Heyyyyyy.. sorry for the late update.. but here it is anyways..

MATURE WARNING:
There is a disturbing scene in this chapter, which I recommend to skip to those who are uncomfortable reading mature content...

Remember that, this is just a fiction. Also, there is a lot of story to why it happens which I will be revealing in the coming chapters.

Look out for %%$$%% this sign to know when to stop reading.

Okay... with this done... lets continue with the story.

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The scenary sinked into me and I breathed in comfort. The sunshine softly kissed the green grass bringing out its ethereal beauty. The sky was blue overhead, but somehwere afar it had changed its hues.

In all. It was beautiful.

I snapped the picture of few kids playing in the park. Their mothers were seated on a bench on the other side. The children ran around playing and giggling loudly. Some puppy entered the park and they were all petting him.

I smiled again as I took another picture for the collection on my wall.

"Do you always take pictures of random things?"

I jumped and shrieked a little, turning to a side and almost dropping my camera.

Esther?

"Jesus Mary..." I muttered and the other drew a sharp breath. His expression failing as if somebody pinched him hard.

"Esther?!" I squeaked in confusion.

"Yup" he replied, popping the 'p'  "sorry if I scared you. It wasnt my intention." He said smiling sheepishly and sitting on the other end of the bench.

"Oh no.. its okay." I shrugged.

The silence filled in and it got a little awkward. I avoided looking at him and foused my gaze on the children.

"So... umm. What are you doing here?" I asked causually.

"I come here often." He replied and I remembered his words when I passed out in the park, not long ago. So he wasn't kidding- he really did come to this park oftenly.

"Actually this is my bench."

"Your bench?" I laughed "I thought the park was a public property."

"And it is." He leaned back into the bench. "Its just that.. nobody sits here on this spot. People take it as an omen to sit here." He said as-a-matter-of-factly.

I sighed and shook my head. "Ive been through worse kinds of omens." I mumbled to myself.

I looked up and saw a lady walking past us. She looked kind... except for she also looked petrified. Her gaze found me and then lurched over to Esther and then again back at me.

It looked like as if she was signalling me to get away from Esther.

Wait-

"Why is she-" My words got cut off in the middle

"She thinks Im a bad person." He replied with his eyes closed. "Everyone does so. They are always afraid of me and avoid me at all costs. " he sighed and crossed his arms. " they think of me as a drug dealer or a.. hitman."

What?!

"But.. but you aren't right?" My voice laced with doubt.

He smiled and shook his head, he opened his eyes and his vibrant sea-green eyes met mine.

"If I say that I am what they speak of... will you be afraid of me?" He said turning to face me.

Should I say yes?

Should I say no?

Drug dealer, hitman, mafia.. what not... Im shit-scared of them all. Should I say.. its even worse if they are all men?

I paused for a while and looked at his face. The deep oak brown hair was shuffled messily on his forehead. A little stubble grew out on his chin drawing the masculinity from his face.

Esther was a man, who did look dangerous for some unknown reason.

Remind me again.

Esther... is a man. But I am talking to him freely as if my fears have disappeared from my life. As if, they were never there...

I tore my gaze from his vibrant starry eyes and sighed slowly.

"I dont believe plain words... I never did." I drew imaginary pictures on the ground with my feet, feeling a little vulnerable ".. I only believe when I see through my own eyes.."

He stayed silent, his eyes focused somewhere near the playing children.

"What if... what if your eyes fool you? What if everything that youre seeeing is just... a veil? What if you see the truth and then you will realise it was all a mistake?" He said turning to face me.

I smiled at him "people make mistakes a lot.. thats the beauty of it.." I sighed in contentment.

"The flaws in humans.." he mumbled, but I did hear that. "Thats a first..." he chuckled, crinkling his nose a little.

"What is?" I tilted my head.

"To call a flaw a beauty.." he explained.

