forum The Underground (1x1 closed)

Started April 09, 2023 by @ElderGod-yellowqueen

tune

Gabriel continued polishing his dagger. It got dirtied when knocked out of his hand, so now he made sure it was sparkly. It was merely for protection. When he brought it home, he hung it on the wall as a decoration piece. He peered up at Azriel, smiling slightly. “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m just taking care of it. I do take care of the things I like.” Gabriel glanced down at the knife, seeing his face in it. He looked rough. A few scars populated his jaw and left cheek, dark circles populated under his eyes, and his lips started to crack. “Why didn’t you tell me I had a few scars on my face?” He was trying to make light of it. Placing the dagger on the table, he placed the supplies back into his coat. The blade had been sharpened recently. It cut anything efficiently.

Gabriel placed his coat over the dagger, crossing his legs as he sunk into the chair. “I don’t have an interest in destroying your house. But neither do I have an interest in being alone in some stranger’s house. But I guess I don’t get a choice.” He closed his eyes, crossing his arms across his chest. All he had to do was entertain himself. It wasn’t hard. “I eat them, however. I don’t have a preference.” Gabriel didn’t preference many things. He was both complicated and simple. “Will do. I need to fix this messy hair of mine. I think a good shower might tame it.” He sat up in the chair, a smirk crossing his face. So, some demons indulged in human things. Curious. Or maybe it was just this one. “I am an amiable man to please. I will most likely sleep or read most of the day. As long as you actually own books and those books aren’t in cryptic language, I will read.” When he woke up, Gabriel would eat “breakfast” and then read a book with a glass of whiskey in hand. Nothing like a little afternoon reading with a drink.

Gabriel sat up when Azriel brought him some food. He stared at his plate. This demon was awfully generous. He picked up a piece of toast, biting into it. He hadn’t eaten toast in a few years. Gabriel usually ate bagels for “breakfast”, but the toast was a delightful change. It brought him back to childhood. Swallowing, a thought came to him. “Before I forget, thanks for the medicine and the aforementioned clothes. Oh, and the food. You are being quite generous to a man you’ve never met before yesterday.” Well, he supposed most were generous to their guests. Gabriel didn’t invite many guests to his home. It was only him and his dog. He had no partner or love interests. Just a few friends and a dog.

Gods damnit. Azriel had been doing so well keeping himself under his control but those few words had him rock hard. I do take care of the things I like. Gods, he wanted to be taken care of. he wanted Gabriel to take good care of him. His cheeks flushed red and he had to look away. He needed to get laid and fast. He wouldn't be able to handle feeling this way around Gabriel any longer. He wouldn't be able to control himself any longer than today. Even now his hands were shaking. It's going to be fine, you're going to be fine, he told himself. It wasn't really working but he was pretending it was.

"Trust me, this isn't my preference either. I don't like having people stay here either." Other than the occasional too-drunk friend to find their way home or one that just needed to get away from their own, no one stayed at his house. Not overnight at least. That was just the way it was. It was easier that way, not to have any real connections. His friends used him for the partying and the sex. He used them for similar matters. They didn't really care that much about each other than the benefits. It was better that way, safer. Less of a chance of his Master killing everyone he loved if he didn't love anyone. "This is a first for me. But I have to go to work, the longer I don't the- well, let's not get into that. Besides, we need things to eat and whatnot so I'll go get them. Any clothing preference or sizes while I'm out?" He might as well pick up everything all in one go. This was going to be expensive. Good thing he made a decent wage.

Azriel blushed once more, hiding his face by turning it away. He shifted in his seat, scooting it closer to the table. "You don't need to thank me. I'm why you're here anyways." To be fair, Gabriel would be dead if he hadn't stepped in. The only way this could have been avoided was if Gabriel hadn't walked into that alley. And, well, he didn't have a time machine so they were stuck there. "I promise to take you home as soon as you're healed enough. I know you might not trust that and all because, well, I am a demon and I did kidnap you technically, but I do mean well. I don't want you here anymore than you want to be." He grimaced. "That came out wrong. You know what I mean right?"

