The Red Ghoul {The Red Good Series: Book Zero}

ARC III: PART VIII

Roy and Jason were in the kitchen, the cozy glow of the light making the space feel warm and inviting. Roy, eager but a bit clumsy, followed Jason's cooking instructions as best as he could, though sometimes his enthusiasm got the better of him. Jason, both amused and patient, guided him through the steps.

"Careful with the onion, Roy," Jason said, watching Roy's somewhat haphazard chopping. "We want them diced, not minced."

Roy looked up, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry, Jay. I got carried away. But hey, it's just rustic style," he said, showing off the uneven pieces.

Jason laughed, shaking his head. "Rustic, huh? Well, as long as they cook evenly. Just don't chop off a finger, alright?"

As Roy kept chopping, Jason moved in close, wrapping his arms around Roy's waist. Roy leaned back into the embrace, smiling softly at the feeling of Jason's warmth.

"You're getting the hang of it, Roy," Jason murmured, his breath tickling Roy's ear. "But seriously, safety first. No kitchen accidents on my watch."

Roy nodded, enjoying the closeness. "Got it, Chef Jase," he replied with a grin.

With one hand on Roy's, Jason guided the knife, showing him the right way to slice tomatoes. Roy followed, finding the rhythm calming as they worked together.

Roy paused, a mischievous glint in his eye as he looked over his shoulder at Jason. "You know, Jase, I can't help but notice your hands are wandering."

Jason chuckled, his lips brushing Roy's ear. "Just making sure you're focused, sweetheart," he said playfully.

Roy smirked, turning to face Jason. "Hmm, well, I guess I can't complain about that," he said, leaning in for a quick kiss.

Jason grinned, kissing him back before stepping away slightly. "Alright, let's finish these veggies before they think we've abandoned them."

Suddenly, Billy burst into the kitchen, cringing at the sight of the two being affectionate. "Ew, okay, stop! Here's the ritual, take it! I'm heading back to Nanda Parbat!" he exclaimed, slamming a jar on the countertop before disappearing in a flash, leaving Jason and Roy stunned.

Jason couldn't help but laugh at Billy's dramatic exit, exchanging an amused glance with Roy. Roy joined in, their laughter filling the kitchen as they processed what had just happened. But as the laughter died down, Jason's expression turned serious. He picked up the jar Billy had left behind, a sense of determination settling over him.

"You better call John. We've got the ritual, and we're ready to trick Chorozone's kid. The full moon is tomorrow," Jason said, his voice firm.

Roy nodded, the weight of their mission sinking in again. He grabbed his phone, dialing John's number to set their plan into motion. But as they waited for John, Roy couldn't shake the worry gnawing at him. He turned to Jason, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Jay, are we sure there's no other way to trick Chorozone's kid?" Roy asked, his voice shaky. The idea of Jason diving headfirst into danger made his heart pound with fear. He couldn't imagine life without him.

Jason's expression softened, his eyes mirroring Roy's concern. He took Roy's hand, trying to offer some comfort. "I know, Roy. But this is our best shot," Jason replied, his tone gentle but firm.

"Why can't Constantine be the one who drinks this Heart Purification potion?" Roy asked, uncertainty in his voice.

Jason thought for a moment, his face serious. "Honestly, I think John would die if he drank that," he said, his tone grave. "And let's face it, his soul's been sold so many times to demons that it's probably worthless at this point."