|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 6:45 pm
[x]With a mocking smile, Lucifuge released the other demon's hair. "If you continue to be such a good boy, perhaps I will help you with the matter of your meals," he purred in his eerie not-voice. "My contract is not so limiting as yours, I believe." In fact, it barely limited him at all.
He turned. "Isn't that right, mistress?" Her face was in shadow, but the Mistress stood there stock-still at the bottom of the stairs. From neck to floor, she wore black.
"You're going to let him live?"
"Yes, Mistress."
"I wanted you to kill him," she said, displeased.
"I'm aware."
"You'll punish him."
"I have."
Though her eyes were hidden, the gaze from the stares couldn't be called anything but direct. "Don't irritate me any more, Incubus. I won't let him indulge his mercy next time." The woman turned and left up the stairs.
"So you see? A fearsome lady, my mistress." He smiled again at Merihem. "I wonder why she didn't force my hand?" Perhaps because their relationship was more of a partnership. He laughed under his breath.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 6:58 pm
He tried not to show his relief at the release of his hair, because it signalled that he was out of dangerous waters. It felt good to feel his purple hair tumble back down over his shoulders, the full weight settling comfortable there. Merihem could feel the hidden tension easing out of his body. "That would be quite kind of you. I am grateful, and indebted still to you." He bowed his head subserviently, because he figured it would please Lucifuge to have him behaving in such obedient ways, and right now he was doing his best to please the demon - it meant keeping his life.
Merihem's silver and black eyes moved slowly to the lady at the bottom of his stares. He could see her well enough, even though it was hard to define the features of her face. A pretty enough woman, but a dangerous one in her own right. She had Lucifuge on her side, though Merihem couldn't fathom as to why a strong demon like Lucifuge woud ally himself with her.
"I would not dream of it," he answered smoothly, and bowed his head in a little respectful gesture. It could do no harm, though it irritated him to be behaving this way to a human. If she did not have Lucifuge, Merihem would not be so complacent and submissive. He would not take such treatment from a human. It went along with his demonic pride.
"I do see..." but his gaze moved clear away from Lucifuge, instead fixing upon the door as his boy entered through. The mistress had already disappeared up the stairs, and he did not glance in that direction to indicate that anyone had been there. Instead he just carefully observed the boy, who was busy wiping his shoes on a floor matt. His golden hair had been pulled back into a ponytail that his bangs were too short to be bound in. They fell into his face, covering the delicate cheek bones, the indigo eyes that had so attracted Merihem to him in the first place. If the boy had not been attractive, he would not have settled with the contract that he had.
"I thought you were asleep at your friend's," he said simply, gaze never moving from the boy's youthful body.
"I woke up, and figured you would get angry with me if I stayed away too long. But you weren't home... I didn't really expect you to be here." Soah's voice was careless, as he truly did not realize what situation he had walked into. He would have been happy to stay home, but without Neil there to protect him, he was anxious about what would happen if he upset Merihem. He didn't want there to be bruises on his face where his father could see and then question him about. He didn't care about getting hurt, he cared about the people he loved finding out that he was getting hurt, and becoming concerned over him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:19 pm
Surely this demon knew of his collection? It would amuse him to give one or two of them to the incubus for a night every so often. Just because he kept them for their beauty didn't mean they didn't often betray his trust by laying with other demons. Sometimes mortal beings could be so... ungrateful. "They'll be happy for the distraction, my beauties." Of course they would be. Lucifuge would make them; his powers stretched over all the treasures of the world, and were defined by his perceptions.
"Is this your summoner?" He looked at Soah curiously, a faint but true smile making his face even more beautiful, if that was possible. Such delicate bones; the Prime Minister wanted to touch them and see if they would fracture. The boy didn't seem open to such liberties, though, so he crossed his arms to prevent himself from reaching out. "You're wise not to mark his face, Incubus." That he knew would scare the boy. But he had to let the demon know that allowing the boy his life also meant allowing him a decent life.
Sometimes, Lucifuge was a cruel b*****d.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:32 pm
"I would treat them well," he said, if only to reassure Lucifuge in the case that the demon had any doubts. Merihem was careful not to abuse the properties of other's, though he had gotten carried away with Neil that one time. He did not exactly regret it, though. The human had been so disrespectful, and even Merihem demanded that he be treated with some care. For the human to spit in his face was unforgivable, and he was glad to be rid of Neil, despite the great meals he had given him. But, that was what he got with tampering with someone who had such a strong will. No matter, he would onl deal with Neil now because the boy insisted on remaining friends.
