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Description
Lucius twitched, shifting in the night in an unknown place. His consciousness was pulsing in and out, to and from himself. A ghastly figure stood under the veil of his eyelids. It's crown lined with familiar horns, and leathery red skin slowly stepped in the man's direction. A wide, tooth filled grin reminded him of someone he thought he'd never see again. The Devil thrashed his head, speaking words that would be classified as gibberish to anyone else to the spectacle. If it were to be translated, it might mean 'What do you want?' Or 'What are you doing here?' The phantom continued it's approach towards Lucius, licking it's chops from drool at just the sight of him. The beast readied his stance for the time this being would pounce, and let out a mighty growl. However, just as it neared, Lucius's vision focused in on a small room. This was no longer within his mind, it's too real, he thought. He trailed his eyes down towards his shaking, sweaty palms, clasping them shut after a few seconds to calm himself, and take in the room around him. He was in Spongebob's side of the bed by the look of it. The sheets still smelt of work and snail trail, and the crumpled blankets were being tugged slightly on the opposite side. Eventually, he brought himself to look upon Laura beside him, who was awake with a look as if she were concerned, or perhaps frightened. Maybe it was both. The Demon lowered his tired eyelids into his usual gaze, staring back into hers as he began to wonder what he'd done to cause a face like that from her.

"I... SCARED YOU, DIDN'T I...?" He asked, rubbing his tense neck, as she just flinched at the powerful tone of his deep voice in the early morning. Laura didn't answer, but instead pulled the sheets and blanket over herself a little more. Lucius hummed lowly, slumping from the bed with a loud creak of the springs. He shook his head, walking towards the bedroom door to make his entry into the Library.

The Library door at the top step would usually require one to use the built in steel slide to access it, but Lucius was in no mood for such childish things, and hopped to the bottom floor like a Tiger, making only a small patting sound as to at least try and not wake anyone else. He wiped the sand from his claws on his tattered brown pants and began his peruse of the many choices of books before him. His large fingers swiped across the spines of his options, nearly scoffing as he read the titles. "FOR SUCH A DIMWITTED FOOL, YOU HAVE MANY ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS. YOU SHOULD READ THEM MORE..." He laughed, pulling out a novel.

Another book slapped onto a tome on the floor, as Lucius picked up another and began to read. Every one of the words enveloped his mind swiftly, and stories made perfect sense, impressively for having read an entire five hundred page work in under three minutes. He sighed, tossing the story away, grabbing another sitting beside his leg. "ROMANCE, HUH... WHAT AN ABYSMAL LIE... A CRUEL DESIRE..." Lucius furrowed his brows, not even bothering to finish the volume. "BUT HOW IT TORTURES ME TO REALIZE THAT I WANT IT SO..." He rubbed the space between his eyes, before raking his hand over his weary face. His pupils dilated at the sheen coming from another novel on the shelf catching the light from the nearby fire in the hearth.

Lucius stood upon his aching feet, breathing out a bit noisier as if he were only doing this out of boredum or until he could confirm Laura went back to sleep. He knew she wasn't yet, as her heartbeat could be heard in an active pace in his head. Once he arrived at the source of the shine from the flames, he stopped to examine the spine. He froze in his actions, eyes widening. He quickly lifted the book from it's position, staring down at the title like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

The title read 'The Tragedy of Harkward', by an author unknown. What was this doing here? Why does his host have this? Questions began to fill his dark cerebrum, and the only way to answer them was to find them out himself. The Devil lumbered to the space in front of the fireplace, immediately opening the pages to supply himself with the knowledge he desired. He read slow, and carefully. His eyes scanned the ink on each page, articulating every word and understanding every meaning.

'Harkward was a Village in the english channel, discovered via a journal recovered by the National Memoir Museum of Natural History. The Journal was an outstanding find, as stated by it's recoverer, Markiss Fishton III. The pages within describe a life lived by commonors in the 1300's, or the 2nd millenium. There wasn't anything reported unusual, until within the 46th page in, it depicts a sudden change in the people's lifestyle. According to the writer, There was a "Red Beast of the great chasm" that had taken control of the lives of their kind. Many translators of the text suggest it is trying to describe a tyrannical man of grandiose strength and size, however, others disagree. They claim that due to the nature of the words spoken, it is more literal than figurative. The suggest it was the Devil himself, who walked the earth. The pages in the Journal later begin to prove such a theory. Due to the assumption, the book was taken to the Church leaders of Saint Almanei's in Brisk Gulch, English Channel for evaluation, and it was later confirmed to be exactly what was described.'

