#1221-writes

Chapter one, Hello Angel-

Clear skies, warm weather, with a nice gentle breeze. Chatter and lights reflecting from the fair grounds off in the distance.

The perfect day to make a long awaited appearance in the human world.

You didn’t have to admit it out loud to your companions, but you couldn’t help a silent agreement with the notion. If you were going to travel to the human world today was a good day to do it.

Though you already felt glaringly out of place leaning against a wall in an alley way with two other angels.

If anyone walked by it would be quite the sight. Despite having already done without the halos, wings, and glowing skin there was still something radiantly off about your appearances. Something magnetically inhuman.

It had been a while since you had fully opted to look human. Long used to going without wings and a halo as a personal choice, but being content to not pass as human as well as not traveling to the human world left no reason to.

Asena and Kyrie shared no such inhibitions when it came to the human world. More than keen to run wild through it interacting with its human inhabitants.

Kyrie was the first to speak since arriving “This is going to be fun. I can’t wait to get into the fair grounds!”

Asena was quick to agree "Definitely, let’s hurry and blend in so we can go in already.”

You silently modified your appearance on the same page of not allowing anyone to place any of you as anything other than human. Having already been less than keen about being in the human world even if everything went over smoothly the last thing you needed was to deal with a human that discovered something they shouldn’t have.

Asena and Kyrie followed suit. The three of you now looking human enough to not raise any questions. Even if they look closely and see the subtle glow or flash of something that could only be described as angelic it wouldn’t be enough to raise any alarm.

Though to your dismay it might draw people in.

“Perfect. Now we’re ready.” Asena stated in declaration

“Yeah couldn’t go in before lest we wanted Mahihkan to castigate us for needlessly revealing ourselves to an entire crowd of humans.” Kyrie stated all too lightly.

Clearly her copious amount of time spent amongst humans had numbed her to fully considering the consequences an accidental reveal would bring. Both the natural consequences along with whatever consequences Mahihkan finding out would bring.

Finally, deciding there was something worth speaking about I warn them “If Mahihkan finds out you accidentally revealed yourself to a human, I am not helping you.”

All I get is a laugh in response as I silently hope that they take it to heart and head my warning. If things go wrong enough there's only so far I can remove myself from it even if I’m not the one that causes the fall out.

Aseena calmly speaks her peace “Relax, we come here all the time with no issues, if you were anyone else I would be worried about you causing problems, but unfortunately you’re apathetic and boring.”

A casual attempt to lightly soothe my worries without making me withdraw. It annoys me more than anything else, but a part of me appreciates the attempt. I’ve known Aseena and Kyrie for far too long even if they don’t take it as seriously as they should, they still care about the consequences.

Kyrie doesn’t bother making the same attempt with her words. “I didn’t expect to ever get you into the human world again with how boring you’ve been lately. You’ve always been an apathetic brat, but at least you used to be interesting.”

All you offer her in response is a half hearted eyeroll before staring at her blankly.

Clearly she takes it as a sign to continue. “The last 400 years you’ve practically been a walking, indifferent, detached, noncommittal, emotionless husk that—”

Bored of her tangent I opted to coolly interrupt her “Do you want to list my characteristics in a dark alley way all night; or do you want to go to the fair?”

The amusement seeped through Kyrie's words. “Yeah, let's go to the fair now that your response has proven my point.”

Opting to ignore her goading and instead turn to look at Aseena as she spoke again. “Alright, let's get into the fairgrounds together and then we can split up for a while. Lest we get in the way of… each other's fun.”

Sending a wicked grin my way at the last part.

I felt my nose slightly curl up “You're repulsive.”

I looked back at Kyrie who now mirrored Aseena’s wretched grin.

Rolling my eyes I slowly leaned off the wall and began to walk out of the alley. Aseena and Kyrie laughing after me before following me out to head towards the fair grounds.

“Maybe a night with a human with no strings attached is what you need. Maybe that’s the thing that will finally get you to loosen up a bit again.” Aseena half joked.

Though there was a clear undertone of genuineness to her statement that made my skin crawl at the mere idea of it.

replying with nothing but honesty and a small frown “I’d rather dissolve myself in acid than lie with a human for a night.”

Kyrie was quick to take the opportunity to further goad me with her words. “Only humans? Maybe we can find you an angel for the night instead.”

Monotonously responding, I tried to subtly shift the subject. “I regretted my decision to come with you the second I agreed. I didn’t think it was possible to regret it anymore than I already did and yet here I am.”

Aseena didn’t take the bait, instead taking a particular liking to Kyrie's words. “Maybe we should reveal ourselves to a human tonight that will get Mahihkan here. Then you can go home with him.”

I once again felt my nose start to curl up at the crude and appealing notion of intimacy.

Not bothering to respond to her suggestion, I fixed my previous statement. “I’d rather dissolve myself in acid than lie with anyone tonight.”

The topic was dropped as the entrance of the fair grounds came into view. The loud carnival game music, an indistinguishable choir of voices, and a delicious scent of fair foods permeating the air taking priority of my senses.

I look towards the long line to get in. Over the tops of peoples heads I can see gleaming lights battling with the sunlight for their gleam to be seen. It’ll be a sight to see come sun down, regardless of any negative feelings I have about the human world. There's still positives if you look for them.

A small frown makes its way back onto my face.

‘And twisted as it is, maybe that's one of the reasons I hold so much resentment for it.’

Kyrie interrupts my less than pleasant thoughts. “Let's go through the line instead of sneaking in. It’ll give us some time together before we split up.”

Aseena responds in agreement before trailing off. “Sounds good, we can hang out while in line before splitting off once we get inside, then we can meet back up once the sun sets, and if we happen to have a reason to split back up again afterwards…”

I let the clear implications fall on deaf ears refusing to dignify her with a response. Instead watching the crowd around, and tuning into conversations of impatient children pestering their parents about— “How much longer until we get inside?”

“I want to ride the ferris wheel first!”

“I want to win the teddy bear!”

All before getting in line nevermind having actually gotten inside the fair grounds. It was enough to erase the frown on your face allowing your muscles to reset back to a more neutral position than the frown had allowed for.

You had always held a fondness for children no matter how much your overall disdain for anything to do with the human world grew.

Aseena and Kyrie started walking headed towards the crowd of people to get into line wordlessly. You followed after them content to continue focussing on your surroundings rather than on them and whatever they had to say.

People's eyes followed the three of you lingering even once you had passed by. Captivated by the angelic charm that they would never be able to place before moving along.

Having made it to the back of the line Kyrie proved ignoring them was for good reason when she decided to direct her words towards me again. “You know at one point you would have been a blushing mess at the mention of in your words ‘lying’ with Mahihkan.”

Irritation spiked through you; they never dropped anything, seemingly always determined to beat a horse far past death. If it was anyone else you would have left ages ago, but it wasn’t anyone else it was two angels who I’ve shared companionship with for centuries. Angels who’ve been there ever since I was reborn all the way from the very start of my new life.

Allowing them far more privileges than was offered to anyone else.

So with an eyeroll and steady voice I replied. “I’ve grown used to you joking about it. It wasn’t funny the first few times and it isn’t funny now.

Aseena giggled at that. “It’s not meant to be funny, it's a prediction of your future. Honestly I thought you two would end up together by now.”

That was not the response I was looking for. They need to drop this topic already, but I’ve been hoping it would be dropped for centuries now with no luck.

“Don’t you think that if it was going to happen it would have by now? I have no interest in anything ever transpiring between me and Mahihkan. Or anyone else before you start”

A shrill screech came from Kyrie “I have no interest in anything ever transpiring between me and Mahihkan or anyone else!”

The subtle glances the humans around you had turned into stark stares at the outburst.

‘Damn it Kyrie’

The three of us quickly pretended to return to normal conversation, refusing to meet the curious human eyes or give them any more reasons to pay attention to us.

Kyrie let out a breath and whispered out an unsatisfactory— “oops…”

All she was met with was a deadpan and awkward stare from myself and Aseena respectively and deservedly so.

The human eyes on us were heightened even more so than usual for the rest of the time we spent in line but we made it into the fair grounds nonetheless. ‘And thankfully without any more… incidents. For the time being at least.’

Now inside the fair grounds and more importantly away from the humans that witnessed Kyrie's “enthusiastic display” Aseena and Kyrie started speaking a little more freely again.

Unsurprisingly the one who caused the predicament was the first to take advantage of this. “Lets get a move on and split up, this place is crawling with eligible bodies to waste the night with!”

Her crudness wasn’t surprising but that didn’t make me keen on the idea of listening to her talk about her human prey like that. Making your agreement quickly and walking off into the crowd of people to prevent hearing anymore. “You have fun with that.” “Meet up back here once the sun has set!” Aseena called out after me, but I didn’t bother to respond, tuning the both of them out after her request.

“Do you think she heard you?”

“Who knows, fifty fifty on if she already started ignoring us once she started walking away.”

“Pft Yeah, you’re probably right, typical (Y/N)”

“It is typical of her. I just hope she has a decent time tonight.” “I hope we have much more than a decent night tonight” Kyrie winked

—

Now alone in the crowd it occurred to me that I would have to find a way to waste away the time until sun down. I looked up into the still well lit sky.

‘It’ll be around three hours before the sky even starts to change colors and at least another forty after that for the sun to finish setting.’

Now apart from Aseena and Kyrie the lingering stares died down after all, an angel alone was much more discreet than three together.

And I’ve always had a knack for blending in, disappearing from things I want no part of has always come naturally to me. Drawing the attention of humans is definitely not something I want part of so putting extra effort into the ability to look human was worth it to me.

The work put in paid off too, allowing me to walk through the human world undisturbed unless engaging with a human or doing something to draw attention.

Although it was something that other angels didn’t put as much energy into only taking the time to ensure they won’t be identified by humans and content with the extra attention until they naturally get better with time.

Aseena and Kyrie's Age gave them plenty of experience disguising themselves. If I hadn’t honed my skills they would be far more skilled than I. However, that was not the case, like most angels they were content to bask into the attention given to them by human kind.

To their credit they were still much more skilled than most other angels. The ones younger than them like me as well as other angels their own age, their ample time spent wandering the human world coming in their favor.

Now free of the unwanted attention I instead let my attention fall on the appetizing scents drifting through the air.

‘Funnel cake, fries, ice cream, lemonade, kettle corn cotton candy—’

Your decision to disappear into the crowd, get food, then find somewhere to be alone was solidified.

Though if you were being honest that plan was solidified far before you arrived in the human world.

The first food truck you came across offered both fries and lemonade. You were more than content to stop at this one instead of seeking out any other options. It contained two items on your list and would allow you to get away from the crowd expeditiously.

Making your way into the line and biding your time until you could make your departure to a sanctuary of solitude.

The line slowly thinned out until you were next in line. The nineteen year old taking orders was either unable to hide his enticement or he had just decided not to bother with trying to hide it. Going by the way his eyes were focussed on the exposed skin of your chest you were going with the latter.

The impassive look never left your face, but the unamusement seeped through in the crossing of your arms and subtle shift of your weight.

The boy seemed to gather himself together as he slowly raised his eyes to your face with a faint splotchy blush on his own.

His soft cheery voice finally rang out. “What can I get for ya?”

Deciding to keep things devoid of any engagement and short. “Fries and a lemonade.”

“...Please.” The simple courtesy followed afterward despite the boy's previous unwelcome wandering eyes

Handing him exact cash and looking off into the distance to avoid further interaction. The boy didn’t take the hint and opened his mouth to speak again.

“No.” You deadpanned.

You glanced up to see the surprised look pass over the boy's face before shifting into embarrassment. Splotchy red took over even more of his face as he let out an involuntary cough.

Showing mercy you looked back off into the distance instead of letting him sit with the weight of your less than interested eyes.

Fortunately for him your order was ready shortly after. Taking your order and dropping a generous tip into the tip jar without looking at him again as you silently walked away.