He was almost certain Soah would fall apart if he lost Neil, and that brought a smile to his face, that thought alone. It would be a pleasure to witness the boy's deterioration. It would definitely spice up his life, at least. "He is, a bit young, and boring my tastes by now. I wouldn't suggest him as a meal to any Succubus. He tastes too strongly of fear." There, he let human emotion breach his face, his lip curling up in disdain. "It is his redeeming feature, his face, I would not toy with it." He got the message, loud and clear, and it made loathing curl up in the pit of his stomach. If only the boy would go and kill himself. It would make things better for him.
Soah tensed at the other voice, and cautiously turned his gaze to Merihem and Lucifuge. He hadn't realized that there was another demon here, especially a demon he did not know. He was instantaneously made cautious, because it was coming naturally to him now. He had been scared of Astaroth, but had beaten through that fear. He liked the demoness, when she did not hurt Neil. "I'll see you at home, Merihem," he said quickly, becoming frightened at the mention of harm to his face, though Lucifuge was advocating against it.
"No, come here. Let me hold you for a little while, darling." Merihem's voice changed completely, to something mockingly warm, mockingly human. He was just hungry, and he was sure he could sate his hunger here, though he'd be cautious about doing such things with Lucifuge near. He wasn't sure how the stronger, higher ranking demon would take it.
"But... at home..."
"Come."
Soah anxiously glanced to Lucifuge, his reluctance to go anywhere near the other demon clear. He didn't trust him, he didn't trust Merihem. "We can do it at home. Someone will come, and I don't want them to see," his voice was soft, coaxing, trying to get Merihem to agree to put off his hunger for a little while longer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:49 pm
"Perhaps it is your handling of him," suggested Lucifuge softly. Then he shrugged. Did it really matter? No. Even the mistress would admit that. "Well, it is a punishment, Incubus. Bear it well, and I might give you a name."
He looked at Soah critically for a moment. "No one will hurt you," he said in the not-voice. "I understand you're already contracted. As I am honorable in my damnation, I won't touch you if you don't want it so."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:58 pm
"Mayhaps, I only come with so much patience, and his hesitation and uncertainty truly tries me to my limits." He did not care for the suggestion that he didn't handle Soah well. He felt not insult by it, because he knew he could handle the boy better, if he truly wanted to. But it was not within his desire. Merihem would not pretend to have the patience to treat Soah particularly well. There were occassions where he did good to the boy, to make up for some of the trauma he had caused him. But, that was about it, those rare, few occassions.
Soah looke upon Lucifuge with that distrust still lingering in his gaze. That was a lie, a lie that had outright been fed to him. He wouldn't call Lucifuge out on it, but it was definitely a lie. People hurt other people, demons hurt people. Merihem hurt him, Astaroth occassionally hurt Neil. It was simple fact, and for Lucifuge to proclaim that no one would hurt him was words of comfort, but without the truth they did little for Soah. But, he trusted Lucifuge's word that he at least would not touch him, and so he cautiously walked deeper into the shop, up to Merihem where he was pulled into that cold embrace.
He couldn't repress the shudder, not when Merihem's fingers unbound his thick, wavy hair just so they could indulge themselves in playing with it. He felt his head being gently coaxed to rest against Merihem's chest, and he allowed it, because he couldn't fight against it.
"There, it is not so bad, hmmm?" Merihem's words. They chilled him, and he couldn't stand to close his eyes, for he'd feel that cold more acutely, and so instead he turned his gaze to Lucifuge, silently observing the demon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:07 pm
He recrossed his arms. Did the demon do it just to make the Prime Minister of Hell jealous? This one does not belong to you, Lucifuge told himself. Yet. Because, intrigued, he couldn't rest until he had fully investigated this mystery. The child clearly didn't want Merihem- the contract couldn't have been made for the reasons he just assumed. So why had he summoned the demon and made a contract that he found distasteful?
"What's your name, boy," asked Lucifuge, genuinely curious and unable to remember if he had been informed. "Mine is Lucifuge Rofocale." He considered adding his title, but no. That would intimidate, and probably scare, the boy. While waiting for his answer, he continued to stare. The boy was unwell, that was obvious to a trained eye who had often seen what happened to victims of the sex demon caste.
One thing that came to his mind was This boy would have lovely children. Certainly something to add to his collection, with the right b***h for a mother. Plenty of humans came to mind, and other options as well. "Have you thought about a cambion, Incubus? It would be an interesting game, don't you think?" And such beautiful results, if done right, he thought mirthfully, his lips quirking in a grin. The fact that he didn't explain, he hoped would tell the other to keep his mouth shut about what a cambion was.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:27 pm
Maybe Merihem did do it just to make Lucifuge jealous, to show him that Lucifuge had guaranteed the beautiful boy to Merihem. Of course, Merihem didn't truly want Soah, he found the boy to be tiresome at best. It had been a good arrangement to start out, but it was growing old on the both of them. Soah still thought he was doing what was right, but he could hardly stand to even be held by Merihem. Merihem just wanted a decent meal, for once. But, that would not happen, perhaps, until Lucifuge gave him such a meal.
