I stood before the mirror and inspected myself from head to toe as hot flames escaped around my arms and legs, like kittens who just want to be loved.

It's hard not to think so highly of myself when i look like this. Hair that caresses me up to my thighs and eyes that remind me of what i love most. Blood. Crimson blood.

I lifted my chin and smirked as i moved closer to my reflection, grabbing tightly onto both sides of the mirror.

My eyes shifted from my figure to who approached me from behind.

My stubborn glances betrayed my efforts to seem unfazed. It was something about him that made me want to stare at him longer. Longer than i believe i could exist for.

His luscious, red hair fluttered by the fire that surrounded us and his narrow, unbothered eyes seemed of such value. Like garnets under the blazing sun. He continued behind me until he rested his hands on mine at the edges of the mirror.

Furorem. I call him Fur.

I've known him for the last dozen decades. Even in the pits of hell, with fire that burns through my skin day and night, somehow, his presence drew me more warmth. Everyone around here knows about us, even though we've never spoken a word... But i guess thats the fun of it.

It became harder to breath the longer he stood behind me. But there was no tension. There was the first time, but now, not so much.

Just as he let his grip against my hands fall, loud, rhythmic bangs came from above. An assembly of all demons.

We silently made our way up the lava fall, and separated into our divisions, joining the other thousands of us. In line in front of me was Maya, but best friend.

She had seen Fur and I together and had been glaring at us since the moment we entered the assemble.

"What?" I asked irritably, as if i didn't know what the reason was.

"I've told you to stop hanging out with him before, haven't I?"

"But why?" I asked, folding my hands, knowing i could never be convinced.

"bUt wHy?" She mocked, turning aside to where he had gone. "Look at that fool."

I followed her glance. My stomach dropped a little, just like ever other time i see him all over another girl. It hurt a lot before, but just like you would after a dozen years, i grew used to this as well. But sometimes, it hurts more to scrape a wound that was already there.

"Its not like that. We're just casual , Maya, you know that."

She shook her head in disappointment and turned around to face the stage, flipping her hair in my face while she did.

I looked down at my feet. You would've thought that it wasn't like that from the amount of times i've said it out loud. You would've thought I expected that from him, but some how, after every interaction, it does still surprise me to see him do it again. I'll treat him the way he treats me, one out of a million.

"Mike check. 321. Mike check"

The crowd quietened.

"Due to a crisis above, it is needed that 100 demons report to Earth. They are selected as followed."