Temptation 16

 "I'm sorry to do this to you right before your appointment, but it's the only time she had open." Shota held the door for Elly into a large business complex. 

"It's fine." She swung herself through on the crutches, nimble enough now with enough practice. "Just as I was getting used to these damned things, too," she grumbled.

He laughed. "Your arms will thank you, though."

It was hard to believe four weeks had passed since the accident, but she had been in such a haze of pain killers and sleep aids for the first couple that it seemed almost overnight. She was looking forward to getting the cast off but first they were visiting the law firm Shota was going to represent her from.

They walked into the building and took the elevator up several floors. Shota knew where he was going so he didn't need to ask around, yet when they stepped off at their floor they were stared at and approached a few times to ask if he needed directions. He began to get irritated, smoke curling off his shoulders as he led Elly past workers in cubicles toward an intricate glass office at the end of a large room.

"Relax, Sho," she whispered behind a hand. "They're just being helpful."

The demon shook his head. "No," he told her in clipped tones. "No, they are not." He pointed at all the well-dressed people working at their computers. "They're all demons of varying grades, and they aren't playing by the rules. I outrank the bastards. They should show <i>respect</i>."

They stopped at a larger desk sat in front of the boss's office, and Shota cleared his throat to get the receptionist's attention.

The smaller male demon behind the desk whistled sharply. His leer while he stared at Elly made it perfectly clear how he viewed her. Shota hissed and stepped in front of her, speaking one word in a terrible dialect that sounded like he was chewing off a chunk of raw meat.

The other demon shrank back visibly, eyebrows rising in surprise. "Yes, well. I wasn't aware you were that accepting about your situation."

"Stop playing around and tell us where the hell Midnight is."

"Oh, so you <i>did</i> get into trouble." His gaze slid over to Elly again and she did not miss the implication. She started to frown, wondering just what these beings were seeing in her. Were humans regarded so low that they were seen as vermin?

"It's not for me." Shota adjusted the tie on his suit pointedly. "I need to talk to her about a case."

"Oooh, courts are such fun. Lucky you." He spun about and tapped quickly at his keyboard for several seconds. "She's Out at the moment," he told them, an odd emphasis on the word.

"Tell her we'll meet in her office, then," he said, walking past the secretary into the room beyond.

"But -! Ahh, forget it. She'll deal with you."

The inside of the office was austere but decorated in glass cut sculptures of anatomy that caused Elly to blush violently. She averted her eyes and hobbled over to the giant desk in front of a wall of pane glass windows. One could see almost the entire city from here and it was quite imposing.

"Why are all the demons here staring? Have I done something wrong, Shota?"

"No, mistress." He smiled at her and pulled a chair out for her to sit. "It's ...complicated. I'll tell you later."

He had just flopped into the other chair when there was a muttered curse and an entity emerged from a cloud of sleepy-smelling smoke directly in front of those windows.

"Midnight," Shota greeted the demoness who appeared.

Elly felt absolutely disgusting in the female being's presence. She was far more voluptuous with her waist impossibly tiny and her bosom just as incredibly large. Her dark, shining hair spilled down over the back of the business suit and skirt combination she was wearing.

"I hear you're called 'Shota' now," she drawled lazily. "Nice name. She pick it?"

"Yes." His tone brooked no argument, though Elly couldn't see why there might be any.

"So! What do you need me for, huh?"

Shota chuckled. "I haven't practiced in over fifty years. I need my paperwork filled out and recertification. Always used your firm for working out of, so here I am again." He grinned widely at the demoness behind the desk.

In turn, she focused her attention on the woman beside him. Her gaze was penetrating as she seemed to take in every detail about her: her simple clothing, the stitches and crutches stacked next to the chair she sat on. Elly gulped a little and moved her hand closer to his across the armrest. He took it in his and ran his thumb gently along the back of her knuckles.

"Huh." Midnight's lips parted in a slow, evil smile. "Is there anything you're neglecting to tell me, <i>Shota</i>?"

He grimaced. "Stop it. You're acting like our bonding was a foolish move."

"No one <i>does</i> it that way anymore. No one!" She continued to size Elly up, frowning just a little. "It's all contractual. Keeps it business-like and it's much easier on us, really. You've sold out, and quite frankly, I don't understand why." She tapped her long, blood-red nails on the polished wood and sighed. "Was it a mistake? Were you tricked? I could help..."

"Drop it," he growled ominously. "All you need to know is that I <i>wanted</i> this."

"Jesus. All right, have it your way." She typed on her keyboard for a few minutes. "The shit's almost ready, legal, notarized and what-have-you. It'll be sent to the address you provided."

"Thank you." He stood and nodded to her. "I'll be sure to represent your firm the same way I always do."

"Yeah, yeah." She waved a hand at him, her body already dissolving back into smoke. "You be careful, idiot. I'm still not convinced you're okay."

He smiled thinly at her and helped Elly out of her seat so they could leave.

"Wh - what was that all about? She acted like I was hurting you!"

His smile was tightly frozen on his face as they made their way back across the enormous room to the elevator. "I told you the name you gave me bonded us. That wasn't a lie."

"But..?"

"It's my part in it that made it controversial." He rubbed at the back of his neck, the bridge of his nose flaming up and spreading to his cheeks. "A demon's love - a concept that's been highly contested as to whether it's real or not -- needs to be included with the naming for it to establish a bond. I accepted the name, which means I willingly gave up some of my power to you in exchange for it."