Gabriel looked up at Azriel, staring at the incubus curiously. Surely Gabriel hadn’t said anything embarrassing or would strike the demon to be self-conscious. It was odd. Two and two hadn’t clicked in Gabriel’s mind quite yet. After all, he was human. Such correlation wouldn’t connect unless told. At least for a few minutes. Gabriel didn’t react or comment on the blushing. He only looked up at Azriel, slightly confused, before returning to his breakfast. He would learn sooner or later. Instead, he focused on other things. The pocket watch in his pocket ticket incessantly, and his shoes were becoming uncomfortable. 

Azriel’s voice broke into his mind and snapped out of his slight daze. Gabriel swallowed, clearing his throat. “I can see that. I guess we both prefer to live alone. Don’t we?” He lived in a flat. It was a small space with only one bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen area. But in a big city, it was the best he could afford. Even if Gabriel wanted to have visitors stay the night, he couldn’t. So the only creature to share his space was a Yorkie. “Go to work. I’m not stopping you if it’s going to kill you.” He took a few more bites out of the toast. When Azriel asked about clothing preference, he smirked. “Oh, my preferences would murder your budget. But let’s start simple. I prefer to wear button-ups or T-shirts. Pant-wise, joggers or sweats work. And I am a large.” Gabriel went back to eating, finishing the rest of the plant up in five minutes. With food in his stomach, the blonde looked lively.

Gabriel pushed the plate away from him, staring Azriel down. Anything set the demon off easily. “I supposed I do. Even if you brought me here, you could still neglect me. Leave me to rot in a room for a month. I guess you do take care of the things you like.” He smirked at his words. He was provoking the demon, running a small experiment. It could end horribly, but Gabriel was willing to test his luck. “Well, I guess you saved me from certain death, but I don’t think you’re equipped to house a human for a month.” He raised an eyebrow, sighing. “Yes. I do understand what you mean. Don’t worry.” He rolled his eyes.

Work could most certainly kill him but Azriel liked to believe that his face was too pretty to kill outright. He had some sway with his Master but as of late, with rising stress and the rebellions, that sway had seemed to diminish. And carrying and news, well, it was going to be a rough morning. But he just needed to get through it, go feed, and then he could run his errands. He prayed that he would get at least a couple of days off, though it likely wasn't going to happen. Azriel was an errand boy. The king's personal and most trusted errand boy, but still an errand boy. He would deliver messages, objects, and threats, remove certain threats and take care of problems that needed to be dealt with. Only the consequences could be severe if he couldn't complete any of his tasks.

He wrote down on a piece of paper as Gabriel talked about the clothing and sizing. So he had done alright with what he had gotten earlier. He folded the paper and put it in his sweatpants pocket. He finished his food and gathered both of the empty plates, setting them in the dishwasher. He had no plans to leave Gabriel alone in a room to rot. Firstly, the smell would be horrendous. Secondly, he felt like he owed Gabriel. He had ruined his life. He had kidnapped him. For a month at least. He wasn't sure what was going to happen to his job or his home. He hoped he wouldn't get evicted. He chewed on the inside of his cheek for a moment as he was lost in thought.

I guess you do take care of the things you like.

Azriel's cheeks went red and he turned away from Gabriel, preoccupying himself with washing out his coffee mug. He had still been drinking that but he needed an excuse to be facing the sink and not the human. "Just um-" he cleared his throat, "just write down anything you need and I can get it. Don't worry about the money. I've got it." Seeing as he did live in a five bedroom house. He had his room, the master of course. He had one bedroom turned into his weapons room. The other three were just because. If he had a family he would invite them over but they died a long time ago. It was just Azriel. Azriel with too much space and nothing to fill it with. It made him lonely but he knew it was the safest option.

Gabriel smiled. He liked watching the demon turn red. Obviously, something was provoking him, but he wasn’t sure what. Well, he did say he was an incubus and–. He shook his head. No, that couldn’t be it. Gabriel grabbed his coat off the tables, uncrossing his legs. He wanted to clean himself up. Get rid of all the sticky blood. But he could wait until Azriel went to work. It might be better. With a shrug, he leaned back in the chair. “I have nothing else of importance. I’ll make do with anything you get. I am adaptable.” It was true. He could conform with anyway of life. Even if he preferred to look his best and be the center of attention, survival came first. You needed to survive to look pretty. Well, he survived, but now needs to look pretty. “Is there anything you would like me to do while you’re gone?” Gabriel sat up, carefully standing up. Each time he stood, his head throbbed, and his vision would gray. He would get light-headed for a time. Gabriel stared at Azriel while the demon did the dished. He started to form opinions on him. He knew how to provoke the demon now, and he wanted to see he far we could go. But at the same time, he feared to. Death lurked in any corner. Even if Azriel was an incubus, he had mentioned he was trained. To Gabriel, if Azriel wanted to dispose of his annoying ass, he could. 

