Eli the Chimera (complete)

Mail Main Character x Male Monster

Before I went to school, before I made friends with Max or Urata, all I had was my mom. I owe her my life and the way I am able to live it today. I haven’t seen her in a long while, and even if we talk all the time, I miss her hugs, her cooking, and reading with her. But luckily, with spring break coming I’ll be able to go see her and spend time with her again. Now that Max is in my life, she’s invited him along as well.

“You have to behave!” I fuss at Spite.

Spite’s eyes narrow as he looks over the rim of the coffee mug. “Why am I the only one receiving this warning?”

I glare at him. “Why are you even asking that? You know why!”

Max puts his hand over the coffee mug Spite is lounging in. “You sure you want us to come?” he asks. “I don’t mind missing out.”

I look dreamily at Max and smile. I can almost picture fuzzy hearts floating all around him. “I’m not worried about you. I really want you to meet my mom. I just don’t want the candy cane nightmare to pull his stunts.”

Spite pushes against Max's palm and finally lifts it up. “If she had to raise you, I’m sure she’s seen it all. Why worry about me?”

I frown at him. “What sort of kid do you think I was?”

Spite lowers back into the coffee mug, letting Max’s hand come to rest over the top again. “I don’t like the way he’s looking at me, Max,” he whispers from inside.

I scoff and shake my head. “I didn’t used to be like this, you know? I used to be a scared, timid kid.”

“Seeing you now, that’s so hard to imagine,” Max murmurs.

I nod, idly stirring my tea. “After I was rescued from Dr. Aesop’s lab, I wasn’t exactly a bubbly ball of sunshine. It’s thanks to my mom I’m even here.”

Max’s soft smile widens, and I love the way the stubble on his chin looks. “Then I’m even more excited to meet her.”

“I’m curious to see what raised you,” Spite says, peeking out from the mug.

“My mom is amazing. I’m sure even you will like her,” I smirk at Spite.

Spite scoffs. “I’m loveable as fuck, like one of those weird cats online people won’t shut up about. I am charismatic and unique, the ultimate pa…”

Max presses him back into the mug. “You sure you want him around?” he sighs.

I lean over the table, giving Max a big, sweet smooch. “Despite who Spite is, I really want my mom to meet you, all of you. That includes Spite. I actually think he’ll like her and behave.” I kiss him again, if only to see the color rise in his cheeks. Even after all his success at being a hero, and even living with me, he still blushes and acts awkward. I love that about him.

Max’s eyes brighten as he looks at me. “I can only make promises about his behavior, not guarantees. So if your mom gets upset with us, I’ll make sure to prepare a card.”

I sit back and gaze dreamily at him. “You won’t need it. I know my mom will adore you just as much as I do.”

We pack up and rent a car to take to her place, and the drive is beautiful as we wind into the countryside. The trees outnumber the people, and their shade makes the air crisp and cool. I remember being scared of leaving the trees when I was going to the Hephaestus Academy. They were like my guardians, and leaving them meant so much more than leaving home for the first time.

Mom’s house is down a narrow gravel road that winds for a bit longer before widening into the approach to our house. The place hasn’t changed at all since I was a kid, although the yard is much neater. Max gazes out the window in surprise.

“This ain’t no three bears house,” Spite giggles.

I park the car and smile. “The house was left to my mother. Actually, she was going to sell it before she adopted me.”

My mother steps out of the house, onto the deck. Her smile is so big, and I can’t wait to wrap her up in a hug. She comes down the stairs to meet us and I rush to her, throwing my arms around her and hugging her tightly. “Have you gotten taller?” she laughs.

“Have you gotten shorter?” I tease.

“You’re not what I was expecting,” Spite announces.

I turn around, my mother on my arm as I get ready to introduce her. “Mama, this is Max, the one I’ve been telling you about. And this is Spite, the one I’ve been warning you about. Guys, this is my mom.”

“You can call me Jo if you like,” she says brightly.

“It’s a gremlin,” Spite giggles. Max frowns and pushes Spite’s head down onto his shoulder.

My mom is short, but nothing about her is gremlin-like. She’s perfect to me, soft and warm for hugs, with fluffy hair and pretty eyes I’ve always loved. “I told you to be nice,” I scold.

“Sorry about him, ma’am,” Max apologizes. He steps forward and holds out his hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

She smiles brightly at Max. “Is it okay if I give you a hug? Eli has told me so much about you, and I want to thank you for taking care of him.”

Max’s cheeks flush. “S-sure.”

