#fernando-tow

Fernando, 13 "We were looking for a miracle."

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"No," Fernando replied with a faint smile. "You'll be able to buy your own within five minutes of signing this. Or someone else will buy you one. However it works out for you. Think of what you need, and sign your name." His eyes flickered faintly as he disposed of his cigarette, beheading it under his shoe. "This contract is also sealed with a kiss. I trust that won't be a problem, right?"

"Collateral," Fernando said quietly. "It's business. I pay a fee to stay out of--" his face strained. "It's just what I do. And if you don't make it to ten years--" Fernando shrugged facially. "I take the hit. No harm, no foul. But if you make it through the next decade, I take your soul and nature and super-nature take their respective courses. It's different for everyone. Some people go on livin'--you seen Wall Street lately?--others, ah. Not so much. But it's your call. I won't force you."

"The catch is that in ten years, you're back at square one," Fernando said calmly, never taking his eyes off Beck. "But if you're smart, if you're capable, you'll be prepared for what's ahead. If you think ahead, you can handle anything. And if you're too attached to your soul, I understand," he said, beginning to pull the paper away. "The exchange is your soul, if you believe in that sort of thing. Not a lot of people do. I'm tellin' you straight, kid. But you will be happy. That I guarantee."

There was suddenly a briefcase by Fernando's feet. The demon hunched down a little to open it up, taking out a blank piece of paper and a thin black pen before closing the briefcase once more. Offering the pen to Beck, Fern snapped the parchment stiff and smiled slightly--a more tired, understanding smile. "I'm not gonna give you some spiel about limited time offers and great regrets," Fernando stated flatly. "But if you sign this, I guarantee whatever you need will come to you. Instantly."

"Okay, fair," Fern said breezily, smiling around his cigarette. "For the sake of pity, humor an old bastard." He tugged on his collar with a wink, indicating himself as such. "And tell ol' Fernando what would make you happiest. Right here, right now. No used car salesman crap, no coercion. I just." He shrugged, voice softening. "Really wanna know because I'm sure you don't wanna be pickin' pockets and scrapin' scraps forever." His hazel eyes sought Beck's dark brown. "Am I right?"

"Let me be frank with you, hombre," Fernando said blithely, flicking ash away from passersby and Beck alike. "I can offer you ten years of uninterrupted bliss with the rules and regulations of your choice, and all I ask in return is that in ten years the contract is fulfilled. Wealth, comfort, quick fingers--whatever things you ask for, I can grant them. And all I need for you to do in reply is sign on a dotted line." He smiled faintly. "It sounds shady. I know. But it's what I do. My business."