours?” Church asked with a raised eyebrow.  

Michael shook his head slowly from side to side even before he was able to process the fact that they weren’t his soaps.

“Now, look to the right. Is that your shower curtain?”

Michael did what he said again, and found his head shaking once more while staring at the light brown curtain.

“Good. Now get the hell out of my shower before I throw you out,” Church growled. 

That threat seemed to snap Michael out of his sleepy daze enough to realize where he actually was, and who was in front of him. Wait. He’s threatening me? He can’t even touch me without getting burned. That thought put a smirk on Michael’s face that Church clearly didn’t like, if the sneer that took over the demon’s was any indication. 

With his smug grin firmly in place, Michael took a step closer, ducking back under the water for a second before emerging on the other side. 

When he blinked his eyes open he couldn’t help but feel a little bit of self-satisfaction. Church had had to move back in order to not touch him, and he didn’t look happy about it, either. 

“Aww here, let me wash your back,” Michael said mischievously.  

He grabbed a damp washcloth sitting on a soap-holder fastened to the tile as he spoke. Church snarled in response, which was expected, but when Michael lifted the cloth toward him, his right hand snapped forward and caught Michael’s wrist… and it wasn’t burning.

Church seemed just as shocked as he was since they both let out a surprised gasp at the same moment. Church, however, seemed to recover much faster as he leaned over, trying to intimidate him… and it kind of worked.

“Someone isn’t quite as holy as they had been, hmm? Stared a bit too long at something they shouldn’t… and perhaps, liked it?”

Michael’s heart plummeted at his words. He did not want anything to do with him! Let alone in a sexual way! Before he could scream those words at him, though, the doorbell chimed through the apartment.

Michael couldn’t help but look toward the slightly ajar bathroom door, but when he glanced back up at Church, he was still watching him, but also seemed to be listening, considering that his head was tilted slightly. After a tense minute the bell rang again and Church growled. Michael thought that he was going to throw him out like he had promised, but instead, he climbed out of the shower himself and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist as he stalked towards the door. Michael had noticed his palms were fairly red, so at least he wasn’t completely able to touch him without consequences. It was good to know. 

Taking the opportunity he’d been given, Michael quickly scrubbed the shampoo from his hair and jumped out of the shower. He couldn’t find an extra towel, so he ended up running back to the bedroom, which he now knew was Church’s, and pulled on his dirty pair of pants from the previous day.

Church really wasn’t in the mood to be annoyed by anyone right then. 

Why the hell are people here? he thought as he yanked open the door. 

“What?”

There was no welcoming comfort from his voice in the least. In fact, it sounded more like an annoyed hiss over anything else.

The two men standing just outside held up badges, but they weren’t quite dressed in full police uniform. Both had the shirt and tie on, but their pants were a tan color instead of the normal black or dark blue. Giving a bored sigh, Church crossed his arms over his chest and raised a brow.

“How can I help you, officers?”

One of them, a balding man who looked close to fifty or so with light brown hair, stepped forward and handed him a piece of paper. Hanna’s picture smiled up at him from the piece of black and white paper, the words missing  printed in huge font over the photo.

“We have information that this young boy has been living with you for some time.”

Well, this is a pain in the ass I hadn’t expected… nor wanted.

“Yes, he’s here.”

The other man, a red-head who looked like he ate all the doughnuts at the shop down the street, daily, responded with a cocky attitude that Church didn’t particularly like.

“You have had him this whole time and you have not seen his information on the news or any newspapers with his photo on the front page?”

Incredulous much? 

“Exactly. Sir, I’m an extremely busy person and I couldn’t care less about television in most cases. I also do not bother with the newspaper as it is mostly political propaganda.”

They both looked at each other, then back to him before the skinnier of the two pulled out a note pad and small pen.

“What is your name, sir?” 

“Church Remaro.”

The cops blinked, eyes widening as they recognized the name.

“Well then, Mr. Remaro. We would like to take Hanna into state custody now, since, to our knowledge, you two have no relation to each other. Please bring him to the door.”

“As much as I’d like the kid out of my hair, he isn’t exactly fond of people,” Church replied without much enthusiasm. 

They seemed to get annoyed with his response, but the more plump of the two just shrugged it off.

“The orphanage is used to handling shy children. Please bring him here.”

There was an uneasy feeling crawling up the sides of Church’s stomach as he forced a nod and turned, walking through the apartment towards Hanna’s room. He had left the door open, figuring that the officers wouldn’t bother trying to mess with him as long as he just did what they asked.

He found Hanna sitting up in bed, rubbing his eyes to try and wake himself up.

“Hey there, Hanna.”

The little boy looked up at him, his head full of dark red curls that somehow still managed to form a disgustingly cute halo around his head, even after a night of sleep.

“I Chej…” 

Church smiled and leaned over, picking Hanna up when he reached his little arms towards his shoulders. 

“There are some people here to meet you.” 

He had no doubt that the kid would freak out, but it was always better to give him a heads up so at least he knew what was coming. His eyes bugged out, bringing him to complete awareness before he hugged Church tightly. 

“No, Chesh!” 

“It’s okay, I’ll be right here. Be a good boy, please?” 

His mop of curly red hair just shook from side to side as his nose brushed against Church’s neck. 

Of course not.

Instead of leaving him, Church just decided to carry him into the living room, then down the hall to stop at the open door. The officers looked relieved to see him.

“He looks very well taken care of. Thank you for keeping him safe.”

“No problem.”

The chubbier of the two men tried to reach forward and take Hanna, but the second his stubby fingers touched the boy’s sides Hanna screamed and literally scrambled up Church’s chest until he nearly had his legs wrapped around his neck.

“Yeah, I told you he doesn’t like people.”

Both men looked surprised.

“His family history says that he was an easygoing boy who loved attention.”

“Yeah, well, whatever happened to him obviously changed that.”

The taller officer rolled his eyes and reached for Hanna, but this time he held on when Hanna freaked, making the boy shout louder. Church had to admit, Hanna was a force to be reckoned with. The man managed to actually hold him for another few seconds before he was scratched and kicked. Church nearly snarled at him for letting Hanna fall when he landed a particularly hard hit, but he thankfully managed to catch him with his much-faster reflexes before he could get hurt. The second Church set him down on his feet Hanna was gone, no doubt hurrying to disappear under the large bed to hide. 

“So, do I have to say it again? Cause, you know… he doesn’t like people,” Church said with a slightly sarcastic tone and raised eyebrows. 

The men growled and shoved past him, getting a quiet grumble from Church before he followed after them. They found Hanna right where he knew he’d be, tucked way beneath his king-sized bed. He had used it as a hiding place the first few days, and had only come out to use the bathroom. He wouldn’t even eat unless Church had pushed food under the bed.

The officers were already kneeling down by it but Church’s attention was focused on Michael, who was standing off to the side looking a bit upset… and quite, damp. 

Oops, only left one towel in the bathroom and I have it on. 

“You need to get him out,” one of the men said as he continued to look under the bed. 

“Why does he have to go to the orphanage?” Michael asked, honestly surprising Church. 

I would have thought that you were the one who had called them. Glad that I was wrong on that, at least. 

The thinner man glared up at Michael for his question.

“Because he’s an orphan?”

That, in turn, pissed Michael off even more.

“Got that part, but why can’t he just stay here until he’s a little more comfortable with people? It’s not like Church is going to randomly vanish with his huge company here and Hanna is obviously in good health. He just needs time to get better with people again.”

Aww, what a terrible priest. I approve. 

The bigger man stood, followed by his partner. They both looked frustrated but ended up sighing.

“Fine. We now have this place’s address and we have checked that the boy is not being abused but does clearly need time to reacclimate to other people. Are you doing anything to help him with that?”

Michael spoke up again, allowing Church to simply listen. 

“Yes. We’re taking him to church and he seems to really enjoy it. He even played with another boy there, but still isn’t good with adults yet.” 

The slim officer wrote a few things down on his notepad and then tucked it into his back pocket. 

“Alright. We’ll be back periodically to check on him, and when he’s ready to go into foster care or be adopted, we’ll be back to pick him up. You are responsible for his healthcare for the time being. If you need financial assistance please contact the orphanage.”

Church nodded, knowing that he wouldn’t need any kind of help with money.

“Okay. We’re leaving then, so we don’t stress him out any further. We’ll be in touch.”

Church nodded again before seeing them out. The second the door was shut he snarled loudly and stalked toward his room. Dropping to his knees by the bed, Church opened his arms and called to Hanna.

“Come here, Hanna. They’re gone. Chesh wants a hug.”

The little boy was suddenly in his arms, wailing away even though the evil people had already gone. He could also feel a growing wet spot where his hand was resting, holding up the little boy’s backside.

Of course.

“Want to take a bubble bath, Hanna?”

He didn’t nod or shake his head, still too busy crying to bother with an answer.

I’ll just take that as a yes.

Carrying him into the bathroom, Church got the water running with his free hand and then set Hanna down on his feet so that he could help get his soiled clothing off.

“I-I sowwy I poddy.”

“It’s okay. Hanna, look at me.”

It took him a minute before he could meet Church’s eyes. When he did, Church smiled and leaned forward to press a little kiss to his nose. 

“It’s okay. I’m not mad at you, Hanna.”

He sniffled as Church finally managed to get his wet pants off, which he was pretty sure the kid had slept in, again. Tossing the pants aside, he got his boxers off, then followed them with his shirt. When Church turned back towards the bath it was already half-full and bubbles were beginning to rise above the water.

Huh, Michael must have put the soap in.

He noticed that he was sitting on the toilet seat with the little bottle of bubble bath in his hand. Giving him a slight nod, Church carefully lifted Hanna into the warm bath. He wasn’t a huge fan of getting clean, but he did love himself a good bubble bath once in awhile… but Church hated them. There was really no soap in the bubbles so he always ended up fighting them off just to scrub him enough to call it cleaning.

“He doesn’t have any bath toys?”

Glancing sideways, Church raised a brow at Michael.

“No.” 

He looked like he wanted to say something else, but instead he just leaned over and handed Church the body wash he used for Hanna. It was gentler on skin then his own was, making it perfect for the younger boy. Church cleaned him as fast as he could while Hanna played with the bubbles, his towel dropping from his waist with the constant movement. He paid it no mind, however, as he gently lifted Hanna out of the water and Michael unplugged the tub so that the water could drain.

Church expected him to stay and help, then come to work with him, but when he walked out a moment later, Church’s lips turned down into a slight frown as he started drying Hanna. Michael was walking towards the door, fully dressed in what he had been wearing the day before, less than two minutes later.

“Where are you going?” Church called out to him. 

Michael stopped for a moment but refused to turn around as he shouted his reply back. 

“Confession!”

Then the door slammed shut, leaving Church with a lopsided smirk on his face.

I’m Going To Kill You

“Father, I believe I have sinned.”

Michael leaned his head against the wall, giving a tired sigh. He had slept really well the previous night, but after the awkward shower that morning he was beginning to get lightheaded. 

Had that really happened? 

Of course it did. You were staring at… it.

“How so, young priest?”

Licking his lips, Michael took in a deep breath and spoke quietly.

“I… stared at another man’s body. It wasn’t intentional, but I walked into the bathroom half asleep and, not noticing that he was in the shower, I got in.”

Michael figured that was all he needed to say to get the obvious point across in concern with the specific what he had been staring at.

“I see. I assume that you live with this man?”

Huh. Do I? I suppose I do now.

“I guess. It’s short term.”

“How long has it been since you have gone out with a woman?”

Err. I don’t even want to think about that. It’s been way too long.

“Um, awhile?”

“I believe you are just yearning for physical company. Do not stray down the wrong path, young priest. Why not find a young woman to marry? I do not believe you are a homosexual. I just believe that you need to find yourself a wife.”

That does make sense. I haven’t had a girlfriend in a long while. 

He should have known that he was just longing for a partner. It had been far too long since he’d even tried to find someone. 

“Thank you for your words, father. They make perfect sense.”

The other man chuckled as Michael got up and stepped out of the small room.

“You are welcome. Have a wonderful day, Michael.”

“You too, Father!”

About forty minutes later Michael was shoving his way into Church’s office with a cocky smirk on his face. The guy was right in the middle of what looked like an important phone call. Oh well. Michael strode right up to him and extended his hand, which Church took with a raised eyebrow… until the contact started to burn his skin. He snarled and immediately slammed the phone down on the receiver, glaring up at him for a minute before the situation seemed to dawn on him. 

“Oh wonderful, looks like the little priest has got his holy back. Come to visit the big bad demon?”

Michael rolled his eyes and sat down near the side of the desk, peeking beneath it to where he knew Hanna would be. The boy was there, sitting on a dog bed just like the first day he’d visited.

“Wait a second. Why does he even have a dog bed and not a child one? Or even a normal cushion?”

Church glared and nudged at Michael’s chest with his foot until he actually fell backwards onto the dark blue carpet with a grunt.

“Because there was a pet commercial about adopting a dog on TV and he wanted one, but god knows I don’t. So, I took him to a pet store to at least play with them, but when I tried to leave he wouldn’t get off the darn dog bed or stop barking until I bought it.”

“Oh…”

I guess that makes sense.

“Hey Hanna, want play with Uncle Michael?”

Michael tried to speak with a chipper voice as he rolled over onto his belly and scooted forward until he could just barely see beneath the desk. The boy was there, making a weird face at him, which he quickly made right back. That seemed to surprise him since his face changed abruptly to curiosity.

“Migal look ’eird.”

Michael stuck his tongue out before Hanna tried to mirror the action. His little tongue just barely passed his pink lips when Church leaned over to look beneath his desk.

“What are you doing you weird little boy?”

Michael quickly glared up at him, “He’s just a kid, let him be one.”

Church rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair, looking one hundred percent the business tycoon that he was in his black suit, pants, and a tight white button-up shirt. 

Guess he decided to skip the tie today. 

“I was talking to you, priest.”

Michael’s eyes narrowed and he sat up, but the fight drained from him as he thought about what Church had just said.

“I don’t volunteer there anymore… and heck, I don’t even know why I came here.”

Pushing himself up onto his feet, he dusted off his pants, then started for the door. Except, a sudden jerk on the back of his shirt made him stumble backwards. He knew Church had done it just to make him wait for a second before leaving, but the demon didn’t know his own strength. Well, that was honestly doubtful. But he’d used a bit too much this time, making Michael lose his balance and fall. He thought that he was going to hit the floor, hard, but suddenly there was a strong, well-muscled arm sweeping in front of his chest and under both of his own arms, stopping him from hitting the floor by mere inches.

While he was definitely grateful that Church had caught him, he could also feel his face heating up at the contact. I really need to get a girlfriend . He did not like Church! He was a foul-mouthed demon who stole a human child after helping kill his parents. There was no way that he was going to ever come to li—“Human, stop ignoring me.”

Church’s voice right up against his left ear made Michael’s heart jump into his throat as he struggled to get out of the position he was stuck in. Of course, Church didn’t let him go, using the arm of his chair and his right arm to easily hold him where he was. Scowling over his shoulder, Michael waited for Church to speak again, since he obviously wasn’t allowed to go anywhere until he did.

Stupid demon.

“You still have a job if you can prove that you can take care of Hanna without causing another injury.” 

“Eh, really?”

He nodded, then shifted a little so that he could retrieve something from his coat pocket. That something was handed to Michael as he released him from his hold. Michael sat down where he was as he opened the envelope, his eyes going wide when he realized what was in it. 

“You’re paying me? But I barely worked at all.”

Not to mention that the check had four-hundred and fifty four dollars written on it. 

How the heck much did he pay me per hour?

“Some of it is your pay and the rest is an apology. I lost my cool when I saw Hanna hurt and it was uncalled for to fire you and threaten you before knowing what had happened.”

Holy shi—mother. Did he just apologize?  

“Mister  I’m So Much Better Than Humans just apologized to the human priest?”

Church was about to reply when Hanna scooted out from under his desk and looked up at him with big, pleading eyes.

“Chesh… gotta go poddy.” 

That much become obvious as the little boy held the hem of his jean shorts and shifted from foot to foot. 

“Want me to take him?” Michael asked. 

Church was just opening his mouth to reply again when his phone rang and he grumbled, but reached over to answer it anyways. Considering he didn’t hang up right away, Michael figured that it was important and knelt next to Hanna, tugging on the boy’s sleeve gently to get his attention. 

“Mr. Chesh is busy right now but do you want Uncle Michael to take you to go potty?”

Hanna seemed to panic a little as he looked back and forth between him and Church several times. Michael thought it wasn’t really his choice in the end, though, because when Hanna turned to him he was about to the point of crying because he had to pee so badly.

“Okay, here. Hang on a second.” 

Michael scooped him up in his arms and ran for the door, making it to the bathroom in seconds. He then set him down in the handicap stall and quickly helped him get the button undone on his shorts. Once he was ready he lifted him up onto the toilet just fast enough to not have to clean up an accident. 

Phew!

When Hanna had finished Michael used the bathroom, too, then flushed.

“Alright, do you know what you do after going potty?”

Hanna licked his little pink lips and swished his hips from side to side before hesitantly answering in a quiet, unsure voice.

“Em… soapy hans?”

“Right! Good job.”

Hanna let a tiny smile find its way onto his lips before turning towards the sink and lifting his hands up. It took Michael a minute to figure out that he was silently asking to be lifted up. Duh, of course. Not like he can reach the sink well any other way.

Giving a quiet chuckle, Michael carefully lifted him up. Thankfully, he knew what he was doing as he ran his little hands under the automatic faucet, then Michael lifted him a tiny bit higher so that he could get some soap.

“Alright, what do you do next? I forgot…” Michael said, trying to hide a grin. 

Hanna looked over his shoulder at him and lifted his hands so that Michael could see, then rubbed them together sloppily. Soap suds went flying, but he didn’t really pay any mind to that since Hanna was completely serious about showing him exactly how to wash his hands.

“Ah, of course. Thanks for showing me how to do that! Let’s get that soap washed off now, okay?”

Hanna nodded and shifted a little so that he could run his hands under the water, rubbing them together until there was no more soap left. Michael then set him down and handed him a paper towel, then quickly got his own hands washed and dried.

When he looked back down at Hanna a minute later, he was nibbling at the paper towel.

Uh.

Michael quickly squatted down in front of him and met his eyes when they glanced up.

“Can I have that, Hanna?”

He took it out of his mouth but then stepped back and shook his head.

“Mine.”

“…but if you eat that now, you’ll ruin the treat uncle Michael has planned for you later. I need that exact paper towel to get it for you.”

Hanna gave him a funny look, then glanced down at the paper towel gripped in his little hand. When he finally looked back up at him, he mumbled quietly.

“Is good tweat?”

Michael smiled and nodded.

“The best. I promise you’ll love it.”

He had to wait another minute before Hanna finally lifted his hand and plopped the damp paper towel into his outstretched one.

“Thank you, sweetie. Now then, let’s go back to Church and bother him, okay?”

Hanna cheered and began hopping from tile to tile towards the door like a bunny. Michael took that chance to toss out the paper towel, then scooped him up at the door to carry him back.

The phone call had been the guy he’d hung up on when Michael had come in. After a quick explanation that his friend had run in and caused a ruckus, he excused him hanging up and they had set up a meeting time for the next day to close the deal.

Church was just setting the phone back on its stand when he heard the doors to his office open. Hanna was soon running towards him, getting a glare right away. He skidded to a halt on the carpet, a blush creeping up onto his little cheeks.

“What have I told you about running?”

He chewed his lower lip and looked down at the carpet, embarrassed.

“I sowwy, Chesh. No running em Chesh’s room.” 

“Correct.” 

Church’s eyes rose to meet Michael’s as he walked past Hanna and leaned over to whisper to him. 

“What is something that he really likes?” 

Church eyed him, a bit confused until he noticed Hanna didn’t have his normal after potty snack. 

“You took away his paper towel.” 

“I couldn’t let him eat it,” Michael whispered back. 

“Why? It’s just paper.” 

Michael glared at him and Church rolled his eyes, sighing with an annoyed shrug. 

“He doesn’t like much. He’s super picky with food and I haven’t found anything besides ice cream that he really enjoys as a treat sort of thing.” 

Michael seemed to pause at that, then massage his jaw for a moment. 

“Hmmm… can you watch him for like, an hour or so?”

Church hesitantly nodded, unsure of what he was going to do.

“Where are you going?”

“Just to get him something I think he’ll like in exchange for the paper towel he let me have.” 

Michael smirked at him, making Church fidget in his seat. He didn’t get much time to stress over what he was going to come back with since Hanna was suddenly crawling up into his lap. 

“Sneaky little boy. You just let Michael escape, too. Without telling me what he was bringing back.” 

Oh well. It’ll probably just be ice cream or something like that.

Once Hanna got settled he stuck his tongue out at him. 

Great, the priest taught him a new gesture that he’ll definitely be using from here on out…

“Alright, Church has some work to do but you can stay there if you behave, okay? Uncle Michael will be coming back with something good, too, but only if you’re quiet for me.” 

Hanna kicked his little tennis shoes off and curled up like a cat in his lap. Well, I guess that is a good enough answer.  The little boy gave him just enough room so that he could lean forward and type, as well as make a few calls before he heard the doors open up again about an hour and a half later. He knew that it was Michael because of the sound of his footsteps, but what he didn’t expect was for him to set something down on the carpet to make the now fully-awake Hanna squeal.

Church’s eyes rose from the contract he had been reading through for a new buyout he was planning, but when they came into contact with the fluffy, white, drooling puppy Michael had brought into his office, he honestly thought that he was going to have a heart attack.

“No. Get rid of it. Now.”

Hanna didn’t hear him at all as he ran around, tackling the poor puppy and rolling around with it on the carpet… right before it peed.

