Crossed (BxB)

Chapter 25

Wednesday rolled around once again and all the same members of the church were making their way through the front door.

Paula and Rob followed by their son, Jose. Brittany, her husband Adam, and their kid Matthew. Osian, followed by John and Amber and seconds later Rachel. The only person who didn't show up was Shannon.

Theo was admittedly uncomfortable seeing everyone. Seeing all of them and knowing that not only were they a demon, but they had tried to kill Val.

Just the idea of it made Theo sick to his stomach. Not to mention how frustrated he was not being able to tell who it was.

But regardless of all that Val was still out in the auditorium, socializing with a smile on his face.

Matter of fact, he seemed genuinely happy. If Theo didn't know any better he'd think Val was just a normal person who was at the service for a completely innocent reason—despite the awful feeling he had the first time he encountered Val as a human.

"Did you ever introduce yourself to Valerius?" An aged voice interrupted Theo's thoughts.

Theo flinched a bit. He was far lost in his thoughts and hadn't even noticed Paula approaching him.

"Sorry?" The priest questioned, trying to hide his shock.

"I'll take that as a no" the old lady chuckled, the wrinkles around her lips stretching as she smiled. "His name is Valerius, you should really talk to him. You are the priest after all"

Theo had truthfully forgotten Val's name wasn't actually Val. It felt like an eternity since they had first met and Theo was too ignorant to learn his real name.

Theo tried to calm himself for a moment before responding. Val had confirmed Paula couldn't be the demon anyways, so why was he still so anxious talking to her?

"I suppose I should. Thanks" he put on the best smile he had to offer and made his way down to where Val was chatting with Osian.

"Hello" Theo approached Val and held out his hand.

The demon gave Theo a strange glance, just subtle enough for Osian not to notice.

"I'm Theo, the priest here. I apologize I didn't introduce myself sooner" he spoke kindly.

Theo tried to make it clear his intent, but Val clearly didn't catch on as he shook Theo's hand hesitantly.

"I'll leave you two to introduce yourselves" Orion interjected, walking off to talk to Jose.

Val furrowed his eyebrows at Theo curiously.

"People are noticing that we haven't spoken. It'll be weird if they see us together when we've never introduced ourselves. Besides, Paula is insistent that I talk to you" the priest whispered, cocking his head towards the old lady who was staring at the two from the front of the church.

Val looked over discreetly before letting a small grin form on his face, turning so Paula wouldn't see.

"She cares that much that we meet?" He spoke quietly, leaning in a bit so Theo could hear.

"She's more involved in this church than anyone else. Sometimes I feel like she cares about it more than me. It's important to her for everyone to get along with one another. It's silly, but she is instant and I don't like to tell her no" Theo smiled.

He was beyond relieved that Paula couldn't be the demon. He was still devastated that it could be anyone else, but he knew he'd be particularly heart broken if it was her.

"I suppose that's fair. A bit weird that she's watching us though, right?" Val joked, peeking over at Paula who was still staring at the two.

"Yeah" Theo laughed in return.