Evil Hearted You.

"So, did you decide if you are going to...wait, what the fuck is he going by now?"

Bob was constantly confused why the Prince of Darkness kept changing his name.

"Last I heard is was Gabriel, if he's changed it again since then he probably was just testing out the other name for a bit to see if he liked it. He's done that before."

Frank shrugged and looked up at Bob. He was currently trying to decide just how he was going to get up on Bob's shoulders to reach what he was looking at without actually telling Bob that's what he was doing.

"Well, whatever the fuck, are you going? I heard that one of his offspring is being introduced or some shit. Wait...didn't the humans used to do something like this?"

Bob was scratching his chin. His last beard had been singed off by a backfired prank. It was still worth it and it will grow back.

"I thought about crashing it, I wasn't exactly invited. I fly under his radar, remember? Shut up and hold still for a second."

Frank put his hands on Bob's shoulders to jump up without warning. He wobbled a bit but managed to steady himself.

"Whoa motherfucker! What the fuck are you doing?"

"Trying to reach this stupid thing in this tree. Hold the fuck still asshole."

Frank swatted him lightly and reached up to see what it was. Sometimes human stuff found its way down here when it got lost and Frank liked to collect some of it. Bob shoved Frank into the tree and stepped back.

"There, now you can do whatever you need."

He stepped back watching Frank scramble for purchase and laughed. Frank hugged the first branch he could properly get ahold of and heaved himself up onto it. He glared down at Bob.

“You are a dick. I was fine, I almost had it.”

He stuck out his tongue and grabbed what turned out to be a CD case. He opened it to see if the CD was in it and today was his lucky day. It actually was and it was the correct CD.

“Score!”

"What did you find mini D?"

“Linkin Park CD.”

Frank replied gleefully and jumped down out of the tree.

"Oh good, more junk for that growing collection of human shit you have piling up in your closet. One day you are going to open it and it is going to fall on you and that day I will laugh my fucking ass off...not like I don't laugh at you every day though."

Frank glared at Bob indignantly.

“Have you ever listened to Linkin Park? This is one of the CDs I don’t have so it’s not going in the crap closet.”

"At least you admit that all that human shit is crap."

Bob looked at the sky.

"We gotta go if you even want to try and make this party. You need to wear something better than ripped jeans."

“Now why would I go and do that? That makes it seem like I should be putting in effort.”

Frank laughed and shook his head. He knew he had to wear something decent but he wasn’t one to be fancy unless he absolutely had to.

“I’ll put on a button up if it’ll make you feel any better about it. Maybe even a tie if you ask nicely.”

"At least your jeans are black."

Bob cut a rift in the air.

"Let's go short shit."

“And just for that you are carrying me.”

Frank jumped onto his back and held on tight.

"Why do I put up with you again?"

“Because I entertain you.”

Bob shook his head, but gave a small smile showing off the teeth than he uses to mark people in their dreams.

"Yeah, you do."

He stepped into the rift and it closed up behind them.

"Aren't you tired yet Gerard? That's like the fifth human you fucked and the third you ate. We are never gonna be ready for this party if you don't slow down."

Ray knew he was whining, but he didn't give a fuck. Gerard got like this every so often and it was honestly better for him to get it out now before he made a fool of himself at the Devil's party and wound up in a lot of pain or truly dead.

"Ray, oh my wonderful fluffy friend...I will never tire of fucking, you should know that by now..." Gerard added a wink as he took off his shirt and disappeared into his closet to find a fresh one.

"Just give me one minute and I'll be ready..."

A minute later he came back out in his chosen outfit.

"So, what do you think?"

Gerard stood there with leather pants, no shirt, and some impressively kick ass boots.

"I think you are a tad under dressed for the occasion, but it is you."

Ray stood there in his satin suit and fixed his tie. He knew coming out parties were a big deal and for the only surviving offspring of Gabriel it was going to be quite an affair.

"Are you at least going to wear a jacket?”

"Of course Ray, what do you take me for, some sort of Nightmare?..."

Gerard scoffed, grabbing the black leather suit jacket to go with his practically painted on black leather pants. He slipped his arms into the sleeves but made no attempt to do up the buttons.