"WHO DARED TO CATALOGUE MY WHEREABOUTS?!" Lucius growled to himself, seething with rage at what he was reading. His claws ripped subtle marks into the already tattered parchment. There was no way he would be found by the 'Saints', not when he'd been so careful. But even so, the thought that he could be given up and get his hosts family tied up in something they don't need to be concerned about made him more angry than he cared to admit for the moment. Nevertheless, he continued to read on, with a ridge deepening in his forehead.

'After the Journal had reached it's end, Mr. Fishton III was determined to find more evidence of the supposed Red Devil the pages described. He had returned to site where it was seen, and noticed something interesting while digging in the sediments. He concluded, that the trench from where the Journal was found, was dug out by hand, but not by fish kind. Markings on the walls on the trench had uncovered enlarged fingerprints that matched a Sponge family in Germany, known as the Silverwoods. When questioned, they had informed that they had an ancestor by the name of Xandi, who had a younger brother called Virgil who was sold into slavery at the age of 5.'

Lucius sat back, blinking. He just didn't seem to believe anything he was seeing. "THE SILVERWOODS... ARE ALIVE...? THAT BOY... VIRGIL... HAD A FAMILY?" His teeth and fists clenched suddenly. "AND THEY SOLD HIM..." He produced a groteque face, peering into the pages before he spat right onto their names. His spite was obvious, but he stopped himself from ripping the book in half until he were satisfied with the information he received.

'The giant hand marks on the walls appeared to have been from this Virgil Silverwood, as it would match a few of the passages written by the unknown tenant of the village, who stated themselves to be the boy's previous owner.' Lucius growled, now realizing just who was to blame for this work. "RAMUNDUS..." his voice stirred the currents within the Library, so much so the fire began to tremble.

'A thorough excavation was conducted in the trench to find more pieces to the mystery of the Village's disappearance entirely, however only ground soiled in ashes remained intact--" Lucius stopped reading to scoff through his nostrils. "SERVES THEM ALL RIGHT... AFTER WHAT THEY DID, ASH HAS NEVER HAD A BETTER PURPOSE IN THIS WORLD." A short chuckle permeated the water from behind his clutching teeth at the thought. He hummed as he finished the passage before halting near completely.

'--and a torn portrait of a young Sponge woman, as depicted in the photogragh of this Novel's appendix.'

Lucius immediately combed through the end pages, now actively searching for something he was truly interested in. The portrait he painted of her, it survived! It was like a dream pulled over his mind with how much hope this feeling gave him to seeing her face again. A smile threatened to cross his lips as he'd turned to the correct sheet and gazed down upon it. What he saw, however, caused his lip and eyes to quiver. It was badly damaged and debauched. Her face carved out of the frame, mud decorating the gold, fallic imagery drawn terribly between her painted breast along with faded spraypaint graffiti on her red dress. The man dropped his head. The book was gently closed and set beside him, and there he sat to ponder to himself with emotions mixing with depression, anxiety and anger. The ridge in his brow tilted into a broken expression, as a small tear ran from his cheek to his chin.

"HOW COULD THEY TREAT HER IMAGE WITH SUCH DISRESPECT... AS IF SHE WERE NOTHING MORE THAN AN OBJECT... JUST BODY PARTS... SHE'S NOT SOME BITCH OR A WHORE, NO... SHE WAS MY... LAUREL... AND I WAS HERS... I STILL..." He sat in the presence of the fire, thinking about Laura again. He wiped his tears, shifting on the sandy ground slowly to get comfortable. The Demon cleared his throat, turning slightly to hear the soft disturbance of particles being sifted by Laura's stubby legs behind him.

