It was a beautiful morning, and Anate loved the sunlight pouring into the stained glass windows. Eventually, the last prayer was said, and Anate stood. As always, he made his donation and got in line on the steps, shaking Pastor Banfield’s hand, thanking him and offering to come in Wednesday for the weekly charity.

A soft smile danced on the boy’s pink lips as he moved down the stairs, glancing about before crossing the street, waving to a stopped car. He wore a suit, though it wasn’t high class. His Sunday best sadly, wasn’t at all good. The grey however, seemed to make his bright blue eyes pop out under his wind ruffled chin length blond locks.

After church, it was always a few blocks walk to his favorite Starbucks. Inside, it was a tall mocha frapachino, then his seat next to the window. He sipped it, smiling as he watched the people pass by. It was always nice to see them, however, it always made guilt chew him up.

Anate had a huge secret. He couldn’t be in a relationship with a woman, didn’t like them at all. It was always the men he found his eyes straying to, though he felt it was wrong. Like now…

His blue eyes hooked unto a rather tall man passing by. Unnoticed by himself, Anate’s tongue slipped out, running over his lips quickly, before he lifted his cup, taking another sip and forcing his eyes back to the table.

Narcissus swept into the coffee shop with a scowl darkening his pale face. He'd been up all night dancing at a club a few blocks away (he couldn't even remember the name of it now) trying to get buzzed on weak human liquor, and the dark circles under his eyes were proof. He had been hoping to find at least one pure soul--one was all he needed; he was so close!--but like the night before, and the night before THAT, his search was in vain. He had long suspected that pure souls no longer existed in the world of Men, but it wasn't until recently that he had really begun to fear that it was true.

And now, to make his night complete, his head was splitting with an excruciating migraine.

He strode purposefully to the coffee vendor's proprietress and squinted at the menu.

"Venti Cappuccino, six shots of espresso," he ordered in a rich, demanding tone. As she moved to fix his drink, Narcissus crossed his arms over his chest and gazed around at the coffee shop's patrons with boredom. His thin black coat was draped loosely over his bare chest (somehow he'd left his shirt at the club) and he was starting to feel the city's chill creep into his bones.

For a moment he was convinced that the lot of the patrons seated around him were the same boring, contemptible scum he'd seen in all Men during his twelve lifetimes, but his eyes suddenly caught hold of a young man seated by a window. He only caught a flash of blue from his eyes before they fixed themselves on the table in front of him, but Narcissus felt a strange sense of curiosity about the young man.

As soon as the woman behind the counter was finished, he grabbed his drink and approached the small table.

"May I sit?" he asked, glancing smoothly around the crowded shop before turning his piercing eyes on the young man once again. "I can't seem to find a seat anywhere."

(…You’re amazing! Now I feel so shy and inadequate!)

Anate had resumed his normal schedule, when a voice interrupted his thoughts. His head snapped up right away, and he blinked. It was the tall male he’d been eying a moment ago. In an attempt to keep his feelings at bay, the male usually avoided any encounters with someone he did find attractive.

Apparently, God thought to torment and test him today. Unable to stop a blush from creeping over his pale face, a habit he sincerely hated, Anate gave the other a tiny nod, evaluating him a bit more. The man looked tired…and…where was his shirt?

His blush deepened and Anate gave a nervous cough. His hair had a habit of dangling in his eyes, as it was doing now, so Anate pushed them away quickly. He spoke calmly, though it felt like his heart was fluttering. “Yes…it’s usually crowded at this time. There are three churches within a few blocks from here…they all have an early Sunday service, and let out around this time. It’s always nice to get some coffee and relax after church.” He hesitated: This man didn’t seem like a church goer by far. “Um…The first Baptist Church is the one I go to, just three blocks west…you could come sometime. It’s very nice…” His voice faltered slightly, and his eyes darted to the window, peering out once again.

There was something about the newcomer. Something slightly unsettling, but also inviting at the same time, making Anate’s mind plunge into various sinful acts. He was handsome, though there was something that made Anate want to bolt as well. Nervous once again, Anate’s slender hand lifted to his neck, to the silver chain and ornate tiny crucifix he always wore, twisting it. “I’m Anate Le’Arc…what’s your name?”

((What?? I was just trying really hard 'cause yours was really good...))

Narcissus smiled very slightly when he saw the blush rising the young man's cheeks, and he lowered himself into the seat across from Anate. He was used to being the object of Men's desire, and normally found it boring and irritating, but somehow this young man's attention was very pleasing. There were a lot of fun things he would like to do with this boy...

