"Au-August-" Ria chokes on her sob.

"Ria? What's wrong?"

Ria sniffs, trying to contain her overflowing emotions. "Aaron is the cutest demon baby ever—"

"Did you call me to tell me that?"

"—and right now he's looking even more cuter with two black horns peeking from his hair and—oh wait he's coughing fire—" Rustling reaches his ears and he patiently waits. "—ah where are my fireproof gloves—oh you wanna talk to daddy?" Ria starts cooing.

Before August can protest, Aaron's on the phone, calling to him. "Dwddy?"

He smiles "Yeah baby, it's me. Heard you grew horns? I'm really proud and I'm sorry I wasn't there. I know it can be painful."

"Pwain? Dwddy's in pwain?" The three year old replies, sounding tearful.

"No! Aaron I didn't mean—" August starts but he's cut off with lots of shuffling and the sound of Ria pressing obnoxiously loud kisses on his son's face. "No daddy's not in pain, he was worried if you were in pain!"

There seems to be a pause, silence & then, "Me? Pwain?"

"Are you in pain, baby?" August asks, his voice probing but tender.

"No," He replies, voice small. "no pwain."

August smiles. "That's amazing. Such a strong baby you are. I love you and I'll come home soon."

"Oki. Lub you too." His boy says, a smile on his voice. Before August could disconnect he hears his son whine.

"Riri! stop pwoky pwoky!"

Ria giggles. "I'm sorry, they're just too cute—you're so cute my fire spitting demon baby."

August clears his throat. "I'd prefer you call him Aaron—"

There's immediate silence.

"—and stop poking." He hangs up, smiling to himself. He returns to work, this may not be what Ria is experienced with but she'll handle just fine. She's smart and she loves his son very much.

But as minutes turn into an hour, he finds it difficult to focus on his screen. He sure is a big man, with a big company and an envious net worth.

But he only has one son.

His little boy who's growing up far too quick. August is his only parent, he's never had a mum. If he's too busy to be there for his son's little milestones in life then what's the point of anything?

For fuck's sake. Aaron is growing his horns. And his dad isn't here for him.

His inner turmoil comes to a halt when the door to his spacious office is pushed open, Sebastian peeks in. "It's lunch time boss, do you wanna get some sushi?"

August stares long and hard at his oldest companion. When they left hell together to come live at the mortal world, Sebastian had promised to always help his brother in need. That man was true to his words.

August and he has spent sleepless nights taking care of Aaron together because they were too scared to leave him to the hands of someone unknown.

"I-" August takes a deep breath. "I need your help."

It's the serious tone that has Sebastian straightening up. "Who do I have to kill?"

August's face falls. "No one. Do you think that's all I ever do? Kill off people? I need you to cover for me at the directors dinner tonight, I'm going home. Aaron is growing horns."

"Oh, shit. Horns already? Aaron is growing up so quick." He places a hand over his heart, frowning. August agrees. "And I'm not gonna be one of those jackass dads, I'll be there for my son."

Sebastian grins, his face too boyish to be an ancient demon. "Aren't you a cutie?"

A vase is thrown at his direction without August even moving. Sebastian dodges it on time, laughing as the thing breaks against the wall.

"Get out already, if you want to catch them before lunch you should go now!"

—

When he steps into his home, he finds the ground floor empty. He loosened his tie as he makes his way upstairs, to the very end of the hallway where Aaron's room is. The bathroom door is slightly open and he hears laughter coming from there. He doesn't intrude, not yet. Unbeknownst to him, he's grown quite fond of watching these two interact, happy in their own little world.

Hi baby boy is wrapped in a soft grey towel as he stands in front of the babysitter. Ria carefully dries his hair with a separate towel, tenderly circling the area around his horns.

"Okay, baby. Let's play a game."

Aaron looks excited. "Oki!"

"Where's your nose?" She questions and Aaron boops his button nose with a grin. Ria squeals. "You're so cute!" She places a kiss on his nose.

