“That was beautiful.”<br/><br/>Long ears perked up and Ruin sniffed turning his away from Ichabod, a tad embarrassed at the compliment. “T’was nothing.” He scratched at his nose, a bashful habit, before clearing his voice again to ask about their plans of escape distractedly. The answer which he received was nothing short of jaw-dropping. The daemon sighed placing his palm over non-existent eyes in exasperation. Irritation flooding his nerves at the carefree attitude of this man! Who could make it through life like this?! Bearing no responsibilities?<span style="font-style: italic">A coward, that’s who!</span>His mind growled.<br/><br/>It was quiet for a short few moments. The subtle crackling of the spell barrier and their breaths were the only sounds filling this darkened hallow. Ruin stretched his body out languidly on the cold floor with a grunt. A propped elbow kept his face afloat while the other hand fiddled with his blindfold in thought. He was about to say something snarky and cold to the human when Ichabod apologized with heavy heart. Taken aback with surprise he could not find it in himself to reply at first. Even when Ichabod desperately tried to find hope in such a grim situation did he hold his tongue… It was when the deer’s meat, more than his equal amount, was placed into his hand that Ruin found his words. They were crass but somehow still held comforting meaning.<br/><br/>“I am an ancient race of magical being whom can snap your neck with my bare hands -- despite all the wards and disabilities, Ichabod! I do not need you to be gentle with me like I’m a babe.” Taking a large chunk of the meat Ruin chewed at lethargic pace. Allowing the words to sink in. Hands then took Ichabod’s share and placed it back at the human’s side. “But I will not tell you to<span style="font-style: italic">not</span>dwell on your idiocy. I have to follow you around after all, so making smarter decisions would benefit us both.”<br/><br/>Resting his head on the crook of his arm after filling his belly, Ruin tried to fall asleep. Fear no longer plagued him, no, now only thoughts of why he was being so kind to a fool bothered him.<span style="font-style: italic">’How perturbing.’</span>A toothy yawn escaped the demon and soon he was lost in dreams. Sparkling fountain waters and the laughter of young children prancing about a market filled the air. Fingers intertwined with a lovers and his heart fluttered in nervous jubilation. Ruin turned expecting to see his old fiery lover there but instead a blonde man stood wearing a soft smile. Recoiling from the stranger Ruin stepped back and the blonde frowned, “Where are you going Ichabod? Come with me.”<br/><br/>“I am not the human!”<br/><br/>Ruin barked, suddenly feeling guilt at having yelled at the blonde man and the intense need to enter his embrace. Shaking his black mane the demon roared in Ichabod’s voice that made his throat burn with a choking sensation and ears sting. That was when he awoke from his dream with a start. Feet flying underneath him as the one truly screaming was Ichabod! His runes flaring with hot intensity at his Master’s pain. The barrier’s magic creaked in a power struggle. Leaping forward towards the human’s frantic calls to a man named ‘Sebastian’ Ruin intertwined his arms around a slender waist. “RELEASE HIM FOUL SPIRIT!” Ruin bellowed in ancient tongue and the spirit wailed back with an unearthly sound. The tug of war with Ichabod was intense but with a fevered and enraged pull against the phantasm did Ruin win. The two men fell backwards, landing on Ruin’s bum and Ichabod’s body prone against him.<br/><br/>Rabid emotions of sorrow and fear consumed Ruin through his link with his Master. A sense of protective need filled him in the rush and a strong hand pulled the shaking man down into his warm chest. Between gasps Ruin spoke each word. “You. Are. An. Idiot!” Releasing an unsteady burst of air Ruin ruffled the human’s hair. It was surprisingly thick and a tad long. He sat up to remove Ichabod from his being when the runes had calmed some -- but the scent of copper penetrated his nose. His stomach even had the nerve to growl at the sickly sweet scent.<br/><br/>“You’re injured… Well, at least it wasn’t a Wraith. It’d have just sucked the life out of you leaving your body a husk. You stupid fool. Hold still so I can disinfect it.”<br/><br/>Ruin leaned down, pulling Ichabod’s arm up to his mouth. His long tongue ran over the wounds and sharp teeth gently scraped over the skin as he explored the surface for injuries. A sound escaped Ichabod that stirred the demon’s loins just for a second before removing his blood stained lips and spoke huskily. “Wrap that up, I won’t heal it as punishment for being the fool again.” Standing on powerful legs Ruin gripped Ichabod’s shoulder and helped him to his feet like he was a ragdoll. Ears listened to the man’s unsteady feet approach his pack and bedroll.<br/><br/>“Urgh!”<br/><br/>Ruin snorted scratching at his hair. The rune link of emotions was fluttering with turmoil that reminded him of his own. Feet carried him across the stone floor and a broad back pressed against Ichabod’s on the bedroll. The weak light of the barrier shimmered on the two like the night sky. “So… Sebastian?”