He leans down to hug my mom and she gives him a tight, loving squeeze. “And you can call me Jo or Mom, okay? None of this ma’am nonsense. Do you boys need help with your luggage?”

“Nah, Mom, we’ve got it.” I answer. “Are we staying in my room?”

“If you want. There’s also the guest room. You two are adults, so I just ask you to behave like it while you’re here with me.” She goes back inside as Max and I fetch our luggage.

“Don’t call my mom a gremlin again!” I hiss at Spite.

“Nah, I won’t. She looks more like a gummy bear,” he titters.

I glare at him. “Be nice to my mama, or I’ll put you in a jar the next time Max and I fool around.”

“I’d like to see you try,” Spite growls.

Max sighs and pushes Spite back down. “Could you both not do this?”

“You’re right.” I lead them to the stairs. “We’re supposed to have a nice, relaxing time this vacation. I want you to get to know my mom because she’s important to me just like you are.” The smell of cookies wafts from inside the kitchen, and just as we step in my mother takes a sheet from the oven. “Mama, you didn’t!”

She laughs. “I had to. I figured you boys would be hungry, so I wanted to have some snacks for you before dinner.” She comes up to me and puts her hands around my waist. “And you’re still so tiny here!”

“That tickles, Mama,” I giggle.

“He eats more than his fair share,” Spite chuckles. “He’s not skimping on meals.”

“That’s good to know.” She looks over Spite with a curious eye. “Why don’t you boys go and set your things down? When you’re ready you can come and have some cookies.”

I kiss the top of her head. “Thanks, Mom.”

I take them down the hall to my room, which hasn’t changed much since I left for Hephaestus Academy. The walls are lined with shelves filled with books and some old toys, but mostly just lots and lots of books. “So this is your childhood room?” Max looks around, scoping it out. “Not what I expected.”

“What’s not to expect?” I chuckle. “I was very much a homebody. Books were my only escape.” I set my bag down on the bed.

As Max comes up beside me, Spite stretches out. “When did dick become your escape?”

I glare at him. “When I turned eighteen. Although I was a problem for a while. When I started to mature, my libido was kind of… erratic. It used to scare me.”

“What’d you do about it?” Max opens his bag, taking out the gift he brought for my mother.

“My mom did all she could. We saw doctors and specialists. But considering I was something manmade, there wasn’t much information about what would benefit me. Mom eventually sat me down and gave me a long talk. She was supportive, but I never acted on anything until I left for the Academy.”

“Does she know about Urata?” Max asks.

I nod. “She’s met him a few times. She didn’t like him at first - you know, young boy, older guy. She was really hesitant with him, and she actually scared him.”

“The gummy bear scared Urata?” Spite laughs.

“She can get scary. Trust me, I’ve seen it.” I sit down on the edge of the bed and sigh. “She likes him now, though. She understands that he helps me.”

Max sits down beside me. “She’s really nice. Hell, even my stepmom didn’t ask me to call her mom. Yours led with it.”

I place my hand on Max’s leg. “She likes you.”

Max’s face reddens and he bites his lip. “I’ll be honest, I was nervous meeting her. She seems really sweet, though.”

I kiss him, pressing close. I want to spread him out across my bed, but I should behave myself while here, especially since my mom is waiting on us. “I’ll reward you tonight. Okay?”

“Okay.” He kisses my cheek before we go back into the kitchen, where he approaches my mother and hands her the wrapped gift. “Just a small thank-you for having us, and for possibly having to deal with Spite.”

Mom beams. “You didn’t have to do that, Max.” She shocks me by reaching up and stroking Spite’s head like a pet’s. “I’m sure you’re not as big of a menace as they say you are.”

Spite presses into her palm with a grin. “Oh, no, Ma, I’m even bigger than they say.”

Mom laughs and offers a seat to Max. She sits with us while I start eating cookies and she opens the present. It’s a framed picture that Max drew of me. Mom’s eyes grow soft as she smiles nostalgically at the picture. “This is beautiful, Max. Did you draw this?”

Max nods. “Yes, ma- mom,” he quickly corrects himself. “He usually poses for art class, but I drew this while we were at home.”

“This is wonderful! Thank you.” She rubs Max’s arm. “I’ve got the perfect place for it.” She sets it on the table, then glances over at me. “So, do you boys have any plans for this weekend?”

