"Did you miss me enough to drink? Or did you drink enough to miss me?"

It didn't take too long for me to realize it.

I was in some deep shit.

I dashed through the door, rushing into the overcrowded living room. Taehyung must have left immediately as he was nowhere in sight. My gaze instantly found Yoongi and Jimin sitting on the couch where I left them, shoving fistfuls of popcorn in their mouths.

"Get up, we're leaving." I almost spat as I towered over them.

"Wait, why?" Yoongi's brows pulled together as some popcorn fell out of his mouth. "I thought you and what's-his-face were patching things up."

"You asshole." My leg swung to kick him in the ankles and he jolted upwards, groaning from the pain. "We have to get out of here. Now."

"Really Faye, what's up?" Jimin asked with concern.

"What's up is this."

My fingers clutched on the edge of my sleeve as I pulled it up just a little bit to reveal the small area of red charred skin above my watch.

Jimin and Yoongi both gasped at the sight, quickly jumping to their feet.

"You're changing in your full devil form?" Jimin spoke quickly. "How is that possible? What is happening?"

"I don't know." I groaned.

"Can't you just... stop?" Yoongi asked, fingers raked in his hair.

"If I could I most probably would have, don't you think?" I shot back, my irritation flaring. "Let's get going before it spreads."

"Faye, what happened?" a worried Jungkook rushed over. "I saw Taehyung storm off."

"Nothing," I replied. "He still hates me."

"I'm so sorry, Faye. He's just overwhelmed. That's how he gets sometimes. Again, I'm sorry."

"Don't be," I told him. "You just wanted to help and in a way you did. You helped me come to terms with the reality which is that Taehyung doesn't want anything to do with me."

Jungkook rubbed my shoulder soothingly, taking notice of Yoongi and Jimin's tense faces. He then frowned.

"You guys leaving?"

"Yes, we're gonna go now, Kookie," I avoided his eyes. "Thanks for inviting us. Good night."

"Faye?" Jungkook's voice reached me just as we were about to step out.

"Yes, Kookie?"

"Am I gonna see you guys again?"

I sighed deeply. "Probably not."

The door shut behind us.

***

Growing more and more panicked by the second, I strode briskly through the parking lot towards Yoongi's SUV. He and Jimin sprinted after me, struggling to keep up with my pace.

Once in front of it, I jumped in the back, followed by Jimin. Yoongi went around and took his seat in the driver's seat.

The car roared back to life and Yoongi steered the wheel towards the parking lot exit. Once on the road, he stomped on the gas pedal and started driving at a neck-breaking speed. I stared out the window in silence, watching as the scenery outside became a swirling blur.

"Change of plans," I announced flatly, my eyes still fixated out the window. "We're leaving tonight."

"Tonight?" Jimin gaped.

"Yes. If this spreads then I'd be in my full devil form by dawn. I have to get back home immediately to figure out whatever's happening to me."

Jimin's anxious sapphire eyes darted back and forth from me and Yoongi. I caught Yoongi's stressed uneasy gaze in the rear view mirror and the subtle clenching of his jaw.

"You can't... uhhhh I mean, why not just wait? Maybe it will go away." Jimin stammered his way into a sentence nervously.

I narrowed my eyes at both of them, examining their faces thoroughly. Something was going on with those two but right now we had more important matters to deal with.

"I can't control it." I uttered, placing a hand over my wrist.

"Let's brainstorm for a bit and just come up with a reasonable explanation why this is happening." Jimin coaxed, shifting in his seat to face me.

"What's there to explain?" I mumbled dejectedly. "There's something rotten inside of me, Jimin. Something utterly broken and I'm drowning in it."

"Have you ever considered the fact that your Devil self is taking over you because you deem yourself to be a monster?" Jimin asked cautiously. "It's a reflection of the way you see yourself, Faye. You hate yourself and who you are, and this hatred is imprinting on your body."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"Doesn't it? Why do you think it is you lost your wings? Because you deny the angelic part of yourself. It's all in your mind. You think you're all bad, but you're not. All you have to do is see yourself for who you truly are, and your Devil side will stop spreading. You gaining it now is tied to your belief in yourself as something monstrous and abominable. After your conversation with Taehyung that is even more evident."

"That's nonsense." I scoffed, not wanting to dwell on his words too much. It was better for me to brood in my misery and self-pity; it felt more comfortable.

