Truths Revealed [cw]

A popularity contest? Confusion passed his expression until he realized she’d thought he’d asked if people were going to like him. She might have heard from others that he was a narcissist but popularity was the least of his concerns at this point. Though, of course, he couldn’t blame her for thinking that was the case. His lips tugged slightly, finding her response likable, nonetheless. Making the world a better place had a nice ring to it. “What I meant was whether there’d be others in hiding,” he said, turning his blue eyes to her. He already assumed there’d be other doctors there, employees he’d have to work alongside. People he’d yet to determine if it was wise to become popular with. Those with more power were always more favorable for him to spend time with. And right now, that meant getting on the good side of the valkyrie.
He leaned back in the seat as he stared ahead at the road again, considering her words. Unfortunately, he couldn’t just go out into the open and take his victims as he usually did. Not unless his appearance was glamoured and even then it was risky. “I do enjoy a game of cat and mouse, but that’s what I got illusions for. I can do with them as I want inside the space of their mind.” A smirk appeared on his lips at the prospect of all those fresh bodies. The freedom that was handed to him, not just as a soul demon who loved the thrill of killing but also as a psychiatrist who loved to explore the dark limits of the mind. “If we’re talking about souls, I do prefer them young and attractive.” He had to make out with them, after all. But the number of souls much depended on the workload he was given. And he wasn’t in a position to be picky. His survival meant much more to him than anything else.
“As regards the organization, you collect supernatural children to train, right? Do you know if I’ll be working with them in that process?” As far as he knew, he was supposed to report to her, and thus she should know of all his upcoming responsibilities. And there was a great deal of difference between adults and children. The latter was much easier to manipulate. So, if given the authority, he could form the children to their liking completely. But either way, he was sure he’d become a valuable asset to them, no matter their needs.

At the mention of an origin demon, he straightened himself in his seat, as if said demon would appear at that moment. He’d thought he’d known what awaited him, that he most likely would be looking forward to the day when he could leave the place behind. But now he was beginning to look forward to getting there. Everything Rogue said made it seem like they viewed him as an investment more than anything. Giving him a chance to grow during his time there. The prospect of working alongside an origin demon was an unexpected bonus to all the other perks.  “Are you kidding? I’d love to.” He’d be a fool for not taking that opportunity, and even though it hadn’t passed unnoticed that he had to earn it, that part of it didn’t worry him. He had rarely failed anyone when it came to his abilities, not in his studies or in his profession as a doctor. He was incredibly ambitious when it came to his own success. “Who is it?” It was only natural to be curious about which of the great demons it was, but it was just as much so he could gain some time to research more about them before they met. Digging into their mind for this information wasn’t going to go over well and he much preferred to have some advantageous knowledge over others.

He’d never stopped to think of the consequences of the changed identity. But the way she said it, that they had to die in order to stay alive made him wonder if they were going to fake his death—if that was the best way to make him disappear. But it was good to know that there were others like him at the facility. If anything, those scientists could help him settle into his new life.
His eyes moved to Rogue when she explained that he’d still be able to hunt his victims. “Good.” His voice was calm, rest assured he wouldn’t grow restless of his need for that murderous thrill. He could make himself appear different with his illusions, but there was always the risk of someone with immunity or the ability to negate mental powers to discover them anyway, so he assumed their remedies would prove more efficient. He returned his eyes to the road, the rain slowly washing away his past with each mile they went. “I can’t wait to get started.” And for the first time, this statement rang clear and true.

The airport was dark and gloomy from the storm, but the white jet stood in strong contrast to that. Luxurious and promising of the future that awaited him. He stepped out of the car shortly after Rogue, not as much as glancing at the bags as she said someone would take care of them. He was so used to having staff around to do things for him, that he’d already assumed for someone to deal with it. He stepped up the stairs to the private jet, briefly greeting a stewardess by the entrance before he found his seat by the table which had a bottle of champagne. Unbuttoning his suit jacket just before he lowered himself in the chair. For a moment he just looked out the window, thinking of everything he left behind and everything that was to come. He turned to look at Rogue once she took her glass and followed suit, lifting his glass slightly when she did. “To you for granting me the opportunity.” To the Mitchidew Institute. To second chances. To his unborn child who’d have a bright future ahead of them, being part of such a facility. He could only imagine the kind of advanced training they’d be granted. It was surely far better than whatever went on at the academy or any other supernatural school. He took a sip of the sparkling champagne before he lowered it in his hand. “How much will I see of you once I arrive?” he asked, not exactly sure of how much she’d need to travel or even be a part of the daily operations. How much she’d be part of his new life. He could only imagine that she had a lot of other things to tend to. That he’d report to her, but not necessarily for that to be face to face.
He took another sip of the champagne, listening to the hum of the engine and the distinct voices at the front of the airplane. So many questions went through his head, but one kept reappearing. “Do you think the boss will be expecting me to create that child soon, or are they more of the patient type?” His fingers grazed down the stem of the glass as he looked away from Rogue to the view from the runway. He didn’t know who he worked for exactly. Just that he owed them everything in the world for this. And the last thing he wanted was to disappoint them by not holding up his end of the bargain.

