Azriel relaxed as he heard the dryer shut off and then turn on back again. At least something was done his way. He still needed to worry about dinner which he needed to start on in about an hour. He wasn't quite sure how he was going to get up for that but maybe he coukd convince Gabriel to help him up. He liked to cook dinner. It was a way for him to unravel himself after a hard day. And today had certainly been hard. He let his eyes close fully as Gabriel came and settled on a chair. He coukd rest for a little bit. Maybe half an hour. And then he would get up for dinner. As much as he should be, Azriel wasn't worried about Gabriel stabbing him while he was incapacitated. He wouldn't have taken care of Azriek like this is he wanted to kill him. So he should be relatively safe. "Well thank you anyways." Anyways he didn't need it. Or at least that's what he told himself. He was still I'm immense pain. He probably wouldn't be able to see out of his right eye until tomorrow.
He cracked open am eye. "Um, what do you want to know then?" That was probably a good idea to get to know the man living with him for the next month. They didn't need to be total strangers if they were going to see each other each day. But it was also a bad idea. Azriel could get attached if he knew to much. And getting attached was a big problem. He wouldn't want to let Gabriel go. Azriel had major attachment problems.irs probably why he was still friends with people who treated him like shit. He just couldn't let go.
Gabriel stared at Azriel, taking pity upon the poor demon. He looked so helpless. It hit a soft spot within him. He shook his head. Bad Gabriel. You can’t have a soft spot for the demon. He sighed. “You’re welcome. It’s the least I could do.” Yes. The least. He could do so much more. Gabriel didn’t mind. He was hell bored. If Azriel wanted him to cook food, he could do that. He knew how to cook. Taking a deep breath, he cleared his throat. “Anything else you’d like me to do? I don’t want you over-exerting yourself.” If anything, Gabriel might get snapped at for asking. He’d already iced the wounds and did the laundry. One thing he knew about Azriel was that he was stubborn. Unfortunately, so was Gabriel. “I’m happy to help.” He stared Azriel down. He wasn’t letting up on his offer. Not now.
Gabriel thought to himself. What did he want to know about Azriel? “Anything you’d like to tell me. In return, you can ask questions, and I’ll tell you everything honestly.” A dangerous play. He was opening an invitation for the demon to probe into his personal life. Gabriel didn’t care. As long as he earned the demon’s trust, that’s all that mattered. He didn’t want Azriel hurting him out of distrust. After all, today he’d been a stubborn ass about his wounds. A month full of trust and possible friendship was better than bitter words and gestures. Gabriel didn’t get attached easily. He didn’t get crushes easily. There were certain things that made him feel strongly for someone. And while Azriel did find the right path, he had barely walked down it.
(I just realized that I put his age wrong when I made this lol. He's half a century old whoops.)
Azriel waved a hand weakly, brushing off Gabriel. It was fine. He hadn't needed to do anything for Azriel. He wouldn't have been mad if the human had decided to stay in his room the entire time while he was suffering. It would have been exactly what he deserved for dragging him into this mess. But Gabriel had helped him anyways and he was happy about it, even if he didn't show it. "You've done more than enough. I don't need anything." An hour. That's all he needed and then he would get up to start on dinner. He could make it. He could get up. But in an hour.
He was quiet for a minute before speaking. He needed time to think about what to say. There was much about Azriel anyways. "There's not much about me. I'm an incubus. I'm fifty-two years old which is equivalent to about twenty-four, give or take in human years. I'm not that old for a demon anyways." He shifted slightly on the couch, his turtleneck slipping and revealing one of the hickies on his neck. "I'm an errand boy for the king. I bought this house about ten years ago. I like human things. I like to play video games sometimes." He should have shrugged his shoulders if the movement didn't hurt him so much. That was all there really was to Azriel. There wasn't much. He did as he was told and what was expected of him. He was passive and submissive. He didn't go on crazy adventures or have any cool stories to tell. He liked to party and he went to work. "What were you doing so late at night?"
Gabriel watched Azriel’s hand movements. Yep. That’s the exact hand movement he was looking for. Waving Gabriel off, freeing him of any obligations he might get himself in. He didn’t mind helping out in his new situation. Azriel had been kind enough to tend to Gabriel’s needs. Even if he couldn’t leave, he still had free rein and comfy clothes. He didn’t feel like a prisoner. And that is what he liked the most about Azriel. He didn’t feel held against his will. “Of course. I’m just helping out while you’re recovering.” Gabriel sank into the armchair. Why did he feel so obligated to help? It didn’t matter to him at the moment. He’ll figure it out later.
