Kyle's POV

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Each day brought new challenges for Kyle and Lucas. While arranging the things needed to make the shop work, their morning coffee and evening chats felt like refreshing forest dew against the looming threats.

Every night when Kyle and Lucas returned home, the cozy apartment greeted them with mingled scents of spices and herbs from Lucas's culinary experiments. Kyle would sample the day's creations, always finding them delicious, but he noticed something was bothering Lucas as time passed.

"What's up, man?" Kyle asked while munching a chicken empanada flavored with rosemary and basil.

Lucas sighed, "It's Jacob, my ex; he doesn't reply to my messages. I don't understand."

Kyle moved closer, patting Lucas's shoulder and subtly pressing an acupoint to release tension. Then he went to the fridge, grabbing beers for both of them. Handing one to Lucas, he said, "Would you like to tell me? I'm all ears."

Lucas hesitated but then poured out everything, from meeting Jacob in Puerta del Sol more than two years ago to the bitter end of their relationship. Kyle listened intently, the refrigerator's hum and distant sounds of street life outside their window providing a backdrop to Lucas's story.

Kyle tried to hide his anger but couldn't. "Lucas didn't deserve this," he thought. Out loud, he said, "I'm sorry, man," and brought another beer.

Kyle's eyes shimmered with golden sparks as he considered how to share his thoughts. "I don't know every detail about Jacob, but from what you've told me, it seems he hid his sexuality from his family his whole life. That made him secretive and compartmentalized, even in relationships."

Lucas nodded slowly, taking a sip of his beer. "Yeah, he always kept things to himself. It was hard to get him to open up."

Kyle deviated his gaze towards the printed documents from his lab experiments that lay forgotten on a side table, a sign of his dual life and the secrets he carried. Then he glanced at Lucas, who was watching him intently. "I have secrets, too, and you also kept your sexuality hidden from me. It's not terrible to guard yourself or others from ugly truths, but you can't flow seamlessly in a marriage when you hide something important."

Lucas's eyes widened slightly but stayed silent, encouraging Kyle to continue.

He sipped his beer. "If you put your feelings in a box and try to ignore them, you end up with a shelf full of unresolved emotions. When something shakes you, everything falls."

Lucas nodded again, his expression thoughtful. "I guess that's true. I never really thought about it like that."

Kyle gulped down a large amount of liquid. "He's also very independent. Moving to Europe early and staying there shows a need for personal freedom, which clashed with marriage commitments."

Lucas frowned slightly. "Yeah, he always talked about needing space and freedom. I thought I was giving him that, but maybe it wasn't enough."

Kyle went for another beer, feeling a fire burning within. "He failed you. When he married you, you became partners in every sense, but he put his needs, independence, and pleasure first."

Lucas looked down at his beer, sadness flickering across his face. "I guess I always knew that deep down."

Kyle pressed the cold glass bottle, grounding himself. "He wasn't ready for marriage. You said he had many lovers before you, and the sex was awesome. You are sexy as fuck, so he craved beauty and wanted to feel desirable through his sexual performance."

Kyle noticed Lucas's eyes widen and mouth form a perfect O at the word "sexy."

Kyle gulped and continued, "The idiot thought grand romantic gestures were the same as everyday life. Stupid man."

Lucas shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "He did love those big gestures. It always felt like he was trying to prove something."

Kyle looked directly at Lucas, his gaze lingering longer than necessary. "Jacob doesn't confront his feelings well. He knows he failed you, but he's not ready to face the finality of divorce."

Lucas sighed deeply, a mixture of relief and frustration on his face. "Yeah, that sounds like him. Always avoiding the tough stuff."

Kyle finished his beer, his mind buzzing with thoughts of Lucas. "Let's make a deal: If he hasn't come by the time we open the store, we'll go together to talk to him. Is that okay?"

Lucas nodded, still pondering. "I think I can wait. But I heard you call me sexy."

Lucas sat up, left the beer on the counter, and headed to his bedroom. "After we open the store and visit Jacob, would you tell me your secrets? Now I'm curious: why would a man like you think I'm sexy?"

As Lucas closed his bedroom door, Kyle chuckled softly, feeling a warmth spread through him. He noticed their clothes mingled together on the drying rack in the corner, a quiet testament to their shared life. Lucas was an excellent match to him in every sense.

