Chapter Text
It was dimly lit in the bar where I lifted my head off of the dark stained oak table. My vision was blurry as I stared at the polished wood that was no longer cold from my face warming it. The sound of feet lazily approaching makes me glance upwards.
“Oh, did I interrupt your nap,” a teasing voice called out.
“You already drank yourself into an early hangover huh?” The voice continued.
I squinted in the direction of the voice across the table from me and near me with two drinks in hand…
I'm about to ask who he is then he talks in a lower raspy voice.
“I'm kind of offended you wouldn't remember your good friend Z…”
I attempt to rub the sleep from my eyes. My eyes become clearer as I wake up. He's quite handsome. I feel like I'd remember someone this good looking. Though his shaggy dirty blonde to dark brown bangs cover his eyes; I can feel his gaze on me. The bottom half of his face is exposed. His pierced face pulled into a wry knowing smile. He has dimple piercings, a Medusa, a nose ring and spider bites with too little hoops squeezing the corner of his plump bottom lip.
Metal glinting faintly in the low light. He is casually dressed in layers: a long sleeved turtle neck dark grey plaid under shirt and a lighter grey t-shirt over it. He looks to be wearing trip pants of some kind. I could faintly hear chains and buckles clinking as his legs shifted under the table and he took his seat across from me. His chin balanced on his hand, his silver ringed fingers leaned against his chin. His other hand wrapped around his elbow on the table. His head is adorned with two very sharp looking horns.
“You look like you don't even remember your name,” he says with a purr in his voice.
A movement catches my eye. It's a matching bright red and black arrow shaped tip of a wiry black tail swaying back and forth, like a metronome. Hypnotically almost. He clears his throat.
“Ah, well I'm Emerald but you can call me Eme.” I said shyly. A bit embarrassed I was staring.
“Did you have a good nap, Eme?” He asked with a sly smile on his face.
“I guess I did. It's a pleasure to meet you Z,” I said, feeling a bit more confident for some reason. My head feels like it's splitting in half. I hold a hand to my forehead to rub it.
“You look like you're in pain,” he chuckled.
“Napping while drinking, honestly it serves me right.” I chuckled.
“What do you remember about me?” He asked curiously.
“Hmm your pronouns are He/Him or They/Them right?” I asked, pondering how I knew that myself.
“I feel like They/Them is more accurate, but humans always referred to me as the former.” They said, giving a nonchalant shrug.
Z slides one of the drinks they were carrying towards me. It looks like temptation, like danger. Z smiles, slightly flashing their sharp looking teeth.
“You probably don't want that then…It's your usual of course~” Z says with a chuckle.
I raise an eyebrow at Z. Hair of the dog and all that, then take a gulp of the drink.
“Heh, I can hear your liver dying from here~” They chuckle. Z's sly smirk back on his face.
“That's kinda rude, even if it's probably true.” I snorted a laugh shaking my head at them.
“Oh, it is? My bad. Sorry Eme. I didn't mean to offend you, it's nice seeing you happy.” I wave my hand as if swatting away their apology.
“I just like to see you honest with yourself when enjoying your favorite things.” Z says quietly.
I flush at the thought and clear my throat.
“I wouldn't say alcohol is one of my favorite things. It's just a good way to kill time” I say with a shrug. Spinning the glass tumbler but keeping all the liquid inside.
Z seems more interested in me than their own beverage. The large rock of ice in my glass is the only indicator that time is indeed passing between us, a thick silence drifts across as he stares at me…Z soon breaks the silence.
“Sooo…You come here often?” Z asks playfully. I freeze then cringe internally at the terrible pick up line.
“Are you…was that a pick up line?” I asked with a chuckle.
An impish smile crosses his pierced features.
“What? Don't like that one?” Z's voice teases.
I deadpan Z.
“Okay okay, what about this one…” He takes a deep breath seemingly to compose himself.
Z seems to be taking this a bit too seriously
Z gives me a grave look, their face twisted up into annoyance then a slight frown.
“Help, I can't breathe,”
Z stares expectantly. Z excitedly fidgets a bit, just waiting for me to answer their chains clinking softly. I humor Z with a small smile.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because you took my breath away~” It's so bad I can't help but snort a laugh.
“Uuggghhhh, that was so bad it was funny!” I laughed a bit harder.
