Sequel to Batsh!t KZ
Norman is a vampire. Having spent most of his life as a bat, arms, legs, walking upright, not sleeping upside down, it all feels so new. He’s been in love with KZ for six months now. As foreign as his body feels sometimes, he discovers that’s nothing compared to dealing the intricacies of human emotions.
KZ is a nervous wreck. He introduces Norman to his family at Thanksgiving and worries the entire time about everything from garlic in the mashed potatoes to Norman’s secret being revealed.
Navigating their way through their first holiday season, Norman tries to be there during a time of loss for KZ but starts to believe KZ might be better suited to someone from his past. Will Norman’s jealousy ruin everything? Will he ever get to post a selfie online? Does a blunt and nosy angel have all the answers?
It was nice to hear laughter upon entering the spacious, modern kitchen through the back door. The family milling about, savory and sweet selections filling the room with delectable aromas, voices melding and interrupting one another, the somber occasion had all the elements of a joyous one.
Everyone had a story.
“We didn’t rehearse the grandfather of the bride dancing with the groom.” Paul was in the middle of a wedding anecdote. “But Mitch was so good at leading, I think we pulled it off rather well.”
KZ was happy he could remember that.
“It’s tradition,” his father said. “Believe it or not, Dad danced with me at my wedding.”
“I believe it,” KZ said.
He left the journals in the truck. There were four in all. Unable to come up with a story as to how he suddenly found them without bringing the supernatural into it, KZ decided not to mention them to his family for the time being.
“I hope I can dance with you at your wedding, kiddo.”
“You’re here.”
“We’re all here, KZ,” his mother said. “The twins are asleep in the other room.”
“Ah.”
“Are you feeling okay?” She touched KZ’s forehead as if she could sense an issue inside like she could a fever. “It’s been a rough day.”
“I’m fine, Mom.”
“Where were you two?”
“The caverns.” There was no need to lie to Khali or anyone else about that part. “Opa and I spent so much time there, I wanted to ...”
“Makes sense.” Kahli offered a hug.
“Are you hungry?”
“He’s always hungry, Jenn.” Opa Mitch wasn’t wrong.
“You’re always hungry.” KZ’s mother knew, too.
“Do I smell chicken tikka masala?”
“You do.” She headed toward the oven.
“Oh. Wait, Mom.”
She turned around.
“I can’t. Is there anything without garlic?”
“KZ ... Bring him the chicken, please, Mrs. Zapp.”
“Norman ...”
“Are you sure, Norman?”
“I’ll stand over by Mr. Zapp.”
“He probably had some, too,” KZ said.
“Everyone had some,” KZ’s dad confirmed.
The entire family took a step back away from KZ and Norman.
“We should go outside.” KZ took Norman’s hand.
“You’re being silly.” Norman stayed put. “I smell the garlic, and I’m fine. I smell all sorts of delicious spice combinations.”
“You’re sweating?” KZ whispered.
“I’ll kiss anyone in this room,” Norman declared.
No one volunteered.
“Is this the chicken?” he asked.
Someone had left some on a plate on the granite topped kitchen island.
“Right here?”
Murmurs erupted when Norman picked up the plate.
“Don’t you eat that!” KZ demanded.
Norman didn’t. He tilted it instead up to KZ’s face, like a naughty bridegroom with wedding cake. As KZ chewed, the motion was interrupted with a kiss. When he swallowed, Norman’s tongue tangled with his.
“See ... I’m ...” Before Norman could finish the sentence, he fell to the floor.
