The Bondsman (a King Dice x Reader story)

Chapter Two: Deal's Changed, Sweetheart

Song: They Just Keep Moving the Line (SMASH cast version) by SMASH Cast

     "Ah, Ms. Straightway. A pleasure to see you, as always," Scratch smiled, through grit teeth of course. "What can I do ya' for?"

     You didn't look very amused, a snarl flashing across your face as you dropped your briefcase to the floor, stomping forward and stopping at the edge of his desk. Dice pulled his chair back a bit in order to stay out of your way.

     You didn't notice. You were too focused on whatever it was you were upset about. You gave the desk a firm slam as you came to a stop, hands planted to the mahogany with a loud thud.

     The Devil didn't flinch this time, but he did remain silent, expectant and a bit humored by your outrage.

     He knew why you were here. He knew it wouldn't take you long to find out...

     "We had a deal, Scratch!" You snarled, pointing a finger at him, barely missing a stack of coins a few centimeters away. "A thousand souls! A thousand souls in two years, and I was off scot free! No strings!"

     Scratch gave you a curt smile as he slumped further into his seat. Dice looked between the two of you, curious, if not half-amused as well.

     A thousand souls in two years...yeah right, this girl had been rigged to fail.

     "Ms. Straightway," the boss continued, "I understand what you may be thinking, but I assure you that-"

     You cut him off, much to the others' surprise.

     "Don't you 'Ms. Straightway' me!" You spat. "Do you understand what I'm working with here? Fifteen days, Scratch! I got fifteen days to collect eighteen more souls, and I'm out! Done! Never turning back!"

     To your side, Dice took on an awed expression.

     Eighteen souls left...eighteen souls...who even was this woman?

     "Now, I know where you're coming from, (Y/n). Don't you worry your pretty little head, you're still my go-to gal."

     In an instant, half of his papers were wiped from his desk, accented by coins and chips as you swept them away, leaning even further across the polished surface.

     "Is that right?" You seethed. "So then tell me why, on my way over here, I catch wind from some drunk bozo on the street that you handed seventeen of what would have been my marks to some idiot who didn't know when to put the dice down?!"

     You ushered to King Dice as you spoke, the first sign that you had even noticed he was there.

     The Devil, impatient and annoyed that you were giving him this much trouble, stood from his seat, his face now a few inches from your own.

     "Sit. Down," he ordered, eyes set on yours, unwavering.

        Fear flashed across your face. Only for a moment, but it was certainly there.

     Reluctantly, you obeyed, taking the seat opposite to the enamored game piece next to you with a huff.

     The Devil cleared his throat.

     "Dice," he began, "I'd like you to meet my bondsman: (Y/n) Straightway. She's right quick at bringing in anything I'm owed, whether it be money or souls. You won't find a better gal in the business."

     Dice gave you a nod. In return, you let out an aggravated sigh.

     "Cut the crap, Scratch, and skip to the point. What're you playing at?"