Gabriel glanced away, opening the entrance to the sitting room. Maybe he could crash there for a few hours after his shower. It seemed like a nice place to relax. Apparently, Gabriel provoked the demon too much, for he grew redder and washed a half full coffee mug. “You know. I think I will go get cleaned up. I’ll make do with whatever clothes you bought last night for the time being. Have fun at work, I supposed.” The blonde left the kitchen through which he came, coat in hand. He didn’t know where the laundry room in this house was, but he’d find it. 

Gabriel found it quickly, taking out the clothes Azriel had randomly grabbed. Not bad, Gabriel could make do, but would never wear the shorts. Once he acquired the clothes, he trudged back to his room, throwing them on his bed. He entered the bathroom, looking at himself in the mirror. Gabriel was in rough shape. Faint scars populated his face and blood stained his hair. He’d need to wash it out the best he could. His clothes were grimy. Gabriel turned around and lifted his shirt to look at his back. It was heavily bruised. No wonder it hurt to sit.

Azriel was scrubbing at the mug in his hand after it had long been cleaned. But Gabriel just kept looking at him and it was making everything so much worse. He couldn't control himself with that gaze. This human was provoking him and if he kept it up, he would see just how unhinged Azriel could get, especially when he was so hungry. "Nope, there's nothing you need to do. You're a guest in my home. Relax, focus on healing, enjoy yourself." He didn't know how much the human could really enjoy himself being stuck in a different world but if felt like the right thing to say.

It was only when Gabriel left the kitchen that he finally relaxed. His shoulders slumped over and he put the coffee mug on the dish rack to dry. He dried his hands on a dish rag and leaned against the counter, trying to collect his thoughts. Work. He needed to go to work. He pushed himself away from the counter and moved to his room. He took a quick shower to clean up and dressed in simple black clothes. Black jeans, black boots, black long sleeve shirt. He strapped a dagger to his waist. He never went anywhere without a weapon.

He called out to Gabriel when he was leaving, hoping the man would hear him. "Alright I'm off to work." That sounded more like a husband telling his wife goodbye. He grimaced. "I'll be back later." He wasn't sure how late was later. It depended on how everything went while he was gone. How well work went, which likely wouldn't be well, and how much he truly needed to feed. He might have to go through more than one partner to fully satisfy himself. He needed to be full if he was going to be around Gabriel. That man was tempting him and they had only just met. He was far, far too dangerous.

Gabriel drew his finger across his eye bags. How much sleep had he really gotten? It didn’t matter to him. Instead, he went to turn on the shower before returning to the mirror. He took in his feature, noting each thing he’d have to take care of. It wasn’t much, but Gabriel still wanted to seem like a presentable roommate. Gabriel hopped into the shower, washing the dried blood out of his hair. Once finished, he dressed in gray sweatpants and a white T-shirt. He wandered back into the bathroom. Gabriel was looking for pomade. He found it in a medicine cabinet. Opening the pomade, he scooped some on his finger and combed it through his hair. He slicked it back, a few strands refusing to stay put. It would have to do.

Exiting the bathroom and bedroom, Gabriel heard Azriel call out he was leaving. He was going to be left in a strange home by himself. “Have fun.” He called out. Gabriel wasn’t sure what to do with himself. He wandered out of his room and into the sitting room. A few hours of rest wouldn’t hurt. After all, he needed to heal. Gabriel lay on the couch, grimacing at the pressure on his bruises. He wasn’t a fan of TV or games, but he could try it to pass the time. However, it was time to rest. Rest first, play late. He closed his eyes, the silence encompassing him. It buzzed in his ears. It was too much. Gabriel sat up, his head throbbing. Great. He did it again. What was he going to do?

Time seemed to go by rather slowly for Azriel. After stepping out of his front door, hos wings emerged from his back and he took flight. Just the wings. He was able to half transform, a trait thay was very nice. He beat his wings, racing to the palace even though he was dreading every minute of it. He tried to calm himself. He tried to tell himself everything was alright. Master could be reasonable. He wasn't going to punish Azriel over something that wasn't his fault. He had been wrong. He most certainly had been punished for something that wasn't his fault. He had knelt in front of the king and gave the bad news. The Master had burst out, yelling and screaming at Azriel. Fists had flown and legs were kicked. He was just angry, that was all. Once he got it out everything would be fine.

