The Devil's Prize (w/ 0rochi +18)

[ACuckoo]

 

 

 

 

Name: Vali Lupino

Age: 27

Species: Human

Occupation: Bounty Hunter

Bio: Works for a corporation which specializes in the capture and elimination of supernatural beings. Vali is one of their top bounty hunters who can capture or kill without much effort. His preferred weapon is a gun, but he finds swords to be most efficient against these creatures. He's made a good fortune from his job and while most people his age are already retired or planning on retiring he simply can't do that until he catches the on demon that's gotten away from him every single time....

 

 

 

 

 

It was about time for him to retire. Many of Vali’s colleagues reminded him over and over again that he had spent enough time in this industry. Of course it was a lucrative industry, but one couldn’t remain in it for long. Once his 27th birthday had passed everyone started to nag at Vali to throw down his weapons and stop with his bounty hunting, but that was simply asking too much. After breaking records, earning more money on the black market than any other solo bounty hunter, and killing each and every demon he set out to kill, Vali found it hard to put his gun down and to drop his sword. Plus, there was something else that kept him in the game.

 

He walked down the deserted streets with only the moonlight and a few flickering streetlamps to guide his way. Vali knew his target was around here somewhere. This demon had alluded him since the moment he’d become a bounty hunter and he refused to retire until he caught the damn being. At this point he liked to imagine that they had grown fond of one another in a weird, twisted way. The demon was always teasing him and making fun of him for failing each time he tried to kill him. Sometimes Vali would get close enough that he could see the fear in the creature’s eyes, practically hear him wondering if today was the day he died… Only for it not to be.

 

He had spotted him in this area, and while Vali wasn’t sure if his time had finally come he was more than willing to try. He whistled, attempting to call out the demon from wherever he was hiding. That had become part of their little game too, at least for Vali. He never whistled unless he was calling for his demon. Sometimes he appeared and sometimes he didn’t. Depended on whether or not it was obvious Vali was ready to kill or not. Today, not even Vali was sure what he was planning. He just knew that he was searching for the demon. Nothing more.

[0rochi]

 

Name: Andras (no last name,obviously)

Age: 668 years old

Species: Demon

Bio: One of the many fallen angels who have made their names known in hell, he is a high ranked demon who is sneaky and also quite cocky along with his countless deaths he has caused over the years, known for his crazy laugh before killing his prey. There is one bounty hunter in particular that he has spared, just to torment him. He had to admit, the hunter was quite skilled, but he hadn't killed him... yet.

 

 

He had been hiding behind a building, laughing maniacally as he usually did. It was too quiet of a night for him, he was feeling a bit bored. The demon hoped hed get some action stirring in these empty streets but it seemed everyone disappeared. He was getting ready to leave and find a more crowded area for him tp stalk but he soon stopped for a minute, sensing a presence. He soon heard footsteps, and then a whistle which was all too familiar... Vali. How exciting! He hadnt seen him in a while, and it was a lovely time for him to be cured of his boredom.

He smirked and shrieked, "Seems like I'll finally get some action around here!" And soon appeared behind Vali, whispering in his ear, "If it isnt my little Vali. You're still trying to kill me? Haven't you listened to all your colleagues? You're better off retiring, you're too old for this business, Vali!" He cackled, appariting in front of him for a split second to stick his tongue out in a mocking manner before disappearing again. "I find it charming that you still try." He snickered, patting his stomach. "Ooh, I'm so hungry. You better make this quick so I can go get a snack." He cackled again, but then had a thought.

The demon thought to himself for a minute. Vali had been hunting for so many years just to kill him. He considered it sweet, but he felt a little more caring today. "You know, ive been thinkin'. I'm the only thing in your way, preventinh you from retiring." Andras whistled, appearing in front of Vali. "Go ahead, kill me. You've been in this business too long, man." He spread his arms open in a victimized pose, waiting for the bullet.