I shrug. “Nothing set in stone. We’ve talked about going hiking, maybe going up to Fire’s Creek to show him where we used to camp. Did you wanna do anything while I’m here?“

That’s when I notice something strange in my mom’s eyes. She shifts in her seat, her posture turning stiff and defensive. “Well,” she murmurs. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

The hair on the back of my neck bristles.

“I’ve been seeing him for a while now,” she says softly. “And we’ve discussed marriage, but I…”

I break into a smile. “Mama! That’s wonderful! Who is he?” Before she adopted me, my mom had been married to a professional hero who worked aside Hephaestus. Like me, he was an escaped creation of Dr. Aesop, but he died before I got to meet him. I only heard stories and saw pictures, and Mom had taken me in in his memory.

“He’s on the board of the Academy like I am,” she says. “He used to be a hero, but he’s retired because of an injury.”

I don’t understand why she seems so shy about this. I’m so excited for her. “When’s he coming to visit?” I ask. “I’d love to meet him.”

“Later this week. I was hoping to give you some time to take this in.” She looks at me curiously. “I suppose I may have worried too much.”

“Yeah, you have! I’m happy for you. He’d better be nice to you, or else I’ll sic Spite on him.”

“Is he cute?” Spite giggles.

Mom reaches up and pinches Spite’s cheek. I’m kind of amazed how she’s taken to him. “He used to be known as Nightfury.”

“Whoa!” Max yelps. “Nightfury used to be my favorite! I collected his cards, I even had his poster when I was…” He stops and turns bright pink. “S-sorry. I got excited.”

“He used to work with Winston, didn’t he?” I ask. Winston is my mentor at the Academy, and I’ve worked and trained with him since I got there.

“Back in the day, they were partners,” Max continues. “Although they split not long after the big battle with The Herald’s…” I reach out and stop Max from talking.

“No, it’s okay,” Mom assures me. “You don’t have to stop him.”

“What’s wrong?” Max asks.

“My husband died during The Herald’s Siege,” she says simply.

Max looks apologetic. “I’m so sorry.”

Mom shakes her head. “It was a long time ago now, but because of that I ended up taking Eli in. So, I can look back on it with sadness and fondness these days.” She looks at me and touches my face. “This little one here gave me the strength to continue to do good work in his name. And I am so proud of my little boy.”

“Awww, come on, Mama,” I laugh shyly.

Mom stands up. “Well, you boys probably want to rest up a bit. I have to go into town real quick, anyway.” She then looks at the empty cookie platter. “Where did…”

We all look at Spite, whose face is covered in crumbs and smears of chocolate. “What?” he burps.

Max and I go back to my room while Mom heads out to get groceries. I lie on the bed, looking up at the glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling. “You okay?” Max asks.

I sigh and nod. “I just wonder why Mama felt so nervous to tell me she was seeing someone. We’ve always been so close.”

Max lays out his arm, and I move to rest my head on it. “Maybe that’s why. She could be worried you’d feel like you would lose that closeness.”

“I want her to be happy more than anybody. She deserves it, after all she’s done for me, after all she’s worked so hard for.” I place my cheek on Max’s chest. “She deserves someone who loves her even more than she loves me.”

Max smiles. “You’ll have to tell her that.”

Spite lifts off of Max and lays his head on mine. “All this sweetness is getting to me. I wanna do something.”

“How can you feel horny at a time like this?” I laugh.

“When am I not?” Spite moves away from Max’s chest, opening up to reveal his bare skin and body. “C’mon, you know you wanna suck him.”

Max’s body looks so good these days. He’s been training a lot and it shows. I kiss his bare chest and smile when I hear him whimper. I kiss his nipple, then circle it with my tongue. Max’s body tenses, and his whimper turns into keening. I bite to hear more and feel it vibrate through my skin. I straddle his leg, grinding myself against him to feel the sinewy muscle, the sparse hair. I gently lick the scar across his belly from his fight with Beast.

“Eli,” Max whimpers.

I press my palm to his crotch, rubbing him through his jeans and feeling the growing mass inside. “What do you want?” Spite curls around my wrist, spurring my touches. Max’s lip quivers, and he bites it.

“I should wait until tonight for something big.” I sit up and open his pants while Spite wraps around my hands like gloves. “For now, something fun and quick.” I lower down, licking the front of Max’s underwear and feeling his cock against my tongue.

“Fuck…” Max moans. He reaches down, grabbing my hair and pulling it. I love that feeling. I look up at his red face, his glazed eyes, his lip firmly clenched between his teeth. He’s so fucking sexy. Spite pulls down Max’s boxers, then coils around the base of Max’s dick and scrotum, making his cock stand straight up for me.

