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The car ride back had been even quieter than their way to the campsite. Keith then spent the morning eating just about everything the cafeteria had to offer. He had to rotate between waffle toppings, egg options, toasts and fruits in order to not get overly bored with them. He looked funny, like a skeleton wearing hose swallowed a huge melon. Once full he retired to his room to work on a biology lab write up.

His roommate Dustin was in bed on his laptop working his way through a hangover. His girlfriend lay beside him, either asleep or ignoring the skink. The feeling was mutual. Roughly an hour later Keith had made good progress on his assignment and Dustin cleared his throat. Keith took the hint and went out for some air.

The sun was strong but spring was not so warm, the lizard considered where he might go to relax for a moment since his favorite rock wouldn't be so well heated as to bask yet. 'I should check in on Alex before Ben guilt trips me into it.' He thought.

*Knock knock*

Alex's roommate answered. 'Should I know this dude's name by now?' Keith wondered.

"He's in the hospital, didn't you know? Andrea was here a little while ago for his things so if he hasn't called you yet it's intentional" He started to close the door but came back for a moment "And stop dicking me out of my own room." *slam*

Keith didn't know what to say to or think about that. He nervously took out his phone. CONTACTS > ALEX > DIAL ******* "Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring...

" ..."

"Alex? What happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it." The ocelot muttered, clearly crying. "Andrea's bringing my car here in a minute. Hitch a ride with her. ..."

"Ok I'll be right there. Are you going to be ok? Alex?" He looked back at this phone. CALL ENDED.

'What did I do? Did I burn him? Am I such a threat to everyone around me that I can't even have a mate? Would a spirit have been ok? They did mention that crossbreeding was forbidden but fucking everything is forbidden! Shit, do I come forward to Ben about this so maybe he'll trust me or wait til I know what's up? He doesn't like surprises, and will check in on his own if I don't say anything. Ugh he's going to hate me.' He started walking to Alex's car.

CONTACTS > BEN > DIAL ******* "Ring...What's up?"

"Hey I'm going to check on Alex in a few. His roommate said he's in the hospital but didn't say much about it. I've got a ride, just wanted to keep you in the know. Sorry I don't have much in hard facts yet, I didn't want to surprise you later."

"Are you sure you've got this?"

"Yeah it's just recon, I'll let you know everything once I have a clear answer."

"It's not just recon it's a person's life you put in danger. Do you want me to get Erik over there to make sure he's not infused with anything of yours?"

Keith recoiled at the confrontation. "He's, the jealous type. I don't think it's right to show up with Erik. When he gets out I'll ask Erik to take a look at him in passing. For now I'll try to keep everything contained."

"Alright, keep low and for god sakes give the guy a break. Have you seen the way he looks at you? Have a heart already or did it shrivel to a crisp." CALL ENDED

The spirit was stunned again. 'Am I that bad? We've only known each other for a few months. Do I really have to treat every boyfriend like a soulmate? He deserves better but, he seems to like me plenty. Or he did. It's not like I can just come out to him! Heh, he'd understand that much at least. Oh man, what am I going to say? Alex; I'm a magical freak and I threw away years of your life on accident, forgive me? He would. Alex; I'm dangerous and this is what happens when you push me too far. I need to be more responsible than that, the worry alone would kill him. Alex; I've been using you to inflate my sense of self worth at the cost of your health, do you mind? *Sigh* I am shitty. Haven't I learned anything out here?' Memories of a tender moment came to mind; when Alex refused to let him remain alone with his blame, when Alex made him feel wanted, when Alex convinced him that they could move past the party incident together. 'Ben's right. I need to give him a real chance, or stop him from hurting himself on me altogether.

Andrea arrived in her WRX, Claire was in the passenger seat.

---

Ben ended the call. He had barely started a long assignment with a short deadline after putting away the camping supplies and now this. Stress was taking its toll on the lion. 'Why did I let him go to that party? Stupid kid should have just kept laying low and ignoring whatever instinct he thinks is so special.' He wondered if the spirit had taken a measurable toll on him too. He missed an assignment or two making time for their excursions, would have missed more if he didn't cut the time from sleep. That might have played into his grades. 'If he keeps this up there's no way I can afford to go back to the team next year.' Negativity was building up making it too hard to focus on homework. He paced back into the bathroom and turned on the water.

