NMWeek Day06: AU

“Thank you Waylon. I’m sorry if I scared you.” Eddie gave a sympathetic smile. “Would you like to come out from that corner? It might be a little more comfortable on the bed.” Waylon shook his head at the words, continuing to refuse the man’s advances or attempts. He didn’t want to make the mistake of trusting him. Or of showing any sign of budging. Eddie sighed and shook his head. He lowered himself down from his crouch to sitting completely on the floor beside the spirit. Positioning himself so they were almost side by side. Eddie’s size made it hard to be any closer to the boy without pressing on him or invading his energy field.

“I really am sorry that I frightened you Waylon.” He explained, running his fingers through his raven locks. “What I was doing earlier, that was to protect against negative spirits like demons.” He glanced around the room as he spoke, his deep blue orbs resting on the mirror in the corner of the room. He could almost see the dark energy that occupied that corner. The shadows were thicker there just beyond the frame. The mirror itself looked smudged and tainted. To the normal human eye, it was a crystal clear antique mirror in terrific shape for it’s age. But to Eddie, it was unsettling.

Eddie wasn’t a normal man. He was born with a special gift, much like Waylon’s. He could sense out spirits in an area, focusing on their energies but he couldn’t outright see them. At least not with the naked eye. He saw them through his mind’s eye. Waylon’s gift, he could see them outright with the naked eye. To Waylon, they weren’t spirits. They looked like normal human beings. Solid figures in full form. Waylon’s abilities were more advanced. Far stronger than Eddie’s.

“But not all demons are bad!” Waylon blurted before he could catch himself.

Eddie narrowed his eyes at the spirit, confusion knitting his brows together. “Waylon, demons are bad.”

“Miles isn’t!” Waylon shot back sharply. The lights in the room flickered on and off for a minute before he could settle himself back down. Breathing slowly as he attempted to calm his rising emotions. “Miles is my friend. He’s my only friend.” He said in a meeker tone.

“Waylon…” Eddie began, seeing the sadden pale blue orbs staring back at him. He sighed. “Miles is a demon then?”

Waylon gave a slow nod of affirmation. He chewed on his bottom lip with worry. ‘It shouldn’t hurt to say it. Miles is gone anyway. He can’t be hurt like this.’ He reminded himself.  “What did you and Miles do? Did he ever try to hurt you? Or make you do things that seem wrong?”

Waylon’s eyes widened at the questions and he shook his head fervently. “No! Miles would never hurt me.” He was appalled that the male would even ask such a preposterous question. “He visits me every night to make sure I’m not alone. He was there before I died. He tried to protect me but my family sent him away just like you did.”

“Like I did? You mean with the crucifix?” Waylon nodded in affirmation once more. “Did they have a priest perform it?” Once again a nod and Waylon squirmed a bit uncomfortably in place. Eddie rolled this information over in his mind. “Why did they send him away?”

“Because I could see him. And others like him. I could talk to them like you are with me right now. It scared my parents and they shut me away. Locked me in this room until the day I died. Miles tried to stop them, he tried to save me but they sent him away too.” Waylon curled back up on himself and rested his head in his folded arms. He sniffled softly, the tears pricking at his eyes once more. Even after all these years, the betrayal from his family hurt just as freshly as the day it happened. Miles was his only comfort until they took him away as well. “Please, give me my friend back. I can’t stand being alone any more.” He murmured, his voice breaking. Eddie was startled by it, wondering what in the world was going on that a pure spirit was mourning the absence of a demonic entity. “He’s good. I- I swear to you….he’s good. Please… give him back.”

Eddie grunted, running his hands over his face and skirting fingers through his hair, stirring the neat black locks into a disheveled fit. He gave a deep sigh of defeat, left a long contemplative glance in the spirit’s direction before giving in completely. “I guess…” ‘I can’t believe I’m actually saying this.’ “If he means that much to you and you vouch for him so immensely, I could give it a try. I’ll break the blessing but the first time he acts up or represents a threat to you or I, I’ll enact the blessing and he’ll be gone for good. Am I understood?”His voice was uncharacteristically stern but Eddie didn’t like playing games when it came to the other side. He knew too many people who let their guard down and fell for spiteful demonic trickery and got hurt. He really didn’t want to see the little spirit before him get hurt either. He found his presence was safe and rather adorable. He had sense him watching him with childish curiosity earlier that day and had wondered when he’d make himself known. This morning he had never imagined this would be how their first official interaction would turn out.