Gabriel listened to Azriel, training his eyes on the demon. “Even if there isn’t much about you, please, tell me.” He was an excellent listener. After all, the number of people who asked him for advice at the bar trained his ear. He rested his head in his hands, watching Azriel. Gabriel already knew Azriel was an incubus, nothing new. Gabriel paused. Could he possibly be taking a liking to an incubus? Naturally? No, that can’t be. He just overthought it. “Fifty-two? You demons must age quicker than we do.” He noticed the hickeys but did not comment on them. He chalked it up to incubus stuff. “Well, I’d say you’re a bit of a plain Jane.” Gabriel giggled. He didn’t mean it negatively, but he figured Azriel was one of the tame ones. “But very nice. I am pleased to have ended up with you rather than demon food.” It was true. He didn’t want to die. He wasn’t ready to die, so this arrangement was nice. “As for me, I am — was a bartender. I had the last shift, so I closed up shop. I usually left around two in the morning sharp. Most of the time, people don’t bother me. However, I stuck my nose where it didn’t belong and almost go killed.” Gabriel drew in a breath. He didn’t want to think about his near-death experience. “That is also why I keep a dagger in my coat.” He liked to feel safer than possibly dead.
Maybe Azriel would ask for his help later when he was cooking. Just for him to grab the things that he could get to with his injury. That way Gabriel could feel included and he wouldn't be hurting himself more. (He thought this as if he was actually going to be able to get up in an hour. He was not.) He tried thinking of what he wanted to make. Maybe some lasagna with garlic bread. He had the ingredients now to make it. He needed to write out his meal plan for the week. He had gone to the store and just randomly bought some things to Gabriel would have something to eat while he wasn't in the house. And he had bought a variety of things, even stuff he didn't like, just in case Gabriel did. He stuck with human foods or the closest equivalent. He doubted Gabriel would want to eat some of their other delicacies like chimera meat. While Azriel himself loved it, it was an acquired taste.
Azriel blushed as the man said he wanted to hear more about him. He wasn't used to anyone giving him this much attention. No one cared. No one cared enough to make small talk with him and want to learn things about him. No one cared or they weren't going to risk angering the king by being emotionally involved with him. Azriel didn't mind it. "Yeah, I'm just plain old Azriel." Again, he tried to shrug but stopped before he even began. "Sometimes I throw parties and those are fun. Some booze and music and dancing." Provocative dancing that was. But that was the only interesting thing Azriel did. He threw great parties. That was why he had friends. The only reason. He listened as Gabriel talked about himself, nodding along. That made sense then why he was out there. And it made more sense why he carried the knife. "Smart to keep the knife on you. You never know what's going on so late."
Gabriel was more than happy to listen to Azriel. After all, this demon was his only form of engagement for the month. It would be interesting to have a friend on the other side, but they probably wouldn’t see each other again after Gabriel got home. What a pity. He was starting to enjoy Azriel’s company. He cleared his throat. “You can’t be that plain. There must be more to you than parties and a plain house.” Gabriel stared into Azriel’s eyes, almost as if he was searching for something. This was the only person he was ever truly curious about — and he worked at a bar. Regardless, he wanted to hear more. “Is that all you’d like to tell me?” He questioned. There was more to Gabriel than the guy who saved him. Now he knew this man never had ill intentions. Moving on to Gabriel, he smiled. He had many wild stories to tell. “Exactly. I was never going to kill you. It’s for basic protection. I learned my lesson when a guy tried to mug me.” He lifted two fingers up to his face. Gabriel traced two scars from his jaw to under his left eye. “He gave me scars to remember, slashing my face up pretty good. That was when I was young. Since then, I trained myself in defense.” Gabriel smiled. He was proud of himself. Working and then walking home at two in the morning was dangerous, but he had no choice. “That is also why I was so tired. I barely sleep.” He crossed his legs, staring at Azriel. It was almost like he wanted the demon’s approval. But why?
Gabriel shook his head. The thought didn’t belong in his mind. Looking up at the clock, he noticed the time. And by the small rumble in his stomach. He had slept all day, skipping lunch. “Isn’t it around dinner time? Or do you want to rest more? Because I can keep talking for however long you need.” This is where his self-centered attitude showed. He would gladly talk about himself for hours and hours. But deep inside him somewhere, he wanted Azriel to talk for hours and hours. Gabriel just did realize it yet. He was a stubborn bitch. “Or I-” He paused. No more offering. The demon made it clear Gabriel was a guest. He didn’t need to help. Why would he want to anyway?
