Forever and Always

5

Wyoming was big and burly, with wide shoulders for being fourteen. Two bison horns stemmed out of his hair, just above his ears. His fingers ended in long, thick black claws, and his toes were similar. His eyes were a light, bright pink, practically white in the centers, and his hair was a darkish tawny color.

There were black, ringlike patterns going completely around his neck, a few dropping down to his chest.

Colorado was pretty humanoid for a demon. He had black hair, and black eyes, and the tan skin all his desert states had, with black claws. And, like Utah and Wyoming, he had horns. The long, curling horns of a bighorn sheep coming from his hair, just above his ears. He had a few grey-brown blotches on random parts of his body, but that was it. Unlike his other horned children, he didn't have clawed toes. He was around fifteen physically.

Nevada was tan, with dark hair and dark eyes. He had brown spots going under his eyes and strong, sharp claws. He was muscular, and definitely one of the more dangerous states. He could fight anyone and win, because he was just that lucky. Luck was his skill.

That was a child who could get away with murder- and has gotten away with murder on multiple occasions.

"C'mon Nev-awh-da," Wyoming said, elbowing him in the ribs, "it's not that bad, I mean, shit, my power is looking like an animal and being able to ram head-first into things."

"It's Nev-ah-da, don't be a dick," the boy hissed, and their mother shook his head.

"What are you three doing out?" he asked, and they shared a glance between themselves.

"Hunting."

"Hunting what?" Alfred asked, tilting his head. There were no more large prey animals in the valley, besides ones under his protection.

"Rabbits," Colorado said, and Alfred looked him over again. He wasn't wearing a shirt in the middle of fall, and he was wearing green cargo pants. One pocket had stuff in it.

He would bet money it was cocaine.

"So, where'd you get the cocaine?" he asked, crossing his arms, "Wait, let me guess. Lucky guessed the password to the storage unit, and you guys swiped what you believed wouldn't be missed."

They looked between themselves, before nodding. Colorado handed him the bag.

"You know I don't want you guys doing anything except cannabis and wine."

He'd been trying to cut his kids from indulgence. He knew it could get dangerous for a personification to be an addict. China had told him what would happen.

"We know." they repeated.

"Then why are you trying to sneak this?" Alfred asked, looking unamused.

"My people, they're... craving," Colorado said, looking at the bag with regret. Alfred was able to figure out he was regretting giving him the bag. He wanted it back now. Nevada nodded, Wyoming just looked away. Alfred was pretty sure Wyoming's most popular drug was still either meth or heroin.

"Go back home," he sighed, putting the bag in his pocket, muttering about getting a handprint lock instead of a number one. The children walked in front of him, almost not noticing Alfred panting. His burst of magic was leaving him tired. He hadn't done that in a long time.

When the kids were inside he locked the doors and went into the bar, walking behind the counter and grabbing a bottle of Stolichnaya and a glass, pouring some before downing it and pouring some more.

He pushed himself up onto the counter and ran his hand over his stomach. He could feel it bulging. It felt like there was a brick attached to his skin. Of course, that brick was hollow, and had two little babies in it.