I lick my lips as I take in the drip of precome falling from his glans. I lap it up, swirling my tongue around that delicious head. “I love your cock,” I purr.

Spite moves my hands, making one grasp Max’s shaft while the other kneads his sack. I feel Spite curl down my back and wrap around my tail, rubbing at my ass, squeezing, prodding. I take Max into my mouth, suckling the head while I stroke him.

“Eli, that feels so good,” Max pants. His fingers tighten in my hair. “I love that. Don’t stop.”

I moan as Spite teases me, licking my ass with his long, slippery tongue. He slips inside me as I take Max deeper, gulping him down all the way to my throat.

“You’re so beautiful, Eli,” Max moans.

I smile with him in my throat, then start moving, taking him deeper. I wrap my tongue around him and squeeze. Spite moves my hand, making me reach down to stroke myself. I wonder why he’s pampering me so much today.

Max’s body seizes. He pushes me down further onto his cock. “I’m coming,” he rasps. “Fuck! Eli! I’m coming!” Nothing is hotter to me than that. I gleefully take him, every drop he wants to offer. I slurp, slobbering a bit as I gobble him up. He tastes so good. I rise once he’s done, watching him shiver and pant on the bed. Spite continues to stroke me, to press his tongue inside me. “Eli,” Max says dreamily. “Come here.”

I move up the bed, letting Max take me into his mouth. With that touch, along with Spite’s affections, I can’t hold on any longer. I cry out, mewling like a kitten as I release in Max’s mouth, dribbling down his chin. Max looks up at me, showing me the mess I made on his tongue before he swallows it down.

I kiss him, moaning against his lips. “You’re so fucking hot.”

Max chuckles. “You’re so cute when you come.” He peppers soft kisses all over my face. “You felt so good.”

“Yeah, he did.” Spite rises back up to meet my kiss.

“You were awfully sweet. What gives?”

“I want more of your mom’s cookies,” Spite says. “If she makes more, I’ll do it again and again and again…” Max pushes him aside.

“I knew he wasn’t being so altruistic,” I huff, which makes Max laugh. I cuddle up against him with a smug smile.

I wake up later, bleary and cozy in my old bed. The blanket has been placed over me and Max is gone, but I can hear his voice in the hall. I get up, stretch and search for my clothes. As I’m dressing I hear Max talking to my mom. I try not to eavesdrop with my advanced hearing, but I’m curious what they’re talking about.

“Eli was always a shy little boy,” Mom says. “It wasn’t until his first year of school that he started to come out of his shell.”

“That’s so hard to picture,” Max says in amazement. “He’s so charismatic and sunny. Oh my gosh, did he dress as Pikachu for halloween?”

“Isn’t he cute there?” Mama coos.

Oh no, they’re in the photo albums! “He’s so tiny,” Max marvels.

“He’s always been that way,” Mama sighs. “When I first met him, he was ten, but he looked so small and helpless. All I wanted to do was wrap him up and give him the world.”

Max sighs softly. “Was there a reason you took in Eli?”

“My husband was one of Dr. Aesop’s first experiments. My family took care of him when he escaped, so I had some idea of what to expect. At least, that was what Hephaestus gathered when he offered. He thought I would be the best one to help him, but Eli was so much more advanced than my husband was. I was scared, to be honest, but the first time I saw him it was love at first sight. I knew, deep down, I was supposed to be his mother.” She chuckles. “Aww, don’t cry.”

“It’s just so sweet, it’s horrible,” Spite whimpers.

“It wasn’t always smooth sailing. The first couple of years were rough. I had to earn his trust. He’d been so isolated and ignored in that lab, so he was desperate for affection, but he didn’t know what to trust.” She sighs heavily. “But I can remember that first hug and the touch of his little hand. It made everything worth it. I look at him now and I am so amazed. But he’ll always be my baby.”

“Then I owe you a whole lot more than a picture, Mom,” Max says. “Because of you, I have the best friend anyone could ask for.” Oh god, my heart can’t take this!

“Knowing you’re taking care of him is thanks enough. Spite, do you need more coffee?” Mom asks.

“Yes, please!”

“You know, I would love to study you myself,” she says. “Figure out this symbiotic relationship you two have. Not to mention get an idea of just what you are, Spite.”

“I’m a delight,” Spite replies.

“You said you worked for the board, but what else do you do?” Max asks.

