Devil Possession

10

Shide watched Shuyi has the other man ran through the empty streets of Paris. The illusion of the city was barren of life—and odd choice for someone like Shuyi, but perhaps he just did not want the distraction during his daily bit of exercise.

The Devil  sipped his tea, revealing himself as the other man came around the corner. Shuyi slowed down to a stop as he approached. Shide snapped his fingers and another cup appeared opposite him, steam rising from the delicate china.

"What are you doing here?" Shuyi asked and there was a tiredness to his voice that was not just from the exercise.

Shide raised a brow at the tone, but ignored it. "Simply taking in the scenery. I must say, I never thought to hear the sounds of the wind or the chirping of the birds while in Paris."

"I hate running through people." The words were short—clipped, as though he was stewing for a fight. Shuyi had never spoken to him in such a way before.

"Ah, yes I understand," Shidesaid with an indifferent shrug, gesturing for Shuyi to take a seat. The tiny wrought iron table and chair seemed almost cliche for a paris street bistro. The Angel pulled the chair out and did his best to settle in, though he obviously a tad larger than the set was intended for. Still, Shuyi picked up the steaming beverage and took a sip without another word. If he enjoyed it or not, he didn't show it. Something was clearly off about the Angel.

Shide didn't sigh out loud. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Shuyi shook his head mutinously. "Nothing."

The Devil  felt his eyes narrow dangerously. Usually Shuyi was very embodiment of maturity and good manners. It was rare for Shide  to be reminded of exactly how young the Angel was. "Tell me the problem," he said logically. "And I'll come up with a solution. I can give you anything you desire."

Whatever the Angel craved, Shuyi would be all too happy to provide it.

"My freedom?" Shuyi asked, expression mildly hopeful.

Except that.

The Devil  gestured around to the city. "You may go anywhere in the world in here," he said.

Shuyi sent him a disdainful look as he set the teacup down. The saucer rattled with the force of the impact, but Shide wouldn't allow Shuyi anger to sway him. "I can not allow you to leave."

The Angel look was incredulous. "Why? You keep me locked up in a single room. I don't know anything about your plans, your palace, or even you, really."

And Shide wished to keep it that way. There were things in his past that would horrify someone as pure as Shuyi.

The Angel  reached out and rested his hand over Shide. "Please."

Shide looked down at the fingers resting over his. At any other time, such a gesture would have been welcome, but now . . . when his lover was attempting to manipulate him. Shide dragged his gaze back up to the Angel  and Shuyi flinched back as the Devil  normally pale yellow eyes flashed black for the barest of seconds in anger.

The illusion around them shattered, the city falling to pieces and disappearing.

"The answer is no, Shuyi."

Shide got up and the table and chair disappeared as well, causing the Angel to fall onto the ground. Shuyi hastily got back up again, following as Shide made his way out of the illusionary space and back into the bedroom.

Just as he stepped through, a hand around his arm. "Please, Shide! I—I just want to see my family."

The Devil grimaced, shrugging the other man off. "This discussion is over."

Shuyi came around to face him, his head shaking. "You won't even talk to me!"

A muscle jumped in Shide cheek. "What is there to talk about? You're my prisoner—an enemy combatant in an on-going war."

"That you fuck nearly every night," Shuyi said spitefully.

Shide raised a brow at the foul language. It was not something he'd ever heard from the dignified Angel before. "And what does that say about you, Angel?" he asked with a sneer.

Shuyi seemed to realize that this method wasn't working so he tried something else. "It doesn't have to be like this, Shide . The Heaven wants peace—we can work something out—"

The Devil  shook his head at the naivety of baby Angel. "You're talking about things you can't even begin to comprehend, Shuyi. If I let you go, I will never see you again, and that— that I will not allow."

For once Shuyi was silent, clearly unsure of how to handle the admission. He hadn't meant to be so honest—at least not yet. Such possessive emotions might be common among demons, but mortals tended to shy away when they felt pushed. Perhaps now Shuyi could finally understand the depths of how selfish Shide truly was.

"You're mine, Shuyi," he said reinforcing his words. Shuyi mouth hung open in shock even as Shide advanced on him, driving him towards the bed. "My prisoner . . . my lover," he added with a whisper, pulling them close together. "My angel."