I took back everything I ever said about Mal being good or kind. The next week was my own personal Hell. He kissed me anytime I was distracted, he woke me in mornings by groping me until I was consious enough to realize and kick him out, he came into the bathroom whenever I showered and insisted on asking a million trivial questions - the most common being "will you open the curtain?"

My only salvation was when Mal disappeared into the basement for "work" a few hours every day. I never asked what he did, something told me I didn't want to know. I was washing dishes and deep in thought when I felt his teeth graze my earlobe gently.

I tossed my sponge at him. "Go away, Mal!"

He laughed and dodged it. "Hey! Now what are you gonna wash with?"

I rolled my eyes and went over to where the sponge landed, it had slid under the table. I reached down to grab it. Shortly after I felt a pair of hands on my waist, his hips pressed against me.

"Wow, I like this position." He said teasingly.

I tried to kick him, I missed. Unfortunately, the amount he bothered me also meant he was getting better at dodging anything I did to retaliate.

"Can I have one day where you don't harass me?" I sighed, exasperated.

The phone rang suddenly.

"Put a pin in that, Angel. Actually, leave the pin in it, because the answer is no." He laughed and picked up the phone. "Hello?"

His smile suddenly vanished. He looked serious. I couldn't hear the person on the other side.

"What's up?... No, I can't today... It's complicated..." He sighed deeply. " So, I don't really have a choice do I?... Alright, bye."

Mal hung up the phone and ruffled his hair, he looked upset.

"Is everything okay?"

He wouldn't look at me. "It's fine, just... I have a 'meeting' later. I have to go out for a while. Will you be okay by yourself? It's only a few hours."

I rolled my eyes. "Hmm, do I think I can handle having a peaceful evening to myself for once? Yeah, I think I'll be fine."

He smiled a little at my sarcasm. "You know, you're a lot more fun ever since you started living here."

"I think I preferred being boring."

He laughed and took off his jacket. Then he stared taking off the rest of his clothes. I blushed.

"What are you-"

"Not sure if you remember, but I didn't exactly morph into my clothes before."

Right, if he was traveling as a giant bird I guess he didn't need them. I turned away while he undressed. I felt his hands on my waist again.

I gave a deep sigh. "Don't you have a meeting or something?"

Instead of making his usual comeback he was silent. Somehow, it worried me. He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a gentle squeeze. I felt his lips on my shoulder.

"Keep the house locked. I'll be back before dinner. Don't open the door for anyone, and if anything happens summon me. Even if you think something might happen, summon me. Okay?"

I was getting used to his constant  vulgar and inappropriate behavior, but the times he was actually caring and concerned were rare. I still felt nervous and uncomfortable whenever they happened.

"Venus?"

I nodded. He gave me another small squeeze and let go. I covered my eyes as he walked past. I waited to hear the sound of the door to know it was safe. Instead his lips touched mine.

"Mal!" I cried, blushing.

He laughed. "Stay safe, Angel."

Shortly after I heard the door close. A strong breeze came from nowhere and disappeared just as quickly. He was gone. I uncovered my eyes and gave a sigh. I didn't understand him. Gentle and concerned one moment, back to his usual self the next.

I went to lock the door. It would be nice to have some time to myself. Did I have a moment alone since I came here? Mal said he would be back before dinner, I should probably see what I was making.

After the "chicken incident" we both decided it would be better if I cooked. As a demon, Mal could magically make food appear in the fridge, so we didn't need to go to the store. He usually conjured whatever he felt like eating that day. Looked like today was roast. That would take a while, I started prepping.

At least I had something to keep me busy. The house was silent. As the sun began to set I lit some candles. Mal had never really adjusted to modern electricty, he still preferred firelight. While it was more of an inconvenience, I had to admit there was a romantic charm to it that electric lighting just didn't have.

I set the roast in the oven. It would take a few hours, so now what to do? I sat in the living room and tried reading a book. The silence seemed to surround me. This was good, right? Having time to myself. Free of harassment, free of vulgar comments, free to sit quietly and do anything I wanted without interruption.

I was bored.

But why? Had I really gotten so used to Mal? Before, some alone time would have been a blessing. A chance to do the things I needed to in peace. So why did cooking feel so unsatisfying without Mal making a stupid comment about me "rubbing meat?" Why did it feel strange to sit here and not have someone try to lick my neck or grope me?

At Sacred Heart I spent most of my time alone. I always found something to occupy me before. He had only been gone about an hour and even said he would return before dinner. Why did I feel so lonely?

Bam, bam, bam.

A knock startled me. Then panic filled me. Who was here? What did they want? I tried calming myself. Just don't answer it, there's no way to see the candlelight through the curtains, they'll think no one's home and go away.