‘He’s just a boy, he thinks I’m his age, he still deserves compensation for his work even if he’s a nuisance.’

With that you dropped the undesirable encounter and quickly found a place to lie low with your food.

The top of a building with no roof access overlooking the fair grounds. No one will be able to access it and it will be out of sight to anyone on ground level. Even if someone on a ride spots me they won’t pay me any attention. It’s perfect.

Glancing around to make sure no eyes are looking my way, I take my window of opportunity to teleport onto the top of the building.

Finally alone I sit on the edge of the building letting my legs dangle over the edge ready to enjoy my food.

‘It’s been ages since I’ve had human food.’

Taking a small sip of the lemonade first I savor the sweet and sour flavor. Food is one of the higher ranking positives of the human world in my book. Ironically it might be the only positive that doesn’t leave a bitter taste in my mouth.

Even once my food is finished I feel no sense of urgency to leave the secluded roof top, content to watch over the people enjoying what the fair has to offer. Looking up at the pretty sky again to get a read on the remaining time before Sun down I’m met with disappointment.

‘Still another two hours and forty minutes at least. I’ve only knocked out an hour of time.’

Looking back down and sighing before my attention is caught by a demon roaming the fair grounds roughly 200 feet away from the building I sit on.

He leans against a fence looking at the ground with his arms crossed. Fluffy light blue hair peeking out of the plain black baseball hat obscuring part of his face and falling over his displeased expression.

A flicker of purple patterns dance across his neck for a split second before disappearing back into light peach skin.

I pull my legs up from over the ledge tucking them into my chest. It’s then that I notice the demon isn’t alone.

A group of four other demons stand around him all dressed in dark muted colors and hats. Seemingly trying to be discreet and remain undetected by the public.

I recognize them as the trouble that caused the shift in the human world concerning demons. They’re demons that became idols to go against the current generation of hunters.

Though they may have lost arguably they still walked away with a partial victory considering they still have access to the human world.

‘I’m sure Gwi-Ma is fighting to use that to his advantage.’

It’s then that big vibrant glowing eyes meet mine with a burning intensity.

My eyes widened in surprise, my back straightening, I didn’t expect anyone to notice me up here none the less a demon.

His stare doesn’t back down, eyes continuing to burn through me, and for some reason I don’t look away either.

I tell myself it’s because I don’t know what he’s going to do, but I know it’s not. I could just leave now. I’m confident that I could shake him off my trail if I fled.

But I don’t move, I don’t even stand up, I stay in place staring right back at the blue haired demon.

‘Does he know what I am?’

‘How’d he know to look up?’

Was it just by chance?’

The black haired demon swats him over the head seemingly scolding him. This makes the blue haired demon glance over at his assailant even more agitated than when you first noticed him.

I watch as his eyes flash into a cerulean blue. putting the pieces together determining that the black hair demon scolded him for revealing a demonic characteristic.

To my relief the group of demons doesn’t remain in place for much longer and walks off away from the building. Before they get out of sight the blue haired demon looks back, eyes burning with just as much intensity as before.

Only freeing you of his gaze when he turned a corner. You let out a breath you hadn’t realised you were holding, uselessly standing up as if you needed to now that the potential threat had already left.

You stayed standing idly for a few minutes until you were sure the demon wasn’t coming back.

You let yourself sit back over the ledge deciding to stay put until sun down arrived and you could go home.

Once again looking down at all the people you let your mind wander. The blue haired demon's face flashed through your mind. His golden eyes, his vivid blue hair, the way he seemed to be able to see every part of you.

You tried to shake him from your thoughts, tried to ignore the way he looked at you, how his eyes seemed to immediately focus on you.

‘It doesn’t mean anything. There's no way he knows what I am. He—’

“Hello Angel.”

Taking in a startled intake of air as you flinch immediately turning towards the deep raspy voice behind you. You stand up back facing the ledge.

It’s not light peach skin and blue eyes that meet you, but Grey covered in purple patterns, with glowing golden eyes, his light blue hair having taken on a darker tinge.

‘He knows.’

“How’d a pretty frail little human like you get up here hmm?”

‘Nevermind he’s an idiot.’

“What can’t speak? Or am I just not what you were expecting.” He sniggers after the last part.

‘No I was totally expecting a demon to reveal himself to what he believes to be a human.’

The demon takes a few steps towards me, and I’m unable to make up the distance this close to the ledge. He invades my space only a few inches from me. I could slightly raise my arms and we’d be touching. He’s much taller than I expected the other demons he was with were all taller than him, but I only come up to his chest. He smells of vanilla and faint undertone of burnt caramel

His voice is deep and predatory “Tell me angel, ya ever met a demon before?”

His eyes stare straight into mine, if they were burning before now they’re absolutely scorching. It sends a shudder down my spine and by the way his eyes burn hotter I can tell it doesn’t go unnoticed by him.

My voice comes out quiet but steady “Don’t call me that.”

His hand reaches out fingers tracing over my arm. Involuntarily an audible sharp intake of breath betrays me. “Sure thing Angel.”

Irritatingly a tantalizing smirk grows oh his face further displaying his blatant enjoyment of the situation.

It occurs to me that I need to find a way to minimize the fallout of whatever it is I’ve found myself in.

‘An idol. He’s an idol.’

“Why are you in special effects makeup? Are you guys doing a surprise show tonight at the fair?”

It was a good way to spin things on the spot, let me play ignorant, and allows him an out. He shouldn’t want to reveal himself to a human, and going off of earliers display clearly the other demons whose company he keeps don’t want that either.

I’m immediately proven wrong when his response is to laugh directly in my face. It’s dark and heavy. I can feel his breath on my face, his hand still hasn’t left my arm.

I want to rip it away, escape his touch, turn around and high tail it straight out of this situation. I could all I would have to do was jump off the ledge, go home. It's not like a demon could follow me there.

And yet once again I don’t move. I stay, I stay stuck by this demon’s tantalising eyes that make me want to burn to the ground where I stand.

“Special effects? Really, are you that naive? Aww Angel.”

“We’re on a random roof top, not even on the fair grounds. It doesn’t even have rooftop access. Why would we set up special effects here?”

Before I could speak further, try and fix the situation by pointing out how special effects makeup doesn’t need to be set up on a building. He disappears in a cloud of pink smoke. I only sense his presence reappearing behind me for a split second before I feel his hand dance across my waist.

I take a deep breath before turning to face him, his hands never leave my waist. He’s floating over the edge of the building. The final nail in the coffin, blaming special effects is no longer an option, there’s no escaping this unscathed now.

Again the heat of his eyes overwhelms me.

‘What do I even do in this situation? His actions don’t make any sense. I can’t read him.’

His words come out in a low whisper. “Still wanna blame special effects?”

The heat that rises to your face makes you want to banish yourself to hell for eternity and you hate yourself when you realise that that would just make you stuck with him for an eternity. More self hatred flows through you when your heart rate picks up at the idea.

Collecting myself as fast as I can I decide my best option is to continue playing human. And how would a human react to a popular idol revealing themselves to be a demon?

‘They wouldn’t because what demon would be dumb enough to reveal themselves to a human?’

‘Oh yeah, this one.’

‘Scared. Scared should be a safe bet.’

Ignoring the gnawing thoughts about how that was the same thought process I had about the special effects idea I feigned a look of horror as if it had only just dawned on me after a few moments of shock.

Opening my mouth and breathing in preparing myself to let out a blood curdling scream to really sell it. One of his clawed hands quickly left my waist covering half of my face clearly anticipating the oncoming scream of terror.

‘Has he done this before or something? He’s awfully prepared’

I let out the scream anyways if not to sell the act then to expel some of the frustration. He pushes me back, regaining his footing on the building with one hand still on my waist the other still covering my face.

The gravely voice he speaks with eases more of your frustration than the scream.“Relax, I won't hurt you.”

“For now.”

The frustration immediately returns with a vengeance not that you would actually admit it had faded. He was driving you crazy bringing up an intensity of emotions you hadn’t felt in hundreds of years.

“I’m going to let go now, don’t scream.”

When he doesn’t immediately let go you realize he wants confirmation you won’t scream again. Eager to be released, you comply. Giving him a nod. The way he keeps his hand firmly against your mouth as you do so feels far more intimate than you're comfortable with bringing back a heat to your face.

He removes his hand from your face but doesn’t let go in the way you had expected, instead returning the hand that previously occupied your mouth back to your waist.

You don’t mean to ask it out loud and it speaks volumes that you let it slip out. Even worse it comes out of your mouth nothing but a breathy whisper. “Why?”

A human's ears might not have even picked up on it, but he wasn’t human he was a demon, it was the first thing you noticed about him. The thing that drawed you in, not enough to have done anything though. If he hadn’t met your eyes the way he did hell even if he had met your eyes as long as he stayed away it would have been fine. You certainly weren’t going to seek out any interaction with him.

Watched him from a distance for the night sure to your displeasure he had piqued your interest, but you definitely wouldn’t have initiated interaction that you were sure of.

So what drew him in? Enough to not only initiate interaction but to reveal himself to you.

It’s not that I’m an angel despite what his name of choice is for me. No he thinks I’m a human so… why?

‘Why, why, why?’

‘I don’t understand. He makes no sense.’

‘This demon he—’

He seems genuinely confused that I would ask.“Why?”

I search his searing eyes for answers regretting it when he remains unreadable to me and all I get is heat.

His voice drops an octave “You were staring right back Angel.”

He was right but it didn’t explain anything. Why would he look at me? There was no reason for him to look up at the top of a random building outside the fair grounds and definitely no reason to do so with such an intensity. He didn’t waste any time meeting my eyes either; it was like I was his target.

“You look at a man like that, and he’s sure to get… ideas.”

I feel my eyes widen and a wave of heat rush directly to my face. It burns almost as much as his eyes do, and I can’t seem to recompose myself this time.

Your correction is shaky and pathetic. "Demon."

“Not a man.”

He doesn’t miss a beat, his deep gravely voice dripping in sin. “You're right, a man would get ideas from a look like that. A demon? A demon would get intentions that are down right obscene.”

You swallow seemingly getting farther and farther away from any hope of regaining your usual impassive composure. The heat on your face only burns hotter.

‘I need to get out of here.’

I don’t just look away, I turn my head away entirely desperate for a moment of reprieve from the punishing heat of his stare.

In response he all but growls, grabbing my face in his clawed hand rough but careful not to cut me. He yanks my face back to his even closer than before.

He completely takes over my senses whether I like it or not.The smell of vanilla and burnt caramel invading my sense of smell, his hands clutching me close chest to chest impossible to ignore, his golden eyes taking over mine, his deep voice rumbling in my ears. “Don’t look away from me.”

‘The only sense he hasn’t stolen from me yet is—’

His lips crash into mine hands gripping my face and waist even tighter, claws slightly digging into my skin. His kiss is rough and commanding. It takes me by surprise when my mouth falls open he takes the chance to force his tongue into my mouth with no hesitation.

I desperately grab onto him searching for even an ounce of stability instead he deepens the kiss pushing me even farther off the deep end. Far enough that I close my eyes and start kissing back. I can’t keep up with him, but he doesn’t seem to mind. I feel his fang scrape against my tongue hard enough to draw blood. I try to pull away with no luck; he only kisses me harder.

When he finally pulls away we’re both breathing heavily, he doesn’t remove his hands or so much as loosen his grip. Just stays in place staring into my damn soul with his glowing eyes that have taken over my night.

He looks as if he’s holding himself back from diving right back in, closing his eyes he takes a deep breath when he opens them he trails his hand on my face down resting it close to my breast trailing his other hand on my waist down over my hip.

He leans down and for a second I think he’s going to kiss me again, but he doesn’t; well not in the way I expect him to at least. He leans down past my lips to my neck placing a kiss where the base of my neck meets my collarbone making me gasp out

He does so with a gentleness I didn’t think he was capable of—

“Ow!”

‘He bit me!’

