39 Paralyzed

Rain poured down outside the window like a rumor of plague it swept everyone off the streets and into the safety of their homes a few brave souls could be seen running around. But for the young man staring at the bloodstains on the floor the torrent of water outside was the embodiment of his grief for even the world wept for his loss. The sky broke the steady patter with a boom of thunder like the way his promise was broken "I said I would look after him." The young man muttered in a shaky voice as a stream of tears started to flow freely like the rain outside.

The door to his office opened with a creak of the rusting hinges as anothern person walked through. "Chris Enough moping If the boss finds you like this he's going to get rid of you and it's not going to be a handshake and a thank you for all that you have done." The man that walked in stated with conviction as he danced around the pool of blood to the desk that Chris sat behind in an old beaten leather swivel chair.

"I don't give a fuck what the boss thinks. he's gone Toby I promised her that he would be fine but now he's gone." Chris rambled as he swung the chair around in circles.

Toby saw the nearly empty bottle of whiskey and but two and two together "Chris why don't you come and lie down for a bit?" He suggested walking around the desk and stopping the chair.

"Okay." Was the slurred reply he got as he helped his friend from out of the chair supporting Chris drunken walk to a nearby bed "better hide the booze before he wakes up." Tony thought to himself as Chris snored away sprawled out on the bed.

The screams so familiar to the point that at the first note he knew who's they were his own. Dante woke on a lumpy mattress wrapped in in flesh opening his eyes he was greeted with the site off a face contorted in pain and the sound of labored breathing. "Seems I'm the only one who screams in their sleep." Dante chuckled dryly feeling a dent in his masculine pride. He started to move but was quickly forced back down. "I am not a pillow." Dante stated coldly as he begrudgingly lay still.

"You need rest." Was the quiet but firm voice that came from his side.

"I'm fine." Dante lied as he began to struggle again.

"No you're not. rest." The voice whispered in his ear.

"Poppy I need to move." Dante said his voice wavering he felt restless trapped no matter how bruised or battered his body was his mind felt the need to move to run away from his problems.

"Doctors orders no moving." Was the reply he got.

"Fine can you get me some water though?"

"Sure." Poppy said with a smile climbing out of the bed and walked out the room. Hearing the door close Dante stared at the ceiling he touched the familiar weight on his face.

Exhaling a bored sigh Dante looked around the room it was small in a cozy way with a window on his right just above the bed which the sun shone through rays dancing into the room. The bed was a simple single bed with a worn mattress and thin white sheets the pillows were very comfortable and soft much to Dante's relief. The headrest was a simple wooden board like the rest of the room it was very spartan with the only other thing was a mirror on a set of drawers to his left.

The only thing left to do was stare at the door.

The door opened and Dante watched as Poppy came forward with a tray filled with two cups of water and two bowls.

"Lucifer lay back down." Poppy commanded in a stern tone as he gently pushed Dante back down as he tried to sit up.

"I'm not on my death bed!" Dante exclaimed as he allowed himself to be pushed back onto the soft pillows not finding a solid reason to resist.

"But you still need your rest." Poppy assured in a soft comforting voice.

"Tch I can look after my self." Dante said in annoyance turning his head.

"Of course but you moving will make it worse."

Turning his head Dante gazed into the blue honest and earnest eyes "ok fine but how am I going to drink the water?" He asked feeling his throat begging for water

"Barry said to do mouth to mouth." Poppy replied bringing the cup to his mouth.

"Wait!" Dante cried in indignation.

"What? Something wrong?" Poppy asked cocking his head to the side.

"Go ask Barry for a straw or I'm not drinking it." Dante ordered turning his head.

"Ok I'll go ask." Poppy replied putting the glass down and disappearing out the door.

"He's too easy to manipulate whilst that's good it's also a double edge sword doesn't help he won't question what anyone asks of him." Dante thought with a sigh as he awaited for Poppy's return.

The door opened to reveal a triumphant Poppy and a paper straw. "Got one." He said with a smile as he put it in the glass and held it up to Dante.

"That's good thanks." Dante laughed in relief as he lifted a bit of his mask up and started to drink from the straw.

After the water had disappeared Dante let the mask fall onto his face he closed his eyes as the peacefulness of the rooms atmosphere felt so harmonious.

After a few minutes he was disturbed by light tapping on his mask. "What?" He lazily asked not feeling in the mood for a conversation.

"Uh Barry said that you need to eat the porridge he made to keep your strength up."

Opening his eyes Dante complied by lifting his mask and opening his mouth as Poppy spoon fed him. "Who would have thought this would happen. two ruthless bloodthirsty thugs creating such a gentle scene." Came a mocking voice from the door way.

"Corvo state your buissnes or leave as you can see I'm kinda busy." Dante said gesturing to Poppy who was still dillegently feeding him.

"Barry and I have business to discuss with you."

"I'm here all day so walk in appointments are available at any time." Dante said sarcastically.

"I'll wait until your first visitor leaves." Corvo replied with a chuckle.

"I feel like it's going to be a long day." Dante thought with a sigh.