Demons, Witches, and Toads (BoyxBoy) - Chapter 112: Chapter 112

"Alright, I think this should do it," Mulock murmured, dumping a final bowl of warm water over Wheeler's head.
Wheeler squeezed his eyes shut as the water splashed over him, knees pulled up to his chest within the large porcelain bathtub. Mulock smirked, examining his handiwork, any last traces of golden hair dye at last washed away.
"Congratulations," Mulock said with a smirk. "You're officially a brunette again."
Wheeler grinned, his wet curls drooping over his eyes, completely obscuring them.
Mulock let out a snort of laughter.
"What?" Wheeler asked, still grinning.
"You look ridiculous." Mulock leaned forward, brushing the soaked hair from Wheeler's eyes. "I feel like I'm looking at a half drowned labradoodle."
"Well that's incredibly specific."
"Incredibly accurate, too."
Wheeler shook his head, sending a wave of wet droplets flying in Mulock's direction.
"Oh ha ha, very funny," Mulock muttered, wiping the water from his face.
"Not as funny as this," Wheeler giggled, grabbing Mulock by the arm and yanking him into the tub with a massive splash.
Mulock coughed, spitting out a mouthful of lukewarm water. "Wheeler, you little shit."
From Wheeler's smile you'd think he was the demon.
Wheeler fluttered his lashes, feigning an innocent expression. "So I guess cats really do hate baths."
"I think most people hate being pulled into a bathtub fully clothed, feline or not," Mulock muttered.
Wheeler beamed at him, damp curls falling back into his eyes as they crinkled, his cheeks pink and flushed from the bath.
Mulock rolled his eyes. "Ugh, would you stop that?"
Wheeler blinked. "Stop what?"
"Looking adorable. It makes it frustratingly difficult to stay angry at you."
Wheeler's grin grew, leaning in to press a light kiss to his lips.
When they finally parted, Mulock was smiling despite himself.
Wheeler looked perfect.
No more straightened blond hair and hidden freckles, drenched beneath a layer of perfume. Now he was back to wild curls and goofy grins, smelling of forest and earth and all things unapologetically Wheeler.
God, how could someone be so beautiful? It almost made up for the fact that he was now sopping wet.
Almost.
Mulock grabbed Wheeler by the hair, dunking his head underwater with a wicked grin.
Wheeler quickly resurfaced, sputtering and coughing as his head popped back up. "Okay, I deserved that," he laughed, wiping the water from his eyes with one hand.
Mulock let out a low chuckle, pressing a trail of light kisses across freckle dusted shoulders in apology. "You should get out soon. Spending too much time in hot water can dry your skin."
Wheeler grinned. "You worry too much."
"And you worry far too little. God, what would you do without me?"
He'd only meant it jokingly, but Wheeler immediately went quiet, the words a painful reminder of what was soon to come. Silence hung heavy in the air. Because no matter what they said next, nothing could change the fact that their time together was quickly approaching its end.
At last, Mulock rose to his feet, water dripping from his hair and clothes as he stepped from the tub. "We have a lot of work to do," he said, grabbing a towel from a chair before tossing a second to Wheeler. "The Packwoods have arranged a meeting with potential supporters tomorrow. It's vital they join our side." He ruffled the towel through his hair. "Most were friends of Peter, so I assume they'll be easily convinced."
"And what happens if they're not?" Wheeler asked, wrapping his own towel around his waist as he stepped from the tub.
"Nothing good," Mulock replied flatly. "All we can do is hope it doesn't come to that." He reached out, gently brushing Wheeler's curls from his face. "You have to make a good impression. If they decide to support us, they'll want you as emperor."
Wheeler laughed dryly. "I'd be a terrible emperor."
"They could care less about what kind of ruler you'd actually be," Mulock said, tilting Wheeler's chin up with his thumb. "They just want a figurehead, someone to rally behind. As crown prince, you're the one they'll want to lead them."
"Even if I don't want to?" Wheeler asked softly.
"Even if you don't want to."
Wheeler bowed his head. "Then so be it. It's not like I'll be their emperor for long anyway." At the sight of Mulock's dark expression, Wheeler quickly caught himself. "I'm sorry. I was just kidding."
"Well you shouldn't joke about that shit," Mulock snapped. "This might come as a shock, but I don't especially enjoy comedic material based on your imminent death."
Wheeler rubbed the back of his neck, murmuring a string of apologies. Once he'd finished, an awkward silence hung in the air between them once more.
"Say, Mully," Wheeler began, clearly as desperate as Mulock to change the subject, "what day is it?"
"The 18th."
"Jeez, I didn't even realize my birthday passed while we were in hiding." A grin flashed across Wheeler's face. "I guess this means since I'm no longer a teenager, I'm officially a man now!"
Mulock rolled his eyes. "I'd hardly consider twenty making you any less of a kid."
"Like you're one to talk," Wheeler said, giving Mulock a playful nudge. "You barely made it past eighteen."
Mulock bristled, crossing his arms. "Life expectancy was shorter back then. In my day, eighteen was halfway to being an old man."
"An old man?" Wheeler repeated with a laugh. "Well, you're certainly grumpy enough to be one."
"And you're certainly obnoxious enough to warrant a second dunking in a bathtub."
"Threaten me all you want," Wheeler said, taking a step forward. "I think you're cute when you're pissy."
"I'm not being pissy," Mulock muttered.
"Yes you are."
"No I'm not--"
He was cut off by a tender kiss from Wheeler.
"Bastard," Mulock breathed as they finally parted, running his fingers through Wheeler's damp curls.
Wheeler smirked. "I'm told that's half my charm."
"Literally no one had ever told you that."
"I know," Wheeler said, the smirk slipping back into his usual lopsided grin. "I was just trying to sound as cool and suave as you for once."
"You think I'm cool and suave?" Mulock mused, arching a brow. "Careful, Wheeler. Keep talking like that and I might start thinking you have a crush on me."
"But I do have a crush on you," Wheeler said, a slight flush blooming across his cheeks.
"Really?" Mulock murmured, taking a step closer. "That's pretty embarrassing."
"You're my lover," Wheeler squeaked. "Of course I have a crush on you."
"Wheeler," Mulock said with a laugh, "I'm messing with you."
His flush darkened. "Oh."
"I just find everything else you do embarrassing."
"Wha! Hey!"
"Don't worry," Mulock chuckled, arms wrapping around Wheeler's waist. "It only makes me find you all the more adorable." He caught Wheeler's lips with his own, the flush rising to Wheeler's ears as he eagerly returned the kiss.
"Now," Mulock murmured softly, "as tempting as it is to stay here all day... a rebellion against the crown isn't going to plan itself."