He was so caught up in his lustful thoughts that it took Narcissus a moment to realize what Anate was talking about. Although he was very careful to keep his features as elegantly smooth as possible, he was shocked. A churchgoer? Could this young, beautiful man also be a pure soul? It seemed too good to be true.

“I’m Anate Le’Arc…what’s your name?”

Narcissus repeated the name to himself silently. Anate Le'Arc... It was very unique. He hadn't heard many like it.

"My name is Aleksandr," Narcissus replied. As soon as the words were out of his mouth he regretted them; he didn't know why, but something inside of him desperately wanted to be honest with Anate, even if only about his name. But he knew that would be a very dangerous mistake; if he told Anate his true name, it would give the human power over him that Narcissus wasn't willing to relinquish.

He took a long, slow sip of his coffee.

"I'm afraid I'm not very well-liked in most churches," he said with a slight smile. "I tend to have a hard time." It was true; being in churches was very painful for demons like Narcissus. "But you seem to be quite involved. Are you very devout?"

( -snorts- )

What a strange name… Anate found himself thinking. “Would you mind if I called you Alek? Sounds a tad easier…” He found himself nodding to the next question. “Very much so. He’s our savior…who wouldn’t wish to worship Him? I’m sure you’d have no problem at our church. I know some can be overbearing and judgmental and stuff…”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Anate was digging into his pocket. He tugged out a card, holding it out for the demon. “Here…” The rest of what he’d planned to say was lost as his eyes met the other male’s. Something lurched inside Anate, once again, the urge to run rising. Though it was combated by an urge to lean forward and kiss the male. Lord, help me stay strong… He prayed silently, even as his eyes ran over the exposed flesh. “U-um…if it’s just the church setting you don’t like, I’d be more than happy to…to…to…” Pray…not play, pray! His mind screamed at him. “Pl-ray. With you. Outside of church.” The blond boy finally stated, flushing once more, tearing his eyes away, feeling his cheeks heat up once again.

Narcissus couldn't keep the edges of his mouth from rising, deepening his dark smile. He didn't often think this of humans, but this boy was...very cute.

"Yes, Alek is just fine."

He reached across the table, never taking his eyes from Anate's, and took the card from him, making sure to "accidentally" sweep his slender fingers over Anate's hand as he did so. He didn't let his touch linger, though; he knew that if he came on too strong the young man would likely find some excuse to flee. Instead, he studied the card carefully for a moment without speaking.

Finally, he turned his dark gaze up to Anate's face again.

"You would do that for me?" he asked, raising a skeptical brow. "But you don't even know me. I could be very dangerous, you know."

Anate was staring awkwardly at his hand when Alek spoke again. “Oh-huh?” His head jerked up, and his hand curled around his cup gently. “If you are.” He stated seriously, “Then that is all the more reason to help you. Everyone can be Saved, and everyone deserves the chance.” It had been drilled into him from a young age. “Of course I would help.”

Maybe that’s why God had sent the other his way. Not only could he help Alek reach the Lord, but Alek could help him fight these sinful impulses…though it would mean confiding in the taller male, and certainly wouldn’t come anytime soon. “Would you like to do that, then? We could study some scriptures from the Bible, confess our sins, and repent together…”

Narcissus listened to the small human with a sense of disbelief. Anate didn't seem at all put off by his remark, or at all hesitant to spend time with him. Was it some sort of act, or was he really as naive as he appeared?

He thought the proposition over as quickly as he could, trying to weigh the situation carefully in his mind. Churches, the Bible, prayer...all of those things were painful and made him uneasy. But on the other hand, his hundredth pure soul was sitting right in front of him, asking to be taken in. There really wasn't a choice when he thought about it.

"Alright," he said finally, his tone a little doubtful. "If you truly think I can be Saved..."

Narcissus quickly scanned the coffee shop before turning his gaze to Anate's pure blue eyes once again. "Where shall we do it? I don't feel comfortable in churches, I've already told you that, but this shop seems a little crowded. I think we should go somewhere more...intimate."

Anate’s mouth dropped, though it was closed quickly. God was truly testing him. He stood quickly, then, avoiding looking at Alek. “Um…yes, you’re right. Communing with God is a private matter. I doubt a crowded coffee shop is the best place…You were, uhm, wanting to go now? I hadn’t really thought of a place…” He was iffy about bringing the man into his home, though if it was for God, how could he say no?