Dammit all!

Church sent a death-glare to Michael, who just pointed awkwardly back towards Hanna. Looking in that direction, Church jumped up from his seat. 

“Hanna, no!”

The little boy jumped and looked up at him, his shorts already down around his ankles, obviously about to follow his new role-model’s example and pee on the carpet.

Talking to Yourself

“That needs to go back right now. I don’t want hear any damn excuses!”

Michael pursed his lips and grabbed some cleaner from the cabinet by the door. He wasn’t sure who had left it there, but he greatly appreciated it. It was a basic carpet cleaner and didn’t mention anything about pet stains, but he dumped a good amount of it on the spot anyways, then began pressing paper towels, that had also been left, atop it.

“I got it from the animal shelter.”

“So what? Take it back.”

“But they already used his cage for another dog. They said they needed to make room and I didn’t want them to make room for new dogs by getting rid of the ones who had been there a little longer.”

“That’s part of life. Owners buy dogs irresponsibly. “ Church enunciated the word carefully and glared at Michael. “Then when they can’t keep them or they are sick of taking care of something that actually requires work, they dump it at the shelter. It sucks for the dog but that’s what happens… and that dog needs to be out of here. Now.” 

Michael’s shoulders sagged in defeat as he got up and trudged over to Hanna, helping him get his shorts back up and the button fastened. Then he went over to the puppy, who was trying to chew on the edge of one of Church’s guest chairs, and scooped him up into his arms.

“I’m not going to take him back there. I’ll find him somewhere to go.”

Before Church could argue Michael ran out the door, wincing when he heard Hanna scream for his puppy.

I’m sorry, kiddo. I tried, but I’m not going to fight him when he’s my only paycheck. And if I just leave it there, he’ll probably eat it when you’re not looking just to be rid of the thing.

Taking the elevator down to the ground floor, Michael stopped over at the receptionist’s desk and asked if she knew anyone who might be interested in the dog. Surprisingly, she gave him a few names and told him what floor and office they were working at. Michael thanked her and quickly ran back to the elevator, making his way to the first person.

Well, they shot him down as soon as he told them that it was going to get really big.

Okay, next one.

The second person took one look at the amount of fur on it and shook her head with a disgusted look while mumbling something about having to clean up after her husband enough, she didn’t need a dog with so much fur to deal with.

Stingy.

Grumbling under his breath, Michael went to the last two people, who were thankfully working on the same floor… but again, they didn’t want it. One wanted a chihuahua and the other, well, technically wanted it, but he didn’t want to have to pay for its vetting when it was time for shots or if it got sick. 

Michael stomped back down to the first floor and slid into a sitting position against one of the walls. People were eyeing him because he definitely wasn’t dressed in his fancy whatever suit and he had a fluffy puppy sitting in his lap, but whatever. Looking down at the fuzzball, he gave it a slight smile and poked its big black nose.

“You won’t go back, I promise. I’ll figure something out.”

It yawned and curled up in his lap like a cat, making him chuckle a little.

“Yeah, go ahead and take a nap. I know peeing on a demon’s carpet must have taken a lot out of you… pee-wise, at least.”

“Come on, Hanna. Stop ignoring me. It’s not going to get you the puppy back.”

The little boy had been sitting in the corner facing the wall ever since Michael had left with the furry beast. Well, at first he’d grabbed his dog rope toy he’d gotten him awhile ago and gone to stand by the door waiting for it to come back, but when Church told him that he couldn’t play with it again, he burst out crying. Since he didn’t exactly coddle children, he got some work done as Hanna cried himself out… and now he had been sitting in the corner for at least an hour or two silently sniffling.

If only he’d behave like this every time I have to work. I’d actually get things done.

Setting his finished papers aside, Church pushed his chair back and stood. A few bones cracked in his back, making him groan from relief.

“We’re leaving Hanna, get up.”

The boy ignored him completely.

“Really? It was just a stupid dog. You get to pet them all the time when we see them on the sidewalk.”

When he was ignored again, Church just walked over and picked him up, getting a scream that really made him wish he hadn’t let Michael leave to get the stupid mutt.

“Stop it right now, Hanna! It was not your dog from the beginning! If you keep misbehaving you’ll get no dinner for tonight and go to bed early.”

Church carried him out of the office and towards the elevator but the kid just wouldn’t shut up. Inside the elevator was even worse, and his head was beginning to throb by the time they got to the first floor.

“This is ridiculous!”

Everyone was staring from the second he stepped off the elevator with Hanna squirming in his arms and still screaming. A few people were even snickering at their boss’s dismay.

Bastards!

Hanna was seriously getting close to a spanking… but then he suddenly shut up.

Looking down, Church’s brows rose to see that he was looking over by the front doors. When he followed his gaze, he gave a deep sigh and set him down. Hanna was gone in a blur, running like crazy, and even falling once on the hard tile, before scrambling into Michael’s lap… and right on top of the poor dog. The little puppy squirmed out from under him and grabbed the rope toy Hanna still carried as Michael looked up at Church while trying to keep the two rambunctious toddlers in his lap.

“I told you to get rid of that thing.”

The words were growled in a deep warning, but Michael just frowned and looked down at Hanna, now holding the puppy happily as the pup held his new rope toy with even more excitement than the boy.

“I can’t find anyone who wants him.”

“Then just take him back to—No!”

“That thing is not coming to my apartment!”

“Then I’ll sleep in my car again!” Michael replied back. 

They both paused in their shouting match as they realized that most of the people in the lobby were now staring and whispering.

“That’s not coming in my car.”

“Then I’ll walk.”

It was at least a twenty minute drive down there, so walking would likely be close to two hours, especially with the dog.

“Hanna, let’s go.”

Church reached his hand out for the boy to take, but he just snuggled with the puppy more and shook his head.

“This is stupid. Come on. We need to go.”

“No!”

Church felt anger began to well up in his chest, stirring his demon to the surface.

Shit!

Reaching down, Church snagged the dog’s scruff and yanked it out of Hanna’s lap, then stalked towards the exit. He could hear them both following after him toward his car. It was unlocked by the time he got to it, so he just opened the trunk and threw the stupid thing inside, slamming it shut before Michael could get there to do anything about it.

“Church! You can’t put it back there!”

Grabbing his collar, he yanked Michael right up to his face and hissed a very serious warning. 

“Keep your damn holy mouth shut, priest. Or I will shut it for you.” 

He could feel his knuckles beginning to burn where the cloth he was holding pressed against the man’s skin, but he kept him close for another second before letting go and stalking around to the driver’s side. Michael was smart enough to do as he’d said and keep his trap shut while getting Hanna buckled into the car.

As soon as the back door was shut Church floored the car into traffic and headed towards home. It may have been a nice drive if there weren’t constant howls and scratching sounds coming from the trunk. And to make it even better, Michael just had to yank down the middle seat and free the damned ball of fur and piss. He really wanted to tell him to just drop it on the corner at the next stop light, but he wouldn’t. Sadly, he knew the stupid priest too well for him to do that. 

The second he parked the car Church was out, grabbing Hanna and heading upstairs to his apartment. He could hear Michael’s footsteps following him from a short distance behind and growled once they reached the door. 

“That’s not coming in.” 

“Church…”

“No!”

Church stomped inside but Michael put his foot out to keep the door from closing when he slammed it… and he probably just damaged his foot pretty good, too. That wasn’t his problem though.  Turning on him, Church bared his teeth, but the man still had the gull to keep talking.

“Please Church. One night! It’s too hot outside right now. I can take him down to the pet store tomorrow when they open. I’m absolutely sure they’ll take him since he’s purebred and fluffy! It’s like free money to them.”

Church’s eyes narrowed and he knew that they were likely turning red as his anger simmered and his demon began taking over.

“B-Bathroom? Please? I’ll sleep in there with him to make sure he doesn’t do anything bad. And if he goes bathroom I can just wipe it off the tile.”

He really wanted to say no again, but then he’d just come back with something else, and Hanna was watching. If he attacked Michael he’d be the one to suffer for it. So, giving an exhausted sigh, Church stepped away from the door and headed for the kitchen.

Footsteps hurried through the house right after he heard the front door shut and lock. Seconds later the bathroom door opened, then shut. His intentions were now to finally get some food made even though it was a little early for dinner, but his demon had other ideas. All of the anger he’d accumulated during the day had fed it and he barely managed to get his expensive suit off before it took over his body and shifted.

Hanna was used to it, thankfully, but the suddenness of the whole thing obviously had him a little surprised.

“Chesh?”

Looking down at Hanna, Church sat back on his haunches and nudged the boy’s face with his snout. Hanna frowned and hugged his long muzzle.

“I sowwy, Chesh. Hanna bad.” 

Church gave a quiet grumble and nudged him closer with his left paw in a make-shift hug. After they separated he got back up and sauntered over to the bathroom door. There wasn’t any sound behind it…

Perhaps the little creature has fallen asleep?

Giving a quiet growl, he tapped on the door with a paw and sat down to wait. A moment later Michael carefully opened it and peaked out. 

“Eh? You changed?” 

No shit. 

He glanced behind himself, no doubt at the fuzzy little, dare he think it, demon, then back to him.

“Um, what did you need?”

Okay, now how do I tell him that he needs to make dinner tonight?

Looking around, Church got up and quickly ran into the kitchen, rustled through a lower cabinet, and came back with a pan between his teeth.

“Oh, dinner? Uh, I can cook it, but…”

He looked back at the puppy and Church sighed. The only place in his apartment that was carpeted was right by the coffee table since Hanna had a habit of falling over there. After a very aggravating mental talk with his demon, he nudged the door open and had to fight himself in order to keep still and not chase the little fuzzy puppy as it ran out of the bathroom between his legs.

Hanna squealed, of course, and immediately went to chase the creature.

“Uh… he just went in the bathroom and I scrubbed it up. So he shouldn’t have another accident for awhile.”

Church was pissed that the dumb thing had already gone bathroom again, but at least Michael had cleaned it up well. He hadn’t even smelled it when he’d come to the door. Church’s jaws tightened automatically when the pan between his teeth was yanked… but then he realized that Michael was just trying to take it to make dinner. Dropping that so he could use it, Church quickly went to find the two little pains in his butt while the bigger third one got busy cooking something for dinner.

As he stalked into the living room Hanna was over by the television with the rope toy in his hands and the little dog attached to the other end, both of them growling and unwilling to give up an inch on the game of tug-o-war.

Rolling his eyes, he walked up to the two and leaned down, grabbing the toy in the middle and lifting both the brats up off the floor. It was quite entertaining, because Hanna was now stretching on his tip-toes to keep hold of his end, while the puppy’s butt was dangling in the air, yet it was still growling and yanking on the darn rope.

Church let the rope go after a moment, making Hanna stumble a little and the puppy bounce down onto its fluffy butt. Hanna let the rope slip at that second, and the puppy took advantage and bolted under the small dining room table. Hanna smiled wide and ran after the little thing, grabbing the rope and tugging the dog out from under the table.

Here we go again.

A deep chuckle had his eyes traveling towards the entrance to the kitchen where Michael was leaning against the door jamb with a spatula in one hand and arms folded over his chest.

“At least they’ll wear each other out tonight.”

That is the only benefit to having the stupid dog.

“Oh yeah.”

Michael set the spatula down on the counter and ran into the bathroom, then came back with a washcloth.

“I used it to clean up after the pup since it would have taken a lot of toilet paper. We can just toss it once he’s gone, I’ll get you a pack of new ones.”

Church wasn’t really worried about the cloth, but when he grabbed some newspaper and set it down on the floor, then put the cloth overtop of it he gave a confused grumble.

“What? It’s better that he has something that smells a little like what going bathroom does. I made sure to rinse it well so it shouldn’t stink much to us, but hopefully it’ll make him pee there if he has to go,” Michael said as he washed his hands, then got back to cooking.

Church grunted and laid down, intent on relaxing for a little while and maybe nap before dinner… but a certain little boy and dog decided that he was now part of play time .

“Chesh!”

Hanna ran over, dragging the puppy by the rope toy. Church gave him a slight growl in response but he just giggled and offered him one end of the rope. 

“Pway wif Mats? Gotsa poddy!” 

Mats? What kind of name is that? Do you mean Max?

Church grabbed the end of the rope lazily and watched as Hanna ran off towards the bathroom, thankful that at least one of the little creatures he had taken in didn’t pee on the floor.

Except for when he almost did in my office earlier.

Grunting out a sigh, he looked down his nose and the rope until his eyes met little excited brown ones. He was pulling on the rope like crazy, giving it all the effort he could and growling his tiny butt off, but Church wasn’t budging. Well, except for when he abruptly released the rope, sending the walking cotton-ball tumbling backwards, head over tail.

Hanna was there right as the pup recovered and scooped it up before plopping down on the carpet for some snuggle time. Church wanted to tell him to be careful because dogs can bite, but it looked like this one was honestly just enjoying the attention. Even if it was a bit rough since Hanna wasn’t the best at understanding you had to pet dogs nicely or they can get upset.

“Dinner’s ready!” 

That was pretty fast… but it does smell really good. 

A plate was set down in front of him a minute later.

Steak with mushrooms and mashed potatoes.

It wasn’t anything fancy, but it definitely had Church’s belly grumbling hungrily. Right as he was about to dig in, he caught the puppy staring at him from the corner of his eye. It’s little ears were flattened, eyes wide, nose sniffing.

Not a chance. This is mine.

He flopped down onto his belly and crawled forward a tiny bit, then whined. Church growled in response, but the pup just stayed where it was.

Tch.

Ignoring the little fuzzball, Church began digging into his large steak.

“Here ya go Hanna, sit down and eat with Church, okay?”

Normally, he didn’t allow the boy to eat on the floor because he tended to be messy, but he soon learned that the little puppy was a master at cleaning up anything that got even close to dropping onto the floor. And yes, he caught Hanna slipping the thing pieces of his cut-up steak. 

Brat. Don’t feed it. Everything tries to come back when you feed it. 

Everyone ate in silence around him. Michael even sat down against the wall to his right and nibbled at a small piece of steak and some mashed potatoes. He’d obviously given him the much bigger piece or… no. He’d cut his own in half and then cut it up a lot for Hanna.

Church’s body slowly changed back after dinner. He collected the dirty plates and set them in the sink before tugging on a pair of boxers, then scooping up Hanna and taking him to the bathroom.

“Bath time, you.”

“Awwwww!”

He set him in the tub and gave him the don’t make this more of a struggle than it has to be, look . The boy pouted but quickly tugged his shirt off, then fiddled with the button on his shorts until he finally managed to get it undone, then dropped them along with his underwear.

“Good boy.”

Reaching down, Church grabbed the clothing and tossed them behind him, then got the water running. Hanna sat on the edge until it warmed enough for him to slip in. Church quickly got busy scrubbing him from head to toe because he was seriously tired, but when he leaned down to get some extra soap in his palm, he heard a quiet splash and looked up to see a soggy cotton ball licking at the water as it sat in the tub.

“Really dog? Now you’re going to stink if I don’t scrub you, too.”

Shaking his head, Church got busy washing both of his dogs until they were squeaky clean. Thankfully the puppy was perfectly well behaved and let him wash him right alongside Hanna. They played a little, but the romp earlier definitely had taken its toll on their energy reserves. When he finally pulled Hanna out of the tub and dried him off, then grabbed the puppy to do the same after pulling the drain plug, Church could tell both were just about to pass out.

Amen.

Once Hanna was completely dry and heading for his room he picked up the dozing puppy and took it into the kitchen, setting it down on the newspaper and washcloth.

“Bathroom.”

It looked up at him and yawned, then glanced down at the cloth and sniffed. He didn’t think that it would work, but then the dog peed a little.

“Uh… good dog?”

He yipped quietly and pawed at Church’s leg.

Oh no. I know that gesture all too well with Hanna.

“You have four paws, you can walk yourself.” 

The pup tried pouting and blinking his big brown eyes, but Church quickly turned and headed towards Hanna’s room. The kid was already asleep, his bare butt visible with the blanket only partially tugged over his upper half. 

Church shook his head and tucked him in correctly, then turned to head back out. It wasn’t until he was back in his room in bed that he realized two things. One, Michael had passed out on the sofa and he hadn’t noticed until just now. And two, the puppy was sitting right next to his bed, paws up on the edge so that he could just barely look at him in the darkness with those big brown eyes.

“No.”

“….wuff.”

“No.”

“……wuff.”

Church rolled over, giving the annoying thing his back with the hopes that it’ll just curl up on the floor and pass out. Unfortunately, things just never worked the way he freaking wanted them to, because after only a minute of quiet he heard the scrambling of stubby legs as they managed to get their owner up onto his bed.

Rolling back over, he prepared to scare the damn thing out of his room when it suddenly reached over and bopped his nose with one small paw before stretching out against his chest with a huge yawn.

“You aren’t allowed to sleep there.”

Church glared at it for a long moment, only to eventually sigh and drop his head back down to the pillow. 

Damn it all. It’s already snoring.

Oh Dear God

“Rrrrrrrr.”

“Rrrrrrrr.”

Shut up.

“Rrrrrrr!”

“I’m gonna eat you in a secon’.”

“Wuff! Wuff!”

Damn thing!

Sitting up, Church snarled over at the balcony doors the damn thing was barking and pawing at. As soon as he actually looked at what was outside, though, he blanched.

“Shit!”

Jumping out of bed, he ran over to the door and grabbed the dog, then ran into the living room before throwing it at Michael. He woke up with the sudden addition of fuzzy weight on his chest, confused and mumbling incoherently.

“Get up and get in Hanna’s room, now!” Church hissed, not really giving him a chance to respond as he yanked him off of the sofa and dragged him into the back room. Michael wisely held onto the dog by the scruff so that when Church tossed him inside, the dog went with him.

“Stay in here and shut that damn dog up if you want to live!”

Before he could reply Church slammed the door shut and stalked back towards his balcony. He had no idea why the demons had come without announcing themselves first, but they had definitely put him in a shitty mood by doing so.

Shoving the sliding-glass door open, Church stepped outside and slid it closed before turning to glare at the three large demons perched on the banister railing. The light drizzle of rain ran down their smooth bodies, glinting slightly as the droplets caught the moonlight.

What the hell are you three doing here?

Anger dripped from his thoughts, making them shift hesitantly on the railing .  When neither of them spoke up he snarled and stepped closer, making all three scramble to the other side of the small area. 

Answer me, dammit!

The smallest demon fidgeted, then carefully hopped off the banister and bowed its head shakily.

L-Lord Church… we… we killed someone.

What?

He flinched back and whined, but that wasn’t going to get them out of this. 

No wonder I smelled a hint of blood in the rain.

What the hell happened? Why didn’t you just tell me?

The larger one of the two still sitting on the banister replied quietly.

It just happened. We were out for a drink and some humans tried to jump us in an alley.

You killed more than one?  Church snarled the words into his head, taking a step closer while baring his teeth.

No, we only killed one! The rest ran as soon as they realized we were a lot stronger than them. We didn’t even shift, just kind of… hit the guy and couldn’t stop.

Giving a deep sigh, Church tossed off his clothing and shifted, stretching out for a moment before hopping up onto the rail.

Show me where he is. We need to get rid of the body.

All three nodded and jumped down to land in the apartment’s backyard area. It was small but thankfully normally deserted, especially so late at night. Church quickly followed them down, then up and over the fence linking to a back alleyway.

Michael waited twenty minutes after he’d heard Church’s balcony door shut before cracking open the door to Hanna’s room. Not seeing anyone, he looked back at the little boy and told him to stay put before quietly closing the door and tip-toeing around the apartment. Not seeing any movement still, he glanced out on the balcony and sighed with relief.

Okay, so Church probably had some demons on the balcony calling for him.

Nodding to himself, Michael went into the kitchen and got down a small plate, then put a pealed banana, peanut butter and some raisins on it before heading back to Hanna’s room. The boy was sitting against the wall on his bed when he came back in, the puppy snuggled in his lap happily.

“Hey there, Hanna. Church had to go out for a little bit. Wanna have a snack while we wait for him to come home?”

He nodded but didn’t move, making him chuckle before walking over to drop down next to him on his bed. Hanna reached over for the banana and immediately started nibbling at it, getting goo all over his little hand when he squeezed it a bit too hard.

Eh, whatever. The dog will probably just clean his hands anyway.

And speaking of said dog, it looked suspiciously like it had peanut butter stuck in its mouth. Upon closer inspection of the plate, Michael did in fact note that the peanut butter was now absent.

“You two are brothers. One is just a little more fuzzy than the other.”

Hanna giggled and Michael rolled his eyes, smiling before grabbing the raisins to pop into his own mouth. It was a few minutes later when he noticed Hanna grabbing the puppy and turning it around. The dog licked his face but Hanna actually pouted.

“Mats! You eated the peanut budder!”

Mats?

“His name is Max?”

He nodded and squeezed the dog to his chest again. Michael was about to reply and reach over to pet Max when he heard a heavy thumping sound in the other room. That got him off the bed and to the door in a heartbeat, but he quickly looked back at Hanna, “Stay there. Don’t open the door.”

His expression looked a little scared but he nodded, cuddling the chubby puppy even tighter. Michael quickly shut the door behind him and turned to see Church… on the floor of his bedroom.

“Church?”

He didn’t move a muscle, making his stomach sink as he walked over to flick on the hall light. Michael honestly wished he hadn’t, though. Church’s entire body was covered in dark red blood, the substance flowing free from several gunshot wounds all along his left side.

“Oh shit. Oh shit oh shit oh shit!”

Michael ran over to him and, being an idiot, grabbed his shoulder. The sound of sizzling flesh made him quickly let go. Dammit!  He needed to get him into the bathroom so that he could start getting his wounds cleaned, but couldn’t touch him. 