"Love." Elly stopped, stuck a crutch under her arm and pulled him aside by his suit's lapels. "You'd literally just met me when I named you. That's not possible!"

"Succubi and incubi are easily influenced by love spells. Midnight thinks you used one on me to get me to commit to a more one-sided deal."

"I -!" Her mouth dropped open and her fists balled up in rage. "I didn't even summon you!"

"I know," Shota murmured quickly. "Shh, mistress, please."

"But she just!"

"My kind is also susceptible to something even more disputed." He lowered his voice, his eyes darting around nervously. "I, ah, fell in love with you at first sight."

She stammered to a stop, her eyes wide. "You wh... l - love?"

"Yes, well." He coughed and started walking again. "A lot of demons don't believe in it, either. Myself included ...until we met."

Her gaze softened considerably. "Then you didn't trick me as much as I thought. You actually got the worse end of the deal? How are the others faring any better?"

"Other incubi can go outside of their humans for meals and activities, for one. You control my actions, and I always have to tell you the truth. I'm sorry I forced my hand back then - I shouldn't have, but I panicked." His mouth drew into an even thinner line, his blush deepening.

Elly watched him, fascinated. Demons lied all the time, and while this could be some elaborate new falsehood she was almost convinced it was true. If he had to tell the truth he could still use wordplay to get around some of it, but he was actually uncomfortable. He really didn't want to talk about it, his stance was stiff, and the other demons were scathing in their judgement of him. Word had spread from Midnight quickly, and even more of the staff were coming out into the hallway to gawk at the bonded pair like they were rare animals at the zoo.

Shota ignored them - mostly -- until one hulking male demon crossed a line.

"Hey, did you really forgo a mutual contract for <i>that</i>?!"

He stopped walking and gently ushered her aside. "Don't look, mistress," he told her quietly. Elly closed her eyes but still jumped at the hideous roar that erupted from the side followed by grisly, wet tearing sounds. She shivered as she heard Shota bellowing in the demonic language he'd spoken before, listening as he gave a small, snarling speech.

Then it was over. He placed a gentle hand on her waist, apologizing that she had been forced to hear that. "I don't think anyone will bother us now, though."

"Can I open my eyes?"

"Oh, yes."

She did so only to find him smiling at her, handsome as ever with not a single hair out of place. "This is all so confusing."

"I know, and I'm sorry. You can expect the doctor visit will be much more straightforward, though."

"Oh, yeah."

"C'mon, mistress. Let's get that boot off your foot."

Afterwards

 Elly woke up screaming incoherently, crying and flailing in her bed. Her throat hurt and her eyes were so tear-filled that she was literally blinded by grief. She couldn't hear anything either, until she choked on air and her own saliva and had to swallow. Then a low, comforting tone slowly permeated her dulled senses.

"...okay, it's okay honey. I'm here. I know. I know I'm not enough right now but - Ches?"

"Sh - Sho?"

"Oh, thank god." He curled his arms tighter around her, pulling her alongside him so she was cradled to his warm chest. "I thought you weren't coming out of it that time."

A crippling wave of guilt struck her.

The man holding her so tenderly, rocking her in his arms through her grief... <i>was the wrong one.</i>

Smelled wrong.

This scent was bitter coffee and a fuzzy, warm sleepy smell.

<i>Leather and sweet, bubblegum fruity shampoo</i>

Felt wrong.

The arms around her were very strong and bulked with muscle.

<i>Wiry strength, not too much and so, so gentle</i>

Wrong. It was all wrong! Why? Why did she -

"You've done <i>nothing</i> wrong."

She blinked at the shadowy figure in the darkness. "What?"

"It's what comes after your nightmares. Fear, grief ...and finally, guilt. He wanted you to find someone to help you, remember? He even set it up so that you would be under my care, knowing I would do my best because I'd loved you as long as he did."

She started to shake again and he kissed her forehead softly. "I never should have gotten you this involved," she husked painfully. "It's not fair. I wanted to stay single <i>forever</i>."

"You're not moving on or letting go by being with me; you know that. You told me many times that grief is not about leaving someone behind us. It is about learning to bring them along as we create space for new things... and new <i>people</i>." He stroked a few locks of damp hair away from her cheeks and kissed her again, this time on the mouth. Her tears had gathered in the contours of her lips and he sighed as he tasted the faint saltiness.

"I miss him so much," she whimpered faintly.

Aizawa nodded. "I know," he said sadly. "I do, too."

"I wish it had been m -"

"<i>No</i>." He cut her off quickly with a word and a passionate kiss, rolling on top of her. His stubble scatched on her cheeks and chin and his lips were a little chapped. It felt different from what her mind registered as "right" and focused her on this <i>new</i> normal. "Don't go down that path, please," he begged. "I love you. I need you here."

She sniffled and clutched his back as it surged powerfully above her. "I don't want to say it."

"I know." He shrugged and kissed her again, softer this time and with a hint of wetness on his lips as well. "It's okay. The difference is enough. Not <i>wanting</i> and <i>unable</i> are very different things, hmm?"

She nodded silently, more guilt bubbling up inside her.

"That's enough for me," he said with a rare smile. Elly squirmed and looked more uncomfortable, not meeting his eyes at first, but when she did what he saw was familiar. He lightly caressed the side of her face, wiping away tears as he went. "Do you want me to help?"

Another nod.

"Tell me, then," he said quietly. "I know it's hard, but you to say exactly what you need. This isn't like telling me what I already know. That will come in time. This is for now."

Elly clung to him and he kissed her several times, not on the mouth but on her eyelids, cheeks and nose. She took a deep breath. "I want you to make love to me."