I inhaled and thought about what he said. "I may have not lived for centuries... and maybe... I wont live for many years.." I winced at the thought but shrugged it off "but from all these years... I learned few things.. learned... few of my flaws." I paused and looked at him "I spent so much time focusing on that one flaw in my life, that I eventually chose not to see the beauty around me." I let a humorless chuckle, hanging my head down "It was too late when I realised what I had been doing."

I took an air of finalty, subtly indcating that I had to leave to the other

"Although the Scars prevail to the end of time, slowly but surely they do heal on the insides. It takes its own sweet time...and soon the pain.. the anguish... the rage will be gone. They can make it Beautiful..."

He thought deeply for awhile and then, looked at me with a small smile "scars to your beautiful..."

I smiled back at him "Scars to your Beautiful..."

He smiled seemingly at him and I returned the smile.

It was scary how comfortable I was getting around him.

%%$$%% stop

You can't invite another person into your life.

You can't let them see how weak you are.

You cant share your memories of your past, your nightmares that haunt you...

They will judge you.. they will hurt you...

"Nobody will believe what you will say. Nobody gives a shit about you... That b*tch of your Mom is dead... all she did was give a good f*ck and now she is dead. Guess who will take her place now Justice... hmm? Guess who will be my good little slut?"

Stop it.. p-please..

"Your mom was fine, but I'd always set my eyes on the prize. You."

S-stop.. stop t-touching me..

"Aww are you crying? Well I dont like girls like you crying..." I saw his face. That man. He whispered into my ears "I only want to hear you cry when Im inside you little girl..."

M-mom.. help me..

No... stop..

No..

"Justice"

Mom?

%%$$%% start..

"Justice!!"

Mom?!!

"Justice! Justice wake up!!"

I opened my eyes to find a number of people's faces infront of me. All of them wearing the same worried expression.

My head was spinning and my hands trembled with sweat.

"Justice..." I heard the soft mellow voice of a certain someone and I turned my head to see him.

His sea-green eyes were looking down at me cascading a soft warm look through them. His eyes were filled with so much emotions that I felt a tug in my heart. It was new to me...

The affection... it was all new to me and I was scared of it.

Ellie.. Sister Margaret.. Father Francis.. and Esther and the other kids at the orphanage were the only ones who showed me affection... and now, to recieve it from a person who is someone I just bumped into... was heart warming in a weird way.

My lower lip quivered and unknown tears streamed down my cheeks. His hand hovered over mine.. unsure to hold me or not.

I eyed the people around me and my heartbeats escalated. I wanted space... space to cry my heart out.

"P-please..." I begged at him and he simply sighed. His warms fingers touching my wrist as he pulled me closer to his chest.

I sobbed quietly on his chest as I felt the number of eyes disappearing ahead of me. One by one.. the crowd decreased and I felt thankful..

My tears stained his shirt but it didnt bother him... so I cried. I curled my fingers on the sides of his shirt and cried my heart out.

Here I was afterall..  doing something that Ive never brought upon myself to do it before.... crying on a stranger's chest, exposing my vulnerability, my flaws, my nightmares, my dark truths..

But he didnt complain. He didnt question me.. didnt judge me.. didn't give me false hopes that I would be okay.. he did nothing and stayed silent, listening to me... and I was thankful for him in so many ways that I possibly couldn't return him with.

I couldnt care less, if I was ruining his shirt or if I was wasting his time or if I was being a loathsome bother to him.. I couldnt allign my thoughts to return to my hard shell. I was indeed broken... broken right from my childhood and no disease was greater than the one I was running away from.

I was going to die eitherways... Cancer or not.. my memories would always hunt me down first.

After what seemed like an eternity, I slowly calmed my nerves down and my sobs disappeared. I detached myself from him and I looked at the deep oak brown haired man.

His eyes looked slightly troubled and his lips were pursed into a thin line.

I couldnt believe myself that I showed him my weakness... thrice, if that is he was the hooded guy who followed me to return my chain.

His eyes continued looking at me and I was lost in the trance.

I couldnt be even sure, if the said man's name was what he claimed to be, if his words were true, if his actions were pure and not for an intention that would turn into something vile. I couldn't trust him.. but, I couldnt be sure of myself anymore as well... I was dying afterall. I heard his voice now more than ever in my life and I was scared of it.. scared that I will have to face hell again.

