Let's get this started

Saige shrugged softly, "I'm not needed .. I'm a spare," they said, feeling like if they had nothing to offer, then they weren't needed for the other part to live their life. It was a twisted thought, they knew that, but it had been beaten into them. You're a waste of space; who would ever need you? They trembled, closing their eyes as the daemon just helped them with the tears. Was it bad that they just wanted him to touch their cheek for a little longer? They felt guilty, but the question made them open their eyes, clear panic in their eyes. They started shivering. "I .. I would understand," they whispered, looking down, releasing the grip they had on the daemon's shirt. Of course they knew they were kidding themselves. They were an item, a possession for the daemon that could be discarded whenever he so pleased. "Cause I don't even understand why you see any need in me to begin with," an admittance that maybe the daemon didn't like hearing. Releasing the shirt completely, they just laid there, feeling their body a little hollow. "My only use is my powers .. but if you have no need for them, then you have no need for me either," they said. Repeat it - tell me how much of an idiot you are. Do you really think anyone could ever need you if it wasn't for your powers? You're useless. Shivering slightly, they just kept their eyes closed. "I'm sorry if I disappointed you."

The question of what they saw themselves as was a hard one to answer. Maybe it would've been easier to answer why they felt so safe in the daemon's arms despite what had happened. "I'm only good on the outside," they said, with so much conviction that it was safe to say it was something they deemed true. They knew it was hard to believe, that they could put so much effort into their looks, into their personality and how they acted. But it was almost like a shield to protect themselves. If they were well liked, both in appearance and in behavior, then maybe someone would one day drag them out of the dark room. It wasn't a big hope they had, but they did definitely hope it, even if it was buried deep down. "On the inside I'm rotten," looking to the daemon, they still felt so weird that the daemon didn't find it necessary to have apologies. "I suppose your darkness is on the outside and my darkness is on the inside," quite the match they were, huh? Callan appeared strong and harsh, but he had a kindness to him that they hadn't met before. Saige appeared timid and sweet, but they knew inside of them lurked something very dark.

The warning made them look down. They had crossed the line, hadn't they? Callan sat up and instinctually they reached out, but the hiss made them recoil, hurt in their eyes as the daemon moved away and left them in the room. Were they supposed to stay there? They got up, carefully moving out towards the kitchen, looking at the daemon that was struggling to stay up on his own. Why wouldn't he let them touch him all of a sudden? They hid behind the doorway a little, just looking at Callan, wondering if he would snap at them again. But then it wasn't like the seraph could blame him. They seemed to be polar opposites. Neither of them wanting to acknowledge that there was a good side to them too. Were they just destined to suffer in the same vicinity? They had felt so safe in his arms, and as always they had ruined it for themselves. "Why am I not allowed to apologize or worry about you?" They just had to ask. Was it because he found it repulsive? Or perhaps infuriating? Either way, it seemed as if the daemon had lost his affection - or whatever it was - for them.

Why? Well it wasn't because of pity. Rather it just felt like something deep down was telling them to. They worried about everyone it seemed, everyone but themselves at times. They were signaled to come closer, and frankly they weren't sure if they could deny him, especially not when he looked this hurt. Walking over, they felt the gentle touch as the daemon moved some hair out of their face. Everything made sense, at least all but the thing about worrying. "You're not weak," they simply said, no in fact he was so strong for even standing up right now. But it didn't change that they worried for him. "It's in my nature to worry," would he truly say that the seraph had to go against their nature?
Their face was cupped, and while it felt good, they also didn't want to strain him any longer. At least the urge from the daemon was nice, but as they realized what he had said they couldn't help but blush a little, looking down as they nodded. They took his hand, hoping that he could at least get back to the bed with a bit of help from the seraph's powers. Saige crawled up first, a little nervous as they adjusted the duvet, letting the daemon lay down with them. If he did, the seraph would this time around embrace the daemon, holding him close to their chest to let him feel that he wasn't alone anymore. That he could relax and maybe get to sleep this off.
If the daemon did, Saige wasn't sure what they were supposed to be doing, but somehow they managed to fall asleep. It was strange. Never had they really been able to sleep in the same bed as another person.