Azriel looked away from Gabriel, shame taking over him. There was nothing else to him. He was just Azriel. He was good for a party and good for sex but there was nothing else. Nothing worth knowing. He enjoyed his house, enjoyed keeping it clean. He liked cooking with music and playing and he loved playing games. That was it. He didn't go out. He didn't eat at restaurants or go do activities. he didn't go cliff jumping or to amusement parks. He was just Azriel. Just Azriel. The king's pet and errand boy. Nothing more nothing less. He turned his head back as Gabriel talked about being mugged, as he showed the scars. For some reason, he was filled with anger and sorrow. Who would try to mug Gabriel? Firstly, the man was huge. not the smartest idea to choose as your victim. He almost raised his hand to touch the scars, to touch the imperfections that should have never happened. "I'm glad you're alive." Did he really just say that? "I'm glad you survived that. And I wish you didn't have to learn how to protect yourself."
Azriel himself turned to look at the clock as Gabriel did. Indeed it was almost time for dinner. He needed to start on it so they wouldn't be eating too late. "It's okay, I've got it. Just help me up please." It was a ritual for Azriel. He needed to get up. He needed to cook dinner. He might go crazy if he didn't He always cooked himself breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even on missions. Even when he was hungover as hell. He always made food. He always cooked. No one else touched his kitchen.
Gabriel noticed how Azriel glanced away. So that’s all there really is to him. Gabriel didn’t mind. He had many storied to fill the void. He had worked many jobs in his life, seen many things, and gone through many things. It didn’t affect him any less. He just wished he didn’t contribute the most to the conversations. Gabriel flashed a smile to Azriel, letting him understand it was alright. He could take story time from here. It was strange. The way he felt for Azriel was unlike any other. Considering he’d only known him for a short time, it struck him odd. There was something to Azriel. And it had to be natural. Gabriel trained his focus back on Azriel, his eyes opening wide for a second. He was glad he was alive? It had to be a slip-up. Azriel definitely misspoke. “Unfortunately, that’s how city life is. At night, that is. It’s prime time for criminals to steal your identity or demons to eat you.” There was nothing Gabriel could do to change it. “Thanks, Azreil. I’m glad to be alive too.” Gabriel smiled sweetly.
Gabriel stood up, going to Azriel’s side. How was he going to do this? He took Azriel’s hand, sliding his other arm under him. This was going to hurt. Using both arms, Gabriel pulled Azriel up, using the arm under him to sit the demon up. Now it was a matter of getting him off the couch. He kept his grip on Azriel’s hand, using his own strength to pull the man up. Hopefully, that got him off the couch and onto his feet. He knew it had to hurt like hell.
Azriel pursed his lips. Gabriel's life was more dangerous than he had initially thought. He knew humans were dangerous. He knew about gangs and killers and druggies. He had been going to the human world for a long time. He just never realized he would have a friend who had to wary of that. He never thought he would have a human friend regardless. He never saw or spoke again to the human men and women he had bedded. It was one night and one night only with Azriel. He had dealt with human criminals a time or two, the ones that tried to start something with him while he was dealing with things. They had been easy to handle, easy to scare off. And the ones that didn't had been easy to kill. But Gabriel didn't have Azriel's ways of protecting himself. He didn't have enhanced speed or healing. He didn't have a demo form or powers. He was human and utterly powerless. It was good that he had learned self defense.
Azriel sucked in a breath as he prepare himself. It hurt just the way Gabriel was touching him. Being sat up, being pulled up, had him crying out in pain. His eyes watered up and a single tear fell. How was he going to stand? How was he going to cook? He didn't like this. Azriel had suffered worse than this before. But that had left him incapacitated and in the hospital unconscious. This was different. He wasn't incapacitated. He was. And he was conscious. He needed to make dinner but he couldn't seem to stand up.