"There, I'm ready. Shall we go?"

"Do you have a gift?"

Ray showed Gerard a black box wrapped with a red ribbon. Gerard smirked.

"What, beside my amazing body, spectacular good looks and the ability to literally fuck a man to death?...beside that you mean?"

Ray rolled his eyes.

"I should have known. Come on you arrogant prick, let's see how many people we will see that you fucked over at this place. We can make the usual bet."

"If you want, though it hardly seems fair, I've fucked over everyone, except Gabriel of course, I'd never go there...I'm not suicidal. I'm too pretty to die young."

He headed to the door. Ray rolled his eyes and then followed his best friend out of his room.

"I don't wanna do this."

Mikey was moping on his bed while Patrick and Pete looked on. His outfit that was specially tailored to him was in the corner tossed on a chair. If his father had seen it, he would have flipped.

"It's gonna be boring and I have to dance with everyone and I have to perform...well okay, I am kind of excited about that cause daddy bought me a new rack and..."

The minute he called Gabriel daddy, his friends knew he was being dramatic. Mikey was past caring though.

"Say something guys? Trick? Pete? Come on."

"Well you know, what if?..."

Pete began with a lazy smile.

"What if, in that sea of creatures waiting to celebrate your special day...what if there's some absolutely incredible demon, or vampire or something who could be your perfect match? What if they have traveled dimensions to meet you, and you're sat here like some sort of Flarglebum, refusing to go down there..."

Pete shook his head at his friend.

"Besides, I heard that they made your favorite..."

He smirked.

"Devil's food cake!"

Mikey sat up on his elbows and looked at Patrick.

"Did he really just make that stupid joke...again?"

"Of course he did, it's him. Though I will admit, he does almost have a point. Quit moping and enjoy your day."

Pete grinned and nodded.

"See?...I have a point!"

"Fuck, fine, help me get into this stupid suit."

Mikey looked at it as Pete held it up.

"In this thing I will stick out at the party."

The suit was as red as you could get with a silk tie and even a pocket handkerchief. It made Mikey feel 6100, not 1600

"Oh and careful, it's tear away for the performance."

"You're supposed to stick out Mikey..."

Pete held out the pants for his friend.

"It's your party!"

"And I can bitch, moan, and complain if I want to."

Mikey sighed.

"I need to hit the sulfur showers first. How much time do I have?"

"Probably about a half hour."

Mikey got up off his bed and looked at the suit again.

"I fucking hate red."

He grabbed a towel and walked out of the room. Pete grinned as he followed after, with Patrick beside him.

"I'm sure you could be a few minutes late...it's not like the party can start without the guest of honor, is it?"

"So I can just not show up and then the party would never start."

Mikey hung his towel up and slipped out of his tattered shorts and t-shirt. He honestly hated wearing much else. He thought people that dressed up all the time were a bit pretentious. Besides, his tail was much happier with the freedom. He envied both Patrick and Pete for not having one...but then again, he did like having it pulled.

"No, the only thing that might do is piss your father off and I doubt that's good for anyone involved."

Patrick looked at Pete, shooting him a don't encourage him look.

Mikey ignored them both and slipped into the shower letting the sulfur wash away his worries.

*

*

*

Gerard was stood with Ray near the back of the large space the party was being held in. They could see all manner of creatures, but Gerard was glad to see that there were no Nightmares in attendance.

"It's a relief really...I wouldn't want to spend the whole party trying to kill one of those, when I should be trying to fuck someone."

Ray rolled his eyes. He had already seen at least two dozen people that wanted to kill Gerard since they walked in. The other two dozen were just trying to catch his attention.

"Yeah, well you can't do anything here anyway, I am sure that would be against some kind of proper conduct code or some shit."

Gerard laughed.

"Like I give a shit about proper...have you met me?"

"Can we just get something to eat and drink before I have to rescue you from doing something stupid...again?"

"Me?...stupid?...never!"

Gerard turned and headed toward the buffet, hips swaying and well aware that about 90% of the creatures there were watching his ass. Ray walked after him ready to say something else when a shimmer caught his attention from a corner. He was turning toward it when Gerard was stopped by a group of people and Ray had to make sure it was friendly or...well not.