[ACuckoo]

Vali froze when he heard his demon’s voice in his ear. How many times had the other snuck up on him and spoke to him like this? It was almost comforting, like seeing an old friend after so many years. The ends of his lips curled up into a small smirk as Andras stuck his tongue out at him then disappeared. Typical Andras antics. Vali continued walking as he listened to the disembodied voice. He remembered years ago when he would get so infuriated at Andras’ teasing, which would only make the demon tease him more. Now he more than expected it. Did he dare say he missed it when it wasn’t around?

 

He laughed loudly when the other appeared before him again, stopping him in his tracks to tell him he could finally kill him. “You’ll sacrifice your life just so I can have some peace in mine? You’re too kind, Andras. In fact, I’d venture you’re getting a bit soft.” He took out his gun and aimed at the other, waited a few a moments and then… “Pow!” he cried, though the gun didn’t go off. He brought it closer to his face as if he were examining it. “Or is it bam? What do you think my gun sounds like? Pow or bam? Dear lord I don’t know.” The last thing he wanted was to fall for another of Andras’ tricks. Years of falling for them had taught him how to spot them and how to avoid them. “You don’t think me that much of a fool, do you Andras? I’m insulted.”

[0rochi]

Andras bust out a loud cackle, slapping his knee hysterically. "Of course not! I'm as kooky as I'll ever be, the demons who go soft don't last too long 'round these parts. I knew you wouldn't fall for that trick, kid. You've grown too smart." He pat Vali's head. "Now Vali, think about it. Do ya really want to kill me? we've shared so many laughs together, mostly mine," He cackled, "I don't even think you got the guts, really. Grown a liking to ya, and I bet you have with me." He flashed a chesire-like grin. "How about we go out for a drink sometime? You like it shaken or stirred?" He asked, laughing again, since he usually mocked him for acting too much like James Bond.

"But really, Vali, it's gonna take you some guts to kill me. If ya do, your career of hunting monsters is done, you're off the hook. If ya don't, life'll be so borin' without me, won't it?" He pat the hunter on the back. "Yknow, we could make a compromise. How about I become your little bitch for once in this friendship?" He let out a high laugh, but then looked at his wrist, pretending to have a watch. "Looks like it's half past midnight. Gotta go, old pal, lets try this again tomorrow!" He chuckled and disappeared into the moonlight.

[ACuckoo]

That laugh was like nails on a chalkboard and yet it had become so ingrained in Vali's mind that he wondered how he could go a night sleeping without it. How messed up had Andras made him in all these years? "You buying? I'll go on a date with you since you seem so eager." But of course the demon kept on rambling, talking nonsense and yet strangely making sense. He wasn't wrong... If he killed him he could finally hang up his gun for good. And if he killed him then where would he find any excitement?

 

"Hey, wait! Don't go--" Before Vali could finish his sentence Andras disappeared to... Who knew where? Vali walked along and whistled just in case the other came back, but he never did. Instead he was greeted by a man, someone who he was very familiar with. His boss. Vali knew where this was going before it even started. No one said he had to retire, but considering the circumstances as to why he wouldn't retire (AKA Andras) his boss wasn't too happy with his decision.

 

"You kill him yet?"

 

"No, sir."

 

Vali winced at his boss's sigh. It would only be a matter of time before he forced him to retire and then... Then someone else would be after Andras. Like hell Vali would allow anyone else to kill Andras. His boss left him alone after a shake of his head, and after a few moments of staring at him Vali headed home where he wondered what the hell he was going to do with that damned cackling demon.

[0rochi]

Once Vali had returned home, it seemed that Andras had been following him. He was relaxing on Vali's couch with wine in one hand. "Oh hey, I didn't see you there." He joked, laughing loudly.

"Let me take you up on your offer, my friend." He snapped his fingers and a table with two delicious plates of expensive lobster, filet mignon, two wine glasses and more appeared in front of them. "Oops hold on, forgot the pretty little rose." He snapped again and a vase with a single rose and baby's breath appeared and Andras cackled.

Meanwhile, people in the nearby rich restaurant were devastated since one of their table and chairs sets and two meals had disappeared from their dining area.