But Kyle wasn't planning to wait a few weeks to visit Jacob.

Traveling from Madrid to Segovia wasn't tricky; from Chamartin train station to the closest station in Segovia required 25 minutes, and the buses to the town's heart came every 20 to 30 minutes. Finding the white three-floor house that Lucas used to call home wasn't difficult either.

When Kyle knocked on the door, a tall man with pale skin opened it, 

"Good morning. Are you Jabob Suarez?" Kyle asked.

The man nodded, "Hello. Yes. And you are?"

Kyle stepped inside. "My name is Kyle Estelmati, Lucas' roommate, and we need to talk."

Kyle let himself in and closed the door behind him, asking the universe for forgiveness for what he was about to do.

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In contrast to Puerta del Sol, Madrid's social and cultural hub, Cibeles Plaza was the city's economic and financial heart. The grandiose Madrid City Hall, also known as Cibeles Palace, was a testament to this distinction. The white structure resembled a modern castle, a reminder of the Spanish empire's glory, compelling passersby to look up and admire its imposing size.

The building featured two prominent towers and a central tower with an electric clock. Its ornamental details—sculptures, geometric figures, stars, and knights with swords—became more intricate as they ascended, reflecting the designer's beliefs in magic and curses.

Kyle's eyes scanned the imposing structure with amusement and dread. He glanced at Lucas, who looked shocked and uncomfortable in his suit and tie. Kyle wore his usual long leather jacket, jeans, and sunglasses, making him stand out even more. Although it was mainly sunny, Kyle felt compelled to hide his identity, even if barely, behind dark lenses. Supernatural creatures filled Plaza de Cibeles, working in the corporate world, and one might identify him.

He sensed Lucas's anxiety and noticed the glances they were getting from passersby, some curious, some intrigued, and a few amused. The giggling girls who caught Kyle's eye and received a wink in return didn't help Lucas's mood, he realized.

As they entered through the glass doors, Kyle's attention shifted to the supernatural creatures subtly interwoven with the human bureaucrats. Imps, banshees, and other paranormal entities blended seamlessly with their human counterparts, a hidden layer of the city's complex ecosystem that Kyle was all too familiar with.

They were about to enter the lift when Lucas stopped walking. Kyle turned to him, eyebrows raised. "Is there a problem?"

Lucas shook his head, trying to push aside his mixed emotions. He entered the elevator with Kyle, resolving to explore his feelings later. "I just want to understand why our business forms are in a 'Hello Kitty' folder?"

Kyle winked at him, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Because we need to stand out from the crowd."

Kyle's confidence and nonchalance were his defense mechanisms. Deep down, he was worried. He had spent many years blending into human society, hiding his true identity as Lucifer. But his calm facade was threatened. Someone could potentially expose him.

Lucas widened his eyes as Kyle led the way into the chaotic office for business licenses and tax registrations.

Papers were everywhere, and several impeccably dressed executives typed away at their computers. However, they couldn't hide their true nature as Kyle scanned the room; imps and shapeshifters were keen to work as bureaucrats hidden by glamour spells that masked their appearance. Imps delighted in creating minor frustrations and feeding humans' anger and pain. Meanwhile, shapeshifters were more interested in winning the capitalist game by receiving bribes to impersonate public servants and expedite permits.

"Good morning, sir; we want to register our food stall," Kyle said at the front desk. They received ticket number 73 and a form to fill out. Kyle was prepared, bringing copies of their identification, a picture of the entrance, and police records.

At desk nine, the lady in a two-piece suit reviewed their form. "Empanadas Haven? Do you have the contract for the place?" 

Kyle nodded and handed the document over.

The little imp grinned devilishly. "We need more data for a temporary permit. Copies of your IDs and police records, since you're not from Madrid, to ensure you're not a front for gangs."

Kyle confidently provided the documents, but her grin widened. "Also, a zoning regulations assessment form?"

Kyle faltered. "I have a picture of the entrance. Will that help?"

The imp's left eye twinkled, exposing her true nature. "No, we need the report for legal documents. Your file is incomplete. Go to the office across the hall for the form."

The two stood up and left the office. "That document is not on the official list, right?" Lucas asked promptly.