"This was a stupid idea. We stick out like sore thumbs."

Bob was at least wearing an old suit from his cousin's funeral party, but Frank had on black jeans...although the holes were smaller, a black button down and ratty sneakers. The only jacket he owned was a well-worn with love leather one. He truly looked like the punk Nightmare he was.

"We are so gonna get busted."

"We'll be fine, don't be stupid."

Frank shook his head and glared at him.

"Whatever, I'm gonna get a drink. Try to stay out of trouble."

Bob walked off, trying to blend in.

"Me, trouble? I never."

Frank chuckled to himself. As Frank moved through the crowd he got looks of disgust. He didn't much care what people thought, he knew he wasn't supposed to be here but when had that ever stopped him before.

Ray was grabbing something to eat when he smelled it. He wrinkled his nose and looked down the buffet.

"Shit."

There were two of them. Ray looked around for Gerard, but he was busy surrounded by admirers. Ray just prayed to the fire demons that nothing would go wrong.

"Come on Mikey, it probably won't be as bad as you think."

Pete encouraged his friend to actually enter the party, instead of hiding in the hallway. Patrick peeked into the party to see how bad Mikey would think it actually was. He sighed.

"It's not that bad, quit acting like you are 100 and get out there."

"Look at them all. They all have black on and look at me."

"You'll be fine. You're supposed to stand out. Besides you'll have me and Pete with you the whole night."

"Fuck you, I'm not acting like that much of a baby...maybe 600, but not 100."

Mikey mumbled the last part, but then felt himself pushed by his two so called best friends.

"I hate you both."

"Love you too Mikey, now let's mingle."

"You go mingle I'll just..."

"Michael, there you are."

Gabriel came striding over dressed much like his son, but commanding more presence.

"Hi father."

Glad to see you could finally join us."

As usual Gabriel ignored Patrick and Pete and swept Mikey away. He looked back at them pleading not to let him do this. He saw their heads shake and sighed. It was going to be a long night.

*

*

*

Gerard was surrounded by admirers as usual, there is a certain scent that incubus could give off that is undeniable to about 99% of sentient underworld life...plus of course humans...and it meant that Gerard was hardly ever without company when he wanted it. Right now though, his eyes had spotted something infinitely more delectable than the werewolf who was trying to sniff his neck, or the vampire that kept trying to hypnotize him, even though incubus can't be hypnotized...he had spotted someone through the crowd; a boy dressed all in red, who was currently stood next to Gabriel himself.

"Well fuck."

He muttered under his breath, realising just who had caught his attention tonight. Mikey felt like someone was staring at him...well everyone was looking, but this felt different. He turned his head slightly and saw someone surrounded by a crowd of people. Maybe a celebrity? Mikey turned back shivering a little. Gerard smirked, now completely ignoring the creatures who were vying for his attention...he had caught the attention of the boy. This could be fun...dangerous, but fun.

Frank got bored of wandering after a while and got tired of the glares so he picked a spot near the side of the room to stand and watch. Watching at least meant he could decide if he wanted to be involved. He didn't know where Bob had gotten to so he wasn't going to get himself into any trouble just yet. He saw a group of creatures and demons around someone and his first instinct was to assume it was an incubus and to avoid that area. They were annoying and he couldn't actually care less to be near one. He did, however, spot Gabriel and what he had to assume was his son. He grinned and decided to watch them.

Okay this was too much. Now Mikey felt like he was being watched from another part of the room. He looked and saw...no it couldn't be.

"Father, I am going to get a drink before the performance."

"Very well son, do not be too long though."

"Yes sir."

Mikey disentangled himself from his father's grasp and headed over to the buffet. Instead though he detoured to the spot he saw him. Gerard watched the boy leave his father's side and walk away. He followed him with his eyes as he changed direction and headed straight toward...

"Fuck."

Gerard growled under his breath.

"Yes please."

The very persistent vampire answered him and Gerard just rolled his eyes and continued to watch the boy. Mikey carefully moved around people saying hello and being polite till he arrived at the end of the table where there was a dark corner.

"Hi...um...are you enjoying the party?"