"All right," he said softly.

"And - and I need it to be very slow." She frowned. "Does that make sense?"

He nodded. "You want to come to terms that it's me loving you."

She choked up again but forced herself to answer. "Yes."

Aizawa closed his eyes, sighing roughly. "I can do it for you. Remember, if you need me to stop be sure to say 'red' or 'yellow'. Can you remember that?"

She hesitated. The last time they tried, she'd lost herself too deeply in her grief and screamed <i>his</i> name in agony. Aizawa had immediately stopped and bundled her in a blanket. He tried his best, but it had taken hours and he was finally forced to dissolve a couple of the tranquilizers the hospital had given her in a cup of tea to calm her down.

Elly forced her ears up and nodded. "I can do it."

He rested his head in the crook of her neck. "You're so brave," he whispered.

She didn't feel particularly strong, in fact she felt broken in pieces. But he gathered her in those strong arms and undressed her, praising her the whole time and covering every bit of flesh with kisses as it was exposed.

He only wore a pair of loose sweatpants, and he left those for last. Once the cloth was slithered down over his hips he bent forward and playfully nipped her neck.

"Are you okay?"

"I - I want..." She paused, breathing hard. "This might be a little difficult for you -"

"Tell me." He propped himself up above her.

"Can you bite me a little harder like that?"

Aizawa ran a finger along her jaw. "Is it punishment for enjoying yourself, or do you think you'll find enjoyment in the punishment?"

"I'm really not sure," she confessed. "I just know that when you used your teeth a little, I - I wanted more. It felt good."

He groaned, a deep, wrenching sound. "Kitten, I know you liked it, but ..."

"It's okay," she gasped. "Don't force yourself if you don't wanna."

"Oh, but I <i>do</i>," Aizawa growled lowly. "I want to kiss and suck and <i>bite</i> on your pretty, pale skin so that everyone sees it. So they know you're mine." He paused to let his obvious arousal sink in, then added in a strained, though calmer voice, "That's why I suggest we stop. You'll respond badly to seeing the marks later on."

She screwed her eyes tightly shut, steeling herself, and bared her fangs at him. "Mark me. <i>Do it, Aizawa Shota</i>!"

His full name spoken in such passion unnerved him. He hid his face in the crook of her neck, kissing, as his dark hair floated up. "You say you want this, and I can't hold back anymore. Please, please ..." He shook his head, leaving the sentence unfinished, and bared his teeth on her neck instead. She moaned softly, rolling her head back to give him better access. "Sexy," he muttered right before his teeth closed gently on a small patch of skin.

The wet heat of his tongue soothed the sharp pain of the biting and sucking. Aizawa peppered her with attention, following each bite and nip with kisses and low, rumbling sex talk. He kept a careful ear out for any protest, and flinched whenever she moved at first. But when her hands moved they went for his head, fingers burying in his wealth of black hair to egg him on.

"<i>Yesss</i>..."

"You really like that."

"The pain makes me feel alive. And you're the one keeping me that way."

He sighed raggedly and hung his head, bending to set his forehead behind her neck while his arms reached around her. "Keep fighting, Ches. One day it won't feel like it's as hard."

The love they made was slow and lazy. Aizawa held back, edging away mere seconds from orgasm until he was sure their act had fully enthralled her. When she began to pant and moan, whispering his name and begging for something - pleasure, a brief respite from mourning, she didn't know what -- he gave in at last.

It was difficult living with her as the second-best man in her life. Aizawa knew he would always be the one she didn't pick, but rather found after the tragedy. He supported her without question and would continue to do so even if she didn't want him as a lover anymore. The pain and stress was weighing on him, too, and this was one of his outlets. He arched his back, sweating, straining, giving this moment his all and listening to her cries picking up the pace in urgency. It was only after he felt her begin to shake that he let go, and his release was so potent he felt his eyes burn as his quirk flared up.

After, as they lay together in the silent, oppressive darkness, he told her he loved her over and over again.

Her last words before falling asleep were uttered softly into his chest.

"I'll always love you, Hizashi."

Aizawa smiled bitterly and stroked her hair. "I know," he said quietly.

What I like about you

 "Me? Wh - what." It came out flat, fallen from her lips that had grown suddenly numb. Elly suddenly wanted to flee the karaoke room the group had rented. "What're you talking about?"

Kayama rolled her eyes so hard Elly winced, half expecting them to fall right out of her head. "<i>Seriously</i>, woman. Come onnnn. Everyone here knows you've got the hots for Yamada. It's not a secret."

The counselor's ears flattened back. "Kayama!" She choked, unable to speak more than the other woman's name.

"It's true, though, right?" Thirteen cocked her head to one side, regarding the trembling cat lady with wide eyes reflected out of her helmet.

"I..." She glanced guiltily at the lone door in the little room, gauging if there was anyone outside and if they might be able to hear them. "He's coming too, you know! You shouldn't spread gossip like that!"

"He's not here yet, though, is he?" Kayama tapped on the low table in front of her, eyes narrowed shrewdly as she regarded her nervously sweating colleague. "What on earth do you see in that man? I mean, he's a good guy and works hard. But he never shuts up ...and he's always not exactly that good looking, either."

Elly bit her lip, holding back anything she may have said. "I know when I'm being goaded, <i>Midnight</i>."

"Oh?" She absently polished her ruby red nails on her sleeve. "Well. I was only trying to help."

"I'm sure Cheshire can handle her own relationships," Thirteen murmured.

