He wrecked his brain to think and think and think, and came up with nothing to convince Kian to take that clause away from the contract.
His throat felt clogged, but he forced the words out.
"Is that the worst one in this contract, or is there more?" He asked, voice rough.
"It is the worst one," Kian confirmed.
Xal should have read the contract.
If he couldn't break it, then he'd protect him so that it would never come to that point. He leaned forward, silently grabbed the contract and signed it, the pen scratching across the paper, feeling like it was made out of lead.
"Could you shut your mouth before a fly gets in?" Xal asked, pushing the contract back to Kian who seemed so surprised that he still signed it.
He snapped his mouth shut and quietly signed over the place he should, gaze lingering over it for a while before speaking.
"I don't want you to worry about this too much. I mean, it's least likely for it to happen. And I really don't want you to risk your life over mine. I mean it. But if you are in this with me to help people, find Khem, I want you to really understand the commitment you have to make. Then again, it's least likely to happen, but I'm-"
"Kian." His voice deepened, cutting off his rambling.
"Yeah. Yeah. So… what I mean is, not just the contract, I need you to promise me that you will kill me if it comes to that point. I need your word."
"I promise," Xal said after a pause, holding his arm out. Kian clasped his forearm, and he held on tightly, shaking it once, smiled gently.
"Just so you know, I will never let you get possessed," Xal added sternly, meaning every word.
"I believe you," He said without a pause. Xal's eyes widened slightly, not expecting such a sincere response, but even more surprised to see the relieved look on his face, like a weight had been lifted.
✦ ✦ ✦
Kian nodded to himself, eyes closed as the sense of relief washed over him. Not because Xal said he'd never let him get possessed, but because he'd agreed to kill him if he ever did. The heavy boulder crushing his chest shifted a fraction.
Hearing his evening alarm ringing from the bedroom, puzzled, he looked at the clock, and his jaw dropped. It was already 3 PM. He hadn't let Xal eat anything.
"Uh…Sorry, I didn't realize the time. Want to order lunch?" Kian asked.
He said no, mentioning that he was still full from breakfast and should get home before his mom raided this place looking for him. Kian assumed he might have ordered something in the morning. He should do the same; didn't feel like doing all the chores of making something to eat.
Xal bid goodbye and rode the Suzuki home as he'd insisted. Just as he walked back towards the house, he got a message from him.
Xal: If you like sandwiches or salad, check the fridge.
Me: Okay?
He opened the fridge to see a neatly assembled sandwich and salad. Hissing at the cold surface sending goosebumps, he took them out, sat at the table, and took a bite.
Oh… this is good.
Not as good as his cooking, but good.
I should cook a meal for him to appreciate this.
The tradition in his family and Vyl clan was that if food was offered, shared, they should do the same. With that thought, once done, he took a photo of the empty plate and bowl and sent it to Xal with a thumbs-up emoji.
His hands shook, regretting the way he sent the message, as the thought invaded that he was overstepping the boundaries, being abnormally friendly, or bothering him.
Xal: Glad you liked it.
A breath of relief escaped, halting the trembling.
Me: Can you come here on Friday morning? Around 10? I'll give you the job 'orientation'. I'll have lunch ready as well.
Xal: Is this the way you repay? By planning to give me food poisoning?
Xal: Should I bring some Imodium or Pepto-Bismol?
Xal: Or have an ambulance ready?
Me: 💀 See you on Friday.
"Let's see if you'll be so sarcastic after tasting my food, Bakaniki." Kian grinned to himself and started reminiscing his schedule. He had to deliver the amulets by tomorrow, cure a person the day after tomorrow, and, aside from that, his daily visits were left. So, he had some time to make a protection amulet for Xal.