"WHAT IS IT..." He spoke loud enough for her to jump, unexpectedly. "Um... I... Just wanted to know if you were okay... and... to ask what happened... back there..." Laura stammered, not quite sure what to say to him. "THAT...? WAS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. I AM JUST DANDY. THERE. NOW GO BACK TO SLEEP ALREADY..." He rudely retorted, to which she was taken aback by. Something was definitely bothering him, and she told herself, knowing the only way to know anything or get to know him better was to burst through his anti-social shield. So, she pressed on further towards him. "If... something is bothering you, you can talk to me about it. I'm a pretty good listener." "OH REALLY? THEN TELL ME HOW YOU MISSED THE PART WHERE I SAID TO GO BACK TO FUCKING SLEEP?" Laura blinked, shaking her head. "I'll go back to sleep once you talk to me, and I won't leave until you do." Lucius glared at her, but she just bit her lip, raising her head high in an attentive manner. "Please..." Lucius chuckled, snorting in her face. "What's so funny?" "THE FACT THAT YOU ACTUALLY THINK YOU CAN GET ME TO TALK WHEN NOT EVEN YOU TRULY WANT TO." The pink woman slowly looked at the ground below her legs before the Demon gripped her face to look into his eyes. "I CAN SEE THAT LOOK IN YOUR EYES, WOMAN. IT'S FULL OF PAIN. YOU HATE TO THINK OF WHAT I WILL SAY, DON'T YOU? YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE TO LOOK AT ME. YOU JUST CAN'T, BUT YOU'RE TRYING TO FOOL YOURSELF OTHERWISE AND FOR WHAT? FOR YOUR 'ROBERT', ISN'T THAT RIGHT? NOT FOR ME. JUST GIVE UP... GO BACK TO BED.... CAN'T YOU SEE I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE..." He trailed off, releasing her. Laura rubbed her jaw, licking her lip before huffing in his direction. "For someone who wants to be alone, you really did a number on a family you don't know..." The Devil lowered his eyelids, his face unhurriedly turned to meet hers, who was gazing at the fire.

The time in front of the hearth was silent for a short time, neither one bothering to speak up again and just waited in silence for the other. Laura groaned, pulling her shirt down a little, then rubbed her hands in front of the warmth. She looked over at the book sitting to his right, only catching a glimpse of the title through his legs. "See you like to read." She noted and he jumped, peeking at the novel beside him before glaring back at her. "What is that one?" She curiously asked, standing up to get a better look, but was unable as Lucius pushed it out of her range of view with his tail. "IT'S NOTHING." He fibbed, causing Laura's face to glow with mischief. This could be a perfect opportunity to show him how to play around. "What's nothing? You got some naughty stuff over there?" Laura joked, moving her head around to try and see, but he kept sliding it away. "N-NO." He scoffed, becoming annoyed and confused with her actions, but she didn't seem to pick up on it as she'd moved to his other side quickly, having him shuffle on the floor out of her field of touch. "Come on, let me see! I bet it's a fun story!" "THE ONLY STORY TONIGHT WILL BE THE TALE OF THE WOMAN WHO LOST ALL OF HER LIMBS IF SHE DOES NOT DESIST HER ACTIVITY!" Lucius warned, moving the book again. "You sound like such a Dad!" She giggled, taking her moment to jump over him. They both hit the floor, her small frame hugging against his large chest. Blush filled his eyes and cheeks, somehow not able to completely process what had just occured yet. His hands shook, wanting to grab ahold of her thighs or waist, like it was muscle memory.

"What's Harkward?"

The Devil, now practically fuming, proceeded to shove her off before the threw the book straight into the fire. Laura gasped, first at the book that she was sure belonged to her husband now transforming into a burning crisp, then at the Demon hovering over her with furious features written over his mouth and eyes. "I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE ME BE, DAMN IT! WHY COULDN'T YOU FOLLOW ONE SIMPLE COMMAND, WOMAN?! FOR FUCK'S SAKE, IF YOU REALLY LISTEN THEN PROVE IT, YOU DAFT COW!!"

Lucius panted heavily, his breath hot against her cheek. He awaited her reply with his face still firmly applicated with rage, that was, until he saw her lip tremble. Her shaking irises didn't fail to catch in his sight either, as he witnessed silent tears creating two rivers down her cheeks. He backed away slightly, expression dropping. Laura's voice let out a small hiccup of a sob, like she was holding back full crying in fear. She turned away from him, lifting a hand to her mouth to muffle herself. The devil stepped back further, brow tilting into guilt. He peered at his hands, feeling his boiling blood pump into his black heart and back again. He watched as she knelt on the floor, with her head touching the ground like she was bowing to him. A thoughtful hum left his throat as he stepped up to her, placing a warm hand to her shaking back.

