Chapter 11

He follows the group inside despite his side still throbbing and resisted the urge to touch it, suffering in silence.

"Zemar, can I speak with you for a moment," Rick caught him just as they pass by the office near the back of the building.

"Uh, sure,"

"Ooooo you're in trouble," Tim taunts,

"Fuck off!"

"Hey, hey, nobody is in trouble," Rick hushed them with a wave of a hand. They chuckle and continue towards the front while Tatiana hung back, not sure if Rick needed to talk with her as well.

"It's okay, go join the others, Tatiana. This doesn't concern you," Rick shoos with a fatherly wink as she reluctantly left after handing Rick the first aid kit.

"D-Did I do something wrong? Are you mad that I messed up your shirt?" Zemar shys away when noticing Rick had a clean, white shirt. It'd be just his luck that Rick was mad. Rick closed the office door and turns with a puzzled look,

"What?… Oh god no! Zemar, I just wanted to see if you were alright. You were pretty upset about it. Did Tatiana manage to stitch you up good?" Rick was back to being the concerned father while beckoning him to sit. He let out a sigh of relief when relaxing on the small, padded bar stool. The metal bolts squeaked under his weight,

"I'm fine… And they're just stitches," he grunts, everyone needs to just stop worrying about him. It's not the first time getting stabbed and it won't be his last.

"Uh huh. Zemar, I know you don't like us to worry, but I'm a father, worrying is part of the job. Are you sure you're okay?" Rick crossed his arms with almost a pout. He sighs and turns the stool to the side,

"I had a brief moment of weakness, I'm fine now," he said meekly. Rick raised an eyebrow, but didn't push anymore than that.

"Well, can I at least take a look at that injury?" Rick asks, he nods and lift his arm so Rick could ruffle through his fur.

"Seems like Tatiana did a excellent job," Rick praised the teenager's skill,

"Uh Rick... I-Is it possible to have given someone the wrong idea?" He asks while nervously rubbing the back of his head with past shame. Rick smiles and gently pats his ribs a few times,

"Tatiana is a smart girl. I'm sure she understood what you meant,"

"I highly doubt it. I-I may have gotten a rage moment when Cassdi mentioned that Angels have bigger… Um, d-dicks," he stampers.

"Okay? Go on," Rick encourage while leaning closer, a hidden sparkle in his eye,

"Well I… uh," he hesitates and fidgets with his fingers. Rick pats his back,

"I heard it all, you can tell me anything and I wont be surprised," Rick smiles before sitting back at his hardwood desk. It had papers scattered everywhere with a few scratches on the mulberry stained wood, it was newish but has seen it's work load. The boxy office had a lingering musk of old books and yeast.

"Okay, well Cassdi was teasing Tatiana about wanting a big dick and that's why she's still single. She then brought up Angels having bigger ones… I-I just… Demons are superior in size and that if Tatiana wanted something big, I kinda said that she could use mine..." like word vomit, it all just poured out before he turns away in embarrassment. Covering his face briefly as he gave his cheeks a hard rub in remorse,

"So, what you're saying is, you have a huge penis," Rick smirks.

"W-What?! That's got nothing to do with my problem! I pretty fucking much told Tatiana she could fuck me!" He swung around in the stool to stare wide-eyed, perplexed that all Rick seemed to hear was how big he was. Rick chuckles,

"No, I heard you. But, that's not a bad thing, it just means you like her, right?" Rick asks,

"Well… I don't hate her if that's what you're asking," he gazed at the floor, unsure of his feelings. Squeezing the stool cushion tightly inbetween his legs, a sensual fantasy of Tatiana turning to face him flashed in his mind and made him blush. What was this new feeling? It wasn't like anything he's ever felt before.

Rick rests his elbows on the desk and sets his chin on his hands,

"I think you might have a crush on little Tatiana," Rick teased. He stiffens at the thought but, quickly shakes it away.

"I do not! I just can relate with her," he barks and stood,

"I asked a question, are you gonna give me any advice or what?" he demands.

"Alright, alright. I was only bugging. I'm sure if you talked with her about this and explain, she'd understand," Rick suggests, he bit his bottom lip, that would mean he'd have to be near Tatiana again.

"Nope, no way! We don't talk things through, we move on and either forget over time or hold a grudge. I'm not really good at communication to begin with,"

"Zemar, you need to start being more open with your feelings. Can you at least try? For me?" Rick begs as he stood up to gently rub his side. He stares into Rick's big brown eyes and groans,

"Fine… I'll try,"

"Thank you… Also, another matter arose," Rick smiles one last time before walking behind his desk again.

