Page 19 of My Demon Neighbor
Seven
Pythor
I'd just settled infront of the TV with my dinner when my phone buzzed, and I almost dropped everything in my haste to pick it up, which was an accomplishment in itself since demons weren't exactly clumsy.
Codie: I feel like I'm ready to take the next step. Do you have any suggestions?
I grinned at the proof that we were on the same page and started typing. I didn't even have to think much about it because I'd already given it way too much thought.
Me: Well, we could try sitting outside at night? And once you feel comfortable with that, maybe you could try coming over to mine? See how you feel? If you don't feel comfortable, your safe space won't be too far away.
Codie was silent for far too long, and I wondered if I'd said something wrong. I didn't think I had, but then again, Iwasn't human, and I hadn't been through whatever he'd been through.
Just when I was starting to think I might need to apologize, his reply came in.
Codie: I like that idea. I don't know why you're helping me, but thank you.
I wished I could tell him the truth, but I was worried it would scare him and ruin the progress we'd made. No one could predict how a human would react to finding out someone they knew was a demon, especially when human media seemed determined to portray demons as heartless villains.
The last thing I ever wanted was for Codie to be afraid of me.
Me: I'm helping you because I like you. I want you to succeed, to feel confident again, and I'll do everything I can to help you with that.
Codie: You like me?
I blinked, confused about the question.
Me: Uh, yes? You're a good person, and I like talking with you.
Another long, drawn-out silence. This time, I shoveled in some food instead of impatiently staring at my phone screen, and I'd almost finished my bowl of fried rice when my phone buzzed again.
Codie: I'm not ready for that yet. I don't know if I ever will be. I don't want to lead you on. I do like you as a person, but I'm afraid I can't offer you more, and I don't want to take advantage of your kindness, so I'll manage on my own. Sorry.
It took me far too long to realize how I'd fucked up, and instead of typing out a long, convoluted reply, I hit call.
"Uh, hello?" Codie answered, hesitation clear in his voice, and I winced. I'd messed up bad.
"That's not what I meant," I blurted out, then cleared my throat. "I mean, I do like you, but I like you as a friend as well. I'm not doing this out of any hope that you'll fall in love with me or something." I wouldn't be against it if he did, but I kept that to myself. "I'm helping you because I want to. No ulterior motives, I promise. I just want you to be happy."
Codie was silent for a long moment, then exhaled loudly. "Are you sure? Because you're a good friend, and I don't want to lose you, but I also can't—I can't—"
"I promise," I said when he couldn't finish his sentence, wishing I could give him a hug. I hoped Hella gave him some good cuddles instead.
"Okay," Codie whispered, and I hummed.
"Do you wanna sit out on the porch now? I'm done with my dinner," I said, scooping up the last of my rice.
"Okay. I'll come out in a few minutes. Hella too."
"See you then."
Ending the call, I finished up my meal, then cleaned everything up with a snap of my fingers before making my way outside.
Codie lingered behind the closed door once more, but I had a feeling he was hesitating for a completely different reason tonight. I cursed myself for not thinking better before I sent that text. Humans and their subtext.
I'd never yearned for a romantic or sexual connection the way most humans—and demons—tended to, and I was sure one of the many labels humans had to describe sexuality would explain how I felt perfectly, but I'd never looked into it. Maybe I should though, if only to tell Codie so he knew without a doubt that I hadn't befriended him with a relationship end goal in mind.
Not to say that I wouldn't enjoy being in a relationship with my fated mate, but for me, the romantic—and sexual—aspects were like pizza add-ons. I could do without them and still enjoy my pizza—aka my friendship with Codie—just as much, while they'd just add a certain flavor to it. The only way I'd ever want those toppings is if Codie wanted them first.
