Demons of the Heart: Chapter 33

The Love We Make Is Give and It’s Take

Bryce Moon was not having a good year. Striking out with both members of the sexes, not to mention losing them to the same guy, was definitely a kick to the ego.

To be truthful, it was starting to be a lonely existence at Melean. Brad was with Zero, and he did not much care for any one else at the school.

“It’s probably time to make a smooth exit.”

He looked up and down the main hall of the school where he had been moping for the past half hour. Empty.

That is, except for the man that was currently striding towards him angrily. Bryce watched curiously as this guy, who appeared to be older than him, practically ran at the Demon.

“You!”

Bryce smirked at the man’s tone, “Yes?”

“You are the first person I’ve found in this God forsaken school.”

“Uh… I’m sorry?” The man had sounded like he was accusing Bryce of something.

Nate Larson glared at this obnoxious kid with an attitude. “Do you know Orin?”

This caught Bryce’s attention. “Orin Larson? Sure…”

“Where is he?”

The older man’s tone made Bryce bristle with affronted anger. He took a second to appraise the loud idiot. The guy was taller, which was not a huge accomplishment, considering that Bryce was relatively short. He was good looking at least; he had that small town, good ol’ boy look to him. Bryce was surprised that he was not wearing flannel and a cowboy hat.

“Why do you care?” Bryce replied, deciding to toy with the hick, “Who are you anyway?”

Nate glared, “That’s quite an attitude you’re putting on, you should respect your elders.”

Snorting, Bryce turned to leave, “I’m not telling some random stranger where my friend is.”

Suddenly, he felt a hand grip on to his shoulder. A hand with inhuman strength.

So, this weirdo was a Demon.

“You’re friends with my brother?”

Bryce felt a chill run through his spine. He had never been too afraid of a Demon before, maybe Zero, but this was on a new level. The man’s tone had shifted into something dangerous.

“I… yes,” Bryce replied, turning around to face Nate. “How do I know you’re really his brother?”

The grip on his shoulder tightened, and Bryce winced. It felt like the bones were going to break.

“I don’t have time for this,” Nate hissed, “I’ll find him myself.”

He shoved Bryce away and stormed off towards the library. Several oncoming students scattered as he flew down the hall like a bowling ball.

“Shit…” Bryce said. He had to find Orin before that whack job did.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

‘Silk’ was the first thought that came to Mark’s mind as he slowly awoke. Expensive silk. He was pretty sure that was what he was currently lying on. He knew for a fact that the silk was covering a mattress that was supported by a four-post bed. King sized.

Groggily, he sat up and surveyed his surroundings.

“Shit.”

He was in a bedroom of massive proportions, wearing nothing but boxers.

Framed articles, tabloid covers and pictures of Ezekiel Kain covered every inch of wall space. Images of him running around town with some starlet, stories about him renting out an entire dance club for his birthday. One magazine cover suggested that he had a lover in every country.

“I have to get out of here,” Mark mumbled, backing away from the walls of vanity, towards the door. He hit flesh.

Whipping around, he found Ezekiel standing behind, wearing nothing but briefs. The Demon had his arms crossed, a painted nail tapping on his right bicep. His jet-black hair was swept up in a ponytail, his bangs falling around his onyx eyes.

“Mad?”

Mark was about to ask what the Demon meant, when the night before came rushing back to him. Ezekiel’s obnoxious friend, the club…then darkness.

He scowled. “You drugged me…”

This caused Ezekiel to laugh. “You sound more irritated than angry… Most people would be enraged… or scared.”

“It’s not the first messed up thing you’ve done to me,” Mark shrugged as he glanced around the room, looking for his clothes.

Ezekiel frowned, “So… you don’t even care?”

“I just want to get out of here,” Mark said absent-mindedly as he pulled on his recently located pants, “I’m done with… whatever this was Zeke.”

He heard a chuckle. “That’s nice Hone, but what if I’m not done?”

The Demon took a step towards Mark. “I mean, what did you think? I just drug you and then… let you go?”

