Deal with a twink devil

Willow had no intention of getting tricked again, yet he stayed. He was unable to walk away, rooted in place as he listened to the devil's offer, even after knowing full well that there was no way this could ever end peacefully.Maybe, deep inside, he still foolishly held on to a sliver of hope that, maybe, things could work out. Maybe Liam would show pity; maybe he'd actually keep his promise. It was extremely naive and idiotic, but..."...let me hear your proposal.""Why, of course," Liam smiled, "Willow, show me your petals... your tender sides, your delicate sides. Show me the expression you always wear around Charlie, tenderness and love shining in your eyes. Show me something other than this hateful and disgusted expression, Will. Show me..." He tucked a few stray strands of Willow's hair behind his ear and whispered, "-the love you have reserved for Charlie."Willow clenched his teeth, listening intently. This time... he wasn't going to leave any loopholes, not letting Liam trick him ever again."What do I get in return?""Ah... you're the same as ever, love. Always talking about returns. Can't you just pretend to love me, just for a second?""Quit the small talk. I don't think either of us has that much time to spare."Liam laughed quietly, then quickly fixed his expression. "Of course, of course. I know my darling is very busy.""In return, I won't ask you to end things with Charlie. I will not make Charlie leave." He was very clear and to the point as he said, "I will allow your relationship with Charlie and do nothing to break you two up from the moment this deal takes effect."Willow gulped nervously. Unlike before, Liam was very clear and concise this time. His statements were direct and without any loopholes. Still, Willow couldn't shake the feeling that this arrangement wasn't going to be any better than the one before. Rather, his heart felt restless, like this was the worst decision of his life, the biggest mistake he'd ever make.Liam noticed his dilemma. Willow's thoughts couldn't have been clearer, but he still pretended to be oblivious and asked, "What happened, love? Why are you so deep in thought? I think I was very honest this time."He joked, "Do you want me to sign a legal paper or something?"Willow turned away, lost in thought, contemplating the deal. Liam couldn't trick him this time, right... right?And again, it wasn't like he had a choice. Refusing this would just mean digging a hole for himself, because if he refused, he'd surely have to end things. This was a flimsy rope that Willow wasn't even sure connected to any support, but it was the best bet he had. He was helpless, at Liam's mercy. He could refuse, but what then? At least, he told himself, let him grab onto every sliver of hope. At least then, he wouldn't feel as regretful later.He stepped back, his back brushing against the cold wall. Willow said apprehensively, "Say... if I accept, what then? What exactly do I have to do to keep my side of the bargain?""Well, for starters, call me Liam. Tenderly, with affection." He came closer, though the height difference only brought him to Willow's neck, turning the usually threatening romantic pose into something slightly awkward and forced."...Liam.""Oh, come on, love. A little more loving."Willow repeated with a monotonous expression, "Liam." He was completely devoid of emotion, looking more like a machine than the system ever did- or ever would in the future.Liam just smiled, not bothered by Willow's lack of effort. "Well, let's save that for later. Kiss me, Willow. Kiss me, like you kissed Charlie today in the bathroom.""...How do you know about that?" Willow asked, shocked that Liam knew. They made sure they were alone in the bathroom. It hadn't even been a passionate kiss, just a quick brush of lips."I have eyes and ears everywhere. I presume you didn't check the stalls, sweetie?"Willow bit his lip, looking down. He really... he was so careless. Until now, they'd never had any reason to hide their relationship since Charlie had confessed in front of the whole school."Anyway, we aren't here to talk about that. Kiss me, just like you kissed him. Well, I'd prefer if you did it with a bit more affection and passion, but-"His words were cut off as Willow pressed his lips to Liam's. If he had to do it anyway, he might as well get it over with.Liam was surprised but soon curved his lips into a smile, with Willow's face still close to his. Somehow, his demeanor seemed different as he caressed Willow's cheek affectionately. There was a hint of affection in his expression, but- it looked like he was putting on a show, pretending they were lovers. As if he wanted someone to see."I love you, sweetie. Do you love me too?""..." Willow didn't reply, looking to the other side. He didn't know why, but Liam shifted to block his view of the alley entrance.Liam's voice was low, almost a whisper to himself as he said, "Will, our deal. Love me, darling. Or pretend to, at least."Willow didn't want to but knew he had to keep his side of the deal. He swallowed before forcing out, "I...I do. Of course, I love you. Why...why do you ask?""Oh, I don't know," Liam laughed carelessly. "I just wanted to hear it from your mouth once again. I just... I love you so much, love. Hearing you say the same fills me with endless joy.""You love me, and only me, right? No one else, right?"Since Willow was acting as his lover, he shook his head in denial. "There no one else. I only love you, Char—" He caught himself just in time and hurriedly corrected, "Liam. I only love you...Liam."Liam was strangely unfazed by his slip-up and didn't point it out. Instead, he placed a hand on Willow's neck, bending his head down to kiss him, catching him by surprise.Willow was stunned, but even after realizing what was happening, he couldn't bring himself to kiss him back. He just stood there, frozen as Liam kissed him passionately, neither complying nor protesting. He was painfully numb, simply standing there, allowing Liam to do whatever he wanted.