Hands were suddenly touching him, soft and gentle but he didn't raise his head quite yet. He knew those hands. Those had been the same hands beating down on hik only a moment ago. He was being lifted up and whispers of how sorry and he knew how he got, were whispered in his ear. Let me take care of you. Let me feed you. And Azriel was instantly a puddle in his arms. This was why Azriel had no true friends, no lover nothing. Because the king favored him and the king didn't like sharing his toys. Sure, he let Azriel sleep around. The incubus needed to to survive, but he never let Azriel fork any real attachments. He was always in his ear, whispering things. The king wouldn't loose Azriel.

Over half the day had gone by the time Azriel had emerged from the palace. He had a black eye and several bruised ribs but he had been and he was feeling better. The wounds would heal I'm a few days. It was alright. Master was sorry and didn't mean it and that was all that mattered. His Master wasn't mad at him, he was back in his good graces. Azriel was fed and happy, despite the damage on his body. He stopped by the grocery store to pick uo some food, zapping the paid groceries to his home where they would be waiting in the counter for him. He did the same thing at the department store before spreading his wings and flying home. The sun had already begun to set by the time he made it back. He had spent way too much time at the store buying clothes. Thankfully the frozen food was enchanted not to get warm. As he entered the house, he let out a small "I'm home" before making his way ti the kitchen where his purchases were.

Gabriel fell asleep soon after. The deafening silence lulled him to sleep. He needed it. The wounds on his head and face took a lot of energy to heal. He also had been active for 3 days straight without proper sleep. Gabriel's sleep last night had been interrupted due to nightmares and being in a new place. It was a peaceful sleep. No nightmares or weird dreams had woken him. Nothing broke into the house or tried to kill him. He was worried about that. Gabriel always looked peaceful when asleep despite his rough outer demeanor. It was the only time he was peaceful. None of his snarky or fighter attitudes butted in. If anyone spent time with the blonde, it was better to spend it when he was asleep. That way, no one got provoked or their feelings hurt.

Gabriel flicked an eye open, staring at the plain ceiling. His body decided it was satiated with the sleep it had earned. However, Gabriel didn’t want to wake. His eyes still were heavy and his back spread pain throughout his entire chest. From what he could tell, the room slowly became engulfed by the dark. The day was slipping away. How long had he been out? It didn’t matter. He was well rested. However, he might struggle to fall asleep later tonight. Gabriel sat up slowly, minding the fact his head still throbbed. He should probably take more medication to dull all his pain. He didn’t know if he could deal with it any longer. It’ll be fine. A month will go by quickly. The pain will dull and I can go back home. Gabriel lifted himself off the couch, his muscles hurting from the strange position he slept in. The click of the door alerted him, and he twisted his head. In walked Azriel — except he looked like hell. He could help but wonder where the wounds came from. He could help but feel bad. “Welcome home. What happened? You're covered in wounds.” It wasn't his business, but Gabriel was nosy as hell. “Are you alright?” He figured he could try being friendly.

Azriel had concealed his wings away before he had entered the house. He limped in, the broken ribs jarring every time he took a step. He was trying not to hold his side. His eyes were already shades of purple and blue, and the skin around his had swollen. His eye was almost forced shut. He limped into the kitchen where he began to slowly put up the groceries, wincing and attempting to conceal the whimpers of pain anytime he bent down or moved too quickly. It was alright. In a few days, he would be healed. And Master had given him three days to recover. He could sleep and heal as much as he needed to in that time. The bruises would almost be gone by the time he would return back to work.

He ignored Gabriel for a moment, trying to think of what to say. No one would believe him if he said he fell down the stairs or ran into something. But he wasn't going to outwardly say he had been beaten either, especially not by the Master. So he simply said, "Hazards of the job." He winced, the movement pulling at his eye. It was okay. Master was sorry and didn't mean it. Azriel knew how he got when he was mad. It was okay. He had made it up to Azriel. He pulled up the turtleneck, hoping that it would conceal the love mark that had been placed there. There were more, of course, but that one was just the most visible one. "I picked up some more clothing for you that will hopefully be to your liking. We can throw them in the wash or I can return something. Whatever you need." Despite the wounds, he seemed better than this morning. The dark circles were gone from his good eye, there was a happier expression on his face and he had more of a pep to his step, when he wasn't limping that was.