"I got ahold of Marty," Rick stares at the empty desktop, he looks at the human with worry, did she quit? He kept his mouth shut, waiting for the news.

"She's alright. A little bruised and shaken but, she'll be fine. But, is there anything you wanna tell me about your past before I go on?" Rick glares at him with a far different expression than before. Rick no longer looked like a caring father and instead resembled someone ready to defend their family. He gulps at the thought of possibly being forced out, or something worse,

"No," he lied. What was there to tell? He murdered hundreds of people without being convicted of his crimes by Satan? He still doesn't understand why that is though, any Demon who has killed a mortal is immediately summoned to Hell to face judgment.

"Okay… I can't force it out of you and truth be told, Marty didn't really say much. All she said was, that I should turn you into the police. Is there any reason the police would be looking for you?" Rick exhales while sitting down with an inquisitive glance.

"No idea. The police are idiots, they think all Demons are killers and thieves," he growls,

but after hearing someone he just protected do that, it got his blood boiling. Humans are all the same.

"I know Zemar, but we can't do much about that. Marty did also mention a name. It's not on the news as much anymore but, have you ever heard of the serial killer that goes by the name Angel of Death?" Rick asks, he shook his head at the nickname he was given.

Rick rubs his stubble while looking to the right, trying to remember something.

"Not much to go on with that but, gist of it. Angel of Death works for a gang that ran the biggest drug ring in San Francisco. The police aren't able to catch him, they say he's like a professional hit-man. Leaves nothing behind. Not even fingerprints, it's like he doesn't even exist," Rick explained.

"You don't say…" he looks down at the palm of his right hand, squeezing it tightly before looking back at Rick. Anger and fear flooded his veins. He hasn't felt this much rage since his first victim. He could never remember the details of any of his victims though, just the intense feelings and a face.

"Where does Marty live? You think I could just talk to her for a bit? She might've just got scared and thought I was that killer," he put on a fake smile, he needed to know what she knew about him.

"Sorry Zemar, no can do. It's part of employer and employee confidentiality but, if you ask Sarah, she might help you. She is Marty's partner after all," Rick replies with professionalism. He sighs with a nod,

"Ugh, Fine. I really don't like talking to new people,"

"Oh you'll be fine, now go enjoy the party," Rick smiles with a small shoo motion as he got up.

"Uh… Thanks, you know, for helping me out back there," he thanked meekly, Rick gave his side a quick pat,

"You're welcome son," Rick grins kindly before releasing him from the office to join the group of friends.

Andy bounced out of the chair when he came into view,

"There you are! I was wondering where you went. Tim and John told me quite a story, you sly devil," Andy chuckles.

"Oh really?" He glares at the mischievous teens, they snicker and gave kissy kissy faces. He clicked his tongue and look away with his eyes resting on Tatiana unintentionally, she nervously gulps and glanced down and away. What was he going to do about her? This is too awkward he thought as he sat down at the table,

"Don't be bothered by their teasing, they're just stupid teenagers after all," Rob pats his back with a chuckle.

"Hey!" Tim grumbles in the background, he personally wasn't bothered and was more worried about how Tatiana was feeling instead. He's sure she got teased a lot, but it seemed like she was use to it. Not something a girl should be use to.

"So, what happened? I need the juicy details," Andy stares at him with bright hazel eyes,

"Wouldn't you like to know, ya perv!" he barks and shoved a hand full of nachos into his mouth to avoid talking. His stomach should be healed enough to eat something and then he'll be good in an hour.

"You're no fun!" Andy pouts with crossed arms,

"How about we leave the subject alone, can't you see they're both embarrassed enough. Let's play twister or something instead," Jordan advised. There were groans of protest but, John brought out the game. He sighs with relief, there wasn't any way he could've lied when there were three witnesses.

The night was full of fun, new activities for him as he got to fully experience what it was like to be a teenager. A real teenager, not one filled with blood and murder. Near the end, Rob and Sarah started cleaning up the empty dishes while Rick wiped down the tables and swept the floor. Everyone was on their way out when he gathered enough courage to pull Tatiana aside,

"H-Hey, I wanna apologize… You know, about earlier. I didn't really mean what I said about you using my um…" he rubbed the back of his head nervously. Tatiana giggles,

"How about we make a deal? I'll forget you even mentioning it but, you'll own me a favor," Tatiana smiled and held out a fragile hand, he grins with relief and took it. That went easier than he thought.

