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They said it would help.
He believed them right away, because why would there be a reason to not trust their words? They may be more sheepish that usually, tone laced with very welcomed tinge of exhaustion caused by none other than him, hands wrapping around his neck in the last desperate act of getting a kiss before he inevitably got up, embrace broken, chill of the empty spot on the bed beside them making them bury more into the sheets they shared.
The muffled instructions were clear, despite the tone being far from. Spare towel waited for him in a small cabinet by the sink. Toiletries were already placed in the shower, the small shelf built into the wall a shelter for bare necessities and much more, smell so divine he could not help but breathe it in every time they got close. Something between the lines of clean, fresh and of taste, he nodded while reading the labels, eyes scanning every single letter written on the bottles as if it could tell him the future. At least the one concerning his personal hygiene level.
Moisturising, nourishing, for sensitive skin, there was everything anyone could wish upon having, and yet he still couldn't choose, brain rattling upon being bombarded with the options he considered pointless. Why would someone need so many? He really knew little of the human ways of life despite sharing it with one for so long.
Technically not one, the image mirrored to perfection the second time they got dragged into his hell. The same face he adored, he held in his hands, the most precious of treasures, wonder of the world that was only his to cherish. The same body that held them up when everything around fell apart, the same smile that brightened darkest of thoughts, the same aura yet it was not the same at all.
Impersonation was not the word. Mimicry was not the way to define it, pretending was a reach he was not alright with, but whenever he looked at the person in front of him, magic flowing from their fingers like it belonged there in the first place, he couldn't help but long for a soul that was lost between the verses of a song played in the background, notes misplaced despite having their purpose on the sheet of his spellsong.
When the meridian gave them the memories back, everything settled, their shared tune a constant thrum in his ears since then, harp strings being plucked with the gentlest of traces, symphony worthy of a full concert hall. Though he was the biggest fan, he didn't care for anyone else.
The water was warm when he stepped under the spray, body uncoiling and relaxing the moment his muscles were drenched, He reached for the bottle but instead pressed it against the cold tile that grew warmer under his touch, steam billowing in the shower, mirror above the sink getting fogged up rather quick.
The involuntary sigh that left his lips at the simplicity of the pleasure made him cringe. As mundane as it was, somehow the mortal flesh took to it, limbs turning into mush. He wasn't tired, he did not experience the needs and cravings like humans did, shell only powered by magic and emotions he had a plethora of, tongue still heavy with the taste of slight tanginess among the overwhelming syrupy sweetness he devoured like a man starved, desire and their body fuelling him to the brim and more, demons of lust not coming close to what he was offered. Among every emotion he could feed off of, their own was a treat like no other, a cherry on top of the cake that was them, layers complimenting each other like peaches and cream, strawberries and chocolate. Whatever label they fell under, he would follow everywhere without a second thought.
The foam from the soap against his palms looked so bubbly he had to take a moment to appreciate it.
Rubbing it against his skin still felt good, but suddenly grew longing for them to do it, let it be their hands massaging the suds into the knots, undoing any ties and cricks accumulated after the night, sleep coming to him way easier than he anticipated. The prospect of laying his head on the fluffy pillow, warmed by the sun blanket pulled on top of him, a very welcome and familiar weight curled by his side, mattress dipping enough to tilt them a little bit more towards them and at the mere memory, he shut his eyes closed, fingers pinching his forearm to snap out of it. The mental image ceased its existence before another emerged as he dragged the soap across his thighs, muscles spasming just a little due to the strain and soreness, concept so foreign he gasped.
They were straddling him like a well experienced jokey, back arched so beautifully he wished to keep it that way forever, a monument in their name build from nothing but his devotion, from paper to the museum of their memories stored safely in his ribcage. Their lips glossy from their mixed saliva, flesh kissed and worried between his teeth till they told him to stop, a gentle plea for "more" making him weak in the knees.
"Oh shit." Another habit he picked, swearing was a funny concept to think about, but the foam in his eyes stung, soon to be washed out by the water that still kept going. He shook his head, blindly reaching for shampoo, the bottle almost falling from his hold as he opened it, scent wafting, more potent due to the temperature in the bathroom.
They always smelled good, like rays of sunshine on a summer day, overripe cherries that explode in one's mouth upon being bitten, his love cascading down their body like the juices down the chin. He kneaded the flesh, starlight not only on top of him but also all around, his eyes staring only at one that mattered, their face a light in the darkness he was more than willing to step in. How tight they gripped him, how his name rolled down their tongue that was tracing his neck not so long ago, counting every freckle and mole on his skin, constellations drawn with their carnal urges and not the knowledge-driven sketches of ancient astronomers.
He had to stop, the blob of shampoo squeezed out slowly disappearing, sliding down the drain as he just stood there, a temptation growing despite his better judgement. Fire in the pit of his stomach, coiling dangerously tight, fingertips tingling as he tried to calm himself. To no avail, his mind against him, portraying more devious and impure of thoughts. He pinched himself again, harder in the faintest of hopes to make it stop.
This time, it was him on his knees, their dishevelled state allowing him the switch, gratitude spelled out in hungry licks and hums, mouth more than full of them and them only as they writhed on the bed, his spot taken by their feverishly hot body, his shirt bundled over their mouth to keep the sounds muffled, a crime truly. Busy with the matter at hand, he only tugged on their leg, putting it on his shoulder, earning yet another arch that made his eyes roll, efforts doubled if not tripled.
He licked his lips, swearing that he could feel the sensation, phantom pain of pleasure they were drowning in. Taking in a deep yet shaky breath, looking down on himself, he only embarrassed himself further, seeing what he feared. Just a memory, just a simple thought of them made him so pent up, tip practically weeping, his hand not brave enough to touch it.
They wouldn't be so prudish, always eager to show him more about life, in whatever area and expertise his curiosity peaked, but he wasn't them. D(a)emons, no matter how close they existed to those on the mortal realm, were not made for those – he wasn't made for those – the notion reserved for a certain type.
Why was he so tempted now? Why was he even considering such a depravity when between him and his Starlight stood only a wall of the bathroom and haze of the steam that managed to accumulate inside? If not unfair of him, then it would be improper.
Excuses, his mind reeled, fingers almost grazing what twitched eagerly at the prospect of relief, bottom lip bitten at the uncertainty. He was in a shower, place more than perfect to wash away any dirt he would be feeling afterwards, any sounds muffled by the spray, he would be more than glad to cover it when the bills would come, a fee and compensation for his actions.
Inhale, he leaned back against the tiles.
Exhale, he shuddered as his hand trailed down to the base, so close, so –.
"Avior? You're going to use all the hot water, c'mon." their voice from behind the closed doors made him snap his head so hard he heard a crack in his neck, pain shooting down the right side. Another knock, louder this time.
"Hello! You're okay in there?"
"Y-yeah. Coming." he cut the water off, tail flicking in an annoyed manner.
Oh, he wished he was.