“My…apartment is just a few blocks away, if you’d like to go there. I have some extra bibles, as well…And don’t talk like that. Everyone can be saved, as long as you are truly repentant…” Anate shifted on his feet, his delicious drink in his hands. He sipped the straw happily. Sooo chocolately. He wondered vaguely what kind of drink Alek had selected. Would his mouth tas-Nuuu. Bad Anate! Forgive me, Lord. He frowned, and bit down on the straw.

((hahaha, I love Anate already))

Narcissus watched Anate stand, running his eyes over the slender frame of the young man's body. He was so youthful, with such a delicate, almost feminine physique...the demon could almost feel his mouth watering as he tried to imagine what his skin and mouth and...other parts...tasted like.

“My…apartment is just a few blocks away, if you’d like to go there. I have some extra bibles, as well…And don’t talk like that. Everyone can be saved, as long as you are truly repentant…”

Inwardly, Narcissus smiled. Well, that would be his problem; he wouldn't be saved, because he wasn't repentant at all. He didn't see anything wrong with his attraction to this interesting human boy.

"I don't want to impose," he said, moving to stand a little closer to Anate. Through the bitter coffee fumes that permeated the shop, he caught a vague whiff of the human's scent, so rich and pure it was almost intoxicating.

"We can go someplace a little more...neutral, if it would make you more comfortable," he added, picking his own cup up off the table. He'd almost forgotten it, so excited he was to get this boy alone and all to himself.

The male glanced up from his cup, almost dropping it, his blue eyes wide. Alek was so close…Anate’s eyes drifted to the male’s lips, before his head jerked away. Despite the attraction, something was still whispering in his mind, telling him to run far away. That Alek was bad…that Alek wanted to hurt him.

Anate shrugged the feeling off, though couldn’t help but shudder and step away, putting distance between their bodies. “I…I wouldn’t have offered if I wasn’t trusting you. It’s up to you. Where would you like to go?”

A flash of anger struck Narcissus when Anate shuddered, and his irritation grew when the young man stepped away. Perhaps it had been longer than he thought since anyone had been able to resist him; he had expected this to be challenging, but he hadn't realized his presence could produce such repulsion. Was this boy really so spiritually sensitive? Or was it something else?

Whatever the case, Narcissus's determination had been cemented.

"Well, as I said, I don't want to impose," he told Anate as he began making his way to the door. "Why don't we go to my place? If you're going to save my soul, I suppose the least I can do is host."

”Alright.” Anate nodded, following after Alek. He didn’t seem to notice the taller male’s irritation, instead quoting from the Scripture various times as they walked, and asking random questions.

The only time he moved away again, was when his swinging hand accidentally brushed the demon’s. Just as last time, he blushed brightly, and stared at his hand for a moment. “So…uhm, where is your place, Alek? Do you live alone?” He was nervous, worried about how bad Alek could actually be. But, his Faith would help protect him, surely, if the strange male turned out to be truly bad. “I do, though here that’s pretty expensive, huh?” He continued to babble, even while his mind was racing.

A hot, electrifying jolt seemed to run through Narcissus's hand as Anate's fingers brushed against it. But again, he noticed the human moving away from him. His scent grew stronger as they drew closer and closer to the door, filling the demon's head pleasantly.

"It isn't very far. Only about five minutes' drive. I...hadn't noticed the price, actually." As he spoke, he opened the door and the cold outside air hit him. It was warm enough in the coffee shop, and he had been paying so much attention to Anate, that he'd forgotten how thin his coat was and how bare his chest. For a human the chill might not have been quite as noticeable, but to Narcissus it was agonizing.

"I hate how cold it is here," he muttered, wrapping his coat more tightly around himself as he held the door open for Anate.

”Cold?” Anate asked, puzzled. Sure, it was a bit nippy, but not by any means cold. “I guess you aren’t from here, then? Somewhere…south? Where it’s warmer?” The male questioned presentably, and raised an eyebrow. Cars in the city were expensive, and besides his Pastor, he didn’t know anyone who owned one here.

He didn’t voice this, however, simply throwing Alek a questioning glance., Once again, he was struck by how handsome Alek was. Well, better now than never. They didn’t need to wait until all the way at the other boy’s apartment to begin confessing, and perhaps if he stated his problem, Alek would help, and make a special effort to put space between them.