"Listen to me for once in your eons of stubborn existence," Jimin said sternly. Wow, why is it that everyone is putting my ass into place tonight? "You said your wings came back mysteriously when you tried to protect Taehyung. I'm astounded that it's even a mystery to you because to me it's as clear as day. They returned to you because in that frozen moment of time, your intentions were purely selfless. You were willing to make a sacrifice and protect someone you love. For me that's the opposite of monstrous. It's admirable."

"I hate to admit it but the baby faced angel is right," came Yoongi's monotonous voice from behind the wheel. My astonished gaze flashed to meet his in the rear view mirror. "You're being too hard on yourself, Faye. I've been around you for so long. You're anything but evil. Just because some jerk told you that you were thousands of years ago doesn't make it true. You didn't choose to be Lucifer's daughter, you were born in it. You have more human qualities than most mortals I've seen."

"Exactly," Jimin agreed earnestly. "If you were truly evil would you be my friend? Don't put yourself down just because Taehyung is too much of a wuss to handle who you are."

"Did you just... call Taehyung a wuss?" I scoffed a humorless laugh.

"He's a wuss alright." Yoongi said from the driver's seat.

I threw my head back, letting my eyelids fall over my eyes. I released a long exhale, finally taking the time to really breathe. The conversation I had with Taehyung really crushed me and with the shock of my Devil side coming back now I was just drained out.

The subtle buzzing from my pocket pulled me back to reality. My eyebrows shot sky high as I read the caller ID.

"Are you gonna get that?" Yoongi asked lazily.

My thumb hovered over the flashy screen as I gulped thickly.

"Yes? Taehyung?"

Silence.

"Taehyung? Hello?"

There was rustling on the other side of the line as well as breathy grunts.

"Taehyung?" my voice raised as soft panic washed over me.

Beep-beep-beep.

He hung up.

"What the fuck was that?" Yoongi scowled. "A butt dial?"

My thoughts were tearing my brain apart as I stared down at the fluorescent screen. Images from that night when Taehyung slipped back into his dark place haunted me. He sounded like he was in trouble, or maybe I was just looking for reasons to call him back? I tried to brush it under the rug, I didn't want to cause any more drama but my impulses were stronger than me.

"I couldn't quite make out what he wanted to say." I admitted.

"Maybe he dialed you by mistake." Jimin pressed his lips into a thin line.

"Maybe," I said in a small voice and shrugged. "Or maybe..." I turned to the side to grab Jimin's hands to which he responded with an eyebrow furrow. "...he needs me." My eyes bulged at him maniacally.

He gulped uncomfortably. "Let's sit and wait, if that's the case he'll most probably call again."

"I have to go and check up on him." I shoved my phone back in my pocket.

"What? No," Jimin shook his head rapidly. "I don't think that's a good idea. He hasn't cooled off yet."

"You don't get it," I objected. "I'm worried for him. He can sometimes get pretty dark... I won't be able to forgive myself if I knew I was the cause of that. It'll only take a minute."

Jimin just watched me without saying a word.

"Yoongi," I glanced at the rear view mirror. "You know where to drive."

He obeyed without asking questions.

***

I took the stairs up to Taehyung's apartment in one breath. He may not like me right now, but none of this changes my feelings for him and the fact that I was worried for him. It couldn't erase my fear to leave him on his own. I could handle him being mean to me one more time if that's what it would take for me to know that he was okay.

"Taehyung?"

I landed a small knock on the door. It swung slightly, easing open. It's unlocked?

Stealthily, I took a step in. My uneasiness peaked more and more with each passing second. I swung my head around, scanning my surroundings.

Then I saw him exit the bedroom, his sharp look from before completely ruined. He staggered and fell to the side, catching himself at the last second by gripping on the doorframe.

It took some long seconds for his gaze to find mine even though I was standing right in front of him. He stared at me for a while, unblinking as if I was invisible and he was looking right through me.

He refocused.

"You ssshouldn't be here." He slurred.

His belt was unbuckled, hanging loosely from his pants. The embroidered shirt he wore back at Jungkook's party was undone all the way down, revealing his flat chest and firm abdomen.

"You called me Tae."

"It must have been *hiccup* by mistake. I don't want to sssee you."

He turned his face away, not bearing to look me in the eye.

I couldn't decide what hurt more – his hostile glare pinned at me or the lack of any eye contact between us.

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright."

"Leave."

The harsh stench of alcohol penetrated my nostrils as my eyes wandered his stumbling form.

"Have you been drinking? You're a mess-"

"WHY are you being so annoying?" he snapped, licking his dry lips. "Didn't I tell you to LEAVE?"