"I was <i>saying</i>," Kayama continued, "because I heard there's a rumor that the girl at that station he does his one stupid show at - I don't know which one, she's got those two horns -- is planning on shooting her shot." She watched Elly's ears dissappear into her purple hair and heard the rhythmic thumping as her striped tail started to swish in fury behind her.

"Why." Her jaw clenched, Elly shook her head. "Why would you tell me that."

"I'm really trying to help! I know how far gone you are, and I don't want to see you moping around if he goes on a date."

She glared at her, ears flat with rage she couldn't suppress.

"What is it about Yamada that you like?" Thirteen asked curiously, interjecting to break up the awkward air.

Elly shook her head in exasperation. "I don't know, okay?! He's fucking adorable, for one. Adorable <i>and</i> handsome <i>and</i> sexy. He can go from glaring at someone, sizing them up with that sexy, cockeyed stare of his, to smiling so sweetly I almost pass out." She took a haphazard, gulping breath and continued rapidly, "he's kind, and smart, and he loves music like I do. Everything about him <i>unhinges</i> me! His voice, his eyes, his smile..." She tapered off, realizing she was babbling like a lovesick idiot and the ladies were enthralled.

"Wow..."

"Hot damn, you've got it bad!" Kayama slapped her own leg, laughing. "Holy shit! I didn't know you were in <i>love</i> with him already!"

Elly's face grew bright red and she tried and diffuse the situation. "Shh!"

"But this is great! You need to get your shit together and flirt with him!"

"He's gonna be here any minute! I - okay, I'm in love with him if that'll shut you up. <i>Please</i> don't say anything, both of you! He likes me as a coworker and friend, is all. Don't make him wanna stop hanging out. I - I don't know what I'd do if he stopped smiling at me." She looked so pathetically sad at the thought that the women immediately offered soothing sounds meant to comfort her fears.

"Awwwww, no. That wouldn't happ -"

The door suddenly burst open and a whirlwind of tall, blond energy whooshed past them to plop down beside Elly. "<i>Hey heyyy, karaoke night!</i> I'm here to show you all how to <i>rock</i>!"

Aizawa entered from behind, his expression enigmatic as always. He flopped down as far away from everyone as possible and immediately took up a menu to hold in front of him.

Kayama groaned at the blond man's declaration, though there was a mischievous smile on her lips. "Your voice will probably sour all our drinks, Yamada."

"My <i>voice</i> is my best feature," he scoffed, grabbing a menu and quickly scanning it. "Isn't that right, Ches?"

Elly blinked rapidly several times, trying to reset her brain. He was pressed closely against her in the booth and she could smell leather and the fruity, bubblegum like scent of the shampoo he washed his hair with. It was a very pleasant smell, manly yet sweet.

<i>Perfect</i>, she thought, her mind clouding with affection for the boisterous hero. <i>Manly, but sweet is just like him.</i>

"Hellooooo? Ches?" Yamada poked a careful finger on her forehead.

"Yeah! What?"

"Thought I'd lost ya for a second," he chuckled.

Elly caught herself dreamily watching him far too many times as the night wore on. The group became rowdier as they consumed more alcohol, but the Voice Hero was sober because he was driving.

"Hey, Yamada - " Kayama had a wicked smirk on her face as she pointed at Elly. "What d'ya think of her, huh? Looks pretty good tonight, right?"

The counselor froze in terror, her body stiffening beside his. "What the heck?! Why would you ask Hiz -" She gasped as she nearly called him by his given name. The sudden onslaught of embarrassment was so stifling she blurted out, "Yamada! I'm sorry," and tried to edge out of her seat to physically escape.

He blinked at her for a moment, then jumped up and shook his head. "S'okay, Ches! Don't bug out on us yet. Plus, ya can call me Hizashi if ya want. I don't mind."

"Um. Okay?" She sat back down, her mind a swirling mess of confusion.

"Righteous," he laughed happily. "Nobody really does, so it can be our thing. It's cool that we have a thing, eh? I think it's about time, yo." He bounced back into his spot in the booth, his mismatched necklaces jingling together.

"Finally admitting you've got a thing for her?" Aizawa chuckled dryly in the corner.

"What? Holy shit, <i>please</i> tell me that scream boy over there has told you that."

"Wh - what?"

"What happened?" Thirteen wandered back over from where she'd been trying to pick a song to sing. "Why's everybody so loud?"

The three of them started arguing over nicknames, given names and when - not if -- the two shell-shocked heroes listening in should date.

Elly let out a strangled mew, uncertain what she should do. Her mind was yelling at her to flee, but she was boxed in. Hizashi curled a warm arm around her shoulders, leaning in to talk to her.

"You wanna head out of here early? Or should I say escape?" He grinned.

That <i>smile</i>. It was so innocent, so pure and sweet, all the way up to his greenish-gold eyes. Elly managed a nod, and he gave the rest of the party a thumbs-up as they were leaving.

"See ya Monday morning, guys!"

"<i>Wait! They're leaving together</i>..!"

The door closed on the loud party. Elly breathed a sigh of relief and he chuckled.

"Awright, I gotta swing by the station to pick up my campus I.D before we go. I left the damn thing in my other jacket pocket." He made a face and she giggled.

It was such a short drive she wasn't thinking about what she would do when they got there, but when he pulled smartly into a parking space she began to worry.

"Well, I don't have to go in, right? I'll just wait in the car."