"Venus? It's me." Mal's raspy voice called.

Already? I went to the door and unlocked it.

"I thought you said it would take a few-" I froze as I opened the door.

It wasn't Mal. A tall, thin man in a dark suit stood there. I couldn't tell why, but he looked familiar.

"Hours?" The man finished. His voice was deep and gravelly. "Yes, it will. That's why I sent him."

The man walked past me into the house. I closed the door behind him. What was going on, who was this?

"It's dark." He said. "Venus, be a dear and light the fireplace."

"H-how do-"

"I'll answer questions after we can see properly."

I had only used a lantern to help with my reading. I grabbed it and used the dim light to fumble around with the firewood. Who was this? Why was he here? And, most importantly, why was I just doing what he said without question? As the fire roared to existence I stood and turned to him.

"Who-"

Before I even finished he gestured above my head vaguely. He gazed at me, waiting. The memory came to me slowly. I turned and looked where he pointed above the fireplace. The portrait. It was him. Fear filled every inch of my body as the realization struck me. I was in the presence of the Devil.

I gasped and shrunk back against the wall. Why was he here? What was he going to do? He approached me slowly. Mal's face flashed through my mind. I fumbled with the locket. As I did the man held out his hand, reaching for me. A bright blue mist began to drift from the locket to his hand.

"I'm afraid that won't do you much good without this."

Mal's soul. It was the thing that connected him to the locket. Without it I probably couldn't contact him. I was scared. Tears came to my eyes.

The man tsked and shook his head. "Come on now, no tears. I didn't come here to hurt you, Dear."

I didn't like how he called me "dear," it reminded me too much of Father Andrew. He went to an armchair and sat himself down, looking at me. He made another vague gesture toward the couch. I stayed pressed against the wall. A slight smile broke through his usual grave face. He gave a small chuckle. Somehow, it made him seem almost friendly.

"You are a resistant one." He said. "I only want to talk, I promise. I don't think Mal would forgive me if I laid a hand on you."

I relaxed a little as he mentioned Mal's name. That was right, they were friends weren't they? Mal had said before that, despite being the Devil, he wasn't really a bad guy, that he put up a tough front. Was that what he was doing now?

I inched over to the couch, making sure not to take my eyes off of him. He looked amused as I did this. I sat down gingerly.

"Thatta girl." He said.

"Why are you here?" I said stiffly.

He looked shocked by my tone. It quickly turned to laughter.

"Goodness, what a feisty girl! No wonder he's so protective of you. You're quite a treat."

I sat there silently, arms crossed. I was still waiting for an answer. Finally, he let out a sigh and leaned back in the chair.

"I am here to talk to you, Venus." He said simply. "As I said, Mal is quite protective of you. He's made no secret of his dislike for this idea, so I sent him on a little errand today so you and I could chat."

"About what exactly?"

He shrugged. "Does it have to be something specific? Just some friendly conversation. Tell me, what are your interests?"

"Cooking, reading, and praying devoutly to my Lord that he might rid my heart of darkness and banish evil from my presence."

I meant to insult him, but this only made him smile more. "I have those same hobbies! Well, two of them anyway. I much prefer baking to cooking honestly. I just find something so satisfying in the chemistry of it all. It feels like more of a challenge. What about you?"

I was stunned. Did he just completely ignore what I had said? My mind was blank. I was in a demon's living room having a conversation with the Devil about baking.

"Obviously, you're the one who's cooking around here. Mal can barely cook instant noodles." He continued, shaking his head. "There's no way he could have created something with such a delicious smell. What are you cooking if you don't mind me asking?"

"Roast beef with root vegetables." The words came out automatically. I really had no clue what was going on right now.

"Delicious! I can't remember the last time I had a lovely woman cook for me like that." He sighed. "That boy really doesn't understand how good he has things."

An idea came to mind. Yes, this was the Devil, but it was also the "Lu" Mal spoke so fondly of. They were close friends, this could be an opportunity for me to learn more about Mal. He was always joking around, I could never have a serious discussion with him. Maybe this man could help.

"Would you like to stay for dinner, Mr.- Sir-" How exactly did you address the Devil?

He chuckled. "Please, call me Lucifer, or Lu if you prefer. Thank you, that's very generous. I'd love to!"

I smiled. He looked at me a moment before speaking again.

"I'm nobody's fool though, Venus." He said. "I know you're only asking because you have questions. So while we wait, please, ask me anything you'd like."

I don't know how I thought I could trick the Devil, but at least he was honest and helpful. I thought carefully, what did I want to know? Where should I even start?