The Witch's Ichor

An Enjoyable Evening [4]

Ryker and Theo are sitting on Theo's bed, albeit with a three foot gap between them. Theo's Mother is sitting across from them on a desk chair. She's giving her son a hard look. The mature woman clears her throat before speaking.

"Theo, what have I told you about treating women with respect?" Theo's mother says.

"M-Mom! Ryker isn't a girl!" Theo stammers incredulously.

Theo's mother shuts him up with a stern glare. She turns her gaze to Ryker and her expression softens. Ryker has his arms wrapped around his midsection. His face is tomato red.

"Ryker, whether you identify as a girl or not, you need to be careful. Even around the boys you know, like Theo." She explains.

Replying with a silent nod of the head is all Ryker can bring himself to do. Theo looks both frustrated and embarrassed as his mother treats Ryker so differently. Theo's mother turns her sharp gaze back onto Theo.

"Now Theo, I don't care if Ryker is a boy or girl, you need to apologize." She says sternly.

Theo looks like he wants to refute his mother's words, but she has a point. Ryker's blush deepens as Theo turns to him with an apologetic expression.

"I'm sorry for... pressuring you, and for grabbing you, Ryker." Theo apologizes.

"I-It's ok... I forgive you." Ryker replies softly.

Theo's mother smiles at the two teens. She stands, giving them an amused look. She steps toward the door to the bedroom, opening it.

"Okay, you two need to finish your project." Theo's mother says.

Ryker and Theo both sigh in relief.

"...But keep the door open. You're supposed to be working, not flirting." She adds.

That sets Ryker's cheeks ablaze and Theo is stunned into silence. Theo's mother's quiet footsteps recede downstairs as the two boys awkwardly avoid eye contact.

Theo gets off the bed, and starts to finish the project. Ryker lets out a deep breath as he joins Theo.

"So u-um... Sorry." Ryker mumbles.

Theo gives Ryker a look, and raises his brow as if posing an unsaid question. Ryker avoids his eyes with flushed cheeks.

"...I haven't been honest lately." Ryker finishes.

"You haven't, but it is understandable." Theo says sympathetically.

Ryker does a double take at his friend's words.

"...It is?" Ryker says blankly.

"You're being feminized, so of course you'd be too embarrassed to explain it to your buddies. I won't prod you further." Theo explains solemnly.

This brings a slight blush to Ryker's cheeks, but it fades as he turns to give Theo a big smile. Theo is caught off guard as he inspects Ryker's features. What used to be decidedly masculine is now soft, rounded, or smooth. Theo catches himself staring at Ryker before looking away.

"I'm glad we're friends, Theo." Ryker says sincerely.

Hearing those words in this situation makes Theo's face redden.

"Y-Yeah. Me too." Theo stutters.

Their eventful evening comes to a close as Theo's mother knocks on the open door. This startles both Ryker and Theo into sitting up straight.

"It's almost eight o clock. I think it's time you walk Ryker home, Theo." Theo's mother says.

"Huh? Um, but it's still pretty early..." Theo mumbles.