My Demon

Last One - 9

"Dammit Ryu," I cursed on my breath.

Claudis eyed me suspiciously as I ran a hand down my face. "Is it a terrible thing to know where you are coming from?"

None the wiser, I glared angrily and it didn't seem to work on Claudis.

"Then stop coming after me"

Claudis considered it momentarily and then gave me a stern look. "Was it worth the pain you burdened yourself with?"

What?

Is he turning the topic over to me?

No way Jose.

I lightly smiled. "That's not gonna work, I know what you're alluding to. Don't make this about me, we're talking about Ryu"

Claudis frowned and both his eyebrows rose. "Just how long are you going to continue acting like he is the problem?"

It crossed my mind a few times, but this wasn't about me. I wasn't blaming Ryu for all my problems and now Claudis thinks I'm making excuses.

God, I hate him to the point I would stab him twenty times while he tried to lecture me.

"He's not, but you are" I shot back. "Don't preach like you are my dad, Claudis. We both know that your intruding on my patience. I get enough of it back home"

He was silent and softened his expression. "Then stop bottling up what you feel."

WHAT...The...Hell?

I glared harshly as I realized he wanted to see me vulnerable like the first time we met.

Nice try, mister, but I'm not falling for it.

I smirked in amusement. "Honestly I don't know if it's more laughable that you are trying to coerce my feelings or believing I will tell you"

Take that demon lord because it's as far as I'll go.

Claudis only stared at me unresponsively and it was a little annoying to say the least.

"There you go again, hiding behind the guise of half concocted emotion because I question whether you think the opposite of what you feel or bury it in a gaping abyss. You can be yourself, Ryoma, I know this is not the real Ryoma."

Shit, shit, shit.

If I say anything more, I'll implicate myself; but even if I say nothing, he'll continue.

A real gentleman he was to attack me verbally-He's far from the target over my heart.

"Who do you see when you watch me like a dog pining for attention? I noticed you staring at me when I recovered from the critical injury to my right abdomen."

I had to pressure him or he'll push me back to a wall.

"Was it really worth watching to see how I react to You? I hate you, so take a hint and stop trying to give a double meaning to my words" I was in full form and it was now or never to show him who he's trying to deal with.

Claudis remained unfazed and waiting for his response was daunting.

He locked his crimson eyes on me and it felt different than a minute ago. It was like I was naked and he saw through me.

Claudis took a hold of my arm and pulled me over to him. I wasn't straining to get away, but I felt his heart pounding against his chest. "You can put up as many walls as you want Ryoma, but I can breach them easily."

I felt something in me that for once wasn't angry at him. I tore my eyes away in shame.

What am I doing? Why am I letting him win?