DreamDemon

***Based on a series of dreams***

>I sign the papers for the new apartment and shake my new landlady's hand.
"Thanks for letting me move in so quick. I couldn't wait to get out of my old place."
>My new landlady, Hailey, smiles sincerely, "Well, I'm glad we can fill up one of these. We actually don't have too many tenants right now."
I frown, "Is there something happening around here?"
>She shrugs, "I'm not sure. It seems like every new tenant we get leaves after a month, but they never can give a reason. It's getting really frustrating."
I ask, "Are there tenants around my apartment?"
>She nods, "There's a quiet girl right next to you in 106, and a couple living down at 108, and myself in 101."
"Sounds good to me."
>She smiles and nods, "Good. Oh, I almost forgot. There's also a woman that has rented out 102 for the next four years as well, but you probably wont see her."
"That's strange. Does she leave the apartment?"
>She shakes her head, "That's not it. She's just never here. One last thing, and if it's an issue I can void the documents, but we do allow extraspecies to stay here."
I smile, "Oh cool! Are there any here right now?"
>She chuckles, "Just 108's wife. She's a kobold, and a word of advice. If she offers you food, don't eat it. She is a horrifying cook."
>I laugh and she slides a set of keys across the desk.
>She points each of them out, "Laundry room is right next to the office and is free to use 24/7, just make sure you lock it when you leave. Deadbolt and door lock to 105."
"Thanks."
>I pay to have my furniture moved in, leaving me with just a few boxes.
>My box of notebooks tears open, dropping them all into my parking spot.
"Dammit. I knew I should've gotten a new box."
>106's curtains pull back, and I spot a face peeking out from the pitch black living room.
>I wave and the curtains immediately close.
>I bend down and start picking everything up, and I notice someone else helping me pick my notebooks up.
"Uh hi?"
>The guy nods, "Sup. I'm Ryan down in 108. Did you need any help moving in?"
"Oh, I'm Anon. 105. I think I've got it all pretty much set. Just these notebooks and a couple more boxes."
>Ryan looks at the cover of one of the notebooks, "Dream journal? Are all of these dream journals?"
I take the journal, "Oh, no. Just a couple of them are. Most of them are just short stories that I write to pass the time."
>"Very cool. Well, hey. If you need something, let me or Lucille know. Oh Lucille is my wife. She's a kobold in case you didn't know."
>He slides the few notebooks that he's gathered on top of the pile in my arms.
"Will do." He jogs down to his apartment and I say loudly, "It was nice to meet you!"
>He waves and hops inside.
>Just before I head inside my new apartment, I spot the same face peering out from the window of 106. I kick my door shut and unceremoniously drop all of the notebooks next to my couch.
>I finish bringing all of the boxes inside relatively quickly, and find the one keeping all of my bedding. I unpack a blanket and take a celebratory nap on my couch.

>I'm suddenly at a baseball game. Which is weird because I fucking hate baseball. I ignore the game and start wandering through the crowd.
>Wait a minute.
>I spot a figure a short distance away with a haze around their face. What's more is that she's got curves like no tomorrow, a big chest, and blue grey skin.
>She's got a perfect body... if only I could see her face.
>I push my way over to her, bumping people over into the seats below.
>Just when I'm reaching towards her, I wake up with my hand stretching towards the ceiling.
"Huh. That's a new one." I reach down next to the couch and throw my notebooks around until I find my newest dream journal.
>I quickly write the fading memory down.
>My stomach growls and I look at my watch.
"Dinner time... cept I haven't shopped yet. Great."
>I splash water on my face and am reminded of the feminine figure in my dream.
I say to myself, "Definitely wouldn't mind dreaming about her again."
>I lock up and grab take out from the nearest burger joint.
>I get back to my apartment and I see Hailey stepping out of her apartment.
Curiousity gets the better of me, so I wave to her, "Hey, do you have a minute?"
>She looks a little surprised before nodding, "Of course. Is there something wrong with the apartment?"
I shake my head, "Nope. It's loads better than where I was before. I was just wondering if you knew of any mamano that could enter dreams."
>She looks a little confused, "Uhh... well some demons can, and Nightmares too... why do you ask?"
"Oh, well... I just woke up from a dream before getting food. I was at a baseball game, and there was this... I guess some type of mamano with blue-grey skin and a haze around their face."
>She shrugs, "It could just be a dream too. You must have a pretty good memory to remember your dreams."
"I've always been like this. I've got a few dream journals that I log everything into. Oh well, thanks anyways!"
>She nods, "No problem... Have a good night."