Ignoring my cry he licked over the bite before sucking my skin into his mouth. Nipping and sucking for a solid minute before rising back to his full height, trailing his hands down lightly pulling the bottom of my loose white dress away from me before releasing and disappearing into a cloud of pink smoke.

I cover my face with my hands, shame burning through me.

‘Oh my god’

It’s nowhere near sun down, but there's no way in heaven or hell I’m staying here after that.

I readjust my dress and brush off the imaginary dirt or maybe I’m trying to brush off the sin he left behind. I decide to tell myself it’s the former rather than the latter.

Then promptly return to “Heaven” eager to go somewhere demons can’t follow.

‘Aseena and Kyrie are just going to have to deal with me ditching them. I doubt they’ll be all that surprised anyways.’

Once home I catch a glance of my reflection. My hair is a mess, but what's so much worse is the angry mark left on my neck. His bite drew blood. Two fang shaped holes are embedded in my skin surrounded by a dark purple bruise.

‘It should have healed itself.’

I don’t know why it hasn’t healed over yet, and I’m scared to even try to think of a potential reason as to why.

I could have never predicted that today would turn out like this.

Exhaustion creeps its way up, and I decide I need to let things go. Crawling into my bed still fully dressed and letting the exhaustion win passing out as soon as my head hit the pillows.

—

I left her there for tonight, but now I’ve tasted blood, and I need more.

Chapter two, Patterns-

When I wake up my body is still riddled with just as much exhaustion as before I slept. My eyes fight against my mind's command to open, my limbs stiff and heavy, and my neck stings.

‘Wait… what?’

My eyes immediately shoot open, alarm overriding the heaviness I feel deep in my bones as I rush over to the mirror.

The mark the demon from last night left is still evident on my skin. It shouldn’t still be there, it probably should have healed before I even got home. It wasn’t too alarming at that point though it was left by a demon after all he had to hold some power. However, it definitely should have healed by the time I woke up.

Yet it hasn’t, and is instead staring right back at me in the mirror.

I feel a subtle wrath build up, one that I haven’t felt in quite some time. The idea that he left his mark on me in more ways than one only serves to irate me further, and I can’t decide if it’s the physical or mental mark that affects me more.

The pain pulsates further affecting my already sour mood as I debate what’s worse.

“Hey…, oh good you're awake.”

‘Physical. Definitely physical.’

‘Fuck!’

“Mahihkan.” I make sure my voice is steady despite my irritation and surprise and snatch a blanket to cover my… situation before turning to face him.

“I assume you need something considering you decided to come into my room unannounced.”

He doesn’t falter at my callus response, he never does. “Just checking in, Aseena and Kyrie were… Upset that you didn’t meet back up with them in the human world.”

The way he says it gets under my skin, always so calculated in the way he speaks, always making sure to use the right words for who’s he’s talking to.

It shouldn’t bother me the way it does, it’s something I myself do, but that’s exactly why it agitates me. Mahihkan’s the only Angel I feel to truly be above me, at one point that drew me to him.

An aching wave washes over the wound before settling back down to it’s previous hum of pain.

‘No.’

It’s harder than usual to push my emotions down; they seem to build on each other, starting with the ones that the blue haired bastard brought up. I feel the faint burning sensation radiating from my neck flare up again at the thought of him.

Surely it’s just because it’s been brought to the front of my attention, it can’t actually be hurting more than before at the mere thought of him. Though it’s getting increasingly more difficult to ignore how each unpleasant thought is met with an unpleasant sensation.

Regardless, my tone remains even. “I’m sure upset is the best fitting word.”

Mahihkan lets out a soft laugh ebbing away some of my irritation as I’m reminded again why I had a minor… infatuation for him in my younger years.

The pain that radiates through the mark is sharp this time aggressive like I did something to aggravate it. I continue ignoring it anyways. Despite the pain I find comfort in it burning at the thought of something other than the being that left it.

‘Clearly I need a refresh on what no means.’

Now leaning against the door frame his voice is soft. — And filled with amusement? “Yeah, upset definitely not any obscene or insulting words.”

The confusion has to have shown on my face because he‘s quick to add on. “I was worried, you know that maybe something had happened while you were there, but you seem better than you’ve been.” disapproval seeps into his tone. “I’m glad you had a nice time with them in the human world. Even if their antics are obnoxious and distasteful.”

My eyes narrow a bit. ‘Ah, false alarm, he’s back to his usual self nobody panic’

Blinking away my expression I’m grateful that he doesn’t press for any details about my night, that he’s under the impression of going oh so very well.

Images of glowing eyes flashing through my mind, I ignore them and push them away only to immediately regret it when what surfaces instead is memories of what his kiss felt like.

For a split second the thought of him isn’t met by negative feelings before I realize and rapidly course correct myself with reminders of his brash behavior and the obvious issue. His identity as a demon. If I hadn’t been so focussed on immediately reminding myself of aversions I might have noticed that for a split second the pain was no more before returning at a high intensity.

But I only take notice of the pulsating pain that travels harshly through the mark he left, it burns through my skin. I imagine that if I hovered my hand over it I could feel heat radiating off of it.

‘That’s definitely abnormal. At least I think it’s abnormal, I’ve not exactly been bitten by a demon before.’

I’m pulled from my thoughts when Mahihkan decides to fill the silence. “Something’s different about you.”

I arch my brow at him unamused by his opinion; my tone flat. “Different?”

He has a soft genuine smile but his words shake me. “Good, different, your souls brighter, I can feel it.”

I instinctually close off the small access he had to my soul, but he continues on without acknowledging it. “I’m glad that something brought you closer to how you used to be, whatever that thing may be. Just… promise me you won’t get into too much trouble with Aseena and Kyrie okay?”

It takes a lot to keep my expression from changing and giving me away. ‘If only you knew’

For all the dissatisfaction he has for the things Aseena and Kyrie get up to messing about with, a demon would rival some of the things higher up on the list.

Again memories of his lips on mine invade my mind, a bubbling resentment for the demon grows, and again the bite he left burns hotter. I ignore it.

I lie straight to his face without faltering. “Sure, promise.”

His mouth shifts into a thin line before he speaks. “Not that you’ll keep it if you don’t mean it when you say it.” I know you well enough to know that, but I doubt you’ll do anything too bad this soon after only just revisiting the human world. I trust you”

‘You shouldn’t’

He’s right though and I hate it. He knows me too well, well not well enough to know I’m lying, but I would never break a promise that I meant, and if I happen to not mean a promise when I make then sue me for not caring to keep it.

I mean technically it’s not a total lie. Don’t get me wrong I have no intention of holding myself to any such promise, who knows what Kyrie and Aseena will rope me into; but I don’t have any intention of repeating last night. I want to stay far far away from the blue haired demon bastard.

This time the resulting palpitation of pain is familiar and almost expected.

He looks like he’s about to say something else, but nothing leaves his mouth so I decide to speak instead. “Anything else?”

It’s not polite but it’s not rude either, just blunt.

He looks like he wants to find something else to say though he must draw a blank because all he says is. “No, that’s all.”

Leaning off of the doorframe he shoots me one last look before leaving, shutting the door behind him. I slump over in his absence, staring at the floor, bringing a hand up to cover my face before dragging my feet as I walk over to the door, locking it so no more sudden visitors can appear before walking back over to the mirror.

Discarding the blanket I observe the bite mark again. It still looks just as fresh as before, I reach my hand up to my neck letting my palm hover over it. To my surprise I actually can feel heat radiation off of the burning mark.

‘What the hell?’

Tilting my head to the side to get a better look I brush my fingertips over it, I expect it to sting more when I do Shaking my head incredulously I back away from the mirror choosing to go back to ignoring it for now in favor of a hot shower, and changing out of last nights clothes.

Walking into the bathroom intentionally avoiding the bathroom mirror I turn on the facet then strip myself of my dress and undergarments before stepping into the boiling stream raining down.

The tension and haunting memories subtle to the background of my mind, still there but dramatically eased with the gentle heat from the water. The steam clouding up the room along with my senses. Getting out begrudgingly despite having let myself stay exceedingly longer than necessary I towel dry off, and pick my soiled clothes up off the floor, before walking out of the bathroom in search of clean clothes.

I look down at the short simple white dress I had worn the night prior remembering our parting moment. The feeling of him gently tugging the hem away from my body, not up, just out, not to get a look at what was underneath, just to keep holding on.

The pain ebbs away to gentle ache. And stays that way.

I stiffen at the memory, quickly tossing the dress into the hamper, walking over to my dresser to hurry and clothe myself. It’s irrational but I can’t shake the feeling that he’s going to return any second. There’s no way for him, a demon, to get here where angels reside.

Despite knowing this I let irrationality guide my actions throwing on a plain oversized black hoodie and leggings. Definitely not an angelic stylistic choice, but very comfortable.

I dry my hair then tuck it away into a long loose braid adding a black ribbon tied in a neat bow to the end.

I feel better now, less tired now that I’m clean, and dressed in fresh clothes. The ribbon makes me feel pretty even though I’m dressed down.

If not for the burning mark still on my neck It’d be like any other day, but the mark is there, and adamant I not forget about it though the hoodie covers it up the slight steady sting is more than enough of a reminder. No matter where my focus is concentrated, a part of my attention is occupied by this infuriating memento of the blue haired demon I can’t seem to forget.

Yet another pang shoots through the mark.

‘Whatever, It’ll heal eventually, All will be fine’

I’m not lying to myself when I think about it, all rationality points to this being a minor inconvenience that will go away once the oddity of a mark disappears. I have no reason to believe otherwise.

—

My certainty of that wavers as I sit in my room 10 hours later with a mark sitting on my skin fresh as a daisy, and thoughts of returning to the human world plaguing my mind.

Not once has my mind drifted away to focus on something other than the blue haired demon. My only moment of respite being while I was in the shower and even then he clouded the back of my mind. If not him directly then his mark which was no better as far as I was concerned.

…And if not his mark then going back into the human world and that was so much worse. I couldn’t it would single handedly be the worst decision I ever made. Why would I go back to the place where a demon was waiting for me? Go back so I could run into a demon that bit me!

A demon who’s mark still rests prominently on my skin inflicting me with a continuous ache burning through my skin. All things that should serve as more than enough of a deterrent, yet here I am having to stop myself from going anyway. I tell myself that there's no reason for him to be waiting for me but it brings little comfort.

—

Another two hours passes before I give into the temptation with the justification that I wouldn’t run into the demon who caused my current issues.

‘I’ll just watch him from a distance so that maybe I can find answers as to why the bite he left won’t heal.’

Putting on socks and shoes I once again reform myself to look more human before closing my eyes disappearing from my room and opening them once I’ve reappeared in the same alley from yesterday.

It’s dark this time, already night time with the moon high in the sky. I walk out from the alley pleased that there’s no one around with it being late and there being no fair taking place nearby.

It occurs to me as I stand alone in the dark street that I don’t know where to find him. I thought about going to the rooftop but quickly shut down the idea seeing as he was able to spot me there before.

‘But I don’t know where else to go… and I doubt he’ll randomly be talking about demon bites casually…’

‘Maybe I should talk to him, surely he has answers.’

I register the new soft warmth that soothes over the bite before I notice the way the stinging pauses. It only lasts a second before reverting back to its previous ache.

As unsettling as it is, it confirms my decision to talk to him by increasing my need for answers as my list of questions grows.

Still not having a definitive way to find him, I decide to take the miniscule chance of running into him, the only place we’ve ever met. The rooftop. Hopefully he’ll have had the same idea as me, I ignore the voice in my head telling me that if he had the same idea it wouldn’t be for the same reasons.

Turning the corner that lets the particular building come into view it’s not the building that steals my attention first, no it’s the vibrant golden glowing eyes that haven’t left my mind since the first time they met mine.

He’s sitting on the rooftop the same way I was last night, legs dangling over the edge as he lazily leans back on his palms. The only demon trait he takes on is his eyes, but from the distance we’re at now I watch them flicker into a cerulean blue after meeting mine.

