The temperature of the cafe rose a few degrees, which was the only sign of the annoyance Erebus felt. How dare this inferior low-level of a demon think that he can boss him around? But if there was one thing that Erebus excelled at, it was deals, with mortals and demons alike. He could play along with Icares' desperate little terms until the right moment arrived.
"And is my soul the only thing that you've decided to add on to your new terms?" he asked calmly, his wide grin never wavering from his face.
group
(aahahahahahhah sorry)
group
He nods. "Evens out the stakes, I think."
"Very well," Erebus replied, completely unfazed. It wouldn't be the first time that he had bet his own soul with another demon. His hand was still extended in the air between them, the pulsing black and purple light circling his hand glowing a bit brighter. "Do we have a deal now?"
group
He conjures his own circle and shakes his hand "Good luck" He smiles.
"I can say the same for you, Icares," Erebus said cheerfully, standing up. "You'll definitely need it."
He looked over and met Roman's gaze, giving him a warm, friendly smile as he walked over to him.
"Hello!" Erebus said happily, leaning against the wall next to him. "I'm afraid we got off on the wrong start earlier. I've been told I act like a complete bitch when I don't have coffee." He let out a small, melodic laugh, his warm smile and gaze never leaving Roman. "But I'd like to start over and treat you with the respect that you deserve." He held out his hand, no magic circles or soul-stealing deals attached. "I'm Erebus."
group
Icares sighs and rubs his temples. He looks stressed as soon as Erebus walks away.
Erebus drew his hand away and snapped his fingers, making a new coffee appear in front of the oblivious customer who he borrowed from who still didn't realize that their original drink was taken in the first place. He blinked in the direction of the coffee machine and a moment later it beeped, looking and sounding as good as new.
"All I want is to be your friend, Roman," Erebus said sincerely, undaunted by the hostility he was faced with. "What happened earlier was wrong of me, and I am truly sorry for any and all misery and anger that I have caused you. The truth is, I don't have many friends, which I guess you could probably tell." His smile turned sad and his eyes looked distant, but he shook his head as if trying to clear some unwanted thoughts out of his head.
"And after talking to my acquaintance over there, I realized that I needed to try doing something different. Being someone different. I shouldn't have acted out like that, and I really do want to change my ways. If there's anything, and I mean anything, that I can do to get into your good graces and perhaps eventually be someone that you would consider a good and close friend, I'll do it. I really am sorry for my actions."
group
(that's a bunch of bs)
group
Icares chills
group
(yessssssss)
Erebus blinked. Strange. This always worked on mortals…wait, no. It only worked on humans. So he must not be entirely human. Interesting.
He shrugged. "Worth a shot." His gaze turned to the crumpled-up pieces of paper in the trashcan near Roman and he lifted a finger, making the papers unfold themselves. His eyes landed on one that looked like two demons fighting. It was remarkably well-drawn, and a rare feeling of genuine discomfort crossed his face as he looked more closely at the drawing. One of those demons looked a bit similar to his own true demon form.
"You're quite a talented artist," Erebus said mildly, glancing over at Roman.
(I think my demon is becoming aware of Roman's heritage lol)
group
(Foolish. None compare to my genius.)
group
Icares sighs and runs his hand through his hair.
"I'm 'bothering' you because you intrigue me," Erebus replied honestly. "You live and work amongst humans, but yet you are not truly one of them. I want to get to know you better."
group
"Erebus, leave the poor man alone. Can't you see he doesn't want to talk?" Icares looks stressed but he's trying to hide it, tapping on the table.
group
(I'm gonna go for now I need to focus on this paper)
Erebus nodded. "Very well. But when you change your mind, just say my name and we can chat again sometime." He gave a respectful dip of his head, smiling professionally, as if he had experienced similar encounters as this one several times. Which he had. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Denino."
He disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke, not feeling the slightest bit worried. He had played the waiting game numerous times over the centuries; he knew how to deal with people like Roman, too. All he needed to do was be patient, and he would warm up to Erebus all in due time.
group
Icares comes and places some money in the tip jar and leaves LIKE A NORMAL PERSON Lol