“Uh, shit. Um, I need to get less holy, fast. That’s possible, right? I did it before!”

Shaking his head to break away from the panic he was in, Michael bit his lower lip and silently apologized to god before beginning to quickly speak.

“I’m gay for a demon. One of the head demons of New York.”

Michael reached his hand back over but could feel the heat before he even touched him.

Not good enough.

“I-I uh, want him in my bed. E-Every night. I want to kiss him.”

Reaching his hand closer again, he grinned when the heat wasn’t as bad as before. 

“God this is embarrassing, but working at least.”

Squeezing his eyes shut tight, Michael quickly stammered out. 

“I want him to have sex with me. To lick my body e-everywhere. T-To screw me until morning.”

Okay, that was seriously all he could get out of his mouth so he tried touching Church again before he self-combusted from embarrassment. To his relief, he only felt a small amount of warmth when he grabbed Church’s shoulder.

“Thank god.”

Well, probably not anymore. But I’ll fix that later!

Forcing Church to sit up, Michael carefully managed to get him into his arms and practically ran to the bathroom, nearly dropping him in the tub as he got there.

Darn guy is heavy!

Once he was laid down on his uninjured side Michael got the warm water going, then turned on the showerhead after drawing the curtain halfway closed so it wouldn’t splash out onto the floor too much.

“Okay, big guy. Time to fix you up.”

Michael checked him over really quick, counting five bullet wounds and a few grazes that just barely missed.

“Talk about target practice…”

Shaking his head, Michael got up and grabbed a pair of tweezers from the counter before dropping back down to his knees and leaning over.

“This is gonna hurt, but I’m pretty sure you already know that already, so here goes.”

He didn’t waste any time digging out the bullets in Church’s side. Half of them were obviously coated in holy water since the wounds weren’t healing up like the others.

“Bastards got you good. They must have planned this.”

Church seemed to be out of it enough to not cause any problems as Michael dug bullet after bullet out of him.

“It’s a good thing your body heals fast but this will probably take at least a few days, even with that power.”

All he got in response was a quiet sigh, no doubt from the relief of having the bullets out of his flesh. Michael got Church’s body scrubbed with soap after finishing removing all the metal, making sure to get each wound before finally rinsing him off.

“Okay, now I need to get you dry and in bed.”

Easier said than done.

Grumbling to himself, he turned the shower off and grabbed a towel hanging on the drying bar. It took a few minutes, but he managed to get Church’s upper body completely dry, then make him sit up.

“Okay, stay right there.”

Church growled but his eyes were still closed, telling Michael that he wasn’t exactly there right then. With a grin, he got some bandages from a drawer beneath the counter along with some antiseptic and finished cleaning and wrapping the wounds.

“Phew! Finally done. Now to just get you back to your room.”

It took a few minutes to actually get him there since he was still a bit slippery and hadn’t exactly lost any weight while Michael was washing him, besides the bullets. When he finally set him down on his blankets Michael dropped to the floor and leaned his forehead against Church’s mattress to catch his breath.

“Well, that was fun.”

A deep, pained chuckle was his reply.

“Laugh it up. I had to do all the hard work.”

There was silence for a minute before he replied… and made Michael’s face turn bright red in the darkness.

“I’ll do the work tomorrow. I’ll lick you everywhere…. and enjoy your little holy… body, till morning.”

And, of course he heard me earlier. Thank you god for this instant karma. Not.

So Confused It Hurts

(It kinda sucks writing about a pyrenees puppy after my old boy has passed. I swear I’ll adopt a new (Racquetball approved) one eventually.

Content warning) 

Michael stayed absolutely still until Church’s breathing evened out, telling him that he was asleep. He wasn’t going to chance saying another slew of disturbing sentences just to check, though. Instead, he got up and quickly headed out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind himself.

“Migel?”

Jumping, he turned towards Hanna where he stood in his own doorway. The puppy, of course, was snuggled in his arms, fluffy bum dragging on the floor as it snored with its tongue poking out.

“Yes, Hanna?”

Michael quickly made his way over to him, guiding him back to bed with a hand on his back. He climbed in after setting the puppy near his pillow, then got settled beneath the blankets.

“Is Chesh okay?”

His little voice sounded worried, making Michael smile. He really did care for the demon, even if he was a killer. Hanna didn’t know the difference… which was definitely safer for him.

“Yeah. He’s okay, sweetie.”

That made Hanna smile wider, then snuggle in with a sleepy yawn. Michael made sure that he was tucked in, then got up and walked to the door.

“Good night, Hanna. Sleep well.”

He already had his arms around the puppy, which was still snoring, when he replied quietly.

“Ganide, Migel.”

Michael gave a hushed chuckle and carefully shut the door. He honestly wasn’t quite sure what he was going to do the next day, but after all the excitement already, he really just needed to crash. After a quick cup of water from the kitchen he sauntered over to the sofa and fell onto it with a content sigh. He was out in seconds, completely forgetting to do his nightly prayers… even in his head.

Come morning he was awoken by the sound of a certain puppy pawing at Hanna’s door.

Probly has to pee.

Groaning, he pushed himself up onto his arms, then yawned and literally flopped over onto the floor.

“That… wasn’t the best idea.”

Getting himself up, Michael quickly but quietly ran to Hanna’s door and let the puppy out. It bolted to the kitchen and squatted, just barely hitting the newspaper in time.

“Good boy.”

He finished his business and Michael cleaned up the papers since he’d used them a lot, then cleaned the washcloth before putting it back down with a new bunch of papers. He thought that he’d want to go back to Hanna after he was finished, but he actually just sat down at his feet and whined.

“Ah. I know what you want.”

With a childish grin, Michael grabbed some slices of turkey from the fridge and sat down on the floor, letting Max jump into his lap before beginning to hand him small pieces of food.

“I need to get you some dog food. Church is going to get really upset if he finds out you’re eating our food.”

The puppy rolled over onto his back, making Michael roll his eyes as he fed him like a darn prince getting grapes from a servant.

“Your name really should be spoiled or cocky .”

He gave a quiet “Wuff” and yawned, making Michael do the same… minus the bark.

“….el.”

Hmm?

Michael looked up at the same time Max did, wondering what that sound had been.

“Michael…”

Ah, Church.

His mind flashed back to what he had said the previous night but he quickly pushed those thoughts aside as he nudged Max off his lap and stood. Surely Church had just been joking and heck, Michael would be surprised if he even remembered anything because of the state he’d been in. So, he got Max back into Hanna’s room and shut the door, then quietly slipped into Church’s.

He was on his back still, his chest rising and falling beneath the bandages he’d put on him the previous night. He walked over, ignoring the demon’s open eyes as he checked his forehead.

“Well, you don’t have a fever… I think. You demons seem to run hotter than us to begin with though.”

When he didn’t respond Michael reached for one of the binding knots and got it undone enough to peak beneath it.

Man, he’s healing really fast.

“Lift your back a little…”

He did as told without a word, allowing him to look at most of the other bullet wounds to see that they, too, have healed up, for the most part. Once he was satisfied he fastened the bandages back securely and stood up.

“You look good. Only one is still open a little and it looks like its closing up now. The rest are already beginning to scab over.”

When Church didn’t respond again Michael just sighed and stood up, glaring down at his eyes in the dark room. The sun hadn’t come up quite yet so it was a little hard to see. The only way he had managed to check his injury was because the moonlight coming in from his balcony gave him just enough light to look.

“Uh, well, since I’m up. What do you want for breakfast?”

Michael was suddenly on his back… and not on the floor. Church had his left hand on his chest, easily pinning him against his blankets as he slowly finished shifting his body around so that he could loom over him. His eyes began to glow in the darkness, making Michael’s stomach twist into knots.

“Ch-Church? Calm down. H-Hanna’s in the other room.”

He gave a sinister smirk, but instead of answering with words, Church just leaned down and licked from Michael’s collar bone to his jaw as he growled quietly the entire time.

“I am perfectly calm, little human. Just going to enjoy my breakfast.”

His hand moved from his chest but Michael didn’t dare try to get away until he knew what he was trying to do. When his hand returned to his skin it was skimming down his thigh, not stopping until it grasped his knee and slowly lifted it up. He moved his body south, nose nuzzling against Michael’s inner thigh before his tongue began running up towards his knee, over it, then down to his ankle.

Everything about the situation was completely wrong, but every time Michael tried to pray in his mind or tell him to stop, the thoughts just wouldn’t materialize. Instead, he moaned and felt his back arch, much to his own dismay, but Church’s obvious pleasure as his growls got louder. 

Why had I taken off my pants in the middle of the night? These boxers aren’t doing anything to slow him down.

“Roll over.”

His voice finally managed to scratch out a quiet reply.

“N-No.”

“Naughty priest. I don’t feel any heat coming from where I touch you. You want it,” Church’s voice hissed into his ear as he leaned over, making Michael’s body definitely heat up… but not in the way he needed it to. When he didn’t reply verbally or move, Church gave an annoyed growl and covered his mouth with his own. His lips moved against Michael’s, harsh and hungry. It was clear that he was trying to goad him into letting him do as he wanted. 

I can’t give my body up to another man. A demon. I’d lose my chance at ever getting back my priesthood. I’d be shunned from what my life revolves around.

It isn’t worth it.

Michael turned his head away and bit his lip, trying to pull himself out of his daze enough to fight him off… but then he was suddenly on his knees and Church had his hands locked onto his waist like vises.

“Ch-Church?”

A deep, bellowing growl answered him before he began pressing himself against the thin fabric of his boxers. There was no way Michael could forget that Church was naked. Especially not with a certain something nudging at him. He tried to form an actual sentence but each time his mouth opened to actually speak it just ended up as a moan, every time getting louder and louder as Church moved against him. When he picked up his pace Michael could feel the friction from him through his boxers, searing his skin with a need he desperately wanted to withhold. It was becoming harder and harder not to beg him to just remove the useless cloth separating them and let him have him, especially as his tongue began moving along his bare shoulder.

When had my shirt… been taken off? 

Michael looked around with hazy eyes, noting that said shirt was shredded everywhere around him. Oh well… it’s not important . His attention quickly refocused back onto what was and he was surprised to realize that Church was slowing down. He also began to lower his body back down onto his, forcing Michael to relax back onto the blankets. His muscles were working overtime against his naked back as he panted over his left shoulder, but he refused to stop his hips completely, giving a thrust every few moments. He was definitely still stiff, so Michael’s guess was just that his injuries were causing him to get tired faster than normal. Heck, he was panting himself, and he wasn’t even injured… and he had just basically held himself up while Church…

God! I need help!

In fact, he really did, because Church’s fingers were slipping beneath the slim waistband of his boxers and sliding them down.

“Such a perverted little priest,” Church chided as he leaned over, his face suddenly appearing in Michael’s blurred vision to lick at the tears clouding it. Everything about his expression as he did so showed pure dominance mixed with an unhealthy dose of smugness.

“I’m going to turn you into a slut for me.”

Why am I letting him do this? He doesn’t love. Demons don’t love. He is just going to use me for stress relief and heck, he’s probably going to laugh at me, too. He already sounds like he is with the comments he’s making.

“Nn, Chesh?”

The sound of Hanna’s voice had them both freezing instantly. Church hissed, but the second they heard the door-handle rattle he was off of Michael and pulling on a pair of boxers. Michael didn’t hesitate to grab a blanket and wrap himself up, keeping his back to the door since he knew his face looked extremely pained… because he was seriously hurting. He might not have done much physically, but he was hurting severely spiritually. He’d let himself almost do something terrible… and for what reason?

He heard Church walk over to the door and greet Hanna when he opened it, scooping up the kid and kissing his forehead.

“Hey Hanna, want me to get you some breakfast?”

“Yesh!”

He gave a deep chuckle and replied, “alright, let’s go make some pancakes.”

The door shut a moment later as Hanna laughed and the puppy barked with excitement… but all Michael could do was groan and hug one of Church’s pillows, burying his face in it. He shouldn’t be crying. He was a man and he had let it happen, but it hurt him so badly, in so many ways. Some of which, he didn’t even understand.

At What Price?

Dammit Hanna. I almost had him. Why did you have to come in at that time?

“Chesh? Is you upsed?”

Hearing Hanna’s quiet voice made him steel his emotions and fake a smile as he carried him into the kitchen. Setting him down on the counter, Church shook his head and got busy getting everything ready to make breakfast.

“No.”

Hanna pursed his little lips and kicked his feet in thought, but then ended up dropping the subject. 

Good.  

He wasn’t having the birds and bees conversation with a two year old… mainly because Michael and him can’t technically make any birds together… or bees.

“Can has lots of chogalate chips?”

“Sure. Here, hands.”

Hanna reached out his hands toward him after Church got the batter in the pan to begin cooking. He held open the bag and let him dig into it, grabbing two tiny fistfuls of chocolate chips before he nodded towards the pancake, because, of course, his hands were heading straight for his mouth.

“In the pancake, you,” Church chided, watching him pout, but do as told. When his hands were empty Church scooted him over towards the sink and turned on the water before grabbing a paper towel and wetting it.

“Hands again.”

Hanna offered him his hands and Church quickly wiped them off, then let him take the chocolaty paper towel before turning back to flip the pancake. That’s when he heard him gasp and begin to whimper.

When Church turned back around he noticed Michael tossing the paper towel in the trash, earning a glare.

“Really?”

He looked up at that, his face immediately changing from a warm tan to a hot cherry red.

Mmm, I like that.

“Yes. He doesn’t need to eat that.”

Church rolled his eyes but Michael just turned toward the entrance to the kitchen and bent over to pick up the puppy. And yes, Church was staring right at what had been going to be his only a few minutes earlier.

Again, dammit Hanna!

As soon as Hanna saw the puppy he squealed, making Church’s ears want to bleed. Knowing that he’d jump off the counter if he didn’t set him down soon, he quickly reached over and put him on the floor.

“Mats! Wants to pway wif Mats!”

His little hands were reaching up, grabbing the air as Michael grinned and leaned down to hand him the dog. The second he had the puppy in his arms Hanna was running out of the room, dragging the poor animal’s backside on the floor… though it didn’t seem to care much.

“I think you got a mentally challenged mutt,” Church grumbled at the preacher while turning to get the pancake on the plate and work on a new one. He could feel eyes on him in seconds, making his body come alive with lust. He really should know better after what had just happened.

Tempting a demon never ends well… for the temptress.

“Here, let me do that. You’re still recovering,” Michael said quietly. His voice trailed off as he inched his way closer, reaching for the handle of the pan. Church let him take it, only to duck behind him and wrap his arms around his waist. 

His skin wasn’t burning where it touched Michael’s so he didn’t hesitate to begin rubbing himself against his backside. It sucked that he was wearing boxers now, but they were at least his, which made it somewhat just as good.

It felt like both meanings of the word sinful . 

“S-stop.”

He was rubbing against him from behind but indirectly making him rub against the darn oven.

“Dammit, Church!” Michael hissed, hoping that Hanna was still in the other room and hadn’t heard him.

“Tsk. A cussing priest? So naughty…” Church whispered in his ear, making a shiver run down Michael’s body. He winced and ground his teeth together, feeling himself become stiff without meaning to. While he would normally be praying and hopefully getting his religion back enough to force him away, he decided to take an alternative route that might have a better affect.

Turning abruptly, he jerked his knee up and caught him right between the legs as his fist came up and sideways, punching his cheek, hard. He knew that it wouldn’t ground him for long but it still felt pretty darn good seeing him drop to the floor, holding his boys.

“I might have become misguided, but that doesn’t mean you can take advantage of me.”

Church growled in response as Michael turned and removed the now-burning pancake from the stovetop, then turned off the heat.

“Obviously, you’re feeling just fine with your gunshot wounds so I’m going down to the church to fix something I shouldn’t have messed up.”

While he was still seriously curious about how he’d gotten shot, he was much more interested in getting his holiness back. If he wasn’t pretty sure that he’d eat the dog if he took Hanna along, he would have offered to bring him. As it were, Michael stomped over to his suitcase by the sofa and pulled on a pair of black dress pants and a white shirt, then headed for the door.

“Bye!”

He decided to walk since he was limited on gas money until Church paid him… or fired him for kicking him between the legs. 

On hindsight, that probably wasn’t my best idea.

In other news, two demons were killed and a third shot last night during a planned police operation. There are several more scheduled throughout the month at unreleased times and dates in the hopes that the demon population will become aware that humans will not take their attacks lying down any longer.

There was a loud group surrounding him where he’d stopped in front of the large TV hung on the corner to promote the television shop behind it. Everyone was cheering, but he just didn’t feel it in him to copy them.

Church had been one of the ones shot last night. He got away, but the other two hadn’t.

He was tempted to call him but, he was already safe. His wounds had definitely healed enough for him to harass him with his libido, so he was just fine. Nodding his head, Michael walked down the street and up the steps of the church. One thing he noticed the second he stepped inside was an unusual pressure on his body. It felt like the room had its own atmosphere and it didn’t want him.

“Hey, Michael!”

Willem, one of the stand-in preachers and general workers, walked over to him with a huge smile on his face. His hand was out, offering it. Michael returned his gesture, or at least tried. The smile worked, but the second their hands met he felt a harsh burn in his fingers and yelped, jumping away as he shook his hand out to stop the pain. 

What in god’s name?

Willem’s face mirrored his for a moment… before it turned dark.

“Michael?”

His voice held disbelief and anger. Two things he didn’t usually see together.

“W-Willem, I-I…”

“You what? Worship the devil now!”

His shouting caught the attention of several people who had been conversing near the entrance to the main prayer hall. Michael hoped that they wouldn’t come over, but he knew a few of them, so their curiosity took over and brought them next to Willem.

“What is wrong, Willem?” Barry, one of the regular worshippers and volunteers, asked.

Willem sneered at him and stepped forward, making Michael automatically step back in fear of being burned again.

“He is no longer holy! Observe!”

Before he could think otherwise he was reaching out and catching the bible he all-but threw at him. The second the book touched his hands it burned like hell, forcing him to drop it with a loud hiss. The look on Barry’s face quickly morphed to match Willem’s, making his heart drop. 

“I-I didn’t turn him away! I still believe in him! I never wavered in my faith!” 

They looked at each other, then a few whispers were exchanged before Willem and Berry gestured him forward. He honestly thought that they’d just throw him out, but if there was even the slightest chance to stay, he would do anything they asked. They walked back into Willem’s office and he heard Berry shut the door behind him.

“You know what must be done, Michael.”

His brows furrowed in confusion… before he realized what they meant and a cold sweat broke out along his body. Willem already had the carved wooden cross in his hand and was walking back around to the front of his desk. Michael’s feet began stepping backward, but Berry grasped his shoulders, holding him still as heat pooled beneath the fabric where the man touched him.

“Michael… take your shirt off.”

With shaking hands he did as told, holding it tightly in his left hand while his body began to shiver in fear.

“Kneel.”

It wasn’t until around four in the afternoon that the front door finally opened and he could hear Michael walk in. Well, it sounded more like he was dragging himself…

Church looked over toward the small hallway after shoving the annoying puppy away for the hundredth time. When he saw him his eyes went wide, then he realized something else.

Smoke. He smells like he’s been burned.

“Michael?”

The man stopped when he said his name and looked up… only to fall a moment later. Being the idiot that he evidently was, Church reached out to grab him and burned the hell out of his hands.

The bastard had actually done it.

He wasn’t too surprised, but the burning sensation in his hands was much worse than the previous times. Before it had just been painful, but this time it felt like his hands were being seared off. Upon looking at them, he realized that they were actually damaged pretty badly.

“Damn priest.”

Being extremely careful not to touch bare skin, Church rolled him over and tore his shirt open.

“Holy shit.”

A dark purple and red burn, which must have been third degree, dug into his left upper chest. The perfect outline of a cross splayed over the previously smooth, soft skin just over his heart.

How. Dare. They.

To Hell With Me

Church didn’t bother holding back his demon as it took over his human body in one smooth change. Michael needed his burn treated badly, but he couldn’t even touch the dumbass!

“Ch-Chesh?”

Snapping his head to the side, he noticed Hanna peeking around the corner from the hallway, the puppy still under his arm, snoring.

That thing is just creepy.

Turning back to Michael, he snorted and gestured for Hanna to come to him with one of his clawed hands. He suppose they looked like a mix between paws and human hands, just black, shiny, and overextended. But either way, he couldn’t give completely human gestures with them. Thankfully, Hanna understood anyways, and hesitantly walked over, dragging the sleeping puppy with him.

Church gave a quiet bellow, which had Hanna reaching up to pet his nose. It was his way of reassuring him when he was upset, but this time it wasn’t going to work. Thinking for a moment, Church ran into the bathroom and slammed the medicine cabinet open. After knocking everything out with his huge claws, he found the tube of burn medication in the sink and grabbed it between his teeth, being extra careful not to accidentally bite into the tube.

When he walked back into the entrance to the living room the puppy was awake and evidently wanted to play, because it ran right up to him and tried to get the darn tube from his mouth.

I’m gonna eat you in a second, you smelly cotton ball. 

Church’s demon side growled in anticipation of a meal, but he quickly pushed it to the back of his mind as he shoved the barking fluff nugget off to the side with one clawed hand. With that nuisance out of the way for the moment, he leaned down and offered Hanna the small tube of cream. The boy took it in both hands and then worked on getting the lid off. It took him a minute and an encouraging cooing grumble before he finally got the cap loose enough to remove. 

When he looked back up Church nodded toward Michael, moving his claw just over his injury to indicate that that was where the medicine needed to go. Thankfully, Hanna was quick to pick up on things and moved the tube over Michael’s chest, upside down, then squeezed it. Michael winced and grunted from the pain, but didn’t say anything.