"Where's your ear?"

Aaron giggles as he pulls at his ears. August leans against the wall, smiling broadly. They go over some more body parts, Aaron gets all of them right.

"Now tell me, where are your horns?"

Aaron points at the two identical black horns shadowed under his hair.

"That's my intelligent baby!" She hugs him, placing loud kisses all over his face.

"Thwanks Riri!"

"Now let's get you dressed, then we can go eat! You must be hungry." She tickles his tummy and his laughs sounds like the wind chime. But when his laugh dies down, there a slight pout in his face.

"But, I want to eat with Dwddy."

"Oh my baby, dad will join you for dinner okay? And if you're a good boy-" she kisses both of his cheeks. "And finish all of your veggies," a kiss on his nose, "We'll have a video call with him, how does that sound?"

All the kissing doesn't melt his son. "I want.. Dwaddy." He pouts.

August thinks he'll never find a better opportunity to surprise both of them, with a sly smirk he pushes the bathroom door open. Ria and Aaron's head snap up at his sync, they shriek and fall back on their butts together.

He barks out a laugh at their antics. "Kids,"

Aaron is quick to recover. He runs to his dad and jumps up in his arm. "Dwaddy! Miss you!" He wraps his arms around his neck tightly. Ria stands up slowly, dusting off her trousers.

"Does he have that power too? To summon you whenever he can?" She asks. With a hum, August walks off. "Only the strongest demons can do that."

—

August was finishing a video conference in his room while he left the kids unattended in the living room. A bad idea, really.

"Aaron, what are you doing sweetheart?" He asks his son who is sitting on Ria, who is sprawled over the rug like a starfish. He doesn't get a reply. Aaron rolls down her body and lands on the rug, a loud giggle escaping him.

Ria giggles too, her cheeks tainted a pretty shade of rosy. Aaron climbs up her body again, only to roll down in the same way. August stills.

Usually, Ria would straight up and answer him properly by now. August gets closer. Her eyes are glazed, galaxies shining in them.

"Auggie!"

His eyes widen. "What did you just-"

"I missed you!" She giggled. It's only then he realizes that, Ria is high.

"Ria? Are you high?"

She shakes her head. "High? No baby I'm lowwww," she rests her head on the rug again. Lost in the stars. August facepalms. "Ria? Did you under any chance, eat the brownies in the fridge labeled "do not touch"?"

She's not paying attention to him anymore. She's got Aaron's squishy face in a vice grip. "My baby! I love you so much!"

Aaron brightens up, throwing his arms around the girl. "Riri I lub you tooooo!"

"Ria-"

"You're my little prince, my angel! I love you I love you!"

Aaron is ecstatic. "You're my fav, lub you Riri!"

There's a frustrated sigh that leaves August. No one pays him mind though, they're too busy in their mushy love confessions.

"I'll fight demons for you!"

"I'll gib you chocwates aaaall of them!"

"Aaron, baby get off Ria."

His son glares at him, betrayed. "Nuh!"

"Baby, I'm not asking you. Ria isn't well, look at her." This time his voice is more stern. Aaron pouts as he looks down at Ria who's trying to kiss the ceiling. The little boy seems to contemplate, clearly eyeing Ria to see whether she's really sick like his father claims. He's a smart boy but he knows he can't really argue with his father. He reluctantly gets off her but still holds on to her hand tightly. "Riri nuh swick."

August holds on to her other hand before tugging her up, his other hand loosens his tie around his neck. "Come on get up, you need to sleep this off. I don't think you'll be able to go home in this state so up—"

She pouts. "Nooo! Don't wanna sleep.."

August sighs before gesturing his son to move away, he tucks one of his hand under her neck and other under her knees before he hoists her up in his arms, bridal style again.

Ria squeals. "I'm highhhhh!"

August huffs out a laugh. "Sure you are."

