#stripessnippets

She was nice enough I admit. Funny, a nice smile, a pretty laugh. She was good looking. We had went out for dinner in the city and Jesus, I didn’t think I’d be that nervous to just go out with a woman. But I...I guess I had a good time. We shared a few drinks during dinner and I guess that helped me loosen up but halfway through the date she asked about Lily. Of course, I could go on for hours about Lily. She is the most precious thing in the world to me, she is my world. But maybe it was the alcohol, as I started talking about her I started thinking of Asia. Maybe this is why I don’t drink.

Morrel grinned as he watched the doctor pace back and forth in his kitchen, eyes following his every movement. Felicie was so angry and that was such a rare sight. Such a rare, beautiful sight. He wanted to relish every moment he could as Felicie grew angier and angier. “I haven’t seen you like this for a very long time, Doctor. It’s quite entertaining.” He purred, grin widening as Felicie set his scarred eyes to him, blazing with rage. “There is nothing entertaining about this situation, Ronmorrel! That man, he violated her...he coerced her into breaking those vows, into letting him into her sanctuary. If I were a lesser man I would…” “Would have what? You and I both know you aren’t inclined to violence.” Morrel said, leaning on his hand as he sipped his tea. “I doubt even in the state you’re in now, you wouldn’t be able to harm a hair on that man’s body.” Even though Felicie wouldn’t want to admit it, it was true. He would never hurt anyone, not even someone who had hurt a friend. Oh but he wanted to...the thought was there and he could feel it so close. His claws closing in on that...that monster’s throat, slicing through flesh and sinew until he could feel the wrath of God himself and scream for forgiveness.

“What are you thinking, Felicie?” Morrel said quietly, narrowed eyes watching as black feathers sprouted around the man’s neck and ears, a sign that he was truly beginning to feel rage. “You wouldn’t be thinking of something...unholy now would you?” “Shut up, Ronmorrel!” Felicie screeched, slamming his hands down on the table, the tea cups rattling as it shook. “I have had enough of your antagonism and attack of my religion! If you can’t get your head out of your ass vaffanculo figlo di puttana!” His breath came heavy as he finished his swearing, leaning in close to Morrel, teeth bared before pushing himself away and mumbled a prayer, fingers ghosting over himself in a cross. Morrel chuckled at the tantrum, standing up to put the cups in the sink. “Temper, temper, Doctor. You may want to calm yourself before you rip your shirt with your wings.” Morrel said calmly, glancing to Felicie as he glared at him, giving him a smirk. “Or is it too late?” “...why do you get such enjoyment out of egging me on?” Felicie asked, Italian accent thickening his words. “Do you want to see how far I’ll go before I snap?” “Precisely.” The red head said, turning around quickly to toss the cup at Felicie.

Wings sprouting from his back, ripping through his shirt, they deflected the cup as Felicie growled. “Go on then. You’re so angry. Show me how you deal with that anger of yours.” Morrel whispered, opening his arms wide in a “come at me” pose. “I’ve known you long enough to know you’re not always the passive bird everyone thinks you are. I know more about you than you do yourself. Come…” At that word, Felicie threw himself at Morrel, claws outstretched as they tumbled to the floor.

To be a demon that lives as a human, you must push away each carnal desire you have that makes you what you are. The urge to hurt people, the need to see them screaming, running with blood...it's such a tempting image within your mind. But you are not that anymore.

You must understand the lives of the humans you walk amongst. You must understand their mannerisms, the way they move, their facial expressions, the little tics and idiosyncrasies everyone has. Once you understand it all you are one step closer to living among them.

Every human is wildly different, two humans do not react the same to every situation. There are certain things they will all do that is human instinct, that is beyond their control. When they are scared they scream, when they are sad they cry; but underneath those main emotions there is a secondary one being felt as well, and that is what makes each reaction a person has, different.

I do not call myself human, for that would be a lie. I disguise myself as one to live with them, I've learned what I could about them so that I could imitate them but I will never be one of them for the knowledge I hold is nothing to the experiences they've accumulated. I will never be one of them for I know wholly I am a demon. I still have to push back my desires of hurting the ones I love, of listening to their screams and watching them cry from the fear and pain I wish to bring them.