Once there was a decent amount on his burn Church rubbed the little boys chest gently with a claw, then nodded at the cream on Michael’s chest.

Hanna nodded, reaching down as he began to move the medicine around on the burn. That really got the priest howling, but Church urged Hanna to continue. He did as told, but he could tell that he was getting close to crying. Hanna always hated seeing the bruises and cuts Church came back with after his nights hunting, so he wasn’t surprised that he was struggling rubbing the scream on Michael’s burn.

He’ll be fine. He has his pathetic God back now. That’ll protect him. 

Scoffing, Church sauntered toward the front door and got the knob turned just enough to pull it open.

“Chesh? You goes?”

Looking back, he saw Hanna holding the tube between his two little hands again, squeezing it a bit too hard as cream flowed from the open top and onto the floor. Church nodded after a moment, making Hanna frown. There wasn’t much he could do about upsetting the boy, though. Hanna needed to stay with Michael and he needed to kill something… and he preferred it wasn’t while Hanna was around. 

Slipping out the door, he made sure it slid shut behind him before jumping over the railing and landing in the parking lot below. Several people saw him right away since the sun was just barely setting, but he couldn’t care less. They’d think that he’d come from the rooftop and had nothing to do with the apartments.

A young police officer in the vicinity pulled out a gun and aimed it at him, too, but he was already bounding up and over the walls and sprinting down the street, forcing humans to jump out of his way or get shoved to the ground. The officer tried to follow, but he could hear the man’s steps faltering as he sped up to an easy forty miles an hour. He was going to wear himself out quickly since he hadn’t eaten anything yet, but that was just fine with him.

The wounds in his side began to ache as he neared the church, making his determination grow. When he finally turned toward the building, he jumped and landed at the top of the stairs, right in front of the entrance. The heavy weight of the pathetic religion pressed against his body, warning him to leave. 

Not this time . 

It only took one person inside to see him and scream to make everyone else panic. 

Run you disgusting bastards. It’s too bad that I won’t let you get away. 

He charged inside, bellowing loudly just in case the other people in the damned building hadn’t realized he was there yet. 

“Be gone, Demon!”

Church’s head whipped to the left when he heard someone shout, spotting a man with a cross in his hand that looked suspiciously like the exact size and length of the one that had left its mark on his priest’s chest. 

Kill.

Roaring, Church lunged at the man, ignoring the cross he was wielding so that he could get in a solid bite to his shoulder. He growled louder as he felt the wooden cross press into the left side of his neck, but he wasn’t letting the asshole go until his body was limp between his fangs. He shook him like a mad dog even as he felt burns building along his back legs and up his spine. It felt as if someone was throwing holy water on him from behind.

When the man in his jaws stopped moving after a few more good shakes, he dropped his limp body to the floor and turned toward the others, noticing several priests with crosses and flasks of holy water slowly approaching. 

You are all disgusting hypocrites!

His thoughts came out as an angry bellow, but the group seemed to get the idea because several backed up, hesitant to get closer to the demon still standing after taking a cross to his neck and holy water to his back end. He knew that he was literally steaming from the water and needed to wash it off fast, but he just couldn’t leave that disgusting cross whole.

Looking around, he noticed a foldable plastic and metal table to his right and promptly walked over and slammed his claws into it. The force of the hit easily broke the thing, giving him a piece of metal from the leg that he could pick up easily between his teeth. 

When he got his weapon settled between his jaws he intended to use it to destroy the cross that had burned Michael and turned back towards the item… only to see a little boy that couldn’t have been older than four or five holding the holy wooden object to his chest.

Church stalked closer to him, being sure to make his movements slow and calculated. He knew now that they likely thought his intent was to attack the child. He met the boy’s stare after he’d stopped about a foot away from him.

Always children.

The sound of a gun being cocked made him turn abruptly toward the front entrance door. He barely had a second to react so his demon’s instincts took over, making him drop to the floor not a second before a bullet whizzed over his head. He knew that there was a second shot coming as soon as possible so he charged the man, knocking him down the stairs outside as the gun went off again. Pain flared in his left shoulder as he jumped to the roof of the church, gave off one more bellowing roar, then started heading back toward his apartment. He made sure to cross several different streets and go through backyards and parking lots to be sure that he was able to throw off the cops he heard coming, not wanting to take them back to Hanna or Michael.

When it seemed like they were all too far behind him to figure out where he was going to disappear to he jumped up onto his balcony and nudged the door open. His back and legs burned badly as he shifted back to his human form and slid the door closed. He thought that he would just have to take care of Michael and Hanna now after getting some burn medicine onto his own body, but then the familiar click of a gun sounded in his dark, quiet bedroom, making him heave a tired sigh.

“My friend just called…” Michael’s voice trailed off.

“To tell you that there had been a demon attack at the church,” Church finished for him as he remained facing his glass balcony door, knowing that Michael was goading him into admitting it anyways. 

“The demon who did it was burned badly on his legs and back…”

Say it. We both know what happened, so say it.

The light switched on and Church felt his muscles tense. Michael gasped quietly and took a step forward as Church watched his reflection in the glass.

“Why?”

Why?

Turning on him, Church bared his teeth and growled. Michael lifted his gun, the weapon shaking in his right hand.

“What!” Church snarled at him, as if he didn’t know. 

“Why did you do it, Church?” 

Michael’s shout had his blood boiling as he stepped forward again, then opened his mouth to yell back.

“Because, you dumb ass! I did it because…”

“Because…”

Church tensed his jaw and exhaled, not really sure what he was doing.

Why had I attacked that church? Killed that man?

“He’d had the cross.” 

He ended up mumbling the words quietly, though they didn’t really answer his question.

“Willem had it, didn’t he?” Michael asked, clearly wanting to keep him talking.

Church took a shaky breath and nodded, trying to figure out why he felt so confused over what he had just done. The other demons hadn’t pressured him into it. It had all been his own actions.

“He had it.”

“Why did you attack him, Church?”

Church felt his demon move his human body, bringing him to within a foot of the priest as he shouted, “I don’t fucking know!”

The gun pressed against his chest, hard, but he didn’t back away.

“I don’t, fucking, know,” he repeated, trying to stay on his feet as the pain from his burns grew stronger.

“You stormed off when I got home and killed someone who was holding the cross that had burned me.”

Church slowly nodded, not sure where Michael was going with his words.

“You got burned badly and could have been shot again… don’t you regret it?”

Church’s answer came without an ounce of hesitation. 

“No.”

“You don’t regret it. Yet you don’t know why you did it.”

Church nodded slowly, watching the other man as his mind worked.

“Would you do it again? If I came in with another burn. Would you do that again?” 

He knew it sounded stupid to say it, but he answered without a second thought. 

“Yes.” 

Michael’s eyes rose to meet his own, making his heart give a surprising jerk inside his chest.

“Church?”

Church blinked slowly and tilted his head in silent question.

“Do you love me?”

Say It

Love?

That word didn’t even have a definition to him.  He knew that it was at least related to affection and, being a demon, he didn’t understand the first thing about that. So how could he love anything? Let alone a damn preacher!

“I don’t even know what that means, you stupid priest,” he eventually growled, stomping past the man toward the living room. He knew that it was stupid to ignore a gun, but he was seriously hurting and needed to know that Hanna was okay since the priest was obviously fine.

“He’s in his room playing with Max. Leave him be,” Michael said as he quickly followed. Right before he got to Hanna’s door Church turned on the priest, baring his teeth.

“Don’t you dare tell me what to do!” he hissed, hoping that his voice was quiet enough so that Hanna hadn’t heard. 

“You’re burned to hell, Church! Don’t let him see you like this,” Michael replied back in a harsh whisper, obviously not wanting Hanna to hear, either. He did have a point, though.

“Come on, I’ll figure out some way to get the medicine on you.”

Michael turned and headed into the living-room and, reluctantly, Church followed. When he noticed Michael leaning down to grab the tube of medicine he’d previously had Hanna put on the man’s chest, he snatched it out of his hand. 

“I can do it myself.”

Just leaning down to grab the tube had his body screaming, but he wasn’t going to let him see that he was hurting. The cross burn on his neck wasn’t nearly as bad as the holy water dripping down his back and legs.

Wait a minute. I need to rinse this crap off before putting the medicine on.

Grumbling under his breath, Church stomped toward the bathroom, but lightened his steps when the reverberations began to shoot spikes of pain up his legs. It became so intense that he had to stop by the bathroom door and use its frame to hold his weight up for a few moments. 

“Fuck…”

Michael slipped past him at that moment and into the bathroom, being sure not to brush against his skin at all.

“Hang on a minute,” he said as he dropped to his knees and leaned over the bathtub, turning on the water, then the shower head. When it was flowing at full force Church began walking closer, using the sink to hold up some of his weight.

“Move,” he growled at Michael, not wanting to risk touching the priest and burning himself further. The man wisely jumped to the side and Church took that chance to stumble forward and into the bathtub. The second the cold water hit his damaged skin it made a loud hissing sound, as did he, himself, and began to billow with steam. His eyes squeezed shut tightly when he shifted on the floor of the shower and let more of his body get wet.

“Church….”

Church growled, tensing his shoulder-blades as he felt another wave of pain shoot through his back. It took at least five minutes before he was able to breath without it catching randomly from the burns.

Time to flip over.

The idea didn’t sit well with him, but if he didn’t get the holy water off it was only going to get worse.

Michael was ruining what he’d just suffered for. His whole body was still aching, especially around the burn mark on his chest, but seeing Church the way he was…

You shouldn’t want to help him. He killed your friend!

Clenching his fists, he suddenly realized that he’d put the gun down at some point. Not wanting Hanna to get it, he quickly ran out of the room and found it on the floor near where the medicine had been. He grabbed it and put the safety on, then put it on top of the fridge to decide what to do with it later. It will probably go back to his car, since that’s where he’d gotten it from after receiving the call about the attack. 

Shaking his head, Michael went back into the bathroom and shut the door right as Church slowly rolled over and muffled a scream into his arm on the shower floor. His chest constricted at the sound of it and his mind began to think of things that it shouldn’t even consider. When he gave another shout and the sound of sizzling echoed in the room nearly as loud as his voice Michael had to turn around and press his forehead against the door to keep from doing something he couldn’t. But….

My demon is hurting so badly.

Church’s breathing hitched and he shuddered a gasping cry. The sound repeated as he panted beneath the stream of water until the sizzling sound disappeared. 

Michael stared down his shaking hand to read the watch on his wrist.

Fifteen minutes. He’s been in terrible pain for fifteen minutes as his skin burned from the holy water being washed away.

Michael struggled to turn around, doing his best not to pay attention to the burnt smell in the air as he took hesitant steps back toward the tub. When he was finally able to see him again Michael’s breath caught in his throat. The back of his legs were almost completely burnt to the point where his skin was partially singed away, leaving dark red marks all the way down to his ankles. Looking back up towards his back, he saw that the marks traveled without much of a break up over his backside and halfway to his shoulder-blades.

“Ch-Church…”

Church whimpered into his arm again that was still folded beneath him so it stifled most of the sound. Michael turned and fished through his medicine cabinet above the sink to find two more tubes of new burn medication. 

Guess he is used to the basic burns. Thank god he has multiple tubes.

Grabbing those plus the half empty one, Michael dropped to his knees near the tub and looked over at Church’s face. Well, the part that wasn’t tucked into the crook of his arm.

“Church.”

He tilted his head ever-so-slightly, just enough to look up at him with one eye.

“Say it please, Church. Just say it.”

Confusion mixed in with his already-pained expression, telling him that he didn’t understand.

“Church, I asked you a question earlier…”

He gave a quiet growl and tilted his head back into the bend of his arm.

“Please, Church. Just say it. Even if you don’t understand, please?”

He had no idea why he was pleading with a demon. Let alone one that had just killed one of his friends, or former friends, but he just couldn’t leave him alone with all of the pain he was dealing with. 

When a moment of silence had passed, Michael leaned over and hesitantly reached for Church’s arm, the one that he wasn’t leaning on. He could feel a faint amount of heat in his fingertips as they got closer.

“Say it, please…”

He was quiet for another minute before Michael saw him look up at him again. His previously strong demeanor was completely crumbled beneath the pain of the burns all over him.

He must have been trying to hide it when he first got home.

He didn’t want to say it because he didn’t understand it at all. Nothing about that word meant anything to him.

But my priest is asking me to…

Gritting his teeth together as another surge of pain ran from his heels to his lower back, he sighed out a shaky breath and let his eye open again to see Michael’s hand close to his arm. He asked him again to say it, and Church let his resolve to disobey dissolve. He was already hurting enough, if Michael wanted him to say some stupid sentence, fine. 

He took a deep breath, wincing from the pain the action sent through his body. Managing to keep that breath, though, he carefully let out a small portion of the air over time so that he could speak. 

“I… love y…. you.” 

The second those words left his mouth Church heard Michael turn the shower off and then felt the familiar chill of burn cream being squirted along his back. Not a second later, Michael’s hands gently began spreading large amounts of it around the area. 

God damn that feels good. 

He closed his eyes and just let himself finally begin to relax as the cream dimmed the pain everywhere it touched. It wasn’t gone for good, but it was getting much more tolerable as Michael smoothed a large handful over his backside. If he hadn’t been hurting so badly he might have poked fun at him for touching him there, but right then, he was just happy he was being helped. 

“Feeling better?” he asked as he emptied the tube and tossed it somewhere behind him, judging from the sound of a light thump, then he unscrewed a new tube and squeezed a healthy amount over both of his legs. He did the right one first, making sure to get around the sides before moving to the left one. Church had a feeling the whole back portion of his body was white with the cream, but it felt so amazing that he wanted to go swimming in a pool of it. 

“There we go. Took a tube and a half of cream but that should do for tonight.” 

Church waited for the medicine to really sink in and the excess water on himself to dry before pushing himself up onto his hands and knees. 

“You can… touch me.” 

Turning his head to the side slowly, he noticed Michael chewing his lip worriedly. 

“Yeah…” Michael replied, obviously not wanting to elaborate.

“Can you help me to bed?”

He nodded right away and backed up a bit. Church gave a pained smile and pushed himself up using the edge of the tub. Michael moved closer to help him step out of it without slipping or losing his balance, which was definitely appreciated. Church had to put a good amount of his weight on the guy, but he handled it well and got him into bed without too many stops. He made sure he was settled in and comfortable before finally taking a step back. 

“What would you like for dinner? I was going to make Hanna grilled cheese, but I can make something different for you if you’d like.”

Church was already drifting off, so instead of requesting something he really didn’t feel like eating, he just told him what he knew Hanna would want with his sandwich before passing out.

“Tomato… soup.”

I can’t believe what just happened. 

Michael mentally chastised himself as he got busy cooking dinner for Hanna. The boy was in the entrance to the kitchen, helping Max eat a small piece of steak he’d heated up for him.

Thankfully, the meal was quick to prepare and by the time Michael had the sandwiches done the soup was nice and hot. Sure, he’d cheated and used a canned variety, but at least it didn’t have a ton of salt or extra useless ingredients.

“Ready for dinner, Hanna?”

The boy hopped up and walked over to the sink, making Michael smile and move behind him.

“Alright, let’s wash our hands.”

He lifted him up and let him clean his hands, then handed him a paper towel to dry them off. Of course the boy wanted to keep and eat the towel, but Michael had seen that coming. Grabbing Hanna’s meal, he knelt down and grinned. 

“Hey Hanna? Wanna trade? Yummy grilled cheese and some tomato soup, for that little paper towel?” 

The boy’s eyes widened and he quickly tossed the paper towel and headed for the table. Michael followed him, helping him into his chair and setting his food on the table so that he could start eating.

“Will you be a good boy while I go check on Church? He was really tired.”

Hanna already had a spoonful of soup in his mouth so he just nodded, drooling a bit of it onto his shirt. Mentally thanking… someone who wasn’t god that Church had a washer and dryer, Michael went over to his room and quietly opened the door a tiny bit. The guy was snoring, loudly. He could hear his demon in the sound, too, growling with each exhale.

He must really be out cold.

Deciding not to bother him, he quietly closed the door and leaned his back against it for a moment. His mind wandered back to what Church had said earlier. He knew that he hadn’t understood it, but that wasn’t his fault. Either way, it had been exactly what was needed to fix the stupid mistake Michael made beforehand. Sighing, he let his lips quirk up into a faint smile, then headed back to the dining room. 

He has no idea what love actually is. 

I guess I have some teaching to do.

When Your Heart Hurts

“Chesh?”

Hearing Hanna’s worried voice made Church want to get up, but dammit all if he wasn’t hurting like hell. After a few tries he sighed and turned his aching head toward the door and forced his eyes to open.

“Hey there, little monkey.”

Hanna smiled, making Church’s chest twitch from something he had begun feeling ever since he’d taken him home that night months ago. It didn’t hurt, per-say, but it was… uncomfortable.

“Come say hi to Chesh?” he whispered before closing his eyes for a big yawn. When he opened them back up there was a chubby puppy being pushed up onto his bed by its bum, and it already looked half asleep, per usual.

“I don’t want that fluffy poo-bag up here, Hanna.”

The little boy pursed his lips and began pouting.

Every time. 

“ Fine, but if it pees up here you’re doing the laundry,“ Church groaned, scooting over slowly so that Hanna could finish shoving the annoying thing onto his bed. He obviously had no idea what laundry was, but it made Church feel better saying it, at least. 

Hanna quickly climbed up once the dog was shoved against Church’s left shoulder. He snuggled against him, using the puppy as a makeshift pillow, then lifted his big bright eyes up to meet his.

“Chesh is okay? Righ’?” he mumbled as he tried to hug him. Church winced, but thankfully Hanna didn’t catch it. 

“Just a little hurt, Hanna. I’ll be better soon.” 

Giving the boy a small smile, Church gently tugged him into his lap after scooting up a bit against the pillows. It took a minute since he needed to be sure that the blanket didn’t slip and show off his newly acquired burns, but he quickly realized there was one he had forgotten to hide when Hanna gasped.

Soft, tiny fingers ran over the cross along his neck and then the sound of sniffling quickly followed.

“I’m fine, Hanna.”

“Chesh is hurted!”

The kid started crying immediately, making Church wince. 

“Michael!” Church shouted toward the door, praying that he was there. Thankfully, it opened a moment later. Michael frowned when he saw Hanna bawling against him.

“How do I stop it?” Church pleaded, not used to crying. The kid pouted like no other, but tears were rare and unwanted. 

Michael’s brows rose, then he grinned, making Church want to growl.

“What?” he hissed quietly, glaring daggers at the priest as he walked over and leaned down. Since it looked like he wanted to whisper something to him, Church tilted his head and leaned closer.

“Wrap your arms around him in a hug, then rub your hand over his back gently and whisper that you’ll be okay and that he doesn’t have to worry.”

Why the hell would that matter to a kid who hardly understands anything yet? 

Michael leaned back and grinned, making Church sigh and look down at Hanna.

This isn’t going to work… I already told him that I would be fine but he ignored me. 

After rolling his eyes, Church let his arms awkwardly wrap around Hanna’s little body, left hand rubbing up and down his back soothingly as he whispered into his hair. 

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry. Chesh is strong, right Hanna?” 

 He gave a shaky nod and finally quieted enough to allow Church’s headache a chance to calm a little.

“There we go. Can you be a good boy and help Michael around the apartment while I’m resting?”

Hanna looked up at him, chewing his bottom lip. Church glanced up at Michael, honestly wanting to hide beneath the blanket. He usually just told Hanna to go to his room until he was feeling better, but that seemed inappropriate now. 

Noticing movement near his side, he reached over and grabbed the dog.

I hate dogs.

“Hey Hanna, Max needs you to take care of him while Chesh gets better.”

He held the chubby dog up as he spoke, holding its front paws above its head as it gave Hanna a blank stare. The boy didn’t seem to mind the dog’s lack of caring, because he quickly scooted off of Church’s chest and wrapped Max in a strong hug, nuzzling the fuzzball with a sad smile.

“I take cawe of Mats while Chesh get better.”

Giving him a tired smile, Church gave his head a pat.

“Thank you, Hanna. That will help me get better much faster.”

His teary face lit up like the sun, evidently happy that he was able to actually help him get better… even though he technically wasn’t.

Realizing that Church was probably at his kindness limit, Michael quickly scooped Hanna off of the bed with Max and set them both on the floor.

“Can you go play in the living room with Max for a little bit, Hanna? I’ll take care of Church for awhile.”

He seemed hesitant at first, but after he offered him a reassuring smile, he gave a small nod and tugged Max into the hallway. Michael followed him so that he could quietly shut the door. He knew that Church could hear them if anything seemed off, so he turned around and faced the demon watching him with an unusual weariness in his dark eyes.

“You must really be feeling bad,” he noted as he walked over, pulling a tube of burn medicine from his pocket. Church sighed at the sight of it and relaxed back against the bed as Michael pulled the blanket aside in order to start rubbing it along his burnt legs. Church just grumbled in response as Michael continued working his way up toward his torso. The medicine was cold, but judging from the content expression on Church’s face, it probably felt really good.

“How do you do that so often?”

Michael’s eyes rose to his questioningly as he worked the medicine over his thighs. 

“What?”

“Be nice. It hurts.”

He couldn’t stop the laugh that snuck out of his mouth at that comment. 

“Really? How so?”

Church rolled his eyes and shrugged, then winced from the movement.

“My heart. It hurt when I tried to comfort Hanna. I don’t like it.”

Michael’s hands paused on his torso, the muscles taught beneath his fingers as he leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to the part he hadn’t rubbed medicine on yet, then whispered against his skin, “oh?” 