Gabriel noticed that the demon wouldn’t give way. He only cried out in pain at being moved. Yeah, no dice. He wasn’t helping Azriel stand. It would hurt him too much. Why was he concerned if it would hurt him not? Whatever, he didn’t have time to ponder over it. Gabriel gently lowered his arm. He helped reposition Azriel, leaning him against the couch. Azriel wasn’t getting up soon. Gabriel sat next to the demon. Not too close, but not too far. “It looks like you’re stuck here.” He bit the inside of his cheek. He didn’t like being this close. A small blush flushed on his face. But it was gone with a small sigh. “Are you sure you don’t want me to do anything?” It was fruitless to ask. If Gabriel wasn’t crazy, he’d say he was slowly developing a crush on Azriel. Good thing he was crazy.
Gabriel didn’t think his life was dangerous. It was pretty passive compared to others. People rarely tried to steal from him. If they did, they were met with a dagger to the face. The city was pretty at night. He liked walking along its edge while walking him to his apartment. Life had been undisturbed. He was in his own little world until Braxton had attacked him. Why did he wander where he didn’t belong? It was his fault. He was the reason he was here. With a sigh, he turned to face Azriel and smiled slightly. He didn’t smile often. He didn’t do this often. This situation was rare. Very rare. A situation where Gabriel was selfless and caring for another before himself was almost non-existent. He would have to like you a lot. Although he wouldn’t admit he liked Azriel. It was stupid. No sane human liked a demon. He sighed, starting past Azriel and off into the distance.
Azriel was breathing hard as he was repositioned. The problem with breathing hard was the it urt his ribs. God that sucked. Thinking hard, he didn't think he'd ever had a time where his ribs had been injured so much he was incapacitated. He had been kicked in his stomach before and that left him extremely tender but he could still walk. Beatings weren't a new thing to him from the Master. They just had never been this severe. More than enough black eyed or broken noses, a few hits to the stomach, a broken arm once. But never like this. Master had never been this angry before. Had never taken it out on him like this before. This sucked. Azriel didn't like this one bit. He let out a small whimper but not because if the pain, simply because he couldn't get up. He wanted to make dinner. He needed to make dinner. But that wasn't happening. Stuck here indeed. At leat until tomorrow. He would heal the most in his sleep as his energy could divert itself to just healing.
He turned his head to look at Gabriel as the man sat next to him. Be couldn't fathom why the human was sitting beside him. He was a demon, an incubus. He fed off of sexual activities. For a hum, that was still creepy think about, even if he wasn't one of the worse demons. He was still a demon. He closed his eyes, sniffing quietly. He just wanted to make dinner. He didn't want to do this. He didn't want to ask Gabriel, and more importantly, he didn't want him in his kitchen. But it didn't look like Azriel had a choice. They needed to eat. And he was not getting up. So it would be up to Gabriel. He sighed softly, working uo the courage to ask the question. Finally, he opened his mouth, "Do you know how to cook?"
Gabriel reached out, looking at Azriel’s eye. The wound had improved slightly. However, the demon was still down. He didn’t know what to do. He didn’t run this home nor did he know how to care for a demon. So he kept him company. Gabriel kicked his legs, looking for something to do. However, they just sat in silence. Azriel’s whines filled the air, and Gabriel cringed. He couldn’t soothe him. He figured Azriel wouldn’t appreciate touch. However, Gabriel gave Azriel a small pat on the shoulder. He wasn’t quite ready for hugs. “It’ll be alright, Azriel. You’re a demon. At least you don’t have to wait for weeks upon weeks for the pain to disappear.” Gabriel let out a sigh. Staring blankly ahead, he settled into the couch.
Gabriel shook his head, messing up his neat blonde hair. He winced from the pain ebbing through his head once again. He didn’t really acknowledge that Azriel was an incubus. It didn’t worry him much like it should a normal human. He couldn’t explain it. There was something about Azriel that attracted Gabriel. It definitely wasn’t the fact he was an incubus or stubborn. It was something else. Gabriel perked his head up. Azriel was asking him if he knew how to cook. A smile spread across his mouth. “Course I do. My mom was a chef. She taught me how to cook, how to fend for myself because…” He faltered, going quiet. An unsavory memory came back to him, but he quickly shut it out. “Don’t worry about me destroying your kitchen. All you need to tell me is what you want and where to find the ingredients.” This made Gabriel happy, putting him in a brighter mood.
