That's how our relationship began. From then on, she would regularly come back to my room. Sometimes she would stay only a few minutes, sometimes she would stay the whole night.

I told her all about myself, she told me a bit about herself. I learnt that thanks to drive-ins she was a real movie nerd. But she was fascinated by books, she hadn't read many since people wouldn't usually open them at night in front of her. Therefore, I would sometimes pull out a book I really liked and read it to her. I was already kind of a night owl before meeting her, but now, I had turned completely nocturnal. I treasured those moments spent together. We wouldn't necessarily do much; we simply enjoyed each other's company.

A whole year went by way too fast. I saw the anniversary of our first meeting coming. I spent days trying to find a gift for her to mark the occasion. But what do you even offer to someone who's literally out of this world?

Eventually, I settled on something simple. The thing is, she loved food. Sweets especially. So, I went to that fancy shop in town and bought her a full box of macaroons. It was a bit expensive and I wasn't making that much from my drawings anymore since I was spending so much time with her, but I really wanted to please her, at least this once.

The night came and it was as wonderful as usual. I quickly realised that she had no idea that it had already been a year. I grinned internally for my surprise would work better than expected.

"Moony, I have a little something I want to give you..."

I got the box out of the fridge and handed it to her. Her eyes were sparkling when she saw what was inside.

"Are they all for me?

-Sure, they are silly, go ahead you can eat them."

She rushed her hand inside and then to her mouth. I was happy to see how much it pleased her.

"Thank you so much, they're delicious! she said, her mouth still full of pastry. But why did you do that, aren't those expensive?

-I mean, a little, but I wanted to surprise you, it's been a year since we first met.

-It's been that long already? Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't gotten you anything, years pass so fast.

-It's okay, you didn't have to, I'm just glad you enjoyed your gift.

-Wait, there's a thing I've been meaning to give you for a while."

And just like that, out of nowhere, she put her face close to mine and kissed me. I hadn't expected it and for a few instants, my brain couldn't process what was happening. But after that, I melted into that kiss, enjoying every last second of it. I had kissed other people before but never had I felt so engaged in a single moment.

Eventually, we parted away.

"I have to go now, she said.

-Right now!?

-Yes, sorry, I'll see you soon!"

And as swiftly as she had kissed me, she was gone. What had just happened? I laid down on my bed, my heart pounding. I could still feel her lips against mine. Did that mean she loved me? Wait, did that mean that I loved her? Maybe... I mean I was too busy enjoying her company to ask myself the question. I was slowly realising that she had made me fall in love with her without me even noticing. That was sneaky!

So many things went through my mind at once. Were we a couple? What should I say the next time I would see her? Should I be worried about the flames that had just burst from the floor? Would I need to wear something special tomorrow night?

...

Wait, what was that last thing? No, not the dumb clothes, the thing about flames...

I screamed. Right in front of me, a blaze had erupted for no apparent reason.

I rushed to my desk and grabbed the cup of water I had left there. It would probably have done nothing, but I'm not good during an emergency.

So, I threw the water at the flames... right after they had died. But it was too late and the water landed on the guy who was now standing there.

For a second, he was surprised, but he quickly regained composure. Adopting a dignified posture in his three-piece suit, he got his handkerchief out and wiped his face.

"Not the entry I was trying to achieve, but no matter. I guess that means you saw the flames.

-Who the hell are you?

-Ooh, very good choice of words young lady, for you see I have many names, Lucifer, Lord of Darkness, Beelzebub, but I usually simply go by "the Devil"."

He bowed in an exaggerated reverence. His smile was evocative of a thousand backstabs.

I guess hanging out with the Moon might have made me a little unsensitive to that kind of encounter because my only answer was "Okay, what do you want?"

For the second time, his face briefly showed his loss of composure.

"I wouldn't act so confident young lady, for you have made me very angry.

-What? What could I possibly have done to upset you? I'm not the one who burnt my way inside your flat!

-You have done something far worse. You see, I have watched your little game. I have watched your every move. And I know what you're trying to do!"

A second ago he was just a sinister looking guy with a goatee, but now I was starting to get frightened. The light was shading to red, shadows were elongating, especially on his face. Good God, could you even call this a face anymore? And as he spoke, his voice would sometimes ignite with gravitas and sending me all the way back to when I was a powerless child.

"At first, I thought you were nothing, a mere speck of dust amongst millions. But you kept coming back, again and again. I couldn't understand, I got to thinking that she only found you entertaining. But no, there was something else. You're trying to steal her from me! With that kiss, you're trying to steal my wife!"

That's when I snapped. Don't get me wrong, I was still more afraid than I had ever been before, but now I knew what I was dealing with and why I had to fight my fear.

"Wait, is this about Moony?

-You have no right to call her that way!" he roared.

I jumped, but I continued anyway:

"Are you trying to tell me she's your wife? She's told me nothing about you."

Even in that state of furore I could see that once again he was disconcerted. This gave me confidence to push a little further:

"Or is she not? Would you happen to be jealous dear Lord of Darkness?

-Silence! I will not allow you to speak to me like this!"