He doesn’t move from his spot staring into my eyes, keeping me pinned even with the vast distance between us.

I begin walking towards him and a lazy smirk makes its way on his face, like he’s satisfied that I proved him right. It makes my skin crawl, and my mark burn.

Finally reaching the building after what felt like forever when his eyes never left mine, I looked up at him from below while attempting to find first words to start the conversation. Words that would never come to fruition because he took the liberty of speaking first.

His voice was soft and teasing. “Couldn’t stay away either hmm Angel?”

The velvety timbre of his voice was tantalising in ways you would never admit not to yourself and definitely not to him.

Ignoring his teasing or maybe in spite of his teasing your response is confident and direct. “You owe me answers.”

“Oh? I owe you something, do I?”

Unwavering you don’t let him shake you. “Yes.”

Vanishing into pink smoke he reappears a foot in front of me. The scent of vanilla and burnt caramel invades my nose as he leans down to look at me as he speaks lightly holding my face in one of his hands. “Yeah, what’s that Angel? What do you need from me?”

Seduction drips from his words like honey and a very pleasant warmth radiates through his mark. He must feel the heat radiating from the bite because his hand trails from my face down to the collar of my hoodie tugging it down to reveal the bite.

A heat blooms in his eyes as they return to a glowing gold, he traces his fingers gently over it, his breath hitching. The warmth spreads and soothes me more.

I speak without looking down at his ministrations on the mark he left. “I need you to tell me what’s happening to me because of you biting me.”

He ignores my statement in favor of asking another question, but this one doesn’t hold the same teasing lilt the others had. “How long have the patterns been appearing on it?”

“Paterns ?”

His voice is deep and gentle. “The patterns that appear when you touch it.”

My head shoots down, I crane my neck to be able to see it, to my horror there are purple patterns lighting up pink the places his fingers touch closest to; the marks on his own hand lighting up pink where his fingers brush over my skin as well. My surprised reaction gives him his answer. “Just now then?”

He reluctantly pulls his hand away hovering over the bite, the pink fade but the purple marks stay. He lets his hand fall to his side and the marks slowly start to fade away, I reach my own hand up to see if it reacts to my touch. It doesn’t, the patterns continue fading away to nothing.

A look of pure dissatisfaction crosses over his face before he roughly grabs hold of my arm tugging me closer to him, placing his other hand back over the mark and watching as the patterns reappear on my skin slowly spreading out from their origin place of the bite.

They spread farther out then they did the first time reaching far enough down to spread over the top of my breast before stopping.

A look of satisfaction passes over his face, he looks deep in thought.

“So what’s happening?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know Angel.”

It’s infuriating and I prepare myself for the corresponding burn, but it doesn’t come. The soothing warmth continues radiating through his mark as he rests his fingertips over it.

“That’s not funny. You’re really not gonna tell me what’s going on?”

I don’t know why I’m taken by surprise that he won’t clue me in to what’s happening, he’s a brazen overly cocky demon who seems very intent on pushing all of my boundaries he can.

“Maybe if you convince me I’ll tell you.”

“Fuck you.”

“That would definitely push you closer to convincing me.” The blue haired bastard had the audacity to wink at me as he said it.

I glared at him, shoving his arms off of me and stepping back. He laughed, “Maybe next time you’ll do a better job at convincing me.”

“See you later Angel.” stepping closer again he leaned down to my neck licking over the bite then placing a gentle kiss to it before once again disappearing in a puff of pink smoke to who knows where.

I’m left dazed in the middle of the dark empty street, bite tingling and warm— and already starting to ache again in the blue haired demon's absence?

I crane my neck again pulling my hoodie down myself to watch as the purple patterns slowly disappear starting from the edges making their way to the center of the bite. Leaving behind only the bite itself and the dark purple hickey he left.

Letting go of my hoodie I stand motionless trying to collect my thoughts. Desperately trying to think of a logical explanation, unable to come up with any solid ideas.

I stare up at the sky looking intently at the stars as if they can provide me with the knowledge that I was unable to get out of the blue haired demon or come up with myself.

I breathe in through my nose getting the last remnants of vanilla and burnt caramel that he left behind, trying my hardest not to let myself spiral from the thoughts of the bite being a much larger problem then I had previously thought. A problem that didn’t seem like it would be going away anytime soon.

Successfully putting those thoughts to the back of my mind only to be confronted with the idea that he had implied we would be meeting again. Shuddering at the thought of what that meeting would entail, at the thought of what the demon hoped it would entail.

The implication he had made sending heat up to my face and boiling over where he left his mark.

-I fully believe that he originally got blackmailed into the cute role by Jinu despite Jinu wanting to pick someone that would be even a little bit cooperative but because he couldn’t find any other demons that could play the part he had no choice but to go with Baby.

-Baby hated having to act cute.

-The reason Baby only has one line is because after the sarcastic  “Goo goo ga ga” Jinu banned him from talking anymore out of fear that Baby would reveal his disdain for everything Saja Boy related to the fans.

-Jinu didn’t want Baby to be the group rapper. He intended to make him fully conform to the cute role. Originally Abby was supposed to be the main rapper, but Jinu knew Baby could rap, and begrudgingly realised that every time he tried to picture the group performing Baby was who he imagined rapping.

-Baby tried to back out immediately after the first time performing soda pop despite Jinu’s blackmail material, but because Jinu’s plan was working so well Gwi-Ma wouldn’t let him.

-Baby was ecstatic once he finally got to drop the act when performing Idol; it was the only time he really enjoyed being a part of the Saja Boys.

-Although he hates the infantilization he doesn't mind the lust.

(And in my fic My Demon His Angel I imagine him to be irate at being forced back into being an infantilized idol. Nearly throwing hands with Jinu when he told him he had to remain a part of the group if he wanted to remain in the human world or the hunters would come after him.)

(He nearly threw hands with Jinu again this time in public when Jinu joked with fans that Baby had to work really hard when performing Idol because acting that way was so unnatural for him as a cover up for what really went down that night.)

-Also I don’t think he’s the youngest.

It was the early hours of the morning when I had finally pulled myself together enough to travel back home, something I was very much regretting now.

Having a dozen tasks to complete for the day and little time to rest beforehand, while I like all other angels don’t need sleep without significant energy expenditure my mental capacity is running on fumes from the unexpected chaos that the blue haired demon has brought to my existence

Despite the feeling of defeat that receiving no answers gave me I still had a sliver of hope that the bite would heal on its own. Of course it didn’t but at least the ache is accompanied by a faint remnant of the warmth from last night.

The warmth is only comforting until I remember what incited it.

‘The blue haired bastard's presence.’

The comfort from the warmth morphs into a bitterness more intense than the bitterness from the ache. As my bitterness increases so does the sting, but even so the faint warmth remains. I let the sting ground me, I’ll find answers eventually, and when I do I’ll rid myself of this ugly mark. I won’t have to ever deal with the demon of my nightmares again after that.

Stretching out my aching limbs I resign myself to the monotonous work I have to get done, putting on a pale pink high neck halter dress. It has little structure to it, slightly flaring out at the waist coming down to mid thigh.The neck ties into a bow at the back, but leaves the upper half of my back exposed. The material is light and breathable, but most importantly it hides the mark that rests where my neck and collarbone meet.

Sitting in front of the mirror I braid my hair up into a braided crown as I create a mental list of all my responsibilities for the day.

Sort through the current requests

Check on the new angel, mentors

Check on the lost souls

Report back to Mahihkan

Only the third and occasionally the fourth are my designated responsibilities, but Mahihkan had asked me to help out with the others today.

‘Of course he chooses today to ask for my help.’

It’s not horribly unusual for him to call on me specifically for help, he knows he can rely on me, if the others are unable to complete their jobs he knows that I am more than capable.

At times I sort through the requests that other Angels have sent in, though for the most part Mahihkan does it himself unwilling to trust anybody to unbiasedly go through them. Only having me do it when he’s spread far too thin.

I finish braiding my hair, tying a white ribbon in a bow to finish it off, deciding that a little makeup would add to the look. I grab some mascara, some pink eyeshadow and a little blush, finishing off with a soft pink lip gloss.

Whether the main reason I choose to do this is because I want to wear makeup today or to avoid my responsibilities a little longer is a tossup really.

Unable to procrastinate any longer I shove on a pair of white block heels with a thick white bow on the back of the heels.

I feel cohesive, put together, on the outside at least. The feeling provides me with energy, Despite my inner spiral I feel ready to take on my list of things to do.

Even if I’ll be getting through them with the thought of a certain demon taking residence in the back of my mind.

With one last glance in the mirror I teleport to the central plaza just outside the town hall. It’s busy bustling with Angels white wings standing proud halos gracing heads like crowns.

The palace stands tall a short distance away, easily the most impressive structure around, though the numerous other buildings around are more than breathtaking. The second most impressive building would go to the colosseum, Massive white columns decorated with chiseled out patterns spreading across the entire perimeter of the glorious white dome.

The town hall is just across from it with fewer, but matching white pillars. A marble statue of wings is displayed on the top of the building.

Nobody bats an eye at my lack of wings and halo on display, already used to me walking around without them, it’s nice, I’m appreciative that they accept this is the way I prefer things.

I walk inside the townhall building ready as I can be, to sort through the countless amount of requests. Thankfully unlike the plaza it’s relatively empty and quiet, only a few staff members around two angels at the front desk and a custodian. The rest of the town hall workers tucked away in meeting rooms and offices.

I reach the request box pulling out the key Mahihkan gave me for the times he asks for my help. Opening the box it’s just as I expected it to be, overflowing with letters of various kinds of requests.

One of the angels from the front desk, Padma walks over with a wooden box passing it over to me with a look of sympathy for the monotonous task.

“Here, good luck sorting through all those.”

I give her a curt nod. “Thanks.”

She smiles walking back over to the front, I begin neatly piling the letters into the portable wooden box picking it up and walking over to one of the offices unlocking it with another key closing the door and locking it behind me to begin sorting through them.

I appreciate the sentiment though usually I don’t mind the monotonous task too much. It helps that I don’t have to help out with it all that often. Today though, today I'm absolutely dreading it.

Hours to do nothing but read through thousands of request letters deciding which ones to grant. And plenty of opportunity for my mind to drift to the demon with the intoxicating glowing eyes.

‘And this is only the first task on my list.’

The others shouldn’t leave as much room for my mind to wander, so best to get this one out of the way first.

Taking a breath in through my nose I resign myself to hell ‘Ironic’

Beginning to read through the requests I only make it through four of them before my thoughts drift to my most recent encounter with the cocky demon.

The way he’s seemed enamoured with the patterns blooming on my skin in response to his touch. The way his satisfaction that I showed up looking for him bled into his face. The way his teasing words sent a warmth through the open wound he left.

‘Heaven give me strength, this is gonna be a long day.’

I have so many questions and the more I think about them the less sense everything makes. It’s driving me insane and I wish that the blue haired demon never came crashing into my life.

I desperately miss the emotionless state I had found comfort in for so long. Doing my best to ignore my own question in favor of focusing on the questions in the requests.

—

It took eight painful hours to comb through all of the requests when it usually only takes four, clearly Mahihkan had neglected them for a while before conceding and recruiting me for help. I’m sure my wandering mind wasn’t any help either.

I accepted two hundred out of the twenty five hundred to be passed onto Mahihkan to make final decisions on. Typically he does approve of all the ones I bring him though.

Grateful to be done, I stand up walking out of the office wooden box in tow, walking back out to the busy plaza teleporting home to safely store the approved requests before teleporting to the first of three new angel, mentors I need to checkup on.

His name is Metztli, an angel close in age to me. He's been assigned to watch over a new angel for the first time, thankfully I only need to collect a written report from him today. The angel who usually takes up this job usually has to examine how the mentors interact with the new angels, but today is the last day for the mentors I’m assigned to with their current angels so only a report is in order.

