It was the next day, almost at eleven in the evening, and Suki was already looking much better.
Her color was returning, the redness in her face depleting, and her breathing was less labored and more even now.
I smiled and set my hand against her forehead. “Fever’s gone… this was a quick one, huh?”
She parted her lashes lazily, gazing up at me as I kept the smile. “Will…?”
“That’s me,” I said then, sitting on the bed, “you’re loyal demon.”
She just exhaled a breath and gazed around the room nervously. “We’re still in the motel?”
“Yes,” I said gently, “I bribed him enough to extend our stay for about a week.”
“A week?” she echoed in annoyance. “In this shithole?”
I chuckled. “Yes, a week in this shithole.”
She groaned in annoyance and flopped back down onto the bed, closing her eyes.
“It seems as if you’re feeling better,” I said then. “You know, as they say, sleep is the best healer. And… I have a surprise for you.”
She gazed over at me.
I just picked up a bowl of freshly warmed chicken noodle soup, and her eyes glittered. “I suspected you’d be hungry.”
“Yes,” she said then.
I just helped her sit up, knowing she’d probably have sore muscles for a while.
As she set her back against the headboard, I scooped some soup onto a spoon. “Say aahhhhhh.”
She didn’t, just glared. “What are you doing?”
“Feeding you, duh,” I said then, raising the spoon. “Now open your mouth.”
Her glare sharpened. “I’m not eating that.”
“Oh,” I said then, “is it too hot? Here.” I phooed it in attempt to annoy her, and she just stared at me in horror. “There, now ahhhhh.”
After another moment of hesitation, she just gave in because she was too hungry to resist.
She opened her mouth, and I slipped the spoon in.
She just ate it, chewing a little when I drew back and caught another spoonful.
“Open your mouth when you’re ready for more,” I said to her.
Her cheeks heated a little, but she opened her mouth anyway.
I gave her more food, and she ate it.
“Is it good?” I asked her. “I got Campbell’s, your favorite.”
She kept chewing, staring down at my chest. “It’s good.”
My smile widened.
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*****
I lightly brushed my hand through Suki’s hair as she remained asleep, snuggled against me.
It was a couple days now, and Suki was all better.
She had been up and running, following me to get groceries, and sleeping at night… somewhat.
I had to do something about those nightmares, though.
It took a bit of courage to care for her, but it wasn’t as hard as it would be for humans. I could run and get her meds, I knew tactics to get her fever down, I knew everything! It wasn’t that hard to deal with illnesses.
And, lastly… the scent of her blood was now fresh and alluring.
So, so hungry.
But I had to wait, and it bored me.
I found my place in her life, though. I could care for her like a nanny almost, and I loved those expressions she gave me when I did.
I don’t need you to feed me! I’m not FOUR!
Why are you tying my shoes?! I can do that myself!
I can pay for this on my own, you know!
And then afterward…
Wait… I actually don’t know how to tie my shoes. That’s why I always wear Velcro.
Uhm… actually, I don’t have money until my payday.
I take it back… I’m hungry… and my hands are full.
She was so resistant! It was adorable.
Especially knowing she’d cave within the minute. So I decided to care for her, that would be my piece in her life.
I’d be her protector, and I’d care for her.
It was the least I could do, knowing what I got in return.
I also loved her angry comments:
Don’t look at me like that!
Wipe that smile off your face, you menace!
You always inconvenience me, you know!
I can take care of myself!
I hate you!
And then there were moments like this—every night, nonetheless—where I held her and helped her sleep.
Did she hate me? No. Did I inconvenience her? Yes, it’s fun, really. When she yelled, she squeaked like a mouse. Could she take care of herself? Yes, but she wasn’t good at it.
Her priorities weren’t straightened. She was so keen on fighting for her sister’s killer, that she totally forgot to care for herself. And I signed with her, promising that I’d care for her. So I should do what she lacked to do for herself.
Did she like my smile? Yes. Was it menacing? Also, yes.
That’s why she liked it.
Suki suddenly shifted, and I gazed down at her.
But she was still sound asleep.
I just smiled, eyes glowing slightly when I ran my finger along the side of her neck. “So, so tempting… but a demon must stay by his word. How could you tempt me so, hmm?”
She remained asleep, and my lashes lowered.
“You’re not alright, are you?” I said quietly. “You’re hurting. I can sense it deep inside… I can hear your thoughts. They’re so dark and heartless, but you push them back automatically. Is this how you remain sane? You keep them locked up and only release them when you want?”
I set my lips on her forehead. “You have a lot of restraint. I must commend you on that.”
She continued sleeping.
“And in your dreams is when you relive them,” I continued. “That’s why you don’t like to sleep. Well, you’ll be alright,” I gazed down at her, smiling, “I can protect you from yourself too, my Angel.”
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