Andras sat at the table and poured up the white wine in each glass before he dug into his steak. "Have a seat, friend." He chuckled and grinned. "Now Vali, have you made your decision yet? Because if you retire, it just means another fella is gonna try to kill me." He smirked, knowing that intimidated Vali. "I know you wouldn't want anyone else to stop me dead in my tracks except for yourself."

[ACuckoo]

“What the… Andras, where did… Nevermind.” He knew better than to question Andras by now. A fancy dinner appearing in his living room was nothing compared to what Andras usually did. Loosening his tie, Vali decided to join the other in this wonderful dinner. He sat down, took the wine and nearly chugged it before working on one of the lobsters.

 

“I’m not retiring, Andras. Besides if someone were to take my place you would just kill them. It didn’t matter how many people took my place, you would kill them all.” It wasn’t just Vali who couldn’t kill Andras. No one had managed to kill him. Bounty hunters before him had failed, bounty hunters who worked with him had failed… Vali was the only one who was persistent enough to keep trying and who Andras liked to play with enough to not kill right off the bat.

 

“The food is good. Next time you should cook for me if you want to treat me.”

[0rochi]

"I'm a demon. Do I look like I know how to cook?" He let out a loud laugh. "But I guess I may be your little housewife if you sign a little contract~" he cackled. Of course, it was pretty obvious that the demon was drunk, since most of the bottle was gone. He ate his steak and began cutting into his lobster. "You know, lobsters scream when you cook them. I wonder if humans would scream, since surprisingly I haven't cooked one alive before." He let out another laugh, forking a bit of lobster into his mouth.

 

"Well you don't know that, Vali. Someone could finally kill me if they were smart enough." He smirked, sipping his wine again. "But of course you wouldn't let that happen to little old me, would you?" He asked, pulling an innocent face before it contorting into a wide grin.

[ACuckoo]

Vali just eyed his companion over his wine glass, not bothering to answer his question. The truth of the matter was he wouldn’t let anyone lay their greasy hands on Andras. This demon was his prey and no one else’s, and he'd be damned if someone dared even attempted to kill him. Even just the thought of it upset him and he tried to hide it by shoving a few pieces of lobster in his mouth.

 

“I don’t think smarts matter when it comes to you. You’re too damn tricky and annoying. If someone wanted to kill you they would simply have to be patient and get used to you.” Vali cocked his head to the side and smirked at the other. “Like I have.” He leaned back in his chair, wondering if he should allow himself to get drunk with this demon around. He wasn’t necessarily afraid that Andras would take this opportunity to kill him, but he couldn’t take the chance either. “Besides I don’t think you’d want to be killed by anyone other than me.” After taking a few more bites of his food, Vali raised his eyebrow at the demon. “You like to talk about yourself a lot. You’re a terrible date, Andras.”

[0rochi]

"Well soooooorry, princess! Ive never been on a date where I don't eat my partner's head off!" He said, howling with laughter and slapping his knee.

"Come on, Vali. I don't want to die in general. Wouldn't life be soooo boring without me? Think about it, who has a laugh like me and torments you like crazy? Maybe a mother in law, but not as good as me!" He laughed again, shaking his head. "Sorry, sorry I'll give it up." He snickered. "Trust me, Vali. I don't plan on killing you at all. I was truthfully thinking of letting you kill me so that boss of yours would quit busting your balls 'bout it." He said, grinning and forking more food into his mouth. "But you know... if you sign a contract, I could stop killing people and become your little bitch for once." He cackled. "But I'll be here forever till you die. And we both know you don't want that." He smirked.

[ACuckoo]

Vali laughed loudly and shook his head. “To have a mother in law you’d have to be married, and I can’t think of anyone who would want to marry you. Not a demon or human.” Vali chuckled some more, deciding it was fine to keep drinking his wine. Some how he believed the demon when he said he wouldn’t kill him and that took some of the edge off. He took a swig of his drink before eyeing his companion (maybe even friend?) and considered what he said. He kept talking about this contract…

 

“What’s the details of this little contract, Andras? Do I sell you my soul? Become you slave? And what do I get out of it? You? I already have you whether you want to admit it or not. I’m your only friend, right? I’ve never seen you spend a lot of time with other demons and I doubt you harass other humans as much as you harass me.” Vali stood and stretched, intending to go to the kitchen to get more wine for the two of them. “So tell me about this contract. Don’t expect anything from me though.”