I walk up to Metztlis front door ringing the doorbell. A few seconds later he opens the door smiling, offering a cheerful greeting, and inviting me inside.

“Y/N, hi, come on in, I’ll go grab my report.”

I wordlessly step inside, his place is tidy, and inviting, but I wish he would have just brought the report with him to the door, sending me on my way.

Instead I’m left standing in his living room with time for my mind to wander unwanted places as I wait for his return.

I can practically smell the sweet scent of vanilla and burnt carmel, I feel like I’m going insane.

‘I need to get rid of this mark and forget about this whole fiasco. I don’t—’

“Got the report!” Metztlis cheery voice interrupts my thoughts, not that I mind the distraction.

He passes me the written report, it’s in a scroll with a white wax halo emblem. “By the way, your perfume smells great!”

“Huh?”

He sniffs the air as he speaks. “The vanilla, and what is that? Burnt caramel?”

‘No, no, no.’

Yet another thing added to my ever growing problems. Another thing I can only assume is related to the open wound on my neck. Another thing happening to me because of the blue haired bastard of the hour.

I don’t let my inner turmoil slip, making sure that my tracks are covered with my plain response. “Oh, yeah, I don’t know that I’ll keep using it for long.”

If I can’t get rid of the scent in a timely manner I can say I changed my mind, and if I get rid of it the way I want to it’s not noteworthy.

“Ah well, good luck with collecting the rest of the reports.”

I offer a monotonic “Thanks.”

Before stepping out of his home, gently shutting the door behind me. I walk out of sight from the house before tilting my head down towards the mark, and sure enough a sweet scent of vanilla and burnt caramel is originating from it.

The confirmation that the scent was in fact coming from the bite was very distressing, my heart rate began to speed up, my eyes beginning to sting from a certain wet quality welling up in them, my breathing becoming more difficult to control.

As panic began setting in, a wave of intense warmth spread through me stemming unsurprisingly from the mark; and, a more intense scent of vanilla and burnt caramel wafted over me.

What was surprising was the way it immediately erased my panicked state. Though the panic was gone, the deep sense of unsettlement, and disdain was stronger than ever.

For the umpteenth time since meeting the blue haired demon I pushed my bubbling feelings down to the best of my abilities.

Teleporting to the next Angel mentor's house forcing myself to move on with my day I walk up and ring the doorbell.

It’s the home of an angel named Frida, she’s hundreds of years my senior, and head of the Soul Guides. Extremely strict to most angels younger than her… and Aseena and Kyrie for their… less than proper behavior.

I’ve apparently made it to her good side going off her actions towards me. She seems to hold some respect for me.

‘I’m sure all that respect would vanish should she discover the demon I’ve… engaged with in ways I shouldn't've’

‘The demon whose mark I wear deeply embedded in my skin’

When she answers the door it’s with impeccable posture and a serious expression gracing her face, the scroll containing her report already in hand.

Her tone is formal and just as serious as her expression. “Good evening, I trust you’ll successfully bring this to Mahihkan.”

My response is simple, but formal enough to please her. “Of course.”

She lets a small smile grace her otherwise serious expression, a slight gentleness seeping into her voice. “I’m sure it’s in better hands with you than with anyone else.” “Get some rest after all your labor today, Mahihkans got you running all over the place today.”

I give her a curt nod that she returns before shutting the door.

Not wanting my mind to wander again I quickly teleport to the third and final angel I need a report from.

Alíbe, they have a few years on me, not many, typically flittering about their day distractedly. Though oddly enough they pull off being a mentor quite well.

Mostly in part to the rather human qualities they’ve kept despite their abundant time existing as an angel. Understandably most of us lose most of the qualities we once possessed in our human lives considering our time as angels exceeds our time as humans greatly.

Alíbe continuing to embrace so many human traits make them a comfort for new angels that most of us can’t offer.

As I go to ring their doorbell I’m hopeful that it will go quickly without any fuss. Before I can ring the bell the door swings open, Alíbe standing in the doorway covered in splotches of paint hands behind their back clearly holding something.

Something that doesn’t seem to be a scroll.

Their voice is quiet but very excited. “Hey! I just finished a painting! Wanna see it?”

It’s amusing regardless of my hopes for this collection to be quick. Alíbe just has an endearing quality to them, and I like painting myself. It wouldn't surprise me if they had planned to show me their latest work the second they discovered I would be taking over the job today.

Letting a little more warmth than I usually offer to people seep into my tone. “Yeah, sure.”

Grandly pulling the painting out from behind their back a beautiful array of colors cast over the colosseum is revealed. The light source is a color of rainbow hitting onto parts of the pillars and refracting onto others.

“It’s incredible. I can ask Mahihkan to display it outside of the colosseum when I report back to him tonight if you want.”

“Yes!”

“That would be great!”

“Okay, I’ll make sure to ask. Do you have your report ready?”

“Yep! Here ya go!” Still cheery as ever they put down the painting and picked up a paint splattered scroll from somewhere behind the door, passing it off to me.

“Thank you.”

“See ya later Y/N!”

Closing the door and presumably going off to paint some more. I teleport back to my house to stash the three scrolls with the approved requests. Still amused by Alíbes cheery nature and now the paint stained report.

‘They’re lucky that they bring so much comfort to new angels, I doubt Mahihkan would be as forgiving about the mess of a scroll otherwise.’

The only thing left to do before paying Mahihkan a visit is check in on the lost souls. A rather depressing task, but a necessary one. Most angels are unable to access the purgatory space, and the few who are avoid it at all costs.

‘The few that can, other than me at least.’

It’s far too easy to lose yourself in the infinite black void of souls that reside in purgatory. Making it more than understandable to avoid the dreary place.

It’s already night time, I’ve been working all day, the requests took up most of my time being more tedious than difficult, the collecting of reports wasn’t particularly hard either; but, I was drained from my little escapade in the human world.

‘After using all the energy necessary to travel to purgatory, I’ll be running on empty energy wise.’

‘Let's just get this over with so I can report back to Mahihkan then go to sleep to regain my energy.’

Sucking up my dread for the exhaustion I knew was coming I closed my eyes focussing on purgatory, the familiar black void, the lost souls, the occasional echoes of voices and emotions, the odd few areas with light refracting in odd unexplainable ways that shouldn’t be possible.

When I open my eyes I’m met with the void of purgatory successfully having transported myself. The exhaustion from my effort hadn’t set in yet, but the heavy weight from the dreary place was more than enough to set me on edge.

Letting my own soul call out to the trapped ones around me searching for any whose state has changed, I'm met with nothing but silence. No other souls around are capable of returning my own soul's call.

It’s not often that souls trapped in purgatory change, even rarer for one to be ready to escape, but it’s important to check on the off chance a soul can be recovered.

The few souls that are able to be recovered can’t do it on their own needing an angel's help to set them free.

Once set free one of four things will happen: either they will be sent to the afterlife where their soul will rest peacefully for eternity, they will become an angel, they will be reincarnated into their next life, or sent to the underworld to repent.

With no souls to free, I close my eyes envisioning my room similarly to how I envisioned the void blinking open my heavy eyelids to the wooden crate of requests and scrolls. Fatigue finally catches up to me, as I pick up the crate and teleport inside the palace just outside Mahihkans office.

Knocking on the door eager to get the day over with, I'm met with Mahihkans soft, tired voice. “Come in Y/N.”

Awkwardly opening the door while still holding onto the heavy wooden crate, before stepping inside letting the door fall closed under its own weight with a thud.

It doesn’t shock me that he knew who was at the door, I’m probably his last visit of the night with how late it is. He’s sitting at his desk tall stacks of papers sitting in organised piles, the document he’s currently writing on is more black than white with the amount of tiny text covering it.

He finishes writing on the document before placing it into a pile I assume is designated for complete documents. It’s the shortest stack of papers on his desk, my sympathy growing at the acknowledgment.

Now looking up at me with tired eyes that match mine as I set the crate on the floor beside his desk he gives me his undivided attention.

I get straight to the point, already fantasizing about letting sleep take me. “I approved two hundred of the twenty five hundred requests, received all three reports, and found no souls ready to be set free from purgatory.”

He looks like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders, genuinity behind every word he speaks “Thank you, I wouldn’t have gotten through everything if I had to fill in to collect the reports, and I had already neglected the requests for far too long.”

Nodding, I turn heel and head for the door.

“Wait.”

Frowning and narrowing my eyes at him as I turn back around.

His tone turns deathly serious. “I know it’s been a long day, but I need to speak to you about something.”

I walk over to his desk taking a seat on the edge resting my arms across my chest with my gaze still slightly narrowed not letting my internal worries be put on display.

‘Does he know about the demon?’

‘Know about the bite?’

‘There isn’t any way for him to know. Is there?’

Whatever it is, it's not good even if it has nothing to do with the demon. His mouth forms a thin line as he prepares himself to speak. “Theres been some disappearances.” “You think someone stole a document?”

His voice is sharp. “No.”

I can hear the worry slipping into his voice before he returns to a serious tone of voice. “Not… not material disappearances.”

My own demeanor immediately shifted at the grave implication, taking the conversation very seriously, arms still crossed, but no longer glaring instead letting my usual impassive expression grace my face. Preparing for the worst and forcing my voice to remain steady as I speak. “Angels are disappearing.”

It’s a statement not a question but he confirms it anyways. “Yes.”

“How many?”

“Three now.” His tone remains serious but I can tell guilt crawls its way out of his throat, I know him well, and I can tell this is gnawing at him.

“One is alarming, angels don’t disappear, two is worse, three? Three is devastating. Something is wrong, very wrong.”

There's no question to it, the weight of it final.

I press on emotionally removed, it’s cold but necessary to get to the bottom of the beyond important matter at hand. “Who all knows?”

“Just us. I don’t want to cause alarm… and if it’s an angel responsible I don’t want to tip them off that we’re on to them.”

“You think it’s an angel?”

“I hope not but what else would it be? All the missing angels are angels who wouldn’t be easily noticed as missing. All three of them were soul guides that live far away from the main plaza, and stick to themselves.”

“The only reason I noticed they were missing was because I went over all the soul audits to correct an error that Frida had suspected a new soul guide to have made. It was then that I noticed the first missing angel, Petrus, they hadn’t entered any audits for weeks.

“When I asked Frida about them she said that they hadn’t shown up in weeks, that she wouldn’t have a lazy angel working under her; so if they weren’t going to bother showing up then they weren’t welcome”

“The first angel? How long ago was this? When did you notice the others?”

“I discovered Petrus’ disappearance a little over two months ago, the other two angels, Libye, and Sraosha I discovered over the last two months as I checked to make sure everyone was turning in audits. I only discovered Sraosha yesterday morning.”

“But we’re the only ones who know?” “Yes, I—” “Didn’t you tell Frida when you asked about Petrus?”

“No, I was worried that… I hate to say it, but I was worried that since it was only Soul Guide angels disappearing that maybe she had a part in it.” “Good, I don’t necessarily think it’s her behind this, but I agree that we should keep this tight lipped for now. Fridas response to Petrus ceasing to show up adds up for her, and it’s not like she meets with every Soul Guide frequently, it makes sense she hasn’t noticed three of them missing.”

“Agreed, whoever, or whatever it is that’s causing the disappearances needs to be stopped immediately. I know I’ve asked a lot of you today already, but I need your help.” “Of course.” “I’m still trying to find a solid place to start, whatever is going on, the tracks are borderline impossible to follow, so for now just keep an eye out, and if you have any ideas report back to me immediately.” “Got it.”

“I had thought that maybe you would’ve found their souls in purgatory… and I’m not sure whether or not to be happy that you didn’t. I mean if not in purgatory I don’t know where else they’d end up after whatever happened to them.”

“Their souls could still be in purgatory. I wouldn't notice them unless their souls were ready to leave, looking for a specific soul I’ve never been close to could take an eternity.”

“I know… I just don’t know what else to do right now.”

