(Y/N)'s expression immediately went blank, and she said nothing for a long time. However, I could taste her distrust, her fear; they were tangy and oily. I started to panic, "Mistress, I-'

She cut me off with a raised hand, her tone of voice firm, "-You don't know what you're saying. You don't even know what love is."

Immediately I started blathering anything that came to mind as anxiety overwhelmed me. "But I do, I just didn't know it! My memories were lost to me, but they have been returned, and I know the truth of love, what it feels like! Can you not-"

(Y/N) was unmoved and remained completely still, her gaze hard. "-Stop, Andy; just stop. I realize you're just trying to tell me what you think I want to hear, but you're wrong! I don't want-"

I lost my patience and yelled at her, "-Whatabout what I want?!? I want you; I love you!"

Seeing and tasting her grow even colder, I smacked my tail against the setteein frustration. "So you will not believe me? When have I ever lied?!?" (Y/N)frowned, and I became incensed. "I can prove it! Damn it to the Pits, I willprove it to you!"

The taste of (Y/N)'s unhappiness filled my mouth and fogged my mind, onlyfueling my sense of desperation. Hurriedly, I formulated a contract theswiftest I ever had in my life. It was simple. "I, Andrew, son of Christopher,am in love with (Y/N) (Y/L/N)."

It had barely materialized before I looked around, crazed, for a pen. I sawnothing! Frantic, I stabbed the claw of my right pointer finger into my leftpalm, and then dipped it in the blood that came seeping out. "What the fuck,Andy?"

I ignored her, and signed my name. There.If it were not true, if I did not truly love (Y/N), I would cease to exist.

I blinked, confident but still frightened. Nothing happened, and I felt a keensense of relief. "This is yours, as is my heart." I handed (Y/N) the scroll,unrolled, as it dried.

I watched her carefully as she read it. Her expression changed from one ofirritation and disgust to surprise. The aftertaste of her hurt went away. Sheset the contract down flat, face-up, on the coffee table, my blood still wet onthe surface.

She turned to look at me, her dark, brown eyes glassy with unshed tears. "Isthat what I think it is?" I could taste her confusion, her mixed emotions.

I balled my left hand into a fist to help quell the flow of blood as I staredher in the eye. "It is a demonic contract. If it were not accurate, if I didnot love you, I would cease to exist, my lady."

She stood slowly, her voice uncertain, "You really do love me?"

I looked away, embarrassed at her unforeseen reaction. "Yes." I stared at mytoes for a moment, unsure what to say, "-oomph!"

(Y/N) had run to me, was hugging me tightly! The flavor of her happiness wasperfection! I enfolded her in my arms, relieved and overjoyed! She looked up atme, grinning so gaily, I felt as though a colony of bats had taken flight in mychest! "I love you too!"

For an instant, I lost myself in her warm, chocolaty eyes. I felt such a deep,profound connection with her; it was incredible! Wordlessly, I lowered my lipsto hers for the sweetest kiss imaginable. A kiss shared in love.