When they finally woke up they felt a bit disoriented. The fabric they were wearing had been gnawing into their skin and frankly it just wasn't comfortable anymore. Sitting up they tried to adjust their clothes, looking back to see if the daemon was asleep still or had perhaps left the bed. If he had left they weren't sure how to feel, but if he was there they would reach down, carefully touching his face. It wasn't something crazy, just studying his features with a few gentle fingers. Curiosity could be a dangerous thing, and they doubted that Callan would enjoy how he was being touched so gently. He never seemed to allow himself anything either.
But one thing was in their mind, leaning down, they carefully placed their lips against his forehead. It wasn't truly a kiss, nor was it not not a kiss. Leaning away they got out of bed, mostly because they felt like they needed a bath and a chance to calm down all of the emotions they had gone through the day prior. Out in the bathroom they turned on the faucet, preparing a nice and steamy bath as they looked at themselves in the mirror. Their makeup was smudged, but the steam would help remove it soon enough.
Getting undressed they wondered if perhaps the daemon could allow them to buy some clothes online. That way they didn't have to leave the house, and perhaps feel a bit more comfortable. They would have to ask when the daemon got up, and only if he was in a good mood. Getting into the bath they sighed, their aching muscles relaxing as they just tried to clear their head.

Saige returned as soon as they had gotten dressed, moving over to sit on the side of the bed, just sorta waiting for the daemon to wake up. Frankly they weren't sure what to say or do, but they couldn't help but look at him. He was rather handsome, wasn't he? Strong built and the dark hair and beard really suited him. Of course they were kidding themselves. The daemon could wish to have their body, but he had always shied away from it. But why were they thinking about that now!? They felt their cheeks heat up, hopefully being able to excuse it away from the hot bath. The daemon woke up, but not without moving about a little. Saige of course just kept sitting there, unsure if they were meant to leave the room. Had yesterday just been the daemon wanting them close simply because no-one else was available? Yeah, it had to be that.
"Good morning," they said a little carefully, looking down at their hands. They weren't really sure what sort of mood the daemon would be in today. Callan was always so cold in that sense, distant you might've called it. And other times, like last night, he could explode with emotions. The seraph sat there, almost as if they were awaiting some sort of order, and they sorta did. "Is there anything you want me to do?" Finally looking towards the eyes of the daemon that could be both gentle and cruel, wondering what it would be today.

Nothing he wanted them to do. They just remained seated, though turned their head to look at him finding clothes, however looking away if he started changing. The last thing he needed was perhaps to be stared at. The suggestion made them frown a little, mostly because they couldn't recall a time where they could simply do whatever they wanted. It was a new thing, and they grabbed on to the bottom of their makeshift dress. "I could .. really need some clothes that really fit me," they said, but when they thought about it they didn't really have any money. Most of what they had had on their savings was gone, used on books and tutoring, which had helped their education, but not much else. Swallowing they were unsure if they could even ask for money, even as a loan it seemed strange. Could someone without ownership of themselves even borrow from someone else? They weren't sure what the rules were. "Is there a way I could earn some money? To get just a few items to wear?" It was rather genuine and certainly stating that they weren't just taking any handouts. No, they were not a freeloader, and even if Callan treated them well, they didn't have to think about more expenses. "It wouldn't be much .. there's quite a few thrift stores in town, and with a needle and a thread I could make most things fit me," and while they really loved some specific brands, they weren't necessary in their survival.

