A/N: Chapter 2 of the X/F fic! Things begin to get started. I don't really like this chapter as much as the last, but I hope you'll enjoy reading it. Song © the Goo Goo Dolls. *Insert typical Fan author disclaimer here*
I reclined behind my desk; a smirk fixed in place at the news the shapeless demon had just given me. "Very good…excellent in fact. You are dismissed," I said, nodding at the demon.
It disappeared and I turned my attention to the door, eyes shut. There was the sound of slight footsteps, and my grin widened as the doorknob turned.
"Welcome back, Filia," I called out as the door swung open.
And I'd give up forever to touch you
'Cause I know that you feel me somehow
She looked startled as I mentioned her name. She squinted as if the light in the room hurt her eyes. I scrutinized her-of course it did. Her blue eyes had the typical cat-pupils of my particular mazoku race now, and she seemed to be dead set against keeping her eyes shut. "It's easier to see if your eyes remain closed, dear," I commented with a shrug, swinging my feet up onto the desk. "What brings you back here? To the…'despicable mazoku hell hole,' I believe you called it."
The golden haired woman winced as she shut the door and collapsed in a chair. "I'm hungry," she stated in a defeated voice. "I'm tired. I hurt all over. I smell like a dead cat. I…," she broke off, an indignant look on her face as she turned her nose up.
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now
"And what, Filia?" I inquired, delighted at her plight.
An irate look crossed her face. "Your vile, Xellos. What you did to me was worse than anything else you could ever do in your life! And you know what I'm going to say. I need your help. Are you happy?" she was nearly screaming now. "I need your help! I'm nothing now. Nothing…I'm worthless." She sighed, sinking into her chair in a defeated manner.
The grin on my face faltered. This wasn't funny anymore. My darling Filia…
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
"You came to the right person," I replied seriously. "And…,"
She looked up at me sharply, her expression tense. She knew, she just knew, that I was about to say something offensive.
"I'm sorry," I stated simply.
For a moment, I was afraid she was about to faint.
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight.
She looked absolutely stunned. It was as if my mistress had just popped up on the desk and begun to tap-dance, lampshade on head and tutu around waist.
"No! No you aren't," she spluttered, vehemently denying the truth I had just uttered. "You don't feel any remorse. You're a mazoku! A filthy demon!"
I smirked, sliding my feet off the desk between us. I leaned against it, eyes opening suddenly as I stared at her. "Watch what you say about yourself, Filia."
She stirred in anger, a hot blush rising to her face. "I haven't killed anyone! I don't do bad things! You made me this, you, you…" she trailed off, running out of steam as her stomach rumbled with hunger.
I snapped nonchalantly, and a platter of food appeared on the desk between us. "Eat," I commanded, leaning back again in the chair. She hesitated, staring at the chicken and steak. "It isn't poison, Filia."
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they understand
She grabbed up a piece of chicken and began to eat ravenously. I shut my eyes again and watched her eat contentedly. She totally ignored my presence as she chowed down. However did I become to love you, Filia? I wondered silently, purposely brushing the stray thought across her mind in a gentle whisper.
She blinked and dropped her fifth piece of chicken. "What did you say?" she inquired curiously, a surprised look gleaming in her cat eyes.
"Filia…,"
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't say 'that is a secret,' Xellos, or I'll have to come over there and harm you."
I shrugged. "As you wish."
Silence veiled the room as she waited rather impatiently. I suddenly brushed the thought across her mind again, quite loudly this time.
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
She seemed absolutely annoyed now. "That's a crock of bull, Xellos, and you know it. Mazoku can't love."
"Can't they?" I inquired in a mocking tone.
She furrowed her brow and shook her head. "It's a proven fact."
I smirked, enjoying this probably entirely too much. "Is it, really?"
Her brows darted up. "Oh yes, and all history books are wrong?"
"Precisely. Can't you tell, Filia? You can sense emotions now. Can't you feel…that I am telling you the truth?"
She shook her head, in complete denial. "There's no way it's possible."
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
"It is possible," I replied, phazing out suddenly. I reappeared instantaneously, sitting on the desk before her. My eyes were open again, boring into hers. "Very possible," I whispered.
She shivered under the intensity of my gaze. "Why?" she whispered. "Why did you revive me as a mazoku, Xellos? If you…truly loved me…you'd know this is a faith worse than death for me!"
I shrugged. "I'm selfish. I'd rather have you alive and hate me, than have you dead forever."
She blushed and remained silent, and I grinned. "I do believe your embarrassed, Filia."
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know your alive
"This isn't real. I must be dead still. Or very sick, and hallucinating. This isn't real..," she repeated.
I sighed in a rather annoyed manner. This is not going very well. Time for a new tactic.
I leaned forward suddenly and pressed my lips against hers.
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I phazed away from her, reappearing in my chair. She fell forward suddenly, her cheeks bright red. "H-how dare you!" she stuttered. "Of all the-"
"Go get showered and changed," I commanded, interrupting her. "The adjoining room is a bath. A new outfit has been laid out for you."
She stood up, a stunned look on her face. She crossed the room, and just as she placed her hand on the door knob, I called out, "Didn't that feel real?"
She glanced at me quickly, trying to hide a smile as she darted out of the room.
I grinned in satisfaction, eyes sliding shut once again as I awaited her return.
And I don't want the world to see me Cause I don't think that they understand
She returned an hour later, a set look on her face. Her damp golden hair was pulled back in a braid, and she wore the black and crimson dress robes that had been set out for her.
"Xellos…why do you want me here?" she inquired.
"I want you to join me. You aren't corrupt as other mazoku are. Together, perhaps, we could end this whole damn war."
She crossed to the window, the dress robes swishing elegantly around her slender ankles as she parted the curtains. The sight of the devastated land as far as the eye could see seemed to sadden her, and her shoulders slumped.
"Xellos…,"
"Yes, Filia?"
When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
"I'll join you."
I smiled in pleasure, phazing to join her at the window. "Good. Shall I begin to train you in your new powers tomorrow?"
"I…don't want to use my powers, Xellos…"
I just want you to know who I am
"You won't be using them for evil, Filia…I promise. Please."
She sighed again and nodded her agreement, gazing up at me with frightened eyes.
I managed a reassuring smile.
I just want you to know who I am
Everything is going according to plan…my mistress will be pleased.
I just want you to know who I am…
I touched her shoulder reassuringly. "Everything will be perfectly all right."
…as long as you remain clueless, my beautiful Filia…