Alexander walked quietly beside Faybian, his mind busy piecing together every fragment of information about demons and their habits. What they ate, how they lived—everything intrigued him, and he made a mental note to jot it all down later, a scribbled addition to the journal he kept for moments like these. His cheeks flushed a soft pink at Faybian’s offhanded comment about him being adorable, a compliment he didn’t quite know how to accept. “Thank you…” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He’d never thought of himself that way—awkward, sure, weird even, especially when it came to fumbling through social cues—but adorable? That felt foreign and almost too kind. He glanced down at his shoes as they walked, trying to will the blush away. As they stepped into the store, the rich, sugary aroma washed over him like a warm wave, instantly lifting the weight of his earlier thoughts. Yesterday’s worries felt distant now, replaced by the comforting hum of the pastel-colored bakery. The interior was a delight to the senses: soft purples painted the walls, accented by whimsical decorations and glowing fairy lights that made the space feel cozy and magical all at once. The glass case near the register caught his attention immediately, a treasure trove of sweets displayed like precious jewels. His eyes widened as he took in the offerings, each one more tempting than the last. “I would order the whole menu if I could,” Alexander confessed, leaning in to get a better look, his excitement spilling over. “But I think for now I’ll take a cinnamon bun—oh, and maybe a crème brûlée. But wait, those fried Oreos look so good… or maybe the funnel cake.” He let out a small laugh, pressing his hands to his cheeks in mock despair. “I just can’t decide!” He glanced up at Faybian, “What do you think? Do you have a favorite, or should I just go with everything and call it research?”
Faybian peeked over at Alexander, a small smile quirking at his lips as he found the now familiar expression Alexander got when his mind was at work. Faybian still couldn't exactly place why he loved watching Alexander work on his little projects or figure something out even if Faybian had no clue what that thing was, he had narrowed it down to that moment it all seemed to click together for Alexander; that excitement and fascination when he finally understood how his lab experiments came together or when something clicked into place in his mind. It was why Faybian kept telling Alexander about himself. He liked having someone he cared about actually try and understand him despite his worry it may be too much for Alexander to handle the more details he gave. But for now, Faybian didn't find harm in telling him how he managed to survive in the mortal world.
Faybian glanced around as they entered the bakery, glad to be somewhere warm and deliciously inviting than out in the cold. He followed Alexander deeper into the cafe, peeking over Alexander's shoulder to look at the items in the display case.
"Research hm? I wouldn't object to that at all, though we wouldn't want you getting sick. The bakery insn't going anywhere, doll. We can come back anytime you want for more." He reassured as he looked over the options again and tapped the glass, pointing to one of the items. "I haven't had one of these in ages!" He exclaimed, showing Alexander the display of a peach cobbler in an ornate dish and a tiny fork. "We can split one of these if you'd like" He offered.
(Sorry for the late reply had to work out something with a college I got into)
"Right, because technically, you haven’t been alive for hundreds of years,” Alexander teased, the corners of his mouth quirking into a small smile. “So, no human food in Hell? That’s kind of tragic. His voice softened as he glanced down, the weight of his words settling in. “I guess it doesn’t matter, considering I’ll be there with you at some point in my life. So, I'll be able to see for myself." The thought hung in the air for a moment before Alexander caught sight of the peach cobbler behind the glass, his attention snapping back to the present. His stomach growled faintly, and he felt his mouth start to water. “Okay, sounds like a plan! And we’re definitely getting some fried Oreos, too. I mean, just look at them!” He pointed animatedly at the display. “I read somewhere they’re basically funnel cake with crushed Oreos inside, but, like, the description didn’t make total sense to me. I think once I try one, though, it’ll click. Like some kind of fried dessert epiphany.” Alexander’s excitement faltered for a moment as his gaze shifted from Faybian to the barista waiting patiently behind the counter, then back to Faybian. He shuffled closer, the tips of his fingers brushing Faybian’s arm before he clung to it with both hands, his voice dropping to a shy murmur. “Can you order, please? I’m…still not great with new people." He gave Faybian a sheepish smile, his cheeks dusted pink again. “Besides, you’ve got that whole smooth, confident thing going on. You’d make ordering a cinnamon bun sound like poetry or something.”