Waylon shifted in place, his energy humming around him with wary anticipation. He nodded in understanding, rubbing at his eyes quickly as he leaned forward, closer to Eddie. The larger male shivered as the electricity in the air crackled across his skin. He leaned back away from it, feeling the spiritual energy work into his body. “Please. I promise. We’ll behave.”

“Good. I’ll hold you to that promise Waylon.” Eddie gave a soft reassuring smile as he pushed himself up onto his feet. Stepping out of the energy zone rolling off of the excited little spirit. “I’ll go remove the blessing right now. You can calm down now.”

Waylon stared up at the larger male, tilting his head in confusion until he realized what he meant. His face flushed sheepishly as he sat back on his rear and the energy spike settled. The static hum faded out. Eddie breathed a sigh of relief before turning to leave the room.

Several minutes passed by in silence before an explosion of static energy filled the house. Waylon heard the heavy footsteps of his demonic counterpart rushing up the stairs without a single care in the world for how obnoxiously loud he was being in the presence of a human. Waylon saw the dark shadows that billowed off of Miles like massive plumes of smoke as the demon burst through the doorway and into Waylon’s room. Rushing up on the spirit without warning to envelope him in his arms and tendrils. Wrapping him up tightly as if letting go of him would cause him to vanish from sight right before his eyes. “Way!” Miles practically screamed, loud enough that the human across the hall could hear the outburst as if he wasn’t already feeling the immense energy from the demon in the household already.

The entire bedroom was blotted out with the black smoke, to the point it was almost suffocating for a human to enter. Even so, Eddie stood in the doorway, the black vapor dispersing around him as a faint light of holy energy surrounded his body from the center point in his chest. Where the rosary hung. It was a protective shield, a miniature blessing that wasn’t as strong as the one on the crucifix but it was useful enough when going against mid level entities. Miles sensed the disturbance in the room immediately and turned quickly to face the human. He placed himself in front of Waylon protectively, a deep animalistic snarl rumbled out of his chest and his golden eyes glowed like hot embers in a darkened hearth. Eddie focused on the demonic energy and was able to see the force behind it. How it wound itself around Waylon. It put him on edge but Eddie couldn’t stop what was happening. If what Waylon said was true and Miles had always been their to protect him, this was just another instance of that bond.

“Relax, I’m not going to hurt you or Waylon.” The warmth that had been present with Waylon had evaporated to a tense stand off when facing the demon. He folded his arms with a relaxed posture that further infuriated the demon. “As long as you behave, you can stay here with him.” Every word out of the human’s mouth was another jab at Miles’ temper. The demon visibly bristled, the shadowy tendrils rising like hackles on his back as he bared his teeth angrily.

Waylon managed to wiggle free from Miles’ hold and wrapped his arms around his friend’s shoulders, pulling him up close. He rested his head against his back and rubbed up against him in affection. “Miles, please. He promised me we were safe here as long as we don’t cause trouble. Remember what you told me yesterday? To live around their energy. Coexisting with them.”

Miles growled once more, turning his golden gaze to Waylon. He reached up to touch the hands folded over his chest and released a breath. The demon started to calm down, relaxing slowly. He was still on edge, the tension was palpable in the room but it was livable. “Fine.” The word was a bark from curled lips. “But if he pulls another stunt like he did earlier, making you cry like that; I’ll remind him why they should fear us.”

“It seems we’ve all come to an agreement then.” Eddie stretched his arms out above his head and popped his joints with a groan. A yawn left his lips as he glanced at the two. It was nearing the end of Miles’ time in this world for the night and Eddie was eager to get some rest. “Now that that’s settled, I’m heading off to bed. Good night Waylon. Miles .” He bid before turning on his heel to head to his room. Shutting the door behind him. Leaving the pair alone.

Miles glared after the man before clicking his tongue in disgust and sneering at the man. “What an ass.” He turned his attention back on Waylon and rubbed the little spirits shoulders and arms quietly. His golden eyes softening, becoming warm and wary. Mindful of Waylon’s current situation. His voice quieted to a light whisper meant for just the two of them. “Are you okay Way? That asshole didn’t hurt you did he?”