Mark stood up taller as he buttoned his pants. “Are you trying to scare me?” he asked with a nonchalant voice. He looked into Ezekiel’s eyes, “You want me to be scared of you?”

Taking another step towards the human, Ezekiel smiled, “Maybe… I can’t say it wouldn’t be fun. Having you cower in fear.”

Mark languidly ran his fingers through his straw-blond hair. “This game isn’t fun anymore. I’m tired of playing chicken with you.”

Something snapped within Ezekiel. Growling, he grabbed Mark’s wrist and dragged the teenager over to the bed, and threw him down. Looming over him, Ezekiel stood, staring with obvious anger.

“This is a new tactic Mark, playing it cool,” he hissed, “I would love to know where your temper went?”

“I hate you,” was all Mark said in reply.

Ezekiel slowly crawled on top of the human, and leaned down to kiss him on the forehead. As his lips touched Mark’s skin, the human’s emotions dripped into his veins, and mixed with his blood. However, Mark was able to keep a part of himself blocked.

“I hate you,” Mark said again, quietly.

Ezekiel could tell. He could feel the hate, could feel it mix with his own anger at Mark for not liking him. It was a bad amalgam of emotions to be running through the hot-blooded Demon. His anger rose as he felt more obstacles. Mark was keeping him from getting every ounce of emotion, was blocking his whole self from the Demon.

He brought his head down and kissed Mark flush on the lips, and then moved on towards the enclave between his jaw and his neck. Slowly, but surely, he felt the lust build up in Mark.

Gripping on to the human’s shoulders, he shoved the human around on to his stomach, and started to kiss the back of Mark’s neck. By this time, the teenager was breathing heavily, gripping on to the sheets as Ezekiel’s hands roamed over him.

“I hate–“

Ezekiel stopped the words, covering Mark’s mouth with his hand. He brought his lips to the human’s ear, and whispered.

“I know.”

He felt teeth clamp down on his fingers, and he laughed.

“Mark… does anyone care where you are right now? Who is thinking about you?”

He brought his face closer to Mark’s, covering the boy’s body with his own.

“Do you really just want to go back to being the sidekick? A minor role?”

He rubbed Mark’s lip with his thumb, as the teenager watched him with emotionless, blue eyes.

“You need me,” Ezekiel whispered forcefully, “You’ll always need me.”

He kissed the human again, and again. “I’m the one who knows you.”

Suddenly, the obstacles were gone, and Ezekiel felt the rush of loneliness that Mark had kept hidden from him. Yielding to the comfort of another person, Mark gave up fighting.

He was so tired of the game, after all.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Nate Larson saw them before they saw him. He recognized Riley, the red head was a stranger.

It didn’t matter.

He charged towards them, as anyone in his path dived out of the way. Finally, Riley noticed him coming.

The younger Demon did not say a word as Nate came towards him, but watched with calculating eyes. What storm was about to hit him now?

“Kain,” Nate hissed as he reached the two teenagers, “Where is my brother?”

The man was practically seething.

“Nate… calm down,” Riley replied, “Do you really think I would tell you where Orin is, when you look like you’re about to kill someone.”

This seemed to reach the older Demon, as a look of calm washed over his face. Riley did not trust it.

“Sorry,” Nate said, his tone fake, “I was just frustrated… it’s been impossible getting in contact with him.”

“I’m right here.”

All of the Demons present swung around to find the blue-haired teenager standing behind them. A confused looking Bryce was standing a few paces away.

“What do you want Nate?”

Nate Larson smiled, “Orin…”

His eyes had glazed over for a moment, but then he seemed to remember something.

“My father died.”

Orin’s eyes widened slightly. “Gary? …Is dead?”

His stepbrother nodded. “Heart attack. Your mother already had the funeral… but I thought you should know.”

“I’m sorry Nate.”

Nate shrugged, “I’m sure it will hurt in a few years, but I really hated him.”

He looked down into Orin’s eyes, “Can we talk for a little while?”

Riley shifted uncomfortably at these words. The last thing he needed was Nate Larson showing up with some sob story. “Aren’t you talking to him right now?”