In the mirror he looked tired even though he had conditioned and trimmed his fur after bathing only a few hours ago. He wanted somebody to have his back, but there was no time for weakness. Claire had been supportive, they would be there for each other. Share in their successes, share in their bodies. But her team made the semi-finals with a good chance to advance and he didn't have the time to cheer for her, didn't have the time to spend with her. They agreed not to force a relationship with so many responsibilities. Right now she was probably spread thin between her sorority and racing team in her few hours of time before taking to the ice, and that's on a home game weekend.

He stepped into the steaming water and thought of her anyways. He was ready to do anything to get the pressure off his chest, the very pressure that had him cock-blocked two weeks ago and hadn't let up. The pressure of now knowing a man could be dying on his watch.

Ben pounded the wall at the thought. If this were anything else, he'd have dozens of friends to talk to. Not even Claire could handle this one.

He tried to think of her again, desperate to do something for himself for a change. The sturdy lion started with a hand on his abs, she always took the time to appreciate his core strength. Each muscle stood out under the flowing water, she would dig in with her nails a bit. She would grab him by the shoulders as he picked her up by the waist, so he imitated her by squeezing his tense shoulders. She would run her hands through his silky, thick mane. He followed suit, dragging the backs of his nails across his scalp. The tingle they made rippled down his spine and into his loins. He could imagine her more vividly now.

He wanted to grab her firm cheek and hoist her onto him. His cock was ready for that now, but would have to make due. He widened his stance and leaned back against the wall as if she were there to ride him where he stood. He pushed down on his erection with both hands and up with a thrust. He's every bit as strong and handsome there as everywhere else, with 8 inches of smooth beige skin framed by trimmed fur. A wide vein runs along the top and set slightly to the right giving contrast without bulging quite enough to cast its own shadow. He stroked with a firm grip and a soft give, like that of her lips. He remembered feeling her out; she offered smooth, wet, and hot resistance when he pressed against her. And when she came she clenched down so hard she could snap a lesser man in two, and he would push back with solid steady force, inching in til there was nowhere left to go.

He took hold of the head in his palm and rotated then slowly moved down, keeping tight grip like a tunnel. His balls were pressed to his body almost as if they weren't there at all; his rod stood tall and proud against the pressure, and his body was pushing towards a climax. He thought of her gasping in ecstasy and couldn't stifle his own moan as he pulsed from his core to the tip in sweet relief. Strings of cum landing atop his hard pecs and quivering abs. Ben panted a bit and stopped thinking at all.

---

Claire looked a bit put off, assumingly from having to drive around extra, but Andrea needed her to follow in her car so they could get back quickly. Keith wasn't worried about walking back if need be.

Andrea got out to hand off the wheel and walked over to Alex's car with sass in her step. Sass was presumably a default for the mismatched cheetah but it was heavy today. "Whatcha sitting around here for? Finally come crawling back?" She asked with attitude.

"I called Alex, he said you could give me a ride to see him. How's he doing?"

"Well I gave him a shoulder to cry on and he took it, so you must've done a number on him. I'm not happy about it either, nobody hurts my boy and I know you did something to him whether or not it has anything to do with him being in the hospital."

"What did the doctor say was wrong?"

"He didn't wanna talk about it, but if you gave him AIDS or some shit they won't find your body when I'm done with you."

"I'm glad he has such a caring friend in you. I...do want him to know I care that much too. I didn't think about saying it so uh bluntly."

"Get in. I won't make a liar out of him."

Keith had some concerns about riding with Andrea, but she was being very careful if not a bit bullish on the lazy college town roads. He figured she wanted to let him ruin his own car. Neither had anything nice to say and so remained quiet.

They took leave of each other right after parking with Andrea delivering parting words "Don't you dare upset him in there. He's got plenty of reason to ditch your ass already and if he isn't you've got a lot to be thankful for."

___

The door was open but *knock knock*. The skink slinked into the room. He didn't try to put on a poker face or make a remark he thought would be typical. He just walked in with obvious anxiety, shame, and discomfort.

"Close the door please, Keith"

*click*

"I'm not angry with you about my being sick. Neither of us could have seen that coming. I still have a hard time believing it. I'm upset that you left me without any way of knowing for sure that I was ok."

"I don't have a good reason, or even an excuse. What happened to you though? I've been worried and nobody seems to have a clue."

"The doctor says I suddenly developed a severe allergy to either my lube or your semen. And that since it was left in me overnight I suffered organ damage, and since it was left in me all day as well I was at risk of losing my colon or going into shock."

"Holy...that's...how's that even possible?'

"Beats me, but you really just didn't think about me yesterday?" Alex asked with big sad eyes that he couldn't quiet.