 Church growled quietly and tried to sit up, but his body was having none of it.

“You’re only doing that because I can’t do you right n—” a deep breath cut his sentence in half before he finished, “…naughty priest.”

Michael shook his head and sighed as he  continued rubbing the medicine up along Church’s chest, though he didn’t get too badly burned there.

“There is a difference, Church. Flip over.”

He knew he wouldn’t want to move because of the pain, but he sucked it up and did as told, though he waited a minute for the medicine to dry a little before finally moving onto his belly. Once he was settled again Michael started at his shoulders and began to work his way down, being gentler since the back of his legs and torso took most of the damage.

“Difference? Between me having sex with you and what?” Church sneered into his pillow. Rolling his eyes. Michael wanted to push on one of Church’s bad burns, but knew that it wouldn’t help either of them. Heck, it would probably just make him get pissed.

“There’s a difference between sex and love,” he eventually mumbled, trying his best to push away the demons of his religion that were telling him to go back to the church and fix his horrible mistake. 

When he didn’t even get a response from Church his heart sank and he bit his lower lip, hard. He knew that it wasn’t going to be easy explaining to a demon who had no experience in the emotion, but Church was really making it hard to even try.

“I love you, Church. Does that mean nothing to you? Even though you don’t know how to return the feelings yet?”

He sat down on his heels next to the bed and watched as Church slowly tried to turn his head on the pillow and look at him. His hair was a complete messy mop of black and there were dark circles beneath his eyes, telling him that he had likely not slept much during the night.

“Hanna loves you, too. I know he means something to you because your heart hurt when he was upset. Church, that’s how it’s supposed to be. It means you care about something besides yourself and want to protect it.”

His eyes blinked closed, reopening after a long moment of silence.

“Then how come I don’t feel that with you?”

Michael’s mouth felt dry immediately and he had to bite his tongue to keep the tears from coming to the surface.

“I… don’t know,” he whispered, breaking eye contact and looking down at his shaking hands on his knees. It was depressingly quiet in the room for several long minutes before he felt a faint brush against his bangs and looked up to see Church’s fingers. He scooted a little closer and put his forehead on the edge of the bed, making it much easier for Church to reach. His fingers slowly wound through his short hair, soothing some of the stress he was carrying on his shoulders.

“That’s what you want from me? You want me to feel that pain in my heart with you?”

Michael slowly nodded before reaching up and grabbing his wrist gently, effectively stopping his fingers’ exploration of his hair as he nuzzled against his palm.

“Yes. I want that. If something happens to me, I want that feeling to find its way into your heart.”

Church gave a deep chuckle and moved his hand so that it was resting against his cheek, thumb rubbing slowly along Michael’s jawline.

“And I suppose that once I have that feeling , you’ll let me bed you as much as I please?”

Michael could hear the sarcasm dripping from his voice, but swallowed his unease and nodded, making Church’s eyes widen in surprise, mouth slightly open.

“If you feel that way. If you feel the same as I do when I think something might happen to you, then yes, Church. I’ll sleep with you.”

He could see the man’s inner demon watching through his eyes, trying to pull him back into his former way of thinking just like his own had. He could do it if he wanted. He could just go find someone and mate, then leave… but he didn’t seem to want that. 

Standing up, Michael licked his dry lips and gave him a small smile.

“I’ll leave you to your thoughts. Get some rest, Church.” 

“Why would I work to get that bad feeling when I could just go screw someone else with no strings or pain?”

He hadn’t expected a response, but when Church spoke, Michael stopped by the door and looked over his shoulder at him. 

 “You can do that, Church. I won’t stop you. But, if you want me, as much as I want you, then I think you’ll find out that the pain is worth it.”

Church eyed him suspiciously, but he could see nervousness and confusion there as well, making him smile inwardly.

“Get some rest. I’ll look after Hanna until you’re feeling better.”

With that, Michael quietly slipped out the door, closing it with a near-silent click behind himself.

You’ll Think Of Me

I thought he’d change.

His thoughts swam in circles in his mind as he worked on getting the laundry loaded. It had been four days, and Church was somewhat mobile. He was currently lounging in the living room with Hanna watching television. He had it turned to the news, likely wondering if anything else had happened with the demon-trapping groups. From what he had been able to hear as he retrieved their laundry, the groups were trying to continue their attacks but the demons weren’t falling for them very easily. They’d only managed to kill two instead of the multitude they’d said they would get, and they’d also lost two officers in the process, making the score even.

“Hey, I’m going out. Can you watch Hanna?”

Michael lifted his head from where he knelt in front of the washer to look up at Church.

“Oh… yeah, sure. Where are you going?” 

He didn’t mean to actually ask that last part, and from the look on Church’s face that he couldn’t hide fast enough to keep him from seeing, Michael had a feeling he knew where he was going. Not that he could blame him, but it hurt. A lot. he’d been trying so hard to get him to like him. To at least try things out between them and go on a date or something soon, but every time he’d tried to explain something Church would back out when details got too real. 

He’s afraid of commitment and he doesn’t seem to understand it, either.

“Never mind, go ahead. I’ll watch Hanna.”

He left with a quiet growl and moments later Michael heard the front door slam shut. Grumbling under his breath, he swallowed the rising pain in his chest and shut the washer door, then started it before walking out into the living room where Hanna sat with Max in his lap, a rope toy dangling in the dog’s mouth.

We aren’t an item. Don’t get yourself hurt by clinging to him so much. 

“Hey there, Hanna. Wanna play?”

They hadn’t had much time to play with all the time he’d devoted to taking care of their basic needs like shopping for food, more medicine, and just taking care of Church in general, so he figured that now was as good a time as any. Giving Hanna a grin, he dropped to his knees and gently tugged at the toy in Max’s mouth. The pup mirrored his action and growled quietly, waking up from his usual stupor of sleep to try and claim his toy back. Soon-enough Hanna was joining it, helping Max pull against him as they both growled and moved like dogs on the carpet.

Of course he let them have the toy, though he also made sure to wear them out over the hour that they played. When they were both on their backs, panting up at the ceiling, he chuckled and stood up. 

“Alright, dinner sound good?” 

Max barked… as did Hanna, before they both got up and headed for the kitchen. Michael grinned and shook his head when Hanna ran like a dog on all fours, but he didn’t bother reprimanding him for it, he was a kid, after all. 

“Alright. Michael is gonna cheat for dinner so let’s see what we’ve got…” 

Michael peered into the fridge and grinned when he saw peanut butter and jelly on the door. Plucking the jars out, he found some bread and got busy making a sandwich for Hanna, adding a sliced banana between the two pieces of covered bread. 

“Here you go, kiddo. Eat at the table, okay?” he said as he handed him the plate with his sandwich on it. He smiled and nodded, running off to eat while he got Max’s bowl filled with some kibble he’d bought while out grocery shopping. He was sure he would have appreciated the steak and what not that he had been getting but he didn’t want to have to keep going up against Church about him not eating their good food. So, he just bought him good dog food with the debit card Church had given him.

After Michael had Max fed he found his way to the sofa and dropped down onto it, sighing out a breath and leaning back so that he could close his eyes for a few minutes. When he felt something tug at his left hand he sat up groggily, blinking to clear his vision.

Oh, Hanna…

“Hey there, you done with your sandwich?”

The boy gave him a little yawn, making Michael glance over at the clock beneath the television.

Oh crap! It’s already ten?

“Oh man, sorry Hanna. I fell asleep. Want me to tuck you in before bed?”

He smiled sleepily and tugged on his hand, nodding.

“Alright, did you already brush your teeth and go potty?” he asked as he stood and began walking him back to his bedroom. He nodded again, then followed it up with another yawn.

“Good boy.”

They stopped by his bed and Michael helped him get his shirt and shorts off, then tug on a soft white night shirt before helping him into bed and kissing his forehead.

“Sleep well, Hanna. If you need anything, just call me, okay?”

Michael watched him give a faint nod before completely passing out.

Cutie.

Turning, Michael headed for the living room and dropped back down onto the sofa, ignoring his growling stomach. He watched the television for a few minutes but he wasn’t really digesting anything that actually being said, so when Max hopped up onto his lap he was all-to-happy to give him some attention.

“Hey there, you. You’re getting big fast, chubby boy.”

He smiled and poked the dog’s belly when it rolled over, then began rubbing it as he tried to focus back on the news. The time flew by as he zoned in and out, waiting for Church to come home… though he wasn’t sure why. He slept on the sofa so it didn’t really matter. He was even extremely quiet when he came back, so he usually didn’t wake him up or anything.

So then why are you waiting? You know where he went. What he went to do.

“Shut up,” he growled to himself as he grabbed fistfuls of his own hair and pulled. He just needed to go to sleep. It was stupid to stay up and wait when it was already… he looked at the clock again and sighed.

“One A.M.”

Shaking the weight of sleep from his head, Michael set Max on the floor and got up, then headed to the fridge to get a cold glass of water, but he knew he was just procrastinating going to sleep.

Stepping inside his dark apartment, Church could tell that Michael had already put Hanna to bed and gone to sleep as well. Good, he didn’t want to have to deal with him tonight… he couldn’t. He turned and got the door locked, then made his way through the dining room and went into the hall, then to his own room, his eyes easily allowing him to see in the darkness. He hadn’t intended to stay out so late that he missed putting Hanna to bed, but after not having sex in so long he just couldn’t hold himself back.

No strings… just the way I like it.

He probably should take a shower, but he was seriously exhausted.

Tomorrow. I’ll just take one in the morning.

With that settled he sauntered into his room and stripped off his clothing, then began pulling his comforter back so that he could get some much-needed sleep. That was about the time he noticed messy strands of blond hair splayed out over his pillow, just-barely hidden beneath his blanket. Carefully, he moved it farther back and immediately had his breath catch in his throat.

Michael.

At first, he wondered why he was sleeping in his bed when he new what he wanted to do to him… and then he remembered their stupid talk four days ago.

He loves you.

Grinding his teeth together, Church stifled a growl and pulled the blanket back up over him before squatting down and dragging his fingers roughly through his hair.

He loves you… and you’re covered in sweat from having sex with two other people.

His right hand suddenly jerked to his chest, making him gasp and shudder.

Hurts!

“Church?”

A sleepy voice from above had him forcing himself to look up at a worried Michael.

Don’t look at me like that.

“Are you okay? You look like you’re hurting.”

He slipped out of bed and down to his knees, then wrapped him in a careful hug, being sure not to squeeze too hard because of his still-healing burns.

Don’t touch me, I’m dirty.

Church growled out a warning but Michael just took a deep breath against his neck… then froze. Silence hung in the air, thick and heavy as they waited for each other to react. He knew that he smelled the scent of sex on him, so why wasn’t he storming off angrily? He knew that he’d be pissed to hell if Michael went out and slept with someone else, then came back an—

Wait.

What?

His heart gave a sudden jerk at what he’d just thought.

I’d get mad.

I would get mad if he did that.

I just did that.

“Are you feeling better?” Michael whispered, his voice almost too quiet to hear. 

Hurts.

Church couldn’t find any other word to answer but “Yes,” but he had a feeling that that had been the wrong word, because he soon heard Michael give a quiet sniffle as he rested his chin on his shoulder.

Chest hurts so bad. 

Feeling warm droplets fall onto his shoulder just made the pain grow worse, nearly stealing what little breath he was managing to get in through his clenched teeth. He knew what he had done was hurting him since he was obviously crying, but then why wasn’t he leaving? He didn’t have to stay. Love wasn’t so strong to stay by someone who stepped on your…

Heart.

His demon slipped a pained whine through his lips, then shook his head hard from side to side before forcing his face against Michael’s warm neck. It took a deep breath before relinquishing control back to him in confusion. Neither of them knew what the hell they were doing.

“Michael?” he rasped out as his left hand began to rub against his back, just like he had told him to do with Hanna. He then leaned back just enough so that he could press his lips to his messy blond hair and whisper.

“I’m sorry.” 

When he didn’t get a response back after a few minutes Church leaned away a little and realized that Michael had fallen asleep, his right cheek resting against his left shoulder, mouth slightly open. His eyes were closed and rimmed red and black from crying and lack of sleep.

Both my fault.

Heaving a pained sigh, Church gently got him into his arms and set him back down against his sheets, being sure that he looked comfortable before straightening back up and just… staring. He had no idea how he could sleep so peacefully after he’d just torn him apart. Shaking his head, Church turned and forced himself to walk to the bathroom and shower, though he didn’t really remember doing it. All he knew was that when he came back and slipped into bed, that his hair was wet and he desperately needed Michael in his arms,  the two previous faces  he’d shared a bed with were already forgotten over the haze of guilt and exhaustion clouding his mind.

I need to figure this out. I don’t want to hurt like this again… but I don’t want to come home and not see him, either. I don’t want him to feel this way and want to go somewhere else, with someone else. 

It took Church less than a minute to fall asleep, determined to figure out his thoughts in the coming morning. Until then, he let his mind turn to darkness as he nuzzled his face against Michael’s soft hair.

I Don’t Think So

(Racquetball likes to eat Cheese. Cheese is not as thrilled.)

So warm…

Something shifted against his back, getting closer even though it felt like they couldn’t technically do that. Then it nuzzled against his neck and pressed a soft kiss there, making Michael’s eyes jerk open. He could see that he was in Church’s room right away considering the nightstand with his alarm clock was only a few inches from his nose… but there was also the smell.

His smell. It was everywhere, surrounding him like the blanket snug around his shoulders.

Oh, right. I fell asleep in his bed.

Without really thinking any further into his situation, Michael sat up… or at least tried to. A firm arm around his chest stopped him with ease, making him flop his head back down onto the soft pillow. He knew now that Church was definitely behind him, holding him. He also began remembering last night, too, and that string of thoughts had his heart sinking into his stomach.

“Let me go,” he rasped out, suddenly feeling exhausted all over again. He didn’t want him snuggling him after sleeping with someone else last night.

“No.”

Church’s reply made him tense up. He better not be thinking that just because I was in his bed when he got home, that I want to screw him after what he’d done.  He’d fell asleep by mistake there, then when he’d woken he’d felt like crap, then passed out again.

“Let me go. Now, Church.”

Michael let his words end in a growl, warning him that he wasn’t going to be playing any games.

“No, it hurts,” he replied, making his eyebrows furrow in confusion. After a bit of maneuvering, Michael managed to roll himself over so that they were chest to chest. He silently noted that Church was lacking a shirt, but pushed that to the back of his mind when their eyes met.

“What?” Michael asked, his voice barely a whisper in the quiet room. Church seemed to fidget against him for a moment but he could tell that he was actually thinking through what he was wanting to say before he said it. 

Surprisingly.

“I… It hurt. I did something really stupid last night. I th—”

Michael knew what he was going to say before he cut himself off.

I think.

Biting back his reply to that, since Church had managed to not actually say what he didn’t want to hear, Michael sighed out a stressed breath and licked his dry lips. He had glanced down to try and calm his mind, but when he looked back up, he could see exactly what Church had planned in his eyes, not a moment before he leaned in to try and kiss him.

Not gonna happen, buddy.

Michael bit his nose, just hard enough to make him yelp a growl of surprise and stop trying to kiss him.

“What was that for?” he questioned, reaching up from beneath the blanket to rub his nose. It didn’t really help Michael’s resolve that Church’s hand skimmed along his thigh, then up to his torso and shoulder before finally getting to his nose.

“I’m not kissing you, Church.”

His lips turned into a frustrated frown before he suddenly pulled Michael against his chest again and nibbled at his neck.

“I can make you kiss me…” he grumbled with his normal cocky attitude. Michael honestly expected him to try and do just that, but then he was suddenly wincing and curling up against him, his breath coming in pants.

“Wh-What the hell… is wrong?”

When Church started shaking Michael sat up quickly, shoving the blanket back so that he could get a look at him. All Church did when he removed the blanket was curl up tighter, so Michael shoved him onto his back after a few failed attempts, then ran his hands over his torso to try and get a response. When Church didn’t do anything Michael moved his hands up higher, only getting a response when his palm pressed over Church’s heart.

How cliché.

Shaking his head, Michael leaned over and pressed his lips against Church’s while leaving his palm over his heart. They stayed that way until he felt the demon’s body relax again. When he finally pulled away Michael could see the stress in Church’s eyes along with a good amount of weariness.

“Church?”

He looked uneasy, but what he did next was pretty damn shocking.

“Are you… crying?”

He immediately shifted to his demon form, trying to dig under the thick blanket but only managing to get his front half beneath it because of his size.

“Awwww, who’s an embarrassed demon?” Michael cooed, knowing that he deserved to get a claw to the face for mocking him when he was in his more-dangerous form, but not caring. This time, however, he had a feeling he wasn’t going to get aggressive. In fact…

“Come here, you.”

His demon peaked out from under the blanket, though its backside was still visible along with its over-long back legs. When he didn’t move Michael patted his leg, then opened his arms. After another moment of hesitation the demon scrambled into his lap, then rolled over.

You’ve gotta be kidding me.

Rolling his eyes, Michael grinned down at it and began rubbing its belly. It was a pretty humorous sight considering that his belly stretched over both sides of Michael’s legs as he sat Indian-style.

“I think I like you more than your human version. You should just stay out from now on.”

It gave a quiet bellow of contentment, but right as Michael got into giving him attention he suddenly shifted back to its human form… and that’s when he noticed that it hadn’t been wearing any boxers, either. His face heated up looking down at a very naked Church in his lap… and judging from the smirk on his face he could easily tell, even in the dark room. Michael thought he was going to poke fun at him, but after a minute of staring at each other Church got up and out of bed, slipped on some boxers and headed for the door.

“Hanna’s awake,” was the only thing he said before stepping out and into the hallway.

He had no idea what he had just been doing. One second he was trying to figure out what was going through his mind and the next his demon was in control and sucking up to the priest!

Michael,  his mind reminded him as he sauntered into Hanna’s room. The boy was rubbing at his eyes, silently telling him that he was trying to erase the evidence of a nightmare. Instead of just telling him to go the bathroom to get ready to go to the office, since he’d already missed so many days of work, Church carried him into it himself and got the water running in the tub. 

Michael came up behind him after the water began filling the bathtub. He noticed when he turned around on his knees to help Hanna with taking off his clothing, that Michael had already done it and was now staring down at Church with a raised eyebrow. 

“What are you looking at, priest?” he grumbled as he lifted Hanna into the tub. Michael appeared beside him and grabbed a wash cloth, lathering it up with soap before replying.

“I think we can both understand that I’m no longer a priest.”

Church smirked at that and licked his lips, earning a nudge to his side before Michael leaned over and began washing Hanna. The guy was much gentler than he normally was and was taking a lot longer, but Hanna seemed to be really enjoying his bath for once.

He must have been zoning out, because suddenly there was a wash cloth slapping against the side of his face.

Michael burst into laughter as Church stared at him in utter shock.

He did not just smack me with a dirty wash cloth!

When Church sent Michael a glare, he suddenly stopped laughing and jumped to his feet to run.

Not fast enough, you naughty priest!

Church grabbed him around the waist and promptly lifted him over his head and then dropped him right into the hot bath, clothes and all.

Michael yelped splashed around in the water before managing to get his balance on the slippery bottom. He was glaring at him a second later, but Church just couldn’t help snickering at the fact that he looked like a soggy do—

Why does my leg feel wet all of a sudden?

Looking over his shoulder, Church’s eyes widened when they fell upon Max… who had a leg just setting back down on the floor.

“Oh you little shit!”

He was just about to skin the blasphemous cotton ball when arms suddenly hooked beneath his own and yanked him backwards… into the tub. It took him a minute to move around enough to be comfortable but not squish Hanna. There was honestly almost no room, so he just decided to sit in Michael’s lap, whether he wanted him to or not. He thought that he could just get Hanna washed now that everyone was in the tub, but of course there had to be a certain cotton ball crashing the party as it flopped into the water with a grunt, face-first.

“Your fuzzy backside is gonna clog the drain,” Church said, glaring at the puppy that he swore grew ten pounds overnight.

“Mats!”

The sudden shout had him looking over just in time to see Hanna snuggling with the puppy, a stupid smile on his face.

“I swear I pick up doofus, after idiot, after dork,” Church grumbled, shaking his head as he felt arms slowly wrap around his waist.

A Means to an End

Feeling those gentle arms go around his waist just made him want to ravage the damn priest, not have a bath with a child. Fuming to himself, Church quickly got Hanna washed, then carefully lifted him from the tub and dried him off.

“Go get dressed and then come show Chesh, okay?” he said, giving Hanna a little nudge towards the door. The boy gave him a big smile and nodded, running out of the room butt naked. Church was just about to shake his head when a very soggy dog jumped out of the bath and stumbled after him, soaking the floor on its way.

I swear that dog is just a pooping mop.

While he had intended to scream at it to get its overly-fuzzy ass back there so that he could at least dry it off, there was something much more pressing hugging him right then that needed an extra dose of unholy affection…

Whirling around using the slickness of the water to easily move in his arms, Church pinned Michael against the small side of the tub and leaned down to claim those delicious-tasting lips. Michael was surprised, of course, but he really shouldn’t have been. He was his priest, after all. Even if Church was playing nice, he was still going to be naughty. Michael tried to fight him halfheartedly at first, but he wasn’t letting him get even close to getting free. He was getting his minute of time with his priest’s mouth!

“Chesh weady!”

The sudden shout from Hanna had Church finally backing off, allowing Michael to get a darn breath in before he passed out. It wasn’t that he was adverse to kissing him, but he did need air. Inwardly groaning, Michael let his body relax against the bathtub wall and slide down a little… which only gave him an amazing view when Church suddenly stood up.

Hot… damn.