"I'M.... SO SORRY... I DIDN'T MEAN TO... SNAP AT YOU LIKE THAT... I'M... I'M LOST, LAURA... THAT'S ALL... I'M GOING THROUGH SOMETHING THAT... I UNFORTUNATELY HAVE TO DEAL WITH ALONE... YOUR HELP... IT'S... APPRECIATED... BUT I'M ALRIGHT FOR NOW... IS THAT OKAY...?" He apologized, grazing his hand over her shoulder blade. Lucius sighed, "PLEASE, LAURA I'M SORRY... I'M NOT ONE FOR PLAYING AROUND LIKE THAT, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND... NO ONE SINCE... WELL... NO ONE MESSES WITH ME LIKE THAT, AND I'M NOT ACCUSTOMED TO SUCH THINGS... HEH, CAN YOU PICTURE THIS FACE BEING A CUDDLY TEDDY BEAR?" He pointed out, chuckling. Laura mumbled lowly in between chokes of depression as he listened as best as he could. "You... seem like you could be a father.... I don't know why... Is that... weird...?" He smiled kindly for a moment, but lowered his head again. "THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING, WOULDN'T IT..."

Laura ran her eyes over her room after her Husband's doppelgänger escorted her back inside. She sat on the edge of the bed and waited for him to climb back in, but he only stood there, watching over her. "Aren't you going to sleep?" She asked, to which he replied, "AFTER YOU..." The man folded his meaty arms, staring at her with a blank look, not knowing if he actually was looking at her or not since his irises were invisible until he didn't want them to be anymore. The pink woman hummed, setting her onto the pillow, and thought of sleep to come.

"HOW DO I MAKE IT UP TO YOU?" Lucius suddenly spoke up again. "Make up what, Savage?" "THE... OUTBURST I SUPPOSE WE'LL CALL IT..." Laura sat back, thinking to herself for a few seconds before smiling. "Just... be more social with me... or... at least try..." The devil walked over to his side of the bed, nodding. "SOCIAL..." He said to himself before looking down at her. "I CAN THINK OF SOME WAYS."

Description
Lucius twitched, shifting in the night in an unknown place. His consciousness was pulsing in and out, to and from himself. A ghastly figure stood under the veil of his eyelids. It's crown lined with familiar horns, and leathery red skin slowly stepped in the man's direction. A wide, tooth filled grin reminded him of someone he thought he'd never see again. The Devil thrashed his head, speaking words that would be classified as gibberish to anyone else to the spectacle. If it were to be translated, it might mean 'What do you want?' Or 'What are you doing here?' The phantom continued it's approach towards Lucius, licking it's chops from drool at just the sight of him. The beast readied his stance for the time this being would pounce, and let out a mighty growl. However, just as it neared, Lucius's vision focused in on a small room. This was no longer within his mind, it's too real, he thought. He trailed his eyes down towards his shaking, sweaty palms, clasping them shut after a few seconds to calm himself, and take in the room around him. He was in Spongebob's side of the bed by the look of it. The sheets still smelt of work and snail trail, and the crumpled blankets were being tugged slightly on the opposite side. Eventually, he brought himself to look upon Laura beside him, who was awake with a look as if she were concerned, or perhaps frightened. Maybe it was both. The Demon lowered his tired eyelids into his usual gaze, staring back into hers as he began to wonder what he'd done to cause a face like that from her.

"I... SCARED YOU, DIDN'T I...?" He asked, rubbing his tense neck, as she just flinched at the powerful tone of his deep voice in the early morning. Laura didn't answer, but instead pulled the sheets and blanket over herself a little more. Lucius hummed lowly, slumping from the bed with a loud creak of the springs. He shook his head, walking towards the bedroom door to make his entry into the Library.

The Library door at the top step would usually require one to use the built in steel slide to access it, but Lucius was in no mood for such childish things, and hopped to the bottom floor like a Tiger, making only a small patting sound as to at least try and not wake anyone else. He wiped the sand from his claws on his tattered brown pants and began his peruse of the many choices of books before him. His large fingers swiped across the spines of his options, nearly scoffing as he read the titles. "FOR SUCH A DIMWITTED FOOL, YOU HAVE MANY ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS. YOU SHOULD READ THEM MORE..." He laughed, pulling out a novel.