"I did, I tried to wake you up to say goodbye. I washed you in the shower with me to make sure you were ok and you woke up enough to tell me to let you sleep in. So I let you sleep. Your roommate wasn't around to ask but I knew he'd be back. I didn't want to admit to myself that anything bad could happen to you."

"Thanks Keith. I'm glad to hear your side of the story since not many people are on your side. I want to trust you and the nurse mentioned that I was wet. They thought I was sweating a lot but if you got me in the shower that explains it too. How'd you manage that?"

"You're not heavy," the spirit replied shyly.

"You're not strong."

"I didn't do a good job of it. I was a bit frantic trying to figure out what to do with you without being too late. I should have asked Ben to check on you instead of running off with him."

"Yeah, that might have been better." Alex patted his bedside. Keith approached and sat tentatively. "You don't seem yourself, is anything else going on?"

"Ben and I had a spat too but we settled it out well enough. That's not a priority now that I know about you. And, I want to try something new with you. I want to be more open."

Alex lunged forwards and embraced his boyfriend. Keith hugged back, hoping that he chose right.

"When can you leave? " Keith asked

"I was waiting on some test results. If they're any better than last night's I can go this evening. What did you have planned for today?"

"Just a lab write up. But I can rush it tomorrow. I'd rather stay with you."

"I'd like that."

Before long Dr Jensen came by with the good news. Alex would be able to leave under recommendation that he avoid alcohol, medications, and preserved foods for the week. Also that he return to have another series of tests at the end of the week.

"We're both thinking it so I'll go ahead and volunteer. Would you join me for dinner off campus?" Keith offered.

"Considering the cafeteria quality I don't have a choice. I'm yours to do with as you please." Alex said with dramatic flair.

Keith was uneasy about the phrasing after all he had put the ocelot though. They went to the little bistro around the corner which was one of the few places in town not dominated by students, presumably due to the price point.

Alex insisted on driving back carefully. Then Keith walked him back to his room which was not in the best of shape. Alex turned to offer a kiss goodnight but was met with resistance.

"What's wrong Keith"

"I wanted to say again how happy I am things turned out ok and that I'm here if you need or want me."

"I appreciate that, but I know you'll want some time to sleep on it uninterrupted."

"I appreciate the offer but not this time."

"I don't think I could impose any more yet." The feline whispered, glancing towards his roommates half of the suite.

"Then get some things and come to my place. I want to make up for last night. You shouldn't have had to be so alone."

Alex threw himself into Keith's arms again. The spirit was finally getting used to this.

Keith's roommate protested with a simple defiant "Dude," and matching look.

"We'll be pg and not chatty," the skink replied

"I don't believe you."

"I ripped him a new one the other day so we couldn't if I wanted. His roommate needs some space tonight so we're just crashing here. We'll be good I promise."

The promise was dismissed with an eye roll and retreat to the communal bathroom, shower bag in tow. "Go ahead and get in bed, I'll brush my teeth and be right back."

Alex took him by the shoulder. "Ripped me a new one?"

"So I exaggerated, this guys not the most civil fur on campus. I had to let him know I'm serious."

Alex let go and paused, unsure of how much to strip. Ultimately he kept his trunks on. Keith returned and joined him as bare as usual but to both of their surprise assumed a little spoon position. They slept well.

___

The next morning Keith and Alex got up early and went their separate ways to class. Erik however; was feeling impatient and wanted to skip everything to make use of an empty dorm.

The mage took out the tarp filled with Keith's ashes and funneled them as neatly as he could into jars for ease of use. Next he cleared his desk and put down a new smaller tarp to keep tidy then placed many jars of questionable contents on it around a ceramic motor and pestle. He donned his scanning glasses and calibrated it against an empty jar, then observed the ash and took note.

'It certainly holds the essence of natural fire, flesh, and air along with some magical fire, flesh, air and hints of both darkness and metal. The flesh sub-element bound to fire is probably why he reacts to burning wood and possibly his own metabolism which would explain his sudden extreme weight loss and possibly the sexual trigger he mentioned if that's even true. Darkness might be drawn from the essence of destruction since his flame isn't pure. I suppose wood contains metallic minerals but the readings suggest that his earth attunement is very skewed in that direction. With his earth readings so weak and skewed I probably won't be able to get a good lava pool out of this. If it were a more pure fire that would matter less since I'd just be heating whatever ground is available but his signature seems super specific.'

"I'll have to reconsider my selection if this is what I've got to work with" he said aloud to himself, opening his laptop on the bed beside his desk. He inserted a flash drive and unlocked the contents.

