The Academy of Demon Magic

The early morning sun had started to leave them, sinking over the mountain with the distant clouds. Soon it would be night time, according to the moon, and then their day would need to come to an end. Even looking into the sky in the hope of the starry expansion he knew laid beyond the clouds, it became clear they took a bit too much time for their small sidequest. Not that Thief wanted to let the day end, having quite a bit of fun with one of the new friends he made that very day.

Hours had passed since that club scouting that kind of failed as they decided to skip the rest of the day, maybe not as responsible as he was supposed to be but there were a few more days to make his choices if he so wanted to. Aside from the passing of time itself, Thief couldn’t say he had noticed as he laughed at the shorter male struggle with the grocery bags but still seemed to be having a great time as they walked back to his place.

They had made a stop at the grocery store as planned and discussed, the little antics they had gotten themselves into made it all the more fun. It was a needed trip in a way, Thief used to the habits of having meals of sustenance even if it wasn’t needed being a warpa. He had even offered to make Love dinner for helping it, the smaller once accepting and a beef stew of some sort was on the menu. More defined answers would come once he got home to see if he had any wine left or would their meal be a dry one.

“I didn’t realize how late it had become, did you want to stay over?” He knew his place was big enough for a small gathering to comfortably happen, though wasn’t extravagant like some of the houses up upon the hills farther beyond.

Doing his best not to let anything get close to the ground, Love had a habit of trying to bite off more than he can chew. Taking up as many bags as he could before the other casually recommended a little less. It was fun at least learning that his employees were a little spicier than he thought. He had recently started learning about his responsibilities as the sole heir, and his growing gremlin heart desired to tease them with his new knowledge.

He was having a grand day though, and it was a little shocking to hear that it really was almost over. Used to the bright lights of his city, it was rare for him to look up at the sky and actually see any semblance of stars, not surprised by the clouds keeping them at bay. Oh no, he hadn't expected to be out so long, he hadn't even thought to call back that he'd be hanging out after hours with his new friend.

It wasn't like Thief meant him any harm though. The handful of servants sent along to take care of him surely wouldn't miss him for a day. The area didn't seem to be as extravagant as his, but it looked nice enough to be safe as well. "Sure, I'd love to! It'll be my first sleepover~ I don't have an extra change of clothes or anything on me though. Are we going back out to get things?" It didn't even occur to borrow someone else's clothes that might be around his size.

Pausing as Love’s battle with the groceries seemed to be a losing one, he was still amused as he offered his arm out to take some of the heavier bags and trade for a few lighter ones so he still had the same amount but less weight in each. Thief didn’t mind, used to carrying them all back on his own no matter how much he got. The action was cute, and it left him wondering if this was what his fathers always spoke out when they said they knew it was love at first sight. He thought it was just sappy stories, but maybe he could see it now as he was bonding more with this new person in such a short time.

“I should have some clothes slightly too small for me, they should fit you.” He thought nothing of sharing his clothes, a bit used to it as he had friends over a lot when he had free time. “I can wash your uniform and such in the laundry tonight. That way they’re still clean come tomorrow.”

Finally coming to a nicely sized house, Thief waved at a elderly couple who were sitting on the opposite porch and sipping something warm as the steam escaped from the cup. Taking out his keys he unlocked the door before turning on the light and letting Love go in first. The smaller entering area was big enough for the two of them and at least one more to be there comfortably, a small little booth for Love to set the groceries on or sit on to take his shoes off. To the side a small closet where Thief was hanging up his jacket and any extra accessories he had put on for the day. It was indeed on the smaller size, but for Thief it was enough space for himself on most days.

“The kitchen is just the farthest back, you can leave them on the counter and I’ll put things away after I feed Romeo.” Not even explaining, Thief whistled deeper into the house until a strange gurgly laughter sounded and the noise of flapping wings came soon after. A large raven landed onto his arm to do its strange _ah ah ah_ noises before getting some forehead and beak smooches. “You need to be a good bird tonight, alright?” Thief cooed, using his free hand to open a drawer before filling a metal dish full of the raven’s food. Thief’s attention was back to Love at least once Romeo the raven took more interest in the food than his owner, but his big bird eyes on the pair of boys while munching. “He’s a sweetheart, he just makes strange noises.”

Tilting his head slightly at the other, the best noise Love could have made at the moment surely wasn't the "Eh?" that came out, but that's what he got. It was a little difficult trying to decide how exactly he felt over the thought of borrowing the thief's old clothes, hardly ever wearing his own clothes twice yet. He settled on gentle embarrassment as he warmed, bowing slightly to the elders on his way in; a well raised youngling when he wasn't kicked first.

While he had learned the basics of taking care of himself for traveling beyond the city walls, that didn't make his pampered habits disappear overnight. Pausing for a moment to simply look around the entrance, it took Love a moment before he realized no one was going to come take the groceries nor his coat. Right, right, average living or so he considered, unaware it was still a fairly high class home.

Leaving his shoes at the door, he headed off to the kitchen at Thief's direction, at least correctly assuming Romeo was some sort of pet if they needed to be fed. A curious sort, he hurriedly set everything down on the counters and hung his jacket up alongside the school uniform vest. Heat didn't affect him, but it was still nice to be back in just his long-sleeved shirt. Back further into the house where he heard Thief calling, it was surprising to see a large black bird munching away happily.