He almost thought to apologize to god for cursing, but the throbbing burn on his chest froze the words on his tongue. If he cared so greatly for someone, he wouldn’t have caused such injuries with his holy items. After he thought that he allowed his eyes to trail over Church’s body, noting the burns over a good portion of it.

He may be a demon, but no one deserves that much pain.

“Enjoying the view, Michael?”

Michael’s heart jolted hearing his name on Church’s lips, making him snap out of his thoughts with a bright red blush. With a weak, cocky grin, he gave a shrug and licked his lower lip. 

“Yeah.” 

Church’s entire demeanor changed and a certain item between his legs began waking up disturbingly fast.

“Chesh, lookit! I dids it!” 

Hanna’s shout from right in front of the door forced Church’s attention in that direction, giving Michael the opportunity he needed to turn a bright cherry red and look away from him… though it was pretty hard to manage. 

“Good job, Hanna. Let’s go get you some breakfast before we head to the office.”

Hearing Church climb out of the water to wrap a towel around his waist and follow Hanna really made him want to look again, but he kept his resolve strong and waited until he knew the demon was out of the room before heaving a deep sigh and looking down into the murky water at his own arousal.

This is going to get really awkward, really fast.

Oh wait. It already is.

Rolling his eyes, Michael got himself up and out of the tub after a quick scrub. Since Church was busy tending to Hanna, he took the opportunity to run back into his room and grab a set of clothes from what he’d brought up of his own stuff. It wasn’t exactly fancy like his suit, but it needed cleaned and he didn’t think that it would be happening anytime soon so he just put on a nice pair of black pants and a white button-down shirt.

“Tempting me with those words, then escaping after the child distracts me.”

Hearing Church’s grumpy rambling from the door, Michael chuckled and turned just in time to be enveloped into his strong arms for a damp hug.

“Tempting, hmm?” Michael replied as he let his left cheek rest against Church’s perfectly sculpted chest.

“I was just answering a question, Chesh.”

He growled in response, tightening his arms for a moment before releasing him to get himself dressed. Knowing that he’d watch if he stayed, Michael quickly made his way into the kitchen and got himself some of the cereal Church had left out after pouring Hanna a small bowl. By the time he was sitting at the table with him, Church was stalking out of his room, dressed in a nice-looking suit as he pouted.

Awww, sexually frustrated Church. How cute!

Michael gave him an evil wink, only to get a nice view of his sharpening upper teeth as he pulled his lip back to bare them at him.

Oh my what pretty teeth you have? 

Turning off his suddenly overly-perverted mind, Michael quickly shoved a spoonful of cereal into his mouth, repeating the process to keep himself quiet until there was nothing left in the bowl.

“Come on, we need to go. I already fed the fuzz and it went bathroom,” Church said as he walked around the corner, tossing a coat at him before getting Hanna into a small one.

“It’s raining,” he stated when Michael looked at the jacket in his hands. That brought his attention to the outside window, which definitely confirmed that it was beginning to rain. He was going to ask him if he just had an umbrella but then he realized all four of them wouldn’t even come close to fitting under one.

“Okay,” he replied as he got up and tugged the jacket on, then zipped it up and pulled the hood over his hair. He then scooped up Max and tucked him into it, shivering a little since he was still wet from the bath.

Soaks up water like a darn cotton ball.

“All good here.” 

Michael looked up at Church, then down at Hanna who was wrapped up in an adorable yellow rain jacket that had extra fabric inside to keep him warm. 

Adorable.

“Here, give me that and you can take this.”

Before he could even realize what Church was doing he had Max out of his jacket and Hanna in his arms. Not that he minded, he was just surprised. Now that he had him, Michael totally had to cuddle him.

“You are so cute!” 

Hanna giggled as Michael squeezed him in his arms, then turned for the door as Church walked past to open it. They were both beginning to walk forward to leave… until two very large bloodhounds lifted their heads from the floor and bared their teeth.

What the…?

Michael’s eyes followed their leashes up to hands, which eventually lead to two police officers wearing special pins on their coats noting that they were a special tracking team.

Uh oh.

The sound of Max yipping as he was dropped on the floor brought everyone’s attention to Church, who was now bolting towards his room, likely in the hopes of getting out of the balcony door before he was caught. While Michael knew the dogs were going to be released on him, he couldn’t even think about jumping in their way to slow them down with Hanna in his arms… so when the two officers released their hounds and followed, he quickly grabbed Max and bolted out the door and down to his car.

So glad that I at least have some gas in it.

As he was pulling out of the parking lot he caught a glimpse of a large demon lunging from the top of the apartment building off into the neighborhood.

He’s heading towards the forest.

Michael quickly got his car going in that direction, following him as best he could until he disappeared into the thick droves of trees. Driving in the rain wasn’t exactly helpful, but it looked like it had only just started recently since the streets weren’t very slick yet.

Darn rain couldn’t have just started earlier and washed away his scent?

Fuming, he pulled into an abandoned parking lot for the nature park and climbed out to look around for Church. He’d quickly buckled Hanna into the back seat before taking off and set Max on the front seat, but decided to leave them both in the car since it was rather cool outside.

“Church!”

He shouted his name but got no response as the rain began to pick up. It got to the point where it was a downpour before he finally decided to give up and go back to Hanna and Max.

He’ll come back. Somehow he’ll be back. There’s no way he would leave Hanna, even if he always said that he was only keeping him because he was afraid of other people.

His jaws clenched together as he forced himself to hold back tears.

“He’ll come back.”

Blinking hard, he began trudging back towards the car when two vehicles with flashing blue and red lights slid into the parking lot, one on either side of his car.

Run!

His mind was screaming the words at him but he couldn’t do it. Hanna was sitting in the car with Max and if the cops, for some reason, didn’t check the vehicle his heart would break. So, instead of trying to get away he immediately put his hands up and watched as two officers he was unfamiliar with got out and walked over, one with a gun pointed at him and another with handcuffs ready.

“Keep your hands up, you are under arrest for aiding a criminal and hiding a kidnapped child.”

Hiding? We didn’t hide him.

“The adoption people were out to see him days ago,” Michael growled as they got him into the handcuffs and began shoving him towards the back of one of the police cars.

“Wait! The little boy is in the car with his dog.”

The office who wasn’t leading him quickly turned and ran towards the car, a surprised look on his face when he saw Hanna and Max. He immediately unfastened a radio from his waist and relayed that they’d found the boy , then put it back in its carrier before getting Hanna out of the car. Too bad for him that Hanna immediately started screaming bloody murder when he was lifted into the officer’s arms. Michael knew that he wanted Church, or at least himself, but that was going to be impossible… likely for a long, long time.

“His dog. He may calm down if he has it but if not, he’s going to keep going. He’s terrified of people besides Church and I. He doesn’t trust them.”

The guy looked at him funny but since Hanna wouldn’t stop yelling and now, hitting, he quickly grabbed the small dog from the car and moved it so that he was holding both of them together. Thankfully, that seemed to sate the kid for the moment as he reached out and hugged Max tightly, snuggling into his dampening fur. The officer looked back just long enough to nod to Michael, then got Hanna and Max in his car. He didn’t get a chance to ask what was going to happen to them because he was quickly shoved into the other car, the back door slamming shut in his face.

Well, this is great. He leaned against the seat and closed his eyes, feeling a headache coming on as the car began moving. The whole situation had turned into hell in such a short time.

I just hope that you’re okay and come back for him when you can Church. He’ll be heartbroken without you.

Michael had to force himself not to finish thinking the rest of that thought because then he would of had to acknowledge that he, too, would be hurting without his demon beside him.

What Happens

Michael thought that he’d be brought right into a jail cell and left for awhile, but when Hanna abruptly slipped from the officer’s arms who had been carrying him, he was suddenly stopped so that the officer leading him could help try and catch him. He didn’t need to really go anywhere, though, since Hanna ran right up to Michael’s leg and hid behind it, shaking like a twig. When Michael looked back up at the officers both of them had their guns pulled, trained on him.

Oh come on.

“I’m handcuffed, you idiots. And I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t just run to me if he knew I was bad.”

They both looked at each other, then hesitantly put their weapons away.

“Put his dog down so it can help calm him,” he said, already getting annoyed with the situation.

“And while you’re at it. How about you actually listen to me. I told you adoption people were out to our apartment to check on him a few days ago, so why haven’t you had anyone go and check that yet? We weren’t hiding him from anyone.”

The blond officer stepped forward as the brown-haired one carefully set Max down so the pup could run over to Hanna.

“I’m one of the foster coordinators for this city and I have not seen any information on Hanna since he disappeared.”

Michael’s mouth dropped open in shock.

“No way. There were two cops that came to check on him. They were going to take him but he was too afraid to let them close. He went and hid under Church’s bed until they left. They said we could keep him until something was figured out.”

They both looked at each other, then the blond guy walked closer, kneeling down so he could try and get Hanna’s attention. He got it instantly, but it wasn’t positive in the slightest. The poor kid looked like he was about to pee himself as he held onto Michael’s pants for dear life with one hand and Max with the other. When the officer figured he wasn’t going to be getting Hanna without another round of ear-piercing screams he sighed and stood up, eyeing Michael quietly until finally speaking.

“Did something else happen to him besides when his parents were killed to make him this way?”

Michael glared at him immediately, grinding his teeth together to keep from telling him to go to hell.

“Nothing happened. Church said when he’d found him in the forest that night Hanna had literally run into him. He must have saved him from other demons because he took him home instead of leaving him. And trust me, Church absolutely hates humans, especially children, so whatever happened between Hanna and him to make this situation happen, I have no idea. He even took Hanna to church because the kid asked him to.”

The officers looked at each other, which was beginning to become a habit for them, it would seem. Michael knew they were probably thinking something sarcastic along the lines of; A demon in the church? Hah!

“I’m serious. You can ask the people there.”

They both looked back at him before one walked away, leaving him with the brown-haired guy.

“We know that he was there. He killed someone right inside the doorway.”

Michael swallowed hard at that, knowing that he was right.

“Yes… he did. It was because I was stupid. I went back to the church to try and get my religion back, which I technically did. However, I got burned badly for it and that set him off.”

The man’s brows went up, then furrowed in confusion.

“He… went into one of the more dangerous places a demon could go to get retribution for your injury?”

Now that he said it aloud, it felt kind of surreal.

“Yeah,” Michael answered with a shrug and small smile. “I guess he did.”

The guy gave him an odd look and shook his head before leading him over to a prison cell. He thankfully let Hanna and Max stay with him, and unlocked his cuffs before shutting the door.

“It doesn’t matter why he did it. He killed someone in cold blood and from what our officers tracking him have relayed back, he has the burn marks that meet the suspects description.”

He didn’t have to tell him that. He still knew that killing was wrong, but that didn’t mean he was going to help the police find Church… even if he did know where he’d gone.

“M-Migel!”

Michael’s eyes immediately dropped to Hanna when he began wailing. His eyes were red and puffy, full of new tears just waiting to be shed.

“Aw sweetie, come here,” he cooed as he leaned forward and carefully lifted him into his arms. He hugged him tightly as he sat down, but knew that he was his second choice for comfort.

“I’m sorry, Hanna. I know you’re wondering where Chesh is, but I really don’t know. I’m sure he’ll come back for you soon, though, you know he never lets you down.” 

He leaned back after a few quiet moments of sniffling and nodded. 

“Ch-Chesh aways come back f-for Hn.” 

His sobbing started before he could finish his sentence, making Michael shake his head and cuddle him closer. 

“He’s coming back. It’ll be okay, I promise.” 

“This place is supposed to be the police station? No one is guarding the door and there’s barely anyone here.”

Michael’s head snapped up and to the side as he heard a familiar, husky voice.

Oh my god. He actually came back…

“Church,” Michael whispered in utter shock as he felt Hanna’s head turn to the right. The second he saw Church he shrieked like the little boy that he was and squirmed out of his arms. The bars to the cell were just far enough apart so that he could squeeze through, and man did he do just that, fast.

“Go get him, Hanna,” Michael cheered with a laugh. He really didn’t need the encouragement though, since he was literally flying towards Church. The officer pulled his gun and aimed it at Church, but it was completely ignored as Church knelt down to pick up their boy.

“Are those tears I see, Hanna? I thought we had an agreement, big boys don’t cry, right?”

Hanna gaped, his mind completely forgetting about where they even were or the cop behind him. He swiped the back of his little hands over his eyes, trying to swipe away the evidence before he nodded sternly. 

“Big boys don’t cwy. I was helpsing Migal. He was sad.” 

Church glanced over Hanna’s head at Michael with a cocky smirk he knew all too well. 

“Yup. I was totally bawling my eyes out because my demon ran away without taking me with him. Complete broken heart right here.” 

Church’s eyes rolled at his sarcasm as he shifted Hanna in his arms a bit, then walked over to the jail cell. Michael got up as he approached, noting all of the burns on his naked body… and trying not to pay attention to the thing between his legs.

Definitely not the time.

“Are you alright, Michael?”

His eyes snapped up to Church’s face in bewilderment.

Had he just… asked if I was okay?

Michael mentally searched his previous words for the word sex , but couldn’t find it.

I’ll be damned. Well, I probably already am.

“Uh, I’m okay. They didn’t hurt us.”

His stressed sigh of relief had Michael even more confused.

“Alright,” Church mumbled before turning to the cop with a fake smile.

“Let me in the cell.”

The guy looked extremely pale as he hesitantly stepped forward, his gun never lowering.

“Step back a few feet,” the guard said shakily. Church did as told right away, allowing the officer to get the door open without him having to worry about getting attacked.

Well, I’d still be worried because he’s honestly terrifying when he’s angry, but I’ll just keep this thought to myself.

“Alright. Get in, demon.”

Those words made Church snicker and pat Hanna’s back gently.

“I have a name and I’m sure you know it, human. So how about we play nice and you use it?”

The officer gulped and sneered, but when Church didn’t even move an inch he sighed and growled out, “Church. Get in the cell, now.”

“See, that wasn’t so hard. Little human.”

Church could easily bend the bars and get Michael out, then leave, but it would be fruitless now. Sure, he had enough money to disappear and start over somewhere else, but for some reason… he didn’t want to. Something was wrong in his town, with his demons, and running away would be the most cowardly act a demon could do. So, he stepped into the cell and gently set Hanna down so that he could pull his priest into his arms. At first, his body tensed, but almost immediately it relaxed and Michael wrapped his own arms softly around his waist.

“I’m glad you came back for Hanna. He was so afraid without you,” Michael said quietly as he looked up at him. Their eyes met and he could instantly see the worry in Michael’s. His head began lowering back to his chest but Church lifted his chin with a finger and leaned down to whisper against his lips.

“I came back for three things that I just can’t seem to get rid of.”

Church knew that he was going to argue what he meant when his mouth began to open, but he wasn’t going to let him waste time discussing useless things when he could have his tongue dominating his. Right as Michael was about to begin Church covered his mouth with his own, then growled to stop him from trying to pull away, just in case. He thought that he would be free of all the stress that came with the three nuisances, but then he was suddenly following the scent trail for Michael’s car, then the police car’s fresh scents after they’d arrested him in the park.

And now I’m here,  he thought to himself sarcastically as he leaned back so that Michael could catch his breath. Seeing him panting and flushed right in front of him really sucked when he couldn’t really do anything… without likely being moved to another cell. Not that he’d go easily, but he was already injured enough so adding more wounds to the total wasn’t of any interest to him. 

“Hey demon, we’re here to get your statement about what happened at the church.”

Sighing in annoyance, Church turned around and glared at the three officers standing in front of the cell, two with clipboards, and the brown-haired one with his gun.

“I killed one of the people who burned my priest, simple as that,” he stated before turning back to tug Michael against him once more. 

“What? How did you know he was one of the ones who had hurt him?” 

Stupid humans. 

“He was holding the cross. It was the the one that had burned Michael.”

Church heard one of them scoff but didn’t bother turning around. Instead, he leaned over and began licking his priest’s warm neck, loving the taste of him.

“What makes you think that there weren’t others like that?” one of the asked accusingly.

“It smelled like very familiar burned flesh.”

There was silence for a few moments before another voice spoke.

“So that’s it? You don’t want to try and defend your actions?”

Okay, these people are really beginning to piss me off. Just leave me alone and let me have my damned human for a few minutes!

Church whirled around, baring his teeth with a loud hiss.

“I killed the disgusting bastard! If you think that I’ll ever deny that then you are delusional! I rid the world of one piece of scum, but I’m sure there’s plenty more. Now shut the hell up and go away or I’ll get rid of three more.”

He really wanted to break the bars and at least kill one of them for good measure, but when he felt a small hand press against his right leg he forced himself to take a few deep breaths and slowly calm down. When he finally looked down at Hanna he was wearing a faint smile.

“Hey there, sorry about that. Chesh got upset, but everything’s fine now,” he told him, knowing that he didn’t like it when people yelled. When he lifted his arms up Church shook his head and picked him up, kissing his forehead to calm him further.

“It’s fine. No one is going to get hurt so you don’t have to worry, Hanna.”

The boy slowly nodded, ending the gesture with a big yawn that brought an actual small smile to Church’s face. 

“Want to take a nap?” he asked, knowing what the answer would be before he even said it. 

“Yesh.” 

“Alright, I’m going to put you down for a moment,” he told him before doing just that, then turning to Michael with a smirk. He definitely realized something was up right away, but he grabbed his arm before he could get away… not like he could really go anywhere, anyways. They were sitting against the wall a a minute later, Michael in his lap. He knew that Hanna would get jealous, though, and he did so pretty much right away, pouting that he wasn’t in his lap, too.

“Come here, Hanna. I’m sure Migal would like you to sit in his lap,” he said, grinning when Michael caught on and opened his arms in a welcoming gesture. The kid was in them in a heartbeat, dragging Max right along with him so that they could cuddle with Michael. Church’s mouth quirked up when Hanna fell asleep almost instantly. He then gently wrapped his arms around him, and in turn, Michael, before finally relaxing his body and leaning his forehead down to rest on Michael’s shoulder. 

“Let’s get some rest. I’m sure we’re going to need it soon,” he mumbled before allowing his eyes to close. This was the last place he wanted to sleep, but now that he finally had certain things worth coming back for, he wasn’t going to mess things up further. And also, whatever demons were fucking with him and his city were going to burn in his own namesake when he caught them… disgusting holy water and all.

I’m Not Crazy, You Are

Waking up to the sound of keys jingling was probably the best alarm he could have hoped for. It beat a taser, and a gun. So, he would take it with a smile. Lifting his head from Michael’s shoulder, Church glanced over to the two officers approaching their cell.

Different ones than last time?

“Was I that boring? I could try to kill someone if you guys want.”

The two humans stopped in front of the door, the one holding the keys ignoring him as he sifted through them, obviously looking for whichever one unlocked the cell.

You’d think they’d keep that somewhere a little easier to find.

Not that it wasn’t there. It probably was… among sixty or so other keys that likely unlocked nothing important. Just a jail cell here, the others were probably to offices and maybe a few lockers, knowing the cops he’d dealt with previously.

“Need some help, officer?” he asked, raising his brows with the sarcastic tone.

“No,” the one fiddling with the keys growled back, obviously none-too-happy to be there.

That makes two of us.

Church was about to lay on his sarcastic charm when he felt something shift in his lap, immediately drawing his attention away from the boring officers and down to his priest.

“Good morning… or evening. Not sure but don’t care,” Church said with a small smirk.

“Morning,” Michael whispered as he looked up into his eyes, his own still half-lidded from what little sleep they’d managed to get. They didn’t even seem to have a clock in this area so he wasn’t sure what time it honestly was. He was expecting him to keep speaking to him, but when he turned his attention to the guards, Church wanted to growl.

Who cares about them.

“Hey guys, I don’t suppose we’re being set free?” Michael asked, licking his lips nervously as he hugged a sleeping Hanna to his chest.

One of the officers, specifically the one not messing with the blasted ring of a million keys, looked over at him and shook his head.

“No, you’re going to be interviewed and your statements will be taken for trial.”

Church’s eyes widened slightly at that.

“Why is he in trouble? He didn’t kill anybody,” he snarled, pausing a moment after he spoke to look back down at Michael.

“Did you? Not that I wouldn’t be proud, cause demon and everything, but that wouldn’t look too great right now.”

He glared up at him, not bothering with an answer before turning his attention back to the cops.

“I am curious what I’m here for. I didn’t kidnap Hanna. Neither of us technically did. And, I also didn’t kill anyone. So why can I not leave?”

Michael really didn’t want to leave Church there alone, but if he got out, that would make it a lot easier to figure out a way to get him free. Hanna wasn’t in any danger so he could always be found later, even though it hurt his heart to think about that. Church was the one who’s life was going to be on the line after he’d killed someone.

“You will speak with our psychiatrist, then we’ll determine exactly what’s going to happen. At the moment it’s not looking too bad for you, since you have no previous record and the boy is unharmed… if a little insane.”

I’ll show them insane…

Shaking off the thought, which he had no idea where it came from, Michael got himself up and out of Church’s arms right as the cop opened the cell.

“I’ll be taking the demon, you go with him,” the first officer said, nodding towards his friend who had been answering most of their questions. Michael nodded and stepped out, following the officer, though he looked back every few seconds. 

Church was also cooperating, kind of. He took his sweet time walking out and held both Hanna and Max beneath an arm. The kid was still fast asleep, snoring even… as was the dog. The only thing that was really unsettling him was the fact that the other officer had pulled his gun and trained it on the back of Church’s head as they began to walk behind him.

I’d also prefer it if they gave Church something to wear… they don’t need to see things not meant for them. 

Michael was quickly pushed through a door on the left and they stepped into a different section of the precinct. The door shut behind him, before he got another chance to look back and see where they were taking Church.