“Well, when my husband was alive I used to design weaponry with my father, and work in my mother’s biochemistry lab. But these days I write grants for the academy, and books here and there.”

“What do you write?” Max sounds excited.

“Kids’ books. I started doing them when Eli was little. After that, I just got a knack and kept going. There you go, Spite.”

Spite sighs as he sinks into the coffee. “Scalding!”

I walk into the kitchen, seeing the photo albums on the table. “You could have woken me up.”

“Yes, but then I wouldn’t have gotten to talk to Max all by myself,” Mama chuckles. “You didn’t tell me he was Dr. Harlan’s nephew!”

“I didn’t know you knew him,” I say as I take a seat.

“He’s the one who worked with my dad. The string bean man, remember?”

I gasp. “Oh my god! He was so young in those pictures I didn’t put it together! In all the pictures he’s in with grandpa, I called him the string bean man!”

Max snorts and starts to laugh. “That’s so cute! I can’t wait to tell him that.”

“That’s who Eli is named after,” Mama points to a picture of grandpa in the photobook. “When Eli was ready, I offered to let him pick a new name for himself. He asked me what my favorite name was, and I told him my dad’s name. Eli chose that.”

“I was just Chimera Seven at the lab, but I was scared to have my own name,” I sigh. “Being named after Grandpa... I don’t know, it made me feel safe, connected.”

Spite sniffles in his coffee cup. “That’s so pure. I hate it.”

Mama starts laughing. “I like you, Spite.”

“Finally, someone does!” he scoffs.

We have dinner, laughing and joking and sharing more stories. Max talks about how he met Spite, and Mama talks about some of our old camping trips. I share tidbits about my childhood.

The next day, Max and I go to what was my favorite campground, which has evolved. The picnic area has expanded, and there are new paths cut into the woods. Max and I hike along the trails, and I tell him stories of what happened to me here, the bug I saw there, the poison ivy I accidentally picked in this spot. “I never went camping,” Max says when we stop at a bench along the trail. “My parents were always so busy, just coming and going all the time. Vacations meant I was being sent to my grandparents or Uncle Harlan.”

“I used to think Mama was making up for lost time, trying to fill my days so I could forget about the lab.” I look up to the sky, through the branches of trees and beyond. “The older I get, the more I realize she just wanted to spend time with me, make good memories.” I sigh. “The lab will always be my nightmare, but I have her to chase it away - all our little trips, all the smiles, all the books. Now I also have you and Urata to keep the nightmares away.” I turn and kiss Max softly. “I’m glad you and Mama are getting along.”

“She makes good cookies and coffee,” Spite puts in. “The gummy bear is great.”

I sniff. “Maybe we should head back down the trail and go get something for lunch.” I place my hand on Max's leg. “Or maybe…” I begin to purr.

Max goes stiff and puts his hand on my arm. “Here?”

“I like what you’re thinking,” Spite adds. “Out here in the woods? No one around? Could be fun, Max!”

I look into his eyes, knowing Max is considering it. I can see myself in his eyes and I know what he’s thinking. I kiss his ear and gently nibble it, awakening his desires. “We can go behind that big tree just up the hill,” I whisper. “You can fuck me against it.”

Max shivers. “I want to, but…”

“Yeah, his butt,” Spite snickers. “That plump little orange he’s got. Think about it, Max. Imagine us driving into him while he moans and begs for us.”

Max moans as I stroke him through his shorts. “Why do I feel like the meat in a horny sandwich all the time?”

I reach up the leg of his shorts and find his need growing harder. “Maybe it was your fate,” I giggle. I love seeing his aroused expression, red cheeks, parted lips, soft eyes. It makes me want to gobble him up. “I love your meat.”

Max chuckles as he looks at me, Spite wrapping around his head so only a little of his hair peeks through. “Okay. Let’s go.”

We climb up the hill to a tree where I kneel on the ground, pulling down Max’s shorts. I stroke myself as I suck him, drooling hungrily as I taste him. Max picks me up, holding my back against the tree while Spite curls around both of our legs. I gasp for breath between starved kisses, holding onto Max as his hands paw all over me.

“Go wild, Max,” I pant. “We’re in nature, after all.”

Max licks his lips, looking the sexiest I’ve ever seen him. “I don’t know where I should start.” He touches me, squeezing my cock and his together. “You’re making me too excited.”

I moan as I feel Spite between my thighs, his tongue slathering over me. I put my arms around Max and kiss him, letting him and Spite pick me off the ground. They hold my legs over their arms and as Spite lubes me, I can feel Max’s cock slip against my thigh. “Let’s both take him, Max,” Spite growls.