I couldnt be sure of myself because.. I kept hearing things.. seeing things. I was definitely a mess, but against all odds I did catch the quietness in his chest.. as if he had no heart at all... but Im sure I was mistaken.. how can one live without a heart, speaking scientifically and logically?

"I need to get back home.." I squeaked, fiddling with my fingers.

I heard him exhale and get up "if you dont mind, can I walk you back home?"

My head shot up and gazed at him "uh n-no.. Ive already caused so much trouble.. I dont want to bother y-"

"I really mean it. You're clearly not feeling well and I dont want to leave you alone walking." He said softly.

I sighed and slumped my shoulders "well.. I guess its alright then.."

I stood up and walked alongside him. His eyes stared right ahead and his towering frame hid me from people.

We walked in silence with some distance in between us.

Why is he so kind to me? Why does he seem to understand what I want and what I feel? Are we friends now? Can I trust him to keep my secret safe? Can I share my horrors with him? Can I?

I sighed for the millionth time and pulled my jacket closer to me.

It was getting colder by the minute and the sunlight seemed to have disappeared. The bright sun hid behind the grey clouds that casted its gloominess over the town, picturing the place like a sad town.

I was confused as of to why he didnt ask me anything yet. Everyone did, but I just brushed it off as they cared about me too much.

Did Esther even care about me? I mean..it wouldnt matter any less considering he is nothing more than a stranger to me. But why offer the help in the first place? Why walk me back home?

I couldn't help myself but ask him "arent you gonna ask me what had happened?"

He stopped walking and turned to face me "I feel it is not my place to ask you about that... even if I did, you wouldnt answer me." He stated and I stared at him open eyed.

"What makes you say that?" I asked slowly.

"I know what it feels like to be tied down in a corner. I have been there with people asking me what happened and I could never frame a sentence to express my thoughts.. because they wouldnt understand. Even if they did, they wouldnt care for it.. guess youre not the only one running away from Demons" he explained softly and I cracked a small smile.

"Thank you... for.. for everything." I whispered at him.

"Its al-" he began but was cut off when an animalistic shriek erupted in the air. We both swung our heads to see the person and I frowned upon.

Somewhere on the opposite side of the road,  stood a certain familiar red head with her hands clasped over her mouth.

"Ellie"

"Oh." Esther muttered.

Ellie crossed the road and made her way to us. Her fiery red hair flowing on her back and shoulders. She carried a big brown bag in her hands and Im assuming them to be groceries.

She had a wide smile on her face and her cheeks were flushed.

"Heyy Justice..." she chided and welcomed me with a hug.

"I see you are standing close with the no-face-no-talk guy.." she whispered amd I frowned again.

She pulled away and stood straight, looking at the other with a bright smile. I heard her almost gasp when she looked at Esther, considering that this could be the first time she is seeing his face.

I mean... Esther sure was good looking....

I guess..

"Hi there!" Ellie squealed and the said man gave a simple nod.

It was already awkward. Ellie was totally head over heels for Esther and Esther was his usual cold slash emotionless slash you-dont-know-me self and then there was me.... stranded in the middle. I was already embarrassed because I cried infront of Esther, a stranger. And I was flustered for some reason because of Ellie's two or three eyebrow-wiggles she threw at me.

What could possibly the redhead imagine?

"So.. yall going out now?" Ellie bluntly stated and my fake smile dropped to a shocked expression.

Esther choked on his breath and I couldnt get any more embarrassed. "S-sorry?" Esther mumbled and I mentally facepalmed.

"You know da-"

"Ellie!" I shut her up by clasping my hand over her mouth. This wasnt probably mature of me to handle the situation this way but frusturation drew me over the edge.

"What are you saying?!" I whisper shouted at her. Ellie rolled her eyes and laughed, while I let go of her.

"Im kidding.." she replied and turned to face Esther, but before she could say anything I held her by the arm and dragged her back.

