As I hauled the last of the cardboard boxes out of the mansion, when I dropped it off at the driveway, I couldn’t help but turn and look around. The incubi were emerging from the front door and heading my way, and a soft painful pang lodged in my chest.
Damien was the first to notice my expression and train of thought, his own brow furrowing in empathy, but it was Matthew who spoke first. “Aw, come on, don’t be sad! It’s not like we’re leaving you forever!”
Sam nudged my shoulder as he walked by, before he reached down to grab the box I’d carried outside and moved to shove it into the moving van. “Don’t look like that, doofus. You’re not getting rid of us that easily.”
“If you ever need us, your highness,” Erik said softly as he reached for my hand and pulled it to his lips, “we’ll be here before you know it.”
James stepped up as Erik took his leave and offered me a gentle smile. “I hope you’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet in your home now, but we’re only a phone call… or a true name… away.”
“Are you sure you’ll be all right?” Damien was suddenly at my side, his fingers curling around mine and pulling my hand into his warm, reassuring grip.
“I’ll be fine,” I said, and I meant it, I truly did. I’d shaken off the shock of seeing them leave and my heart now was filled with nothing but excitement and love for these five incubi. I wanted nothing more than for them to go out and live their lives, and be the happiest they could be.
I knew Damien could feel my thoughts when his smile warmed and he squeezed his hand around mine before pulling away and heading to join his brothers in the truck.
Once they’d all piled in, I waved with only a tinge of sadness in my smile as they pulled away. I could just barely make out the sight of Matthew leaning over to honk the horn for me and James’ scandalized expression before they’d turned the corner and were already out of sight.
Even though I could no longer see them, I stood in the driveway for another moment, overwhelmed with so many emotions. I wanted to say something, anything, send a prayer skywards for them, but I just couldn’t find the words. A tear slipped down my cheek, catching in the curve of my smile, and I finally ducked my head and turned to head back inside.
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It’s not much, but I had to do something!
Five years, guys. I’ve been around since the first Seduce Me’s Kickstarter back in 2014 and back then, hanging out in livestreams with our sweet little community, I’d had no idea what a crazy ride it would be. It’s pretty safe to say that Seduce Me literally changed my life! It taught me a lot of things, inspired me to write when I’d nearly given up on that part of myself, and introduced me to not only the fabulous cast and crew whom I’m honored to know and cheer on from afar as they achieve their dreams, but also people in the fandom whom I’m pretty confident to say that I’ll know and cherish for the rest of my life.
Happy five year anniversary, sweethearts. <3