“I’ll look out in purgatory whenever I go on the off chance I end up next to one of the missing angels' souls.”

“Thank you, hopefully purgatory isn’t where they ended up, and nothing worse than purgatory happened to them either.”

“Yeah…”

Thoughts of worse fates than purgatory cloud over my mind. Purgatory itself is a fate worse than hell in the mind of most angels, a potential permanent state of eerie limbo, no thank you. Something worse is a less than exciting idea.

His voice shifts heavily contrasting the tone used for the prior weighty conversation. “...You know you can just stay at the palace tonight right? You earned your room here, it’s been a long day—”

My own tone shifting to a defensive one. “I like my house.”

He let out a soft chuckle, attention pulled away from the disappearances if only for a second.

“Good night Y/N, get some rest.” “Good night Mahihkan.”

With that I teleported back to my room, thoughts plagued by a multitude of potential horrors.

‘It could be anyone, any angel could be the one doing this, any angel I know personally could be behind this.’

‘Or it could be the blue haired bastard.’

Reaching my hand up to rest over the mark I find myself more unsettled by the thought of it being him than anyone else. The idea that a demon has bested not one, not two but three angels, successfully causing them to disappear is a very unpleasant possibility. A demon that I’ve come in close contact with at that.

Swallowing down the bile rising in my throat I discard my dress and shoes into the hamper, not bothering to undo my hair or take off my makeup before falling onto my bed and succumbing to exhaustion. Letting sleep take me from my problems for a few hours before I have no choice but to face them. As I drift off the last thing my senses take note of is the sweet scent of vanilla and burnt caramel.

—

Blinking open my bleary eyes I’m filled with dread to once again be a part of the waking world. I can feel the smudging of my mascara, the dried out formula slightly sticking to itself every time I blink. It’s the least of my problems, a mundane annoyance in the face of missing angels, a shameless demon, and his enraging reminder lingering on my skin.

All of which I can only presume are interconnected. I lay in my bed staring up at the ceiling. Just when I think he can’t leave me with any more questions. They seem to endlessly compound on themselves indefinitely.

‘I don’t know he’s the cause of the disappearances. I mean he isn’t the only demon still roaming the human world. Plus a demon shouldn’t be able to best an angel regardless.’

‘Even Mahihkan thinks it could be an Angel behind things.’

My first line of thought is rational, the second one fills me with mortification. A demon being responsible should be more desirable to me than one of our own marking themselves as a traitor. Him organizing the disappearances wouldn’t be a betrayal at all he’s a demon it’s expected he would try.

‘No. Not him specifically any demon.’

I try to ignore that I had to correct myself. When that doesn’t work I tell myself it’s because him taking part in the disappearances would affect my ability to get answers about the bite he left me with.

‘Besides if he’s behind angels disappearing wouldn’t he have tried to take me? Whoever it is knows who won’t be missed, it has to be an angel.’

‘And even if he just decided not to take me, but was still responsible for things he would at least have to have recognized me to be an angel.’

Despite my inclination to believe it’s not him, I'm not foolish enough to cross him off the list of possibilities.

‘Trust no one.’

And I don’t, for all I know it could be Mahihkan doubtful, but not impossible. A demon is definitely not to be trusted. The unfortunate situation arises the question of whether or not I should clue Mahihkan in on the whole demon circumstance especially with the bite. Ultimately I decide to hold off for now. It seems more likely to be an angel, I don’t know to fully trust Mahihkan yet, and maybe it’s selfish, but I really don’t want to tell anyone.

The idea of it alone brings anxiety bubbling to the surface; turning onto my stomach, burying my face into my pillow I let out a loud groan.

Lifting my head back out of my pillow I’m met with a begrudgingly comforting familiar smell of vanilla, with the equally familiar undertone of burnt caramel.

‘This bite has got to go.’

‘Maybe I should go looking for him again? See if I can get answers this time or even better get rid of the mark altogether. And see if I can find anything that points to him knowing something to do with the disappearances.’

Again I find myself about to willingly if all begrudgingly seek out the blue haired bastard. Looking down at my pillow stained with mascara I get up to shower and change so I can once more go search for answers.

‘Hopefully this time I’ll be more successful.’

—

Dressed in grey sweats, an oversized black t-shirt not wanting it to look like I put in effort for such a nuisance of a being. Petty as it is, it makes me feel a little better. Despite my lack of effort I still slip a black ribbon tied into a small bow around the bottom of my loose braid for myself. Slipping on plain white sneakers and masking as a human I teleport into the alley in the human world once again.

‘Hopefully he won’t feel the need to touch me again to see the mark if it’s already exposed.’

‘I need to keep my distance this time. No more incidents resulting from close proximity.’

Walking out from the alley into the street It’s busier than last time. Unsurprising considering unlike last time it’s not pitch dark in the middle of the night, but instead midmorning. It again crosses my mind that he might not be here. Though I’m met with an irrational but overwhelming feeling that he is.

Ignoring the few people scattered about the street, I head towards the building not so much as pausing before turning the corner eager to get some kind of answers to anything happening.

And sure enough there he is. Leaning against the building this time rather than on top of it, in a… baggie black t-shirt and gray sweats.

‘You have got to be kidding me.’

I already know that the blue haired demon is not just going to let this unfortunate coincidence go.

He’s still not looking at me the same black baseball cap from the night of the fair covering most of his face. Sucking up my less than excited feelings for the oncoming confrontation I continue walking towards the building. Towards the demon waiting for me.

Even once I reach normal conversation distance he doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t even look up at me. Not wanting to waste time I go ahead and take the liberty of speaking first. “Morning.”

His voice is harsh and filled with irritation. “Oh I’m well aware Angel.”

Irritation creeps up into mine as well. “Aware of what?”

Now looking up at me to glare he steps closer to me. “You left me here all night, I didn’t even know if you’d show up today.”

“What?”

“Why would you have expected me to show up?”

His voice loses the bite as a smirk takes over his face. “Well you did, didn't you?”

My jaw drops and even I don’t know if it’s from his audacity or the complete one eighty of his behavior. Probably some infuriating combination of both.

“You showed up too.”

“Of course Angel, it was well worth it too, you being so cute and deciding to be matchy matchy even makes up for you being so late.” He leans down to kiss my cheek enunciating the last part.

I feel my left eye actually twitch hissing out in response. “Obviously it wasn’t on purpose.”

‘Heavens above he gets on my damn nerves like no one else.’

‘Give me strength’

“Don’t be silly Angel, it’s adorable! No need to be embarrassed.” He coos while gently pinching my cheek. Cerulean eyes practically gleaming.

“Don’t call me that.” I say coolly, slapping his hand away and elbowing him in the stomach.

“Ughn” He groans out, doubling over clearly not having expected the counter attack to his taunts.

He quickly recovers, quiping back within seconds. “Fuck Angel, no need for a pretty thing like you to get violent.”

‘I might actually kill him.’

‘Maybe that would even make the mark go away.’

Before I can contemplate his death anymore than I already have he speaks again. “How’s that mark doing?”

Hopeful that him being the one to bring it up would increase my odds at receiving satisfactory answers. I drop my rage. for now.

“You going to give me answers now?”

“I already told you you’re gonna have to convince me. And I gotta say sweetheart you're not doin a very good job. The matching was a nice touch though.” He shoots me a wink before laughing in my face.

I push on not giving him the reaction I know he wants. “The wound you left me with is worse now.”

His hands reach out towards the mark I step away, but he presses on grabbing my wrist tight enough to bruise.

My voice is steady and low. “Don’t touch me.”

He ignores my order using his other hand to gently brush his fingers over the bite, a stark difference compared to his grip on my wrist. The polarizing contact sends a shiver down my spine as patterns again spread over my skin.

He leans down inches from my face. “Doesn’t look any different to me.”

I weigh my choices in my mind. I could push him away, hit him even, but I doubt that would get me any closer to "convincing" him to give me the answers I need; or I could give up some of my ground in hopes of pleasing him enough to give me what I want. Though it’s not like giving him what he wanted in our previous encounters has gotten me anywhere.

I opt for the latter anyways. Albeit letting venom seep deep into my words along with a glare. “I smell like you.”

Burying his face into the crook of my neck he inhales deeply traveling downwards towards the mark as if chasing the scent. He stays there for an uncomfortable amount of time, it’s awkward we’re in the middle of the street and his presence is overwhelming mine. The few people walking down the street must think we’re crazy.

Finally he stops inhaling and for a second I feel relief flood through my system as I expect him to lift his head away from me but all that relief is immediately drained when instead of pulling away he begins roughly licking at the bite.

Hissing out. “We’re in the middle of the street, what are you doing!” More of a statement intending to inflict shame than a question.

He doesn’t stop continuing on for a solid ten seconds at least before nipping at the bite. I yelped out in pain. The bite wasn’t particularly rough but my nerves screamed out at the sensation. I’m flooded with a new level of sensitivity around the skin surrounding the bite.

Now switching gears he soothes over the skin with gentle licks and kisses forcing an involuntary soft whimper out of my throat. Eyes wide in embarrassment, the hand that he’s not holding hostage flies up to cover my mouth. A desperate preventative measure to ensure I don’t encourage his actions further. Lest he think I want this and try to take things even further.

Letting his tongue drag over the bite one last time before rising back up to my gently peeling my hand away from my mouth. He doesn’t let go of it after holding it gently in his own. It's sickeningly intimate, everything about him and I is really. The hand holding, the close proximity he seems determined to force at all times, the kisses, the mark.

Heavens above the mark. It feels unbelievably wrong, walking around with a mark belonging to a demon on my skin, its demonic qualities ringing even more true whenever he touches it and purple patterns paint my skin. Purple patterns an angel has no business ever brandishing on their skin. It shouldn’t even be possible.

Yet, here I am, purple patterns only one of the symptoms of the demonic mark marring my skin. A sickening scent of vanilla and faint hints of burnt caramel are ever present with me at all times now. At least the patterns only show when he traces over the mark, the scent haunts me almost more than the mark itself does.

I can cover the bite with clothes, but no matter how much I scrub at my skin in the shower the scent lingers off of me for everyone around me to notice.

‘They might not know what it means, but I do, I know the secret of a demon behind it.’

His deep raspy voice pulls me out of my inner spiral. “You do smell like me.” He continues on “But still like you too, like cherries.”

“Cherries? I’m not wearing my perfume today.”

It’s true my signature scent is a sweet scent of cherries, but I’m not wearing it, I wasn’t wearing it the last time we met either, the only time I’ve worn it when near him was the night of the fair.

“Not perfume. You.”

A look at him unamused. “What?”

“You smell like cherries. Fainter without the perfume, but you still smell like cherries.” He says it like I’m dumb. Like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

I blink at him and he takes the wrist he’s holding up to my face pressing the inside of it up to my nose and sure enough there’s the faintest smell of cherries mixed with the smell of vanilla and burnt caramel.

It scares me. I don't know what it means if the scent is now coming from places other than the bite. The way that what according to him is my own scent is something I never noticed doesn’t help my nerves either. Nor the way he seemed to have noticed it from the start.

‘It feels… the mark feels, he feels.’ I struggle to find the right word to describe all of this. The word that I’ve been searching for since the first night he came crashing into my life. It dawns on me.

‘Animalistic.’

He’s a demon and I feel like his prey. His prey that he’s claimed as his by marring its skin for all to see. I’m playing a dangerous game, I knew that from the start, but now that I’ve placed the feeling he gives me I know I need to gain some ground. Some leverage so I’m not completely at his mercy.

“I wonder what will be happening next time you show up to meet me.” He teases his eyes meeting mine as a wide grin paints his face.

It feels like a threat and puts me on edge. Kissing over the bite one last time he pulls his cap down further over his face turning and walking away. Calling out over his shoulder. “See you tomorrow night Angel.”

I don’t follow after him to try and push answers out of him. I just start silently walking back to the alley so I can be out of sight and travel home. Hoping earnestly that he only said that to mess with me and that while this meeting didn’t provide me answers that it at least pushed me closer to getting them.