Our gazes locked as Taehyung stared me down, chest heaving and nostrils flaring. I felt small as I fell under his scrutiny and it didn't take me long to realize it was a mistake coming here.

You're an idiot Faye.

My face slumped as I stared down at the floor. I was just about to turn around and leave when I heard soft sighs and rustling coming from the living room.

My eyes and mouth crashed wide open in utter shock.

"Are you alone?"

Taehyung stared back at me for a bit and then averted his gaze.

Then we both shot for the door of the living room almost simultaneously. I shoved him to the side but he gripped at my wrist and yanked me back. I made a desperate attempt to free myself from his iron grip but he pulled me back and stood in front of me, blocking my way.

"GO AWAY!" I screeched, trying to wrestle him for the door handle aggressively.

Somehow we turned into a scuffling mess as I sloppily tugged at his arms to try and push him to the side. He stood in front of me with a clenched jaw, raising his arm to the side while trying to evade my blows.

By this point I couldn't think straight anymore. In a fit of wild strength, I jerked him backwards and finally removed him from the door. His voice was desperate as I stomped past him.

"Faye, don't!"

I practically kicked the door open and burst in violently. My vision was nothing but a blur as my eyes zeroed in on a female form sitting on the couch.

The nurse from the party.

And for a second there, my heart froze.

My blank stare moved from her back to Taehyung who now held a guilty expression, his body slumped against the door frame and ruffled bangs covering his puffy eyes.

"You... narcissistic manwhore!" I spat furiously, angry tears brimming my eyelids.

"Excuse me?" his brows raised as he smacked his lips together.

With all the strength I had left, I swatted my fists against his chest. He squirmed from the pain, releasing a low breathy grunt. I shoved past him and stormed for the door, hearing a high-pitched chuckle behind my back.

"Tae, I thought you didn't have a girlfriend anymore."

I was drowning in the sobs that fled my mouth. Long slender fingers coiled around my wrist and the next moment I was spun around forcefully, forced to face the man I hated as much as I loved right now.

"Let me go!" I wailed, thrashing against him.

His arms clasped more tightly around me as he pulled me in for a kiss that quickly grew in intensity. I hardly had any time to react as his tongue ravaged the inside of my mouth roughly, going deeper and deeper. It didn't feel good. I somehow managed to release myself from his encircled arms around me but then he gripped at my wrists, still not letting go of me.

"Tae, stop-"

His teeth caught my lower lip and dug in harshly. I hissed and tried to pull away but Taehyung's hand found my neck and instead pushed me closer into him. There was something really fucked up in the way he held me. Something damp made a trail down my chin as his teeth bit harder, so hard that I feared blood had started flowing from my mouth.

"What the f-"

A dull pain shot through me and I squirmed, feeling his nails notch deep into the skin of my forearms, gliding down and leaving scratches.

"Ugh!" I groaned as I finally broke free through his painful embrace, the abrupt movement almost causing my lip to be torn apart. "WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH YOU!!"

Taehyung stared back at me, his lips tainted by my blood. I pressed a hand over my mouth, gasping as I saw the red smear against my fingertips. He didn't say a thing but instead his eyes shot somewhere behind me. I followed his gaze to see the slutty nurse grinning wickedly from the other side of the hallway.

Growling, Taehyung shot forward to grab her by the upper arm and drag her out.

"Out."

"But Tae I thought-"

"I said OUT!" he snarled, shoving her back like a rag doll and practically throwing her out of his apartment.

He spun around only for his face to meet my flying palm.

*SLAP*

His head reeled to the side from the violent impact. He released a sharp exhale, his hand darting to massage his cheek.

"ARE YOU MENTAL?" I yelled. "What the fuck was that about??"

There was something dark in the way Taehyung was carrying himself now. I'm not talking about the drunk mess that he is because that's obvious. But there was something else stirring inside of him and I couldn't put my finger on it. It was scaring me.

"I can't do this! I'm leaving!"

"Faye-"

"Don't 'Faye' me!" I snapped furiously. "You could barely look me in the eye tonight and now you won't let me leave? Is this a joke? Are you playing with me now? After I caught you fucking someone else less than two hours after we talked? Are you for real, Taehyung?! Less than a day, that's how much it took you to come running back to your arsenal of nameless floozies! Guess you never really cared about me if you're capable of doing that!!"

He closed his eyes and sighed deeply, shifting his gaze to the side.

"Like you're so innocent, you've been lying to me from day one!" he retaliated. The cold distant façade was crumbling bit by bit and now he was breaking down slowly but steadily.