“No. I’m alright.” The demon placed a hand on his friend’s cheek. Gingerly caressing the pale flesh. Waylon tilted his head into it, closing his eyes and focusing on the demon’s energy. The warmth within the layers of cold shadows. The ‘heart’ of his friend. The constant pulsing of energy that kept them thriving in this plane. “I thought I lost you.” Waylon’s voice trembled, about to break once more.

“Hey hey hey. I’m right here. I wasn’t going to let that happen again Way. I made you a promise. I’m not going to let anything get in the way of that.” Miles reassured his friend with a cheeky smile, pulling him back up against his chest so Waylon’s head was resting on his shoulder. The shadows around them levitated them over the bed, hovering above the dusty mattress. Miles refused to let go of Waylon for the rest of his time in this realm. Remaining as such even as the portal called him back. He didn’t relinquish his hold of the spirit until the very last warning pulses. He bestowed a gentle kiss upon the little spirit’s forehead and let himself fade away until the next night. Leaving Waylon lying on the bed alone.

The next morning was a lot less exciting. Eddie was up at the crack of dawn to run a handful of errands that were on his To-Do list. He left the house under Waylon’s care, finding the little spirit still lying on the bed from when he woke up. The blonde hadn’t left it since Miles was called back. He seemed as if he were asleep. His back to the door and he was motionless. Eddie wasn’t very sure if spirits did ever sleep but he decided to let the male have his space. He figured as long as he kept the rosary on, Miles would keep his distance and with the promise with Waylon, he would also behave himself.  

It wasn’t until about noon when he returned with armloads of groceries hauled in from the car. It took several trips in and out of the house to bring it all in. When he first entered, he noticed Waylon sitting up on the steps on the edge of the first landing. About the third trip in, Waylon was sitting out on the porch, watching him come and go. He never left the front porch. He never stepped off of it to the sidewalk which made Eddie a little bit curious. On his last trip inside, he locked up his old red pick up truck and gestured with a nod of his head for Waylon to follow him in. He didn’t speak aloud encase somebody walking back would see him.

Once inside with the front door shut and locked behind them, Eddie carried the last bag into the kitchen and began sorting out his groceries. Waylon lingered in the doorway, his body pressed up against the frame as he quietly watched the larger male tend to his task. “Waylon, have you ever left the house before?” He asked as he placed several items inside the refrigerator. “As a spirit, I mean.” He added quietly, turning around to grab a few more cold store items to put away.

Waylon was confused about the question at first and thought back to all the times him and Miles sat outside on the front porch, quietly watching the stars. During the daytime he remained on the steps for a majority of the time. In all those years, he never once felt the need or the desire to leave the house. After a moment he shook his head then seconds later spoke up when he figured Eddie didn’t see the gesture. “No. I’ve never left the house.”

“Have you ever tried?” Was the next question.

“No. It never occurred to me to ever try.” Waylon said softly.

Eddie moved from the refrigerator to the cabinetry and started storing away canned goods. “Interesting.” He plucked up a few free bags and stuffed them all into one bag to be contained in one neat area before storing them under the sink. “Would you like to try?” He asked, turning to face Waylon. The smaller blonde male froze at the prospect of stepping off the porch or leaving the property. He chewed on his bottom lip nervously and shook his head. Eddie raised a questioning brow at that. “May I ask why not?”

Waylon shifted in place, using the door frame more to hide behind then to actually lean against at this point. He tilted his head down to stare at the floor as distant memories echoed in his mind. His fingers curled into fists as he spoke softly. “I’m- I’m not allowed to.”

“Says who? Miles?” Eddie straightened up, his eyes narrowing on the blonde male. Waylon shook his head at the question again.

“No- not Miles.” Waylon opened his mouth to speak but then he closed it and shook his head again. Eddie stepped forward to approach the little spirit as a show of sympathy, reaching out to him as the static hum swirled around Waylon. The little spirit blinked out of sight and disappeared before Eddie could close the distance. He was startled by the sudden retreat and closed his eyes to sense out the presence. Finding Waylon had simply retreated back upstairs to his room.  

Eddie breathed a worried sigh, running his fingers through his hair once more before he continued on with his day. Determined to finish scrubbing down the floors and banister along with all the windows and the sills around them. Whenever he passed by upstairs he would peek inside the room to find Waylon curled up on his bed once more. He rubbed at the back of his neck and contemplated engaging the little spirit but each time he told himself it was better to let him have his space and would continue on with his task.