>That night the same dream replays, as if my mind simply wanted to see it one more time.
>I wake up and look at the clock sitting on the floor.
"Maybe it was just a dream."
>I roll out of bed just as my alarm goes off to get ready for work.
>Step out and lock my apartment as 106 is just getting back from grocery shopping.
I step towards her and introduce myself, "Hey there. I'm your new neighbor Anon."
>She drops her groceries and takes a few steps back, "J-j-just stay there."
"Oh. Okay..."
>Once again the dream pops in my head and once again, curiosity gets the better of me,
"I just have a quick question."
>She slowly backs towards her apartment, leaving her groceries on the pavement, "O...okay?"
"Do you know of an mamano that can invade dreams?
>Her gaze narrows on me, "Who told you?"
"What?"
>She looks confused, "Who told you that I had one?"
"What? No one. I took a nap-"
>She steps towards me with a scary look in her eyes, "What the hell kind of game are you playing 'ANON'? If that's even your fucking name."
"Okay we clearly got off on the wrong foot..." That's when I see the dark circles under her eyes.
>I look at her groceries and see nothing but energy drinks and caffienated soda.
>This girl clearly hasn't slept in a long time.
I shrug and head towards my car, "Okay, nevermind. I've got to get to work anyways. Have a good one 106."
Once I'm on the road I say to myself, "Sleep deprived nutjob..."

>I go shopping after work, and end up getting home late in the afternoon.
>I shower off, fry up a steak and enjoy a quiet meal to myself.
>Still haven't scheduled any kind of cable hookup or internet, so I dig out my laptop and play a few single player games.
>Late into the night I yawn and put everything away. I slide under the covers and quickly fall asleep.

>I'm working in a kitchen for some party or something.
>Apparently I'm baking bread. I look out into the cafeteria and spot a bunch of people, and a blue-grey skinned woman hiding in the crowd.
>Once a loaf is done I walk into the cafeteria and deliver it to the people closest to her.
>I'm almost close enough to where I can reach out and touch her, but she turns and starts walking away.
>I drop the loaf and grab her shoulder, causing her to shriek.
>My world tips upside down and I start falling up into the sky.
>I look up and see the ground rushing closer and closer.
>I jump out of bed as I hit the ground.
"Damn... So close."
>I grab my dream journal and quickly jot it down.
>I'm pretty sure I saw a spade tail flick in front of my face before my world tipped upside down.
"Definitely a demon of some sort."

I get home from work and greet a tired Hailey getting out of the office. "Hey, I thought I'd let you know-"
>She yawns big and holds up a finger for me to wait. Once she's finished she motions for me to continue.
"I wanted to let you know that there's a demon nearby that's invading dreams or something."
>She tiredly blinks at me, letting her  "Oh. Really? What makes you so sure?"
"I saw her in my dream last night and grabbed her shoulder. She lost her shit-"
>Hailey frowns and tiredly waves it off, "Probably just spooked her or something. Is she bothering you or something?"
"Well... no, I guess not. I just thought you'd like to know that the other tenants might've left because of her or something."
>She nods slowly, "Okay?"
I head back to my apartment, "You look tired. Get some rest tonight, alright?"
>The next night I mentally prepare myself for anything that might happen.
>The last thing I do is meditate before falling asleep.

>I'm in a dark alleyway with walls higher than I can climb. Reminds me of the nightmares that I had as a kid.
>I look in both directions, half knowing what's going to happen next.
>Distant vibrations start up in one direction.
>Oh shit mode kicks in and I take off running in the opposite direction.
>Thumping picks up speed as the alley twists and turns around.
>I'm tiring out, and the thumping is close. So close that I know as soon as I pause, whatever it is following me will tear me apart."
>Round another corner and see the demon sitting at the top of a wall.
>I can barely make out her scowl and two curled horns through the fog covering her face.
>She says clear as day, "This is what you get for touching me."
>I trip up, and immediately get torn to shreds from the monster.
>I wake up groaning at the false pain that twinges around my back from the monster's teeth.
>I smile and write down everything as detailed as I can. This dream demon's toying with me.