“Well, uhm…” It was something he hadn’t vocalized: his attractions. It was actually surprisingly easy to do, once he lowered his voice so passing people couldn’t here. “And, like I was saying before. Everyone can be saved. I…I sin too, though I try not to. I…” He flushed brightly, but continued. “I don’t like girls. I can’t seem to help it, but I am trying and praying everyday for God to help me overcome this.” The male coughed nervously, “I, uhm, just thought you should know, because you are…are uhm…nice…looking. So, I thought maybe you could help me with this, while I help you. We can help each other!” Anate beamed, like he’d broken a world record. For him, this had been a big step. Hopefully, Alek would understand.

For a moment Narcissus was too stunned to respond. His mind had been whirling with schemes and machinations to broach the subject of sexual attraction with Anate, and before he was able to come up with one his prey had practically pounced into his lap. It was so perfect he was beginning to wonder if Anate's innocence was some kind of deceptive mask.

He stepped away from the boy, just slightly, and turned to face the sidewalk.

"Alright," was all he said. And then, after a moment's pause, "I've changed my mind. We should go to your place. Which way?"

In his pockets, his hands were trembling. He was aware that he probably looked pissed off, but that was nothing new; his demeanor always changed like this when he was so intensely attracted to someone. His impulses were getting harder and harder to control. He was willing to take the risk that he was being in some way deceived by this boy, but he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep his thoughts and hands to himself. He wanted to be alone with Anate as soon as possible.

The human froze for a moment, staring at Alek awkwardly. He looked downright mad. It was one of the reasons Anate had been terrified to tell anyone, he was afraid of their reaction.

“O-okay…” He muttered softly, feeling himself sink. He began walking to his place silently. Every few steps, his blue eyes would lift from the sidewalk to peer at Alek. Eventually, he muttered quietly, “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to gross you out. I…I know it’s wrong. I’m asking God for help everyday.”

His apartment was an alright building, though it was clearly nothing special. Inside, it was a short walk up to a flight of stairs, to a rather shabby looking door. Anate tugged keys out of his pockets, inserting one into the lock with a shaky hand. He stepped inside a moment later, holding the door open for Alek. The apartment was cluttered, mostly with books. Everywhere you looked, however, there was something depicting either Jesus or a scene from the Bible. Anate shifted awkwardly, once again turning his eyes to Alek, almost as if waiting for approval, or forgiveness.

Narcissus followed only a step or two behind Anate, silently. He could feel those blue eyes darting up to his face, and every time they did his heart seemed to send fresh waves of fire pouring over his body.

At least the cold wasn't a problem anymore.

When they reached Anate's apartment building Narcissus found himself oddly curious. The building and the apartment themselves were, to him, horrifyingly small and ill-maintained, and he was fascinated that Anate lived in such a place. All of the effigies around the space seemed to be glinting with blinding flashes of pure white light, stabbing at his migraine, but with Anate so close by the pain was easy to ignore.

"So this is where you live."Narcissus gazed around the apartment, being careful to make sure the door was safely closed behind them before turning to his prey. "Were you being honest? About what you told me out there in the street?" His eyes were narrow, dark in their intensity.

Anate nodded enthusiastically at the remark, though the question made him look to Alek oddly. “Y-yes. I…I’m gay. I don’t want to be, but I can’t seem to stop. His face flushed once more, and he stared at the ground for a moment.

He glanced up then, and stepped forward, towards a sagging sofa. No, the place wasn’t the greatest, but it was his. He worked hard for all of this. He lifted a well used Bible up, and glanced backwards. “Have you read any of it, yet? If not…then, I guess we should start at the beginning…Alek…w-why do you keep looking at me like that?” The feeling was back, something twisting in his gut, telling him to run away.

Anate hesitated, and glanced around. He dropped the Bible then, something he would never do under normal circumstances, attempting to bolt around Alek, get to the door and out unto the street. He wasn’t sure what was going on, or why exactly he felt so horrible about the male, but he couldn’t fight the impulse any longer. He needed to get away, even if it meant leaving this man alone in his apartment…

((TIME PASSES ))

Narcissus's head was drifting, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness when Anate spoke. Grudgingly pulling his eyes open, his mind finally registered the young man's words. He glanced down and wordlessly granted Anate his request, slow and careful in his movements. A slight chill suddenly seemed to be permeating the apartment; Narcissus hadn't removed his coat, but the fabric was thin and soaked with sweat, which was quickly becoming cooler against his skin.

He turned onto his side and pulled Anate closer to him, letting out a long, contented sigh when he felt the young man's body heat pressing against him. Anate's scent was stronger than ever here and as he lay in the soft bed Narcissus felt himself drifting off again.