The laptop spoke with an artificial intelligence user interface. "Good morning user Erik Costella, you have no outstanding items and 5 tasks in progress. What may I do for you?"

"Access grimoire library, search criteria: base element: Fire, and access: available." A list of grimoire came up with options to place an order or open as PDF. He looked through the limited list. Not much of his access was granted from his age, instead he relied on his training to enable new access levels. He opened PDFs of the imp (natural not demonic) he practiced on in his youth, a flame cobra for advanced learners, the salamander he unlocked as part of his advanced training under Keto-Sensei, a magmic toad, a steam dragonfly, and a smoke panther. Grimoires seldom contain sub-element specific sources due to how limited their contents could be and that mage magic tended to focus less on them in general. Nobody really knows how spirits get their assignments or the limits of them so these experiments could prove lucrative.

He looked through the salamander table of contents. It boasted high capacity spells of simple purpose and rather technical composure. Absorb flame stuck out as exceptionally useful and likely to resonate with Keith's remains. It would also boost the longevity of the item since its self refueling. "This might even hit artifact level. And I could sell it to the knights to use as a safeguard against Keith directly. I won't even have to worry about finding a buyer. This is perfect!"

Erik spent the day making inks from Keith's remains and using it to write scrolls of modified absorb flame. He didn't have proficiency with the spell but the ash would work well enough to make a scroll to cast from. The modifications were experiments to store the energy for future castings in the ash rather than a caster. 'This could get messy'.

CONTACTS > KEITH > TXT I have a job for you. Pays well. More of the same.

Some minutes later. KEITH: Does Ben know?

No, your involvement should stay quiet but will directly benefit Ben.

KEITH: Ok, if it's not any more dangerous than before.

___

The last class of the day was chemistry. Keith sat with Erik while Alex looked on again. This time the ocelot was confident that he had Keith's heart to himself but still wondered why this otter knew his boyfriend.

"I've got some small scale experiments to do with you in the swamp after class. Really little things like a twig for a twig. I have a special extinguisher I want to try out that will make Bens job easier if we can prove its effectiveness." Erik whispered.

"That's the job? Why can't Ben know?" Keith asked.

"Conflict of interests, if he is caught manipulating his higher ups for personal benefit it'll reflect poorly on him. I'm doing this as an entrepreneur; if you help it's in the capacity of an employee. I could sell it to anyone or even make many if it proves useful. But the easy mark is Ben's people."

"Can it extinguish me?"

"It should be able to stunt your powers or negate damages you cause. It should also be able to store them like a battery to give you a boost if necessary or act as a substitute for your burninating."

"How the hell did you make something like that?"

"I've got skills and resources. Not many of my people bother pioneering; its expensive, and fewer bother to itemize, almost none go so far as to commercialize."

"You're using my ash aren't you?"

"A magician doesn't reveal his secrets. But I earned it fair and square, you named your price. I might be willing to buy more depending on the cost."

"Speaking of, what were you thinking about paying me for my time and efforts?"

"What do you think you're worth? I can sell a subpar product without your help and they probably won't know the difference, but I like doing things right."

"How about an even hundred an hour including travel time and double that if you want the ash?" The skink suggested.

"I can deal with that." The mage concluded. Class began.

'Did I undersell myself?' Keith wondered.

Alex wondered what they were whispering about so closely.

---

The duo left class together. Erik had the scrolls in his back pack and started a timer on his phone for Keith's wages. Alex watched them leave from afar with growing concern.

Keith brought them way out to the spot he and Ben had practiced, partially to inflate his wallet.

"Alright, just grab a stick in each hand. I'll keep a lighter on one until it's maintained then you mimic the flame on the other. I'll then extinguish both and take a reading."

"I'll try. Last time I only re-ignited a fire though."

"That suggests you can start one when confronted with enough energy to do so. I think it's within your means with very little chance of overdoing it. Just remember you're only mimicking the flame not putting your whole self into it. From what I saw of your readings it should give you the energy to do that without touching reserves."

"You got all that from the one time?"

"I still have to finish my official report but yeah. I think you're a pretty clear cut case. You burn wood and are fueled by the same. Maybe flesh too, but I wasn't there to take notes on that. Hypothetically you can metabolize yourself to gain power in a pinch but let's not get ahead of ourselves yet. Try the twigs."

Keith rolled up his sleeves and held out two twigs as instructed. Erik set aside a pair of scrolls and held a lighter to one twig for the better part of a minute then stepped back and unfurled the scrolls. Keith could feel the heat of Erik's lighter pushing on the little piece of tinder and a shift when he withdrew.