Gabriel stared at Azriel for a good minute, guilt rising in his chest. He wasn’t responsible, but somehow, he felt indirectly responsible. After all, maybe Azriel’s job would have gone better if he hadn’t stumbled upon the demon’s meeting. No, it was dreadful thinking. He did nothing wrong. One couldn’t have predicted a human would stumble upon delicate matters. But still, both of them had ruined each other’s life, so to speak. Gabriel stretched his arms, moving from where he was to follow Azriel. He wanted to get a good look at those wounds. There was a favor to be repaid. The demon had patched up Gabriel’s wounds. He might as well take a look at the demon’s wounds. Once stepping into the kitchen, the harsh light stung Gabriel’s eyes. He had turned off all lights in the living room, so being immediately dowsed in harsh light wasn’t pleasant. 

Gabriel pursed his lip, leaning on the kitchen table. He wasn’t going to force the demon to show him the damage, but it might be the only way. What kind of job is this guy working if he returns home beaten up? Right — an errand boy. But that doesn’t explain the wounds. Gabriel shook his head, letting the silence engulf the room. He watched Azriel unpack the groceries before speaking. “Hazards of the job? You know this isn’t acceptable, right? You would need worker’s compensation.” He sighed. The underground — or whatever this place was — probably didn’t work how the human world did. Their jobs were probably ruthless with little to no consideration for their workers. “May I at least see the wounds? I need to repay you for your care of my wounds.” Sure, Gabriel wasn’t a medical expert. Hell, he worked as a bartender! But he did have some experience with wounds. After all, he got into scraps or cut himself with glass. “Thanks, but I will put the clothes in the wash once I look at that black eye.” He found himself talking to Azriel sternly. He hadn’t even known him for two days, but when Gabriel felt he had a debt to pay, he paid it. It was quite one of the few times he wasn’t self-centered.

Azriel flinched back as Gabriel was suddenly leaned up against the kitchen table. He hadn't heard him until he turned around and the man was there. He turned around, grabbed a box of crackers, and put it in the pantry. He only had a couple more things to put away and then he was done. He shook his head, despite the pain it sent through his head. "This isn't like your world. Mine is dangerous. This is what happens sometimes. There is no compensation for this. I get paid enough as it is." He was paid more than enough in his opinion. He could remember exactly what Master had said the first time he had mentioned when he had been injured on the job. Compensate you? I already pay you more than enough. In fact, I pay you too much. Mention this again and I'll dock your pay. He never brought it up again.

Azriel waved him off. "You don't owe me for anything. I owed you, that's what that was. I was the reason you got hurt." He hadn't been able to stop Braxton. None of his pleading or negotiating had worked. Gabriel had gotten hurt as a result of that. "I'll be fine. It'll heal in a few days anyways." It didn't mean it didn't hurt like hell though. His face was throbbing and his ribs were burning. But he had things he needed to do. He needed to get laundry done, he needed to finish cleaning his house, and he needed to figure out dinner. It wasn't that his house was very messy but he preferred for it to be clean. He needed to vacuum and mop the tile. He needed to wash his bedsheets. He had things he needed to do. He didn't want to lie down no matter how much his body hurt.

Gabriel sighed. He wasn’t sure what to do with Azriel. It wasn’t his business. He could leave the man to suffer if he truly wanted to wallow in his own pain. He had said he only took care of the things he liked, and he only liked Azriel a small amount. They were two strangers who were bound to know each other by the end of the month. Gabriel crossed his arms, watching Azriel move about. “I realized that the moment you said I could be murdered for walking outside. However, it seems unfair to be sent home with wounds.” He didn’t fight it anymore. Nothing would come of it. Fighting about the inner workings of a world he had no place in would lead to nothing. Leaning back further, he placed his hands on the table. If he wasn’t going to be stubborn about Azriel’s work, then he was going to be hella stubborn about the wounds. 

