Chapter 4 - A Dream off the Beam

Mephisto was standing in front of the popsicle stand, regarding the young blonde who just found out that he was the one robbing her of her favorite treat. "Well, it looks like they have run out of my favorite flavor, so I will be on my way." Before she could add any more, Mephisto closed the distance between them and put a hand on her shoulder, his head bowing slightly to hers. "And yet another wonderful coincidence. The blueberry flavor happens to be my favorite one too! I wouldn't mind sharing it." he grinned mischievously, bringing up the popsicle in between them. Oh dear, what a face she was making! So much longing for a piece of frozen blueberry. For a moment there he wished he had been that very popsicle.

Abruptly, her cheeks flushed beautifully, and she took a bit of the icy treat. The demon's eyes widened in surprise - he did not really expect her to actually take the bait. "Hmm...it's delicious!" she chuckled and urged him. "Well, it's your turn, so you'd better eat up quickly, or it melts." "Keineswegs! Is this for real?!" Mephisto marveled, but took another bite almost automatically, then held it out for her again. "Well, what do you know? I should make these offers more often." the demon smirked, finding himself thoroughly enjoying the strange situation. Halfway through the popsicle, Thea suddenly laughed. "Where are your manners, Sir Demon?" "Pardon?" he wondered. "You've got it smeared all over your mouth and cheek..." she grinned. "Here, let me get that for you." She stood up on her tiptoes, lightly pulled him at his tie, and before he knew it, she started disposing of the blueberry smear in the most delightful manner.

Mephisto stood there, completely paralyzed. What was she doing to him?! He knew the girl was special, but robbing him of his composure? No, that was out of question. He was always in control! So why not now? Everything about her was just so… irresistible. Was she… a succubus by any chance? That would certainly explain some details, such as her intoxicating scent or hauntingly beautiful eyes his mind had so often wandered to. His thoughts were interrupted as he realized that the blonde started nibbling on his lower lip. All questions were forgotten, and the demon gave in, closing his eyes. However, he would not let her get away with this that easily. He pulled her closer and took the lead, taking extra care to be as thorough as possible. He couldn't remember the last time his desire was so strong.

Her frame was thin and fitted perfectly into his embrace. Her lips were moist and soft. Mephisto felt her heat rising, her flushed cheeks against his own. His hand found its way into her golden locks. A beautiful scent of cinnamon mixed with honey graced his sensitive nose. That sweet, crazily intoxicating scent. At that moment, the Lord of Time completely lost it. He wanted this girl. He wanted her badly. He gripped her more firmly and started his incantation to teleport somewhere more convenient - "Ein, zwei, ..." 'Clink' - a strange noise reached his ears.

"...ther. Hey, big brother!" Mephisto recognized a familiar voice. "How many times did I tell you not to disturb me during my naps, Amaimon?!" the demon asked through his teeth grumpily, completely annoyed by the disappointing turn of events. It was a dream! A stupid, silly... remarkably beautiful dream. Completely off the beam… But how?! It all felt so real, even the scent of honey and cinnamon was still strongly present. "I am sorry, big brother. Don't be mad. The assistant's just brought some snacks. They are delicious! Here, try one." the young green-haired demon said while licking his fingers. The chairman's gaze fell on his wide wooden table. A bunch of cinnamon rolls was neatly arranged on a silver platter, accompanied by fresh mint tea with honey.

Mephisto's hand found his forehead with a loud smack. "Are you feeling well, big brother? You don't like cinnamon rolls?" Amaimon inclined his head. The Lord of Time exhaled and chuckled. Then he reached for one of the sweet rolls and held it in front of him. "Oh, on the contrary, dear brother. I find them… most delicious." a grin spread on his face and he bit in. "That's good, then. I guess." "Indeed. And what about your day, Amaimon? Everything all right back in Gehenna?" Mephisto inquired. "Yes, yes. Though I got bored quite soon. The demons in Abaddon's realm are just so weak, there's no fun in fighting them. I'd rather fight our younger brother again. Oh, right! That reminds me! He went berserk again. So maybe I can go and play a little? Can I, big brother?" Mephisto almost choked on his tea. "Rin did what?! Why didn't you say so from the start?!" Mephisto thundered. "'Cause I wanted to enjoy my tea and sweets first?" The green-haired demon licked his fingers. "Seriously, Amaimon... Come on! We have no time to lose!" "Gee brother, always rushing to help your humans…You can always stop the time if things get ugly, you know?" Mephisto pinned him with a stare. "Oh well, at least I might get to fight!" Amaimon grinned.

