When you are a competent old man who lives alone, you can eat what you want for breakfast. This morning I had noodles, or rather noodle soup, a favorite of mine for colder weather. Broth with ... [+]
Dearest demons and creatures,
So you've woken up to the grim realization you were never truly human, did you? How fortunate for you, as heaven was always an illusion. Regardless, what to do now? That depends on the creature, my love, but here we can examine a capability in which we all possess. Making deals.
I imagine you must be wondering, ‘How can I go about making these deals?' Well, my dears, allow me to inform you of 5 simple steps in starting your finest collection of souls. It's best to follow these rules, so as you don't end up in iron cages.
Step 1: Determine the Situation
It had proven to be a harsh windy January night, when I stumbled upon a strange sight. A man, tall, lean, and disheveled. His blonde hair a shade of dark yellow, covered in a sheen of sweat.
I was silent, my stomach turning in hunger. I contemplated the concept of a new meal when he shivered, taking a breath and mumbled,
"Pretty bird, please, help me," and I grinned.
Step 2: Remember, Dominion
I cocked my head in curiosity, "Help you, sir? Do you need a lift home?" I suggested sweetly, only to be met with steel blue eyes and a stoic stare.
"I can't help those who aren't specific," I mused playfully. A moment later, I blinked when he sat up against the dirty wall, his eyes so dark.
"I will give you everything, should you ask. Please, just help me," he repeated.
Step 3: Never Ever Linger
At those words, I couldn't help but stare into those blue eyes. What could possibly be making him so eager to make this arrangement? He said nothing, but instead, held up an item. A subject of impulsive poison, I see. My belly twisted in thought.
"You're hesitating," he drawled.
Step 4: Remember, An Eye for an Eye
"How can I not?" I mumbled back, crouching low over his laid back form.
"Don't you know," I hissed, pressing my lips to his ear, "All deals have prices?"
He simply smiled, his eyelashes catching falling snow in an almost angelic display. Forcing me to take a moment longer in brisk confusion of the situation. In doing so, my silence gave him the time to wrap his arms around my shoulders and pull me in. My knees meeting the ground with a brisk THUD. Caging him, as he clung to my coat. His breath had a hint of sweet melon.
"Oh, I know," he husked, playing with my hair. "I plan on paying in full, now are you all in with me?" I froze, taking a moment to compose myself to then reply, the man frowned as we heard the steps of shoes coming close. An elderly couple walking past only to turn and glance, the woman frowned,
"Poor thing, what a waste of a handsome man. Probably couldn't even protect her," she grumbled to her partner. He just sighed and looked at me apologetically.
"I'm still here, darling," he mused back, and I trembled in annoyance. This isn't a game.
"What is it that you want?"
His eyes practically glowed with spite, a beautiful shade of ice blue,
"To destroy this husk of a person I've made,"
"Liar," I snorted, he smirked,
"Fine, I want out of the industry, but through my own means." His eyes never leave mine. Taking a moment longer to think, I sighed and nodded. My hand leaving my side to cup the side of his face.
"What's your name?" I asked softly. He glanced down, his gold brows twitching as he said softly,
"It's Felix."
"Deal," I murmured back. My thumb grazed his cheek gently as he grinned once more. How strange, most would look relieved or scared.
Step 5: Reflection
"Just so you know, I own you now," I reminded him, as I helped him stand.
"Oh, I've no doubt about that," he whispered back, shifting slightly to lean on me. I raised a brow as he continued to shift his weight on me. The two of us left the alley together and into the snowy night, it was in those moments I caught in the reflection of a nearby window, the grin he wore.
"But isn't it just better," he spoke slowly, pulling me back into a semi-hug from behind, "When contracts are vague. Makes ‘em last longer, besides, don't I get a say in when this is over?" His question hung heavy like a bell.
I stopped walking. What have I done? I could scarcely feel my hands as the winds blew gently. Almost in a delayed warning of some kind. The snow proved to mock the situation. Felix didn't seem to mind, as he nudged me forward.
"Now," he spoke over the wind, "What would you like for dinner?" I felt my words get caught in my throat.
"You must have been hungry," he noted, as he moved to rest his chin on my head. "But obviously not hungry enough, as you didn't eat me," he murmured.
I remained quiet for another moment before he scoffed and said sardonically, "And here I thought all dragons loved this sorta thing," nuzzling my hair in the process.
I turned and gave a hard stare, which he gave back happily, only to not say a thing and I just sighed and gave a tired smile. I did after all make a deal, why not go all in and reap the mid-benefits?
"Can we get some soup?" I asked softly, he cocked his head in intrigue, but nodded regardless.
"Sure, it is a bit chilly after all."