(No worries! Big congrats on getting into college!!! Hope everything goes well for ya!)
Faybian chuckled as he tipped his head from side to side "More of luxury, less of a need. We need it more if we're going to be contracted for a long time. Hence why I learned how to cook." He shrugged as he looked over the other options as they waited, a small smile crossing his features. "and I think it's fun. While being practical, it is a bit nostalgic of my time alive." Faybian slowly slid his attention back to Alexander, his small smile turning sad as he kissed his fiance's head. "I hope that day never comes, my dear. You deserve an afterlife full of vibrancy and joy. Not to be stuck in some dark, decrepit place with me." He murmured, glancing back at the display case and finding the fried Oreos. These weren't your ordinary fried Oreos. These were large, oversized, fried homemade cookies filled with creme and candies like extra cookie bits or sprinkles.
Faybian nodded excitedly. "Absolutely, though these don't look like your run-of-the-mill carnival Oreos. I fear you might be disappointed if we go to a fair and find them there. They might not be this great." He warned with a knowing smile as they reached the counter.
"You seem to be doing just fine talking to people when making friends on campus, how is this different?" He asked with an encouraging nudge. "You had the confidence to ask me to marry you; I'm convinced you can do anything." He murmured back, pressing a reassuring kiss to Alexander's cheek. "as you wish, dear." He looked up at the awaiting barista with an easy smile and started pointing out the items of food they wanted as well as some drinks to wash them down with.
"That should be all for us, dear. If possible, we would love to eat in for the night and enjoy your bakery a bit longer." He pointed to the table by the window and asked their order to be brought there before he guided Alexander towards the seating area, hands laced together in reassurance.
(Thank you I also got into my top choice!)
Alexander chuckled at Faybian's choice of words. “You mean married, right? ‘Contracted’ feels a bit… outdated,” he said, his lips twitching into a sly grin. He trailed off as he pulled out a chair across from Faybian, the wood creaking slightly as he settled into it. The café around them hummed with soft chatter and the clinking of cups, a cozy bubble of warmth compared to the crisp autumn air outside. The faint aroma of coffee and baked goods wafted between them, grounding the intimacy of their conversation in the mundane yet comforting surroundings.“There’s a big difference between the man I’ve been dating—and living with—and, a total stranger,” Alexander continued, resting his elbows on the small round table. His fingers toyed with the edge of a napkin from the dispenser, smoothing it out as he spoke. “Even when I go out with my friends, I get Daphne to order for me because she’s, you know… nice about it. Patient.” He glanced up briefly, his cheeks flushing. “But I’ll get there someday. Maybe when I’m standing in front of a crowd, saying vows, and then—” His voice faltered slightly, the blush deepening. “—kissing you. In front of all those people.” He reached for another napkin, this time folding it absentmindedly into neat, crisp lines. The soft crinkle of the paper punctuated his words. “Speaking of which…” His eyes flicked up to meet Faybian’s before darting away again, “I know it might be a little early to bring this up, but I’m just curious. Do you have anyone you’d want to invite? I mean, even if they’re from, uh… Hell. There has to be a way to make it work for just a day, right?” His hands stilled on the napkin, “I want this to be our wedding too.” For a moment, he avoided Faybian’s gaze, his focus on the crumpled napkin in his hands. Then, with a self-conscious laugh, he added, “Now that I think about it, a day pass from Hell to the land of the living sounds pretty ridiculous. Would I have to, like, summon all of your relatives? Or was that first time just… a fluke?” He finally looked up, his blush now a full bloom on his face.
(ooh! That's awesome! Congrats!!)
Faybian chuckled with a nod. "yes, I meant married. I'm still getting used to that, but I like the sound of being married to you." He settled into the chair across from Alexander, draping his jacket over the back of the chair as his gaze wandered around the bakery and outside the window. The place oddly felt familiar in that it was warm, classic in its decore, almost akin to Faybians home in hell, though there was a distinct difference here where it was absent back there. Here, there was life. People around them talked in their own little bubbles that radiated happiness. Outside was lively, with people enjoying the last bit of warmth before winter came. Across from Alexander, the human he loved more than he had ever thought possible in his afterlife spoke of marriage and being happy forever. He could never have this back in Hell.