"It seems she wants to create more work for us. We will solve it. Everything will be fine," Kyle whispered, masking his frustration.

Lucas and Kyle went to the "Zonation and Buildings" office, decorated with portraits and swords. The exquisite and ominous atmosphere made Kyle feel oddly at home, as the offices of Hell bureaucrats also looked like that. Kyle filled in the form to verify compatibility with zoning regulations.

Kyle glanced at Lucas fondly, "I will make sure you succeed, Lucas," Kyle thought as he felt revitalized courage to face the next bureaucratic hurdle.

They took a ticket and form, eventually meeting an old lady with piercing eyes. Kyle recognized her as a banshee; he sighed in relief. Despite their bad rap, banshees were a fantastic group that always warned people of impending problems and doom. Not that many listened, though.

She reviewed their form. "Contract copy?" Kyle handed it over without hesitation. "It seems okay. We need to inspect the place next month before issuing our report."

Lucas was shocked. "One month?"

"It's the standard time for an inspection," she replied.

"We haven't opened yet; we were sent here from the business license office," Kyle explained.

Her glamour spell almost failed as the banshee growled and then wailed in frustration. "That bitch is going to listen to me next time."

After a pause, she typed on her computer and printed a map with instructions. "This should satisfy that little demon. I am so sorry."

Kyle smiled, knowing the old banshee only tried to help them despite her stuck-up nature and flare for the dramatic.

Kyle and Lucas returned triumphantly to the business license office.

"You're back fast," the girl mumbled, annoyed.

"I am not sure where I left your form. I wonder where it is." She shuffled papers, looking for their folder.

Kyle knew exactly where it was in the distinctive "Hello Kitty" folder he had brought in case they "missed" it in the towering stack. It was a common trick used by little imps and other humans who relished creating red tape hurdles.

Kyle leaned in. "Madam, I think I see it; let me grab it for you," he said.

Kyle handed her the folder. The little imp looked at him with a glint of malice. Kyle knew she would try to create problems again. His blood boiled, and his eyes lit with fire. For a split second, he solemnly promised devastation to the girl.

The little imp's eyes widened, and realization came in. She squeaked, "Oh, I am so silly; my apologies. Wait for a moment, please."

After a few moments, she returned with their temporary license. "You have a year to complete the remaining documents. Have a great day."

Kyle and Lucas left, relieved but exhausted from the bureaucratic ordeal.

"That was weird," said Lucas, heading to the lift.

Kyle smiled slightly, his expression a mix of satisfaction and something more complex. "At least it is over now. Let's get out of here."

"Sure."

Kyle gritted his teeth. He let his control fail for a split second, which might have been his doom. He was convinced the girl had recognized him. His time with Lucas might end because he had lost control and potentially exposed himself as Lucifer.

Outside, Kyle lit a cigarette, and Lucas waited for him silently.

He needed some time to cope with the fact that his time with Lucas might be cut short due to his stupidity and lack of self-restraint, and all their hard work might come to nothing. During the last two weeks, while they waited for the documents to start their paperwork, they had bought tables, chairs, tablecloths, cutlery, pots and pans, a kitchen, a humongous fridge, and an oven.

Kyle also managed to prepare the electricity and water bills. With each purchase, the place started to take on a life of its own. But now, with his identity exposed, his pursuers might find them in days or weeks, in the best-case scenario. Soon, he might have to abandon Lucas.

Kyle noticed Lucas's eyes were fixated on him. His eyes were darkened, and his mouth pouted; Kyle guessed Lucas was probably blaming himself for their problems.

As if on cue, Kyle mumbled, "There are people in this world who are happy by bringing others misery; it isn't about you or me; they just like to upset others. Others argue they want an easy day at work without doing much. In both cases, the only thing we can do is be prepared to outsmart them."

The wind carried the smoke of his cigarette far away. Kyle thought about fire, a cabin in the forest, a woman with stars in her eyes, and the solemn vow he made to her and the Jinn clan. A grand design was in motion; he had to bring Lucas to the Jinn's high priestess, Fatima. They could strengthen Lucas and protect him if needed.

"They are our only hope to stop Armageddon from happening."

word count 3396

Cover: Cibeles Plaza