[0rochi]

"Well with the contract, you sign off your soul, but you get to keep me and I have to follow your rules. I have certain rules in the contract as well. I always have it on hand around you. It's like adoption papers." He said, pulling out out of nowhere. "Read the fine print if you're that interested." He handed Vali the contract and it read all the details that had to be followed, especially the last thing. 'He is your companion until death.'

"Sounds a bit crazy but it's kinda sensible in a way, am I right? Cmon Vali, adopt me!" He cackled, grinning from ear to ear. Of course he would probably not stay out of trouble even if he signed the contract, and he hadn't told him the last part of the contract but hey. He was hoping Vali would agree, since it would spare him from dying or having to ruin Vali's career.

[ACuckoo]

Vali just raised his eyebrow when he was handed the contract. He read as he walked to the kitchen and poured two more glasses of wine, one for him and one for Andras. The contract was strange to say the least, or perhaps he just thought that because he was a human. He didn’t plan on signing it though until he had some time to think. For example what he would Andras accomplish for him if he were to “adopt” him? And it wasn’t like he would suddenly be excused from killing him. If he did retire and sign the contract then they would have to deal with new bounty hunters coming after them. Still… They’d be doing it together.

 

Vali hadn’t exactly kept close companions throughout his career. He had no one… Only Andras. Now here was a contract that would keep him attached to him forever. He sighed as he whistled, indicating he wanted Andras in the kitchen with him. “If I don’t retire and sign the contract I’ll still be required to kill you. If I retire and sign the contract then bounty hunters will still come after you.” He sighed and shook his head. “Be serious for once, Andras.” He held up the contract in front of the other’s face. “What do you plan for us to do? We’ll be chased. We won’t live a peaceful life. We’ll be hunted always.”

[0rochi]

Andras tapped his chin. "But I won't exactly be causing trouble if I'm with you, I won't be killing anyone anymore. And if I'm signed under this contract with the ownership agreement connected to your business via certain laws and regulations, I won't be hunted as long as I control my murderous tendencies." He smiled a bit. "Geez, it's hard being serious, kinda boring." He chuckled, patting Vali's back. "It's all up to you. It would suck if you killed me, but I wouldn't blame ya." He said, yawning. "Oh no, I'll fall asleep from all this boredom. Guessing you'll need a few days to decide? Better hurry before your boss gets impatient." He cackled.

"Well, I guess I'll leave you with that. It's pretty late, and all this technical talk is making me so sleepy. Good night, pal." He said before disappearing, as well as the table and chairs set disappearing back to where it came from.

Of course, Andras hated sunlight (though it didn't harm him), but he preferred being contacted later at night. He left a chant for Vali just in case if he made up his mind, and wanted to summon him. He'd have to wait at least 8 hours for Andras to feel like coming out, though.

[ACuckoo]

It was odd hearing the demon so serious. At least he did as he asked. But as long as he could not murder anyone, then the two of them could be together. Vali didn’t have anyone else in his life except this silly demon so… “Wait!” Again, Andras left before Vali could stop him. If only he’d waited. Vali didn’t want him to go. He would have offered him his bed, told him that he didn’t need time to think it over, told him that he would “adopt” him and they could live with one another forever. Well, it was fine. He would see Andras tomorrow so he put away his wine and crawled into bed with the contract resting right next to him.

 

The next day was a blur of events. He told his boss he was retiring and thankfully the man didn’t question his sudden change of heart. His colleagues all bid him adieu, told him he’d be missed, told him no one could compare with his talents. It was all nice, but he didn’t care. These people weren’t his friends. He only had one friend as far as he knew. Once he got home he summoned his demon, whistling at the end just to make sure Andras knew it was him. He sat on his couch and waited and when the other finally appeared….