He starts making his way towards the guestroom when he hears Aaron cry out. "dwddy! dwon't lweave me bwehind!"

He runs towards August and clings onto his right leg, hanging on it. If not for August's supernatural strength, he would've surely fallen down but he keeps going. He unceremoniously drops her on the bed before quickly tucking her in under the blankets. He watches Aaron making his way under the blanket before tucking himself under Ria's arm.

"Aaron, you need to sleep in your room." He says.

"nuh!"

Right, who even listens to him anymore in this house?

"Dwddy pwease!" Aaron cries, already tearing up. He sighs. "Alright. Don't cry."

Aaron smiles cheekily, his tears immediately drying up. He's about to leave when Ria reaches out to him, she gets a hold of his tie & tugs harshly. He stumbles & falls over them.

"What the-"

Ria shifts on the other side and takes Aaron with her, making space for him."You are sleeping here too!"

Aaron nods.

August opens his mouth to argue "No, I have to—"

"No!" "Nuh!" Ria and Aaron whine simultaneously. August sighs. He just wanted to change his clothes.

"I can't argue with one baby how am I gonna argue with two... okay fine, I'll sleep." He says, finally, getting comfortable. They're sleeping on the edges with Aaron in the middle. It's nice and warm.

"Ria? Please don't eat those brownies again." He mutters in the dark. He gets only her sweet laugh in response. He finds himself smiling too, but no one needs to know. It's dark anyway.

"... and please don't call me Auggie."

—

"Riri?" Aaron points his spoon towards the large window. August looks over his shoulder. There she is. At one in the fucking morning.

August wouldn't be out with Aaron at this hour himself if it wasn't for his stubborn son's sudden ice cream craving. There, right outside the ice cream parlor that happens to be open at this hour, is Ria. She's dressed in a oversized hoodie as she speaks to a guy. The neon colors of the shop sign falls on her features, her soft face glowing.

August sizes out the guy Ria is talking to. Tattoos, Leather Jacket, Piercings. A total punk.

Aaron tried to jump off his tool to run to her but is stopped by his dad's glare. "Finish the Ice cream."

Aaron, at this young age, has mastered his puppy eyes. "But Riri?"

"You wanted to get Ice Cream, you have to finish it. Daddy didn't drive you all the way here for nothing." As he speaks as a large pout forms on his son's face. Sadly, Aaron plunges his spoon into his ice cream. August turns back to Ria.

It's not fucking safe.

Ria looks like she wants to be anywhere but here. So when she tries to leave the guy grabs her wrist, pulling her closer. He mutters something into her ear that has Ria pulling away hastily. No matter how hard she yanks her arm, the guy is unrelenting. There's tears forming in those green eyes and there's not much August can tolerate when it comes to her.

August is about to tell Aaron to stay in his sit while he deals with the guy, maybe burn him to ashes, but his son is gone. His eyes widen when the automatic doors slid open and there's a little boy marching out of the parlor. Aaron looks livid.

August dashes after his son, stomach curling nervously. He can't risk Aaron being seen by strangers when he's angry and most likely to use his powers. By the time he reaches outside, Aaron has pushed the guy away with all his strength. Which, August notes, is a lot as the man was tasting dirt. Baby demon and all that.

"Get away from Riri!" He screams. Ria's mouth hangs open as the little boy stands in front of her, arms spread in a T stance. The guy spits out the dirt. "What the fuck,"

"Aawon pwotect Riri!" Screams the little boy, his eyes flashing red. August has to laugh. Aaron holds his hand up, curls those tiny fingers angrily and the guy is coughing up, choking on his own blood.

"A-Aaron what are you doing?" Ria looks up at August for help. August for one, doesn't want to stop Aaron. Once in a while, it's good for Aaron to use his powers. He has noticed the guy's fingerprints now turning a ugly shade of purple on her wrist, so he's getting what he deserves.

"He's very angry."