When the day wore on towards dinner time, Waylon made an appearance on the stairs. His small body pressed up against the banister to crane his neck and watch Eddie move about the kitchen chopping away at vegetables on a cutting board. The record player was on in the living room and the halls were filled with the soft sweet melody of old music. Eddie could sense the spirit’s chaotic emotions had settled and calmed to a more docile state. One that he appreciated a little more and wondered how things were going to turn out later that night when Miles returned. Which made him wonder about a few things yet he wasn’t going to ask Waylon just yet. Afraid of pushing the little spirit too far too quickly might cause problems for their relationship in the long run. Well, he couldn’t really consider it a relationship. They were more like roommates.

The night went on in content silence. Waylon remained where he was on the stairs as Eddie went about his routine, checking off the marks on his to-do list and steadily decreasing the amount of boxes pressed against the back wall of the living room. It was pitch black out and drawing closer to midnight when Eddie retired upstairs. Turning off all the lights beforehand, he expected to find Waylon sitting on the steps but he was nowhere to be seen. When he went up to the bedroom, the little spirit’s door was partially closed. Which was about the best Waylon could muster with the amount of concentration and energy he had at the time. It was enough for Eddie as he went on ahead to his room, giving a soft. “Good night.” As he passed and shutting his door behind himself.

“This house is haunted! I swear!” The voice boomed from down the steps of the massive victorian style home. It was late, the sun had already set for the day but the couple down below were bickering over a series of odd and unexplainable incidents. Such as objects moving on their own, shadows in the corners of lit up rooms and footsteps padding through the old creaky home. At first the occupants ignored it but after some time passed, they could no longer deny the occurrences and started to realize their home wasn’t normal. It had a very long history to it’s name and rather than investigate the problem, the occupants always ran away.

The little spirit at the top of the stairs watched as the couple fought and bickered on and on about everything. Talk about the residence being contaminated with negative energy just drew more and more problems out. The couple started to fight about their own daily lives and their negatives in their relationships. The spirit though never wanted any of this to happen. He watched as the couple fought, arguing to the point he couldn’t stand it anymore. Covering his ears with his hands and closing his eyes. A cup flew across the room and shattered against the wall. The couple fell into sudden silence. Wide eyed and staring at the broken glass before they rushed to grab their jackets and keys and bolted for the door. Minutes later, the headlights of their vehicle faded into the night.

He was left alone in silence until midnight came around. When the stroke of midnight hit, a portal opened up in the depths of the house and a black smoke rose up from it. The rickety old wooden stairs leading up from the basement groaned with every heavy footstep until a phantom being shrouded in black phased through the door. Golden eyes glanced around the room, taking note of the still broken glass on the floor. Soft whimpers could be heard up the steps at the first of the landings before the steps turned and continued. The black wisp glided down the hallway from the kitchen and stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Golden orbs roaming over the translucent blonde male huddled up with knees tucked to his chest and his head buried in his arms. It sighed, drooping its head as it glided up the stairs and rested at the little spirit’s side. The black smoky wisps surrounding the phantom being stretched out and pulled the spirit against its broad chest, stroking gentle fingers through his soft golden hair. “Way, you’ve been doing this for centuries. You can’t keep expecting somebody to see you and understand. All you’re doing is hurting yourself over it.” The dark phantom murmured, cradling his friend against his chest.

“I can’t help it Miles. I’m so lonely. Nobody sees me. I can’t move on.” He cried against his friend’s chest. Miles was a demonic entity. He wasn’t the kind that ran around and possessed people though. Which there was an irony considering he was possessed by a demon known as the Walrider when he died. They somehow merged together into one entity but Miles remained Waylon’s friend since he was just a boy. Waylon was special when he was a kid, growing up there in that house. He could see the spirits that passed through it. Nobody believed him when he was younger and he was often called crazy and shunned. Some people would even call him cursed. His parents kept him locked away in the house, fearing for their son’s safety should anyone find out the truth. Especially since Waylon could never tell the difference between a spirit and a person and would often start conversation with beings that weren’t there. Gaining strange looks from passersby.

