Reader x Satan: Calm

Chapter Two

The Exchange Student

"Say that to me again." Satan's liquid smooth voice poured over me, cold water on the fire of my anger. I craned my neck backwards, trying to put some distance between the demon and I. The Avatar of Wrath continued to glower in my direction. He was not pleased with me. And I found myself stuck in a position of powerlessness cornered by demon. But this time it was my fault.

"I said, you're acting like Lucifier." I spoke the name at Satan. Turning it into a venomous bite. He glared at me, his green eyes narrowed. Oh, what the crap am I doing? I thought. I couldn't seem to keep my mouth closed, and my thoughts in my head. Satan raised his hand and placed it on my shoulder, each of his fingers were remarkably distinct even through the thick fabric of my R.A.D. coat. His hand curled tightly into my jacket, raising me up and back towards him. I waited for a sharp retort from the demon. I tensed my shoulders. I shouldn't have said that.

I waited for the visible aura of his rage to appear; shimmering black and purple. A miasma of fury that would permeate the air. I tensed and drew into myself. But instead he smiled, white teeth sparkling in the evening dark. A devious smile. I gulped hard. Was this worse? Satan's eyebrows drew together, his expression serious. "I'm doing my very best to supress my frustration with your callous comment, but I'm warning you – for the final time­ - to stop." He said.

I lifted my chin, and looked along the line of his arm. Searching his face, I could see something roiling around behind his eyes. Satan had just recovered from a week in his eldest brother's body. Their relationship had improved, in the same way that adding a rain coat improves standing in a hurricane; barely. Comparing Satan to his eldest brother was incredibly, profoundly stupid of me. Yet, I was still sitting on the bench. Very much alive.

I was lucky that Satan was being so amicable and while I was irritated, I wasn't stupid. For whatever reason, the Avatar of Wrath was keeping himself in check, while I was not even trying. I got away. I had to agree that Satan was being far more civil than I was. I admitted to myself that it was time to stop. It was probably time to stop before I even started, but... I did shoot one final, menacing glare at the demon.

"Is that you getting angry?" Satan said, surprising me with a chuckle in his voice. He relaxed his grip on my arm slightly. "Like a little kitten just learning she has claws, hm?"

I ground my teeth, and shrugged off Satan's hand from my shoulder. I guess my mean face isn't all that scary to a demon. "No. I had a shitty day, and I'm taking it out on you." I sighed, feeling annoyed with everything and everyone, especially myself. My emotions were taking control of me today, and each feeling was an extreme. Anger. Happiness. Nothing was level or steady. I willed my face into a meek smile and spoke, "I apologize, Satan. Really."

The blond-haired demon straightened his back, returning to his usual polished self. I drew my legs up to my chest, wrapped my arms around my shins and rested my chin on my knees. I felt like disappearing and erupting all at once. The pressure of being an average human woman in the Devildom was starting to get to me. Heh, more like fully and completely got to me.

Satan placed his hand on his chest and looked down at me. "You've mentioned that several times in our ... conversation." He tiled his head at me and smiled a surprisingly tender smile. "I've read that talking out one's issues can often alleviate stress. Shall we chat?" It was always hard to tell if Satan was being genuine or acting, but at this particular point in my day I didn't care.

"You had to read that" I said, snarkier than I had intended. "Really?"

"I thought you were done acting out at me." Satan said, his voice cold. His smile had vanished, a look of intense disapproval on his face. "Are sure you want to make me upset?"