“Did it hurt when you-” they started again.
“No!” I laugh-yelled, probably startling the other patrons of the bar.
“What! You didn't even let me finish.” They tsk-ed at me.
“No!! Please just, no! Next.” I begged.
Z seems to be enjoying themselves quite a bit.
“Okay okay. What about this one?” Z leans forward, a devilish smirk spreading across their face.
“You could be a sacrifice that even the Devil says ‘Thank you’ for.” Z smirks.
I'm stunned. That one was actually really good. I feel my cheeks flaring hot. I clear my throat trying to be nonchalant.
“Hmm, that's…actually creative.” Z smirks in satisfaction. Then they open up their mouth to say something more but I jump in to stop them.
“Please, please no more pickup lines. Spare me,” my heart cannot take it. Looking like Z does, I might just ask to meet them again.
Something dark flashed across Z's face, as they shifted in his chair. I think they like hearing me beg and I'm not going to lie, I'm kinda into that too. Not sure if it's just my brain swimming in booze but Z's hot. If not a bit strange.
“Well if this sweet human is going to beg, then I suppose I can stop.” Z says with a purr in their voice. God they probably know I'm into this too.
If only Z knew the truth of it…I…I'm not…it's better I don't think about it right now.
“Thank-”
“For now,” Z says, sticking out their forked blackened tongue playfully.
Z has a lot of body modifications. It makes me so curious what their eyes look like under that soft looking mop of hair. Also why did Z call me a human…?
I shoot them a deadpan glance and take a sip of my drink trying to wash away the red flush in my cheeks from earlier.
Z cackles a bit at my glare.
My phone vibrates, startling me. I assume it's my manager asking me to work late tomorrow. I sigh and nearly roll my eyes.
As if reading my mind Z asks:
“So how's the job lately?”
“If I'm honest it's corporate. It's almost like I work for the devil himself you know? It could be worse though…actually no. It's pretty shitty when I have to go into the office. I'm harassed pretty much. Being a young, attractive and single woman in tech is challenging sometimes. Reporting it to HR has only gotten them a slap on the wrist.” I rolled my eyes and huffed out a breath.
“Sorry, I shouldn't just dump on you like that.” I sighed.
“Want to burn it all down?” Z asks seriously but with a smile on their face.
“That is a bit extreme and as much as I would love to see it all burn, it wouldn't solve the issue. This is something I'll deal with no matter where I go.” I sigh heavily.
“Arson is honest work-” Z says. I swear their eyebrows are on their hairline.
“That…may be the case…but let's not.” I give them a raised eyebrow.
“You know it's not as easy as people think.” Z tsk-ed again.
“How about we just scratch this whole idea?” I asked with a chuckle.
Best not to encourage arson even as a joke…I can't rely on the good judgement of some weird guy wearing horns and a tail…
“Ah that's right. How do you feel about bombs?” Z smirks.
“Z…you can't joke about that shit. People might take you seriously. Calling in a bomb threat is a punishable offense.” I chided them.
I looked around quickly to check if anyone was listening. I don't want either of us getting in trouble. Z barks out a harsh laugh. Their sharp teeth are on full display.
“Hah! The human police arresting me? I'd like to see them try.” Z continued chuckling.
I blinked at them incredulously then chuckled.
“You're fuckin nuts, aren't you?” Of course I find the crazy guy hot as hell. I roll my eyes internally at myself.
“I guess it would be kind of a shame to blow it up. The corruption corporate greed creates is pretty much unmatched nowadays. Not to mention the amount of fraud.” Z says with a shrug.
I sigh, completely giving up.
“And I'd be out of a job?” I raised an eyebrow at them.
“Eh, you don't need one of those.” Z waves their hand dismissively.
“I could provide better for you and take care of ALL your needs.” Z says with a shrug.
I nearly do a spit take with my drink.
Z quickly changed the subject.
“What kind of movies do you like?”
“Horror movies” I replied.
“Ohhhh me too~ well some of them I like. Some are just…laughable.”
“Do you like the bloody ones, or the possession ones?” He asked curiously.