Being reclusive, his family tried to protect him from the spirits with religious symbols and blessings. They feared for their son’s safety but didn’t acknowledge the fact they were leading to his demise. Having nobody to talk to and being outcasted by society and forcefully hidden away by his family, he grew lonely and depressed. His health failed him and he became incredibly shy and timid. He became sick, not from a physical illness but he was heartbroken and so lonely, it led to his death in his early twenties. Passing away in his sleep. Afterwards Waylon occupied the very home he had died in. In many attempts to contact his family, they assumed they were being punished for what they had done to their son and soon moved away. Without the religious relics to protect the home, Miles who was a common occurrence in the household and Waylon’s closest friend, was able to return and to his despair, found his friend had passed on but was unable to move on.

He tried to help Waylon the best he could but there was only so much in the short amount of time he was allowed on this plane. The portal was only open for three hours every night. From the stroke of midnight until three am. These were often known as the witching hours but this allowed demons to pass between realms. He dreaded the fact that even these brief visits couldn’t soothe the pain that tormented his friend. He often found Waylon curled up on the landing, crying for some reason or another, always leading back to the fact he was alone once again and the occupants were leaving.

Miles remained by Waylon’s side, comforting him and holding him dearly for as long as he was permitted. For the dead, time passed by rather quickly, especially when against the backdrop of eternity. Before long he could feel the static pull of the portal beckoning him back to the otherside. He wanted to stay with his friend but he knew he couldn’t risk it. Demons stuck on the mortal side begin to decay and risk the chance of being discovered and exorcised. Spirits most generally didn’t have to worry about those troubles as long as they didn’t harm a human. Demons didn’t have the luxury to avoid worry. Their presence alone damages the human psyche and causes unintentional harm. Due to the type of energy that made them up. Some, well, a lot of demons were malicious by nature but those were the spirits of violent humans that transitioned over. Demons like Miles didn’t care much for humanity. They had other more personal reasons for crossing the realms at midnight.

“I’m sorry Way. My times up. I’ll be back tomorrow, okay?” Miles murmured, cupping Waylon’s pale cheek to get a look at his red rimmed eyes. The blue pools were disrupted only by the tears flowing over them. He sighed in defeat, knowing Waylon will still be there the next night but a part of him feared leaving him alone. Feared that someday that portal to Waylon won’t open and he’ll never see his friend again. He placed a gentle kiss to his forehead and patted his head. “Hang in there Way. Things will get better. I promise.” His phantom form flickered like static on a crappy television box, drawing a growl from Miles’ lips in annoyance. He closed his golden eyes and blinked out of sight. The static hum filled the house, signalling the portal was closing for the night and silence returned.

Miles kept his word and visited Waylon the next night but the blonde spirit was even more distraught than before. He overheard the owners talking about moving out and selling the house when the returned the next morning. In his sorrow, they overheard him cry out for them to “Please don’t go.” But in his rising emotions, all they heard was “GO!” That was all it took and they began packing everything up as quickly as they could. Grabbing only what was important and leaving much of the furniture behind, just like many other occupants had and leaving out the door. Miles comforted Waylon, hoping to get him to leave his spot on the stairs, to walk around the house but it only made things worse when he saw the empty rooms. He started to cry once more and a shelf nearby started to shake, causing a small clay bowl to slide off. Miles managed to catch it with a long wispy tendril and return it to it’s spot before resuming his attempts to quiet and console his friend.

A couple days later, a FOR SALE sign was placed in the front yard. They both sat on the front porch that night, Waylon huddled up as usual while Miles floated above him, hovering like a black storm cloud overhead. They both watched the stars, staring up at the night sky like that had for decades. Their beauty never seemed to fade and Miles knew that was one of the few things that could always snatch Waylon’s interest and leave him lost for hours. And for hours they were. Waylon staring up and connecting the dots in his head. Pointing each one out for the millionth time to Miles who by this point should have known them all by heart but as always, he was lost watching his friend. Mesmerized by the delicate humanity that dwell within those pale blue eyes. How there seemed to be entire galaxies swirling within them on their own and he wished to know every last twinkle he could spot within.

A dark shadowy tendril reached out to gingerly stroke Waylon’s hair. A comfortable gesture Waylon had come to enjoy from his friend ever since he was a boy. Miles wanted to do so much more than that but the static hum pulsed throughout the house as the portal called him back. He cursed the cruelty of time. The few hours with Waylon went by so quickly but all the hours between their next visit was always far too slow. An ache of eternities cruel humor ripping at his chest as he leaned over Waylon’s hunched over form. Leaving a chaste kiss on his forehead in parting before blinking out of sight. The static shock wave rumbled through the house as Miles left for yet another evening. Leaving Waylon feeling a bit lonelier in the process but his mood was better than before.