For the time being, he enveloped Soah in his arms, and held him comfortably against his chest. A hand trailed up and down the slim back, the other still playing with golden hair. They could be considered affectionate gestures, if given to Soah by anyone else other than Merihem. It was fake, but even so, it usually did the trick into bringing Soah around, and it was. He could feel the boy relax in his arms, and it brought a triumphant little smile to his face. He always pretended to be more human around Soah. "Yes, it's definitely not too bad..."
"Soah, Soah Dresden," the boy replied softly to Lucifuge's question. He was scared, but that did not mean he would be rude. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Rofocale." That truly wasn't the case, but manners had been drilled into his head by his father, and he didn't dare act in any way that would go against his father's lessons. Even in his poor health, he couldn't ignore the way he had been raised.
"I have increasingly been considering it, actually." Merihem wasn't lying, either. With the boy so readily at hand, he had given the experimentation a lot of consideration. It was only that he was beginning to not be able to stand the boy that he had not already attempted it on his own. "It would be quite interesting. I consider it a sufficient cure for boredom." He laughed at that, the laughter cold and short, but it gave Soah a rightful jolt.
"...A cambion?" Soah's voice was questioning, but cold fingers were pressed to his lips to keep him silent.
"Just a game, sweetling. I almost think I should let you rest tonight, you're looking rather pale."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 4:01 am
For a moment, the Prime Minister wondered if he wasn't punishing the boy as well. Deciding he was, but that it was unavoidable, he smirked at Merihem. Human games? That almost parallel how he found his victims, the women he added to his collection. The damn Queen Mother always deprived him of his male beauties, so girls were all he could collect. Maybe this one he might be able to fool her into thinking was a girl, then he could keep him...
Well, no use planning ahead quite yet. Lucifuge tended to think perhaps too hard on matters of as-yet minimal importance; he sighed, a little frustrated. Those eyes, though, were exquisite. Such a unique color! Like dark, pure sapphire, how rare! "Yes, Soah. It's good to meet you also, and so soon! Your Incubus and I were just discussing you, weren't we? Ah, but," he paused, looking at Merihem. "You call him Merihem, don't you?"
Aside, to the other demon, he said, "And wouldn't the game have such lovely results? Hm, a cambion... Such a rarity." The interactions between these two were... unique. The mistress's friends tended to treat their demons as partners, equals, with the exception of those two. Demons as nothing but tools, indeed. Lacking their own emotions and goals! Hardly. Lucifuge, for instance, was setting his own goals very thoughtfully.
Yes. If he was going to collect either of them, he would have to acquire them both. He smiled warmly at the human boy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 2:47 pm
Hearing that they were discussing him did nothing to soothe his nerves. Demon conversation was not normal conversation, and Soah was sure he didn't want his name to be included in any part of it. Of course he kept such opinions to himself, because Merihem was dangerous enough to upset, and he knew nothing of Lucifuge. He was wary and cautious, and even slightly scared. None of it could be helped, it was human instinct to be afraid of the unknown. "Yeah, I call him Merihem, because it doesn't seem right to call him by what he is..." He only answered because it would be rude not to, and once again he had been raised by good manners, and applied them in most situations.
"It would be a most desirable result, and I haven't heard of many who tried to play that game and played it well." If he so desired it, he was sure that he could get the most desirable result, and have himself a little monster to play with. It would be a more interesting game then the one he was partaking in right now. Soah was growing old on him - he desired new games, new conquests, new beauties. He had never intended to stay long in the contract, but then for his life he was forced to. It irritated him to no end, to be stuck to a boy whom he had little desire to feed off of. Perhaps if Lucifuge took further liking to him, he might be able to rid himself of the boy yet.
Merihem turned his gaze thoughtfully down to Soah, his fingers tenderly curling the boy's hair around them. He wasn't surprised that Soah didn't meet his gaze, Soah wasn't looking at anything but the wall. He could feel the discomfort churning in the other's stomach, but he could feel the weakness in Soah's body as well. How he was drained! Merihem would have had no problem with it, if he was not required to take good care of the boys health. "Yes, you should definitely get some rest." But yet, he wasn't willing to let go of his posession, as if he sensed that Lucifuge wanted it for himself. But, if Lucifuge truly desired to obtain Soah, then there was nothing that Merihem could do about it.
"Then... can I go?"
