Chapter 3

Its eyes reminded Hikari of swinging scarlet lanterns and the dark blue sky at dusk. Red is a lucky color full of life, but the shade staring intently into her soul felt more appropriate as a warning. Tread carefully, the eyes hinted even as the face continued to grin, or you'll regret it.

"Come on now, don't be shy," it coaxed.

Several responses flew through Hikari's head at that statement. Was it worthwhile to try and push the head back into the computer? What if it came back or bit her for attempting in the first place. At this point, everything could be the result of a fever dream; maybe she was asleep headfirst on her keyboard. Before she could formulate a proper response, the figure started to try and pull itself further out of the monitor. There was a problem, though. The was being stopped pulling itself out, and the smile slipped off of its face.

"You know," it started to complain with an irritated frown, " I'm starting to get really tired of these small, modern screens. You couldn't pull a dog through this. Are you just going to stand there and watch or help me get out of this thing?" It wiggled a bit and huffed, as it wasn't in a rush to make itself more jammed than it already was.

Hikari gaped at it incredulously for a second before responding, "I'm sorry, what exactly am I supposed to do? Reach into my computer and help pull you out?"

"Well," it replied blandly, "that's what I was thinking, yes. You know-" It cut itself off and, having decided continuing the conversation would be useless at this point, sighed and started forcing itself through the computer portals once more. The monitor looked like it would preferably explode than allow that. Even so, the figure managed to barge its way through and rolled onto her carpet.

Hikari backed up until the back of her legs hit her bed as her strange guest stood and brushed itself off. It was tall, taller than anyone she knew, and it took the form of a man with ashen blue skin and imposing horns. Crossing her arms, she pinched her forearm to try and wake herself up in case everything was a dream. The dull pain told her this wasn't.

The man-shaped visitor took a seat in her abandoned chair and got comfortable. He watched her fidget for a moment with dark amusement in his eyes. While it had been some time since he was last summoned, he never forgot the joy of watching summoners get antsy after achieving the improbable.

"Now that we're properly situated," he offered as he sat back and rested his head against his propped-up hand, "let's get things started. Come now. No need to stand over there. You summoned me here, after all. As long as we figure out a deal and I get paid, all is well."

She refused to budge.

"I didn't summon anything," she argued as her brow furrowed, "I was trying to hire someone for a job when my computer went crazy, and you came through it. What are you anyway?"

His mouth twitched downwards for a second as he held back a scowl.

"Denial looks cute on no one, so why not pick a different option," he drawled, "Let me refresh your memory. You clicked on the button and hired me, Verkin. In other words, the name of the demon you hired belongs to me. The picture you saw was of my human form, should you need me to take a human appearance for any reason." Having explained his identity, Verkin stared at the blank look on Hikari's face before looking away with an annoyed sigh.

Verkin left her to her thoughts as he examined his surroundings. The room was almost bland enough to be a high-class hotel room. There were no photos on the walls. The bed was covered in ivory sheets and pillows, and there was a lavender plush rug beside it on the hardwood floor. The only other splashes of color appeared to be a childishly colorful digital alarm clock on which a young lady fantastically dressed posed lying on the nightstand and the books' spines on the shelf by the door. He would take a look at everything else later when he felt like moving. His musings were cut short as the girl caught his attention by stalking towards him.

"Ah," he started, "Are you ready to-"

Hikari cut him off by grabbing his shoulders and shoving his head against the screen of her monitor.

"You came out of this thing, so you should be able to go back in, right," she snappily argued, "because I don't need you. This is all a mistake, so go back to wherever you came from."

Hikari's panic grew as they struggled against each other. She was determined to shove him back through those odd, oily portals. Verkin was just as eager to make her stop pressing his head against the computer like it could change the situation.

"Enough is enough," he hissed as he grabbed her arms and trapped them at her sides. His grip bruised her as claw-like nails dug into her skin. He pushed her back enough that he could get to his feet and loom over her. Hikari winced and idly wondered if this is how she died.

Verkin ignored her discomfort and continued, "There is no sending me back at this point. By summoning me, you created a contract between us. As a Gluttony demon, I specialize in disappearances, murder, and anything else that requires no traces left behind. My never-ending appetite makes me rather suited for getting rid of loose ends."

He let go, and Hikari stepped back out of reach and rubbed her aching arms, turning away from him as she checked herself for wounds.

"What if I don't want anything like that," she grumbled while looking over her arms, "I don't need anyone to disappear. What I do need is for someone to pretend to date me until I'm ready to break up. Can you even do that?" Satisfied with the current lack of blood and bruising, Hikari hesitantly turned back towards him.

Verkin thought over her question before he replied, "Well, usually one would pick a Lust demon for matters concerning emotions like that. I may not be the proper demon for the job, but I can still do it. How much are you willing to give up for what you want?"

Her eyes met his as she considered his offer. There was a contract between her and this demon, whether she liked it or not. Technically, Verkin wasn't the right type for the job, and he didn't try to hide it. She wasn't sure how a Gluttony demon could help her, but all he had to do was pretend to like her until it was time to break up.

"How much are you asking me to pay," she asked in return.

A grin slowly spread across his face. Pleased with Hikari's question, Verkin answered, "For pretending to be your lover and all that entails? I get to devour your heart and body as payment. This job does not give me the usual opportunities to eat, so you'll have to feed me as long as I'm here."

There was silence as Hikari thought over the proposition. It slowly dawned on her that this was the chance she was looking for. Her plans all along were to make a contract and fake it till she made it. Why did it have to be with another human? Why not sell what's left of her to the devil? Sure, she would miss Ren, Sakura, and maybe even Nanami, but they would heal and move forward. They had each other, and Hikari...Hikari only had herself. With this contract, she would have someone in her corner until she died. She didn't care that it was unnatural or that she would die at the end of it. Verkin would stay by her side as long as she needed. He wouldn't be able to leave without her saying so. For once, she could have someone by her side whenever her heart desired. The realization was a heady one.

"We have a deal then," she finally answered, breaking the silent stalemate. She sat down on the edge of her bed and crossed her legs. "You pretend to be my boyfriend until I say otherwise, and in return, you get to have my heart and body. Are you planning to eat me as soon as you get the chance?"

Amused by her response, Verkin approached her and removed the tie holding her hair in a bun. He ran his fingers through the ends before leaning over and whispering in her ear, "Your heart? Most certainly. I plan to devour it in full as soon as our deal is finished."

He brushed his lips against the few strands of hair left between his fingers before shifting back. Their eyes met, and he continued just as softly as before, "Your body, on the other hand, is a different matter. I plan to eat you in every sense but literal as long as our contract is in effect. I hope you are prepared. There is no turning back from here." With that said, he cupped her cheeks and drew her into a hungry, all-consuming kiss, sealing their contract.