Beasts

A breeze picks up, spreading the cherry blossom petals to the breeze like rice thrown at a wedding. Samael catches a handful idly, crushing them between his fingers. I cringe at his act of destruction. He winces at my reaction and discards the pulp.

“I didn't mean...” he trails off.

“I know,” I say, too quick. I chew my upper lip, my cheeks burning. I am embarrassed for my show of weakness and even more for lashing out with violence. “I- I shouldn't have hit you.”

“It's nothing. I’ve withstood much worse.”

Cricket chirps and the gentle buzz of cicadas stretch in the silence between us. Fireflies light the air like will-o'-the-wisps.

“I - I wouldn't mind if you told me a story,” I say.

Samael looks at me in confusion. “Really?”

“Yes, really. Like you did when I was young.”

He smiles tentatively. “If you're sure...”

“I am.”

He rises, coming to sit beside me. He drapes his cloak over my shoulders to keep me warm.

“Thank you,” I say.

“It's nothing. Shall I - do you want me to begin?”

“Y