Being dragged through a crowd of people through an unfamiliar building to watch a volleyball game wasn’t your idea of a good way to spend your Saturday, but here you were. Coerced by your friends promises that it would be fun, or at the very least interesting. Mei was friends with one of Oikawa's fangirls, Chiyo. After witnessing her obsession over Oikawa and dedicating herself to attending every match Seijoh played both home games and away games no matter what. Mei had developed a curiosity as to what could cause so many girls to spend this much of their free time on a sport they don’t even play.

However, not wanting to watch the match with a bunch of girls squealing about something she isn’t quite as passionate about, she opted to not join Chiyo at the match against Shiratorizawa Academy. Instead opting to drag you and your other friend Emi Out to the match with her. Emi, equally as curious about the games as her, more than willing to spend her Saturday at the match.

You yourself were not as easily convinced but ultimately coerced with Mei’s pleas and promises that you wouldn’t regret going. “Come on (Y/N) It will be fun! The fan club has got to be on to something for all of them to be this obsessed and dedicated.”

You rolled your eyes at her “The something they are on is their fantasies about the team”

Emi chimed in with a comment you had no interest in being privy to. “I mean, it’s not exactly unreasonable. Our school's volleyball team is hot. Surely even you can see it.”

You shot her a glare as she giggled at your expense. “I’m not judging them for liking the team, but I have no interest in fawning over any of the players myself.”

“I think the match will be interesting to watch. I just would much rather spend my Saturday at home, or hanging out at a cafe or something like we usually do.”

But to your dismay Mei was persistent, and had gotten Emi on her side resulting in you being where you were now. Standing outside a huge building with a crowd of people around you walking through the doors,and chattering loudly in their groups. ‘So many people are here, I guess it makes since it is the finals’

Mei pulled you out of your thoughts and the spot you were previously standing. “Come on, we should hurry inside so we can get good seats!”

Emi agreed with her quickly walking in step with Mei as she dragged you through the front door “Yeah, we should definitely go in now, didn’t you say Chiyo told you that all of Seijoh’s matches were packed?”

You couldn’t help the sarcasm that dripped from your tongue. “Ah yes, we needed Chiyo's words to tell us that the place we are currently at that’s filled to the brim with people is in fact packed.”

Emi was quick to poke you in the side but had otherwise ignored what you said, while Mei just laughed still dragging you along, and now straight through the front doors of the massive building.

Immediately you were overwhelmed with the heat that only comes from too many people being confined in one area, and unintelligible, loud, gibberish from too many conversations happening at once. ‘How are there more people inside than outside?’

Emi, and Mei were clearly nowhere near as bothered as you were by the new environment you had entered into. Talking amongst themselves about which way to go to get to the court. You weren’t paying much attention to the conversation though, content to let Mei continue to drag you around until the match was over and you could go home.

It only took a few minutes for Mei and Emi to decide where to go, once again dragging you along. As they led you down multiple different long hallways, taking many different turns you looked around at all the people in the overcrowded building, and you couldn’t help but find yourself wishing you were anywhere but here. The unnerving presence of everything around you is taking its toll on you. Being around other people in general wasn’t really your thing, but crowds were even worse bringing out an overwhelming sense of danger and panic.

Although as much as you still hate crowds you have made progress in leaps and bounds with your tolerance to them. ‘I’m never going to like being surrounded by strangers. How is this enjoyable to everyone? I doubt everyone else is fighting against their disdain to participate in activities.’

‘I mean surely if they were then there wouldn’t be a crowd at all. Everyone would just stay home.’

‘I wish I had just stayed home.’

Once again you were pulled out of your thoughts by a now very exited Mei now standing in the doorway leading into the court “Yes! There’s still some good seats!”

Emi seemed to brim with just as much excitement as Mei did “People must be hanging out in and around the building until it gets closer to the time the match will start. This is perfect, we'll be able to see the game clearly in front row seats!”

‘Front row seats? This is the finals, and there's already so many people here. How are there front row seats available right now?’

This time when Mei moved to drag you she was met with resistance as you planted your feet into the ground fixing her with an angry look from the depths of your soul. “Mei… why are there so many seats available right now?”

Emi bent over laughing as Mei was left with a cheeky albeit slightly nervous look on her face. “Well, ya know… good seats are important to properly experiencing a game for the first time.”

“We want to watch the match, not the back of people's heads.”

Emi managed to stop laughing long enough to save her from being the one to tell you the information they had been withholding from you. “The match doesn’t start for another hour.”

“You told me to be ready to leave by two P.M sharp! So we would be here by three for the match!” you seethed

Emi was quick to retort. “Well, you could have taken the time to look into what your dearest friends are interested in. Then you would have known the match started at four and not three!”

The irritation was bubbling up in your veins, and you were about to lay into them both for deceiving you, but before you could,

“Mei?”

The three of you spun around to see who was calling the lying brats your friends name.

Mei’s face lit up and she walked over to embrace the girl. “Chiyo!”

Chiyo and the other fangirls that accompanied her to the game greeted Mei, and probably said something to you and Emi as well, but you were not paying any attention to that. Instead Glaring into the back of Mei’s skull with a look that could kill.

Even when Chiyo and her friends left you three in favor of going to go find seats your eyes didn’t move from the back of Mei’s head.

And as Mei slowly turned around you deadpanned “You made us get here before even the fangirls got here.”

Emi once again burst into laughter. “I don’t know what you are laughing about! You’re just as bad! You two might as well have let me stay home and gone with Chiyo and her friends, you would fit right in.” you stated in exasperation while rolling your eyes.

“What was the plan here? Sit around and do nothing for an entire hour?” you continued.

Mei shrugged at your irritation. “Relax, it’s only an hour, and it will be worth it for the good seats!”

“Oh really? And you of course would know this seeing as you're the expert at watching volleyball games despite never being to one either.” you spat

Despite upholding your sarcasm you had already resigned yourself to the hour of boredom, and the volleyball match that stood in your way of going home. You cared about your friends and they cared about you. You wouldn’t dream of interacting with other people the way you interacted with them. You were grateful that they had patience with you around this kind of stuff, even if you weren’t thrilled to be hanging out in a crowd at a volleyball game, you were willing to sit through it for your friends.

So you let Mei and Emi lead you to front row seats and decided to try and not be as hostile. You really didn’t mean to be, it was just the overstimulation getting to you. Even now when the bleachers were empty enough for front row seats to still be available it was loud.

Emi and Mei chattered on about all the assignments that their math teacher had assigned for homework over the weekend to pass the time.

“Ugh, (Y/N) you have no idea how lucky you are to have a different math class!” Emi whined.

“No kidding.” Mei added in solemn agreement.

“At least if I was in your math class we would all be together instead of me being alone.”

Mei was quick to shut your thought process down. “Or we could have all been blessed to be in your math class.”

“The people next to me in my math class talk the entire lecture, you’d never get anything done.”

“But no, instead me and Mei get four whole pages of homework!” Emi pouted, ignoring your comment entirely.

“Over the weekend!” Mei continued pouting as well.

You rolled your eyes with a small smile at their complaints. Your math class might not assign as much homework as theirs did but the exams were brutal, and you know once one of them creeped closer your complaints would match theirs.

The more time that passed the more people would slowly trickle into the room, filling up the available seats. As apprehensive as you were to be an hour early, time wasn’t going as slowly as you had thought it would. Just when there was only fifteen minutes before the match was scheduled to start, a sea of people flooded through the doors, all of them rushing to find any available seats they could.

A chill ran down your spine at the idea of a bigger crowd than you had been expecting. You had thought that the already crowded bleachers would be it, maybe a few stragglers, but definitely not another huge crowd of people.

Your mind was growing foggy, not being able to take in all of the things going on, lungs not refusing to take in enough air, short quick breaths taking place instead of the stable slower ones you logically knew you needed, but logic played no part in panic.

‘No, no, no, not again, I need to calm down.’

‘Nothing’s wrong! Everything is fine!’

‘I’ve gotten better.’

‘So why can’t I breathe?’

The familiar stinging sensation as your eyes started to fill with tears was not helping you ground yourself. Just as the breath catching in your lungs was about to push you over the edge, the world graced you with the distraction you needed to ground yourself back into reality. ~THWACK~

A stray volleyball flew through the air at impossible speeds hitting the wall directly underneath your seat. The players had entered the court and started warming up without you even realising it, too caught up in your head.

~Oikawa’s POV~

“Oi, If you’re going to miss terribly, send the ball into your team's cheer section, not mine.” Oikawa goaded at the spiker who had sent the stray ball flying.

Iwaizumi was dragging him away from the spiker within seconds.“Stop wasting our warm up time trashykawa!”

“Awww, Iwa-chan come on.”

“No! Go warm up!”

Oikawa went to grab a volleyball and start warming up, but turned towards the spiker sticking out his tongue, and pulling his left eye down to continue taunting him. “Watch carefully so I can introduce you to this thing we call aim.”

~Readers POV~

Even from the stands it was obvious Oikawa had been childishly teasing the other team's spiker, with your now clear head you had enough sense to roll your eyes at the childish antics your school's team captain was displaying.

You watched as Oikawa walked over to the serving line and rhythmically bounced the ball twice against the floor of the court before tossing it high into the air, jumping up after it, slamming his palm against it with immense strength, sending it barreling over the net straight into the ground on the other side of the court.

You didn’t even notice the noise of the crowd that had sent you spiraling just a few minutes prior. Just sitting there staring at the ball that had now rolled to a stop after its journey through the air.

As it turned out, knowing that your school's volleyball team was powerful and seeing it first hand were two different things.

“Wow, Chiyo and her friends are definitely on to something obsessing over him.” Mei laughed

“He was hot before that, but damn.” Emi tacked on

You couldn’t control the eye roll you gave them if you tried. “Really, that's where your mind goes from that?”

“That's not where your mind goes after witnessing that?” Emi asked, wiggling her eyebrows in a highly disturbing manner. Laughing at you with Mei.

“I’m sorry for being the normal one.” you deadpanned.

Mei pointed towards Chiyo and her friends who were still cheering Oikawa's name, praising him for his serve. “We’re the majority, you’re the weird one!”

“It's healthy to have your attention caught every once in a while. How else are you supposed to get motivation to get out of bed if not from hot boys?” Emi teased.

“Eventually we’re going to find someone that catches your eye, and we’re gonna get you a boyfriend!” Mei joined in with Emi’s teasing.

You turned red with both embarrassment and irritation. “I don’t want a boyfriend, go back to leering creepily at the volleyball team and leave me alone.”

“Awww, you’re all red (Y/N) look at her Mei, maybe she’s thinking of someone that already caught her eye, maybe you made her think of going on a date with him!”

Forget irritation now you felt anger course through your veins, you were ready to tear into them both when Mei spoke first. “Pfft, nah, if she thought of someone like that for even a fraction of a second she’d spontaneously combust on the spot! She’s the most emotionally constipated person I’ve ever met, no way could she hide her feelings!”

“Trueeee” Emi agreed with Mei howling in laughter together as your face burned in shame and fury.

“Shut up.”

Fortunately the match had started so your bullies friends opted to settle down and watch the match instead of continuing making fun of you for your disinterest in dating.

~Oikawa’s POV~

Shiratorizawa won the coin toss, meaning they were serving first. The pressure was on, the simmering rivalry was being brought to an all out boil in his veins. The desire to win against Ushijima for once instead of taking home the bitter bile of yet another loss burning him to his core.

‘We’re going to beat them this time. We have to.’

Tsutomu Goshiki sent a powerful serve over the net not with as much power as Ushijima or himself would be able to, but with an amount of power that showed exactly why he was a part of the coveted Shiratorizawa team.

Watari was able to receive the ball, sending it straight up and directly to him allowing him to set to Iwaizumi.

‘Come on Iwa, we could use an early point.’

