Professor Balam asked for a private table and was told it would be an extra charge. He agreed as he knew this was what Lord Sullivan would want. A host led them to a secluded booth with good lighting.
"Someone will be with you in just a moment. Have a good time!" said the host.
"Thank you!" said the group.
As Professor Balam settled into the plush seat of the booth, the realization he would have to take his mask off dawned on him. That morning he and Opera ate together in the kitchen before Lord Sullivan or Iruma arose. The idea had him stiff in his place.
A waiter came by for drink orders and promised to return quickly.
"It's okay Professor. We could get a different room if you want to eat alone" Iruma suggested.
Iruma's friends looked to him, then to their Professor.
Professor Balam made frantic gestures. "No, it's fine" he took a deep breath. This was also part of being Iruma's tutor and forming trust with the young human. He reached for his mask, paused, and wondered if the constant exposure to his fangs would intimidate and harm the trust. Yet, he needed to eat and so far Iruma had been kind and it seemed like a safe bet. He took the mask off and set it on the empty section of the seat next to him.
Clara somehow squeezed herself next to him, even with the small space between him and the table. "I love your fangs! So Cool!" she exclaimed, putting her hands on either side of his face.
At first Professor Balam did not move, but soon he was indulging in his skinship. "Sweet little one" he praised.
"If you don't mind my asking, what happened Professor Balam?" asked Alice.
Professor Balam went into his childhood injury but concluded it only strengthened his love and respect for all living things. He gently placed Clara back in her seat and ruffled her hair once more.
The waiter only hesitated for a second before bringing them back into their professional routine.
Professor Balam thought the amount of food the kids ordered was a bit much but, he reminded himself that growing kids need a lot of food. Little did he know, the large amount of food, was only round one.
...
For Professor Bars the first day of the break had not gotten to a good start. He tossed and turned all night from nightmares about Iruma's
scars. His mind replays the memories of seeing the scars for the first time, and his mind makes up horrible scenarios of what might have happened.
Now awake, the scars, the boy who lived with them, and how he got them were all that was on his mind. His mind wasn't obsessed with Iruma. Yes, he thought about him often, but maybe having time off gave his mind permission to hyper-focus on Iruma. He told himself to concentrate. It wasn't very pleasant to see, but Iruma was clearly managing just fine. That thought soothed his mind for a while, but eventually, Iruma was back on his mind.
'Iruma has a fighting spirit' the thought went through his mind as he ate lunch. 'He must, all that he's been through, yet such a good kid and student. He tries so hard at everything.' He pushed his food around with his fork. 'Harvest Festival is close-' he scrapped the scraps of remaining food in the trash, washed the dishes, and moved with a purpose.
"What's wrong Professor Bars?" Professor Morax asked gently just as Professor Bars reached the door to the teacher's dorm.
"I want to suggest Iruma gets archery training to prepare for the Harvest Festival to Lord Sullivan!" Professor Bars said with enthusiasm and a glint in his eyes.
"You'll teach him?" Professor Morax asked, "I think it's a wonderful idea!"
"My sister will if I have it my way!" said Professor Bars before running with all his might out of the door, and flew to the Sullivan mansion. He knocked politely at first but frantically when a minute passed without an answer. He decided to check the local park and then the shopping district.
...
Professor Balam noted Alice, Clara, and himself had finished their meals long ago, Opera and Lord Sullivan joined them, and finished their own meals, and yet Iruma kept eating. Equal part fascinating, horrifying, concerning. His mind was a whirlwind of questions.
"You mentioned a live performance as part of your plan. Would you please elaborate, sir?" Opera asked.
Lord Sullivan smiled and chuckled as he reclined in his seat. "It is an extraordinary acrobatic performance, truly the finest available," he declared, producing a poster with a swift motion of his fingers. The glossy black poster featured eight demons clad in purple tights and black leotards, captured mid-routine as their bodies formed intricate star shapes.
The small gathering cheered uproariously, except Iruma, who could only manage a cheerful smile. The adults noticed, made eye contact, and remained silent. As the group exited the restaurant Lord Sullivan pranced with Iruma in his arms.
"I hope you're having a wonderful day! It's only going to get better!" he declared as he twirled, ending by holding Iruma above him.
Iruma blushed at the overabundance of attention and display of love "I sure am Grandpa and thank you!" he said shyly.
Lord Sullivan bundled Iruma up and slid into the coach that arrived.
"Is this your couch and horse, Grandpa? I don't recognize them," Iruma asked in a whisper.
They were much larger than the hell- horses he had seen at the Sullivan estate.
"No, these are the fastest horses in all of Netherworld, and I hired them, so we can get to the destination in no time when ordinarily it would take two hours!" Lord Sullivan said cheerfully, he turned to his own horses "You may go home now. Thank you for your work"
"What about the horsey wagons?" Clara asked as she snuggled her soulmates.
"There's magic that will discount the gear when they get to the stalls" Opera explained.
Alice's face lit up "I've never heard of such magic but of course all the best for Lord Sullivan!"
"We're good to go!" Lord Sullivan called out.
"Yes my Lord!" said the driver and cracked the reins and they were off at top speed.
...