"I .. thank you. My father thanks you. I could not be more grateful.... touched. This is more than I could ever expect, Asmodeus." How long had it been since someone lent a helping hand without my asking? Or even when I did ask? Due to history not my own making, I am a bit of pariah at Carver's Outpost. I do most everything on my own.. but not this. Not this time.

The day had been gruesome, my fear running at jackrabbit speeds and his compassion wormed its way inside. He got to me. Tears gathered in my eyes, blurring my vision of my would-be benefactor. "Look at me, crying when I should be picking what you made for me," I whispered, lifting my arm to wipe the shame full wetness on my sleeve.

Asmodeus beat me to it, his gloved fingers gently brushing their backs against my cheek. "No Bryony, leave the tears. They make your eyes shine like jewels." Perhaps my errant attention had allowed him to draw this near to me, for the man stood close enough to make the caress an easy task, his personae casting an intimate ambience like netting about us both. "What.. what can I do for you. As a thank you? Please do not be polite and say it was nothing on your part. You have no idea what this means to me."

His smile came slow. The hand at my cheek turned at its wrist for his fingers to spread along my chin and jaw. He rose my face upwards with an urging of fingertips. "Bryony, I do not intend to be polite when it comes to you. Indeed, I desire two things, despite my gift of one. The first is I would very much like to be invited in. To dinner.. with you and your father." His gaze drifted intently over my face before fastening upon my mouth.

"Anytime you want to come, Asmodeus. Anytime. I would love for Father to meet you."

I whispered this vow only moments before he bent his head and kissed me. Without preamble or announcements and... without asking my permission.

Asmodeus.

[0 petals fell]