The empty academy halls were dead silent with the exception of Wheeler’s excited babbling as boy and demon made their way towards their room, Mister Pumpernickel snoozing soundly beneath Wheeler's hat.

“That was so awesome!” Wheeler exclaimed, practically bouncing as he walked. “You seemed to always know exactly what to say and how to say it. Gosh, I wish I could be as smooth as you!”

“It’s actually pretty easy,” Mulock replied with a shrug. “You just need to learn how to read people.” He shot him a wicked smile. “Once you discover what interests someone romantically or sexually you can easily extort them.”

“Oh,” Wheeler said slowly. “Well when you word it like that it seems kinda mean.”

“That’s because it is,” Mulock said. “I’m a d--”

“I know, you’re a demon,” Wheeler interpreted. He deepened his voice, doing his best to imitate Mulock. “And demons do mean things. Get used to it kid.”

“Hey, I don’t sound like that,” Mulock snapped.

“Yes you do!” Wheeler grinned, deepening his voice once more. “I’m Mully, I like to say mean things and threaten handsome, distinguished toads--”

“Alright, I get it,” Mulock cut in. “As if I wasn’t already mocked enough for one evening.”

Wheeler’s gaze immediately softened. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he stammered. “I was just teasing. Did I upset you?”

Mulock rolled his eyes. “Of course not. I’m messing with you.” He let out a little huff, crossing his arms. “Though, I’ll admit I was a little annoyed earlier. You seemed to think I was incapable of making someone fall for me.”

Wheeler scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. “Well, you sure proved me wrong.”

“As I knew I would. Don’t underestimate me. Back when I was alive, I could seduce anyone I wanted.”

“Anyone?” Wheeler repeated with a laugh.

“That’s what I said,” the demon snapped. “Why, you find that funny?”

“It just seems like a bit of an exaggeration.” Following this statement Wheeler immediately raised his hands in the air, as if to surrender. “Not that I’m doubting your abilities. I think your technique does wonders on girls like Violet. I just don't think it would have the same effect on everyone like you claim.”

Mulock’s eyes narrowed. “Oh really? Then tell me, Wheeler, who wouldn’t it work on?”

“Well, Professor Slengeborn for one.” He cringed at the mental image. “Or the headmistress, or even me, I suppose.”

The demon scoffed at that. “You seriously think I wouldn’t be able to seduce you?”

“Uh...yeah,” Wheeler said. “I’m not really the seducible sort.”

“Oh that is bull. I definitely could.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Then prove it,” Wheeler teased, expecting the demon to back down.

What he was met with however was a sharp, “Fine,” before Mulock suddenly moved forward, pinning him in place against the wall.

The demon’s gaze raked over him. “You know what’s always bugged me about you?”

“I feel like there’s a lot of things…” Wheeler said with a laugh.

“True,” the demon replied, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “But the thing that truly drives me crazy is how innocent you pretend to be.”

“What do you mean?” Wheeler asked, his gaze locking with the demons’.

Mulock pushed closer. Wheeler went to take a step back but found his back was already pressed up against the wall.

“What I mean,” Mulock said, his voice low. “Is that I think there’s something darker beneath that sweet exterior of yours.”

“You think I’m sweet?” Wheeler gaped, his eyes growing wide.

“See, there you go again,” Mulock mused. He moved forward once more, his body brushing against Wheeler. “Giving me that doe-eyed look. But we both know that deep down...you crave something more.”

Wheeler swallowed hard, an unfamiliar flutter rising in his chest.

“What’s there to crave?” he asked slowly.

Mulock didn’t respond for a moment, simply smirking at him. And that’s when he reached forward, undoing the first button on Wheeler’s shirt. As he did, Wheeler could feel his heart take off rabbiting in his chest, warmth rising to his cheeks and up the back of his neck.

“I think there’s quite a lot, actually,” Mulock murmured, continuing to undo the buttons at a deliberate, painfully slow pace. “Has anyone ever touched you, Wheeler?” The words came so bluntly Wheeler could only stare for a moment in surprise. He opened his mouth to respond but the demon shook his head. “What I mean is, has anyone ever touched you the way you’ve really wanted?”

Wheeler hesitated but Mulock’s knowing gaze seared into him, pinning him in place.

“No,” Wheeler finally whispered, flushing profusely.

“No?” The demon repeated, arching a brow as he undid the final button, causing Wheeler’s shirt to flutter open.

“But,” Wheeler stammered, “there’s never even been someone I wanted to...to uh...well you know...”

“Is that so?” Mulock murmured. He reached forward now, slowly dragging a finger down Wheeler’s exposed chest. Despite himself, the feeling caused Wheeler to shiver, his entire body beginning to feel like it was burning up. “Well how about now?” the demon asked softly, his face only a breath from Wheelers’. “Do you still feel that way?”

Wheeler’s mind was becoming a heated blurry mess. He opened his mouth to respond but he couldn’t seem to formulate the words.

“It’s alright,” Mulock said, his voice a low whisper that practically vibrated through him. “You don’t have to say anything.” His voice had grown so gentle. “All you have to do,” he leaned closer, “is give in to me.”

Wheeler knew he shouldn’t but he slowly found himself tilting his chin up. His heart was thundering in his chest so loudly he was sure Mulock must be able to hear it.

The demon’s gaze never left his.

Their lips grew nearer, and nearer, about to touch. Wheeler’s eyes began to flutter shut, giving in to it.

And that’s when Mulock suddenly pulled back, wearing that same triumphant grin he’d displayed after his previous victory.

“See, I told you I could do it.”

“W-Wha…”  All Wheeler could do was stare back at him, a ruffled, blushing mess.

“Honestly, that was almost too easy,” the demon said, crossing his arms. “And you seriously tried to tell me you weren’t seducible.”

“Uh...um...okay wow…I guess I was wrong,” Wheeler stammered, hating how fast his heart was still pounding.

“So you have to admit it now," the demon said, the smugness practically seeping from his voice. "I won."

“Yeah,” Wheeler said, swallowing hard, “you won.”

“And that’s why,” Mulock continued with a smirk, “you should never underestimate a demon.” With those words he slipped into the room, slamming the door in Wheeler’s face.

Wheeler stood in stunned silence for a moment before the realization suddenly hit him.

“Wha...hey! This is my room too!” he yelled. “You realize you just ruined that smooth exit because now I’m going to have to just awkwardly walk in after you.”

“Doesn’t make it any less smooth,” Mulock called from behind the door.

“I don’t know,” Wheeler called back, “I feel like it kind of kills the vibe you had going.”

“Whatever. Don’t care.”

Ah, a classic Mulock response.

Sometimes that demon could be such a jerk.

Wheeler fumbled to re-button his shirt, smoothing down the rumpled fabric. Following this, he took a deep breath, trying his best to collect himself before finally slipping back into their shared room.

That night Wheeler dreamt of fingers trailing down his chest and a pair of glowing purple eyes in the darkness.