Azriel found the small pat on his shoulder strange yet comforting. He knew that was Gabriel's way of trying to comfort him, even if it wasn't a hug Azriel realized he so desperately wanted. He would take what he could get. His love language was touch. He loved touched, loved being touched. It made him feel good, made him feel important. Even if he wasn't an incubus it would likely still be touch. Acts of service was likely his secondary one. He liked doing things for people, especially his Master. He enjoyed running errands and doing things for people. He liked making things and sharing it. He would often bake and bring it to the king, awaiting his praise. He usually got it in the form of sex. Something he also liked so there was that. "You know, that still doesn't make me feel much better." Azriel didn't know what jt was like to heal that slowly. He had never been human, had never had human healing abilities. And even if he did know, this sucked. He was in so much pain, it likely would be the same pain if he were human.
Azriel couldn't help but return the smile. Gabriel looked so handsome with that smile, it made him want to do things. No! Bad Azriel. He couldn't move let alone do anything. He shouldn't be thinking like this. He thought his needs had been sated but if anything, they were worse now. This had never happened to him before. Was this what happened when he had a crush? "I was thinking lasagna and garlic bread. Everything you need is in the pantry. Pans are above the stove." This was making Azriel nervous having someone else on his kitchen, having someone else touch his stuff. He shouldn't have expected Gabriel to never go in there and never touch his appliances. That was unreasonable. He might as well start getting used to it now.
Gabriel stared at Gabriel, his pity growing for the demon. All ideas of comfort were unsavory since they were barely friends. So Gabriel gave Azriel half a hug before pulling away, hoping it made the demon feel better. It wouldn’t do much for the wounds, but a sweet hug helped with the mental aspect of the injury. Gabriel wasn’t much of an affectionate person. He would share a hug or two. If you were in a relationship with him, he’d give you kisses on the forehead, neck, and cheeks. But that was it. However, Azriel flipped a small spark within him. He was being more conscious and affectionate of him than any other person. “Apologies. But you’ll be better soon, I hope.” I hope. Why did he hope the demon got better? Decent human courtesy or other feelings. However, any feelings Gabriel had were swallowed and bottled. He didn’t need to fall for a demon. A demon. Demons weren’t partners. They were dangerous. But Gabriel couldn’t help it. It was Azriel’s kindness.
Gabriel grinned in return. Strands of blonde hair fell into his chocolate-brown eyes. “Yeah, I can make lasagna and garlic bread. It’s not too hard. When it’s cooked. I’ll bring you a plate.” Gabriel was glad he learned decent cooking skills. This could have been a disaster if not. He rose, eyeing the kitchen. Azriel looked displeased, but they couldn’t starve. He stood and stretched, wandering into the kitchen. First, he washed his hands, then got the important dishes and ingredients out. Gabriel got out a large pot, going to fill it. Once filled with water, he turned on the burner, setting it to boil. He got out ground beef and a pan. He started to cook the meat. Gabriel got out a knife and cutting board, chopping up onions and garlic, and throwing it in with the meat. Once the water boiled, he boiled the pasta. Next, he mixed the cheeses together. Homemade lasagna was a pain.
As soon as everything was prepared, he found a rectangular pan and set the oven. Gabriel spread some meat sauce over the bottom of the pan, then laid the pasta down, then added a layer of cheese. He repeated this until a layer of cheese was left on top. Gabriel found some tin foil and wrapped it over the pan. He placed it in the oven, placing an hour on the time. He cleaned and placed every dish he got out. Gabriel also placed the ingredients back where they came from. By now, his hair was poofed up due to steam. He leaned in the doorway of the kitchen, looking exhausted. “It’ll be ready in an hour. I’ll place the garlic bread about 45–50 minutes in.” Gabriel really needed to care for himself more. Even he didn’t cook for himself.
Azriel froze as the man gave him a half hug. It was short, practically over before it had started but it had been there. Gabriel had hugged him. He didn't know what to think of that. Well, a certain part knew what to think of that but his head didn't. Azriel usually took a simple touch and ran with it. He craved it and took as much as he coukd, as much as what was offered. And for the first time in his life, Azriel had an infatuation with someone, well, someone other than the king. He wasn't sure what to do with himself when Gabriel touched him. He finally snapped out of whatever frozen state he had been in and offered a small smile at Gabriel's kind words. That was nice of him to say. He only hoped he meant it.
He watched as Gabriel got up, his eyes settling on his ass. He honestly hadn't meant to but well, it was eye level with him and it was nice. He wondered what it would be like- Nope! Stopping that right there. He blinked a few times, trying ti banish the thoughts from his head. He needed to get laid again. Maybe that would sate him so he wouldn't be pawing at Gabriel. This was weird for him. He didn't know what to think. Would he still be wanting Gabriel even if he was fully fed? If so, this was going to be a very long month.