"Nahhh, I want everyone to meet ya. Pleeeease?" He batted his eyelashes at her and, well, before she knew it she was stepping inside the radio station. He moved his arm lower around her waist and waved happily at the woman behind the desk in the front. Elly's heart beat fast when she recognized the horns on her head.

Hizashi waited until she was off the phone before pointing a jaunty finger gun at her. "Hey."

The woman's smile turned warm when she saw who it was addressing her. "Hey, Mic. What do you need?" She glanced over and her eyes noticeably hardened. "And who's your ...<i>friend</i>?"

Elly's ears flattened at the stress on the one word. She was a grown woman, but she really wanted to claw this bitch's face off at the moment. As a Pro Hero in the top percentage, she knew the receptionist recognized her, but was blowing her off. That, and was she insinuating she wasn't a threat.

The perky man surprised both of them by springing to life, louder than ever. "This? This is Elly," Hizashi crooned, his tone sickeningly sweet. "Also known as Cheshire... and my ab-solute <i>number one</i> listener." He bent and kissed her cheek, which caused Elly to blush and jump a little closer to his side.

"Zashi!" She gasped, in such shock that she blurted out the cutesy nickname she called him in her head.

His eyes lit up and his grin grew huge. "Aw, babe, m'sorry if I embarrassed you. Let's get my card an' we can go. C'mon." He tugged her inside and she went without protest, yet as soon as the door closed in the sound room she exploded.

"What was that, Hizashi Yamada?! You acted like we were dating in there!" Her tail frizzed out as she balled her hands into fists. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she didn't like her emotions being toyed with.

"Well... you wanna?" He stared directly into her eyes, his own wide and clear with honesty. "I'd like that."

Elly stared at him, her mouth half open and her ears twitching. She wasn't sure she'd heard that correctly. After a brief mental struggle, however, she managed to squeak out a reply. "Yes!"

Hizashi had been anxiously watching her, his fingers steepled together and his lower lip caught adorably between his teeth. The tension flowed out of him all at once with her answer, however.

"I hereby declare us a couple!" He snatched her tightly close and spun her twice around in glee. "How about a celebratory kiss?"

This was the first time he really paused before jumping on an idea he suggested. He pulled her up against him, grinning hopefully, his eyebrows wiggling. His enthusiasm was infectious and she threw her arms around his neck, standing up so as to reach him better.

"You wanna kiss me right here? What if everyone sees?" There was a busy crew walking around outside the booth. More than a few of them had stopped to point and whisper amongst themselves.

He doubled down and widened his eyes, staring deeply into her own. "I don't care. No, wait, I do! I <i>want</i> everybody to see. I love you," he said in English. Then he quickly switched back to Japanese. "I hope you feel the same way. I wanted to tell you for awhile, but I kept chickening out like a real wuss."

"Good," she murmured. "Show off, then. I'm a huge sucker for a boyfriend that loves to love me."

"Oh, <i>hell</i> yeah." He bent down, and right before their lips met she whispered to him.

"I love you so much."

Hizashi whined so loudly all the objects not bolted down on the desk and equipment rattled. Some fell to the floor but he paid them no heed as he passionately kissed her. She went limp and sighed when he caught her, his hands secure around her low waist. He took the opportunity of her parted lips to deepen the kiss, and she got a clear reminder of why you never, ever dared him to do anything. They paused for air, panting into each other's mouths for a brief moment, and then he swiftly bent, picked her bodily up and beamed at the crowd, giving them a huge, cheesy wink.

They didn't hear the catcalls and cheers, since they were inside the soundproof room, but later the videos plastered all over social media provided an alternate view. 

Temptation 15

 Hizashi's revelation that he was physically aroused by Elly was disturbing him to no end. In the upcoming days they all worked on two things: building a case for the lawsuit and making certain she was healing properly. The healing part involved lots of what the demon called "snuggling", something Hizashi thought he loved but now also dreaded. All three of them would sit on the couch and watch a movie or read with Elly in the middle. That was nice, but then she would periodically sway over to one side or the other and whoever was the lucky one found themselves inevitably with a soft, snoring woman in their arms or lap. 

This tested his willpower more every day. It wasn't as though he was adverse to holding her while she dozed, all warm and soft and sweet-smelling. It was the fact that he was getting a reaction to her closeness that he'd never experienced before that was the problem. She just felt so good curled up on him, her body fitting to his like they made to lock together as one - and the final nail in his coffin was when he realized this was true.

It wasn't better if the demon was cuddling her, either. Then Hizashi was treated to a show of the idiot pulling her up against his chest and stealing little kisses and pets, causing her to giggle and coo.

It was enough to drive a human man crazy. Unfortunately, Hizashi was a chaste angel and didn't have the knowledge or ability to release the strange, crushing weight in his loins. He was trapped with an almost endless erection that was not only embarrassing - and this absolutely astounded him -- but painful, as well. He imagined it was fitting punishment for him, though, as he was slowly falling into what he considered debauchery and ultimate disgrace.

The guilt was horrible, but oh, the need ...the <i>need</i>! He had to try to relieve that pressure.

And so here he was in the bathroom after excusing himself from their latest "cuddle session". Elly was asleep and he knew he had enough time to try ...something, he wasn't sure what. He took off his white slacks and underwear, stepping carefully out and folding them on the counter. Grabbing a robe in case he needed to cover up quickly, he slipped it on and sat on the toilet seat.

He knew his body had been getting sexually aroused but hadn't bothered to really look until now. Hizashi gulped nervously and placed a trembling hand on his member.