"In a little bit - I want to hold you for a little bit longer. You're so warm."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:04 pm
"That's the tradition, as it were," Lucifuge said with a shrug. "One must distinguish oneself to gain a name among the damned, isn't that so, Merihem?" A dagger of a smile flashed on his face before vanishing, replaced by a paternal look. So what if the lower-ranking demon wanted to flaunt his possession of something the Prime Minister found himself quite desirous of? If he didn't enjoy the game of getting his treasures to come to him of their own accord, he would have ceased collecting a very long time ago. Dissatisfied beauties always fought with others and ruined the other pieces in his collection.
He directed the paternal smile at Merihem. "Perhaps you should try," he suggested lightly as he watched the two interact. "There is no law against it, and no one will speak against you if I am supporting it." Oh yes, he would have to collect them. And together, too; could any connoisseur such as Lucifuge overlook this? Since he was the only one of his kind, he dared to say they couldn't.
Somehow, though, he had to let the other know his intention without letting the boy in on it. It was the rule set in place by that b***h to prevent him from 'collecting' her supporters. While staring at the boy, who in turn stared at the wall, it occurred to him. With two quick, powerful strides, the Prime Minister closed the gap between the Incubus and himself; making sure not to touch Soah, he knotted one hand in Merihem's hair and kissed him.
It was only for a moment, though, then Lucifuge walked to the nearest chair and sat down, a smirk on his face. If the boy saw, well, then he did. Soah would come to him one day, just like they all did. After all, he had forever to make it happen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:27 pm
"Well, Merihem's here, so it wouldn't matter that much, right, if I call him by a name?" It just seemed off to Soah, to call someone he was familiar with by what they were. It would be like Neil calling him "Human" instead of "Soah". It just wasn't quite right, and so one of the first things Soah had done after making the contract with Merihem was pick out a name in which to call his Incubus companion by. Merihem hadn't objected to the name, though he had seemed amused by it at the time. Anyways, the name had stuck far more easily than "Incubus". As long as Soah didn't call him by the nickname "Meri", then Soah could use his name.
The paternal look on Lucifuge's face was a little comforting to Soah, who found this whole situation rather disquieting. Still, it wasn't enough to make him want to stick around any longer then he had to. He wanted to run away back home, climb underneath his covers, and fall into an everlasting sleep. That would be nice, to always dream, and not have to face this reality.
"I am just looking for the final component, and then I will have little issue with giving it a try." It was clear he was going to use Soah, because despite how much he disliked him, the boy was attractive, and even beautiful. He would make the perfect donor in order to make a cambion. It was only the woman he was having trouble deciding on, because he was not certain he had found one beautiful enough. If he was going to do it, everything had to be perfect, especially the mother of the cambion. Of course he couldn't do anything but go with it now, since Lucifuge seemed so interested in the topic. He was certain that if he did not at least attempt it, life would become even more unpleasant for him.
Merihem tensed, eyes flashing up to Lucifuge's face as the other took two steps up to him. The tension was unnoticeable to the eye, but he felt it, he felt danger as Lucifuge grabbed a handful of his hair. It was the uncertainty in the situation that made him nervous, but he hardly expected a kiss against his cold lips. It was enough to tell him just how interested Lucifuge was in him. Well, this was good and bad. Merihem would have been happier if Lucifuge wasn't interested in him at all, but if the demon was to take an interest in him, there was little better way then what Lucifuge had chosen.
His silver gaze followed Lucifuge's movements to the chair, and he felt the boy tense against him. Soah hadn't seen, but Merihem was certain that he knew something had happened. The boy was craning his neck, staring uncertainly at Lucifuge, distrust clear in his gaze, though Soah was trying not to be as rude as that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:37 pm
His look had returned to a fond, fatherly smile by the time Soah saw him. "We'll discuss the issue of a cambion later, won't we, Incubus? I think you had best take your summoner home." Yes, there was a lot the Prime Minister of Hell wanted to talk to Merihem about. And certainly much that he wanted to address with the incubus's boy, too. Already he had thought up a plan to get Soah alone- it was one that he had used many times before. About half the time, it succeeded.
He rose. "The mistress requires my presence, so I must leave you. Do remember our discussion, incubus. Remember also that I hold your life in my hands, won't you?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:04 pm
"Of course, my own interest in the subject is too great to remain silent on it." Merihem's gaze had drifted down to the boy once again, and he had to agree with Lucifuge. If he wanted to keep the boy in good health, he should likely take him home before the situation became too stressful, or even before Soah passed out right in his arms. The boy's face was pale and drawn, and he could feel his tension in his shoulders. The poor boy really did not feel comfortable with the situation. "I will take him home, then," he replied softly, and bent down so he could hook an arm around Soah's legs and pull him up to cradle him against his chest, despite the soft protests the boy produced.
"I will not dare to forget," he said in that cool voice of his, and glancing one final time at Lucifuge, carried the boy off and headed back home for the night.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