Saige shrugged. Whichever the daemon would allow, they guessed. Either way one wouldn't exclude the other with a bit of creativity. Hearing that they could do some of the errands almost made them perk up, looking to the daemon quite surprised. Did he trust them that much? Of course the seraph knew that they couldn't run, but it also felt like they were bestowed some sort of freedom in that sense. The question however made them frown a little confused. If they had to choose? The daemon seemed to offer so much today, and it was almost a bit overwhelming.
Once the daemon returned after feeding, they would sort of have an answer. Fiddling a bit with their fingers they finally looked up to Callan. "House chores like cleaning and washing clothes is something I'm pretty good at," they admitted. However had Callan even noticed when Saige had kept things nice and tidy? Maybe not. "And I really liked healing people like I did back at the Garden," was that a silly thing to mention? Perhaps not seeing as they clearly liked being there for anyone hurt really. "But whatever you ask of me I'll do," making it clear that Callan of course was in control here. Not that it looked like they doubted that at all.

Take control over their own life? Well wasn't that the exact opposite of being owned? He wasnt quite sure what to say, but they at least knew that Callan wasn't the type to fool around with him like that. The question made them look down, clearly considering everything. And if this was a test. But so far they didn't see a reason to doubt his intentions. "I want to help you with those errands," they made up their mind, getting up from the bed and walking a little closer. They looked up at the daemon, "and I want to buy some clothes that fit me better." They cheeks turned slightly pink, looking down as the urge to apologise came upon him, but they didn't wish to anger the daemon now. He was granting them a small amount of freedom when he hadn't been obliged to do so. "If you would please write a list of the errands you need handling, I can take it upon myself to keep track of it all," they looked up once more, a bit more determined it seemed. But perhaps most of that stemmed from the want and need to be useful. But then again, they didn't understand why the daemon found taking control of themselves was worthy of any payment. However it wasn't for the seraph to decide.

Looking the list over, they hummed as he explained to them that not all of it perhaps fitted their own interests. And they could see why, as the Garden was listed. That was not a place they ever wished to enter ever again. Gideon knew where that place was, and just thinking about that made them tremble a little, though hopefully it wasn't too noticeable. They looked up to Callan before nodding, "Should we get going then?" They knew the daemon was a busy man, and they hadn't been blind to the fact that he had checked his watch every so often. No, you would've had to be blind not to see that. They went out, putting on some shoes before they stopped. They realized they didn't have a jacket, returning a little fast to their room to get the sweater and pull it over their head. It wasn't a jacket, but it would keep them warm enough for the time being. Returning to Callan they followed him out into the car, getting in on the passenger's seat, buckling themselves in for a safe ride. Not that they didn't trust the daemon's driving skills, rather it was for their own peace of mind.
They stopped at a few different places at first, some that Saige chose to join some where they simply stayed out in the car. It wasn't that they really had any say in all of this, but seeing the violence and the threatening wasn't good for their mental health. For some reason they could just imagine themselves in that position, and remembering that not long ago they had been dragged into this sorta life. The visit with the garden went alright, at least staying in the car they scooted down, almost laying down even though the windows were tinted. It was just uncomfortable to know that Gideon could be around. Closing their eyes they just covered their ears, trying not to listen to the voices in their head, much like how Callan had found him in the corner before. It was just their way of coping with bad memories as well as the anxiety and fear of not knowing. They found it a little hard to breathe, but just tried doing some breathing exercises and things went alright for the most part.

Of course the seraph couldn't stop themselves from healing the daemon, though they had to admit that the smell of blood made them a bit nauseous. However saying that out loud would perhaps make them sound ungrateful. But when the daemon came out with one of the flowers, and on top of that one of the ones that had been mostly brutal towards them. Of course the snarky remarks began instantly, being called a dandelion wasn't too bad, but it was clearly being used to deminish them. They just looked out the window, hoping that Callan would start driving soon. The sooner they got to where she needed, the sooner she could get out. But then a thought hit them. Was this one of Callan's regulars? He barely seemed to care that she was talking this way to them.
Swallowing they weren't sure they wanted to know. Maybe a bit jealous? Though of course Callan wasn't a man to want anything but a beautiful curved woman. They just kept their head down, not wanting to insult either of them. That was when their stomach started to rumble. Grasping on to their shirt over it, they tried to make it go quiet. They had forgotten to eat breakfast, and now lunch was rolling around. Why had they been so stupid? However they didn't ask for anything. What if the flower in the back started complaining? And Saige would rather die than have her mock them for the rest of the trip.