...but why have these desires gotten so much stronger? I would never hurt anyone...that was in the past but it seems my past is coming back to haunt me. I hope I have the strength I once did to deny these demonic desires and to keep myself from harming him...just him...why is it just him? He's my angel...I rely on him to keep me safe, to keep me strong, to keep me sane...or at least to hold on to this last bit of sanity I have.

Please don't let me hurt him...I need him too much. Oh god...I need him too too much.

Breath coming quick, knees placed to the floor, Felicie leaned his forehead on the mattress, bound hands in front of him. A warm body covered his back, a slick tongue dragged up his neck and a voice hissed into his ear. “Are you ready for you repentance, doctor?”

“Yes,” Felicie murmured, a shudder passing through his body as he felt long claws tickle the skin of his chest. “I’m ready.” “Speak,” Morrel hissed, digging his claws into the tender flesh of the doctor’s back and raked them downward, grinning as an anguished howl was released from the man’s throat.

“I’m sorry!” Felicie screamed, feeling the blood run down his naked back and soak into his skin, the pain resonating through his voice. “And why are you sorry?” Morrel growled, repeating the action, allowing the wounds to enlarge and the blood to flow quicker. The blond shrieked, writhing where he kneeled, tears coming to his eyes.

“For the sins I have committed!” The doctor sobbed, arching his back and buried his head further into the bed as the snake attached to the red head sank it’s fangs into his side. “What are your sins? Speak your scripture.”

Through the pain of his back, Felicie recalled the line he had spoken many times before to Ronmorrel, the taste of the words burning the back of his throat like bile. “Thou shalt not lie-ah!” He cried out as again Morrel’s claws dug into the already opened marks, pulling through the abused wound. “Thou shalt...not lie with mankind as with...womankind;” He quoted, body trembling with pain. “Finish it.” Morrel said, using one hand to drag his nails down the front of the Doctor’s body. “It is...detestable!”

Finally, Morrel stood, examining his work on the blonds back, grinning at how Felicie twitched and shuddered in agony. “Your sins shall be forgiven for now,” He said, untying the man’s hands and watched him stand in shaking legs. “...thank you, Ronmorrel.” Felicie whispered, voice hoarse, eyes half lidded. “I shall..take my leave now.” He continued, redressing himself, flinching at the sting of cloth against new wounds, then placed his mask on his face, tightening the straps. “Of course, Felicie. Return anytime you’d like. Of course if you don’t...I’ll just come back to you.” Morrel said, laying on the bed, scarred body unabashedly uncovered. “...Until then, RonMorrel.” Felicie said, voice tired, as he exited the man’s bedroom and from the house, looking around the quiet village, before disappearing into the dark.

While his newest patients rested, all asleep in their respective beds, bandaged and sewn up to the best of his abilities, the doctor had taken to upstairs in his own private home. Removing the mask stained with blood and in need of a good wash, along with the rest of his clothing, he stepped into the bathtub filled with steaming water and sat down. Exhaustion and fatigue pulled him down, his bones feeling weary, as though his age was finally catching up with him in this ageless place. Tipping his head back, the bottom of his hair floating on the water, he sighed.

‘Dear Lord, thank you for allowing me the strength to help those in need. Continue to strengthen me and allow me the knowledge to help them with their healing and allow me to help them heal quickly.’

He prayed silently before sinking further into the tub, allowing his head to fall beneath the water’s surface. He hadn’t remembered such a stressful night as that one for a very long time; there was no way for them to die(at least he was sure they wouldn’t) but the need to keep them alive had ran through him. As though he had seen conditions like this in the past that would cause someone to die…

“Please, Doctore Vespucci, help her. She’ll die without you.”

“I will try what I can. Rest assured, by Gods word, I will not allow your daughter to die.”

Mouth opening in a gasp, Felicie sat up quickly hacking up the water that had gotten into his lungs, the past memory disappearing once again into the recess of his mind...that was a memory right? It had felt like one...it had felt so real, as though he could hear the woman’s pleading voice right in his ear...feel her shaking hands grasping onto him as she begged him to save her child’s life. It could only be a memory, as vivid as it was…

Perhaps that was the reason why he felt such an urgent need to help his patients. Whether they could die or not, he would not allow even the thought to cross to his mind. This was why he was a doctor, so that he could always help people in any situation. It was by God’s will that he had chosen this profession and not a day went by when he was not thankful for the skills he had been given.

