The Kid Lich Book 2

The Kid Lich Book 2 7 Will P.

A Pair of Goodbyes

After saying their goodbyes to one another (Iris and Artemis seemed to agree non-verbally, and without any sign that Billy could see, to say goodbye to him seperately). Billy tried to sort out his feelings for the two of them, and realized he was at a loss when he cared just as much for both of their safety, despite the fact the two of them each had skill sets that should give them fairly good chances of being safe.

Iris had been first. Billy started with, "Hey, remember we all agreed no more near-death experiences, right?" "We sure did, buster, and I'm gunna hold you to it!" Teased Iris while placing one fist on her hip and pointing her right hand in a finger gun at him. "Haha, for sure. So..." "Billy just shut up for a sec," Said Iris suddenly. Billy flashed an okay sign. "I still really care about you-" "Yeah I--" "No, listen, I really care about you Billy, I mean it. If something were to happen to you, I don't know if I'd ever be the same." The scariest thing wasn't her words but how earnest she was. "Well, the feeling's mutual, it really is," Said Billy as he hooked his pointer finger under her chin to have her look up and make eye contact with him.

They stayed like that for a bit. Maybe even a whole minute. "Well, just... um, OH screw it!" She promptly threw her arms around Billy's neck and threw her whole body at him. Billy, catching her, returned the hug, and realized he still really, really, cared about her. Maybe if they got through this, he could sort all of his feelings about the two of them out, once and for all. Here's hoping, thought Billy.

"You stay safe, I mean it!" Said Iris, her hands gripping Billy's shoulders as she looked at him intently. "Aye, aye, cap'n." Iris gave him a light peck on his cheek-- Billy's heart definitely did a thing as the kids would say-- "Alright, all there is too it, I suppose. Stay in contact! No fee, so no excuse not to rainbow message!" "You got it, boss. You stay safe out there too." She turned and went to go finish packing her's, Artemis', and Sobek's car. Making some casual conversation with Sobek, she looked, not contented, Billy wouldn't say, but like she knew she had to accept the situation as it was, despite her feelings, and had come to her quiet terms with it.

Artemis headed over a little later. "Hey you," She came up from behind-- Goddess of the Hunt, never woulda heard her in a million years-- and poked Billy in both kidneys, causing him to start a little bit. He jokingly went for the body slam, for old times sake, but she just parried it casually "Hey, seriously though, you be safe out there, okay? It only took me about 202 decades to find a guy I actually like, so don't die, capishe?" "Oh, for sure, believe it or not, that was actually my plan too, I know, crazy, right?" Said Billy, trying to inject some brevity into what would definitely be an emotional goodbye.

"Well just remember, me and Iris will be together so if you die, we will be royally pissed, and we'll send Sobek to screw with your journey on the Sun Barge this time." "Hey don't threaten me with a good time." Replied Billy quickly. "Just two bros, a boat, some water, and the world's biggest snake, what's not to like?" "Okay, but really, we don't know if Callisto will be able to pull off that save again, so let's not chance it okay?" Billy sobered a bit. "I'll do my best." "That's all you can do, I suppose." Said Artemis, she came in to hug him goodbye, also pecking his cheek as she pulled away. Man I gotta sort this out or I'll have a heart attack, and they'll both hate that." Billy thought to himself. "What's so funny?" Asked Artemis casually, seeing his little smirk. "Oh nothing, just, between the two of you, Iris, I mean, I think I'm gunna have heart palpitations."

That got a genuine laugh out of her. "See? One for the road. I'll see ya, alright? Be safe." "You too." She left to finish helping Iris and Sobek pack.

"Alright, now where is that lazy-bones Moon God when you need him?" Billy said to no one in particular.

End of Part 7