"Deal! Besides, you should look for a Demon with more experience. Cause I don't think people would like it very much if you had sex with a minor anyways," he chuckles and Tatiana's face turned to pure shock. Fuck! He blabbed his mouth again he thought with a cringe.

"M-Minor!? What do you mean? Aren't you like way older than I am?" Tatiana's bewilderment caught everyone's attention. He became anxious as their eyes seem to burn holes in his fur, demanding an answer.

"Ah, Uh y-yeah, I'm…" he paused as he felt like something was caught in his throat, blocking his airway and preventing him for speaking. Their eager gaze only heighten his anxiety, squeezing Tatiana's hand tightly she flinched under the sudden pressure. The room seemed to spin but, a gentle touch rested on his hand and it brought him back as he stares into Tatiana's blue eyes. Everything calmed down and he took a breath,

"Yes, I'm a youngling. I'm only 15, I'll be 16 in October," he smiles slightly as everyone gasped. His smile quickly disappeared,

"Is that a problem?" his growl was directed towards the group. They reacted like everyone else, shocked that he was so young and then they'll treat his differently, like a child.

"Wow! I've never met a youngling before, I always thought Demon couldn't have pure blood children," Sarah's amazement was the first of many voices. They bombarded him with questions, about his parents, why he lived on the surface, things like that and it was overwhelming him. Taking steps away from the small crowd of friends his breathing quickens,

"Alright, that's enough. We don't need to torment him for every aspect of his life prior," Rick pats his side while saving him from the unintentional stress.

They finally notice his distress and back off,

"Sorry bud," Tim gave his forearm a quick pat before walking to grab his coat.

"Yeah, sorry, didn't mean to interrogate you," John followed Tim's example while also being a gentleman, he helped Cassdi into her jacket.

"Thanks for hosting the party Andy, it was great," Jordan thanked,

"Yeah! I had fun. Wish we could've stayed longer but, I have my own surprise for John," Cassdi smiles with a wink as she clung onto John's arm and were on their way out.

"Thanks for coming, take care getting home," Andy laughs with a wave goodbye,

"Nice meeting you too, Zemar," John does a casual two-finger salute before closing the burgundy wooden door. Tim and Jordan said their goodbyes and left promptly, Tatiana was the last one,

"I uh, guess I should head out too. It was nice meeting you Zemar and thanks… For earlier," Tatiana had her coat on and was twisting side to side.

"What do you mean?" He thought they already had that settled,

"You wanted to be there and listen to my problems even though you didn't have to. And then sticking up for me… In your own way might I add," Tatiana smiles kindly up at him and he felt a blush showing.

"It was kind of you, so thanks," He didn't think he made that much of an impact to deserve gratitude but, hearing it coming from her. He felt butterflies in his stomach and felt weightless like all the stress of the world and all his problems just up and vanished.

"N-No problem, I've been there and it doesn't feel nice," he rubbed the back of his head with a shy smile and quick glances between Tatiana and the ground. Rick was right, he liked Tatiana, maybe a little bit more than Andy.

The way she smiles, her small little wave as she left, it made his heart flutter and the feelings only dissipated when she vanished behind the door. Andy had a knowing grin before elbowing him and motioning to help clean up. It took them only a couple of minutes to finish, Rob had left when the kitchen was spotless and Sarah was on her way out when he stopped her.

"Wait up, can I walk you home? I heard Marty went home earlier and I wanted to see if she was okay," he asks as Sarah grabbed her purse from the locker room.

"Awe, that's so sweet of you. I'm sure Marty would appreciate it, but would Rick be okay with you walking around at night? It gets pretty dangerous," Sarah raised cation,

"I don't see why not, I'm a Demon after all. Why would anyone try to pick a fight with someone like me?" He puffed out his chest in pride.

"Aren't you a cutie," Sarah gently pats his chest with a high pitched giggle,

"I still think you should ask Rick first. He is the one you're living with," as if it was on cue, Rick walks in looking for him.

"Ask me what?" Rick inquires,

"Oh, I was going to walk Sarah home and to see if Marty was alright," Rick nods,

"Ah I see. I don't see why not. Fly right home, no detours. I'd like to know how she's doing as well," Rick orders with a firm tone. He nods with a soft salute and held the door open for the young woman.