Knocking on the door of the general store, Felicie waited, hands behind his back as Morrel opened the door. “The door is opened you know, you don’t have to knock.” The red head told him, stepping aside to let the masked man enter.

“I know but I feel rude entering when it’s a home visit and not a store visit.” Felicie replied, removing his cape upon walking inside. “You are much too polite, doctor.” Morrel said and shook his head. “But nevermind that, the tea is ready so please join me in the kitchen. My little assistant and I cleaned it up prior.”

“Oh, you have an assistant now?” Leading him off into the kitchen, Morrel grabbed the kettle from the stove top and poured the tea into two cups, setting one down in front of Felicie.

“Yes, I do. A little girl by the name of Nero. Perhaps you’ve seen her around town?” The doctor paused as he removed his mask, setting it carefully in his lap then added sugar to the tea.

“A little girl you say? I don’t recall seeing her.” “One day you’ll see her in here.” Morrel said, taking a seat across from the other man and poured a few spoonfuls of honey into his drink.

The two fell into a comfortable silence as they drank their tea before Morrel spoke again, a small grin on his lips. “So...it’s the librarian that’s pregnant.” As he spoke the words Felicie choked, sputtering out his tea before wiping his lips. “Careful, doctor.”

“H-how did you know? I didn’t say!” Felicie cried, blank eyes wide in astonishment. Morrel chuckled, his grin growing as he held out the cup to his tail, the snake taking a few laps. “You don’t have to say, Felicie. You came from the library bleeding and spoke of giving a woman advice on an abortion. It wasn’t that hard to put to two and two together. Plus, I was ever so lucky to have Quinn come for a little visit. That proved my assumption right.” “You...you didn’t tell her that I…”

“No, don’t worry. I understand your need for patient privacy and all that. For all she knows, I’m just incredibly clever. And I am, mind you.” The doctor heaved out a sigh of relief, sipping his tea to calm himself. “Besides, Quinn can be a little intimidating and I wouldn’t want her to hurt my “friend”.”

Felicie shuddered as he spoke the word ‘friend’, claws clicking against the glass of his cup as he held it tighter, avoiding looking to the chimera. “I understand your concern, good doctor. But do you think she actually has the gall to go and do it?” “I...would hope not. It is not something I condone in. Killing a child is one of the worst sins you can commit.” Felicie said, taking a quick glance to the chimera who smiled at him from ear to ear. “Then tell me why am I not in hell yet?” Morrel purred, placing a hand under his chin and leaned in. “You know, doctor. I don’t understand your take on religion. You swear that there is a heaven, a hell, and a God. But from where we’re sitting, there is nothing of the sorts. No power above to punish us for our sins. No pearly gates, no lakes of fire. How do you still believe?” Felicie cleared his throat, sipping his tea as he thought of how to answer such a complicated question.

“Easy, Ronmorrel. It’s all about keeping your faith. As long as you continue to believe, then there will always be a God for you to watch over you. And eventually, we will both leave this purgatory to our final resting places. I continue to believe in hopes that I will find my path towards God and Heaven.” “At the rate you’re going, doctor, you will be joining me in Hell.”

A red blush started at the tips of Felicie’s ears and once again, he looked away but continued to feel Morrel’s eyes staring at him. “Say, Felicie, speaking of which...when was the last time I got to taste the tea off your lips?” The Doctor could feel the blush spreading from his ears down to his cheeks, burning it’s way to his neck. “I still have some marks left over from those talons of yours.” “Enough, Ronmorrel.” Felicie said, voice coming out in a breath of air as his hands shook, a lone streak of blood running from the scar under his eye. “But why? You enjoyed it, did you not?” Looking over the top of his cup, Morrel narrowed his eyes, watching the other squirm under his gaze. “You tell yourself you won’t do it again, but you still end up here. I would almost say...you like sinning under the eyes of your Lord.” His voice lowered, the hiss of a snake wrapped in liquid silver. “You like to call my name out, to have Him hear you blaspheme His name on your tongue. You enjoy to use those claws to mark me, so that you’re not the only one bleeding when we are finished.”

