"Semi-Short Stories" [ Story Collection ]

Father Issues [] 8/11 []

"I don't feel any different. Shouldn't I be able to feel that it's gone? You know. If it is." Matthew is lying on his bed, one arm behind his head. Draco is seated beside him.

"I'm not sure. I don't know anyone who's sold their soul." A first aid kit is in front of him. He's unbandaging Matthew's hand.

"Guess we could ask my dad."

"We could."

There's an unspoken tension. Matthew suddenly sucks in a breath, making a hissing noise. A bit of the bandage had to be pulled out of the wound - it hurt.

"Sorry, but I have to do it. But look!" Draco sets the bandage onto the nightstand. "It's out. Putting a clean one on shouldn't hurt too bad."

Matthew sits up, careful not to get anything bloody, and looks to his hand. He lets out a shaky sigh. "That must have hurt, huh?"

Draco was hoping he wouldn't have looked, but he knew there was no stopping it. Just like there's no stopping whatever else may happen. He can tell bad things are in store. Bad, bad things. And he knows he'll be directly affected. Foreshadowing? He chuckles, a failed attempt at brightening the mood. "Definitely looks like it." He tries again, and nudges him. "Better you than me."

Matthew forces a smile. He'll try. "I can agree with that."

On the center of Matthew's palm is a pentagram. It's oddly...perfect. There's no way he could have done this himself, and while intoxicated. He must have had help. Possession?

Were you possessed, Mattie?

Did you do it yourself?

Why would you hurt yourself, Matt?

Maybe you're still possessed.

That's what we are!

Demons!

Possessing you, possessing your body and your mind, possessing your emotions.

Did you get too comfortable, Matthew?

Don't tell us you thought you were getting better!

Those pills don't help!

There's no ridding yourself of us, ya know. We're here for the long-run.

Better buckle up.

Draco's kissing his bandaged palm. Matthew blinks.

"There. I'll change it again before we go to sleep." He closes the first aid kit and slips it beneath the bed.

He closes and opens his hand with a wince. "Okay. Thank you."

The contract is in your blood and the seal is on your skin.