It was a quick walk to Sarah and Marty's apartment,

"I'm sorry Zemar, I didn't want to sound rude in front of Rick or you but, Marty doesn't like Demons entering our home. It has something to do with past traumas but I, personally would've invited you in for some tea," Sarah turns to face him as they come up to the front door. He could tell that she meant well when refusing his entrance and cared deeply about Marty's rule.

"No sweat, I can understand that. I wasn't quite all that truthful either," he paused and fiddles with his fingers,

"I actually wanted to apologize about how I first acted. For someone whose afraid of my kind, I didn't act very respectful," it wasn't the full truth but, he did feel bad about losing his temper.

"Oh sweetie, Marty hasn't always been this way. It only started after her dad died," Sarah sympathetically rubs his arm,

"Oh… I'm sorry to hear that," he held his head low at the thought of losing a family member. He couldn't ever imagine losing his brother.

"I'll let her know you came by and just keep being you. I'm sure she'll warm up eventually. Cause darling, you're just so adorable and special," Sarah kindly smiles and unlocks the electronic glass door,

"This building is nice. Which floor do you guys live on? You must live up high," he changed the subject as he stares at the large, modern apartment. Glass balcony's lined up perfectly with neat, black trim around the border, matching the grey backdrop of the cement structure.

"Oh yes, we live near the top. Eighth floor and I so wish to show you our view. Watching the sunrise is something to die for!" Sarah brags with pure bliss in her eyes, he smiles with her. Sarah was such a bright, fluffy girl and it made him feel worse for what he had to do.

"Eighth floor? That's quite high up, long way to fall… But, I should be heading home anyways. Rick is expecting me," he opens his black, feathered wings and a word echoed, home. Did he really have a home now? Was it safe to say that he has found a true home? Staring up at the stars he zoned out for a moment till a small squeak of the young woman brought him back.

"Oh my word! You are quite special indeed,"

"Ah… Yeah, you have no idea," he winks and glanced upwards to see Marty staring wide eyed from one of the lit windows. The wink wasn't for Sarah, it was a warning before flying away and disappearing into the night sky.

Sarah walks in just to be bombarded by an angry girlfriend,

"You stay away from that Demon! He can't be trusted!" Marty snaps. Full of aggression towards the Demon,

"Honey, I don't understand why you're so afraid. Why don't you ever tell me what really happened back then," Sarah rubs Marty's trembling shoulders.

"You know why!" Marty threw Sarah's hands away and crossed her arms like she was freezing, white knuckling as she bit her bottom lip. Fear stained in her emerald eyes,

"Let's go to bed and relax. We'll talk more about it once you're calm," Sarah grabs Marty's hand and rubs the inner palm with her thumbs.

"Y-Yeah… Sorry babe," Marty apologized and they head to bed together. Later that night, Marty awoke very parched, gazing over at her partner, she was still asleep. Getting up and heading to their kitchen she opened the fridge door and the small light lit up the whole kitchen as the luminescence of unnatural blue eyes glint in the dark corner. Marty poured herself a glass of cold, filtered water and turns around to sit at the small, circular dining table to stare out at the brightly lit city. Being so high up, the city lights blended into the stars.

"How did you recognize us?" a low growl echoed in the dark and causing Marty to turn quickly and face the menacing voice. Azure glowing eyes shine brightly with an unquenchable rage, terror filled the young woman to the core as the huge shadow came into view.

"W-What?!" Marty fell out of her chair and crawls backwards, away from the far different blue eyes that inch closer and closer. Empty pupils stare deeply into her soul, as his distorted voice echoed like two people were talking simultaneously.

"How did you recognize us!" he leaps onto Marty, pining her to the ground as their face was revealed by the pale moon.

Zemar glares into Marty's fearful eyes, he was so full of anger that tears filled his own as he held her down with one hand. Marty tried to scream but he quickly covered her mouth,

"I won't allow you to take away the only chance he has to be happy. To finally have a real family… I must get rid of any threat," he snarls and lowers his hand onto Marty's thin throat, squeezing it lightly. Watching her gasp under just the little pressure, a Cheshire grin crept across his face knowing that a flick of his wrist could end everything. Feeling his hand getting tighter he stops, but doesn't let go.

"Give me a reason to spare your life mortal. Tell me how you know who we were," he demands, Marty gulps in air with a cough,

"Y-Your wings… T-Three years a-ago I saw your w-wings after you murdered my father!"