From the Heart of a Villain (MxM)

Chapter 10 - Tortured, With Love

Joey waited outside for hours trying to call Brett but couldn't get through, which Brett found perplexing because he always made sure his phone carried a good charge. Samael felt guilty again, though kept his demeanor light around the humans. It wasn't Brett's burden to carry.

        Samael led Brett and his brother up to his apartment suite where he listened to their conversation from the kitchen.

        "You shouldn't have come," Brett said to Joey in a livid tone.

        "Sorry, I just couldn't stand it anymore. Dad's fucked up and the way he treats you is so wrong," Joey pleaded.

        "That's no reason for you to just show up here!"

        By the way Brett's energy felt, Samael could tell that he was both furious at Joey for sneaking out of the house and delighted to see him. Samael admired their strong familial bond, it was similar to his relationship with Marzanna. Still, Samael didn't like Joey's sudden appearance, especially since the night was just starting to get good. It meant he was forced to abstain himself from Brett, which was not how he wanted the night to end. He also didn't want Brett to feel worse so he went into the living room to come up behind Brett and put his arm around him. "It's alright, he can stay for tonight," Samael said gently into his soft and curly hair.

        "No, it's not okay. It's your place," Brett looked at Joey, "and you shouldn't have to put up with shithead kid brothers!"

        "I'm not a kid, Brett!"

        Brett ignored Joey's comment, and with annoyance asked "does dad even know you're gone?"

        Joey shuffled nervously and rolled his eyes.

        "Call him," Brett ordered.

        "Why should I? He's been the most dickhead of a father."

        Samael could only watch as the brothers squabbled, it was unfamiliar territory for him. He didn't dare leave Brett's side, however, and stayed to feel the sting in Brett's energy as the sadness from being rejected by his father resurfaced. His father couldn't accept that his son was gay; he scorned him because of what he was. Sexuality for humans was something that didn't change, it was part of their identity. It hurt, and Samael knew exactly how unpleasant it was as he drew the parallel to himself, except it was Brett who caused his pain.

        Samael's own energy throbbed as he thought about himself, a pitiless entity with frightening power; a marid djinni. He thought about how he loved to torture people with fear, how he used to despise humans, how Brett was one of them, and how he loved him.

        Like Brett, Samael wanted acceptance of his true identity. He also knew it was not possible for him. So, he sheltered Brett and bore the weight all on his own. Hiding the truth was more tolerable than outright rejection. There was no telling what he might do if Brett knew what he was and couldn't accept it, and Samael did not want to find out.

        When Samael finally came out of his thoughts, he was seated at the kitchen island next to Joey while Brett prepared dinner. The brothers had already resolved their argument, but he wasn't exactly sure what terms they agreed to, only that Joey was going to sleep on the sofa in the living room for the night. He hoped it was just for that night because he needed Brett all to himself.

        Every second that went by, Samael was closer to losing the human. Every moment with Brett had to be enjoyed, savoured, and locked away in memory for when the time came to say goodbye.

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Samael observed the people and families he haunted before as they sat around the dinner table. Some would discuss their day, others trivial matters or possible plans for future days. To Samael, it was a waste of precious time. Why would people choose to sit and converse about needless things over their food when they could eat it much faster in silence and get on with their short life? But to be part of it was a whole new perspective.