Demons, Witches, and Toads (BoyxBoy) - Chapter 77: Chapter 77

Wheeler was back there again, the bodies ripping apart before his very eyes.
He could hear their anguished screams, frightened and desperate as they echoed around him. All Wheeler could do was stand there, petrified, powerless to stop the slaughter.
He saw Milton's severed head before him once more. This time however, the professor opened his mouth, that thick black fluid spilling from his lips.
"Mister Trevil," he choked through the liquid, "you let them die."
"I'm sorry," Wheeler sobbed. "I'm so sorry. I tried to save them--"
"Liar," Milton spat. "You just saved yourself, you selfish, selfish little boy."
And then Milton's face exploded, the blood violently splattering across Wheeler's face, drenching him in it.
Wheeler jerked awake, screaming. Desperately he began kicking and thrashing in the sheets, feeling like the blood was still dripping from him.
"Wheeler," a voice came from his side. "You're in the academy. You're safe. Just... breathe."
"Mully," Wheeler choked, his chest heaving frantically as his head whipped around in the darkness. "Mully?!"
"It's okay. I'm right here."
Wheeler let out a low breath, finally seeing Mulock beside him. At last his mind began to clear, leaving Wheeler panting in a cold sweat.
The bed was utterly destroyed, the pillows thrown from it, the sheets tangled in his legs. Wheeler buried his face in his hands, his shoulders still trembling from the nightmare. "I'm sorry," he whispered hoarsely.
The demon's eyes glowed a deep purple in the darkness. He didn't say anything, grabbing for one of the blankets Wheeler had kicked to the floor. Gently, he pulled it back over Wheeler's shoulders. "There's no need to apologize. Just try to get some rest."
"Maybe I should go sleep in the stables," Wheeler mumbled. "I'll probably just wake you again."
"I don't mind." The demon watched him from the other side of the bed, his expression so gentle it made Wheeler's chest ache.
"No," Wheeler said quickly, shaking his head. "It's not fair to you." He started to get up. "I'm so sorry for all of this. I'll just go--" Wheeler was cut off as Mulock's arms suddenly wrapping around him. The feeling made Wheeler's heart jump into his throat, his cheeks going warm.
"You'll do no such thing," Mulock murmured, gently pulling him back into bed. "We both know you won't get any sleep in the stables, and you have class tomorrow." Mulock was still holding him and Wheeler's heart could barely take it, thundering so frantically in his chest he feared the demon could hear it. "Now sleep. I'll be right here if you need me."
Wheeler wanted to protest, but Mulock's embrace was so warm and secure, as if it was the only thing protecting him. Almost subconsciously, Wheeler found himself moving closer. To his surprise, instead of pushing him away, Mulock pulled him to his chest. Wheeler's breath caught, and despite his better judgement, he snuggled up against him. Absently the demon's hand drifted to his curls, gently running his fingers through them. The action was slow and calming and Wheeler melted into his touch, his eyelids beginning to grow heavy.
He could feel the soft rise and fall of the demon's chest against him. Wheeler nuzzled closer still as his consciousness began to fade, sleep returning to claim him once more.
And at last, for the first time in days, Wheeler slept soundly— held tightly in the demon's arms.
***
Their final month at the academy passed in a blur.
It had been announced upon their return that professor Milton Slengeborn had abruptly decided to retire, which of course, Wheeler knew was most certainly not the case.
Wheeler had spent the following weeks attempting to go on like nothing had happened, trying to feign some sort of normalcy. He'd buried himself non-stop in his studies as he prepared for the upcoming tournament, pushing himself endlessly in order to never give himself a moment to actually think.
At last, the time came for the students to return to the capital, first year exams and second year tournaments on the horizon.
The first years were practically bouncing from excitement as they entered through the massive golden gates of the capital. Wheeler couldn't help but be reminded of when he'd arrived last year, bounding into the city as if it were the most magical place in the world.
Priscilla and Wheeler tried to mimic that same joy now as they made their way down the capital's glistening streets, as if by doing so things might feel like they had before.
They glanced into a shop window now, a display of magnificently decorated dresses within.
"Those are so pretty," Wheeler said, forcing a smile. "Priscilla, would you ever buy one of those?"
"Probably not," Priscilla replied. "Violet almost exclusively shops here for ball gowns, so she'd probably kill me if I did too. God, she's such a bitc--"
"Speaking of Violet," Mulock cut in. "Wheeler, you made sure to study the spells she used during last year's exam, right? You're both top in the class which means she's going to be your biggest competition tomorrow--"
"Uuuugh, can you dweebs stop studying for like five seconds?" Priscilla sighed heavily. "Everything is going to change tomorrow, so can't we just... like... I don't know... enjoy this time together?"
Mulock grew silent for a moment before giving a stiff nod. "Yeah, I suppose you're right."
"Is there anything you'd like to do?" Wheeler asked, trying his best to sound as cheerful as he used to.
Priscilla thought for a moment. "Hmm, well there's this unicorn-themed flower garden I've always wanted to check out."
"Anything but that," Mulock muttered.
"What? Why?" " Priscilla asked sharply.
"Disregarding the fact that just the words 'unicorn-themed flower garden' makes me physically ill, look." He gestured to the dark clouds above them. "It's going to rain soon."
Priscilla looked up, eyes narrowing. "Oh, come on. The weather has been great all day. There's no way those are storm clouds."
"Oh, really?" Mulock snapped. "Then what the hell are they?"
"I don't know... just some ugly clouds."
"And why are they ugly?"
"Cause they're all bloated and grey."
"Which normally means...?" Mulock urged.
"I know what you're trying to get me to say, and it's not going to happen," Priscilla muttered, crossing her arms. "The weather is going to stay lovely, we're going to have a wonderful last day as students together, and it's not going to rain--"
The moment the words left her mouth, it immediately began to downpour.
The rain came down in heavy sheets, instantly drenching them. Priscilla's shoulders sagged. It was a rather depressing sight, her once-puffy dress now soaked and plastered to her tiny frame.
"Well, Mulock, I guess you were right, as always," Priscilla mumbled, her gaze falling to her feet. "Let's just go back to the hotel."
"Wait," Wheeler blurted. "We're soaked anyway, so what's the harm in a little more rain? I say we should still go."
They both glanced at Mulock who, after a long moment, finally let out a heavy sigh. "Screw it, fine. Let's go to the stupid unicorn garden."
Priscilla's eyes went wide. "You really want to?"
"Want might be a bit of an overstatement... but sure, why the hell not," Mulock muttered. "Besides, it's like you said, why not enjoy the last day before everything changes?"
Priscilla grinned at them and Wheeler returned it with the first genuine smile he'd had in a very long time. Mulock didn't go as far in response, though his expression did soften slightly.
Priscilla reached forward, linking one arm with Wheeler and the other with Mulock who rolled his eyes but didn't resist.
"Alright," Priscilla said, still grinning from ear to ear. "Let's go boys!"
And with that, all three took off running through the rain.