Azriel managed to turn himself, very, very slowly as he heard Gabriel moving in his kitchen. There was no way he was going to ket him move around without supervision. He was watching him with narrow eyes, watching what he grabbed and what he used. He corrected him a time or two on what pan to use and what nonstick spray to use. He was very particular on his things. He didn't think he really liked other people touching his stuff. Parties was one thing. People drank and danced and Azriel put away any breakable so he didn't have to worry. Parties were full of sexual activities and gave Azriel the high he needed, the fulfillment he needed when he was running low on energy. But no one every went through his things, such as using his kitchen to make food. Azriel licked his lips as Gabriel reappeared before him. Even looking disheveled the man looked devine. He cleared his throat. "Yeah, sounds good."
Gabriel smiled. He leaned against the doorway with his arm against the frame and head in hand. He seemed sleepy after running around, his hair disheveled and scars pinker. His skin flushed a little. Clearly, the heat of a kitchen was not for him. He was a bartender, not a personalized chef. Gabriel caught Azriel staring at him. “What are you looking at?” He smiled, clearly knowing what he was saying. He moved away from the door frame, plopping down in the armchair he took up. Gabriel set a mental reminder of when he placed the lasagna in the oven. He had an hour to spare before dinnertime, so went back to the small talk. “Are there any other questions you’d like to ask me about my life? I wouldn’t mind answering.” He’d like to think humans were strange creatures to the demon, but alas, he kept human things. They couldn’t be completely a mystery to Azriel.
Gabriel stared at Azriel, his head resting in his hands as he peered over the armchair, awaiting an answer. He noticed the demon’s stunning blue eyes, quite unlike his own. He started to pick up on other little details, like his feminine features. It worked with him. Gabriel noticed the black mop of curly hair he wanted to tame. It was a tad unruly for Gabriel’s taste — but so was his own hair. In fact, he had a very particular taste. His own sense of fashion was high-end — mostly when he went out. When stuck at home, he tended to dress down. But regardless of the situation, he always slicked his hair and paid attention to his face. Some would say his scars ruined his complexion, while others say they added to it. Gabriel had grown fond of his scars. It meant he had survived. And scars made people look attractive in his mind.
Gabriel had been inside his own thoughts, starting at, if not, thought Azriel. He snapped back to reality, shaking his head slightly. “Sorry. I got lost in my own head.” His voice was gritty, but not too deep. It was somewhat average for men. Gabriel believed his frame to be too slender, but he figured it fit him well. It added to his look. After all, he was 6 foot 1.
Azriel's cheeks reddened as he was caught staring. He whipped back around, hurting himself in the process until he was staring straight ahead. He had a TV mounted on the wall, the unit below. The unit was black. It was hiding his Xbox inside along with a few games. There was a couple fake plants on top of the unit as decoration. Simple, modern, slightly more feminine. He had a certain appreciation for beauty even if he didn't decorate his home very much. He tapped more into his feminine side than most men. He didn't wear dresses and skirts, or do his nails or makeup, not that there was anything wrong with that. But he was more aware of things than a typical male was. Azriel liked pretty things. The couple of aesthetic pieces of art said just as much. A typical man wouldn't have such things. Azriel did.
Azriel looked at Gabriel, considering all the questions he could ask. He didn't know anything about Gabriel other than his first name and that he was a bartender. There was a wealth of questions he coukd ask. He might as well pick one and start there. He coukd ask more after. "How old are you?" He waited for answer and didn't recieve one. He grew nervous as he waited for an answer. It wasn't until he looked closer that he saw Gabriel was lost in thought. He wasn't purposely ignoring him. He was just lost in his thoughts. He could clear his throat and interrupt him from his thoughts. He coukd tap him on the shoulder or throw a throw pillow. He decided against all of that and waited for Gabriel to come out of it on his own. He smiled as the man spoke. "It's alright. I just asked how old you are?"
Gabriel blinked a few times to make himself continuously aware of his surroundings. Azriel had asked a question. How long ago had he asked that question? It didn’t matter. He could simply answer it now than pond on when it was asked. “How old am I? I am 24 and fresh out of college. I am younger than most I work with, but it never bothered me.” He was younger than the majority of the people he spoke to. He had been called little Gabriel, even by people older than him by a few months. Gabriel didn’t mind, however. It was just a harmless tease, nothing major. He looked around the living room, taking in the minimal design. It made the place feel roomy and comfortable. He supposed one would want to feel that way in a sitting room. His own sitting room was decorated minimally.