“I-I said...that’s enough, Ronmorrel.” Felicie said but with no power underneath, tea forgotten as he dug his nails into his pants, piercing his own skin.

“I bet I can get you to say my name so much more passionately.”

Reaching over, Morrel dragged a finger under the bleeding wound then wiped it on the doctor’s lips. “Tell me...does your “sin” taste good? Knowing what I make you feel when no one is around?” He said, placing a hand under Felicie’s chin as the doctor licked his lips, swallowing thickly. “Does it?” Taking in a breath, Felicie stood up, jumping as his mask clattered to the floor. “I...I should go.” He said, heart beating rapidly in his chest as he picked up his mask, stopping as he stared into the red eyes of the snake. “Don’t go…”The serpent hissed, flickering it’s tongue at him. Breath catching in his throat, Felicie backed away, hitting against the cabinet and fell to his bottom. “What’s the matter, good doctor? Scared of a little snake?” Morrel asked, rising from his seat and stepped towards the man, placing a foot between his legs and leaned down. “He won’t bite, I promise. But I on the other hand...well, you already bare my marks upon your skin.” “Morrel...please…” Slowly dropping to his knees and sitting upon the doctor's waist, Morrel licked his lips, leaning his face close, letting their breath intermingle. “Too late, Felicie...you’ve already crossed the line once you said my name.” He allowed their lips to touch, allowed his fingers to find their way into the blond’s hair, allowed the blood from the doctor’s lips to find it’s way onto his; allowed his doctor to find his way into temptation.

Exiting the library, books under arm, Felicie quickly made his way back to his clinic, pausing for only a moment as he spotted the familiar red head outside his door. He didn’t have time for this hooligan and his words! “May I help you, Ronmorrel?” The Doctor asked, voice quiet and composed as opposed to his inner feelings towards the chimera. “Yes, you may, good doctor. You haven’t come to see me in some time, I was hoping for a spot of tea while we discussed certain matters.” Morrel replied, looking Felicie over and reached out a hand, swiping a finger over the red liquid that almost touched his shirt. He grinned, rubbing his finger over his thumb. “But I see we have another subject entirely to discuss now. Please, step into the office.”

Felicie was never known to hate anyone, on the contrary he tried to be as amiable and friendly as possible to all citizens in this life and the past. But there was something about Ronmorrel, a man who had been here almost as long as himself(each one treading on being the oldest citizens of this town), that rubbed him the wrong way. Perhaps it was in the way he carried himself, every inch of the man speaking of narcissism, or even his speech. Ronmorrel spoke as though he knew the secrets of the world and knew more about The Doctor than Felicie did himself. It was...annoying. Felicie wouldn’t say he hated Ronmorrel-hate was a strong word mind you and to live under the law of the Lord was to never hate any of God’s creatures- but he...could do well without the man and his arrogant ways.

Stepping past Morrel, Felicie entered the clinic and set his books upon the desk, careful as always despite the disdain he felt for the man who followed after him, as slow and lazy as a feline. “So, Good Doctor, what seems to have gotten you down?” Morrel asked, locking the door behind him and took his time to close the blinds of the office, blinding the world to the inner workings of The Doctor’s abode. “You can tell me. I know your secrets of course.” “You don’t have to remind me, Ronmorrel.” Felicie said, undoing his cape and draped it over the back of his chair then sat, undoing the straps of his mask once he was sure each blind was shut and no one could peer inward. Setting the mask down, Felicie wiped a hand over his scarred face, a few of the old wounds leaking with blood, dripping down his skin and splattered the wooden counter. “Something has definitely gotten you in a tizzy. I haven’t seen this much blood in many years.” Morrel commented, calmly going to a shelf and pulled off a cloth, handing it to The Doctor. “What nasty little things have you been up to, Felicie?” He wasn’t quite sure what he...disliked-not hated, never hated-more. Ronmorrel continuously calling him “Good Doctor” or actually being called by his name, the word itself when spoken from the beast’s mouth, laced with a toxin that could pierce his heart, if only because it were spoken with such a gleeful malice. ‘You’re hurting and I enjoy this,’ It said.

