Page 45 of My Demon Neighbor
Seventeen
Pythor
Codie was so damnedbrave.
His hand held onto mine in a vise grip, and yet he kept walking forward, unwilling to let his fear hold him back.
While the community we lived in wasn't quite in the suburbs, it also wasn't in the populated part of town, so the road we were walking alongside didn't really have a lot in the way of traffic or places to go. We had no destination, but neither of us cared.
"How do you feel?" I asked after we'd been walking in silence for a few minutes.
"Terrified," Codie admitted with a strained laugh. "But also... free."
"You're a brave man," I told him, wanting him to know I saw the effort he was putting in, the way he was fighting off his fears with every step.
"You really think so?" he asked, sneaking a glance at me before focusing on the ground.
"I do. You took the time you needed to heal at home, and now you're working hard to get your life back. I'm proud of you."
"And if I said I wanted to go back and never try again? Would you still be proud?"
"I would, because you'd be doing what you felt was the best for you. I'm here to support you, not to dictate how you should be healing or at what pace."
Codie shook his head in wonder, then shot me a smile. "I'm glad you're my mate."
His words made my chest warm, and I gave his hand a squeeze.
"I'm glad you're my mate too."
"Really? Even if you could have a damage-free, normal guy instead?"
Pulling him to a stop, I glanced down at him, struggling to find the words to say what I wanted to.
"Codie... I like you because of you. Because of the beautiful art you make, the wonderful hugs you give, and your kindness. While I wished I'd met you before you were hurt so I could've protected you, I don't want to be with anyone else."
Codie was silent as he stared at me. After a minute had passed, he nodded, then tugged my hand as he started walking again, Hella happily sniffing away at the weeds and brush on the other side.
After a while, I could sense he was getting tired, so I suggested heading back. Halfway home, I realized the street was empty, and offered to teleport us since Codie really looked like he could use a glass of water and some rest.
Thankfully, he agreed, and we went back to his place, where I fetched him some water while he sat on the couch.
"I think I overdid it a little," he said with a sigh as he sat up and gulped down the water.
"Tired?"
He nodded, and I reached forward to cup his cheek, making him freeze. He stared at me with wide eyes, as if waiting to see my next move, while his heart started galloping.
Staying still, I let my magic seep into him, offering some relief to his tired muscles. After months of inactivity, they must have been protesting the sudden workout. Human bodies could be surprisingly resilient at times, and yet extremely fragile at others.
"Oh wow. I didn't know you could do that," he murmured, and I hummed.
"Demon magic is very strong. As long as my summoner hasn't ordered me against doing something, I can do most things." Before he could ask me what I'd been ordered against doing, I said, "Would you like to take a nap?"
He glanced away, then shrugged. "I guess I could. You must have things to do."
It took me a moment to realize he thought I wished to leave. Instead of correcting him, I said, "Yeah, I do. I want to hold my mate as he naps, if I may."
Codie's eyes shot to mine, wide with surprise as a small smile curled his lips. "I... I'd like that. You're sure you want to stay?"