The next time the portal opened up, Miles was greeted by an excited Waylon standing at the top of the stairs where the basement door led into the kitchen. He was giddy, his saddened smile pulled wide with a grin that beamed at him. His body brimmed with energy which wasn’t exactly a good thing since objects started to tremble and float around him. Miles’ shadowy tendrils reached out to snatch at the objects and press them back down onto the surfaces to prevent anymore broken china and pottery. “Let me guess, somebody is buying the hous-”

“Yes!” Waylon squealed with utter delight, bobbing up and down on his tiptoes. His hands folded together as he tried to contain himself. Miles ran his fingers through his brown locks, which were as wayward and wispy as the the shadowy essence rolling off of him like steam. He breathed a deep sigh, knowing it was inevitable. Each time the house was purchased, Waylon would be practically exploding with excitement and each time his hopes would be dashed when that same delight starts causing problems for the new owners. His abilities getting out of control and scaring them off. He’s seen his best friend be crushed over and over again through a couple dozen ownerships and yet he always seemed to muster up the same if not more joy at the news of a new owner.

“Way, I think we need to talk.” Miles started when he heard the sound of a vehicle pull into the driveway. The tires crunching on the gravel as it rolled to a stop. It was the middle of the night and there were lights beaming into the house from a car. With a quick glance, Miles noted there were blue and red lights accompanying it which caused him to glance back at the timid spirit that was already hiding out of sight. What appeared to be a police officer was flashing a light into the windows and looking around. Miles edges closer, leaving Waylon tucked behind the wall in the kitchen as he neared the foyer. He heard the officer talking into the radio about there not being any lights or activity within the home now and that he was leaving. Miles narrowed his eyes and looked back at a very sheepish Waylon who greeted him with a nervous smile. “Way….?”

“I’m sorry. I got too excited. Some of the lights started to act up and I couldn’t get them to shut off.” Waylon blurted quickly. He watched with a nervous smile, his posture preening with dazzling innocence as his pale blue eyes tried to persuade the demon that it wasn’t entirely his fault. Miles’ worries only increased as they returned to the hallway and the demon led them up the stairs. Each slap of his shoes echoing with the renewed emptiness. Much of the furniture had been cleared out earlier that day by a moving company and the additional space allowed sounds to go unaltered throughout the home. The wooden halls urging them to sing throughout the corpse dwelling.

Waylon’s steps were much more quiet, a soft padding of barefeet across the dusty wood floors. The house was in desperate need of cleaning which Waylon would do if he had the energy to waste on it. Or the self-control to be able to move objects of his own volition. He could do small things here and there but it took a lot of concentration. So cleaning would be extremely out of place. He felt bad though, unable to welcome the newcomers properly and he did miss those tedious tasks from when he was alive. Taking for granted the slightest abilities such as being able to pick up a sponge or turn on a faucet. He really missed the feeling of a hot bath and a long soak on a sunny afternoon with the windows open. Feeling temperatures on his skin or well, ectoplasm he guessed it was now.

“Waylon.” Miles spoke firmly, drawing the male out of his thoughts before he manage to smack right into his chest. He looked up sheepishly with an embarrassed smile as Miles’ golden eyes narrowed on him. Noticing the way Waylon was spacing out. He couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or not. Seeming as Waylon was still in a giddy mood, he assumed it wasn’t too bad of a thing. Normally he would space out for long periods and come back to his senses in a fit of distress. He placed his hands on Waylon’s shoulders, giving them a firm squeeze of reassurance as if double checking his friend was really there. “Take a breath and relax. Don’t do anything too drastic and focus on staying calm. You don’t want to scare this opportunity off. Try just...watching them. Studying them. Learn from them and their presence. Their energy. Learn to exist around it instead of interacting directly with it.” Miles directed, giving Waylon a stern look. “Understand?”

Waylon nodded eagerly, putting on a stern serious face that barely hid the childish joy bubbling beneath. He knew Waylon never got to really live when he was human. The smaller blonde spirit  had it tough and he despised the fact he couldn’t be there to make it better. Then maybe….maybe he’d… Miles shook his head and disregarded those thoughts. He spent an eternity overlooking the what if’s of his existence and he couldn’t allow those to overshadow the present situation. He had to remain firm for Waylon’s sake. “When I come back, I want a full report on them. Alright? No detail is too small.” Actually he didn’t care about the new people all that much. He was just worried about Waylon keeping a level head and not losing control. Fearing that should his presence be known, they might do something to bless or proof the house that will stop Miles from being able to return. Just like Waylon’s family had done shortly before the spirit’s departure from the world of the living.