“Out of those two choices the bloody one's. I overall prefer psychological horror though. I find that a crazy person scares me more than anything. You can't rationalize someone who just does it for the hell of it. The ones who may or may not have a tragic back story make a bit more sense because hurt people, hurt people. They know it's fucked up but just don't care. That is what really scares me. Slashers all the way.” I say a bit cheerfully, blushing a bit at my long winded answer. I hope they don't mind…
“I'm kinda a movie snob, not going to lie. I like horror but only if I can't guess the ending. I find it kind of endearing.” I snorted a laugh.
Z smiles as if they're looking at something cute.
“Well maybe you could show me sometime how endearing they are.” Z says in a slightly slower and lower tone of voice.
Heat instantly rises to my cheeks. God I can't stay around hearing their smooth voice like that for long. Jesus.
“Hmm do you like to guess who will survive~?” He ponders.
“Well I think it's pretty obvious, but I do love a good twist.” I chuckle.
“Do you think you would survive a slasher flick?” Z asked as their tail swished behind them.
“Absolutely. I would literally tell the group of people I'm not keen on going to a haunted anything. Nowhere where there aren't other people around or other people have gone missing or been killed. I wouldn't hang out with people who put me in harm's way and I know how to defend myself.” I say with a shrug.
“Oho~ So bold of you!” Z says teasingly, sticking the black tip of their split tongue out again.
“Maybe you should protect me~” Z huffs out a chuckle.
“Does big bad Z need my protection?” I laugh at the idea.
“You look more like the thing that might be hunting me,” I teased.
A dark look crosses Z's face again. Oh God they're into that.
“Hmm…I'm certainly not opposed to that idea…” Z stuck out their tongue and showed off their teeth.
Umm wow, Z's tongue is long and has at least two piercings through it. God this man is so my type like literally everything about them.
“I could give you a good chase then snatch you up~” Z teases with their low raspy voice.
Fuck this is bad. I have to physically restrain myself from shifting in my seat. I blush again thinking of the implications. I need to get laid or take a cold shower. I stop myself from fanning my face. I can't look at them right now.
“A-anyways,” my voice faltered and I cleared my throat.
“I really enjoy watching movies.”
“I watch movies too,” Z said nonchalantly.
“Oh yeah?” I asked curiously.
Z puff out their chest giving a proud look.
“I have seen 20 or so” Z flashes me a bright smile. Are they serious…oh…OH shit they are…
“Wow, all 20 of them huh?” I asked.
“Yeah, yeah I know I have a few more to go.” Z stuck out the tip of his tongue again.
“Before we met I wasn't really interested.” They said with a shrug.
“But watching you watch- But seeing you so passionate about them made me want to watch them too.” Z said with a small smile.
“I wouldn't say I'm passionate,” I blushed…I guess I am a little…
“Hmm, maybe my misinterpretation then.” Z said. I waved my hand.
“No, you're fine, I'm just a bit embarrassed is all. I wonder how much I've rambled so far about them…” I said rubbing the back of my neck.
“Either way, movies are just such a…human creation. I just don't understand them.” Z sighs in confusion.
“What do you mean?” I asked furrowing my brow. Like philosophically or like metaphorically…physically?
Z takes a moment to think.
“So for instance, you know those super hero movies right?”
“Yeah?” I replied, raising an eyebrow.
“They, uh, the heroes are always so determined to carry out justice without killing ‘The bad guy’. Even if that idea of ‘justice’ only causes further suffering, death and damage to those they swear to protect.” Z explains.
“That is true, but I guess we as the viewer are supposed to be impressed but the hero's moral fortitude or something?” I say with a shrug.
“Is that morals or just selfish desire? The evil villains always get caught and go to jail. Then they immediately break out of jail to do worse crimes, even sometimes harming those the hero claims to love and want to protect.” Z huffs out a breath.
I'm kinda with Z on this one. Nip the obvious problem in the bud before it sprouts. Like once, shame on you but twice? Shame on me.
“Do they even want to stop crime? Or is it just that they enjoy carrying out justice? I don't understand. Despite all of this…humans still dress up, purchase paper magazines and little idols of these ‘heros’ adorn their houses.” Z asks. I nod my head while listening.
“Humans idolize heroes for their blind devotion to their selfish desires, yet hate villains for their…blind devotion to their selfish desires?” Z does make a valid point. I think it's about optics though.
“I just don't understand why any ‘hero’ would act under the guise that they are doing altruistic good.” If I could see their eyes they'd be rolling them I'm sure.
