Notebook.ai

The Underground (1x1 closed)

@ElderGod-yellowqueen forum 185 comments schedule
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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?"

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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?"

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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.

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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.