Gritting his teeth, Gabriel let out a small, displeased hiss. “Either take up my goddamn offer or wither in pain for the rest of the night. See if I care! I’m just some strange you picked up off the streets.” His mouth twitched. “You’re right, I don’t owe jack shit. However, I still feel there is a debt to pay for all you’ve done for me.” His heart beat quickly. “So either let me ice the eye or ignore your own pain. It doesn’t matter to me what you do with your injuries!” Gabriel huffed. He was annoyed. All he wanted to do was punch a wall, but instead of ruining the poor man’s house, he stalked off. Heat rose in his face, and his breath came fast. Gabriel went to go hide in the room provided for him. That was the last time he tried to help another person. It was best to ignore their troubles at all costs.

Azriel turned to face him at the out burst, his eye wide and lips parted in surprise. He didn't understand why Gabriel was so angry about this. He had simply said he was alright and he would heal soon that he didn't need care. He had been kind about it. He didn't understand what had prompted such an outburst. He continued to stand there dumbfounded long after Gabriel had stroked out of the room. He had never had someone act so possessive and protective over him. It was strange. He didn't know how he felt about it. He didn't know if he liked it or not. Having someone look after him was a strange concept. He hadn't been taken care of his since his mother's passing many years ago.

Azriel dragged his feet to the laundry room and placed the clothes he had bought in the washer and set it on. He knew if he didn't do it now he wasn't going to do it at all. His bedroom felt tok far for him to walk too. The living room was kn the way so he took Gabriel's previous spit kn the couch, lowering down and crying out as it sent a sharp pain through his ribs. He tried taking deep breaths but it only made it hurt more. Finally, he was laying fully down on the couch. He watched his breathing, watched his movements and the pain slowly dulled into a throbbing pain. Easier to manage.

Gabriel entered the bedroom, sitting on the bed. He needed to calm himself. It wasn’t unusual for Gabriel to have an outburst. He had an insatiable anger. People managed to piss him off quickly, no matter the situation. The heat faded from his face, heart settling in his chest. Instead of going to apologize, he gathered the clothes on his bed into a neat pile. One by one, he folded them into neat squares. He placed them on the floor. Gabriel needed good wine, brandy, or something. All he wanted to do was look over the wounds. They looked bad. Regardless, the demon refused his concern, making him annoyed. How can a man be so stubborn? Gabriel rose from the bed, clothes in hand. He placed them on the floor before leaving the room. Just as he left the room, he heard a yelp.

Gabriel left his room, investigating the yelp of pain. So not everything was all right. Why did this guy make himself go through more pain than needed? Sheesh. Not that Gabriel should care. No. He shouldn’t care at all. So — why did he? Gabriel stepped foot into the living room, stopping Azriel from laying down on the couch. He shook his head in disappointment. By now, Gabriel had calmed down, his anger releasing its hold on him. He strutted over to Azriel, looking down at the man. Loose strands fell into his face. “Not doing so well, huh?” Gabriel was going to be annoyed about it. “First off, I want to apologize for my outburst. It irritated me that you chose to ignore your pain.” Why was Gabriel apologizing, let alone explaining why he had an outburst? That wasn’t like Gabriel. Whatever. Gabriel looked at the black eye. Yep, just as bad as he thought. “Second, you’re trapped. I’m going to put ice in a bag.” Azriel didn’t have a choice now.

Azriel laid his head back on the ark rest, closing his eyes. Ouch. It was okay. It was an accident. He didn't mean it he repeated those words over and over again in his head until he meant it. Master had feed him and taken care of him afterwards. He had tended to him. And then they both went on their way. He was satisfied. And thankfully, being fed, meant he would heal faster. It would also mean he would have to feed even sooner due to all the energy being taken to heal him up. He cracked his good eye open as he heard Gabriel approach him. He listened as the man talked, lifting a hand and waving him off. He was used to anger. It didn't bother him, he didn't let it. Azriel wasn't prone to anger. He was passive. Too passive. He didn't let things bother him. He let things slide that he shouldn't have. It allowed others to take advantage of him but Azriel didn't tell them off.

He started to get up as Gabriel said he was stuck- and let out a loud moan of pain as it hurt his ribs. He was stuck. That didn't mean that he wanted Gabriel's help. It oy made him feel guilty. Here he was, having kidnapped and forced this man into a new world, and Gabriel was the one taking care of Azriel. He shouldn't be. He shouldn't be doing this and yet he was. It was that kindness that made his heart flutter. He didn't like it. He wasn't supposed to feel this way for anyone, especially not for a human. But here he was with a crush on Gabriel.