 

“I’ll do it… I’ll sign your contract.”

[0rochi]

Andras poofed into the room, smiling. "Really really really? I honestly wouldn't think you would! Here, take this pen and sign here, here and here." He guided the other's finger. "I see you retired. Are you really sure about that? Are you going to get another job?" He asked, slightly concerned about the other's wellbeing. Of course Andras couldn't be silly all the time, he took his contract quite seriously. "Thanks, Vali. I really didn't think you liked me that much." He chuckled, a soft one this time.

Once the contract had been signed he poofed it away with the snap of his fingers. "Now there's one more thing needed to completely seal the contract and I didn't really want to tell you until after you signed it." He smirked and blushed slightly. "I need a big kiss on the lips to seal the deal." He pulled out some lip balm and applied it to his lips. "Pucker up, lover boy." He cackled, puffing up his lips.

[ACuckoo]

Vali thought he should have felt some hesitation signing this contract. He should have been more suspicious, he shouldn’t have wanted to give himself over to a demon so casually, he should have had more sense to care that his soul would be damned the moment he died. Yet, he cared about none of that. He just signed the contract as he was told, smiling slightly at Andras’ concerned tone of voice. When had he ever heard the demon sound so sincere? “I’ll be fine. My company pretty much set me up for life and besides I’m sure I’ll get hired for different jobs. I guess I’m more like a mercenary now than a bounty hunter. If you’re good enough people will you hire you when you retire for personal business… And I’m good enough.”

 

Vali thought that once he signed the paper it was all said and done, but of course Andras wouldn’t let that happen so easily. His eyebrow raised as he listened to the other explain the next step in the process… A kiss? Why? Why a kiss? “Uhhh…. You’re kidding, right?” Of course he was kidding; this was Andras after all. He was always teasing him. Except this time anyway…. Vali’s cheeks turned a soft pink as he looked at the one in front of him. There was no other choice. “O-okay….” He took a moment to gather up his courage; it was easier to kill a frighteningly strong demon than to do something like this. Yet he pushed himself forward and placed a soft kiss on the Andras’ lips. It was just a small peck but Vali did it once, then twice, then three times before pulling away, full of embarrassment.

[0rochi]

Andras shook his head. "I appreciate this, Vali. I promise I'll try to be good." He chuckled. He listened and nodded, and then seen how hesitant Vali became. "I wish I was joking, but no, come give me a kiss." He cackled. As soon as he was kisses, his face lit up. Nobody had ever made him feel embarrassed before, he never felt shame or embarrassment in anything he did. But when he felt the other's lips touch his, he knew that this would be an entirely different relationship than before. He felt a second, and then a third. "Uhmm Vali, you only needed to give me one." He grinned, snapping the contract away. "Well that's it, I'm all yours~ Aww, you look so cute when you're nervous." He cackled, hugging Vali before falling back onto the couch. "So, are you ready to deal with me for the rest of your life?" He asked, laughing loudly.

[ACuckoo]

“You be good? Don’t make me laugh, Andras.” Vali was hardly laughing, however, when he realized he had given more kisses than one. He didn’t even notice he had done it until Andas called him out on it. He cleared his throat and made his way to the kitchen to get himself a glass of wine. He kind of felt like he had gotten married in a sense… Now the two were stuck together forever.

 

“You’re the one who will need to entertain yourself. I can handle you just fine,” Vali said, handing the other a glass. “How do you expect to keep yourself from getting bored living in the human world with me?” Vali nudged the other over so he could sit on the couch with him and took a refreshing gulp of wine. Here’s to his new life with this demon who he had somehow gotten so attached to.

[0rochi]

Andras laughed and shook his head, smiling as he was served the glass of wine. "Well I can go to the demon world still, just not for as long as I could before." He explained, relaxing on the couch. He didn't expect this to happen but he sure wasn't complaining, he loved this new life already.