Ignoring this comment, Orin smiled, “Sure Nate, why don’t we go into town?”

The man smiled, “Thanks.”

As they were about to walk away, Orin turned to look at Zero, “Oh, Brad said something about eating dinner at his country club with Stacy, so don’t bother looking for him.”

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

“Jameson, what do you plan to do after you graduate?”

-cough-

“Well sir, I definitely pla- “

“Because, young man, Mrs. Bloom and I are quite serious about your future.”

“Ah, well… In the future, I will most definitely be doing… future-related… things, to ah, secure my… future.”

-poke-

“Ow!”

“What was that Jameson?”

Brad chuckled dismissively, rubbing his side, “Nothing sir,” he said jovially though clenched teeth, as he threw a subtle glare towards the girl sitting next to him.

“After all, you and my daughter seem very serious. Mrs. Bloom and I would love to do anything that would help encourage the relationship.”

His hand trembling, Brad leaned forward to pick up his glass of water. “Oh Mr. Bloom, I doubt our relationship could be encouraged…”

Looking up, he caught the quizzical look in the old man’s eyes.

“Ahahaha! I mean, of course, because we are so delighted to be together without any help…”

Stacy jumped in immediately, “I think what Brad is trying to say, well, we’re going strong daddy…there’s no need to meddle.” She wrapped her arm around Brad’s and smiled, “Why would we ruin our chance to be the perfect couple?”

“Darling,” Mrs. Bloom had finally spoken up, “It’s that… Brad’s father said, …He said that Brad was dating a Demon.”

“A man.” Mr. Bloom barked.

It was if the air had gone out of the room as Brad and Stacy clung to each other for dear life. Simultaneously, they both burst into cartoonish laughter.

“Oh, how absurd!” Stacy giggled maniacally, “As if…hahaha, as if Brad would date a man.”

“Really, hahahaha! Does that sound like me? Dating a guy?” Brad chuckled, showing too much teeth.

Stacy’s parents watched the two teenagers giggle with fake hilarity. “So,” Mr. Bloom said slowly, “It’s not true?”

As Brad was about to answer, a shadow descended upon them. “Water?” asked a husky voice. Cold panic washed over Stacy and Brad, for they both knew that voice.

Zero Kedd was standing over them, wearing a waiter’s uniform. In one hand, he was holding a pitcher, poised above Stacy’s head.

“Don’t you two make a darling couple?” he said, his feline grin stretching across his face.

Mrs. Bloom ‘Awwwed’ at the compliment, and fluttered her eyes at Zero, “I agree young man, they do make a handsome pair.”

“And look at him,” Zero continued, gesturing at Brad, “Bound to be a CEO someday.”

This brought forth proud chuckles from Mr. Bloom. “I would hope so, I would hope so.” He peered up at Zero, “You look like a bright lad as well, what brought you to work at a country club?”

The Demon smiled graciously, his eyes flickering to Brad, “Just a part time job, I plan to find something better… so I can support my love, after all, we’re together forever.”

“Isn’t that darling,” Mrs. Bloom cooed, “So you’re married?”

“More or less.”

Stacy’s mother clapped her hands with delight, “That’s wonderful. It’s what we’re hoping for these two…” she said, gesturing at Brad and Stacy. The two teenagers had not moved an inch since Zero’s arrival, but at these words they quickly jumped back into action.

“I’m sure the waiter doesn’t care about our plans…” Stacy mumbled, kicking Brad under the table.

“Ah! Yes… besides, we’re still young.”

Mr. Bloom cleared his throat. “That would be the main reason why we wanted to talk to you today. Brad, you are graduating soon, and yet you have no prospects for the future.”

He held up a hand as Brad was about to interject. “Which is why I am offering you a position at Bloom & Strauss.”

“Your…law firm?”

Brad was too stunned by the offer to realize how happy he sounded. His own father never bothered to offer him anything, and here was an open invitation to work at one of the best firms in the country.

The pitcher of water slammed down on the table, making everyone jump. They had forgotten that Zero was standing there. “Excuse me,” the Demon growled, “Brad, you want to be a lawyer?”