"Nghh!" He had to bite back a cry as he had gripped a sensitive area on instinct. Pulling back and concentrating, he rubbed until his chest felt like it was going to burst.

"You need to <i>breathe</i>, you know," a low voice snickered close by.

Hizashi spun around, sputtering and clutching his robe closed. The incubus had strolled casually through the wall by the door and was watching him curiously.

"Do you mind?!"

Shota raised an eyebrow at his lower section, barely covered and obviously tenting the fabric. "Let me guess. Not making much progress?"

"Get out!"

"Make me." He strode closer and boldly reached out, pulling the angel's hands apart before he could stop him. The robe fell free, exposing his sculpted abdomen and blond hair trail that led to a flushed and dripping member so hard it was poking his belly.

Hizashi's wings shot out, smacking into the medicine cabinet and knocking a few bottles off the counter. He used them to cover himself as he hissed in absolute fury. "<i>What are you</i> doing?!"

"Giving you some, ah ...tips?"

"Get out!" He stepped farther away until his back smacked into the tile in the shower stall. He waved frantically at the demon, trying to think of something - anything -- that would stop whatever was happening. In his panic he didn't even think of using any other powers.

"Look," Shota murmured. "You've got to learn how to jerk off if you're gonna accept your desire. I could honestly help you with a few," he chuckled wickedly, "pointers."

"Out! Out! <i>Ouuut</i>!" It was definitely hard not to scream, but he really didn't want to wake Elly.

"It's a natural thing," he patiently explained, ignoring the flustered angel. "You're too caught up in guilt to enjoy yourself. That'll stop you every time."

Hizashi was strangling on his embarrassment at this point and had lost the ability to speak. He pointed at the door and flailed his hand around.

"Okay, relax." Shota strolled out the door with a low chuckle. "Although I know that's your problem. You can't." He phased past the wall and walked back to the couch. "He's going to get a really big surprise one night if he doesn't learn by himself." He grinned and sat down. The weight bumping the cushions woke Elly, who hummed sleepily and reached out to him.

"Sho?"

"Right here, mistress." He lifted his arm and she cuddled into his side, yawning.

"Where's Zashi?"

"He's working on a hard problem at the moment." He even managed to keep a straight face while he said it.

"Oh."

"Go back to sleep."

Temptation 14

 They ended up staying on the couch while the demon took a nap in the bed. Shota yawned and waved at the two of them as he shuffled off. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do, huh?"

"God forbid," the angel murmured.

Once their roommate had left they sat in silence for a short while. Elly's drink sat in a small puddle on a coaster on the table, and she watched small drops of condensation trickle down the cup.

Hizashi was the one that broke the quiet atmosphere with a cough. "Okay, so. I guess this is harder than I thought."

She nodded. "Well, what exactly did you want to tell me?"

He took a deep breath."As an angel, I'm not supposed to give in to any, uh, desires." He paused, blushed harder and bit his lower lip as he struggled to explain. "I mean, others have done it and there are consequences we can't possibly imagine. Sometimes all that happens with an angel's love is it brings happiness. But this whole deal with a demon besides?"

"Have you ever been in love before?"

"Since there are so many different kinds of love I can definitely say yes." He paused and adjusted his glasses. "Romantic love, though - I'm not sure. I can't remember, and I don't think I was supposed to be built that way, so to speak."

She leaned back and stared at the shadows on the ceiling for awhile. "I thought I was. In love, I mean. It happened a lot when I was younger. I made a ton of mistakes because of that, things I wish I hadn't done. The experiences were bad because I was with the wrong people, you know? So I haven't had much luck or good times with men."

He cleared his throat nervously. "I don't, um, I mean I never had <i>any</i> times."

"Zashi?"

"I'm still a true innocent," he admitted shyly. "I'm completely virginal. Never had a kiss, never ...you know. And, I suppose, never thought about it."

"You kissed me before," she pointed out with a soft smile as she remembered.

"Yes. I guess I did, huh?"

"It was fairly innocent, though, as far as kisses go."

He nodded. "All my teaching has told me I mustn't ..." He sighed wistfully and sat all at once, his legs weakening as he buried his face in his hands. "I don't think I can help myself! I mustn't what, exactly? Fall in love? Love isn't evil!"

"No, it's not." She reached hesitantly out and stroked his hair, wondering again at its silky texture. "You, um. Said that a few times, but indirectly."

"I love you, okay?" He looked up and her heart wrenched at the sight of him, eyes filled with tears and cheeks bright pink. Even Hizashi's mustache points were frizzy, not smooth and neat like they should be. "I know I'm spiraling; I love you, and I'm <i>jealous</i> of that demon because he got to be with you. But I can't do that, I just can't!"

"It's okay," Elly hastened to assure him. "I want you in my life, Hizashi, but I feel I don't deserve you. You're so handsome and pure it hurts my heart to see you like this. I would feel terrible if you did anything you didn't want to."

His voice suddenly dropped a pitch, and that golden glow shone in his eyes. "<i>But I do want</i>," he husked in that odd voice that shook her to her core.

"Oh!"

"I want everything," he admitted, his eyes haunted as he stared at her. "I've been putting up a facade of strength where there is none. My body aches and - and <i>wants</i> at inappropriate times, and my eyes wander." He swallowed hard and wrapped his arms around himself. She had the distinct thought that he did this so he wouldn't grab her.

"I don't want to push you into anything," she said carefully. "I'm scared to say it, but I might be falling in love with you, too."

"I want..." He groaned. "Can I kiss you again?"

Her heart began to beat so quickly she was forced to cough. Never had she answered a question without any thought at all but, "Yes!"