"Fire at will" said Erik with a look of concentration.

Keith focused on the little flame clinging to the end of the twig in his left hand out in front of him. He felt for that power, taking in the mesmerizing sensation that teased at a sense he couldn't explain. He started to feel good, strong, healthy, like he could think clearer and breathe deeper. After a minute or two he put the flame in the background of his mind and the bare twig in the forefront. He thought about how it had potential, how it could burn like its twin. He wanted it, lusted for it to burn and add to the feeling of comfort produced by the other. To him it was like trying too hard and not getting the feedback he needed. He felt that way briefly with Alex after the amazement of his first penetration but before finding a good angle. The spirit believed he could and felt the twig resist him with tantalizing friction. Then he saw it exude a small streak of steam.

The spirit smiled, he was doing it. The good feelings were subsiding as he channeled his thoughts to the twig's tip but he was excited to be making progress. The fire flickered in his field of vision and he envisioned the same on the other. The steam was accompanied by an ember now, then with a puff of smoke a small flame that grew to match its partner.

Keith laughed in triumph, face wide with amazement. "I did it! Am I glowing, or red, or ashy?

"Great job! You've got some red cracks but I don't think you're ashy." Alex cheered back. "Ready for the spell?"

"Should I hold concentration or let go?" The spirit was practically dancing in place with excitement.

"Let go for the first pair. Hold it next time." Erik recited a chant and activated the first scroll against the new induced flame. It died and the scroll disintegrated. Then again at the original, the flame disappeared but the scroll remained intact.

Keith touched the twig tips, they were both ambient. "It's like they weren't just on fire. You really are good huh?"

"This scroll held up, these were the least modified and I'll use it as a baseline. The others are adjusted to account for your particular signature. If I did it right they'll hold your brand of burn just fine."

They repeated the test with Keith maintaining concentration and as expected the modified scrolls held.

"Excellent" Erik announced. "My projections were accurate. There's no way to safely test worst case scenario or even know what that is but this is a fine place to leave off. Although if you wanted to try out a few more advanced tricks on the clock I've got more scrolls as a safeguard and you'll be saving Ben time."

"What's in it for you?" The spirit asked, picking up a new pair of twigs.

"More data, more stored power to test. I've got some work to do on getting a clean method of discharging the stored energy, I'd like it if you were around for that too, see if you can be jump started." Erik took out a new set of scrolls. "Ready?" Keith nodded. "Only one stick at a time for this, start with the original I'll relight it." The mage replied.

Keith put down the fresh twigs and held an old one out in front of him in both hands and a sturdy stance.

"Hold onto the energy from lighting it, then redouble the fire." Erik instructed. Lighting the twig which was faster each time.

Keith waited a few moments then stated "Here goes" and with a tiny fwoosh the flame jumped an inch. The twig smoldered heavily, losing some of itself to ash.

"Good, that was all of the stored energy right?" The spirit nodded. "Now don't take any in. Keep kindling it with its own energy." The flame crackled violently as Keith did as he was told. "Great, now keep that going and think about your body. Think about exerting yourself and push that thought onto the flame."

Keith looked up with worry but swallowed his fear and focused his eyes on the burning twig. In a pulse he manifested his ashen form and the twig became engulfed in flame for a moment before disintegrating to embers that scattered into the air.

"Excellent, now let go of that feeling and let your body resume its normal function." The mage instructed, trying to hide his worry that Keith would be beyond calming.

"I'm trying, I'm excited like after exercising. It's hard to cool down that fast." The spirit panted.

"May I try to force it? It might save you some mass."

"Yeah go for it."

Erik tried a new modified scroll on Keith directly. The spirit returned to his normal skinkiness immediately and the scroll held. He looked it over with his glasses. "It looks like I didn't take too too much out of you, about three whole twigs worth. Do you feel ok?"

"I feel a bit shocked" Keith replied "There was a...sensation. Like standing too close to a speaker playing loud bass. My heart rate is back to normal though."

"If you're up for it I want to see if you can do that again purely of your own body. I hope you've been getting your calories." Erik added with an upbeat optimism. He was feeling very proud for getting it right the first time.

"Heh yeah I've been eating everything in sight for days. Let's do it!" Keith pounced on a smaller virgin twig and held it out.

"if you can't snap out of it I'm going to use the unmodified scroll this time to put you out. Ok?"

"Yeah, I trust you," Keith said then wondered 'Wait, do I?' "Why'd you warn me?"