Well, as long as he has Hanna with him they hopefully won’t torture him for answers. Though he is a pretty proud demon. He probably already told them he killed people and gloated about it.

Inwardly shaking his head, he sat down at a metal table, on a metal chair. It was probably the most uncomfortable thing he’d sat on but he wasn’t going to complain. There were two people in the room, one he assumed was the shrink, who was pretty darn short, but that comment was going to stay on his tongue and not leave his mouth.

Don’t need to make myself seem crazier than I already think I am by cracking poor jokes in this situation.

“Hello, Michael,” Mr. Shrink said, giving him a smile as wide as the Brooklyn Bridge… and as fake his current beliefs. All of those years believing in God and what not, only to get him to where he was right now, because he…

I what?

The word got stuck in his mind and he couldn’t seem to figure out what he meant.

I don’t care about my religion anymore because I…

“Michael?”

Hearing the shrink’s voice snapped him back to the present and also drew an embarrassing blush to his cheeks.

Let’s just space out in front of the shrink. Nothing to see here, just a crazy priest in love with a demon.

Oh.

Shit.

“I-I didn’t mean to think that!”

Both men’s brows shot up as they looked at each other, then back to him before the shrink spoke again.

“Say what?”

Oh. Damn. Maybe I should just play the crazy. I just admitted to loving a blasted demon. I must be crazy.

“Um, I’m sorry. I’m just really tired. This hasn’t exactly been my most relaxing day.”

That at least got the guy to smile again instead of continuing to wear the frown that he’d had since Michael let his thoughts slip into words.

“I see. That is understandable. So Michael, I’d like to ask you a few things about your friend. Is that okay?”

“About Church? sure.”

folding his his fingers in front of him, the man leaned forward with his elbows on the table, obviously trying to look relaxed but interested… and failing in both aspects. 

“When did you first meet your friend?”

Blinking, Michael leaned back in the chair and gave him a humorous grin.

“At church, of course.”

He didn’t seem that enthused by his reply but he held back any snide remark and just nodded.

“Do you know why he was at church that day?”

To find Jesus.

“He had Hanna with him and I guess the kid wanted to come to the church, because I know that Church wasn’t a fan of being there.”

The man gave another nod, then leaned back, trying to mirror him.

Where did they get this guy? Church would make a much better shrink. Though perhaps a deadly one. Oh! They should just use Hanna. He’ll get anyone talking.

“You seem to be having a nice thought. Would you mind sharing?” Mr. Shrink asked.

No, I’d rather not.

“Sure,” Michael said, shrugging as if it didn’t matter.

“I was thinking about how happy Hanna was with Church that first day he brought him there. I figured out pretty quickly that he was a demon and had fully intended to do what was necessary…”

“But?” He added, waiting for him to continue.

“But it just didn’t happen. I couldn’t kill him.”

The shrink’s head bobbed once.

“You still couldn’t kill him even after you knew what he’d done? That he killed Hanna’s parents?”

What?

Michael’s body felt several degrees cooler all of a sudden but his face burned with heat.

“He didn’t do that. He said he found Hanna in the forest when the other demons were attacking his parents.”

“Oh? We have proof.”

There’s no way! 

Michael gripped the sides of the chair tightly. Instead of speaking, the man just slid his own chair back and pulled over a television on a wheel-cart. Michael hadn’t noticed it before, but now that he realized that it was already turned on and a blank dark blue screen was waiting for someone to hit play.

“How did you get video proof of what happened in the middle of the forest?” he whispered out hoarsely. The shrink pushed play as he answered calmly.

“We have cameras set up at random intervals throughout the area to catch drug dealers or people just messing around that shouldn’t be. Look.”

Michael hesitantly turned his attention to the screen. The cameras were definitely movable ones as they tilted different ways while the black figures moved. He knew right away that they were demons, but he wasn’t prepared for the screen to split, giving the image of two different cameras that converged on the same area from different directions.

His eyes were glued to the screen when a couple and their child, Hanna, came strolling through the forest. They were talking happily, their little boy holding onto their hands as he looked around with wonder.

He doesn’t look like he used to. All of the fear isn’t there.

He didn’t get time to dwell on that thought because soon the black figures converged on the humans, one doing most of the attacking as the other looked-on lazily. Both parents went down in mere seconds, making his heart constrict. His main focus was on Hanna’s face, the other things happening in his peripheral vision.

That’s where the fear came from. Right there.

He couldn’t blame him at all for it, though, the video was gruesome. However, right as the other demon began to walk over and Hanna ran off-screen, the film stopped.

But wait. Where was Church?

“You see?” The shrink said, turning to him with a content smile that literally screamed I told you so . Instead of agreeing, Michael stood up and crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at the bastard.

“Church wasn’t in that video.”

The man’s face paled immediately, telling him that the idiot had been trying to play him. He steeled it pretty quickly after, but the damage had already been done.

“You tried to trick me by making me think that that was Church. Well too bad. I know what my demon looks like and that sure as hell wasn’t him! Neither of those were Church!”

Trying to obviously save himself, the shrink crossed his own arms over his chest and nodded towards the screen before narrowing his eyes.

“What makes you think that they aren’t your demon? All demons look the same and the video was taken when it was dark outside. So how do you know?”

How do I know?

“I-I… just, they aren’t him. There has to be more to the video. You said you had more cameras in the area so keep playing the footage. Hanna ran off so he surely had to have tripped another one of your cameras.”

He heard the officer still sitting beside him shift in his seat, uncomfortable. That instantly drew his attention to him.

“Show me the rest of the footage,” Michael said as he looked back up at the shrink and grinned.

“Push play, shrink. I dare you.”

The man fidgeted for a moment, looked at the cop, then hesitantly turned towards the television and lifted the remote, pressing the play button. Almost immediately the right screen switched, now following Hanna as he stumbled through the thicker part of the forest. It was really hard to see him during certain parts, but the second he ran into something huge, black, and… eating an owl? He realized who it was.

“That’s Church!” Michael shouted, making both of the other men jump. The shrink quickly paused the tape and turned back to him. He knew what he was going to ask before his mouth even opened and cut him off.

“That was Church. I don’t care what you say about the other two, but that’s my demon.”

The shrink sighed, but the officer got up, grabbing Michael’s right arm.

“We’re done here. I’m going to take you back to your cell until we come to a decision on charges.”

I’ll tell you your decision. I’m being set free you idiot.

Michael kept his mouth shut as he walked him back to the cell and locked the door. He thought that he’d be left alone for a good while with their attention focused on Church, but his demon was surprisingly brought back within only a few minutes of Michael returning. Even more shocking was the fact that he was smirking, Hanna in his arms, obviously awake now, with Max somehow tucked between them and not caring. As soon as he stepped inside the door was locked behind him, but Michael completely ignored that in favor of jumping up and into Church’s arms. Of course, he was careful not to squish Hanna, but he wanted some Chesh, too!

“I was worried about you,” he whispered as Church’s right arm came around him, holding him close to his chest right beside Hanna.

“Aww, my little priest was worried about this ol’ Chesh?”

“Dork,” Michael grumbled, pushing himself out of his arms and turning to go sit down… only to feel that arm snag around his waist and pull him right back.

“Let me go, you buttface,” he said, glaring over his shoulder at Church’s cocky face. He just let his grin stretch wider and pressed his fingers playfully into Michael’s belly, making him squirm.

Oh crap, don’t tickle me! 

After a moment Michael, having to use both of his hands, pried Church’s one away so that he could stumble to the other side of the cell. He then turned on him like they were in a fighting match, his hands gripping the bars behind himself.

“Anyways. As fun as playing with you is, I may actually be in some trouble if we stay here,” Church said as he set Hanna down on his feet along with Max. The pup was still somehow half asleep as it stumbled around, then just decided to fall over and return to dreamland. Looking back up at Church, Michael noticed him sauntering over and relaxed a little.

“How so? Did they try to frame you with that stupid video, too?” he asked, meeting him halfway so that they could share a hug without the other two for a moment. Feeling his strong arms around him was reassurance he had definitely needed, but now it was time to get down to business. Michael looked up at Church from where he had him tucked against his chest and grinned.

“So… I take it we’re breaking out of here?”

He snickered and leaned over, stealing a kiss as he whispered against his lips.

“You know it, my little priest.”

Paws

(The paws of my household in stained glass; Pepperjack Cheese, Racquetball and Snowman, who has since passed.) 

The cops had made the mistake of not leaving a guard with them. For whatever reason they did that, Church was suddenly very glad they were stupid enough to make the slip. After a brief glance around the cell, he noticed that the door was only fastened with a simple padlock, easily breakable.

It’s almost like they want me to try and break out.

Not that he cared if it was a trap, but the front door was only about twenty yards down the hall and no one was there. So, if it was a trap, it was a pretty crappy one.

“Chesh? Can go to home now?”

Things came together in his mind as he looked down at Hanna, scooping him up when he noticed his arms reaching toward him. When he got him situated, the boy wrapped his arms around his neck in a loving hug.

They think I won’t try to break out because of Hanna.

It was definitely a risk to bring a child, on top of the priest and that stupid dog, but hell if his priest would let him leave the fur-bag. His ear would likely be verbally bitten off if he left the thing there and Hanna got upset.

“I’m at a loss.”

Michael had taken a step away when he’d looked around the room and now he was giving Church an odd look, as if he were crazy. Which he was, but they would just save that for another conversation on a less important day. Since Michael evidently wasn’t going to question him, Church decided to just finish his thoughts out loud.

“I can’t carry three things. I only have two arms and need one for running. And you can’t hold onto anything or you’ll fall off my back.”

Realization dawned on his features, but then it turned into determination.

“Go without me. Hanna can ride on your back and you can hold Max.” 

The thought of leaving without his man wouldn’t process. Hanna also wouldn’t be able to hold on well enough once he started sprinting. 

“No,” he told him flatly, not bothering to wait for a response as he turned and walked over to the door. He gave the lock a small tug and felt the gears inside strain from the action. 

It would be so easy…

That’s when it came to him. Whirling around, he stalked back over to Michael and swung him onto his back in one simple motion. His legs locked around his waist on instinct, before his arms did the same around his neck.

“Hold on tight. I’m sure something is going on and as soon as I break open that door I’m going to need to run full-out, so don’t fall.”

Since he already had Hanna settled in his left arm, he carefully began changing into his demon form. He knew that he would catch the attention of whoever was watching the security cameras, but he hadn’t anticipated how quickly they’d react. Doors that had previously appeared locked and their rooms unoccupied were suddenly spewing officers. He couldn’t risk staying, even if they were getting their guns up. They wouldn’t shoot with Hanna against his chest.

Church quickly snapped the lock off the door and slammed it open. A few officers tried to get close enough to Taser him without risking hitting Hanna, but he easily jumped over their heads, landing on a few in the back since he didn’t quite clear the whole group. Their injuries wouldn’t be too detrimental, though, even if he did care, so he ignored their groans and broke through the doors out into the cold night air.

Everything in him was now being directed by his demon’s instincts, which was perfectly fine with him. He let it take control and push him towards the forest. Snow had fallen while they’d been inside so there was a light layer of white on just about everything and more was beginning to fall. Running with Hanna in one hand made it slightly difficult to get up to his normal full speed, but after about thirty minutes of dodging through the trees he came to a place he often used as a den when he wanted to escape reality for a little while on a solo hunt.

After sniffing around the area and not catching any scents, he carefully lowered himself to the ground and let Michael climb off his back and then take Hanna from his large clawed hand. They were both about to go down into the dark but surprisingly warm space, when Hanna suddenly began wailing. Church looked at his priest as he stood back up, but he seemed just as perplexed as him. That is until Hanna began screaming for his puppy.

Oh shit.

There was no way he’d be quiet without that darn fuzz-bag, but going back was dangerous.

Whatever. You’re dangerous. Just kill a few humans and they’ll probably leave you alone.

Of course he couldn’t do that now if he ever wanted to go back to living amongst civilization, but he did need to get that stupid dog back. Church gave Michael a sharp nudge towards the den, then began his run back to the station. It didn’t take nearly as long since he had his left hand child-free and wasn’t carrying any extra weight, but when he came to a stop across the street from it, something didn’t seem right. The guards were lurking about, but there were also crime scene cones and little flags with numbers near random tufts of white stuff that definitely wasn’t snow. His eyes followed the coloring from flag to flag until they finally rested upon something that made his stomach twist into a painful knot .  The police couldn’t have done it. 

You know what did it. And now you know they’re after you, too… And what you want to protect.

The thought immediately went to the knot in his chest and tripled the pressure it was causing on his heart. He started to turn to run back to Michael and Hanna, but something in him redirected his attention to the tiny, bloody, matted ball of fluff lying in the snow and he darted for it. There were a few startled screams from the humans working about the area, but no one tried to stop him as he easily scooped up the unmoving body between his teeth, then darted back into the forest. 

It was definitely warmer in the den than outside, but they hadn’t really gotten dressed to be out for very long and the snow was picking up, which in turn had the temperature dropping as the frozen water added chill to the ground. He had Hanna cuddled in his arms as best he could, rubbing his hands along his little arms to try and keep him from shivering too much.

They waited for about thirty minutes before he heard something sniffing around the opening to the den .  Well, at first he thought that it was something sniffing to see what new things had shown up, but when he chanced going closer to the entrance and saw Church pacing in circles, sniffling nervously, he felt his body relax a little… but then he noticed something. 

“You couldn’t get him?”

Michael began scooting back when he snapped his head in his direction and stepped closer.

“Come inside, Church. There’s nothing we can do about it right now. We’ll find a way to get him back.”

He seemed hesitant, but after a moment and a few glances backwards he crawled his way down into the burrow. Michael was expecting him to go straight to Hanna where he’d been set him down near the back and try to calm him down, but instead he began clawing at the walls, making them partially cave in near the opening.

Ah, to keep the warmth in better and the cold out.

It worked surprisingly fast, though the temperature still wasn’t anywhere near warm, but it was getting tolerable. Michael moved to lean against the back wall of dirt and roots and set Hanna in his lap, intent on telling him that he’d have to wait a little while longer for his dog, but then Church was suddenly there, taking the boy from him as he settled himself between Michael and the left wall. As soon as Church was in place he felt warmth radiate from his bare skin, making him lean against him until he felt Church’s right arm go around his shoulders and pull him closer.

“Chesh where Mats?” Hanna asked as he cuddled against Church’s chest for warmth in the dark. The question He posed lingered in the air for several long minutes, the atmosphere growing more tense by the second.

“Church?” Michael asked, honestly wanting to know what was going on. He could say that he hadn’t been able to get him. That they’d just go find him another day and that he’d be safe with the police officers, but when he finally spoke Michael felt tears pool in his eyes as he gently grasped Hanna’s hand to hold.

“He got hurt, Hanna. There was a vet close by and I left him, but I can’t lie. He might not be there when we get back.”

Life Untitled

He didn’t want to wake his priest, but time was something he knew they didn’t have much of. He’d let him calm down and before he knew it, he was resting in his arms, Hanna snug between their chests. For a demon, the sentiment the entire situation showed was so far beyond what he ever thought possible for himself, but as he slowly began pressing soft kisses to his hair, Church knew that he wouldn’t be able to go back to what he had been. The head demon of New York… the most feared creature to walk its streets.

Michael looked up at him dazedly, blinking his beautiful eyes in the darkness for only him to see.

I don’t want it anymore. The title. The power.

Leaning forward, Church pressed their lips together, grinning smugly when Michael finally began to slowly move his against his, obviously trying to wake up more but still wanting the attention.

There’s no more head demon left here. My priest has killed that part of me.

Pulling back slightly, he couldn’t help but give him a devilish smirk when Michael blinked, confused as to where his lips had gone. He then began trying to sleepily lean closer in the darkness in order to find them again.

“I need to go, Michael.”

It hurt to say the words, but he wasn’t stupid. Church knew what was coming, and he knew that the dog was only a slight warning of that. While he’d hated the annoying furball, it had spunk, especially when it slept in his bed the first night after he even threatened it.

“Church?”

Michael’s raspy, sleep-laden voice made Church’s body want to react, but he refused to let it get far because of Hanna sleeping between them. Demons didn’t really care if their children watched them do disturbing things, but… He looked down at Hanna, his little hands balled into fists against his chest as he slept peacefully. If anyone ever considered doing such things in front of his offspring he would castrate them.

Returning his attention to Michael, Church smile softly and gently began removing his arms from around his warm back. He whined quietly and tried to curl closer to him as he shifted Hanna into his free arm. It made Church immediately want to wrap his arms back around him, but he couldn’t do that.

“Michael. I have to go. I’ll find you guys a safe place and transfer my funds to your account. You need to take Hanna and forget ab—” his words were abruptly cut off when Michael shoved his mouth over his. Church waited him out until he finally needed to breathe, then continued as calmly as he could manage. “The demons attacked the dog to prove a point, and I know they’re coming after me right now. It’s only a matter of time.”

He never thought that the day would come when he’d put two humans in front of his own agenda. Or hell, made them his agenda, but he wasn’t going to let them get killed.

“Please, Michael.”

He shook his head, soft hair brushing against the crook of his neck where he now nuzzled his face. Church heaved a tired sigh and gently ran his fingers through that soft hair.

“You would put Hanna in such danger just to stay with me?”

It was unfair to use that excuse, but he knew that he wouldn’t risk that. He was the one who original picked up Hanna from the woods but he knew there was nothing Michael wouldn’t do to be sure the kid was safe and happy. And, now he knew that Hanna would be okay with him. He could have a normal life. Grow up like a normal little human and enjoy life instead of having to deal with him going missing random nights or coming home covered in blood. Just those thoughts had him reassured that he was making the right decision.

“I’ll take you both to a hotel and pay the bill for several nights. I’m sure the police have people at my apartment so I’ll go get you guys food and clothes, then I’ll be gone.”

Church could feel his wet tears drip down upon his chest but he bit back the response he felt rising in himself. There would be no more hugging. No more kissing. No more Michael or Hanna.

Do it.

Forcing a nod, he carefully slid out from beneath them when he was sure Michael had a good hold on Hanna. He then set to clearing the entrance of the snow and dirt he’d used to keep the chill out. The cold didn’t bother him with his body heat, but he knew that it wasn’t good for Michael and pretty dangerous for Hanna, so as soon as there was enough room for them to get through he ran out and shifted, shaking out his sore body as he took a look around and sniffed the air.

No demon scents. Good.

Michael climbed out with Hanna a moment later, shivering as a strong gust of wind swept past them. Not wanting to waste time, Church knelt down and let him climb onto his back, then started off once he was sure he was able to hold himself and Hanna on safely. Church didn’t run nearly as fast as he had earlier, but he still made good time getting back to the city, though it was a vastly different portion of it.

The hotel he found was modest but not fancy, making it hopefully harder to track them there. He actually scrounged up some stray clothing a shop left out on a sales wrack and went to the bank beforehand. He obviously didn’t have any way to identify himself at that time, but he did have his social security number, address, and whatever else the people asked for, so he finally got access to his money and switched it over to Michael’s account, then got him a new debit card so he could begin pulling money out as soon as possible. Well, technically he pulled out a few hundred right away and handed it to him when he walked back to the small coffee shop he’d left them at to warm up.

When they saw him through the glass Michael finished up the hot chocolate him and Hanna had been sharing and ran out, tossing the cup in the trash on the way. Now that they were finally at the hotel Church was a bundle of nerves. Michael went in and paid while he held Hanna and got dressed again in the bushes. When he came back out with a keycard and gestured around back Church ran through the woods until Michael was heading upstairs, then quickly followed.

The room they stepped into a moment later was actually nice. It didn’t smell and everything looked clean. Hanna immediately saw the huge king-sized bed and squealed, running over to bounce on it, his former sleepiness forgotten. While he was distracted Church turned to Michael and reached over, grabbing him around the waist so he could easily tug his body up against his own.

“This has been quite an awkward ride, priest.”

He knew that he was close to crying again and actually felt bad about.

I’d probably be the laughing stock of all the demons now if they knew how much you have gotten to me. I’ve been wrapped around your finger.

“Your demon side… has t-to much muscle.”

Church was confused for a second before he realized that he was talking about the literal ride there. Rolling his eyes with a sarcastic sigh, Church leaned over and attacked Michael’s mouth, but instead of going fast and biting like he normally did, he was gentle but insistent. When he finally pulled away a minute later Michael followed, stepping forward until Church felt his back hit the wall, and then his lips were covered again.

It hurt that he could taste the fear through his actions, but this had to be done.

When he stepped away again, Michael followed a second time, his movements a little faster than before, but Church was able to get his hand up and take his chin in his grasp, thumb pressing gently against his soft lower lip. It halted his actions, but also brought the tears to finally spill over their boundaries.

“It’s okay, Michael. It’ll all be okay in the end. All that matters is that you and Hanna are safe.”

Church knew that he was going to say something sentimental but he just couldn’t hear it right now. It may make him hesitate, and that was not an option. So instead of speaking further with him, Church just leaned over and gave him one last small kiss, then walked over to Hanna. The little boy immediately noticed and stood on the edge of the bed, arms out, eager to be picked up. He did as he wished and pressed a kiss to his cheek with a small smile.

“Hanna, Chesh needs to go for a little while. Can you behave for Migal and help him remember to brush his teeth right?”

The boy’s face changed from one of happiness to uncertainty.

“B-But Chesh jus’ comes back. No want to go!”

Church gave his head a loving pat and sat him back down on the bed so that he was sitting, his little legs hanging over the edge. He then knelt there, looking up at him slightly.

“I know, hun. But Chesh has some very important things to do and since Migal is a little sick, he can’t come and needs someone big and strong to look after him.”