“What is this?” Mr. Bloom asked, looking back and forth at Brad and Zero, “You two know each other?”

His words went unheard. An unbreakable intensity was traveling between the two teenager’s gazes. Breathing heavily, Zero tried to get his temper under control. Brad desperately wished he were telepathic, so that he could mentally tell the Demon to shut the hell up before he ruined everything.

Suddenly, Zero looked over at Mr. Bloom and smirked. “I’m sorry, of course I know Brad… he is a member of this club. I was just surprised because I thought he wanted to be a… football player, was it?”

Stacy laughed, “Football? Demons ruined that dreamfor him.”

“Christ…” Brad mumbled, rubbing his temple. He looked up and smiled at Zero, “Waiter, I think we’re fine here for now.”

“Really?” Zero responded, his face a blank slate, “I’ll go then.”

The two teenagers sitting at the table watched as the Demon walked away. Stacy looked over at Brad and smiled, “You don’t need to be a lawyer honey, unless you want to?”

Brad did not respond. Looking down at his hands, he sighed. Would his relationship with Zero ever go smoothly?

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Later in the day, Mark found himself sitting outside a café, waiting.

“Hey.”

Jake Feller stood there, looking defeated. He sat and stole a sip of Mark’s coffee.

“So?” Mark asked, watching the townie, “What’s happening with the trial?”

“Nothing,” Jake responded with a shrug, “They dropped the charges.”

He leaned forward conspiratorially, “Hone, I really think they’re trying to cover this up now… I don’t think they want it known that a human can kill a Demon.”

Mark nodded, “Makes sense… but how did you do it?”

Frowning, Jake leaned back in his chair again, “I’ve been trying to figure that out…”

He squinted at Mark, “Where were you last night?”

The blond teenager smiled as a look of melancholia clouded his eyes, “I was with Ezekiel,” he sighed and took a sip of his coffee, “I hate my life, Jake, so much.”

“Join the club,” the townie responded, “Dietrich has started up with the marriage plans again.”

Mark was about to respond when a complete stranger joined their table. The man looked like a rat.

“Excuse me?” he said with a cheesy grin, “But I do believe you were the man seen with Ezekiel Kain last night at Club 34?” He had a notepad poised.

Mark did not respond.

“Is it true that you’re human?”

Jake leaned forward menacingly, “Hey, asshole, beat it.”

The reporter glanced at Jake, and than did a double take. “Aren’t…aren’t you the Demon killer?”

The man looked as if he had just hit the jackpot, “You two KNOW EACH OTHER?”

He started scribbling, “Is this some conspiracy to murder Ezekiel Kain? ….Or are you two planning on holding him for ransom?”

“What?” Mark stared at this man with questionable sanity.

“May I ask your name, sir?” the reporter said suddenly, jabbing his pen at Mark.

Jake slammed his hand down on the table, “You littler fucker, I told you to get out of here!”

The reporter went pale. He had never been scared to take the rough stories, but this kid could kill Demons.

“Sorry, sorry,” he said, holding his hands up, He started to chuckle, “No hard feelings right? You kids get to be in the news!”

That was the last straw, Jake stood up with a flurry, knocking his chair over. “I swear to God mister, if you don’t disappear from my sight NOW, I will beat the living shit out of you.”

The man was gone in an instant.

“Is he really going to write something about us?” Mark asked.

Jake sighed. “Yes… and it will probably be about us trying to kill Ezekiel Kain.”

He looked down at Mark, “Can we just run away?”

The other teenager laughed, “You already tried that Jake, and look where it got you.”

Jake did not respond, for right at that moment, Dietrich Chald pulled up in his new car. Rolling down his window, he shouted out to them, “Hey! Look what I just bought!”

Both humans sighed. “Ready to go back?” Jake asked.

“No,” Mark replied as he lifted his bags, “But I need to graduate, so I guess I just have to deal.” They lugged their bags to the car, and shoved them into the trunk.

As they made they way back to Melean, Mark thought idly back to the short conversation he had with Ezekiel before he left.

