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- He just wanted someone to accompany him to the gym for his workouts.
- Besides, having you sit on his back during push-ups is easier than stacking weights.
- You seemed interested in the resistance bands someone else was using. It looks easy enough: stand on one end, grasp the other and curl your hands upward to work your forearms and upper arms.
- While Beel wanders off to fill his water jug, you glance at the flat latex bands.
- Blue is a nice color, so without further thought, you take it, step on the middle with one foot and grasp at the other end of the loop.
- Beel returns and watches in admiration from a distance for a moment.
- Huh. Little human has a bit of arm strength! Blue leaned closer to the higher end of resistance.
Impressive, MC. I didn’t know you knew how to use bands. That’s a bicep curl. You knew that though, right?
- You smile, happy for the praise.
- Hey, if a demon is telling you that you’re impressive as a human, you take the compliment.
- Beel walks around your side to check your form.
- Hm.
- Not exactly right.
You’ll sprain your wrist if you’re not careful. Lower your arm real quick.
- He adjusts your hand placement, then leans over your shoulder.
- You’re not the most fit human.
- You’re kinda sweaty.
- Your hands aren’t really dry.
- And the sound of the latex stretching is kind of concerning.
- But Beel grins.
Alright, you’re all set. Perfect. Now try.
- Here goes nothing!
- You raise your hand.
- The latex stretches and squeaks, but Beel doesn’t seem worried at all.
- You touch your knuckles to your shoulder.
*SNAP*
- The band slips from your grasp.
- It whips your foot.
- Your fist launches upward.
- Beel roars.
- You gave him one hell of an uppercut.
- “I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I was sweaty it slipped I swear I didn’t punch you on purpose Beel I’m so sorry I—”
- He is stunned.
- Absolutely in shock.
- This human busted his chin and actually kind of hurt.
- A human!
- He rubs his jaw and stares wide-eyed at the resistance loop now abandoned on the floor. Did that make you stronger somehow?
- Oh, wait. You’re still apologizing.
- You look upset.
- He feels bad.
- It’s not like you did it on purpose.
- It’s kind of funny and cute actually how scared you are about injuring him.
It’s okay, MC. I shouldn’t have stood there, but I was really surprised you could stretch the band all the way. That’s not easy, since it’s meant for demons, you know.
- He’s definitely impressed, even though you feel horrible.
- Well, he knows what always makes him feel better when he’s sad for no particular reason.
- Without hesitating, he picks up the loop, hangs it over the hook and rubs his jaw again.
- It still hurts.
- Geez, MC. Remind him to be wary of dragging you around if this is the kind of power you can wield.
- He pats your shoulder, maybe a little rougher than he normally would.
- Don’t get cocky, MC. Remember, you’re human, and most everyone else is a demon. You don’t stand a chance against someone in their demon form.
How about a post-workout meal? Hell’s Kitchen is still open. There’s nothing like a half dozen orders of egg noodles with peanut sauce and ayam cemani chicken. You’re paying for your own though, since you punched me and all. Sorry, MC. Those are the consequences.