>After work I grab melatonin from the pharmacy and fully prepare myself again before bed.
>This time I know I'll be able to uncover her face.
>Fall asleep...

>Riding a train with various people and spot her at the end of the car. This time, I know I'm dreaming.
>I snap my fingers and the train is empty.
>She looks around and sees me staring right at her.
>She frowns and asks herself, "What's going on?"
>I try to speak, and she lifts her hand up into the air.
>After a few moments her hand slowly drops to her side and she says aloud, "I... can't escape?"
>I clap and she's suddenly sitting across from me on the train.
>She's turning her head every which way, trying to figure out what is going to happen to her.
>While I still can't speak, I know I can write. I pull a giant piece of paper and marker out of thin air to write on it.
I write, 'I just want to see your face.'
>She starts panicking, "B-but... No. I... I've never... You're just a human. How can you..."
I write back, 'If you're going to be in my dreams, I'd like to get to know you.'
>She shakes her head, "No... I can't. Whenever someone sees a demon they lose their shit. They freak out and think we're all going to steal their souls! You-"
>She stops when she sees me writing.
'I know I can remove the fog. I just want you to do it.'
>She turns her head, "I... can't. Please don't do it. I don't want to risk-"
>I scribble, 'Alright, Relax. I won't force you. I'll expect you in the next dream I have. If you don't show up, I'll be disappointed.'
>The fog gets a little brighter at those words, "I'll see you there."

>Wake up from the best sleep I've ever had.

>Get home from work and eat before bed.
I ask myself as I slide under the covers, "Would it be wrong to date a demon?"
>The thought hangs with me as I drift off to sleep.

>When I open my eyes, I'm on a beach. There's a few people around, but I don't spot her.
>I get up out of the sand and wander down the beach.
>I give up and turn around, just in time to see her materialize next to where I started.
>I wave and jog towards her. The fog around her face seems darker than usual.
>She apologizes, "Sorry... Sometimes things come up in the waking world that have to be dealt with."
>I wave it off try to ask her a question, but find that no sound comes out of my mouth.
>She holds up a finger, "Hang on. Let me try something."
>Her fog shrouded head moves closer to mine and I instinctively back away.
>She apologizes again, "Sorry, just... I can transfer a little power to you if I kiss you... Would that be okay?"
>I nod and she leans in close. The fog shrouds my vision and I feel her lips touch softly against mine.
>Even though it was only for a second, it felt like we were kissing for several minutes.
>She lifts her lips from mine quickly and backs up a few steps.
>A pleasant tingling travels down from my lips to my throat.
"Thank you."
>The fog cloud brightens and we walk down the beach together. "So what did you want to ask me?"
"Oh, I was wondering why the fog covering your face was darker than the past few days. But I think I know the answer already."
>She pauses mid-step, "Oh... Yes the shroud has a tendency to show the emotion of the caster."
"So when we kissed..."
>The cloud turns a shade of pink and she stutters, "W-well... I, don't... I mean, was it okay for you?"
>I stop in my tracks and look directly where I think her eyes should be in the fog. Her arms are folded protectively under her bust.
>I hold out my hand to her, and she simply states, "If it wasn't okay, you can let me know. I can take it."
I smile, "Okay isn't the word I'd use." Before I can get another word out she backs up a step and her fog darkens a little.
I quickly add, "Different words come to mind. Amazing or awesome are probably more to what I would use."
>Her fog brightens considerably, "Is that so?"
I muster whatever courage I have, "Yeah... Would you want to go out with me?"
>The fog turns a shade of yellow, "I'm gl-wait what?"
"Would you want to go out with me?"
>She gestures to herself, "You're asking a demon out?"
"I am."
>She brings her hands up into the fog, seemingly to cover her mouth. "Y-you're... I'm... But-"
>I step forward and gently rest my hands on her shoulders.
>The fog swirls with yellow and pink as her voice catches in her throat.
"I know we just met, but I can't get you out of my head."
She sputters as I continue, "You're beautiful, and I'd like to get to know you more."
>The fog suddenly envelops my face and I feel her lips press against mine.
>We kiss more passionately, and feel her tongue caress mine. I feel her hand run through my hair and I wrap mine around her waist to bring her closer.
>She breaks from the kiss and leans back a little bit, "In case you were wondering, I'd love to go out with you."
>I lean back into the fog and kiss her from the bottom of her neck, along her jawline, and up to her lips.
>As her hands slide down my chest, the fog starts turning a darker shade, "Damn... It looks like we've run out of time..."