"Welp, demons usually don't sleep that long but I do think I'm in need of some shut eye. " He smirked, appariting upstairs and calling out "Oh Vali, your bed is so soft!" He cackled, snuggling into one of the pillows, falling asleep almost instantly. His bed in hell was always too hot, he never got enough sleep. He slept peacefully.

In the morning he woke earlier and attempted to make breakfast. He burned a almost everything except for the eggs, and even the orange juice had been burnt. He hoped that Vali would at least appreciate how neatly he set the table and things and didn't mind everything being burnt. He gave a grin once Vali was awake. "Let's have breakfast ! I told you I couldn't cook." He laughed.

[ACuckoo]

Before Vali could even blink the demon was gone and hanging out in his bed. The last thing he wanted was for Andras to invade his bed and yet here he was. Oh well... Vali shook his head as he grabbed some blankets and pillows and curled up on the couch. He supposed he'd have to fight for his bed at some point, but for now he'd let the demon have it. Hell couldn't be too comfortable of a place to sleep so he got one night free. Then Vali would take his bed back.

 

The smell of smoke and fear that his house was on fire woke Vali with a start. He jumped up and ran into the kitchen after realizing that was where the smell was coming from. It took him a few moments to gather his bearings, but his worry left him when he saw Andras cooking. "Cooking."

 

"I'm grateful for your attempt, Andras, but let me handle this." Vali knew he wouldn't be falling back asleep any time soon so he got to work remaking what eggs he had left, pouring drinks for them, toasting bread, and making sausages. Perhaps one day he'd teach Andras how to cook. He served the other food and sat at the table, ignoring Andras' poor attempt at breakfast. "I think we'll both enjoy this better. I'll show you how to cook. We'll be together a long time so you should at least learn how to serve yourself and maybe include me in that too."

[0rochi]

Andras pouted and whined playfully. "I wanted to make you breakfast and surprise you." He cackled, heading off to the living room to go watch TV while the other tried to save the breakfast he attempted. He hoped that Vali would help him learn how to cook so he could surprise him more. He heard breakfast was ready and headed over to the table he helped set, and sat happily. He began eating and smiled happily. "This is delicious! Totally not like I made." He laughed loudly, eating quickly. When he finished with breakfast he smiled and patted his stomach. "Once breakfast settles, I'm taking you out." He said. They sat and watched TV for a while until Andras snapped into a modern looking outfit. Though he was usually invisible to regular humans, he wanted to impress Vali. He was dressed in a tank top and shorts with some sporty sneakers and his hair tied in a ponytail. "You wanna go for a walk to the park?" He asked, giggling. "Get dressed, I wanna see the ducks!" He cackled, waiting on Vali to get ready. It was technically their first real date and he was actually quite excited.

[ACuckoo]

Vali raised an eyebrow when his new “partner” suddenly rose and was dressed in the most casual clothes he had ever seen him in. There was no harm in going to the park, but the former demon hunter couldn’t help but worry that Andras truly just wanted to stir up some trouble. He supposed though that he would have to start trusting him a bit more if this relationship was going to work.

 

“Alright,” Vali finally said as he stood and made his way to his bedroom. “You look good in casual clothes by the way. It suits you.” He left the compliment behind as he left the other and got dressed in his own casual jeans, t-shirt, and overshirt. When he thought he looked well enough he went back to Andras and opened the front door for him.

 

“After you. Onwards to the park.”

[0rochi]

Andras felt as if he'd finally have to tame down and behave, but he knew that it wasnt going to happen so fast. He grinned at the compliment, patting Vali on the back. "You don't look too bad yourself!" He cackled, flinging the door open and heading out with Vali.

Once they headed over to the park, he walked peacefully. He managed to alter his appearance to look more that of a human so that his appearance wouldn't be as disturbing to normal individuals, and not become invisible for people to think that Vali was crazy. He looked at the duck pond and snapped a bag of bird seeds into his arms. "How about we feed the duckies, Vali?" He cackled softly as to not attract attention, throwing out Seed for the ducks.