Gabriel smiled. “I like your minimalistic style. It pairs well with you. And it makes the room feel warm and comfortable.” He waited for more questions, eyes the clock as it slowly ticked down. 45 minutes until dinner. He could make do. Gabriel didn’t mind explaining things about himself. After all, Azriel spilled everything in one go — and Gabriel stayed silent. He knew more about Azriel than he did Gabriel. That wasn’t fair. So he leaned back into the chair, letting the smell of lasagna fill the room. He closed his eyes. Gabriel’s eyelids felt heavy, but he shouldn’t be sleepy. He already slept most of the day away.
Azriel listened to him, nodding along as the other man speak. He was twenty-four. Azriel, in appearance, looked about the same age even if he was actually twice that in real life. Demons aged differently. It depended on what type of demon you were to determine how quickly you aged and how long you lived. But even the shortest-living demon lived at least two human lifetimes. As an incubus, he could live to several hundred years, given he wasn't killed prematurely. Their long life caused a shortage of children. It was hard for demons to get pregnant. Very few babies were born each year. It was the way to keep them in check so they didn't overrun the earth and take over. There were significantly a lot fewer demons than there were humans.
Azriel smiled as Gabriel complimented his home. He turned his head to hide the smile and the natural flush on his cheeks that followed. Azriel was usually so good at holding it together. He was always composed, even when he was partying and intoxicated. He never behaved this way, not even for the king. This was a first for Azriel and he didn't think he hated it. Azriel had butterflies in his stomach. He liked that. He liked the way Gabriel made him feel. "Thank you," he finally said. A delayed reaction but he had needed those precious seconds to gain his composure once again. "I want it to look nice." Even if no one really saw it. It looked like a model home would. It was a little too perfect. Even when he threw parties, he would aggressively clean up the next morning, even hungover and at risk of puking. The house had to look perfect. He couldn't make breakfast until it was. "You said you just finished college. What was your major?"
Gabriel nodded his head in return to Azriel’s thanks. He noticed how the demon flushed, but didn’t question it. So it wasn’t just him. He pushed many thoughts aside, focusing on the conversation at hand. “Well, you do a nice job at making it look nice.” Is that why Azriel was finicky about what he touched and played with? Gabriel wouldn’t break anything. He was careful and put everything back. If he didn’t respect someone’s home, he’d be a monster. He’d always imagine how he’d feel if someone came over and destroyed his home. It would boil his blood. “ My major. I majored in business administration and management. Boring, I know, right.” He giggled. Gabriel was a businessman. He had plans for the future, but he stuck to his current job for the moment. He liked mixing drinks for the locals and watching them, so they didn’t leave too intoxicated. However, his major did come in handy when tending the bar, so it wasn’t completely wasted. It just wasn’t what he had envisioned.
Gabriel peeked up at the clock again. 20 more minutes until dinner was ready. He was starving, and Azriel probably was too. He sank further into the chair. He felt as if he might fall asleep any minute, but sleep would have to wait. Gabriel couldn’t leave food in the oven, nor could he leave Azriel hanging. So, he forced himself to stay awake. What if Azriel had more questions? He needed to be receptive. He could go to bed without dinner. And what about Azriel? He couldn’t move.
Azriel only murmured another thank you at the compliment. He wasn't used to compliments. Or at least not ones like this. They were usually about how great his parties were or encouragements in bed. Look how pretty you are. You're doing so good. Those most definitely did not apply to this situation. And they hopefully never did. Getting involved with humans in the human world was alright. It was one night only and then he went on his way. Having relations with someone he was temporarily living with? Not such a good idea. What would happen if they had a falling out? Gabriel was stuck here until they were both healed to travel. Azriel was hoping by the time Gabriel had healed enough to travel, he himself would be in good condition. But that meant no more pissing off Master. He couldn't screw up anymore. He wouldn't be able to teleport them if he was too injured to do so.
Azriel shook his head. "It doesn't sound boring. At least not if you have a plan to use it." Even from the short amount of time they've known each other, he could tell Gabriel didn't intend to bartend his whole life. That was a man who always had a plan. Bartending was just temporary while he got everything in order for what he wanted to do. Azriel was very good a reading people. He was also very good at ignoring things he got from reading people. He chose to see the best in people even when he shouldn't. "Do you have any family? What are they like?"