“Mark, I will be coming back as well.”

“Fine.”

“Don’t even try to avoid me again, it won’t work.”

The human knew that fighting was useless. What was it that Bryce had told him at the Masque Ball? Wait for Ezekiel’s interest to fade, because it always will. He just had to be patient.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Riley was waiting outside of Orin’s door when the blue-haired teenager returned. He was trying to look inconspicuous, but was failing. He had been pacing for over an hour, doubt and anger building up in his mind.

“How is he?” the Demon said, his voice ice cold.

“Fine,” Orin replied, “He just needed someone to talk to.”

“Did it have to be you?” Riley asked, following Orin as the human opened his door and walked into his room.

“I’m his brother.”

“That’s a dumb excuse,” Riley growled, “You know how he feels about you.”

“And I used to feel the same way,” Orin said with a shrug.

He heard a low growl, and turned to see Riley watching him with narrowed eyes. “Orin, you already chose me over him.”

He advanced on the human, “You can’t go back now.”

Before Orin could turn away, Riley gripped on to Orin, pulling the human closer. He wrapped his arms around the lithe human, enveloping him into a bear hug. “Don’t fight,” he whispered.

Riley inhaled Orin’s scent, feeling it cloud his senses. Already, the human’s emotions were seeping through him, filling his heart. Sighing, he rested his cheek on Orin’s head. “You can’t go back,” he repeated with a blunt tone.

Orin was passive. He did not want to fight with Riley, and he found the situation tiring. “Please let go of me,” he said blankly, “I wasn’t planning on going anywhere.”

He shoved away from Riley and sat down on his bed. “Listen Kain, I see how Brad lets Zero push him around, same with Jake and Dietrich,” he looked up at Riley with a stubborn expression, “I swear to God, I will never let a Demon treat me like that. If you touch me again without permission, I will never speak to you again.”

Riley’s face was a blank slate. “You would ignore me if all I had was words…Demons are physical.”

Brushing a strand of blue hair out of his eyes, Orin glared at the Demon, “That is the dumbest excuse I have ever heard.”

“Why are you fighting with me?” Riley growled as he felt himself losing his grip on his temper.

“This is not fighting you idiot, I’m just telling you that I won’t stand for being shoved around.”

Riley was about to respond when he felt the presence of another Demon on the other side of the door. Nate was out there.

“Do you even like me?” Riley asked, “Or do I just annoy you?”

Orin stopped short. He had been wondering the same question. What about Riley was there to like? The guy acted like a pretentious asshole. “You think you’re better than me.” Orin said finally.

“That…is not true.”

Orin snorted, “You can’t even deny it without hesitating. Just leave me alone.”

Riley’s mouth formed a thin line. “I did not want to sound like Dietrich, but this is getting out of hand. I already requested permission to mark you, and it has been confirmed. Backing out now is not an option.”

“There is always an option,” Orin snapped.

Without warning, Riley was on top of him. It seemed as if the Demon’s teeth had become sharper. His eyes were glowing.

“Not this time.”

And then he bit down.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

((I’m Game to Play Along))

Heeellllooooo everyone! This chapter was inspired by Jimmy Eat World’s “Work”. It was going to be inspired by Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” because I think the song sounds more selfish than romantic, buuut, I realized that the selfishness is not one-sided with all of these relationships, plus “Work” is more high school angsty.

There are several things I want to mention:

I’m sorry this took so long ):

The pace may be a little slow, it’s been so long since I’ve written anything.

I have a new addiction! Kdramas and Jdramas! Go to mysoju and watch Delightful Girl Choonhyang, Full House, Goong, and Boys Over Flowers! (The one problem I have with BOF is that it’s slightly violent, and a little too…sexist isn’t the word, but the feminist side of me bristles a little, so watch out for that..lol)

They made a live action version of a shounen ai manga! Go to youtube, and look up Takumi-Kun Series English subs. :D

Finally, THANK YOU FOR READING!

P.s. You people who pointed out the ‘douche bag’ mistake, I’m leaving it in just for you :P