“So then as the hero, what would you do instead?” I asked them, curious. How would Z handle the situation?
“I'd protect those I want to protect. If anyone dared to touch those I protect, well…” Z said slowly.
Z sits up straight and looks me in the eye. Their gaze burned through their bangs. Z finger tips suddenly looked longer and much sharper. They knuckles in their hands pop as they flex them. Z's voice darkens as he speaks.
“I'd tear them limb from fucking limb. Just for simply having the thought” Z tsk-ed pissed off at the thought. Their tail whipped behind them, sending a cracking noise in the air. The sound sent a shiver down my spine. I shifted in my seat. I can't tell if I'm aroused or scared right now. Scaroused perhaps?
“I don't think that is considered something a hero would do…by most people's standards. Not that I don't agree with you. I'd be pissed if someone hurt the people I loved. That would be more of a villain's line though.” I said with a shrug.
“But humans will see a hero as someone that would sacrifice their loved one for the ‘greater good’. See? Humans are so confusing.” Z sighs and plays with their hair in thought.
“...humans would rather relate to talking cars than characters that do immoral acts…” Z’s voice sounds kind of resigned.
“I don't think that is entirely true.” I argued. I certainly don't feel that way but it would depend on the reason and the immoral acts. Z shrugs and changes the subject.
“Anyways~ I read online that the ‘movie watching experience’ is greatly improved when you are with someone else.” They said with a sly smile across their lips.
“Mmhmm?” I replied. Where is Z going with this?
“Like, really closely with them. Without any obstructions between yourself and the other person.” Is Z trying to ask me out?...
“Is that right?” I leaned closer to them over the table. Letting my eyes slowly scan their face.
Z seems to have gained some confidence in their answer.
“Yep. I read it online. Uh…’Moviewatching.com’,” You really shouldn't believe everything you read online but cuddling during a movie isn't a bad date.
“I'm thinking you shouldn't do it any other way because it would be wrong.” Z said with finality in their voice.
“So, I should find someone to cuddle with whenever I want to watch movies…?” I asked them with a raised eyebrow leaning back in my chair.
“Yep!” Z gives a look of surprise, as if a sudden realization had just hit them.
“Oh, now that you mention it, I have an idea!”
I laugh a full belly laugh, tearing up a bit.
“Z! Are you being this obvious on purpose?”
Z face softens at my laughter.
“I could be less obvious if you want?” They have a small smile on their face and stretch like a cat.
“How?” I asked. Z's face scrunched in thought.
“Sooo...I have a lot of movies that I need to watch…for…Anyways~ I read in a medical journal that 10/10 doctors agree, cuddling with a demon is good for your health.” Z smirks.
“I don't think anyone has said that but I'll take your word for it.” I added with a chuckle.
“So…I was thinking if I have to watch movies…for something it would be mutually beneficial for both of us to cuddle?” Z smiles adorably.
This dork. I do my best to maintain a cool expression. I lean forward a bit putting my elbows on the table and giving him a playful gaze as I motion for them to come closer so I can whisper.
“You're so bad at this,” I whisper to them. Z chuckles.
“You might want to quit while you're ahead,” I say louder after I pull away.
“Am I ahead?” Z asks with a broad smile.
“No, not really,” I giggled.
Z leans in closer this time lowering their voice to that raspy purr.
“So maybe…I shouldn't quit then?” Z chuckled.
Their words send tingles through my body from my head to my toes.
“No, you definitely should,” I teased.
I'm definitely the straight forward type. Like if you wanna go out just ask me straight. Though, I do like their corny flirting, I think it's cute.
“Okay, okay fine.” Z sighs in defeat jokingly.
“Humans are so confusing…” they say with a slight frown.
“Are you even human? You keep talking like you aren't one?” I asked, pinching my nose bridge.
I'm either really drunk or Z is really deep into this role play. Or the third option…No. Occam's razor. That can't be true…I haven't encountered…no fuckin way I passed out at a bar and meet a fucking devil/ imp, demon or whatever!
“I'm not,” Z says with a smile.
My brain freezes its thoughts.
“I'm sorry what? Did I hear you correctly?” I stared a bit wide eyed.
“I'm not a human.” Z says plainly.