I apologetically smiled at Esther, "umm.. we gotta go now. Our shift starts in 10 minutes and.. yeah.. we cant be late.." I looked at Ellie "right, Ellie?"

I did not wait for her answer and continued talking, "so.. umm.. see ya. I guess... Oh- and by the way, thankyou for your help..." I gave a small smile and stepped back.

Esther smiled at me and gave me a short wave, while I was holding the squirming machine next to me.

I turned around and dragged Ellie with me.

When we were out of the street and onto another, I glanced at the staring woman next to me.

"What?!" I snapped with irritation.

"Nothing.. its just that... you both seem close now.." she wiggled her eyebrows at me.

Damn those eyebrows.

I sighed  "we are not close... we just keep.. meeting each other accidently.."

"Mm hmm.." she grinned.

"Ellie... you have known me for the longest... I cant- men.. and.." I sighed and Ellie slowed down walking matching my pace.

"I know honey..." she sighed. "Im sorry, if I took it too far..." she said giving me a warm hug. I took it willingly, not caring if people were eying us.

Hugs were always soothing... it always gave me rays of hope for some reason... and today I had hugged Esther.

Was it indeed me?

I sighed into the hug reminiscing the memory. Ellie pulled away and looked at me.

"Im sorry again... its just that, I dont get to see you interacting with the opposite gender a lot..." she let out a chuckle and I smacked her arm lightly "...and seeing one today, I couldnt just stop being the idiot I was.."

"Its okay.. but dont do that again... you embarrassed him as well.." I stated and chuckled a little walking ahead.

"Trust me.. If I would have known earlier that even his cheeks could tint pink I would have bet with Ted a $100.." Ellie said shaking her head

"What?" I laughed

"Trust me, but that boy sure knows how to blush apart from acting all cold and Viking..." Ellie laughed.

He blushed because of what she said?

Okay...

Weird.. I guess.

I rolled my eyes "was it How to Train your Dragons last night?"

"Part two baby.." she smirked.

I scoffed "you've watched it atleast 15 times.."

"Cant help it... my animal of a boyfriend lives in that movie.." Ellie shrugged.

"Animal of a who?" I quorked my eyebrow.

"Toothless." She grinned and I visibly rolled my eyes at her.

"I will make a note to write that on your list of an Ideal Boyfriend" I said emphasizing the two words.

"List?" She asked and I chuckled.

"Yeah.. your ideal boyfriend ranges from anyone who is super rich and all-expensive suits to fire-breathing dragons.." I shook my head.

"Yeah.. then I can be the Mother of Dragons.." Ellie gave me a nasty smirk and I could already tell it was something that could give me movie trauma.

"Mother of what?" I asked and Ellie just sighed shaking her head.

"Thats where I draw my line. You are just too innocent to know about those kinds of warfares" she shrugged and I muttered an 'oh', assuming the movie or something what she said to be some war movie.

She headed into the Cafe and I stood out for a second, glancing back. For some unsure reason, I felt like I was being watched.

I sighed and pulled the handle, opening the door. The warm coffee scent invading my nostrils and I was happier than ever.

I walked back to the employees room to get into my work outfit. I quickly changed and looked at the mirror.

I stared at my reflection and closed my eyes. A sigh escaping my lips from the tiredness.

Why me Lord? Why did I had to go through all that?

With an air of finality I gained my confidence and headed out the room to earn my livelihood.

Except for when, I did go out there... my eyes caught a pair of beady jet black eyes staring right at me.

The man in the white dress shirt, gave me a Cheshire cat grin and I felt my knees going weak.

"Hi there... " he announced and I was frozen to ground.

Ellie threw me a look and I looked back at him with my declining confidence.

"Hi.. Ian."

********

Esther's POV:

This cant be true.. this can't be true....

I paced around in frusturation, while the blond eyed me with annoyance. What was I supposed to do? I couldnt really do anything...