Another book slapped onto a tome on the floor, as Lucius picked up another and began to read. Every one of the words enveloped his mind swiftly, and stories made perfect sense, impressively for having read an entire five hundred page work in under three minutes. He sighed, tossing the story away, grabbing another sitting beside his leg. "ROMANCE, HUH... WHAT AN ABYSMAL LIE... A CRUEL DESIRE..." Lucius furrowed his brows, not even bothering to finish the volume. "BUT HOW IT TORTURES ME TO REALIZE THAT I WANT IT SO..." He rubbed the space between his eyes, before raking his hand over his weary face. His pupils dilated at the sheen coming from another novel on the shelf catching the light from the nearby fire in the hearth.

Lucius stood upon his aching feet, breathing out a bit noisier as if he were only doing this out of boredum or until he could confirm Laura went back to sleep. He knew she wasn't yet, as her heartbeat could be heard in an active pace in his head. Once he arrived at the source of the shine from the flames, he stopped to examine the spine. He froze in his actions, eyes widening. He quickly lifted the book from it's position, staring down at the title like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

The title read 'The Tragedy of Harkward', by an author unknown. What was this doing here? Why does his host have this? Questions began to fill his dark cerebrum, and the only way to answer them was to find them out himself. The Devil lumbered to the space in front of the fireplace, immediately opening the pages to supply himself with the knowledge he desired. He read slow, and carefully. His eyes scanned the ink on each page, articulating every word and understanding every meaning.

'Harkward was a Village in the english channel, discovered via a journal recovered by the National Memoir Museum of Natural History. The Journal was an outstanding find, as stated by it's recoverer, Markiss Fishton III. The pages within describe a life lived by commonors in the 1300's, or the 2nd millenium. There wasn't anything reported unusual, until within the 46th page in, it depicts a sudden change in the people's lifestyle. According to the writer, There was a "Red Beast of the great chasm" that had taken control of the lives of their kind. Many translators of the text suggest it is trying to describe a tyrannical man of grandiose strength and size, however, others disagree. They claim that due to the nature of the words spoken, it is more literal than figurative. The suggest it was the Devil himself, who walked the earth. The pages in the Journal later begin to prove such a theory. Due to the assumption, the book was taken to the Church leaders of Saint Almanei's in Brisk Gulch, English Channel for evaluation, and it was later confirmed to be exactly what was described.'

"WHO DARED TO CATALOGUE MY WHEREABOUTS?!" Lucius growled to himself, seething with rage at what he was reading. His claws ripped subtle marks into the already tattered parchment. There was no way he would be found by the 'Saints', not when he'd been so careful. But even so, the thought that he could be given up and get his hosts family tied up in something they don't need to be concerned about made him more angry than he cared to admit for the moment. Nevertheless, he continued to read on, with a ridge deepening in his forehead.

'After the Journal had reached it's end, Mr. Fishton III was determined to find more evidence of the supposed Red Devil the pages described. He had returned to site where it was seen, and noticed something interesting while digging in the sediments. He concluded, that the trench from where the Journal was found, was dug out by hand, but not by fish kind. Markings on the walls on the trench had uncovered enlarged fingerprints that matched a Sponge family in Germany, known as the Silverwoods. When questioned, they had informed that they had an ancestor by the name of Xandi, who had a younger brother called Virgil who was sold into slavery at the age of 5.'

Lucius sat back, blinking. He just didn't seem to believe anything he was seeing. "THE SILVERWOODS... ARE ALIVE...? THAT BOY... VIRGIL... HAD A FAMILY?" His teeth and fists clenched suddenly. "AND THEY SOLD HIM..." He produced a groteque face, peering into the pages before he spat right onto their names. His spite was obvious, but he stopped himself from ripping the book in half until he were satisfied with the information he received.

'The giant hand marks on the walls appeared to have been from this Virgil Silverwood, as it would match a few of the passages written by the unknown tenant of the village, who stated themselves to be the boy's previous owner.' Lucius growled, now realizing just who was to blame for this work. "RAMUNDUS..." his voice stirred the currents within the Library, so much so the fire began to tremble.