Yup either they're batshit or I'm batshit…actually…I mean I'm not exactly…’human’ either…well I guess by their standards I would be…I sigh. I definitely should have seen this coming based on their…horns and tail. The teeth, the claws and tongue…I take a fat ass sip of my drink. I need all the courage I can get for this.
“I have to ask. Are you cosplaying?” I asked, pointing at their tail and horns.
“Is ‘Cost Play’ some kind of sex thing?” Z asks curiously.
“No! Absolutely not! Well technically… it could be…If you're into it. ” I cringe.
“Ooooh how bold of you to ask my sexual preferences in public like this~” Z teased. I feel my face flush red…
“You're going to make me feel all shy~” Z continued teasingly. I'm pretty sure I'm the only shy one here.
He scans the pub in an exaggerated manner then leans in very close. The smell of coal, whiskey and licorice drifted across my senses as they whispered. Their smell drives me crazy.
“You're…kinda freaky aren't you Eme~” Z leaned back and cackled at my speechless look. I mean they aren't wrong but they didn't have to call me out like that.
“In the context I was using it, it wasn't a sex thing!” I sighed knowing my cheeks are hot.
“I was just wondering if you liked to dress up as characters”
Z tilts his head.
“Like a costume?”
“Yes! Exactly!”
“I don't think so, but if it's your sex thing, I'd give it a try~” Z snickers.
“Oh my god! It's not MY sex thing!” I facepalm. Mine is a bit more specific…
Z laughs harder as my exasperation.
“You're doing this on purpose!” I pout.
Z shrugs, sticking the tip of their tongue out.
“Maybe. Enough about me though~” Z said in their low voice.
“What do you like to do?” Z asked.
“I like to watch movies, play video games, read sometimes, do some creative stuff…I think I like to consume stories really.” I say with a shrug.
“Yeah? I like video games too,” Z smiles.
“I feel like I could guess that based on your attire.” I chuckled.
“Oh is it the stripes?” I ignore their comment, chuckling to myself.
“What games do you play?” I asked curiously.
“I haven't played that many, I just learned about them.” Z smiles wide, cackling evilly.
“Humans get so mad when you're better than them~ Their shrill voices screaming threats really make my day. How will these humans accomplish their little threats? I don't even have a mother! Stupid humans…” Z cackles loudly as if they truly got one over on the ‘humans’.
My mouth opens and closes a couple times. I mean I like trolling people too on occasion but like damn Z. Sounds like they make it their mission to piss people off by simply being better. Evil and petty but I'm kinda here for it. Z seems so proud of themselves too so I keep my mouth shut and nod.
“What else do you do for fun? Visit the Pub?” Z asked curiously.
“Well I guess I like talking to strangers at pubs…” I smiled as I put my elbow on the table and my face in my chin mimicking their posture.
“Is that considered a hobby?” Z asked.
“No, I don't think so. I couldn't think of much else. Maybe I work too much," I said, smiling bitterly to myself.
“So it's sounding to me like your life could be improved by a lil’ arson Z said playfully.
“Not all problems are solved with arson.” I say playfully back to them.
Z pouts.
“Maybe...some are…” Z mumbled.
“No they aren't,” I laughed.
“Fine fiiiinnne, no arson then.” Z finally agreed.
“Why are you like this?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Demons gotta be proud of what they got right? I'm just saying I could teach you a few things.” Z huffed with a smirk.
Z rambles on about the ‘underappreciated art’ of arson. I can feel my eyelids dropping a bit. So I rest my head on my arm as Z continues their ramblings. Their voice is smoothing somehow, helping lull me to sleep.
My vision is a bit blurry with sleep. Z looks down at me. Reaching forward to brush a loose curl ringlet away from my face. They look like a cat that caught a mouse. Z's face pulled into an adorable smile, dimples on full display.
“You look tired, Eme,” Z said in their raspy low whisper.
“I should probably head home before…I…fall asleep here…” I grumbled.
“Good idea. I enjoyed talking with you, like always Eme,” Z whispered sweetly.
Despite my voiced thought my eyes grew heavier. Z becomes blurry until they fade into darkness. Before I fully passed out, I felt a hand gently stroking through my curls.
Don't worry Eme, you are safe here
I leaned into the warmth and comfort of the hand a bit more.
We will have so much fun together Emerald. Just you and me…