Amongst Mortals

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"You're not... serious, are you?"

"Oh come on! Do I look like I'm joking, Mister King Dice sir?" Chef Saltbaker clasped his hands together and gave the odd pair a wide smile. "Love is always the answer to everything!"

"Gross," The Devil rolled his eyes and looked away from the two. Really? A simple kiss would make this all better? It all sounded like fairytale crap. There was no way he could ever, possibly...

The Devil gave King Dice a sideways glance.

...

There was ABSOLUTELY NO WAY he would ever meet lips with his own Number One. No way. The very thought of it was simply absurd.

King Dice rubbed his chin as he pondered the options before him. He had his doubts that this crazed man was telling the truth about the antidote. There was hidden malice behind those seemingly "kind" eyes. If the chef's off-putting and jovial demeanor was any sign that they were in some serious trouble...

However, on the other hand, if it were true... if this kiss could work... they would have their old bodies and lives back. Everything could go back to normal. If they enjoy the kiss enough, maybe things could go better than normal.

"Well, I suppose you don't have to take my word for it. You'll only know I'm telling the truth if you try it yourself!" Chef Saltbaker piped in, interrupting King Dice's thoughts.

Without missing another beat, The Devil scurried towards the door and tried desperately to pry it open to no avail. "HELP! GET ME OUT OF HERE! I'M STUCK INSIDE THIS BAKERY WITH A PSYCHO WHO TURNED ME INTO A STUPID HUMAN! NOW HE WANTS ME TO KISS SOMEONE TO BREAK THE CURSE!"

King Dice and Chef Saltbaker were suddenly taken aback by the somewhat pathetic reaction from the King of Darkness himself, but it was understandable, given the situation; The Devil wasn't used to his feelings being so... readable. Well, if anything, the Devil's usual emotions were amplified in his current form as a human.

"Boss...? Are... you alright?" King Dice stupidly asked. He continued to watch his boss claw desperately at the closed entrance to the bakery. Why was he so worked up over a little kiss? Surely... The Devil knew about romance? For as long as he's lived, surely he would have some sort of experience, right...? Then again, thinking back to how he reacted when given hugs and holding hands, it was like he had absolutely no experience whatsoever.

The answer was beginning to become even more clear as The Devil slowly lowered to his knees, succumbing to being magically trapped in the bakery. They were not leaving until they kissed, that much was for sure. There was no way he could do this.

King Dice decided to use the sudden uncomfortable silence as his cue to step in. Luckily for his boss, the showman was full of experience and was considered far from rusty. Surely anybody would be lucky enough to get a simple peck from THE King Dice. He just... had to roll with his usual confidence to get his boss comfortable and in the right mood.

"Mr. S, if I may..." King Dice flashed the other a charming smile and held out a hand to him. "There is no need to be embarrassed over something so trivial, right? Humans. Mortals. They kiss all the time! Many times, in casual ways." He winked at his boss as he helped him up from the ground. The Devil simply looked up at him, speechless. Before he could say anything to reject the other, King Dice pulled him in close, causing his eyes to widen. This was a dangerous place to be.

Their lips were mere inches apart.

"As your Number One, I'm sure you'll be quite happy to know that I am sometimes considered the 'Number One Kisser' amongst the people. I promise I will not sully this moment with such carelessness and make sure you experience the most wonderful kiss worthy of your lips. What do ya say? How about we get this over with and get our bodies back?"

The bakery then fell into silence, but the tension was as loud as can be.

The Devil had no idea what to do or say. This HAD to be a weird dream... there was no way King Dice would willingly kiss THE Devil and be so casual about it. He couldn't believe it. "O-Oh... er... I-I um..." he quickly smacked a hand over his own, stupid mouth. Why was he stuttering? Was he some sort of pathetic school girl with a crush?! He was the Devil for crying out loud! "I-I mean! I guess... I'm just a little confused, Dice," he smiled sheepishly, his sharp fangs showing. "After everything we've been through lately... after me dragging you all over the place... you're telling me that you would kiss... me?" He pointed a gloved hand at himself.

King Dice blinked a few times at the other. "Well... uh... yeah! Didn't I tell you earlier that I would help you through this no matter what?" He smiled encouragingly at his boss. "What, you think I'd run scared at the idea of kissing the Devil?... Nah." He smoothly brushed a loose strand of hair out of the other's face and lifted his chin towards him. He himself couldn't believe that they were about to do this, but the more he thought about it, the more excited he got. After holding in his feelings for his boss for so long... this was like a dream come true. Sure, it was a rocky road getting here, but maybe it'd all be worth it and their relationship could change after all this mess...

The Devil realized that his face was now way too close for comfort and he suddenly pushed against Dice's shoulders. Why he was resisting now? He had no idea. He knew he shouldn't, as he may deter Dice from ever getting close to him ever again, but he couldn't help it. He was certainly not used to this kind of treatment from anyone... especially from someone who he really liked... "W-WAIT! THIS IS A BAD IDEA! I'M NOT GOOD AT THIS, ACTUALLY! Y-YOU DON'T WANT TO KISS ME!" The Devil's reddened face betrayed him as he looked away from the other. "I'M AN AWFUL PERSON AND YOU DON'T WANT TO SULLY YOUR SWEET LIPS WITH MINE!"

King Dice rolled his eyes at the other and didn't dare move away. "Boss, if I didn't want to do this, you would know. Look, I get it. If you don't want to now... I can always wait for you whenever you're ready," he smiled softly.

The Devil froze and stared in shock at his lackey.  If that didn't do him over...

"Er... well..." King Dice's confidence faltered. "I certainly understand if you'd prefer someone else who'd be more worthy for you, Boss... You know I'm never one to judge—"

"Oh, please shut your mouth, Dice. That's enough out of you," The Devil intensified his gaze as he got ahold of Dice's suit lapels in a tight grip.

"...D-Did I... make you mad again—"

King Dice was suddenly cut off by The Devil's lips making contact with his own in a passionate, fiery kiss.