Iwaizumi jumped after the ball, hitting it with all his might clearly on the same page of ending the first rally early and in their favor, but Shiratorizawa was able to receive the ball with relative ease.

The tension on the team was palpable. The guess monster creep didn’t even block Iwaizumi’s spike and they were still unable to score the point.

The team couldn’t afford to be distraught over this, the ball was already hurling back over the net from the force of ushijima’s powerful spike.

Despite the minor sense of dejection that the team faced from the failed attempt, Hanamaki stepped up and managed to receive the impressive spike with the help of Matsukawa’s one touch.

The ball was off course but that didn’t matter as long as the ball didn’t touch their side of the court. Iwaizumi dived after the ball, bumping it back into the air and to their teams control tower once again.

Shaking off the failed spike himself, he went to set the ball to Kindaichi. Watching as Kindaichi jumped into the air getting ready to strike, he instead dumped the ball over the net. Watching Ushijima’s face as Hayato Yamagata, Satori Tendō, dived after the ball but failed to receive it. Enjoying the look of frustration that passed over his features. “Oh Ushijima, you gotta be smart, don’t tell me you’re all brawn no brains. A top three ace but couldn’t stop a setter dump?”

Ushijima glared at him through the net. “That trick will only work once. You’ve never won against us before, you won’t win against us now, our teams simply better than yours.

Rage simmered underneath his skin. Iwaizumi pulled him out of his blind fury. “Oikawa! Stop arguing, and let's win this, he’ll have to eat his words when we crush them before we even get to a third set.”

“Yeah… lets win this time.”

He was focused now, it was about damn time they won against the powerhouse that always seemed to be the thing standing in his way. Ushijima’s words didn’t matter, they had scored the first point after all, and they definitely wouldn’t matter when they won.

‘Well those words will matter when I get to rub them in his ugly face.’

“Oikawa, fix your face, and get ready! It’s our turn to serve!”

“Fine fine, calm down Iwa-chan I’m ready.”

The game went on, each team fighting for points to be able to take the first set for themselves. Ultimately it was Seijoh who walked away with the first set managing to edge out Shiratorizawa by two points.

The team erupted into cheers thrilled to be able to have taken the first set by two points nonetheless. Much better than previous games they played against Shiratorizawa, things were looking really promising.

Hope, and adrenaline were bubbling up inside him, he was excited to stand against Ushijima and take the lead. This was it, he was finally going to beat Ushijima, and then he was going to go on to nationals.

‘Everythings finally going my way, all the hard work is actually going to pay off, all the late practices, and even later solo training afterwards is all going to be worth it.’

‘Ushijima, I’m going to show you that I’m worthy to play against those of you with raw talent.’

‘That I’m just as good as you, even if I have to work for it.’

Point, after point, after point. It was slipping through his fingers and it seemed that no matter how hard he tried he was useless to stop it. Shiratorizawa took the second set by six points. Six points. More than double what Seijoh had taken the first by.

“Tch, six whole points!”

‘And to think, were were so fucking happy to have won the first one by a measly two points.’

“Calm down Oikawa. We’ll take the next set.” Iwaizumi tried to soothe the sting of the blatant loss of the set, but even he himself didn’t seem all that convinced.

The whole team was falling into their dejection, he as the captain, and control tower of the game, needed to get everyone in gear. Raise moral, but he couldn’t drag himself out of the pit his mind had dug him into.

The third and final set began with Seijoh still feeling the sting of the second set, but they had no more time between sets. It was game time weather they were ready or not.

Once again Ushijima Shiratorizawa scored far too many points in succession. Oikawa himself and all of his teammates were all exhausted. Spending all of their energy futilely trying to defend against the brutal attacks sent their way, and left with not nearly enough energy to counterattack. Not in the way they needed to in order to win at least.

It was Ushijimas set point, Hayato Yamagata had received Kunimi’s last attack, and Eita Semi was setting the ball to Ushijima to carry out the final blow to his dreams.

The ball flew through the air on course to slam directly onto their side of the court at a horrifying speed.

“NO NO NO!”

His legs were heavy with impending exhaustion, and yet he dove for the ball anyways in desperation.

But it didn’t matter, his effort wasn’t nearly enough. The ball slammed into the ground an entire foot away from him. The whistle blew for the last time and it was over.

He had lost.

Again.

~Readers POV~

Half the gym erupted into cheers, while the other half muttered to each other in disappointment of their team losing, your friends a part of the latter.

“Awww damn, I really thought they had it after they won the first set!” Mei whined

“I know! I thought for sure they had it in the bag!” Emi joined in.

“…Yeah.” You were still staring at the court, one half celebrating, and the other half, your half standing on the court with an air of despair around them.

It was unsettling to say the least, it was reaching you all the way in the stands and making your guts twist in an unfamiliar way. It was different than anything else you've experienced before, nothing like the feeling your anxiety gives you. You knew that the feelings you were getting from being in their proximity could have only been a fraction of what the team still on the court were feeling.

‘Both teams were so good at the game, they both deserved to win, and yet one of them is walking away with nothing.’

“Well, I think it was well worth coming even if Seijoh didn’t win, that was so intense, it was exhilarating!” Emi squealed.

“Do you even know what that word means?” You teased.

“HEY! I used it in a sentence correctly didn’t I? Have some faith in me jeez!” Emi retorted

Mei joined you in laughter as people around you started to gather their things and head to the exit. “We should wait until it clears out a bit before leaving, that way we don’t have to deal with the insane crowd of people while trying to leave.” Mei proposed.

“Definitely, since we got here early the crowd on the way out will be much worse than it was when we first got here.” Emi agreed

‘Worse than when we got here?’

You shuddered at the thought of that. “Yeah. let's do that then.”

Eventually the majority of people had made their way out and only your little group and a few other groups of stragglers remained, Chiyo's group being one of them.

“Hey mei! Did you guys enjoy the match?” Chiyo asked excitedly

“Yeah, it was really cool, but… uh shouldn’t you be a little disappointed? I mean Oikawa lost, don’t you like him?” Mei asked

“Well yeah, but he looked so cool the entire time! I mean did you see those amazing serves he got in? And oh my god when he…” Chiyo's entire group seemed to light up at the opportunity to rave about Oikawa.

You found yourself tuning it out drifting off into your own mind. ‘I guess that's really what it is then. Superficial, even when it’s so obvious the loss took a great toll on him and the team, the only thing they notice is how cool they think he is.’

‘I mean there's nothing really wrong with it there, not actually friends with him they just admire him and he plays into it happily enjoying the attention.’

‘Both sides are happy with it, a win win I guess.’

“And when he dumped the ball right in front of Ushijima!” Chiyo gushed.

Your mouth moved before your brain could catch up. “That was really interesting…”

Mei and Emi shot you a look, but otherwise took mercy on you considering you were in front of Chiyo and her friends.

Chiyo squealed in excitement at your agreement, and you immediately decided you needed an escape plan.

“I’m going to go to the bathroom before we leave.”

“Okay, we’ll wait here for you, and then we can head home when you get back.” Emi said, chuckling at your eagerness to leave before Chiyo could gush directly to you about Oikawa.

“Oh, and maybe we can stop at a cafe on the way home!” Mei added clearly her way of trying to appease you for dragging you to the match.

That perked you up, the thought of a sweet treat making your mouth water. You decided you’d accept her appeasement. “Yeah, that sounds nice!”

With that you started walking to the bathroom, or at least in the direction you hoped the bathroom was, but ten minutes later and still no bathroom in sight you were starting to get frustrated

‘I should have paid more attention when they were dragging me through the halls. Where even am I right now?’

‘Why is this place so big, what is this, the imperial palace?’

As you continued walking down the big halls you came to a smaller more secluded hallway. Sitting against the wall holding a volleyball in his hands was none other than Oikawa, sitting with the devastating anguish of the loss. The proximal feelings you had gotten all the way in the stands were amplified by being this close to him, and being able to see the expression on his face made empathy bubble up inside you.

“Oh…”

You didn’t mean to say anything out loud but it was too late now his head snapped towards you. The look in his eyes was intense, it made you uneasy, you were half tempted to turn on your heels and walk away.

Instead your face twisted into a weak smile, trying to be sympathetic to the boy sitting in front of you. You were quiet when you spoke again, surprising yourself that any words came out at all.

“You… you played well, I’m sorry you lost…”

And just like that the intense expression on his face evaporated right along with the thick tension in the air. Instead an overly friendly smile graced his features.

“Oh thank you! I’m glad you came out to watch me, and are still happy to have come out even though we lost.”

“I’m grateful to have such sweet fans like you!” He said now spinning the volleyball on one of his fingers, putting on a show.

You felt like you had just been given whiplash with how quickly the atmosphere changed. The cocky bastard thought you were one of his fangirls, and that was all it took to perk him up. Conceited brat was all for someone stroking his ego. To the point that even the lame condolence you gave was enough for him to create a false narrative of worship in his head.

The irritation at his assumptions was getting to you.

“I’m not your fan.” You involuntarily rolled your eyes as you said it.

“No need to be embarrassed! I really am happy to have fans like you, and I mean why else would you come looking for me after my match? No need to be shy or anything, would you like a photo? Maybe an autograph?”

‘This little! Son of a! I can’t even with him! Is he serious?’

Your face twisted up into frustration, and the heat was scorching your face from your irritation. Heat and frustration he was clearly misinterpreting as something else only further serving to tick you off.

“Awww, here don’t worry you don’t have to ask.” he grabbed a piece of paper and a pen from his bag jotting down his name before getting up and walking over to you, volleyball forgotten on the ground where he was sitting. He held the paper out in front of him as you stared at him incredulously.

“Here take it, It’s made just for you!”

“I told you I’m not one of your fans!” you blurted out, and you were helpless to stop the exasperated word vomit that followed.

“I didn’t come looking for you, I just wanted to find the stupid bathroom so I can go home! I didn’t even want to come watch the dumb game in the first place!”

“…Oh… well… sorry.” he said half haphazardly in reaction to your minor mental break.

“I didn’t mean to assume you know who I am, I just figured since you came to the game and came to talk to me in the hallway that you at least liked me a little bit.” he teased.

“I already told you I didn’t come to talk to you on purpose.” You seethed.

He just giggled at you, shooting you another charming smile. “I’m Oikawa, what’s your name?”

‘You have got to be kidding me.’

‘No, he’s completely serious right now.’

You rolled your eyes at him again before walking away. “I know who you are.”

It was then that you noticed Iwaizumi standing in the secluded hallway as well. You wondered how long he had been standing there, how much of your conversation he had overheard. He was scowling at Oikawa though, and then he turned to face you as you were about to pass him, continuing on your way.

“I’m sorry about him (Y/N), the bathroom is just two lefts away.”

“Ah, thank you!”

With that you walked away, grateful for the directions Iwaizumi had given you. You didn’t know him well but he was always nice to you from the limited interactions you’ve had.

‘I can’t wait to get home, this was SO not worth it, I renounce my acceptance of Mei’s appeasement cafe offer! Not even a sweet treat is worth the hassle of that conceited prick.’

~Oikawa’s POV~

The girl who was apparently definitely not a fan of his was now out of sight and presumably earshot because Iwaizumi had taken the opportunity to spike the volleyball he had abandoned directly into his stomach, and start scolding him.

“Damnit shittykawa! What is wrong with you, you're so damn rude!”

“Owwww! Iwa-Chan what gives, I was being nice, trying to give her an autograph!”

“What gives is you acted like a conceited asshole! You should have known she wasn’t one of your fans!”

“How would I know that!? She walked up to me after a game, why would she go this way to get to the bathroom?”

“She was clearly trying to play it off out of embarrassment!”

“She probably just isn’t familiar with this building! And you should have known she wasn’t your fangirl regardless!”

“How do you know her name anyways Iwa?”

“The same way you should have known she wasn’t a fan of yours!”

“Would you like to tell me what that is? Or would you like to continue yelling at me about it forever!”