Season of the Witch

Part 5

"Ohh fawwwnn," Sam's sing-song voice echoed through the apartment, and you did everything you could not to glance up as his footsteps approached your open bedroom door. You were sitting on your bed, a few bills spread out around you as you worked on your budget for the month, factoring in the extra electricity and water Sam was already using up. When he wasn't bugging you about going out or your 'hidden magical powers', he was taking long showers, sometimes baths to while his time away.

The two of you had gotten into an argument the night before, to the point the lights began flickering in your apartment, telling him to leave you alone about the powers. You'd given in for a moment, once again attempting to light the burner on the stove, Sam's only guidance 'try harder'. You stood in the kitchen with your hand stretched out towards the stove, feeling like an idiot for too long. He had gestured to the room and the lights when you were finally letting out your frustration, citing it was even more reason for you to try more. In return you stomped to your bedroom, slamming the door shut.

Your fingers continued typing in your haphazardly organized spreadsheet as Sam tossed himself on the foot of the bed, scattering your papers. If this was his attempt at a truce, he was starting off on the wrong foot.

"Sam!" he smiled at you, batting his eyes. His light cotton shirt was only half buttoned, and exposed his tanned chest, a small tangle of thin necklaces resting there. "Just because you can magically produce farm fresh vegetables, doesn't mean some of us don't have bills to pay." The man in front of you faked a pout.

"I have a proposition for you."

"No."

"You didn't even hear what I have to offer!" you glanced up at Sam finally.

"I'm already bonded to you, what more could you want?" you rolled your eyes sarcastically, ignoring the way his eyes flicked up and down your body.

"You make a good point." he chuckled. "Although there are more bonded things we could be doing that would make it more enjoyable." his gaze was almost sultry now and you glared over your laptop at him. "However, I feel like I've done more than enough to earn some trust, don't you?"

"Well you haven't murdered me in my sleep, so I guess there's a little kernel of trust somewhere." you sighed, closing your laptop and giving Sam your attention.

"I want to try something," Sam reached out, moving your laptop to the empty side of the bed before sitting up. His knees touched yours as he folded them underneath himself. "Hold out your hand." you eyed him cautiously, reaching out and placing your palm in his. He smiled down at the connection, his fingers grazing your skin as he took it and flipped your hand so the palm was upright.

Sam stared at your palm, his eyes tracing the lines that had embedded in them over time. His gaze made your skin prickle, your fingers beginning to twitch the longer he studied.

"Are you going to tell my fortune or something?" you half-joked, looking up at him. Sam's eyes never moved from your hand, he only shushed you softly. The prickling sensation in your palm grew stronger, warmer. "Sam,"

"Concentrate on the feeling," he murmured. Your furrowed your brow. There was nothing else to concentrate on as the prickling turned to a stinging burn, making you grit your teeth and hiss. It felt like fire was crawling through your veins, under your skin. You wanted to claw at your hand to free it, release yourself from this. It was worse than any burn you had experienced at the cafe, from curling irons, anything.

"Sam, please! It's burning!!"

"Focus on it, let it out," Sam's eyes finally looked into yours, the deep brown of his irises glimmering. You were panting, an intense amount of pressure in your hand. A grimace was spread across your pained face, your eyes squeezing close. It was becoming unbearable, tears were stinging your eyes, a high pitched whine of pain emitted from your throat and you were just about to scream, shriek, anything that could make it stop.