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Shadow hunter HC who tries to summon a major demon to do chaos on earth but accidentally drops a dirty sock on the pentagram so he ends up with XL, a little and peaceful soul collector demon.
Little does HC know, XL is indeed a major demon - he just likes to do lesser demon’s jobs and is considered the laughing stock of hell because of it.
HC instantly calls summoning XL a mistake, asking how to send XL back ASAP.
(XL: “ok, what happened to hello? How are you?”)
But it’s okay because XL is a chill demon and is used to being ridiculed, so he ends up telling a tiny, white lie: he claims HC can’t send him back until XL fulfills a wish HC wants granted.
Except the problem is, HC can’t seem to think of one genuine wish he wants from XL. And he can only summon the demon he wants after sending XL back.
So, they’re stuck together for a bit.
Much to HC’s surprise, XL doesn’t use his powers much. Why in the world does XL want to learn how to cook without using magic as a shortcut? And clean? Do laundry? Who has the time for that?
HC refuses to bring XL on his side missions but after one goes horribly wrong in the blink of an eye, XL ends up showing up at the last second to help because HC wasn’t back in time for dinner.
XL insists on tagging along on missions after that.
HC is a much-wanted shadow hunter, therefore rogue demons often try to attack him. Possess him? Harm him. But of course, XL isn’t going to let that happen, not when the company - even if it’s forced - has been really nice.
Something makes him want to protect the shadow hunter. XL, who has always been told his soft spot for non-demons would be his downfall, does everything in his power to help HC.
And HC begins to notice.
HC grows used to XL’s presence. Despite XL’s title labeling him as a low rank bottom-feeding demon, HC realizes XL happens to know much more than he lets on. He also seems to know all of the shadow hunter’s weak spots but fortunately hasn’t used them against HC or his fellow shadow hunters thus far.
Before he knows it, one month has passed, and he looks forward to seeing a smol demon flit around his kitchen, chopping vegetables up and adding them to a bubbling concoction on the stove. Or the surplus of plants that have made their way into HC’s living room, soaking up sunlight and adding a nice change of scenery to the space.
XL has also gotten hooked on a variety of dramas that HC himself was never interested in. Now, HC can’t help but watch over XL’s shoulder, and eventually sit down next to the demon to squeeze in a quick episode before bed.
Except that sense of peace is soon shattered when HC is reminded of the chaos he desperately wanted to. The other powerful demon, Bai Wuxiang, had visited HC’s dreams, offering a once-in-a-lifetime deal in exchange for his powers.
(“Or has the vicious Crimson Rain gotten too soft?” BWX taunts, circling around HC in the dream. “Perhaps you never intended on executing your plan in the first place?”)
HC realizes he has been distracted from his initial goal, and the familiar emotions of anger and frustration with the world he’s a part of arise once more. Ignoring his conflicting turmoil, HC seethes at how dare XL sidetrack him from his carefully crafted plan to disrupt the corrupt bureaucracy of the higher ups that choose to neglect the humans they should be servicing.
It’s all XL’s fault for making HC feel so content by just being in his life.
HC must quickly deal with this.
And so, the next morning, when XL is shuffling around the kitchen making breakfast, humming to himself, HC slowly walks in with a grim face.
“Oh, wonderful, you’re up! I made some simple congee for you,” XL says, stirring the pot.
HC curls his right hand into a fist.
“…”
“I remembered your instructions to let it simmer for an hour longer than I’m used to, so the consistency has definitely improved-“
“Xie Lian.”
XL pauses his movements. He doesn’t fully turn to see HC’s expression, but somehow seems to know HC has something serious he would like to say.
“You haven’t called me by my name in a long time,” XL says with a light chuckle. See, to prevent others from realizing HC has summoned an ancient demon by openly throwing around Xie Lian’s name, both decided it would be easier if HC called XL by a nickname - and Gege has sufficed.
HC rounds the counter to stand a few paces away from the demon. He angles his chin down, looking down at XL with a stone cold exterior. He’s bracing himself in preparation for what’s to come.
“I’ve figured out my wish,” HC reveals quietly. XL stares straight ahead, refusing to meet HC’s eye.
XL does, however, smile.
It’s a small and sad smile - a knowing one. He fiddles with the dial before turning off the stove.
“You haven’t. You only think you have,” XL responds in a delicate voice.
HC inhales sharply. He takes another step towards the demon, the demon who he knew would be difficult. It’s so clear now, having shared a space with XL for a few months now.
HC can’t even fathom how he thought XL was as useless and weak as he once concluded.
HC shakes his head.
“You’re wrong. This is what I want.”
I want you to leave, remains unspoken.
I want you to leave and unbind yourself from me, something you’ve always been capable of from the moment I summoned you.
You are no ordinary demon. You are one of the most powerful and destructive demons who is mentioned in earliest shadow hunter records of demon kind.
But you cannot give me what I desire. You will not, more so, as those days of violence and bloodshed are far behind you, and I refuse to keep you around to witness my heinous intentions come to fruition.
I refuse to taint the simplicity of life you’ve chosen for yourself.
“Hua Cheng, I-“
“Leave, Xie Lian. Leave this place and never come back.”
The two are silent for a long moment. It feels like eons have passed in what was just a few seconds, but the damage has been done.
XL nods once, then steps away from HC.
“Very well. I do not intend to overstay my welcome.”
XL raises his right hand, his thumb and middle finger touching.
“Goodbye, Hua Cheng.”
With the snap of his fingers, XL dissipates into thin air.
*** Prompt by @no-one-says-hi