"I suppose that's true, though you had no problem making your opinions known to me even back then. And I'd like to argue I was a bit scarier than a barista." He grinned and watched the people outside their window, his grin turning whistful as he imagined their wedding. Faybian had a few ideas for the wedding, but nothing was set in stone. As long as he was marrying Alexander, he couldn't care less about what it all looked like. "I would rather have you adorably flustered and tripping over your words, knowing you're putting your heart into the vows rather than a robotic, emotionless proclamation of your love at our wedding, darlin." His focus returned to his fiance, watching as Alexander carefully folded and unfolded the napkin, the brief glance causing a smile to twitch on his lips. Alexander's bashfulness was something Faybian had found great amusement in even after years of being together. It was something he hoped would never change. He propped his cheek against his hand and reached for Alexander's hand with his free one, gently turning the ring on his finger. "None I'd particularly be glad came, no. I was overlord for a while; I'm sure there'd be someone who'd come if I asked, but none I'd want to see there." He replied with a shrug, "I'd be infinitely happier seeing your friends there than anyone from hell." He breathed a laugh, shaking his head slightly. "nothing you do us a fluke, Alexander. Summoning me was intentional. Falling in love with me may have been out of your control." He pressed a kiss to each of Alexander's knuckles before meeting his gaze. "But regardless of how we met, I'm glad you summoned me. I'm glad I stayed with you."
Alexander felt warmth creep up his neck, settling in his cheeks as Faybian’s lips brushed against his knuckles. Even after all these years, his touch still sent a pleasant shiver down his spine, a reminder of just how deeply Faybian affected him. He let out a breathy chuckle, glancing down at their intertwined hands, his thumb absentmindedly tracing the ring on Faybian’s finger. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing you say things like that,” he admitted, his voice barely above a murmur. A faint blush dusted his cheeks as he added, “It gets me every time.” Faybian always had a way with words—intense, poetic, sometimes bordering on theatrical—but Alexander never found himself immune to them. If anything, they hit him harder each time. He exhaled softly, giving Faybian’s hand a gentle squeeze before continuing. “You might’ve been a bit scarier than a barista, but when I initiated the summoning, I knew I’d have to socialize. That made it different.” He huffed, shaking his head slightly. “It’s more like… strangers I’m forced to talk to that freak me out. Why can’t they just look into my mind and know what I want?” He paused, then sighed. “Actually, I get why. I’ve done the research. But still.”
“Oh my god, this all looks amazing…” he breathed, his excitement cutting through any lingering awkwardness. He wasted no time grabbing one of the twisted donuts, taking a bite and instantly humming in approval. “This is hands down the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” he mumbled mid-chew, completely oblivious to the fine dusting of sugar and cinnamon powder now clinging to his lips.
"I hope the day you don't react so beautifully to my little compliments never comes, my dear." He murmured, gently squeezing Alexander's hand in return before taking one of the twist donuts and pulling it apart. While it was in Faybian's nature to charm humans until they made deals with him, with Alexander, it had always felt different. Even in the beginning, sweet-talking Alexander into doing anything, especially a deal with a demon, clearly wasn't going to work, Faybian had almost felt relieved when he was allowed to drop his gentlemanly appearance. He had been harsh and didn't really care how Alexander saw him, having already gotten a deal he was pleased with and in no way intending to play nice with a human who could care less. that was until his long-assumed dead heart fluttered with excitement, with feeling, for a human no less! And now Faybian couldn't help but give Alexander a compliment or loving gesture any chance he got. He assumed if he ever stopped or if they didn't yield the same effect then his after-life as a demon was truly over.
"Now, looking back, you didn't really seem to have a problem with my existence. Even if you didn't believe in demons, you made the deal, and you let me stay, which probably should have been more concerning at the time." He commented with a laugh. "Though I guess that sort of leads you to make more friends eventually. I'm not taking credit for that, though, that was all on you." He said proudly, pointing at Alexander with the other end of the donut before taking a bite. As much as Faybian adored his fiance (and he really did), Faybian was going to have to start getting more creative with his reci[es back home. He couldn't have Alexander favoring some bakery's food over his, now could he? even if the donuts were very good, Faybian wouldn't admit defeat, not yet.