“Is that okay?” Max breathes.

I nod, biting my lip. “Sounds wild to me.”

Spite’s tongue presses deep inside me, and Max isn’t too far behind. Max’s eyes focus below, watching as drool comes to his lip. I want to lick it off. I feel them both inside me, Spite’s cool tongue and Max’s scorching prick. I whimper, grinding my hips to feel more of them as I lose myself in the rush. They take me against the tree first, and then I’m pummeled into the moss. Max’s strength has grown so much, and Spite has learned to be attentive and gentle. I feel Max kissing my back and thighs, his hands kneading gently as he goes. I look over my shoulder and grin like an idiot. “I’m fine, really. I take Urata all the time, remember?”

“Yeah, but still.” Max lies down beside me on the ground. “I like to take care of you.”

He knows how to make me all gooey inside. “How dare you be so sweet?”

“Yeah, how dare you?” Spite scoffs as he forms back around Max.

Max just smiles as he looks at me. “That was a lot of fun though, right?“

“I say we do it again,” Spite giggles. “Let’s find a waterfall and do it there, only it’s me in control.”

“Later, maybe, in the shower back home.” I sit up, pulling my shorts back on. “The water is way too cold here for you, Spite. You could seize up.”

Spite sticks his tongue out over Max’s face. “Isn’t that what cocks are supposed to do?”

We stop and get something to eat on the way home. When we arrive though, there’s another car in the driveway. “Who’s here?” Max asks.

“No clue,” I say as we get out of the car. “Could be a friend.”

We go inside, where Mom is sitting at the table with a man. “You’re back, just in time.” Mama looks nervous.

The man stands up. He’s completely covered in black scales and has wide green eyes, only one arm, and wings, one of which is partially missing. “Hello, there. You must be Eli.”

“Oh my god, it’s Nightfury!” Max gasps.

“Way to sound like a nerd,” Spite teases him.

He chuckles. “You can call me Yuri,” he says in a deep, smooth voice. “I retired.”

Max looks starry-eyed and excited. “Yuri, hi,” he squeaks.

“Hi indeed,” I murmur. I take his hand and shake it. “So you’re the fellow wanting to marry my mom?”

“I am,” he chuckles. “I’ve been waiting to meet you, both because of your mother and because of your record as a hero. You’re very impressive.”

“Thank you, sir. So, do you think you could take me?” I ask sternly.

“Fuck, yes,” Spite starts laughing.

Yuri chuckles. “Not anymore, I’m afraid.”

“Good, because if you ever hurt my mother I will tear you apart.”

Yuri smirks. “Happy to know that.”

“I’m serious. My mom is a gift. She’s my hero and my best friend. If you don’t love her with all you’ve got, then I will make sure you do or throw you away like garbage!”

“I’m so happy right now!” Spite claps Max’s hands.

Yuri nods. “I hope you do. But I plan to love Joey here until my last day on this earth, or at least for as long as she allows it. She’s been the first good thing to happen to me since I went toe-to-toe with Beast and lost.”

“Fuck! She did that?” Spite whispers, which makes Max head back outside.

“You’re the most important thing to her, though,” Yuri says. “And I want to make sure, above anything else, that I have your approval.”

“If my mom wants you, I can’t stop her. But I do want to get to know you.”

Yuri smirks. “Perfect. I brought steaks, because Joey said those were your favorite. Why don’t you help me get the grill started?”

“How about you make a salad and I handle the grill?” I chuckle.

I see how much Yuri adores my mom that evening. More importantly I see how much she loves him. It is nice seeing her so happy. She’s still young, and deserves to love someone again. Max likes Yuri too - after all, Nightfury was his childhood hero. Watching my two favorite people in the world with him makes me like him all the more.

Spite comes over as those three talk, and settles around my shoulders. “Bored?” I ask.

“You’ve been quiet.” Spite raises his head towards me.

I smile and nuzzle my cheek to his head. “Aww, were you worried about me?”

“No one was paying attention to me. You’re quiet, so I figured I’d talk to you.” Spite wraps around my head like a hood. “I want more cookies.”

I sigh. “You literally ate them all. I’m not giving you another batch.”

“We’re gonna play Uno, come over,” Mama calls me.

“Have you ever played Uno, Spite?” I ask. “You’ll love it as much as you liked Monopoly,” I walk over and join my family, or at least, what I hope will be my family from now on.