His incredible luck regarding all of this was almost unbelievable. For not being caught while saving Eris. For getting a foot inside of an organization like this. For getting a second chance when everything else had pointed towards him getting a one-way ticket Hell. And now, sitting in a private jet as he flew towards his new beginning, it didn’t seem as if that luck would ever turn on him. “I wouldn’t mind seeing you all the time.” He turned his eyes from the sky to look at her. He wouldn’t mind her checking on him whenever she wanted to. Had nothing to hide in terms of the way he worked. He was only proud of it. And he was more than happy to share that with her. With someone who shared his views regarding the testing of subjects. “If it wasn't for the potential distraction.” His gaze slowly wandered down her body to her crossed legs. His lips tugged slightly upwards before he once again looked out at the starry sky. No, he wouldn’t mind getting closer to the valkyrie. She was possibly the most intriguing person he’d met since moving here.

He nodded vaguely when she said the organization was built on patience. It meant he had all the time in the world to find the right woman. Someone who would make the kid powerful and more worthy of testing. At the mention of Eris, his jaw tightened, though he tried to hide the tension by taking another sip of the champagne. Drawing out the silence. “You’re not allowed to touch her children,” he stated as if it had always been in the terms of their agreement. There was no way he’d let them take their child if they’d ever had one. Only if it had been a case of his ex-wife not allowing him to see them. That might be the only scenario where he’d feel angered enough to do such a thing. But no, if he had any demands to make, it was that they stayed far away from her. “I’ll find someone better,” he assured her, not wanting to sound uncooperative. Or reveal just how much he still felt for the demon. But damn it if she hadn’t already been through enough because of him.

He stayed relaxed as she moved closer to him, not knowing what kind of reaction to expect from her. If she had an interest in Eris's children or not, and thus if his demand would cause her to be disappointed in him. But when she leaned in, a faint smirk tugged in the corners of his lips. He knew she’d be able to find someone suitable, that she had to know a plethora of people with unique abilities by now. And to think he’d sufficed with humans for so long. Not even aware that an organization like theirs existed. “Any names that come to mind?” If they were present at the institute, it’d only be in his interest to make a good first impression, and it wasn’t like he wouldn’t try to develop something with someone eventually. That desire came a close second to his need for souls. The touch of her lips against his ear sent shivers down his spine, and he was inches from placing his hands on her to keep her with him. He even leaned a little forward when she moved away, adjusting his position in his seat to turn towards her. He arched a brow at her question, surprised by the prospect of getting a meal so soon. But Rogue knew that his accommodations the last couple of days had been less than ideal. That he hadn’t eaten in days. “Famished,” he replied. The mere idea of consuming a soul was driving him wild. But it was only logical that he’d need to feed in order to restore his strength before his first day at the institute.

His eyes darkened with hunger when they settled on the blonde woman, sitting on the other side of the door. Clearly still affected by the means of her capture. His gaze lowered to her body when she was pulled to her feet, admiring the beauty she’d procured for him. When the blonde was placed in the seat across from him, he rose to his feet. “You really shouldn’t have,” he glanced at Rogue. The smile on his lips telling her that he appreciated that she had anyway. He downed the rest of his champagne before placing it on the table between them. He wasn’t one for playing nicely, but he wouldn’t be able to take his time and let it get too bad either. Not when all he could think about was kissing her and feeling the euphoria of power surge through him. That and the fact that he didn’t want to make a bloody mess in his boss’ private jet. He stepped closer until he towered over the young woman, placing his fingertips against her shoulder, then lowering them to her collarbone, and further, until he felt the soft silk of her dress and caressed the soft fabric that was pressed tightly to her body. He’d already tampered with her mind at that point, making her think she was with a guy she’d had feelings for and that they were back at her apartment as opposed to an airplane. Further helping to keep her subdued so she wouldn’t make much of a fuss when he drained her from life. He couldn’t very well have her scream at the top of her lungs. Not when Rogue was attending a meeting in the other room. He’d moved her to the couch so he could sit next to her, not getting much playtime in, before he’d kissed her on the lips and gotten his much-needed meal. He licked his lips when he was done, looking at the lifeless blonde, partially leaning sideways against the cushion as he moved away from her. Immediately feeling his strength return to its prime. Then leaving her splayed unnaturally on the couch as he went to pour himself another glass of champagne. Taking a sip as he looked out of the window, wondering how much longer they’d need to travel before they arrived.