Demons, Witches, and Toads (BoyxBoy) - Chapter 38: Chapter 38

Frantically, Wheeler shoved the scroll behind his back just as the headmistress entered the room.
"Mister Trevil, I didn't expect to find you here," Vera said, her expression unreadable. The headmistress's gaze fell to Mulock now, seering into him.
Wheeler felt just about ready to vomit.
"Uh...sorry, headmistress. This is my childhood friend uh...Marvin," Wheeler stammered. "He came to visit, but I wasn't sure if it was against school policy. I went to your office to double check and saw the door was open." He bowed his head. "I'm so sorry, I should've waited outside."
"Are you alright, Mister Trevil?" Vera asked, taking a step closer. The action caused Wheeler's heart to jump into his throat.
"W-What do you mean, Miss?" Wheeler practically choked.
"You seem exhausted," Vera replied, her magnified eyes never once blinking. "And...have you been crying?"
"Wha...oh! Um..." Wheeler quickly wiped his eyes with one hand. "Well, it's almost final exams. You know how it is."
The headmistress gave an understanding nod. "Ah yes, it can be quite the stressful time of year." Her gaze never left Wheeler. "Actually, young Mister Trevil...I'm glad you're here."
Wheeler swallowed hard. "You are?"
"Yes, I was actually hoping to speak to you. Your professors have informed you of the standard protocol for the exams, correct?"
"Um...kind of," Wheeler awkwardly replied. "I know we get to fight in some big arena, right?"
"Yes, that's correct," Vera said with a nod. "It's the same location where the second year tournament is going to be held." Her long, ink-stained fingers laced together. "Unfortunately, we have neither the space nor the proper resources for such an event at the academy. That is why, at the end of the month, we'll be traveling to the capital where the arena is located."
Wheeler's eyes went wide. "The capital? Really?! I've always wanted to go!"
Vera smiled thinly. "Yes, the capital is a truly remarkable place, with plenty of remarkable people. Which brings me to what I wanted to talk about..." She snapped her fingers and a thin sheet of paper instantly manifested in Wheeler's hand. "I need you to run an errand for me," Vera continued. "Written on that paper is the address of an old friend of mine. She owns a small business in the capital and I'd like you to speak with her."
"Oh, um...sure. I can do that," Wheeler replied, fidgeting nervously. The prolonged eye contact with Vera was beginning to make him extremely uncomfortable. "Is there anything specific I should tell her?"
"No need. I'm more concerned with what she has to say to you." Well, that was rather cryptic. "When you return, I'd like you to report back whatever she said...granted she decides to speak to you at all. Yureka is very particular."
"Err...okay..." Wheeler replied, pinned in place beneath Vera's bug eyed stare.
"Wonderful." A long pause followed before the headmistress's gaze finally snapped to Mulock. "Oh, and your friend is welcome to stay for a brief visit."
"Thank you, Miss!" Wheeler stammered, quickly bowing his head as he prayed they'd finally reached the end of this conversation.
To Wheeler's relief, Vera continued by saying, "I'm sure you're both incredibly busy so I won't hold you further. As always, feel free to come to me if you have any further inquiries about school policy."
"Of course, I truly appreciate it, Miss," Wheeler replied, almost a little too quickly.
They exchanged a brief goodbye before Mulock and Wheeler immediately attempted to shuffle towards the door. As they moved however, Wheeler could still feel the sharp prick of Vera's gaze on the back of his neck.
"Oh, and boys," the headmistress called from behind them. "Please do try to stay out of trouble."
***
Wheeler flopped onto his bed, every inch of him utterly drained. He tossed his hat to the side and Mister Pumpernickel wriggled out, leaping onto the pillow beside him.
Wheeler glanced at Mulock now. The demon had hesitated at the room's entrance, his back pressed up against the door.
"Wheeler," Mulock said slowly, some unreadable emotion buried deep within his voice. "I'm sorry about what I put you through today. My plan was stupid and I should have never proposed it."
"You don't need to apologize," Wheeler murmured, his voice rough with exhaustion. "I'm the one who agreed to it."
"You shouldn't take this lightly," Mulock shot back, his voice tight. "You were almost hurt and I was the one who enabled it to happen."
Despite how tired he was, Wheeler dragged himself off the bed.
He moved to stand beside Mulock now, gently placing a hand on the demon's shoulder. "Don't feel bad. Everything worked out. You didn't fail your duty as my demon--"
"This isn't about my duty," Mulock snapped. "This is about the fact you were almost harmed and it would've been all my fault. I'm the one who's supposed to protect you, and when you needed me most...I couldn't do a goddamn thing."
"Mully..." Wheeler's grip on the demon's shoulder tightened. "The reason I could defend myself was because of your training. If you hadn't forced me to practice every day, I would've been in real danger." Wheeler offered him a small smile. "So don't worry. I'm going to be the most powerful witch to ever live, remember? That goal's impossible if I can't even protect myself from some birds."
Mulock's expression softened ever so slightly. "You really were incredible," he murmured. "Obviously your powers helped, but the concentration and precision needed to cast two spells at once...I've never seen anything like it before."
Wheeler flushed. "Um, thanks. Who knew you relentlessly pummeling me into piles of hay would wind up being so helpful."
Mulock actually let out a low chuckle at that. The sound sent Wheeler's heart racing.
Suddenly the demon reached forward, gently ruffling Wheeler's hair. "I really am proud of you, kid. I mean it."
The words set off that weird fluttery feeling again, like a swarm of butterflies deep within Wheeler's chest. But Wheeler wasn't a kid. He was eighteen, just like Mulock.
He was a man.
And all of a sudden Wheeler found himself desperate for Mulock to actually acknowledge it.
Mulock's gaze flickered over him now. "You look exhausted, you really should rest."
"Yeah...you're probably right," Wheeler mumbled. He glanced from Mulock to the bed before letting out a small groan. "Uuugh, why does the bed have to be so far away?"
"God, you seriously act like a toddler sometimes," Mulock mused.
"Wha! I do not."
"Yes, you do. Next you'll be asking me to carry you to bed and tuck you in."
Wheeler shot him a grin. "As if you could. You're shorter than me now. Remember--"
Before Wheeler could even finish the sentence, Mulock suddenly scooped him up, effortlessly flinging him over one shoulder.
"What was that about me being short again?" the demon asked icily.
"I'm sorry," Wheeler laughed, cheeks flushing. "Now put me down."
"Only if you say please."
"Oh haha, very funny."
"I'm not joking. Say it," the demon ordered, his voice low.
Wheeler felt his face grow even hotter despite himself. "Um...jeez, alright," he mumbled. "Mully, please..."
The demon immediately dumped him onto the bed with a smirk. "Call me short again and I fling you out the window next time."
"Got it," Wheeler replied, rolling onto his side so Mulock couldn't see just how red his face had become.
Wheeler buried his face in his pillow, his heart still thundering in his chest. Uuuuuugh, why wouldn't these awful feelings just go away?
Why did they always have to leave him so confused and ashamed for having them?
Teenage hormones were the freaking worst.