OoO

Thea was standing in the amusement park with the strange demon, when a sudden downpour descended upon them, accompanied by more intense flashes in the sky. "Oh dear, there you go." the demon said as he threw his white coat over Thea's head. It was so long that even when it covered her head completely, part of it was still touching the ground. It felt...so silky and warm. But...why in the world would he do that? As if demons cared about people catching a cold! Ridiculous! "Wait, no, I don't …" the blonde protested but was silenced as Mephisto put a finger over her lips. "Now then, it would be most ungentlemanly of me if I left you unaided in this kind of weather." She looked up, cheeks pink again. She felt as if her heart would soon burst from her chest. Once again, he was way too close! Was that the annoying demon's habit to touch women so casually? But more importantly - why was she not resisting?! She knew better than this! Some types of demons could be very alluring if they wanted to. They used their skills to seduce people. Was he also one of that kind?

Before she could react in any way, his lips descended upon hers gently. He cupped her cheek with his right hand, while he pulled her closer with the left one. If she didn't know that she was standing firmly on the ground, she would have thought herself still riding the swing ride. Despite the heavy rain that was soaking her wet, there was warmth emanating from his body. The demon was clutching her torso firmly, pulling her so close that she was fully covered by his broad shoulders. Thea found herself wrapping her hands through his dark violet hair, dropping his hat in the process. It was simply irresistible. She returned all his kisses with fervor. He took it as a chance to use his tongue too. The blonde gasped but instantly melted in his embrace. She knew that this was really wrong... but she simply couldn't stop herself! His hazed forest-green eyes, his devilish smirk when he saw her reactions, his attentive hands… Gosh she felt so hot, she couldn't even breathe properly. Hot...too hot. She had to catch a breath! He had to release her or else she would suffocate!

Suddenly, the whole scenery changed, and Thea found herself wrestling with a huge blanket which was thrown over her whole body including the head. When she finally managed to untangle herself from the mass of fabric, the realization dawned on her… "No way!" Thea breathed out. "No, no, no!" she kept repeating. "I can't believe it! What in the hell was I dreaming about?! Me and that...that… No Thea, don't you dare think about it for another second!" she berated herself internally, feeling her cheeks heating up again. "Ayami was right. I am really going nuts! Aaaargh!" the blonde cried silently, covering herself up with the blanket again as if to hide her embarrassment.

A strange scent enveloped her, something earthy and fresh. "Eeeek!" a shriek escaped her mouth as soon as she realized what exactly she was covering under. She gathered the fabric and threw it off the bed as if it were infected. "I must have overdone it with studying. Yeah...that is it." the girl thought watching the demon's snow-white coat lying on the ground. How come that thing was even dry? "Thea? Are you all right in there?" Ayami's voice reached the door. "Yeah, yeah, everything is fine!" "Are you sure? I think I heard you scream." "Oh, I just … I just woke up and saw how late it already is! I totally overslept my morning study session!" "Gee Thea, relax. The study session is tomorrow." Ayami tried to calm her friend. "Aaah, you are right. I am an idiot." Thea laughed nervously. "Yeah, sometimes you certainly act like one. But don't sweat it, you are gonna ace this exam! I know it!" "Yeah, hope I will!"

Still, despite all that the annoying demon had put her through, Thea had to check out the True Cross Academy. It was her chance, least she wanted to end up being a disaster for the people around her. Things had been getting out of hand lately. First of all, she could observe more and more lesser demons and those dust-like creatures swarming around. They made people especially moody and inclined to harbor too many negative emotions. It could be anything from envy to suicidal thoughts or unexplainable rage. Second, there were more strange incidents and minor accidents which had far more serious consequences than they should have. The hospital staff had their hands full with people who merely slipped on the walkways and ended up breaking their leg or arm. Thea did her best to help the doctors treat them and tried to restore the patients' energy when possible. She had not fully trusted herself with her healing abilities, but sometimes there was simply no way around it - they just looked so weak and pitiful.

Sadly, there was one more problem - it seemed like some demons were directly after Thea. Oh, there had always been some demons complicating her life in one way or another. She usually managed to avoid any confrontation completely. Lately though, the creatures had been so persistent, and hung around, hoping to suck out some of her life force. She wished she could have done something...anything. Unfortunately, she was only able to fend off the lowest ones, those which looked like small specks of black dust. It was always so difficult to breathe with them around! Yes, she really had to visit the Academy as soon as possible. This might be her chance to finally comprehend her powers!

OoO

Disclaimer: Blue Exorcists belongs to Kazue Katō. Please, do not re-post or publish my story without my consent.

Author's note: And another chapter is out :) Hope it brightens your (probably in quarantine spent) days. This is my first FF-writing attempt, so I would really appreciate your feedback :)