Gabriel stared at Azriel. So he didn’t mind the outburst. How strange. It didn’t concern Gabriel at the moment. Finding ice concerned him. Gabriel wandered into the kitchen. He could either go the old fashion route or ice pack. He opted for an ice pack. He opened the freezer with force, looking for an ice pack. Anger still flowed through him, but it settled. Since the demon couldn’t move, this was prime time for Gabriel to repay his debt. Once upon a time, Gabriel had a loved one he used to care for. That was the only person in his life who came first. And then she died. He had experimented with others, but it was never the same. He looked for a kitchen towel. A kitchen towel had to be in here somewhere. He opened and slammed every drawer until he found a gray kitchen towel. * This will do. * He wrapped the ice pack in it before walking back into the sitting room.

Gabriel kneeled over Azriel, looking at the gnarly eye. However, he placed the ice pack on his chest. He noticed Azriel struggled to sit up, walk, and breath. A bruised chest. Sure, demons could naturally heal, but he hoped the ice would control the swelling until healing took place. “ Are these the only places you were hurt?” There was an irritated tone in Gabriel’s voice. Why was he doing this? He shouldn’t care about the person who kidnapped him, but here he was. A part of him liked the demon, only enough to treat his injuries and act personable. After all, Azriel did save him. People did not know Gabriel to be kind, but he could show compassion once in a while.

Azriel looked up at Grabiel as he approached the lying demon. He was kneeling, the human was kneeling and they were so close Azriel could smell- No. He needed to stop that. He had just fed, he shouldn't be thinking of these things. Especially not the human. He was the last person he should lust over. He was human, first of all. And Azriel had kidnapped him from his home and he had gotten hurt and it was just a mess of things. He did not need to feel this way. "They're the ones that hurt the most," he murmured. There were a few other bruises forming form earlier but nothing to big of consequence. Nothing like this.

He let our a quiet hiss as an ice bag was placed on him. It hurt. He knew it would feel better once it numbed but it hurt until then. Azriel slumped back against the couch in defeat. There was no getting out of this. And there no was not helping his growing sexual frustration. Maybe it hadn't been enough earlier. He would seek out one of his other partners when he was feeling a bit better. He needed it. Maybe he would stop feeling this way about Gabriel. "Thank you," he said softly. "I appreciate it." Even if Gabriel had gotten mad and thrown a fit earlier. That was all but forgotten.

Gabriel peered up at a clock. Azriel should ice the wound for a good 20 minutes each. He’d seen and tended to his fair share of bar fights. While the ice numbed the pain of his bruised ribs, Gabriel looked at the black eye. The swelling was most likely unbearable. He would need to get another frozen object. A frozen bag of vegetables would do. Using the edge of the couch as leverage, he stood, wandering back into the kitchen. Wrenching open the freezing, he retrieved a bag of frozen vegetables. This will do. Gabriel made his way back to Azriel, kneeling by the demon’s side again. Placing the frozen bag of vegetables over the eye, he readjusted Azriel’s head, so the bag would stay over the eye. “There we go. You need to keep these bags on for twenty minutes.” Gabriel wasn’t phased by these injuries. “It should reduce the pain and swelling.” He got up, running his finger through his hair.

Gabriel smirked quietly to himself. “I told you you’re stuck.” He went to go sit in an armchair, crossing his legs. “Maybe if you let me do this went I asked, you wouldn’t be cornered by a human. However, someone needed to numb to wounds, and I knew the hell you weren’t.” Now, they had to play the waiting game. Gabriel wasn’t an impatient fellow. He could wait out 20 minutes just fine. However, he figured it would be the opposite for Azriel.

Azriel frowned as the human suddenly stood and walked away without saying anything. He tried to raise on instinct. He winced at the pain and lowered back on the couch. He placed a hand over the ice pack on his chest. He really was stuck there. He hadn't been expecting it to hurt some much. The adrenaline had likely worn off by now and the pain was setting in. That's why he hurt so much. Tomorrow he should be able to walk and move around a bit. Enough to shower and change and do a couple of things around the house. Gabriel came into his vision again and he watched him, eye zoning in on the frozen vegetable bag. He let out a quiet hiss as it was set on his eye. The initial contact hurt but after a moment it was beginning to feel better.

