Unlikely [C]

Chapter eight: Appearance

Kuza messed with his hair, whimpering every time he touched the still spots. Ricky finally sighed, shaking his head as he quickly fixed Kuza's hair. He knew how self conscious the older demon was now.

"Why aren't your arm hairs snakes too?" Kuza asked.

"I don't... I don't fucking know but now I want to." Ricky groaned.

"Hey! Watch your fucking language." Chris snapped at them.

"Let them talk. We're not exactly light creatures Christopher." Angelo snit, hitting the back of Chris's head.

They had all been on edge since Kuza's incident. Chris more so since he didn't want Angelo hurt. He couldn't help but see the two child creatures as nothing more than a nuisance. Something he hoped Angelo would grow bored of. Apparently playing house was starting to last longer than he expected it too.

"Let's find some food." Angelo sighed.

**sad whoosh**

Kuza snuggled up close to Ricky, away from Chris and Angelo. They were both angry with the shifter. Ricky more so since Chris had snapped at him. The tiny stone creature didn't take well to people being mean to him. He was sensitive but never in a sad way. He got angry.

Kuza gently stroked one of Ricky's snakes, letting out a soft yawn. The snakes he didn't touch, quietly hissed in Chris's direction. Ricky placed small kisses on Kuza's forehead, smiling down at him in wonder. Kuza was the only reason he didn't leave.

"Ricky, I'm gonna sleep." Kuza whispered, slowly laying down so his head was on Ricky's lap.

"Okay." Ricky murmured. He gently ran his fingers through Kuza's hair, careful to not hurt him. Ricky slowly stilled, half asleep.

"We can't keep them forever Angelo." Chris whispered. "They're not ours and we obviously..."

"I will kick your teeth in Chris." Angelo hissed. "I found them. I'm taking care of them. There's nothing else to it."

"We're going too slow Ang! We'll never make it in time."

"Yes we will! We're right on track for the last opening!"

"They'll see right through our lie!"

"No! They won't!" Angelo yelled, standing up. "Ricky, let's go. When Chris decides to act nice then he can come with us again." Angelo stated, gently shaking the gargoyle's shoulder.

Ricky blinked up at him, frowning. "You can leave us. We'll be okay on our own." Ricky stated. "I was thinking. We didn't get attacked till we ended up with you. Sure we ran into a poacher but he didn't catch us."

"Ricky you..."

"No leave dada." Kuza whispered, digging his nails into Ricky's thigh. "I-I..."

"He's the only reason I'll stay at this point. I know it seems unfair but Chris doesn't want us here either." Ricky sighed. "I don't like staying where I'm not wanted."

"You are wanted." Angelo frowned. "I want you. You both make me happy."

"We're not your kids though. You can't give Kuza false hope that you will be. Especially when Chris doesn't want to be."

"He-He did." Angelo whispered, small tears forming. "This is all your fault!" Angelo screamed, turning to the taller man. "All of it is your fault! We could've stayed in hiding! Safe from all this shit but no! You wanted to leave!"

Chris shook his head. "I wanted you safer. The humans... The humans would've taken you but a demon and gargoyle? No. Even if they are kids no. I don't see it happening."

"I see it! And we're gonna do it and be happy together because..."

"They can replace Devin!" Chris yelled. "They can't! They'll never be able to be them. No matter how hard you try they won't."

Angelo let out a small growl. "They're not replacements! They're orphaned and I'm saving them!"

"Just like Devin was! Just like they all were!"

"I'm not letting them go Chris. Please just..."

"They'll die just like the rest."

"No."

"And... I'll still be here to carry you." Chris whispered.

"Do we have to leave?" Kuza muttered.

"No, but please try to be not so annoying."

"Okay."

"Don't talk to Kuza like that. He doesn't understand much."

"I know. I'll be... gentle." Chris sighed. "Let's get some sleep. We gotta walk a lot tomorrow."

Oops