The Demon's Mark

Wherever I Go- You Go

Jack woke slowly, realizing only now that he'd somehow passed out. A dull ache settled over his limbs, stretched and sore from being held in the same position all night. He didn't remember when he'd finally given in to sleep, but it wasn't exactly restful, and now the coldness of the room only added to his discomfort. He shifted, taking in his surroundings—and that queasy feeling crept into his stomach again.

This was his life now. Waking up next to Alex, every day, as his... pet. He could only hope shackles weren't part of the permanent routine.

He glanced over, hearing a soft murmur of voices, and saw Alex lounging casually in his boxers, sipping from a steaming mug as he watched Jersey Shore on the TV. Jack had to admit, the sight threw him for a moment. Of all things for a demon like Alex to be watching, reality TV was the last he expected.

How was Alex watching TV in the afterlife at all?

The clink of the shackles caught Alex's attention, and he turned, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"Good morning, darling" Alex  purred. "Hope you're not too sore after a night of beauty sleep."

Jack gave a dry snort.

"You know I am, so drop the act." Jack said dryly.

Alex chuckled, but a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.

"Watch your tone, or last night's lesson might need repeating."Alex warned.

Jack grunted, shifting uncomfortably in the restraints.

"I'm just crabby because I'm sore- and emotionally wounded. Some of us still feel things, unlike you." Jack quipped

Alex's gaze narrowed, as though Jack had just insulted his very existence.

"Oh, I feel things, Jack. Demons may thrive on anger and evil- for sure, but I have plenty of emotions. Probably more than any of those other creatures down here.i thought you knew that by now." His tone softened for a second, almost reflective.

"It's my weakness, some say. Having too much empathy, caring too much. Really it is my strength because I make people think I care and then the betrayal is that much worse." Alex said as he scoffed, his expression hardening again. "But that's not relevant when it come to you."

Jack was worried. Alex said that wasn't relieve- but he couldn't help but wonder -

Was that why Alex had this mean streak, but then was calm and kind shortly after, why most of the time he acted like he was obsessed with Jack- soft with him? Was he preparing Jack for some great betrayal?

Before letting his mind wander too much- Jack laughed, though it was more bitter than anything else.

"Didn't realize demons got in trouble for feeling too much. Guess it makes sense, though." Jack said as He glanced away, shrugging as best he could against his restraints.

Alex's jaw tightened as he watched Jack's defiance, yet he said nothing, shifting his attention back to the TV. For a few moments, there was only the background noise of Jersey Shore. Jack watched quietly, sneaking glances at Alex before finally breaking the silence.

"Jersey Shore, huh? Interesting choice... also, how does TV even work down here?" Jack asked curiously.

Alex's smirk returned, his voice smooth as he replied, "It's a perk of my power. I am one of the oldest demons here- and one of the strongest."

Jack rolled his eyes at the smug look. Of course Alex wanted to brag.

"I've linked this setup to a human I have the soul of who is still on the surface. Whenever they're watching TV, I get the same feed down here."Alex explained as if it was simple.