slightlyoffchilt | - IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

You've made yourself clear. And I rescinded the offer, remember? [Different offer, same vein.] I'm not about to flatter myself. [Chilton straightened his spine, smirking in his self-congratulatory manner.] See? I was indeed listening.

["I am an excellent psychiatrist," was the implied following, though unspoken, sentence.]

We ought to get you out of the bribery habit anyway. I'm your psychiatrist, not your auctioneer.

[He supposed that kiss deal was never properly finalized. They did leave off "in negotiation" because he kept insisting on Raina being there. Sorry, Chilton, he just doesn't trust her. He sighs with a closed-mouth smile, and has a tone of repentance.]

I'm a victim of fine print, it seems, Dr. Chilton. Anyway, I didn't mean that; I was only upset with you, and wrongly, at that. I can be a little vindictive - maybe it's a demon thing.

On that note, I think my bribery habit runs too deep to be corrected. I deal in deals. I like to trade. It suits me, and it benefits everyone. If there's no offers on the table right now, maybe we ought to each make new ones.

Hm.

[Chilton paused for the moment, reevaluating his profile of Matthew -- at least, in this regard. He had taken the demon at his word, and thus concluded that Abduxel's behavior was more about reaction than results.]

As long as it isn't a modest proposal. [Because, Swiftian humor or no, Chilton had suffered quite enough of cannibalism.] I'm listening.

[He doesn't really think he was wrongly upset with Chilton, for the record, but that's not something he'll be honest about now, when he's fairly sure his ass is going to be doused in holy water any time soon and Chilton is the only one moving pieces in his favour.

Anyway, "a little vindictive" is an understatement by normal standards, but maybe worded just strongly enough for someone coming from Chilton's perspective. After all, he'd never kill and eat his enemies. He's more likely to vandalize their furniture or share their secrets.

The literary reference goes over his head; he was never much of a scholar, and the casual use of a phrase like that is a little too high-brow for the sorts of folks he associated with in life. And in Hell, for that matter.]

I don't think either of us here are terribly modest.

[He adjusts his posture, leaning back casually. He tilts his head a little to glance down Chilton's frame, to spy if his legs are still crossed. He hadn't really thought this far ahead; Chilton had largely been leading their tango today, besides when The Innuendo had Abduxel seize center stage, but now here he was being put in lead again. But he rolls with it comfortably.]

You know what I want. [He'll leave the scope of that to Chilton's imagination.] I've yet to entirely figure out what you want. As you know, I've got some skill when it comes to uncovering secrets. I could offer services. In fact, Raina and I discussed the potential of me helping secure volunteers for her research, but we didn't make a deal in any official capacity. It could be a gift to her.

How would you like to work for me? Formally?

[He thought that was a fair turn of events -- after all, Crane had abused the demon, and Walt had abandoned him. Why shouldn't Chilton have a turn? He calculated that he would be at least a fairer employer; he wasn't prone to emotional hurricanes, and nor was he sadistic for the sake of inflicting experiments upon any old subject. Chilton was far more selective in his abuse -- and as long as Abduxel followed through, Chilton didn't require to exploit the demon to any non-consensual extent.]

Since you're out of the job, and I already gifted Raina with Dorian. [He inclined his head, acknowledging the offering.] See? I'm already far more transparent with you than your former contacts had been.

[And that way Abduxel had an open-ended use; Chilton wouldn't have to incur the details of his schemes immediately.]

[He raises an eyebrow at that, not bothering to hide his surprise. But it's a smiling sort of surprise.

He thinks briefly of working for Walter White; he finds Walter's brand of difficult personality to actually be much safer than Chilton's, easier to play with. Easier to build trust - just talk about your family a little, do small friendly gestures. He's more haphazard, which also means Abduxel can just dance a step ahead of the whirlwind. But Chilton is calculated, and Abduxel wonders if Chilton calculates better than he does.

This was Chilton's answer about what he wants...]

You want to be in charge, then.

[He laughs a little.]

I might like that.

I can't help but be suspicious that you orchestrated this, but even if you have, I suppose that deserves a reward in itself, doesn't it?

Alright. The pieces are in position. What does me working for you look like? Regular pay, tasks that call for the skills I've used on you? That kiss I'm waiting for?

Regular pay, yes, to include what health benefits and vacation time I can afford you. Your official job description would be "administrative assistant" -- I'm the administrator. You'd be my assistant.

[Abduxel was not wrong about Chilton's thirst to be in charge.]

I think you would most assist me in patient security -- I don't want anyone to ever do what you've done to my files, my protected information. And who better to thief-proof a room than a burglar? So to speak. Though it won't be simply wiring my office and basement.

[Chilton smiled, his eyes keeping to the demon's.]

I also want a spy on my most extraordinary patient projects. If you're inclined to stable employment -- and whatever other intimate benefits -- that would be the baseline required.

[The description of burglar-proofing Chilton's information makes his eyes crease with an unvocalized laugh. But his gaze is unwavering, interested, intent. He raises his hands in a sort of casual surrender. Playing on the language of moving pieces,]

Checkmate. You've got me. I would be happy to provide these things. And, as you know, I'm quite good.

[His eyes are greedy to see how Chilton would react to this behaviour which was, compared to his usual attitude, a move much more submissive.]

I have no doubt about your quality.

[Oh, he was all glowing compliments now. Abduxel had agreed to the offer, and Chilton would soon conjure up a contractual agreement serving both their needs. He wondered, idly, if the demon might need to sign in blood. If not for mystical reasons, then perhaps for atmospheric couture.]

We'll reconvene, then, in a couple of days. Work out your contract. Establish your hours.

[It seemed so mundane, it was funny. A demon, working for him -- well, Chilton had hired worse, hadn't he?]

It will be a pleasure.

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