“So—you’ll be able to carry everything right?” I teased, practically bouncing as we looked over all the stands. I examined everything with an expert eye.

“Sure. I can carry a lot.” His says, his nose twitched and he took in a deep breath as he smelled the large variety of food.

“I’m glad I have a strong man then.” I giggled with a wink. I started pointing at things and paying for a lot of food as we walked around. It was all wrapped neatly and placed into well packaged bags. I finally had to stop at the bakery stand though and it seemed like the woman working recognized Malachi.

“Hello Malachi!” The half elf said cheerfully. “It’s so good to see you! You look well!” She said. I narrowed my eyes a bit.

“It’s good to see you too Adrie. It looks like your shop is doing well!” Malachi said.

The woman smiled widely and nodded, “Yeah! We’ve been doing a lot better now that the roads are open to trade. Thank the gods.” She said before curiously looking at me. “Who is this beautiful lady with you? Is she a new friend?” She asked curiously.

I gave her a quick look up and down before smiling tightly, “Name’s Lia. I’m his girlfriend.” I said and strange butterflies filled my stomach as I said it out loud. This was my way of squashing the jealousy that grew.

“Oh? Your girlfriend? Well congrats to you.” Adrie said with a cheerful smile.

Malachi slowly looked at me shocked before awkwardly playing along, which genuinely surprised me. “Oh, uh, thank you Adrie. Lia here is something special.” He said, clearly not sure what to do.

I smiled back at him, I enjoyed how awkward he was about the whole thing. “We’re here for some baked goods to bring back to Uncle Cade’s. Need something that won’t crumble and also something that crumbles easily.” I said, going back to shopping mode for now as I felt the threat had been eliminated.

“I can certainly help! Do you have a preference for flavor and texture?” She asked, writing it down. I continued having this conversation with the girl as Malachi glowed, looking confused and looking awkwardly down the street.

After I placed the order we started to walk away since she needed time to make the order, I grinned at Malachi. “So how do you wish to kill time?” I asked.

“Well first off—Why did you tell Adrie that you were my girlfriend?” Malachi asked confused, “It isn’t okay to tell lies like that.”

“Who said it was a lie? I’m hoping the name sticks.” I said looking at him with the most adorable eyes I could muster. What am I doing? He already rejected me so why do I feel the need to keep trying? Do I enjoy heartbreak that much?

Malachi put a hand on the back of his neck and started gently massaging the muscle. He looked out of place and unsure, blushing, and uptight as if he didn’t know how to express himself.

I dropped my smile as a knot formed in my stomach, here it comes. The dreaded rejection that apparently my fucked up mind loves so much. I don’t want to hear what I’m pretty sure is coming. “What’s on your mind? You know you can talk to me.” I said gently as my stomach turned.

“N-nothing. Let’s just finish shopping and head back.” Malachi said. “I’m just confused right now. That’s all…”

The knot got tighter and I fought back the prickling in my eyes. “It’s not nothing.” I said stubbornly and pulled him off between a couple of buildings before we stopped. “Can we please just talk about it? Tell me.. please..” I said as I looked up with big eyes and a tiny pout.

Malachi’s ears folded back as he looked down at me. He had a shameful look in his eyes as if he had done something wrong. “I don’t know how to talk about it Lia… I-I hope you don’t think I hate you or have no feelings for you… I’m just in a tough spot right now.” He said softly. So he does have feelings for me? He’s sending mixed signals.

“Just speak, speak whatever is on your mind.. I-I do kind of feel like you don’t feel the same toward me—but—” I stopped, fighting against a strong wave of emotions. What am I saying? Why do I feel like this? What even is this feeling? I reached up and placed my hands on either side of his face, “Tell me about your tough spot. I want to help you.” I said looking into his eyes.

“…Is it bad I’m afraid to get close to people again? Like if I do, they’ll end up hurt or dead..” Malachi said. “I don’t… I don’t want to lose you like I lost them.” He said somberly. “I don’t feel ready to escalate things…”

“But—aren’t the feelings there already..? Like they are for me..?” I asked softly as my hands fell back to my sides. “What’s the difference in adding a title…? If the feelings are there…” I looked down at my soft, blue hands. “I’ll get hurt regardless if I’m with you or not, but I refuse to die when you’re alive. And I can be pretty damn stubborn.” I said clenching my fists then releasing. “I-I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry… I should be the one apologizing for making things complicated.” Malachi said as he hung his head. “It’s hard to describe my feelings… Like there the same as you but… there is something under the surface that isn’t good.” I feel like he’s trying to describe his demonic blood but wasn’t understanding it. “I don’t want to see you get hurt because of me…”

“What can I do to convince you that it’ll be alright? I can handle myself and I can help you understand what that bad thing is. We can do this together. You don’t have to be alone.” I said softly, little tears in my eyes despite my best efforts. “Everything in my being is telling me that this is right. Please… Let me convince you. Let me show you. I swear to you that you won’t hurt me unless I want it.” I said before I leaned up and kissed him again, but this time it was deeper and more passionate. I pulled back quicker though, even though it didn’t feel right, and kept my eyes down, waiting.

