A Demon's Bargain

I narrowed my eyes and contemplated the Andy-man for a moment, weighing my options. I was dealing with an otherworldly force; I needed to be smart about being stupid, if I really was going to go with my gut on this. The time had come when I would make the decision that would seal my fate: could I ever truly be loved, or would I trade any chance of that for the guarantee of feeling that way, specifically by this demon? I looked at him. This charming, slinky demon…

Andy had gorgeous, slate blue and cerulean eyes. His gaze was steady and soulful. I snorted. I was sure his look was well practiced, but it was completely flawless. If he was actually impatient with me, or perhaps feeling nothing, I saw no sign. Andy even raised his eyebrows as if in 'concern' at my snort! It looked so genuine.

I was tired of my attempts at romance. I couldn’t stand giving so much and always feeling so empty in return. Across the board, I had been rejected, ultimately by every partner I’d ever had. This demon would throw me away too, but it would never be personal, and it wouldn’t exactly be a surprise when it happened. And in the meantime, I had guaranteed acceptance of my affection, my attention, and someone to spend time with. I just really, really wanted to, frankly.

Abruptly, I decided. The cat-man was totally on point. But if he was leaving in an hour, a day, or even a week, it wasn't worth it. "I don't agree to all your terms."

Andy's mouth fell open, and he said nothing. It was as though I'd said something totally unacceptable, like called his mother a slur. Not that Andy likely had a mother. I just waited for him to stop having his prima donna fit. Eventually, he shook his head. "What?"

"I will only agree if you will make my suggested modifications to the terms. I believe what I'm about to propose is fair, so hear me out." Andy raised an eyebrow and gestured for me to go on. He did not look thrilled. I figured he was used to getting what he wanted.

"It's obvious that you're not telling me something, Andy. You, Satan, whatever, must benefit in some way by removing any chance I have at finding love after you leave." It was subtle, but I noticed that Andy's breath caught. Bingo, I was on to something.

I leaned forward a bit for emphasis. "I'm willing to put up with paying that price, but it has to be worth it, in my eyes, Andy-man, not just yours. So, I make you a counter offer, the same as your own, except for two changes."

Andy squinted keenly at me. "Tell me." He started absently stroking his stomach with one clawed hand.

I held up a finger. "First, you must stay at least a month-" Andy sniffed, but I kept talking, just louder, "-I said, a month, before you can go." I held up another finger. "Second, if, at any point during that month, you are unhappy, bored, or whatever happens normally that causes you to leave, you certainly may go-” Andy’s eyes narrowed to just a sliver, “-BUT, it will null and void the entire agreement, and leave no lasting effects on my future romantic prospects. Only if you last a month do you get to extract your sick price. Have I made myself clear?"

Andy reached for the hand I was still using to demonstrate my two key points, and I let him take it. He looked at my hand in his, and played with my fingers, running a claw along the undersides. It was embarrassing, I felt like my fingers were so small and round compared to his long and graceful ones. I also felt like my insides were being turned to putty.

His eyes were wide as he spoke. “You are a deadly nightshade indeed, (Y/N). You have tempted me here, at my weakest hour, and now you want to turn me away?” Andy shocked me by bringing my palm to his lips and kissing it softly. He looked at me steadily, and I couldn’t look away, it was scorching. “Are you not fond of my kisses? Do you not want to come home to me, to have me kiss you wherever you would like?” I couldn’t answer.

Andy put my palm on his cheek. It was warm and angular; I always had such cold hands. “Your touch, your pounding heart tells me you would-“

I had to make my stand. I had made my decision and I would stick to my bloody guns. I pulled my hand back and held up my two fingers again. “-Do you agree to the changes in terms? Yes or no?”

Andy’s reaction didn’t frighten me, though maybe it should have. He stood up, looking like an enraged toddler, then bent over to yell in my face. “I’m starving!” He started pacing around the room, tail lashing furiously, muttering to himself in what sounded like Latin.

Notes