'A thorough excavation was conducted in the trench to find more pieces to the mystery of the Village's disappearance entirely, however only ground soiled in ashes remained intact--" Lucius stopped reading to scoff through his nostrils. "SERVES THEM ALL RIGHT... AFTER WHAT THEY DID, ASH HAS NEVER HAD A BETTER PURPOSE IN THIS WORLD." A short chuckle permeated the water from behind his clutching teeth at the thought. He hummed as he finished the passage before halting near completely.

'--and a torn portrait of a young Sponge woman, as depicted in the photogragh of this Novel's appendix.'

Lucius immediately combed through the end pages, now actively searching for something he was truly interested in. The portrait he painted of her, it survived! It was like a dream pulled over his mind with how much hope this feeling gave him to seeing her face again. A smile threatened to cross his lips as he'd turned to the correct sheet and gazed down upon it. What he saw, however, caused his lip and eyes to quiver. It was badly damaged and debauched. Her face carved out of the frame, mud decorating the gold, fallic imagery drawn terribly between her painted breast along with faded spraypaint graffiti on her red dress. The man dropped his head. The book was gently closed and set beside him, and there he sat to ponder to himself with emotions mixing with depression, anxiety and anger. The ridge in his brow tilted into a broken expression, as a small tear ran from his cheek to his chin.

"HOW COULD THEY TREAT HER IMAGE WITH SUCH DISRESPECT... AS IF SHE WERE NOTHING MORE THAN AN OBJECT... JUST BODY PARTS... SHE'S NOT SOME BITCH OR A WHORE, NO... SHE WAS MY... LAUREL... AND I WAS HERS... I STILL..." He sat in the presence of the fire, thinking about Laura again. He wiped his tears, shifting on the sandy ground slowly to get comfortable. The Demon cleared his throat, turning slightly to hear the soft disturbance of particles being sifted by Laura's stubby legs behind him.

"WHAT IS IT..." He spoke loud enough for her to jump, unexpectedly. "Um... I... Just wanted to know if you were okay... and... to ask what happened... back there..." Laura stammered, not quite sure what to say to him. "THAT...? WAS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. I AM JUST DANDY. THERE. NOW GO BACK TO SLEEP ALREADY..." He rudely retorted, to which she was taken aback by. Something was definitely bothering him, and she told herself, knowing the only way to know anything or get to know him better was to burst through his anti-social shield. So, she pressed on further towards him. "If... something is bothering you, you can talk to me about it. I'm a pretty good listener." "OH REALLY? THEN TELL ME HOW YOU MISSED THE PART WHERE I SAID TO GO BACK TO FUCKING SLEEP?" Laura blinked, shaking her head. "I'll go back to sleep once you talk to me, and I won't leave until you do." Lucius glared at her, but she just bit her lip, raising her head high in an attentive manner. "Please..." Lucius chuckled, snorting in her face. "What's so funny?" "THE FACT THAT YOU ACTUALLY THINK YOU CAN GET ME TO TALK WHEN NOT EVEN YOU TRULY WANT TO." The pink woman slowly looked at the ground below her legs before the Demon gripped her face to look into his eyes. "I CAN SEE THAT LOOK IN YOUR EYES, WOMAN. IT'S FULL OF PAIN. YOU HATE TO THINK OF WHAT I WILL SAY, DON'T YOU? YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE TO LOOK AT ME. YOU JUST CAN'T, BUT YOU'RE TRYING TO FOOL YOURSELF OTHERWISE AND FOR WHAT? FOR YOUR 'ROBERT', ISN'T THAT RIGHT? NOT FOR ME. JUST GIVE UP... GO BACK TO BED.... CAN'T YOU SEE I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE..." He trailed off, releasing her. Laura rubbed her jaw, licking her lip before huffing in his direction. "For someone who wants to be alone, you really did a number on a family you don't know..." The Devil lowered his eyelids, his face unhurriedly turned to meet hers, who was gazing at the fire.