Gabriel giggled at Azriel’s incompetent thank-yous. They were cute. Did the demon really not get these types of comments? Gabriel was used to them all. Looks, abilities, decor. Maybe it was his turn to introduce the demon to different aspects of life. Especially from someone who wasn’t trying to use him. After all, Gabriel had a full month to introduce a lot to Azriel. As much as Gabriel wanted to go home, he was starting to get cozy here. Sure, the restrictions were awful — almost unbearable, but he could look past it. It wasn’t as bad. It was only a temporary situation. After the wound was fully healed, he could be taken back home. And if Azriel was fully healed too. If the demon got any more injuries, it would be a bad outlook on his chance of getting home. Gabriel had plans for his adult life. Major ones he didn’t disclose with the demon. Settling down and having a family wasn’t in his foreseeable plans so far.
Not boring? Gabriel was almost sure business management was monotonous. “I do have a plan to use it, yes. I wasn’t going to bartend forever. While I do like it, I think starting my own enterprise would be nice — or moving up to an executive position.” He shrugged. He wasn’t completely sure which path he’d choose, but each had great opportunities and plans. One would end up being the opportunity cost, but as long the trade-off was great, he didn’t mind. “My family..” Gabriel didn’t seem too pleased to mention them. “Well, my mother is the sweetest woman on the Earth. She deserves the world. My brother is a doctor. He’s headstrong and confident. But my dad —” He paused. “My father is an alcoholic. My parents got divorced years ago after — well — he started to get violent.” He shifted uncomfortably. Gabriel didn’t like talking about his family as a whole. It brought back unsavory memories.
Gabriel looked up at the clock, smiling. “Oh, would you look at that! Dinner is ready.” He stood up from his seat, walking into the kitchen. He pulled on some oven mitts and pulled out the lasagna and bread (that I totally forgot about). “How much do you want?” He asked. Azriel was the first person Gabriel catered to.
Azriel grew saddened at Gabriel's words. He felt a rush of guilt for even bringing up his family. He hadn't meant to make him sad to bring up the past. He thought it had been an innocent question to ask, one he found wasn't so much. He knew now not to bring it up in the future. He shouldn't be asking questions anyways. They shouldn't be friends. They couldn't. Once Azriel took him home he couldn't ever see him again. It would be a risk. If anyone followed him, if anyone saw he had attachments to someone, especially human, he would have just signed Gabriel's death certificate. The king didn't want Azriel to have any attachments or loyalty to anyone else than himself. It made sense. Your followers, especially your closest employee, should be undeniably loyal to you. Azriel moved to open his mouth to apologize for bringing up the subject when Gabriel was suddenly standing. Dinner, right.
He sat quietly as he waited. There wasn't anything he could do. He couldn't get up. Maybe tomorrow he could but not tonight. Not with the pain he was feeling. Maybe it was a good thing someone was there that was able to make dinner. Azriel would have gone to bed without food that night. He certainly wouldn't have liked that. He thought, looking down at his stomach. He hadn't had lunch, due to, well, things. "Oh, um, I'll take a big piece I guess. It doesn't matter, I can always get seconds. And two pieces of garlic bread please," he called back to the kitchen.
Gabriel watched Azriel’s fill with sorrow. He frowned. His family was great now, for he mostly visited his mom. He wasn’t saddened by Azriel bringing up the past, but was merely uncomfortable. His mom had been hurt too much, but now was glad she flourished independently. Gabriel didn’t mind the questions. He actually loved the fact they were getting to know each other. He couldn't care less about the dangers. Gabriel loved the company. However, he knew he wouldn’t see Azriel again. It wasn’t likely the demon would ever come back. Why didn’t Azriel seem to have any real friends? It plagued his mind since their conversation an hour a two ago. He shook these thoughts away,
Gabriel instead got plates for the two. He supposed the demon wouldn’t like them eating in the sitting room, but there was no choice. He wanted to keep Azriel company. Gabriel grabbed a spatula and cut out a large piece of lasagna. He slid it onto the plate, placing two pieces of garlic bread down next to it. He got himself a small piece of lasagna and one piece of garlic bread. Gabriel grabbed two forks and walked back into the sitting room. He handed Azriel his plate. “Sorry, we’re eating in the sitting room, but you can’t get up. I would rather keep you company then go sit at the table.” Gabriel chose to stand while eating.
.jpg)