Malachi seemed to also feel off as I pulled back. He looked at me and softly nodded his head, “Please… Convince me. Show me what I’m missing.” He said softly.

I peaked up at him from under my lashes, unintentionally being cute. “Then can we make this official so I can convince you? Nothing to it but to do it, right?” I asked. I traced my finger lightly down his arm, raising bumps on his skin, static felt between us. “I can help you understand yourself. I can be a partner and I will work hard to be the best second half. I have my own flaws, I’m far from perfect, but I’ll try anything for you. Please… It’s going to be okay.”

Malachi nodded, agreeing with me, but there was still a puzzled look in his eyes. “I’ve never dated before though… I don’t think I can give you all that you want.” He said, I think he’s just making excuses at this point. Although he did look like a lost child when it came to these types of things.

“That’s okay, I can help you figure it out. And we can take things slow so it’s easier.” I said sweetly. “I’m sure you’ll be able to provide someday. And I’ll make sure to give you everything that you want and need.” I smiled before leaning in and kissing him deeply.

As I kissed him, he slowly followed my lead and was fully entranced by my touch. I felt something though, something much more aggressive than his usually gentle self. His fangs were almost pressed to my lips. My heart started racing and on instinct I curled my fingers into his hair, pushing back harder with a smile. Everything felt so right in this moment, I had a purpose, I felt whole.

Something startled Malachi during our kiss and he pulled away with his hand clenched to his chest and he breathed heavily, trying to calm down. “S-Sorry. S-Something not quite right.” He said, odd that it all felt so right to me.

I felt horrible. I did this. Zagasihr reinforcing my thoughts of guilt. Repeatedly telling me that Malachi was a young cub. Someone to be left alone. “I’m sorry… I don’t know what came over me… I’ll be better next time.” I said softly, petting his cheek and refusing to show the guilt on my face.

“Please, you don’t have to apologize” Malachi said, “Don’t feel guilty because of me… Something is wrong with my blood. I just need a moment. I’m okay.”

“Do you think it’s your demonic heritage?” I asked softly even though I already know the answer. “I should have been more careful. I’m sorry.” I ignored his words about not apologizing.

“Yeah… Probably. Once in awhile it flairs up. I usually avoid people when it happens, just in case, but I’ve never lashed out at anyone.” He explained. “It isn’t so bad… I may look like a demon, but I’m not one. I promise.” He said lightly smiling as his hand dropped from his chest. “You didn’t know. It isn’t your fault.”

I kissed his cheek. If only he knew what I knew. I put my hands on my hips. “Well, you aren’t allowed to hide away from me when it happens. You hear? You have to tell me.” I said pointing at him like a concerned lover while I narrowed my eyes. I looked adorable even with my stern look.

“I’ll let you know. Thanks for understanding.” Malachi said as he looked more relaxed now.

I smiled at him, “Good. And of course I understand. I live with a demon in my head.” I said trying to make a joke as I tapped a finger on my temple. “Shall we continue shopping?” I asked as I grabbed his hand again, which felt different because my mindset was different. Now that we’re official. My stomach filled with butterflies.

“Yeah, probably a good idea. Should we buy some tea for Caderyn while we’re in town?” He asked as he looked over me, much more cheerful than before.

I nodded, “I’m sure uncle would love that.” I grinned. “Lead the way. I’m sure you know where he buys his favorite at.” I started to think off though, “We should take a bath.” I said randomly.

Malachi nodded as he lead the way, still holding my hand. “A bath? Do I smell? I suppose I was being tortured just hours ago…” He said as his nose twitched.

“I said we.” I said, “And not only that, but we have also been on the road for awhile too.” I said with a sigh. “I want to wash your hair.” I looked up at him.

“Oh, I see…” Malachi said with a small blush. “I-I think Caderyn has a lake behind his house. He does have a bath area by his house, but that’s just a stall and a water bucket…” Malachi mumbled. I could tell he felt bathing together was probably inappropriate.