“I haven’t been up to anything…” He wanted to sound furious at Morrel’s implications, but he only managed a quiet distraught. “I’ve...only been giving medical advice, since it is my area of expertise.” “Medical advice doesn’t include bleeding as though you were a martyr hung upon the cross.” Morrel grinned, chuckling lightly as Felice looked up to him, feeling the cold anger of The Doctor’s blank eyes as they bore a hole on the tattoo that rested upon his brow. “You know, Ronmorrel, I do not particularly enjoy that show of blasphemy you display on your head.” Felicie said, dabbing at the wounds on his face softly, the bleeding slowly beginning to stop. “I knew you wouldn’t. But I like it. This a godless place, so why not show the people that I intend to take over as their new god.” Morrel laughed at his joke but Felicie merely frowned, the lines on his face adding years to him. “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” Felicie quoted, narrowing his eyes as Morrel snickered. “And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.” Morrel countered, sitting across from Felicie and took his mask, looking at it with interest, fingers tracing the curling designs and lightly plucking at the top feather. “You see the problem with that is I’m already dead. And the problem of quoting bible verses is that I know them as well. So either way, you’re moment of trying to distract me from my previous inquiry is null. Now,” Morrel smiled, all teeth as Mundy slithered onto the counter, staring at Felicie with solid red eyes. “What seems to be bothering the Good Doctor?”

Felicie avoided both the snakes and the man’s eyes, the bleeding almost completely stopped by now. “...I informed a woman of a...way to give an abortion.” He bit his lip, shame hunching his shoulders and pulling his head down. “Now then, was that so hard to do?” Morrel said, placing the mask upon his face and stared at Felicie through it’s glass eyes. “But I can understand why your little condition is acting up. The Good Christian Doctor would hate to kill any life, even the life of the unborn. You poor man.” “...she just asked, I couldn’t deny her request. But I still feel so guilty. If she follows what I told her it will be my fault that child never finds life outside of a womb.” Felicie shuddered and placed his face in his hands, water filling his eyes. “Now, now, Doctor. Don’t cry. You’ll only make things worse and the longer you dwell upon it, the more you will bleed. And as entertaining as that is to witness, it can grow boring after some time.” Morrel said, placing the mask down and slid it back it’s rightful owner. “In retribution of your Sins against the Lord, you must do twenty Hail Mary’s and fast for the next three days.” And even though Felicie knew Ronmorrel was only joking, he put it within his schedule for the next few days to do just that.

“Are you satisfied now, Ronmorrel?” Felicie asked, wiping his eyes with the cloth in his hand then stood. He was going to need to a deep cleansing after this-and to clean his desk as well. “Not just yet. I didn’t get what I came for. Will you join me for a cuppa tea?” Morrel said, standing as well and pushed his hair back. “...I suppose I can join you tonight.” Felicie replied, replacing the mask onto his face, feeling more than exposed around the chimera at the moment. “Perfect. I’ll see you tonight then, Good Doctor. Bring your new books with you, I’d take to take a quick look at them. I promise I’ll return them before you leave.” “Please do. I would not like to...upset the librarian.” He frowned behind his covering, the face of the woman plaguing his mind but he shoved it away. He would pay for what he was to put her through. “On my word. Good day now, Felicie.” “To you as well, Ronmorrel.”

A smile touched her lips as she blew out the acrid smoke from her lungs, a haze taking over her mind. ‘Why did I stop doing this?’ She thought, golden eyes half lidded as she took another drag of the drag.

“Misha?”

“Hm?” Looking up, Misha’s smile grew as she noticed the face in front of her. “Marvin.” She said, voice breathy. The man smiled at her and crouched down, placing a hand on her cheek. “Marvin, you came back.” “Of course I did. I couldn’t leave my best friend alone.” He said, blue eyes twinkling. “I’m so glad you’re here, Marvin.” Reaching out for him, Misha closed her eyes, feeling the lightest touch of lips to hers then opened them. “Marvin?” He was gone.

Heart aching, Misha felt the tears in her eyes quickly well up and slide down her face. “Marvin!” She called, looking around, watching a spark dance in the distance. Fire? “Marvin come back!” The spark grew larger, coming toward the woman at a speed Misha couldn’t comprehend, engulfing everything in it’s path. “No!” She screamed, clawing at the wall to get away, feeling the phantom pain on her body as it reached her. “No! No! Marvin help! Help!”