The time in front of the hearth was silent for a short time, neither one bothering to speak up again and just waited in silence for the other. Laura groaned, pulling her shirt down a little, then rubbed her hands in front of the warmth. She looked over at the book sitting to his right, only catching a glimpse of the title through his legs. "See you like to read." She noted and he jumped, peeking at the novel beside him before glaring back at her. "What is that one?" She curiously asked, standing up to get a better look, but was unable as Lucius pushed it out of her range of view with his tail. "IT'S NOTHING." He fibbed, causing Laura's face to glow with mischief. This could be a perfect opportunity to show him how to play around. "What's nothing? You got some naughty stuff over there?" Laura joked, moving her head around to try and see, but he kept sliding it away. "N-NO." He scoffed, becoming annoyed and confused with her actions, but she didn't seem to pick up on it as she'd moved to his other side quickly, having him shuffle on the floor out of her field of touch. "Come on, let me see! I bet it's a fun story!" "THE ONLY STORY TONIGHT WILL BE THE TALE OF THE WOMAN WHO LOST ALL OF HER LIMBS IF SHE DOES NOT DESIST HER ACTIVITY!" Lucius warned, moving the book again. "You sound like such a Dad!" She giggled, taking her moment to jump over him. They both hit the floor, her small frame hugging against his large chest. Blush filled his eyes and cheeks, somehow not able to completely process what had just occured yet. His hands shook, wanting to grab ahold of her thighs or waist, like it was muscle memory.

"What's Harkward?"

The Devil, now practically fuming, proceeded to shove her off before the threw the book straight into the fire. Laura gasped, first at the book that she was sure belonged to her husband now transforming into a burning crisp, then at the Demon hovering over her with furious features written over his mouth and eyes. "I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE ME BE, DAMN IT! WHY COULDN'T YOU FOLLOW ONE SIMPLE COMMAND, WOMAN?! FOR FUCK'S SAKE, IF YOU REALLY LISTEN THEN PROVE IT, YOU DAFT COW!!"

Lucius panted heavily, his breath hot against her cheek. He awaited her reply with his face still firmly applicated with rage, that was, until he saw her lip tremble. Her shaking irises didn't fail to catch in his sight either, as he witnessed silent tears creating two rivers down her cheeks. He backed away slightly, expression dropping. Laura's voice let out a small hiccup of a sob, like she was holding back full crying in fear. She turned away from him, lifting a hand to her mouth to muffle herself. The devil stepped back further, brow tilting into guilt. He peered at his hands, feeling his boiling blood pump into his black heart and back again. He watched as she knelt on the floor, with her head touching the ground like she was bowing to him. A thoughtful hum left his throat as he stepped up to her, placing a warm hand to her shaking back.

"I'M.... SO SORRY... I DIDN'T MEAN TO... SNAP AT YOU LIKE THAT... I'M... I'M LOST, LAURA... THAT'S ALL... I'M GOING THROUGH SOMETHING THAT... I UNFORTUNATELY HAVE TO DEAL WITH ALONE... YOUR HELP... IT'S... APPRECIATED... BUT I'M ALRIGHT FOR NOW... IS THAT OKAY...?" He apologized, grazing his hand over her shoulder blade. Lucius sighed, "PLEASE, LAURA I'M SORRY... I'M NOT ONE FOR PLAYING AROUND LIKE THAT, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND... NO ONE SINCE... WELL... NO ONE MESSES WITH ME LIKE THAT, AND I'M NOT ACCUSTOMED TO SUCH THINGS... HEH, CAN YOU PICTURE THIS FACE BEING A CUDDLY TEDDY BEAR?" He pointed out, chuckling. Laura mumbled lowly in between chokes of depression as he listened as best as he could. "You... seem like you could be a father.... I don't know why... Is that... weird...?" He smiled kindly for a moment, but lowered his head again. "THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING, WOULDN'T IT..."

Laura ran her eyes over her room after her Husband's doppelgänger escorted her back inside. She sat on the edge of the bed and waited for him to climb back in, but he only stood there, watching over her. "Aren't you going to sleep?" She asked, to which he replied, "AFTER YOU..." The man folded his meaty arms, staring at her with a blank look, not knowing if he actually was looking at her or not since his irises were invisible until he didn't want them to be anymore. The pink woman hummed, setting her onto the pillow, and thought of sleep to come.

"HOW DO I MAKE IT UP TO YOU?" Lucius suddenly spoke up again. "Make up what, Savage?" "THE... OUTBURST I SUPPOSE WE'LL CALL IT..." Laura sat back, thinking to herself for a few seconds before smiling. "Just... be more social with me... or... at least try..." The devil walked over to his side of the bed, nodding. "SOCIAL..." He said to himself before looking down at her. "I CAN THINK OF SOME WAYS."