Hizashi started to reach for her where she sat on the opposite end of the couch. He hesitated, then caught her in a gentle hug, resting his chin on top of her head and sighing when she let out a happy sound. "Something that makes my heart feel so warm can't be that bad," he murmured. She raised her chin and he bent to meet her, his glorious eyes swirling with passion.

He was tentative, his mustache soft and ticklish on her upper lip as he pressed his mouth on hers. Past this, he wasn't sure what to do and simply stood awkwardly until she flicked her tongue at his lower lip. Hizashi gasped and did the same, carefully licking until she moaned and he grew bolder. His eyes slipped closed in bliss as he thrust gently inside her mouth, exploring every bit. He tried to go slow and not be sloppy, as he had read those were common mistakes beginners made. He did, however, bump his nose against hers and they both giggled before kissing again.

She noticed that he got much, <i>much</i> better at it with practice. And after several minutes she heard little whines escaping him as he tugged her close. His hands caressed her upper back, then slid quickly around to her shoulders as his kisses dipped lower as well.

"Ohhh... <i>Hizashi</i>." Her head rolled back as he pressed his lips to her sensitive throat, licking the pulse that beat there.

Her moan shocked him back to his senses and he lunged backwards, scrambling in a way she would have found hilarious had he not been running away from her. As it was, she was first indignant but when she saw how guilty he was her expression softened. The beaded necklaces he wore slipped out of his shirt and bounced crazily on his chest as he gasped for air.

"Sorry... I'm sorry." He started to babble as she shook her head, smiling, and patted his shoulder. "I wanted to but then I don't know what happened and I guess I got carried away and -"

"It's okay." She would have said more but Shota stuck his head in the living room with a low whistle.

"Hey, she's giving off some good vibes over here." He flashed Hizashi a toothy smile. "You sure you're a virgin, kiddo? You sure turned her the hell on!"

"I didn't - I wasn't - aughh!" The angel grew so flustered that he vanished. Elly smacked Shota on the arm.

"What'd I say?"

Temptation 13

 When she came to she was wrapped in warm arms and silky wings. Hizashi held her on the couch, rocking her gently and speaking in a comforting tone. His head was close to hers, his hair spilling free and covering her in a golden canopy. He smelled innocently sweet, like bubblegum, a scent that reminded her of her childhood.

"Ungh..."

"You're back," he crooned softly. "Good. My poor little one, going through so much all at once. That demon..." He trailed off as his voice began to shake with rage. "No matter. You're safe now."

"I don't think he was trying, uh..." She fought against the fog in her mind. "Uh, to hurt me."

"He was seducing you in my image!" Hizashi pressed a cup into her hands. "Drink, please, love. You need to stay well hydrated on those pills."

"Uh huh." She sipped obediently, trying to think. It was difficult when he had her wrapped up all snug in his arms. This time his hold was gentle but tight, as if he never wanted to let go.

"I'm worried that all this stress is making it hard for you to heal properly," he fretted, brushing her hair back over some of the stitches in her forehead. "You had a concussion, after all. How is your side?"

"Eh." She shrugged, then winced. "That's the worst, I think. My ankle isn't too bad and the rest just itch, mostly."

"A couple more weeks and we can go see if the doctor can take the cast off."

Without warning, a ball of fire erupted to their left and Hizashi tensed, tightening around her protectively as Shota burst forth snarling, his eyes afire and hair floating in the steam his body was emitting in his fury.

"<i>You banished me</i>!"

The angel pointed at him. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't do it again, for longer this time!"

"I was showing her she's not the whore she thinks she is!"

"<i>You were using my image</i>!"

Shota growled, but a whimper from Elly made him pause. He stopped himself, pulling his wings back and resuming a more normal aspect. Hizashi unfurled his in kind but kept a close grip on Elly.

"I had a reason. Mistress. You didn't want to fool around with me looking like him. Why?"

Elly blushed and twiddled her straw between two fingers. "Umm... well, because it wasn't Hizashi." She nodded towards the blond being, who glared at him and held her closer.

"So, you didn't just want his body."

She blinked, startled. "No, I want everything."

Hizashi's grip on her loosened. "What?"

Shota smiled. "She wants <i>relationships</i> with us both. That includes sex, sure, but it's not limited to a base desire. We love her and she - well, she feels strongly about us. I won't speak for her in that regard. I prefer to hear a confession only from her."

"Polyamory is frowned upon by -"

The demon cut him off with a puff of smoke. "Cram the book lesson. Half of your Bible has men married to thousands of women. And who did Noah's kids fuck to create the new populace, huh? Gross." He picked up her glass to drink without asking, muttering darkly to himself. "He lets that contradictory shit stay as his main vessel of knowledge. Hnf."

Hizashi's eyes were round and he was shaking his head. "N - no, but..." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them again he was much calmer.

Shota was relentless. "<i>Women</i> are generally not allowed to have more than one partner," he stated blandly. "In most religions, women are put down upon. Certainly in the big three. Isn't that right?"

Hizashi's frown grew larger. "No real adherent of true faith thinks -"

"True? Ha! There's a ton of religions out there! And they - mostly -- all have us. Demons, angels, shit to scare you on the 'right path', which was written down in a neat little book someplace... <i>by men</i>." He grinned at her, flashing his sharp canines in the light of the cafe. "Although some of the others are more forgiving."

"I - but I can't condone polygamous relationships."