"Oh, and you mean to tell me you've never lied? Like you're so perfect!" I retorted. "I lied to PROTECT YOU! And you fed me all those pretty lies how I shouldn't hide from you and how great and perfect I am, how much you care about me and how this thing between us is one-hundred percent real, but when you find out about my ugly side you decided it was time to leave?!"

"No, I-"

"You know what Taehyung, you actually made me feel so pathetic! I was so fucking worried for you and your state of mind but kept my distance because I respect you too much to invade your privacy! I apologized to you and explained why I did what I did, accepted your reaction no matter how much it hurt me and you still wouldn't even thank me for saving your life? I mean what kind of person acts like this, Taehyung?! I'm so fucking mad at myself for thinking that you weren't as cold and heartless as I thought you to be! I figured for a moment there that you'd prove me wrong, but no! You're just another coldhearted self-absorbed narcissist! Maybe I fucked up but at least I care about you! And you stomped all over my heart without a second thought!"

His long eyelashes were heavy with tears as he concealed his face, pressing his palm over it. He sniffed, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down as he swallowed thickly.

"This is who I am, alright! I ruin things..." he trailed off.

"No Taehyung, the only one you ruin is yourself by having these delusions that all those women can somehow fill the empty void inside of you! That numbing hollowness your mother left in you by abandoning you! You keep thinking every single woman you meet is going to leave the same way, so you decide to beat them to it and be the first to leave!" I paused to wipe my tears away. "And now you're pushing me away too."

"Well can you BLAME ME?" Taehyung yelled, my blood still smeared on his lips while his finger pointed at me accusingly. "You are THE ACTUAL DEVIL, Faye!! How am I, a freaking nobody, supposed to deal with that?!" his voice broke down, triggering a gasp from me.

I sniffled, wiping my cheeks roughly.

"You're not," I said quietly. "You're not supposed to deal with that, Taehyung, so I won't ask you to."

His face softened and I could see he had teared up as well. I turned my face away to hide the tears bawling from my eyes. Without saying anything, I reached for the door knob.

But a pair of strong arms folded around my waist securely.

"I didn't sleep with her."

The scent of alcohol still lingered in his breath.

"Why- why are you telling me this?"

"Because for some reason I want you to know that," he whispered into my ear. "I got out of Jungkook's party as fast as my feet could carry me and she followed me to a bar. I was so broken I got wasted pretty quick. Then she brought me here, but nothing happened. I never planned to do anything with her, and even if I did I wouldn't be able to go through with it. Not when I have someone as beautiful and incredible as you."

I spun to look at his face. He broke into tears, his expression a perfect picture of agony. I gulped, the sight making me crumble even more. It was heart-wrenching.

"Beautiful you say?" I breathed out. "Did you still find me beautiful the other day?"

He sniffled and looked away. "N-no..."

I smacked my lips together, taking a small step back away from him.

"Faye..." he started. "Obviously I should not have reacted the way I did. For that I am so sorry. I was terrified. Completely freaked out. I didn't know what to do... every single tale and story throughout history says that you - I'm sorry, your father – is the embodiment of evil!" he exclaimed, a softness to his voice.

"Do you think I'm evil?" I stared at him.

He faltered before shaking his head.

"No... no I don't. Because now I remember how you made me feel. I remember all our time together, every single memory I have of you... and no, you're not evil. And I just keep thinking, uh- that there has to be an explanation. Or some kind of misunderstanding. I refuse to believe the woman I fell in love with is evil."

"Do you think you could accept me?" my voice was like a tremor.

"I..." Taehyung took my hand in his but I yanked it off.

"Not when I'm like this," I whispered. A crimson flame sparkled in my orbs, flashing for a second and it made Taehyung wince. "When I look like I did the other day. Could you?"

"Well I, uh.. uh.. you- you... I want to." He stuttered. There it was, that same fear in his eyes. "...I can try."

"But could you?" I pressed, my eyes boggling.

Taehyung shivered. His shoulders slumped.

"...I don't know."

Something shattered inside of me. My whole body went numb as I stared at him underneath swollen eyelids.

"Then I think I got my answer."

author's note:

All aboard the angst train! 🚞

yeah so this got pretty intense.

Have a smiley Taetae to cheer you up (I know I need it):

^ ugh I forgot how good he looked in that Ellen interview

Thank you so much for reading guys. I'm overwhelmed with the amount of love this story has been getting. Love you! 💕