Ria is shaking her head. "No! Aaron! Leave him! Right. Now."

The commanding tone is new coming from her. Aaron lowers his arm, tears already sparkling in his doe eyes. The guy scrambles away, running for his life.

Aaron wraps himself around Ria's leg. "Sowy Riri! Hurting Riri!"

"No my baby, I'm not hurt. Because you're here." She lovingly kisses all of his face.

August clears his throat. "If your reunion is over, will you tell me who's the guy?"

Ria looks up with sad eyes. "My ex."

August cocks an eyebrow.

"He called me and acted like he was hurt. I couldn't- I couldn't just hang up, you know? But when I came here he-"

"You came here in the middle of the night, for that man."

"He wanted to get back, I know he's lying. He just wants to steal my money." Ria adds. He's shaking his head. "My my Ria, your taste in men is utterly horrifying."

"Hey!" Ria protests cutely. "You're on my list too!"

"My point still stands."

She huffs.

"Get your ass up, we're going home." Just when Ria opens her mouth to protest, he holds up his hand. "No point in arguing, I don't think Aaron will let you go out of his sight. At least for tonight. You're coming."

"Riri hwome." Aaron looks excited too. She can't argue with those puppy eyes anyway. They follow after August who walks with his hands fisted inside his pocket.

"I don't think I can let you go anymore." He mumbled, more to himself.

On their way home, Aaron has fallen asleep in Ria's lap. She lovingly tucks the boy in his bed, kissing his forehead. "My fire spitting demon baby, I love you."

With one last kiss on his nose, she steps out of his room. Climbing down the stairs, she finds her employer right in the middle of the living room. An expensive looking glass of liquor in his hand. He turns around when he hears her.

"Come, sit down."

Her stomach twists. His tone sounds huskier than before. And a lot serious. He couldn't possibly fire her for what happened tonight! That's not in the contract. Her personal life stays out of the way of her work.

"Come already, Ria." He urges. That's it, she's getting fired tonight.

"Is there anything you want to say?" She inquired. August looked so impatient. "Isn't that clear? Now will you please come sit down here?"

Without another word, she takes a seat ahead of him.

"Okay, so this may come as a surprise to you." Dread fills her. "But I've actually given it some thought over the past weeks. I think it'll be right decision for both you and Aaron." He's been thinking of firing her for weeks? Was she doing such a terrible job?

"And you won't exactly be foreign to the situation either. Although I expect you to feel a bit uneasy at first."

Being broke? She's been broke her whole life.

"Also, you don't have to give me your decision immediately. Take your time, think it over. It's beneficial to both of us so, I hope you make the wiser decision."

Wait, what?

Ria is just growing confused by the second.

"So that's why, Ria, I wanted to ask you if you'd want to move into this house with Aaron and I. Nothing much changes, I'll pay you the same and you aren't exactly obliged to cook or anything. I'm looking for a personal cook to hire. Just stay here, with me. That way perhaps, you'll start staying out of trouble."

A long silence falls over them.

So, not getting fired.

But she had to weigh her options carefully. Moving with him means, no more rent. That saves her a lot of money and provides her with protection. But that also means she'll be working all day, all week. Not that taking care of Aaron feels like a job to her.

"Will you fire me if I say no?"

August shakes his head.

That's great too. It all feels great. Like this decision is good for her. And for Aaron. August too, she hopes.

She looks down at her hands. "I think I'll move in, yeah. It's a good idea."

August smiles. "Brilliant. I have a day off tomorrow. We can go get your stuff and help you settle in. Aaron will be excited to hear the news tomorrow." He stands up, throwing back the whiskey.

"A-And you?"

His eyes find her. She looks beautiful. Somehow, she always does. He doesn't remember the mortals being so gorgeous? With bright eyes? Pretty smiles?

"I'll be happy to have you around, too." He assures. That's brings a lovely smile on her face.

—

we're nearing the end of this book cries