A narrow stream under a crooked cedar. Morning light through mist. I'm kneeling barefoot on the stones, shirt half-buttoned, hair a godsdamn haystack. I spit and gargle again from my bronze cup, scowling at the water like it personally offended me.
The lizard's voice floats down from somewhere above, slow and smug.
"Let me guess. Deepthroating a demon again."
I gargle harder. Swish. Spit with a dramatic ptooey.
"Oh gods, don't start."
"I'm just saying. For someone with such a dainty mouth, you do stretch your boundaries admirably."
I rinse the cup, still muttering. Dip it again. Sip. Gargle.
"I'm not talking to you."
"You weren't talking last night either. Too full of brimstone sausage."
I flip him off without turning around, middle finger dripping cold sage tea.
"Here. Suck on this."
He chuckles. A low rumble that scatters a few birds from the trees.
"Tell me, was it Gregory again or some lesser demon this time? One of the cloven-hoofed interns maybe? Did you at least get something in return—souls, secrets, self-respect?"
"I got a damn good time and three silver rings. And a sprained jaw."
I spit again. Wipe my mouth on the back of my hand.
"He owes me a goat, remember? I'm just collecting late fees."
He hums thoughtfully.
"Is that what we're calling it now? Late fees?"
I toss a pebble in his direction. It plinks off his scales. Harmless.
"Don't be jealous. You can't even reach your own tail without groaning these days."
"At least my lovers don't bite."
I stand up, splash water on my face, and retie my blouse—wrong buttons, as always. I glare skyward.
"Bite me."
"I wouldn't dare. You're probably cursed down there now. I'd grow a second tongue and start preaching demonic philosophy."
I smirk despite myself, hands on hips.
"Please. Like you wouldn't love that. Mister 'oh I read the Eighteen Hellbooks for fun, look at me, I collect soul jar poetry.'"
He stretches lazily on the cliff above, tail curling like a cat's. Still watching me. Still smirking.
"I do love poetry. I just prefer mine recited without gagging."
I flip him off again. Double this time.
"Choke on a goat."
"You'd know."