>I wake up feeling sexually frustrated and with an extreme case of morning wood.
I slap my forehead, "Fuck I forgot to ask for her name!"
>I turn of my alarm and get ready for work.
>106 is just turning into her parking spot as I'm getting into my car.
>She rolls down the window and apologizes from inside the car, "I'm really sorry for how I reacted yesterday. I haven't been sleeping well... or sleeping at all lately."
"It's okay. Want to do introductions again?"
>She smiles and nods her head, "Yeah. I'm Cyrria. It's good to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you too."
>I pull out of my parking spot and wave to Hailey as I pass.
>She waves back with a smile.

>I end up having to work a 12 hour shift, and pick up fast food on my way home. I take food out, lock the doors to my car and shut it.
"Oh fuck."
>I set the fast food on the hood of my car and look in the window.
>I just locked my keys in my car, and the only spare is locked inside my apartment. I sigh and head to Hailey's apartment.
>I knock a few times, and I hear her say from inside, "Who is it?"
"Anon, 105."
>"Just a moment! I'll be right there!"
>There's a bunch of shuffling noises, and nearly two minutes later she flings open the door. "How are you Anon? What can I do to help?"
I sigh, "Well, I had a 12 hour shift, and I locked my keys in my car... why are your jeans inside out?"
>She looks down at her jeans and laughs sheepishly, "I uh, may have put them on rather quickly..." She turns and walks back to her room.
>This is the first time that I've seen her wear anything close to form fitting, and it immediately reminds me of when the demon turns to leave in my baking dream.
>She shuts the door behind her and says, "Just a moment, and I'll grab your spare from the office. Once I get these jeans on right."

>She's out a moment later, and leads me to the office next door.
>While she fiddles with the safe under the desk she asks, "Any more dreams like the one you told me?"
"Oh, yeah actually. You were right, she's a demon."
>She nods, "Nobody likes demons, do they?"
She can't see me from her spot, but I shake my head nonetheless as I answer, "I wouldn't say that. She's plenty pretty. I just wish I could get the complete picture."
>Hailey's eyes peer over the desk, "Is that so?"
"Even with the fog blocking her face from view, and from what I felt while her and I were making out... I know she's beautiful."
>Hailey's eyes are still fixed on me.
"Uh, are you okay?"
>She snaps back to reality, "Uh yeah... I've got your keys right here."
She hands them to me and I reach out to feel her forehead, "You're look a little flush right now. Are you okay?"
>She stutters, "I, uhm wha- it's no... I'm..." She swallows hard and closes her eyes, "Y-yes, I'm okay."
"Alright. I'll go unlock the door and run these right back to you."
>I run to my door, unlock it and run back, but don't see Hailey anywhere.
"Hailey? Where did you go?"
>As I set my keys on the desk, I can hear someone faintly breathing. I lean over the desk to see a blue-black skinned Hailey nervously looking up at me.
>She says quietly, "Uh, hi."
"Hi. Are you the one coming into my dreams?"
>She nods, "I'm sorry. Please don't be mad. I just need a little energy from dreams for sustinance. I promise. It's nothing else."
I feel a little sad at the comment. "Nothing else? So you wouldn't want to go out with me? And where did your horns go?"
>As if on cue, her horns start growing from the sides of her head and curling around.
>She apologizes again, "Sorry. I can't hold my transformation for much longer than twelve hours. When I heard you at my door I tried to transform myself again, but it was too soon."
"So why did you think I wouldn't want to go out with you outside of a dream?"
>She hides her gaze from me, "I just thought... since we met in a dream, that you only would like me in a dream."
I step around the desk and sit next to her, "I thought I was pretty clear that I wanted to go out with you. Dream or not, my offer still stands."
>She leans in close to me and kisses my cheek before whispering in my ear, "You're the first to accept me in a dream, and the only one within 500 miles to know what I am."
I ask quietly, "Is that a yes?"
>She bites the tip of my ear, "Of course it is."