Flames started surrounding him. But his rage was occulted by his lack of confidence. I had turned the tables. I noticed that even though they were impressive, the fire had no effect on my floor boards.

"If my relationship with Moony bothers you so much, then why you haven't scorched me already is what I'm wondering."

To my surprise, in a complete 180 in his attitude, he snapped his fingers, put the fire out and went back to his previous snarky appearance. He was smirking. It was my turn to be disconcerted.

"Alright, the gig is up. I was hoping simple intimidation would do the trick, but I guess with you I'll have to go all out. It's true, I cannot hurt you directly. And yes, the Moon isn't technically my wife yet. But she and I have had a long story behind us. She might not see it at the moment, but we are destined to be together. Which is why I cannot allow this masquerade to continue."

Okay, now my fear was finally receding and I was starting to get angry. What right did that guy have to tell me that I should stop seeing the Moon. Ten minutes earlier I was still pondering if we were a couple or not! No matter who that guy was, I would not let him dictate who I could hang out with or not.

"And what if I continue to meet with her?

-Well first, I would politely ask you to reconsider your decision. I mean you're just human. She might be fond you, but a bit like your kind gets attached to puppies. And besides, I could offer you great compensation for that. Fame, riches, name your price.

-Anything that could compare to one of her kisses? I said, upset to be compared to a dog.

-Oh please, are you really going to act like there is nothing you desire? Think about it, you could have anything you want, a mansion, more money than you could ever spend, you could become a famous artist and have thousands of admirers."

I thought for a moment, sure that sounded nice. It would have been stupid not to consider it at least one second. But there was one thing he hadn't proposed me. Happiness. I had desired things my whole life, but the satisfaction I had had from obtaining them could not compare to the happiness this year had brought to me. So, very calmly, smiling, I answered:

"You know what, you can take your offer and shove it way up your ass!"

He didn't bulge, his face only got sombre. I guess the Devil must be used to getting insulted.

"Very well. If that's what you want. I might not be allowed to hurt you myself. But trust me, I can make your life a literal hell on earth. I'll give you this, he said as he drew a small bell from his pocket. Once you won't be able to stand it anymore, just ring me. If you promise that you won't see her again, I'll stop your punishment. See you soon."

And so, with another exaggerated reverence, he disappeared in a blaze.

I don't really remember what happened, but one second I was standing up and the next I was on my knees. I had acted bravely and was proud of that, but this little chat had taken everything from me. That guy was creepy as fuck. I went to bed, hoping I'd be able to talk to the Moon about all this that night.

I was lucky because as soon as I was able to spot her in the sky she disappeared and materialized in my room.

"You don't look well she said, what's wrong?"

She had grabbed my hands. I couldn't help it; the memory of our kiss came back to me and I felt my cheeks flushing. And then the memory of what had happened when she was gone surfaced too. I had to focus.

"I met a little friend of yours this morning. Goes by "the Devil". He threatened to turn my life to literal hell if I didn't stop seeing you. I didn't know you had your own stalker, and a famous one with that.

-Oh no! Did he really... No, no, no! I didn't think that he would... Lucy, I am so sorry! I didn't think Lucifer would come in contact with you, and even less that he would threaten you..."

I could see she was worried, scared even. She asked me for details about our conversation. She got even more concerned. I had to ask:

"But what's going on between you two?

-You know, ever since he was banished from up there, he's been obsessed with me, almost harassing me. He says I remind him of his old home. I guess I'm the closest thing from it he's able to see. He's persuaded he's in love with me, but really, he just can't get over his memories, which I guess is understandable. I might have been to a few dates with him, to try and convince him to stop, but I think it only encouraged him further. I don't want to be loved like that, but no matter what I do, he keeps coming back with new ways to try to make me marry him.

-Wow, pretty heavy stuff, I guess.

-You can say that, yes.

-But what can we do about him then?

-I apologize Lucy, but I cannot do anything to counter him. And neither can you.

-What do you mean?

-I told you, it's been eons and I have never managed to get rid of him. And now that he's menaced you... The only way you'll be safe is if we stop seeing each other."

The Devil tearing my heart out of my chest wouldn't have hurt me more.

"No, you're wrong, there must be another way!"

I hadn't intended to scream, but I did.

She had turned her back from me and was headed for the window.

"I'm sorry, but sometimes even the Devil gets to win."

Her foot was already on the edge.

"I guess this is good b..."

I had jumped from across the room to grab her by the waist.

"I love you", I whispered.

She turned around. That's when I saw her face was drenched with tears.

"No, don't say that, please, she sobbed. Don't do that to me.

-But it's true, I do.

- You don't know what he's capable of.

-I don't care.

-You have no idea what you'll be going through.

-I'll deal with it.

-He'll make you hate me.

-I could never."

And I kissed her. Once, then twice. She kissed me back. The taste was salty from our cries and yet so sweet.

We would stand together against him. It was a desperate fight, but we would still try our luck. Fuck Lucifer. That night, love ignited in an inferno that loudly claimed it could burn the Devil himself.