Frankly they felt a bit of relief as the flower left the car, but they hadn't expected the touch from the daemon, clearly jumping a little in surprise. They looked to him as h ordered them to come along. It wasn't really certain whether or not this would turn out bad, especially because they felt self-conscious because of the aforementioned flower. But they obeyed, silently getting out of the car as they followed the daemon into the closed club. Looking around they couldn't help wonder what sort of people came here. Perhaps pretty rich ones. Or maybe Callan?
Once inside a man greeted the daemon and flower before they felt his hungry eyes on them. It felt good to know that Callan wouldn't want the seraph to be close to the man, though it felt sorta nice to be called his. They knew it was just a technical true statement, but still, wasn't the flower belonging to him as well? The mention of food made Saige look to the daemon a little panicked, especially because they felt the burning gaze of the flower who seemed to join the stranger. Saige sat down a little bit away from the three, not wanting to bother their business and mostly to not feel like they were being ungrateful for the trouble that the daemon went through to feed them. Should they have packed for a meal? They at least wanted to do that if they were allowed to come with another time.
The food that was served actually looked really good, and they were surprised to see that the serving was so big. But they also felt really hungry, so decided to dig in after thanking the server who brought the food.

The business talk was pretty standard. The two men were discussing exchanging their areas. Callan wasnt really that keen on the exchange but the other man was trying his best to make it a good deal. Tulip even hummed and agreed with what was being proposed. "Why dont you ask Dandelion?" Tulip proposed with a sleek smile. Callan's expression was stern but he thought about it for a moment. Then he let out a soft sigh and turned to look at the seraph. "What do you think Saige?" Callan asked, the man looking to the seraph as if he expected them to somewhat agree. The deal itself was fine, but clearly there was something that Callan wouldnt say that made him hold back instead of just giving in.

When Saige was called by their pseudo-nickname they innitially tried not to react, but they did anyways. Callan then asked them to give their opinion which made them a little nervous. They got up, walking over to the table where the three sat, sitting down if they were allowed to. Sitting silently for a while, they seemed to just look at the man, the way he sat, the way his eyes looked. Nodding then they turned to the daemon, their eyes careful, but they were also really good at reading others. Though not particularly Callan. "What he's proposing is fine .. but his body is in a deceiving position; his eyes keep moving to his right, which could mean that he's either being deceitful or perhaps thinking of a hobby," they said, looking back at the flower then, "Tulip was not looking forward to this, and yet now she's leaning on him as if her life depends on it; she keeps trying to ignore him, but she also blinks a lot when she looks at him - meaning she has an affection for him."
The seraph then turned their eyes down. What they had said could be completely wrong, but they rarely was in this sorta deal. "I think the two of them are trying to hide something for you, but Tulip might protest that I'm trying to wrong her; however the decision is yours." Of course Callan was the master in this. He was big and strong and could decide whatever he saw fit, even punishing Saige for being so forward. But that was what the daemon had asked of them. "That is what I think."

Saige couldn't help but be a bit surprised, leaning away, closing their eyes as they turned their head. But the hit never came. Instead they heard how Callan pushed the flower back, asking them a question that they felt nervous to even answer now. Hadn't the daemon asked for what they thought? Did he think they were lying right now? Swallowing they finally looked up, first to the two across from them and then to the daemon. "I think they are being deceitful," they said, clear that they weren't sure what they were even being deceitful of. Frankly did that matter? It was just Saige reading some body language, something they had toyed around with a bit in co-junction with their education. "I might just be a weed, but I'm also not a liar," they said, looking to Tulip whom they already knew was plotting on ways to kill them.
The seraph then started looking worried. They knew that the daemon could be explosive and hurt others. And if Callan took this serious, then who knew what would happen of the two across from them? "But again, it's only from body language .. I don't have any proof," they tried to backtrack but maybe it was too late for that now. Looking down they reached over, grasping on to the bottom hem of Callan's shirt. "Please don't hurt them."