"He's so big!" he gasped, not allowed to own any pets, the only animals he had gotten close to were the occasional squirrels that'd get close to his window from tree branches. "Is he sweet enough to pet after he eats? You said his name was Romeo right? Does he um... laugh.. often?" He wasn't sure if he'd call the strange noises laughter, but it sounded close enough.

Refraining from a ‘that’s what she said’ joke, Thief knew it was a low hanging fruit that his own friends often seemed to grab at. Maybe it was habits, free from most parental supervision and left to their own devices and ways. He could relate in some ways, but he was allowed to wonder as long as he was safe and acting accordingly (or at least to the standards his fathers had set for him, which always depended on the father). For now, he just nodded to agree as he turned up the dimmer switch.

The raven paused and screeched slightly, a noise that meant he wasn’t too happy, but after a few moments he seemed content. More than likely his sensitive little eyes were blinded but adjusted fairly quickly. It didn’t even take long, but his baby was so derpy at times. Not that he complained, loving the avian all the same no matter how many brain cells were there.

“He’s a very good raven, aren’t you?” Thief cooed, getting gentle raven bites on his fingers that didn’t really hurt. Gentle squeezing if anything, and something Thief was very used to after raising it for so long. “You can pet him as he eats, he’s very attentive and will grumble angrily if he doesn’t desire it.”

Smiling at the mention of the laugh though, Thief scratched under the bird's neck and did a similar _ah ah ah_ noise. In return, the bird returned the same vocalization but in its deeper and uncanny voice. The mimicry was strong, but that didn’t mean there weren’t any thoughts in that head of his.

“One of my fathers makes the noise quite often, so Romeo picked up on it. You want to say hello to the pretty Love?” Tilting his head back and forth, Thief moved Romeo from his perch to Love’s shoulder. Watching as the raven sat still and starting preening at the red hair before giving the shorter male his gentle nibbles that worked as kisses to him.

“Pretty Love, pretty.” He grumbled, eventually his eye caught by the shiny cuff on Love’s horn and started pecking at that.

A difficult person to make jump, Love took a small back-step from the angry noise, but relaxed again when he realized it was just the raven being displeased with the lights. It merely felt like going from a gray washed hall to a more colored one so he hardly felt the difference. He still wasn't sure about touching while Romeo was eating, but he'd keep it in mind for next time as they paused to mimic Thief then turn their attention to him.

As a bird, they weren't heavy, just having them so close the main words going through his head were so cool. Eyes sparkling at the glossy feathers that were better seen with the light. He thought it was a much more fitting pet than a cat or dog for Thief, at least based on first expressions. It did make him wonder what his father was like to make such a noise often. Not even questioning the implication of another given his own physiology.

"Why thank you~" he smiled, warming fondly at the compliment as he gently pecked Romeo back before they caught interest in his accessory. The golden band itself wasn't terribly expensive compared to most of his family's trinkets, but it was the first his mother had passed on to him as a child. Merely giving a little resistance against magical effects, the sentimental value far outweighed the enchantment to him. "Don't think I'll take that off for you to play with just because you sweet talked me a little." It wouldn't slip off given the curve of his horns, needing to be unlatched by the owner. "I can't imagine a certain someone doesn't have so many other shiny things for you either." Glancing towards Thief with a pointed look for assistance.

Hovering close just in case the raven was one of the more moody sorts, it seemed to be a petty worry as Romeo got along swimmingly with Love. He didn’t always appreciate the people he brought over, sometimes pecking at them aggressively or hissing, but he couldn’t blame the bird either. He knew some devious people, but they were kind enough to earn his trust even if not the raven’s.

“If a few nicely placed words helped in the aspects of taking things off, we’d be in a very different situation I imagine.” Commenting, it was merely a passing thought as Thief wiggled a finger as Romeo to get his attention. Alas, soon the raven was being a gremlin just like the owner. Tugging and pulling at the golden cuff on Love’s horns while giving soft cooing noises of encouragement.

“Romeo, that’s not for you. Why don’t you go find the pretty coin to show Love, don’t you want to show off your coin?” Watching the raven flail for a moment, he grumbled in debate but eventually flew off. Searching for what one may assume to be the ‘coin’ Thief was speaking of. Shaking his head, he knew it would take the avian some time to find it among all his other shiny things he loved.

“Well, as he does that, care to help me make dinner? You know how to use a knife, right?” Picking up some of the grocery bags, he cleared off the few things on the counter to make room for the two of them in the spacious kitchen. Not as large as what would be suited for a larger household, but without a doubt big enough for a single person and their pet bird. “Or at least, are you good with your hands~” He couldn’t help but tease.

Taking the chance to finger the black feathers fondly, Love idly wondered if he could copy the strange noise him and Thief had made, but was too embarrassed to attempt it with someone else there. Tilting his head slightly to help in the Raven's futile attempts, a simple, "Pardon?" came out in a thicker accent from being taken aback. Surely it was his own fault for hearing something wrong or not translating right in his head since Thief went on smoothly. Watching Romeo fly off, he combed what he could of his hair back into place without undoing it.

While he was a spoiled lord who had yet to pick up a knife in the kitchen yet, Love was at least confident when he declared, "I am good with my hands so I'm sure I'll pick it up quickly!" It was a compliment he heard often whether it came to his combat lessons with his family's favored weapon, or fiddling with the more intricate magical items to see how they work. Eyes sparkly with excitement, the bit of teasing didn't exactly get through this time, more looking forward to being able to offer some help. Sliding his way up next to Thief, he was near ready to face the world.