“The lake sounds perfect, more private and better for two people.” I said with a giggle and my face blushed too but giddy on the idea of bathing with him.

“Y-yeah.” Malachi said. He soon approached this tiny, worn-down shop. I think I remember this shop. It looks like it’s been here since the town was first built. Malachi opened the door for me and allowed me to walk in first. It was a crowded store with the shelves full of ingredients, tools and potions. “Miss Shi? Are you in here?” Malachi called out.

A small, older Shou woman comes around from behind one of the crowded shelves, “Oh! Young Belsorin! How good it is to see you! My, you’ve gotten so big! Weren’t you only this tall when I last saw you?” The woman teases as she used her hand to measure a four-and-a-half-foot person.

“I’m sure I’ve been on the taller side for some time now Miss Shi.” Malachi chuckled. “Anyway, we’re actually here to purchase the usual for Caderyn.”

“Ah of course! I’ll get right on that. Please feel free to look around the shop in the meantime. Holler if you find something you like dear.” She says before waddling away.

I snickered before I began to wander the store. There was just so much here it was hard not to marvel at it all. As I maneuvered through the store, something caught my eye, a whistle that looked like it had been sitting there for a while. I picked it up and looked it over, there was a carving on it, a lion’s head or maybe a dragon’s? It was difficult to tell due to the condition. Maybe I could clean it up. I brushed it off as best I could but it would definitely need some cleaning. It was supposed to be shiny but the dust clung to the obsidian and the ruby eyes were duller than they should be. But the craftmanship was exquisite.

“What did you find?” Malachi asked curiously as he followed me. He was ducking under some hanging obstacles and smacked his forehead into one, making him wince. “Ow.” He said rubbing the sore spot.

“A whistle of some kind. I’m going to buy it.” I said looking it over. I started snickering though and looked up at him, “Are you okay?” I asked with a little smile.

“Yeah I’m alright. Just have to watch where I’m going.” Malachi said this time keeping his head low. He caught sight of the whistle and seemed almost entranced by it, tilting his head in curiosity like a cat.

“All set young Belsorin! Caderyn’s favorite.” Miss Shi says as she makes it back to the counter and began writing a note about the order on a slip of paper.

This is a lion demon whistle. He must be feeling the pull. Zagasihr whispers to me.

I raised an eyebrow before closing my hand around the whistle. “Come on. We need to pick up our order from the baker and head back to uncle’s. He’ll be getting worried by now with how much time we’re taking.” I said playfully as I headed to the counter and placed the whistle down. “This too please.” I said with a smile.

“Uh right.” Malachi said as his eyes flickered and he followed me. Miss Shi looked at the whistle. “Oh my. I haven’t seen this in years. Do you know what this is? It’s a whistle by the Hilkini Demon Hunters in the northern seas. Its said to deter and harm the hearing of a certain kind of demon but I don’t remember which one…” She rambles. “Not much of a demon expert myself but be careful playing its tune.”

Lion demons. Zagasihr whispers.

“Two gold and the large bag of tea and the whistle is yours.” She said. Seems reasonable to me.

“Are you sure?” Malachi asked. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Why would he question it?

“Yup. That Whistle has been in my shop for so long. It would be nice to see it get some use, plus I have too much junk around my shop anyways.” Miss Shi said. Old people are weird, how is she going to see it be used?

I placed the gold down and picked up the goods. “Thank you very much.” I said smiling.

“You’re welcome. Tell Caderyn I say hi!” the woman says as she waved goodbye.

I grab Malachi’s hand and leave, “I’ll have to try out the whistle later.” I said with a cute smile. We walked back to the bakery and picked up our order and a random thought occurred to me, “How pissed do you think Z will be?” I asked randomly.

Malachi was carrying all the things we bought with one arm and his tail. He looked at me a little confused, “About what?”

“Our new relationship status. She’s very jealous.” I said with a little shrug.

“Oh—yeah, I’m not sure how well she’ll take it.” Malachi said softly. “Not sure why she’s so jealous and hotheaded all the time…”

“I’m not completely sure either but that’s just her. Maybe she wants you all to herself.” I snickered in a teasing manner.

“I’m not sure if that’s the case.” Malachi says with a funny and doubtful expression, rosy cheeks as he heard me snicker.

“How can you be sure it isn’t? Why would she be so jealous otherwise?” I asked with a devilish smile.

“I-I don’t know.” Malachi said with that same goofy and confused expression. He glanced down at me and rose an eyebrow, “What’s with that devilish grin of your’s?”

I snickered and looked forward, “Oh- nothing.” I said.