“Understood!” Waylon chirped, standing up straighter and giving a lazy salute to the demon. Miles sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as he turned on his heels and headed down the hall for the second floor.

“Alright then. For starters, keeping your distance. If they’re downstairs, stay on the stairs. If they’re up here, remain in your room or whatever room is opposite. Stay close enough to watch them but far enough away to be out of sight.” Miles glanced at the rooms as he passed, even without the furniture, he knew exactly where Waylon’s room was. There was always a bed in that room, no matter who occupied the home, they never entered Waylon’s room. Or if they did, they didn’t bother anything much. The same old black iron bed frame remained, rusted in places from neglect and the collective moisture near the poorly insulated windows.

There was a hand carved wooden standing mirror painted white and chipped in places from being knocked around and aged. Fleur de lis designs with flowering blossoms were carved into it. On the back of the mirror was a black charred imprint of Waylon and Miles’ pact when Waylon was a child. It was meant to allow Miles to enter wherever Waylon was as long as no religious relics or blessings got in the way. Miles also had a sneaking suspicion the pact on the back of the mirror was why nobody entered the room. It had a dark presence to it that followed Miles everywhere he went but never seemed to affect Waylon. Once upon a time he could even use the mirror itself to enter as a form of portal but it took far too much energy to do outside the witching hour and two portals being open at once was problematic. It allowed too much negative energy from the other side to enter the home. Basements have always been a flood ground for negativity being below the earth’s crust so that wouldn’t affect the upper floors like the mirror would.

Miles remembered all the days he stood on the other side of the portal, unable to cross but watching Waylon. All alone as his family kept him captive in his own home. Locking him away because they feared accusations of witchcraft or that their son might actually be possessed. They never could accept him. Nobody could. Miles did though. All those decades ago. Waylon was the first to know he was a demon and not run from him. He thought that fact was neat. That the black smoky wisps of demonic energy rising from his body was beautiful and Miles had never thought anyone could ever come to appreciate what he had become. He had accepted that fact but Waylon was different. Waylon had always been different and that’s exactly what got him into this mess.

“Miles?” The voice broke him out of his thoughts, his golden orbs turning to meet the concerned gaze of the spirit. He took in the lithe sickly frame that had become the blonde’s permanent form in passing. He remembered Waylon back when he was healthy and happy. He was much more muscular and energetic. Of course that was back when he was in his early teens and hard work kept him busy. Waylon would talk to him for hours with excitement about all the new things he had done and learned that day working with his father at the mill. To think he had lost so much in that time, the neglect. The loneliness.

He shook his head again and sighed. Plopping down onto the mattress, causing a dust cloud to rise up from the old stiff quilt. It was stained with filth and was equally as grimy if not more than the floor. The mattress beneath had to be in dire need of replacement but he didn’t dare look beneath the covers. His shadows raised him above it, allowing him to levitate and hover as he pat at the space beside him.

Waylon’s concern melted into a smile as he crawled up onto his old bed and stretched out beneath the demon. It was just like the old days. He had spent hours talking to Miles like this, with him floating above. Able to stare him eye to eye. It was never uncomfortable or unnerving. Miles was his closest and only friend after all. “I promise to do my best tomorrow.” Waylon murmured into the silence. Letting his voice stretch out between them.

The shadowy tendrils from Miles’ form reached down and curled around Waylon, embracing him for a moment. Waylon felt the strong arms of his friend pull him close as he whispered back. “I know you will. You always do Way.” They remained like that for a long time. The shadows holding onto the little spirit as if a cocoon of sorts. Waylon melded into it, a faint white glow emanating from his body with the contentment, the shards of pale light sneaking through the slivers of space between the shadows as they held like that until the static pulse called miles back. Waylon was sad to see his friend go, but he knew he would return. Sooner or later, Miles always came back.

Wordcount: 1530

Tags/Warnings: Dom Miles/Sub Ryan, Demon!Miles, Immortal!Ryan, GTA AU, Graphic Violence, Torture, Bloodplay, Asphyxiation, Deathplay, seriously messed up people with seriously messed up kinks.