Frank raised an eyebrow but nodded. Was the Devil's son really talking to him? He grinned and decided that this could be fun.

"It's not the worst thing, not quite what I expected I guess."

"W-What were you expecting?"

Mikey looked at the Nightmare. He wasn't as scary as they said they were or hideous. Mikey was truly intrigued. In fact, the Nightmare was quite handsome with his dark and smoky complected skin. Mikey wondered if his hand would pass through if he touched him.

"Not totally sure but I guess Bob did say it was going to be some fancy thing so I should have expected something like this."

He looked over at the Prince. He was cute and definitely not what you'd expect from a Devil.

"What's brought you over here to talk to me though, Prince? I'm hardly the type of undercreature your father would approve of you talking to."

"Oh...should I go? Did you not want to be bothered? Sorry."

Mikey turned to leave. He should have known better.

Frank reached out and did one of the dumbest things he probably could've done, and grabbed a hold of the Prince's hand.

"No, it's alright. You aren't bothering me, I'm just surprised is all. Nightmares aren't usually acknowledged by Devils unless we've done something to earn punishment."

Frank smiled at him, hoping that he hadn't fucked up too bad. Mikey looked down at Frank's hand in his and smiled. It was warm and slightly calloused. He wondered if that was normal for Nightmare's or just this one.

"I guess I am not your typical Devil. I really don't have many friends except for my two best ones...who completely deserted me as soon as we got here. Sorry, I tend to ramble when I am nervous."

"It's alright. I make you nervous?"

Frank raised an eyebrow. He wasn't being attacked so he took that to mean he was safe for now at least. He gently pulled the Prince back towards him. Mikey went around the table willingly. There was a plush sofa there so he sat down.

"I never really spoke to a Nightmare before. I mean I watched them get punished for stupid reasons, but I can't really argue with my dad about it."

"Well no, I wouldn't imagine you'd ever spoken to a Nightmare before. We are supposed to be beneath you. What reason does a Prince have to talk to the common folk..."

Frank shook his head and joined him on the sofa.

"Gabriel punishes us for various reasons that, to him at least, seem valid. It's all very political and I try to stay out of it."

"You seem different than the others here. Like most are here to size me up for conquest, you...you just seem like you want to have a good time."

Mikey noted that the Nightmare had not let go of his hand. He kind of liked it.

"Well, I'm looking to have fun, yes, I do try to stay out of trouble though. It's far easier to exist here when you can fly under the Devil's radar and go unnoticed."

Frank chuckled softly, he was becoming quite glad he'd decided to crash the party.

"Trouble is kind of fun sometimes."

Mikey found himself being more and more comfortable with the Nightmare.

"Oh, it absolutely is so long as it isn't going to get me killed."

Frank laughed and shook his head. This Devil might not be so bad.

"I don't think I ever did catch your name, Prince."

"It's Michael. Father has a sense of humor and likes to piss off senior angels apparently...but my friends call me Mikey."

"Mikey, I like that. It's kind of cute, it suits you."

Mikey blushed. He wondered how close he was to the color of his suit now.

"Well, Happy Birthday Mikey."

Frank smiled at the blush against Mikey's pale skin.

"And do you have a name or should I just call you Nightmare."

"Frank, my name is Frank."

"Frank. As in Francis or Franklin?"

"No, just Frank actually."

Frank laughed again, glad his name wasn't something ridiculous like that.

"Oh...well I like it, it suits your...attitude."

Mikey started to regret not getting a drink now. All this conversation had him quite parched.

"Well I haven't heard that one before, thank you."

Frank looked around and then realised he was still holding Mikey's hand.

"How about I go get us some drinks and I'll be right back?"

"Oh..."

Mikey was surprised that Frank had realised he needed one. He gave him one of his rare genuine smiles and squeezed his hand lightly.

"Yes, I would like that very much."

Frank smiled back and got up off the sofa to go over to the buffet to get a couple of drinks.

Mikey watched the Nightmare go and smiled. This might not be a bad night after all.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks, how's you?

So the party has begun, and Frank's made first contact...how do you think Gerard will react to that?

Until next time...PLEASE COMMENT, and peace out babies!
<3