"Stop panicking! You are not helping!" Gabriel yelled at me. He was wearing his usual white clothes and for a split second I wondered if he ever washed them or if he had a wardrobe full of the same out fit. Nope.. definitely the second one... Angels couldnt handle filth.

I sighed and looked over at the Cafe.

He was standing right there. Right. Infront. Of. Her.

And there was nothing I could do.

"What am I supposed to do?!" I snarled at the Angel.

"Do what you are supposed to!" The Angel said gesturing towards the cafe.

"I cant! You dont understand!" I yelled at him.

"Yes, you can and yes you will." He stated furiously. "Isnt he your friend?"

"Idorian..." I sighed "Idorian is my friend, but he is also a devil for god sakes!" I ran my fingers through my hair.

The dark haired man in the Cafe, sure was my friend.. a century or two younger to me... but he was a Devil and he sure did have his nasty tricks.

"So? Youre a Draken for plant sakes! And that too... a powerful one" Gabriel raised his tone.

"I cant drag Idorian out from there! It will only make him suspicious! My earlier actions were what led him to her the second time!" I yelled in frusturation.

"I cant go in either. I will be going against the Heaven if I do so." Gabriel sighed.

"Dont you have the power over him to cast him away?" He asked.

I scoffed "dont you get it? I cant do that! Why would I protect a human out of nowhere when I have not gotten along with them for centuries now? Wouldnt that get him suspicious?"

"Youre right.." the angel sighed.

I looked back at the Cafe and I found myself clenching my fingers into a fist. I could feel the nerves in my neck pop. I could see only red and the dark halo formed around me, swirling around like the grey clouds overhead.

I watched Gabriel step away from me from my peripheral vision. His hands inching towards the bracelet in his wrist, assuming that I'm about to attack the Angel.

"He's too close..." I snarled.

Gabriel's hands dropped from his weapon. "What?"

"Idorian... he is standing too close."

S-stop... stop t-touching me.

Her words ran through my head and the next moment I was already near the door, opening it.

The windchimes clanging, welcoming me or more like warning people of the Devil in the House.

The coffee scent invaded my nose but my eyes were glued on a certain blue ones that I found charming for some reason.

My eyes darted to the other man witha smirk on his face.

I ignored his smirk and walked right upto the counter, next to Idorian.

"Hey Boss.." he grinned at me. "Craving for coffee and bloodlust the first thing in the morning?"

I ignored him and tried to brush off the visible dark halo that humans werent capable of seeing without the vision charm.

I rolled my shoulders and scoffed "yeah. What about you?"

I watched Justice slip off to the side from my peripheral vision.

"Nah... just Coffee. Im good." He smiled. "What do you wanna order? Its on me."

I eyed the menu "Iced Americano."

"You really are something  to order that thing when its shit cold outside." Idorian muttered. "... one Iced Americano and one vanilla latte."

Justice took down the order with her head hung low and went over next to the redhead, to help her with the drinks.

Smart move..

"Lets go sit over there... yeah?" Idorian smiled and I put up a fake smile.

How long will I be able to keep up this act?

God forbid Idorian from doing something stupid that will lead me to pull his heart out from his chest... again.

I sighed.
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I really dont want to choose between this deadass and the girl..

Authors Note:

I used GOT reference here.. I know...

How many of yall watched GOT? Cause trust me... I belong to that 18% who have not watched it. Mostly.. because its age restricted and your Author is 17... haha... fml.

Anyways.. what do you think about this chapter?

By my opinion... I think this is the most diverse chapter I have wriiten and I love it. It is mellow in the beginning, intense in the middle and funny in the ending..

To those who are confused between Ian and Idorian... they are the same person, except for a Devil never reveals his true name to a human... (you have to read the previous chapters again, to understand this...)

Give me some votes  as well... I'm literally having Prepratory Examinations starting from the end of this week and Im here writing fiction than burying my head in my Biology text book.

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Oh.. and belated Merry Christmas

Anyway, have a great day ahead.

P.S: the coming update of this story and The Hybrid will be next year.. so see ya!

*smirks*

I always wanted to do that.. dont mind my weirdness.. lol.