"I do know how icing works," he murmured to himself. Azriel was just stubborn as hell and didn't like doing it. He liked to think he was invincible and he didn't really need those things to feel better. "I put your clothes in the wash, will you put them in the dryer when they finish?" Even though he was injured he was still worried about household chores. He didn't want the clothes to sit in there wet for days and grow mildew. If his face didn't hurt so much, Azriel would be pouting. Even now he was still trying to but it pulled at his skin too much. He settled with narrowing his good eye in a glare at Gabriel. He didn't have a very good comeback so he just muttered the words back in a mocking voice. It was childish but he didn't care. He was not a very good sick patient.

Gabriel chuckled. “Oh, I know you probably do. But those who don’t want to help themselves heal, get lectured.” He found a magazine on the coffee table. He reached over and picked it up. People Magazine. Azriel wasn’t kidding when he admitted he had human things. It was an old issue but could help pass the time. So he cracked it open and read. And then Azriel’s voice penetrated his thoughts. “Huh?” Gabriel looked over at Azriel. “Yeah, sure. I can dry them. It’s no big deal. Thanks.” God Azriel was a horrible patient. Gabriel was glad he didn’t choose to go into medicine. He let time go by. Twenty minutes wasn’t long. But it was way too long with Azriel. He was glad when he peered up at the clock and twenty minutes had passed. Thank the heavens. Now he could release the demon from his icy holdings.

Gabriel got up from the armchair and wandered over to Azriel. He removed the ice bag off his chest and the bag of vegetables from his eye. “I’ll go put these in the freeze, the put the clothes in the dryer. Don’t move. I’ll be back.” He demanded. Gabriel walked into the kitchen, opening the freezer. He placed the ice bag and vegetables back, shutting the freeze close. Then, from the kitchen, he trudged to the laundry room. Opening the washer, he took out the clothes and opened the dryer. Gabriel threw them inside, closing the washer and dryer. He clicked the on button. He moved back to the sitting room, smirking as he walked in. He was hoping to see Azriel still on that couch.

Azriel debating giving Gabriel the finger. It would have been easy, to lift his hand and flip him off. It was oh so tempting. But they weren't like that. They weren't friends, hell, they were hardly acquaintances. Gabriel might take great offense if he flipped him off and that was the last thing he wanted when he had been so kind to Azriel. So he settled with the glare, even if it did kind of hurt his eye that was hidden under the frozen vegetable. "I'll heal just fine a few days. This isn't thay necessary." At least Gabriel hadn't tried to feed him medicine. He burned through human medicine faster than jt was able to work on him. It was just part of his anatomy. That was how demons were. There was mediations to use on them but it was only in the most dire of situations. Life and death. That was all. Not to be used for injuries like this.

Azriel opened his mouth to protest as Gabriel bossed him and demanded he stay on the couch. Ot wasn't like the demon was physically able to move but that was beside the point. He let out a huff, then a wince as it move his bruised ribs. "Make sure you put it on the right setting," he called out as Gabriel went to the laundry room. "And use twi dryer sheets. It has to be two." Azriel had a system and he didn't want that to be screwed up just because there was someone in his home now. This was going to take a bit to get used to.

And just as Gabriel returned, he was once again back on an adventure. He wasn’t about to throw off the order of the demon’s home because he was here. He trudged his ass back to the laundry room and stopped the drying process. Once it slowed, he found the dryer sheets, plucking two out of the box. He threw them into the dryer, turning it on again. Off Gabriel went, right back to the sitting room. He sighed, watching the demon carefully. “I know you don’t like me a lot right now. I know you didn’t need the ice pack, but dear god, just let me help you as you helped me. What’s the point in being a good samaritan if I get backlash for it?” He plopped down into the armchair. Gabriel sighed. “Since you’re stuck with me for the meanwhile, we might as well get to know each other. After all, we’re stuck together for a month.” Why was Gabriel making an effort? None of this mattered. The demon didn’t matter, but Gabriel could help but feel a small like for the man.

Gabriel struggled to understand his own emotions. He did act like this often. He only took care of the things he liked or took pity on. He remained silent. No, no, no. That could not be the case. Goodman it, Gabriel. You idiot. You’re taking pity on a demon. It makes it easier for you to be controlled. His face contorted. He did his best to hush up his inner self before looking over to Azriel. This was going to be hell.