Hanna looked over at Michael, who just happened to be sniffling a lot, making the story more believable… at least to a two year old.

“W-will back for birfday?” he asked, blinking repeatedly to try and keep from crying. Church knew that it was probably going to be a lie, that he wouldn’t be back, but he couldn’t tell him the truth, even if he deserved it. So instead, he put on his best smile, because he really didn’t want him to remember him upset, and spoke in the most excited voice he could muster.

“Of course, sweetie. Next Friday. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Hanna gave him a tiny little smile and nodded, then sniffled a few times as they leaned toward each other to hug.

“Be a good boy. I’ll be counting on you to take care of my priest.”

Hanna nodded right away, though Church doubted he even knew what a priest really was. But that was okay. He knew he was leaving them both in capable hands; each others. With that solidifying his resolve, Church stood slowly and walked toward the door, turning as he opened it with a soft smile on his face. Michael was still standing near the bathroom. He looked like he really was getting sick, but it would pass. They would move on if he didn’t return. Humans were good at things like that.

“I’ll see you, Michael.”

With that, he was gone, not willing to risk staying another second. The farther away from them he got, the safer they would be… and the closer to his old territory Church was, the more danger he would be in, but that’s where he needed to go now. He would settle this situation, dead or alive. Either way, the two things he finally found it in his cold, bloodied heart to love, would be safe.

Only You Can Change Your Life

“Hello?”

The dispatcher on the other end of the phone paused for a second, not having even been able to get out her normal; this is 911 emergency, how may I help you? drill. He wasn’t in the mood to wait, so Church had spoken before her. And since she wasn’t continuing as quickly as he’d like, he spoke again. 

“I need you to connect me to the downtown police department, head officer, if he is available.”

She stuttered for a moment before finally finding her voice. 

“Sir, I can help you.”

“No. You can’t. Get me the officer or I will kill you.”

That made her much easier to manage. “Yes sir,” she replied and, without a moment’s hesitation, connected him to the other department. He heard the phone ringing and counted the seconds as his eyes looked around the busying street. The storm kicked back up and died down while he’d taken time to go through his plan, so now the snow plows were getting to work so that stranded vehicles could be freed and others could get to work. The local department likely had trackers on all of their pay phones, so he didn’t want to stay in his current spot for more than a few minutes.

“Hello?”

Hearing the familiar officer’s voice from when they’d questioned him back at the precinct, Church smirked and hurriedly told him what he needed. 

“My name is Church, and you know the rest. I want answers and I want them in the next two minutes. First, who attacked my dog?”

He waited for two seconds before he growled into the receiver, getting the first answer he wanted.

“Demons came and took him from an officer who had carried him out of the building with the intent to take him home until a new one was found.”

Nodding, Church ran his fingers through his hair with his free hand and sighed.

“Okay. So, next question. I want my freedom. What do I have to do to ensure I get it?”

He could hear the man try to muffle a laugh, but he didn’t care. It was hilarious that a demon would ask for such a thing, especially one who was technically free at the moment.

“You can’t think that I would be able to do that, especially after you killed a man recently. I’m sure there were others, too.”

Rolling his eyes, Church ground his teeth together and reigned in his temper, knowing that he was going to need to run any second now. 

“Yes, I killed him, because he burned my priest. The others were only to keep the hoards of demons from going insane, but I’m tired of it. I want my freedom and I want my family to not have to be put through this.” 

The man laughed again and Church wanted to rip his throat out.  Happy thoughts. He told himself as he heard the plastic casing on the phone begin to splinter in his hand. 

“You called to tell me a demon has fallen in love with a priest and wants to raise the little boy he stole after his demons killed the child’s parents?”

“Yes,” Church said without an ounce of hesitation, which immediately shut the officer up from sheer surprise. “Tell me officer, how many demon attacks have occurred since I left your compound?” Silence took over the line and Church let his grim smirk return.

“I want my freedom, and in return I will take care of any demonic issues.”

The officer grunted on the other end. “So you mean to tell me you’ll be the peacekeeper between demons and humans for your own freedom?”

That had Church laughing, though it sounded much harsher than he had intended.

“No. I will kill them. Most demons in this city cannot be reasoned with. I thought that killing was the only way to sate them, but then they wanted more, bigger game. Eventually it lead to humans, but I am tired. I just want away from it all, but I know that can’t happen. So, I give you my offer. Think it over, and I will see you tonight.”

Before he could reply Church hung the phone up and darted. The sirens from police cars rang just a few streets away but they just barely missed seeing him as he ducked behind a convenience store and disappeared into the neighborhood, heading for the forest.

It was past dark before he finally stepped out of the forest across the street from the station they’d only just escaped from. He’d put his clothing back on, having needed his demon to make the journey manageable with the time constraint. Time to do something for someone else for once. He thought that his inner demon would be annoyed that he was basically sacrificing himself, but he was content with his decision, and that just strengthened his resolve further.

“I will come back to you, Hanna, Michael. Just wait for me.”

“Happy birthday, Hanna!” Michael said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster. A cloud of depression hovered over his head, but he did his best to keep Hanna from being affected. He knew the boy missed Church as much as he did, possibly even more so… but there was nothing they could do to bring him back. He was honestly trying to put on a happy face, too, as he stared down at the small chocolate cake he’d bought with three candles sticking out of it. 

“Blow out your candles and make a wish, but don’t say it out loud or it can’t come true.”

He knew what he was going to wish for as his worried, tear-filled eyes glanced up at him, then back down at the candles. He took in a deep breath, then huffed it out over them. They flickered and went out and Michael quickly got the cake cut and onto a paper plate for him. 

“Here you go, eat up.” 

The look on his face told Michael that he really didn’t want it, so instead, he set the plate aside and handed him a small box. It wasn’t much, but he knew they had to be careful with the money Church left them until it was safe to go looking for a job. 

The hype should calm down in a few weeks… hopefully.

Sliding up onto the messy bed, Michael scooted back to lean against the pillows stacked by the headboard and patted his lap. Hanna crawled into it quickly as he got the TV on and the boy tugged at the ribbon on the box. The TV always started on the news as a default and Michael intended to change it immediately, but then he felt his heart leap into his throat as the anchor began speaking into a microphone outside of a hotel that looked disturbingly familiar.

Michael’s attention went back to Hanna for a moment as he tugged the lid off the box and pulled out the little bracelet Michael had made. It had all of their names on it with little wooden block beads. He actually seemed to like it as he smiled back up at him and Michael leaned over, helping him fasten it around his wrist. When he was done, he pressed a soft kiss to his hair and then glanced back up at the television as a news story began.

“After several days of negotiations the New York police force has decided to try out a new tactic in controlling renegade demons. The first demon officer has been sworn in this morning at town hall. In order to obtain his freedom from scrutiny, he has agreed to the chief’s terms and also agreed to wear an ankle monitor for the duration of his trial period. Church Remaro has been given two days before his training officially begins and is just about to return to the human family he is doing all of this for. 

It is under very strange circumstances that he currently has custody of a small boy who had disappeared from a park after his parents were murdered months ago, but the police department has already investigated the matter and determined that Church played no part in the demise of the boy’s parents, and had, instead, rescued him. They have since met the boy and evaluated him to be in good physical and mental health, so they have awarded Church guardianship as long as he keeps up with monthly welfare visits to check on the boy. It is also thought that his lover is none other than a priest, the other member of his family, but this is currently just speculation…“

The camera panned away from Church, who had been climbing the stairs as the reporter spoke and now… Michael’s eyes looked over to the door where a shadow was easily seen from beneath it. 

“The two demons responsible for committing several murders the last two weeks have also been killed by Church. They had tried to ambush him and the leading officer as they spoke outside the police station last night. More to come on this developing story later tonight at eleven.” 

Church.

There was a very faint knock against the door and Michael swore he had to fight himself not to toss Hanna aside and run for it. Instead, he gently set the boy aside and told him to wait a moment, then briskly walked around the bed and to the door. 

His right hand was shaking so badly that he had to focus on actually moving the handle down, then pulling it back. When the door finally swung backwards Michael was left standing face to face with the demon he’d let steal his heart. He was still handsome, but now he was perfectly groomed, hair clipped into a short style that still allowed some of the curl it had at the tips of the strands. His clothing was all new, a Special Services uniform, and it looked damn fine on him. The tie though, that could definitely go, but he’d be sure to remove it as soon as they ended up getting some time free from Hanna when they hopefully moved back into the apartment.

“Chesh!”

Hanna suddenly appeared between them and literally began climbing Church’s pants in his eagerness to get to his dad. Church might not have fathered the boy, but in Hanna’s eyes there would never be another. 

With a gruff chuckle Church handed Michael something he hadn’t noticed was tucked under his right arm so that he could lean over and scoop up their crying boy. As soon as he touched the bundle of fluff Michael knew what it was and couldn’t help but smile. The chunky puppy sneezed, then looked up at him with half-asleep eyes, then yawned.

“Hey Hanna? Look who Chesh brought to your birthday party!”

Hanna turned around in Church’s arms slowly, then his tear-stained eyes widened and he gave a smile that had been absent ever since Church had left. Leaning over, Church pressed a kiss to Hanna’s hair and smiled as he reached out with his free hand to pet the pup on its fluffy head.

“Mats had a few booboos that needed to be taken care of. Did you miss him, Hanna?”

Their boy nodded repeatedly, sniffling as he reached out for his puppy. As soon as Church set him back down on the floor Michael handed him Max, whom he promptly dragged over to the bed and shoved up onto it, before following. 

Shaking his head, Michael turned his attention back to Church and felt a heavy weight lift from his shoulders as he walked into his open arms, sighing in contentment as they locked tightly around him. 

“I’ve missed you, my priest. I apologize for not contacting you, it was not allowed,” Church said as he leaned his face away a slight amount, making Michael curious. 

He looked up, meeting his devilish smirk. “But I am free now, and we will be going home soon. No more hunting or running from humans for me.” 

Church leaned over and pressed his soft yet rough lips to his for a moment. “In fact, get packed now. I want to make my family dinner, bathe, then…” 

His tongue ran along Michael’s lower lip, making him part them so that he could invade his mouth. He pulled away again after a minute, leaving Michael panting in a dazed fog. 

“Do you know how I will keep my demon in check from now on, my little priest?” 

Michael couldn’t really focus on anything besides his moist lips so he just shook his head slowly, making Church’s smirk widen. 

“I will deflower my priest over and over again, every night, until Hanna wakes up and comes and gets us to make breakfast each morning.” 

Michael’s face burned a bright cherry red, but he had a feeling that come morning, Church might just not let him out of bed at all…

This is where the original ended but I will put up the epilogue chapter, too, but going to tone it down a bit.

Epilogue-Take Me To Church

“Daddy!” Hanna squealed as he ran over to Church, who couldn’t even get through the front door without having to pick up their squirming son. 

Tossing Hanna on his shoulders, he held his little legs and ran a bit, making the boy put his arms in the air happily as he made airplane noises. It had been nearly two weeks since they moved back to the apartment, but Church had been so busy with his new job on top of his company work that they hadn’t really had much time together. 

Michael was currently training to be CEO, since Church said that he wouldn’t have time with his policework and only wanted the company to keep going if someone he trusted worked at the position. A few people had been pissed they hadn’t been promoted and instead had to train him when Church wasn’t available, but they softened up after they realized how quickly he learned and how well he performed his duties.

At night both of them basically fell into bed after tucking Hanna in, and only awoke when the alarm drawled it’s annoying hum come morning. The short few minutes they laid in bed before Hanna awoke was spent kissing and touching, but they never got much further. 

Michael was literally walking on pins and needles now, his fingers itching to touch his demon more. After he’d finally come to terms with the idea that the only bed he ever wanted to warm was Church’s, he had been seriously on edge to heat it up several more degrees.

Darn life. Why do you have to be so darn busy right now.

Huffing out a sigh, Michael gave his head a sharp shake and stood up, taking Hanna from Church’s shoulders and running into the kitchen, holding him carefully. 

“Hey, that’s mine!” Church shouted as he heard him run after them. 

Michael hunched by the counter but soon found strong arms wrapped around both himself and Hanna, making butterflies go crazy in his belly. When Church leaned over and nipped his ear, Michael had to bite back a moan. “Pancakes for dinner, Michael? Then tucking Hanna in… then my priest for dessert?”

“Hanna want dessert, too!”

Oh god. You are never getting that kind of dessert! I will put a chastity belt on you when you get older.

Michael’s protective side simmered, but Church just laughed and gave Hanna a kiss on the nose before releasing them to get things needed for dinner out of the fridge. He grabbed eggs, flour, milk, and a bag of chocolate chips. He held the bag up and Hanna grinned just as his dad did. 

“We’ll mix dessert with dinner. How does that sound?”

Hanna clapped his hands as Michael set him down and he walked over to Church, holding up one hand, silently asking for chocolate chips. Michael knew that he was going to get them, even though they both knew he understood that they had to go in the pancakes and he was just trying to get himself a few extra, but of course Church just tilted the bag and poured a few pieces into his son’s hand anyways.

So whipped. As am I.

Michael watched as Hanna ran over to Max, who had recovered well from his injuries and grown quite a bit in such a short time. When he stopped in front of the dog and began offering it a chip Michael quickly ran over and grabbed the candy before the pup could get it into its mouth. Hanna looked surprised and a bit upset, so Michael knelt down and quickly explained that chocolate made doggies hurt. Hanna’s face paled and he immediately shoved the chocolate into his own mouth, making Michael grin and pat his head. “Go ahead and play with Max. We’ll call you for dinner in a moment, okay?”

He nodded and grabbed the poor dog, dragging it away without it protesting at all, though it took a good amount of effort with its recent gained weight. When he was out of view Michael sauntered up behind his demon and slid his hands into the front of his pants, getting a loud groan in response. Nuzzling into the crook of his neck, he began to nibble there as Church did his best to distractedly flip pancakes. It wasn’t working all too well, but Michael gave him props for actually getting most of the food in the pan each time he flipped one. By the time there were three plates of pancakes Church was incredibly sexually frustrated… Michael definitely knew, because he was holding a very stiff item and had caused it with a gleeful smile.

When Michael realized they probably needed to eat the odd looking pancakes before they got cold, he hesitantly retracted his hands and went to wash them as Church got the food on the table, followed by glasses of orange juice. When everything was set Michael got himself situated and called Hanna over. While Church ate Michael cut up Hanna’s pancake and added the amount of syrup he wanted before finally digging into his own. Dinner was fairly quiet, but about halfway through Hanna gave a big yawn and looked up at him. “Can I be excuse? I tired.” 

Michael grinned at him and nodded. “You had a bath yesterday so you can skip tonight’s, but be sure to go potty and brush your teeth before bed, okay? Daddy and I will be in there in a few minutes to tuck you in.”

Hanna quickly nodded and crawled out of his chair, then walked to the bathroom. Church and Michael remained quiet and finished their meal as they heard Hanna get ready for bed. When both of them were finished they split the rest of Hanna’s food and finished it off as well, before bringing all the dishes to the sink to rinse. They heard the toilet flush, then the sink going. After that, the pattering of feet and the sound of dragging were heard as Hanna brought Max to his bed and got under the blankets.

“Maybe we should have just gotten him a stuffed animal. I swear that dog poops more than all of us put together and still doesn’t move ninety-nine percent of the time,” Michael said, not really to anyone in particular.

Church cracked up at that, his smile infectious as they both laughed quietly. Truly, They both knew that they wouldn’t give Max away for anything. He was Hanna’s puppy. He was important, even if he shed everywhere and was about as useful as a piece of his freshly dropped fur on one of their black dress shirts. 

Feeling a gentle hand in his own, Michael looked up at Church as he began leading him out of the kitchen, switching off the lights as they walked past the doorway. Michael got the one near the table before they turned down the hall and went to Hanna’s room. 

When they got there they looked at each other and shook their heads. Hanna was out cold with Max in his arms, his face buried in the puppy’s soft fur. Michael walked over first and leaned over to press a kiss to his cheek, then moved aside as Church did the same. They both whispered “good night, Hanna,” then made their way out of the room, closing the door quietly behind themselves.

The walk back to their own room wasn’t hurried, but as soon as the door closed Michael was shoved up against it, somehow quietly, and kissed with a desperation that he hadn’t seen from Church, ever. He also noticed a certain item rubbing against him between his legs, but instead of being disgusted like he may have when he’d first met Church, he groaned and eagerly wrapped his arms around his shoulders, then did the same with his legs and his waist. Church’s hips gave several sharp jerks, jarring the door with their strength and making Michael yell into his shirt to try and muffle the sound.

I’m such a perverted priest. 

Michael groaned Church’s name, getting a rather sexy, deep growl in return. His mind felt foggy as he leaned his head back against the door so that he could look into his bright, hungry eyes. Knowing that he affected him so much made his pride swell, along with something else between his legs.

“I specifically remember a demon promising to deflower a certain priest.”

His voice was rough with need and Church heard it. Definitely heard it. Michael’s legs slowly loosened from around his waist and Church backed up just enough to let him return to his feet. 

“But this needs to go, now,” Michael said as he grabbed the stupid tie around Church’s neck and yanked it, unfastening the thing easily with the jerk. The motion left the top of his shirt slightly undone and a smirk on his cocky face.

“You don’t need some stupid necktie to look the part. Any part.”

“It’s just part of the uniform, love. Have to show that I belong to the police department.”

Michael’s eyes narrowed to slits and he stood up on his tip-toes, his feet brushing against Church’s shoes.

“You belong to me. They borrow you, but you’re mine alone.”

He wasn’t sure where that sudden possessiveness had come from, but judging from the fact that he was suddenly being carried over Church’s shoulder, he had a feeling that he had liked the idea. He dropped Michael down onto the bed and unbuttoned his shirt faster than he thought possible. Michael’s eyes glued to the toned chest he saw as Church shrugged the clothing off, then began on his pants. Michael scooted forward on instinct and grabbed what sprang forth as soon as his boxers and pants dropped to the floor.

This part is mine, too.

With a nervous but curious smile, Michael began leaning forward and opened his mouth, but was suddenly shoved onto his back with Church leaning over him. His lips lowered quickly to his own and Michael gladly opened for him, but he pulled back after only a minute. 

“I don’t want this beautiful mouth on anything but my own.” 

Michael’s cheeks burned but he nodded, unable to talk. He felt Church shift his weight a little and soon Michael’s dress pants were being pulled down along with his boxers. While he did that Michael removed his shirt, losing the last barrier they had to being completely naked against each other. 

And it feels like heaven. Real heaven. Not the fake one I’m evidently no longer going to. 

Church reached over to the nightstand and pulled out a large bottle of lube, making Michael hold back a chuckle. He obviously knew that they were going to be busy soon, but he bet he had wanted to use most of that much earlier than tonight. 

Michael thought that he would go slow and start with kissing and touching, but Church didn’t hesitate to get right to business. Thankfully, he used plenty of liquid from the bottle and gladly muffled any of Michael’s responding sounds with his mouth as he used his fingers between his legs.  

It was already completely dark in the room but Church’s eyes flared brighter as he worked and he wasted no time in lining himself up while at the same time getting Michael into a comfortable position.

“Say it, Church,” Michael whispered into the darkness. 

“Michael Saunders, I love you and I will have a ring on your damn finger by the end of the week. You are my priest and if anyone tries to touch you I’ll tear their throat out.” 

Well. That was a little overboard, but I’ll definitely take it. 

“Well then, best claim this priest to be sure everyone knows he belongs to his Church only.”

A deep rumble emanated from his chest as he abruptly shoved himself inside. Michael gasped and arched, trying to lessen the pain but Church was relentless. He couldn’t blame him. The guy was a demon and had also been waiting for this day for quite a long time. 

“As much as I want to hear you scream my name, my dear priest, I will have to make do with your moans and deliciously perverted body,” Church growled when Michael turned his head to bite a blanket, needing to muffle his sounds so that they didn’t wake Hanna. 

He leaned over and licked Michael’s cheek with a pleased growl, picking us speed if that were even possible. He squirmed, but Church just chuckled and bit his ear. 

“I’m going to turn you into such a dirty priest.”

He would normally feel embarrassed to hear such words, especially directed at himself, but this time he felt differently. Spitting out the edge of the blanket between his teeth, Michael grabbed what small strands of Church’s newly-cut hair he could and jerked his head to the side so that he could slam his mouth over his. When he finally allowed Church some air, he was pleased to hear his demon panting even harder. 

“I’ll turn you dirty, my handsome demon. Because I know what you want and…”  his mouth was sealed with Church’s and Michael didn’t have time to react as he buried himself deep and released into him. The abrupt action had Michael’s own mind going blank as he arched against Church, feeling his own release send shivers through his body.

When they finally came down from their climaxes Michael felt completely sated. Church was resting overtop him, panting heavily but nuzzling and licking against his neck and cheek at the same time. They were both exhausted, but it was definitely worth it. Michael was just about to tell him that when Church chuckled and gripped his waist, giving one last small thrust with a smirk.

“I swear it. Tomorrow I’ll have you so sore from doing you on my desk every way possible that you will not be able to sit for a week.”

Tilting his head, Michael matched his smirk and gave his own light laugh.

“Only one week?” 

Those had evidently been the wrong words to say… or in his case, the right ones? Either way, they started going at it again, their previous fatigue forgotten as they made love for a second time. 

I can call it love now.  Michael thought to himself with a content feeling he’d been yearning for since he knew he had feelings for a demon who wasn’t able to return them.  Now he can. Now he’s my lover. Hopefully soon, my husband. 

Michael’s lips quirked up into a cheesy grin as he stared up at the man lovingly looking down at him. 

And always my Church. 

-End

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