Of Demons and Reapers

Chapter 8: Learning to get along

A few days had passed since the deal had been made. Everything seemed to go back to almost normal for Ariel, Lizzie and Adrian. They still kept their morning routine, with the new change of after they cleaned the dishes they had to change into their dresses for the shop. It was decided that Ariel and Lizzie would read in their spare time. They had to read books on how to properly act in society, and what was acceptable and what wasn't. They had to dress like the woman of the time, which meant even the evil corsets. That took some major negotiating to have happen. After another almost all out fight with Christian, they agreed to wear them only when they left the shop for a funeral or going anyplace close to the higher class of society.

Unfortunately today was one of those days they had to wear the evil contraption. "If it wasn't for the fact we needed this stuff, I wouldn't be going." Ariel said gasping a little as Lizzie tightened her corset. "Yeah I know. Adrian is busy with the new cases coming in. He said they were different remember." Lizzie said while pulling the strings again. "Oh good god woman you must be done by now!" Ariel wheezed out putting her hand to her stomach. "Almost done I promise. Just one more and I'll be done." Lizzie said pushing on Ariel's shoulder. "You ready for the last one?" "Yes let's just get this finished with." With that Lizzie pulled and tied off the strings. "Seriously how in the freaking hell do woman of this time wear these torture devices? Apparently squishing your organs is some kind of sick fashion trend." Ariel said while moving to grab her dress.

"And yes I do remember Adrian saying these new bodies coming in were different. I'd ask him what was so different about them, if it weren't for the fact his explanation would probably make me sick." Ariel said as she pulled her dress on and went to the mirror to straighten it out. "Yes I know the feeling, but still that leaves the shopping to us. The corsets aren't so bad once you get used to them." At this Ariel looked over at her friend with a quizzical look on her face. "Whatever lets you sleep at night Liz." Walking towards the stairs to head out to the market, they were stopped by talking downstairs. Hearing the voice Ariel groaned as Lizzie sighed deeply.

Making their way down the stairs a view of Adrian and Christian came into view. Ever since the kiss on her forehead, Ariel didn't know how to act around him. She didn't really look at him and tried to never be alone with him. So instead she turned her attention to the other male. "Ode to joy, to what do we owe this most gracious pleasure of your presence gingy?" Sarcasm dripping from every word, Christian looked over at her with a glare. Lizzie stood next to her shaking her head and giving lite laugh. "Still haven't learned manners to your superiors I see." He replied crossing his arms and giving a frown. "And this is the very reason I will be going out with you two today while Adrian is doing his work." "Hell no you won't! We are perfectly fine to go by ourselves. I can be civil to anyone who isn't you without a problem." Ariel said putting her head in her hands.

"Just give it up already Ariel. You know he won't back down from this. Besides if it gets him off our back quicker than who cares." Lizzie said while crossing her arms and leaning slightly. "Honestly if you could just be more civil with him, than we wouldn't have to deal with him so much. You're the one doing this to yourself." "Yeah, yeah stop reminding me will you." Ariel replied sighing. "He really is just so annoying to me. Anyone else I'm fine with, but with him I just can't seem to help myself." "You do realize I am still standing right here don't you? I can hear everything you are saying about me." Christian said making his frown grow. Giving him a bored look Ariel replied, "Yeah I know. You do realize by now I don't really care about that right gingy?" "Honestly Adrian how can you stand to live in the same place as this creature? She is so annoying and troublesome."

Adrian, who had been watching this whole time with enjoyment, finally spoke up. "She isn't bad with me or anyone else. It really is just you she is like this with Christian." Looking over at Ariel at this point he went on. "Perhaps it would be best if you two spent more time together to try and at least pretend to get along. As amusing as this is to watch, it would be nice to have some peace and quiet when you are both here." At this both Ariel and Christian glared at him and said simultaneously "Not a chance in hell will I spend more time with him/her!" while pointing a finger in the others direction. Seeing them both do this exactly at the same time made both Lizzie and Adrian crack up from laughing. Ariel and Christian however had a heated glaring competition. "For two people who hate each other so much, you both seem to be in sync with each other." Lizzie laughed out, "Perhaps you two should go out by yourselves today while I go do the wash. It would really give you two some great bonding time." Giving her friend an evil smirk Lizzie walked back upstairs to go grab the wash.