"The modified ones are attuned to your magic, the originals are just fire. It might not work as effectively or at all so you'll need to be able to pull yourself out if it's not strong enough to do it all in one go."

"Let's do it." Keith said with enthusiasm, taking his ready stance.

He stood there for a few seconds then suddenly manifested and brought the twig to a full bodied fire. "Ha, haha I really can do it." The skink stumbled, his knees weak and sense of balance offset. "I'm feeling light headed, my pulse is still high." He could feel his heart throbbing in his head and panic was taking hold. "it's getting worse! Use the scroll!" If not for his shirt Erik would have been able to see Keith's spine bulging through his stomach as if he were vacuum sealed.

Erik recited the chant and aimed at Keith, ignoring the blazing twig. The scroll broke as expected but so did Keith. The spirit fell with a cry of pain and landed in the fetal position, dropping his twig.

"Keith!" Erik shouted, feeling for a pulse. The skink was alive and half manifest but remarkably cold. "Keith, you're cold, it must have taken your body heat and left the magic. Here, take the flame and bring its heat into your body, let it refill you, don't' overdo yourself. I'll grab more!"

Erik frantically grabbed at the charred sticks they had been working on and held them to his lighter. When they lit he piled them in front of Keith and kept his lighter on them. "Talk to me Keith is it working?!"

"More" Keith choked out weakly.

The mage didn't see any dry wood around, and nothing that would kindle well. Not without Keith's help. He scooped up some dry leaves and shoved them under the burning bundle. "I'm sorry Keith there's not much to work with. I didn't think it would flat out ignore your magic like that. I don't know what else to burn for you."

Keith eyed the otter, he looked so worried. 'I'm sorry Erik' he wanted to say before thinking about the mages heartbeat, his frantic panic, his building heat.

Erik started to feel weak, letting himself to the ground from a crouch. "I don't blame you" He whispered. The small fire faded.

They lay like that for only a few long moments, too tired to move. Keith regained his natural color but he and Erik would need more time to recover. They heard somebody approach.

"What are you guys doing?" Alex asked

"Food, water, secret," Keith begged weakly.

"Huh? What happened are you ok?" The ocelot asked with growing concern.

Keith shook his head weakly. Erik fell asleep.

"I'll be back as soon as I can!" Alex yelled, running back towards campus.

'It'll take at least an hour for him to get back' The spirit dreaded.

___

Alex returned with a full backpack. He shoved a bottle of water into Keith's mouth and opened candy bars for them to eat. Erik began to stir and managed to sit upright against a tree.

"Thank you, I owe you one." Erik offered.

"What the heck were you guys doing out here? How'd you end up like this?" Alex asked pushing rations on the others.

"I don't know how to explain it to you," Keith replied with a heavy heart. "What did you see?"

"You guys were laying out here. I saw you leave together and followed you to the trail. I didn't want to snoop but got too curious and wandered around. I nearly caught up when I heard this guy shout your name."

"Sorry, hi I'm Erik". The otter said extending a hand. Alex didn't take it.

"You're not cheating on me are you? I really didn't want to even think you could." Alex asked with tears welling in his big green eyes.

Keith's eyes went wide. "No! No, I'm not cheating on you. I'm uh cheating on Ben. It's complicated."

"I don't even. What's that supposed to mean?"

Keith had no clue. He had to come up with some excuse for being passed out on the brink of death with a stranger out where nobody should find them.

"We stole his stash and got high. The three of us did it while camping and I couldn't wait for more. Ben didn't want to share so soon so we came out here. I'm sorry you saw me like this but I think you saved me. I swear, I'm done with all of this now. I can't put you through this again. You weren't supposed to know."

Erik was absolutely dumbfounded. 'Ben was right this guy can play people like a fiddle.'

"So those stories about growing up with Ben?"

"True, but the drugs are a part of why we're so close still. We got hooked a long time ago, together. He keeps me from getting too desperate or getting involved with dealers. But I fucked up."

"And him?" Alex asked glaring at Erik.

Keith answered. "We met him in the fall, he caught us and joined in. It's not his fault."

Erik wasn't happy to be thought of as an addict but it was maybe one step ahead of being outed as a mage just as long as he could get his gear together without inspection. " Go on ahead. I'll clear things up with Ben. I've got less to lose."

Alex helped Keith up and they walked away. Keith badly wanted to shout 'don't you ever mind control my boyfriend', but considered it even for slander and siphoning his life energy. 'oh lord what have I gotten myself into?' he asked himself.