"Oh? She wants you, angel. <i>All of you.</i>." Hizashi's face blushed a deep, dark red and he started to glow again. Elly coughed and shyly hid her face in his white t-shirt. "Can you at least see that I was trying to help?"

He nodded, sweeping his hair away with a practiced hand to tie back in a ponytail. "Yes. Although done in your backwards way, I can see that." Hizashi slowly pulled back so he could look directly into her eyes. "Elly."

She trembled, afraid. He was so beautiful, and she didn't deserve any of him. "I'm sorry."

He shook his head and smiled kindly at her. "It's okay, little one. We just need to talk."

Temptation 12

 Her two roommates were incredibly serious about her suing the store. Both were alarmed that she would even consider going back after what happened and they prepared an argument for her to stay back, rest fully, and let them take care of things.

"I'd like to show you how strong a case we have before you decide." They were seated at the dinner table after having eaten and she had only just taken her pills.

"All right," Elly gave in. "I'll look. I know I'd like if I didn't have to go back... and they <i>did</i> hurt me."

Shota coughed lightly. He clothed himself in a puff of smoke with the snug-fitting suit he wore the other night and slipped reading glasses out of a pocket to put them on before pulling his phone out. Hizashi absently adjusted his own red-rimmed glasses and frowned a little.

"I've tried cases before just like yours, mistress. Look -" He began showing her articles and stressing that she was telling the complete truth, so this wasn't anything to be ashamed or afraid of. No one would likely hear of it outside of the inner circle that would testify, and he could get it pushed through much, much faster due to "having friends in the business".

Hizashi listened for a little while but then got up to clean. Elly looked up and reached for him as he grew close, but he smoothly moved away at the last minute, bending to get her cup instead. She sat, defeated, and watched as the handsome angel cleared the table. He was quick and efficient, and even giving it a wipe with a sponge when he was finished.

Shota was smiling at her as he explained further, happy that she was seemingly accepting of their idea. It would have been a peaceful moment but for the guilty twinge she felt whenever she looked at the blond angel. He was definitely avoiding her, and she knew why.

She was tainted now, impure from accepting a demon's touch. He must see her as disgusting, though he did admit it was the right thing to do at the time and had even encouraged it by leaving them alone.

Had she not made out with the incubus the other night he might still love her. She knew he couldn't now; it was impossible. Her throat squeezed tightly shut as she fought back tears. It was ridiculous to think an angel had fallen in love with her at any rate. He'd probably meant it in a different way. And why did she care? He was an <i>otherworldly being</i>, not a man. It wasn't as if they could have a real relationship.

Which, of course, meant she couldn't really have one with Shota, either. Her heart dropped as she rationalized everything in the worst possible manner. Trying to think through the incoming fresh haze of medication was not helping, and her depression was in full play due to the stress. She jerked to her feet, the chair she had been sitting on clattering to the floor.

"Whoa, you okay?"

"Mistress?"

Elly heard nothing. She stumbled as fast as she could out of there into the safety of her bedroom, where she slammed the door shut behind her.

Shota and Hizashi stared dumbly after her.

"I think you'd better go comfort her," the angel said at last.

"Me?"

"Yes, you." Hizashi's lips thinned. "Don't be coy. You're a - a, I don't know... just go."

He shrugged and left to find her sniffling softly to herself. "What's wrong?" He hopped onto the bed and sat next to her.

"Oh, I'm being weird."

He scoffed. "You are not. Is it Mr. Holy Sunshine out there? He's been treating us both different after that night."

Elly twisted a handful of sheets and nodded. "But we ...you know, made out. He's <i>right</i>. He's just a friend, and you're becoming more, and that's scary. But it turns out I still want him, too!" She blurted this out last, holding her hands before her eyes. "I'm turning into a - a whore!"

Shota repeated himself, more firmly this time. "You are not." He helped her sit up and shook his head, his dark hair swinging about his scruffy face. Elly scooted away and he sighed.. His eyes glowed faintly in the dark room as he tried to persuade her to face him, but she remained steadfast with her back to him. "Look, I know you think I'm going to say it's okay because I'm a sex demon. But that's not the truth. Let me show you <i>why</i> you're not a slut." He paused, and as he picked up speaking to her again his voice began to change from his low baritone to a very familiar tenor.

"You see, I <i>could</i> imitate him." She turned around and Hizashi was sitting there, watching her closely with those beautiful eyes of his. Elly gasped and he caught her chin in one hand, gently caressing it to coax her toward him. "C'mere, little one, and let me kiss you all over." His voice and shape was perfectly duplicated, and for a long moment Elly shivered, confused and <i>wanting</i>.

Then she heard the angel bang a drawer or something in the other room and choked, jerking away in horror. This was not Hizashi! "Shota, <i>no</i>!"

She must have been louder than she thought, because Hizashi barged into the room at her cry. He almost fell when he saw himself on the bed, his wings bursting from his back in shock and his eyes glowing gold.

Shota reverted his form, holding up a hand to get the other's attention. "I know this looks bad, but I was showing her that she's not -"

Hizashi's voice was loud in a different way as he pointed a furiously shaking finger at him. The words rattled the small apartment but Elly's ears didn't hurt; it was as if he was speaking with a different power. They shook her very soul as he screamed in rage, "<b>Get thee gone, demon</b>!"

Shota coughed once, startled, and a small gout of fire erupted in the air where he previously was seated.

Elly stared stupidly at the dip in the bed where he had previously sat, then at Hizashi, standing there glowing with his wings outstretched and fire in his eyes. She did the only thing her tired, medicated body could do and passed out.