Lying here...next to Anate...the lovely scent filling him, feeling the human's body so close to his...he felt as though he could sleep forever.

Anate whimpered softly as the demon moved off of him, shifting to lay next to him. His arms wrapped around the human, and tugged him close. Anate laid still, biting his lip, until he was fairly certain Narcissus was fast asleep.

The blue eyes glanced fearfully over his shoulder, staring at the handsome face for a moment. Why him? He wanted to yell and scream, and beat the demon that had done this to him. His stomach twisted at a new thought. You wanted it… A voice sneered inside him. Anate choked back another sob, and wiggled experimentally. Maybe, in his sleep, the male would let go of him…

Floating peacefully between sleep and consciousness, Narcissus was once again pulled into the waking world by the movement in his arms. Inwardly he sighed; he just wanted to fall asleep for a few hours, with Anate in his arms. He was exhausted and beginning to feel the affects of his sleepless night at the clubs. He had to remind himself that it was still daytime, early for most people.

"Are you trying to go somewhere?" he murmured drowsily, withdrawing the arm that had been curled over Anate's body. He still had one arm resting beneath the human, and with it tangled his fingers in Anate's, moving them gently, stroking his digits. For the moment there was nothing sexual about the movements; Narcissus felt positively sedate, satisfied with his previous feeding.

Anate continued to puzzle him. His body was obviously exhausted. Like Narcissus, he must have been craving sleep. The demon didn't understand why he continuously insisted on doing things that he didn't want to...and not doing things that he did.

The human froze at the voice filling the air, and stared sadly at the figers stroking his own. Eventually, a lie came to him. And, surely he’d be forgiven for lying to get away.

He slipped eagerly of the bed, practically ripping his hand on of Narcissus’s. “I need to go to the bathroom…” He lied, inching away. He tossed a fearful glance to the bed, before tugging on pants and a shirt. If Narcissus didn’t notice what he was doing, he could get away, get to the church. Call the police, talk to the pastor, get forgiven.

He winced as he moved…his body ached. The results of his own desire were drying on his chest, making his face redden with shame again. Not just shame of what he’d done, but also what he wanted now. He wanted to curl up with his rapist, cuddle him and kiss him. Wanted to lay there and sleep. After another glance to the bed, Anate bit his lip, making his way to the door.

Narcissus watched the human with slightly narrowed eyes. It was hard to believe that the young man really expected the demon to be fooled so easily; even if it hadn't been a terrible lie, and even if Anate had managed to act the part convincingly, those wide blue eyes were simply too honest.

Inwardly, he sighed; he had thought that Anate might settle down a little after everything Narcissus had done for him--he had thought that perhaps the young man could be trusted. But clearly he was going to have to keep a closer watch on his prey.

When he was sure that Anate's back was turned he fastened his pants and rose, as silently as he could, shrugging his coat off and letting it fall to the floor. It didn't take more than a few long, silent strides to bring him to the human, who was only able to get the door open a few inches before Narcissus reached around him, seizing the hand that was on the knob, and slamming it shut again. He wrapped his other arm around Anate's shoulders and pulled him back against his bare chest.

"You're starting to piss me off," he murmured, digging his nails into the back of Anate's hand. "I thought you were a pure soul, but you're not, are you? You're just a deceitful little slut." He watched Anate out of the corner of his eye, curious to see how the young man would respond to the accusation. His voice grew stronger, colder as he continued. "Bringing me back here, begging for me--and now what? Where are you going to go? To the police? Are you going to tell them that you screamed for it? Or are you going to lie about that, too? Tell them that I took something without your permission?"

Anate’s hand was on the door , and he had it open, when it was slammed suddenly, and Narcissus’s hand was on his, the arm wrapped around his body. The human was tugged backwards, into Narcissus’s chest. Was it just because of went on a moment ago, or was the man hotter than normal?

Then, the other was speaking, and Anate’s head moved, looking over his shoulder. Not a pure soul? Decietful…slut… A sob tore from Anate, and he lowered his head. Narcissus was right. God wouldn’t forgive him for this…he’d wanted everything Narcissus had done. And still wanted more. After a few moment of Anate standing and trembling, his hand lowered from the door. Clearly, he hadn’t fooled the man at all with his lie. May as well come clean.

“I thought, maybe, if I went now, I could still be saved. M-my church…it’s always open. P-please, it’s not far…just let me go there?” He begged after a moment, then winced, as if fearing the man would strike him.