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This was a nightmare. Or a dream come true. One of them, depending on how optimistic one was. Of course for Charlie this was both. Locked in a closet with the Radio Demon, on a high up floor in a tucked away corner. It would be hours before someone found them, if at all. Packed between someone’s body and the myriad supplies that had been shoved in here with little to no thought. Cans of paint and cleaning supplies, spare towels and as her eyes adjusted to the dim light peeking in from the cracks of the door frame, laundry bags. And all she could do was lament what force in the universe had landed her here. How in the Seven Rings had this managed to occur?
HH
Despite the fact that they all lived together, Charlie honestly always believed that bonding with her friends and patrons was a tantamount priority. And with the revelation that sinners could actually be redeemed they certainly had plenty of them. So, she’d decided on the best activity for a huge group; a slumber party! A way for them to bond and get to know one another without the sort of structure that lessons and group activities tended to bring about. Besides, Charlie couldn't deny there was at least a tiny selfish impetus behind this; she'd never had enough people she considered friends that she could have a slumber party. So now that she had an entire extended group? She certainly wasn’t about to be stopped. Charlie had made sure every single current member of staff and resident of the hotel would be able to be in attendance.Somehow, she'd even managed to cajole their resident Overlord to join them.
Though he’d never stopped performing his duties as she’d asked him Charlie had noticed that as of late he’d… withdrawn somewhat. Not in any noticeable way, at least not with anyone else. But for Charlie specifically she’d noticed he wasn’t acting entirely like himself. Or maybe that had been wishful thinking, wanting to be special. Still, she noticed that he held her differently when they enjoyed a song and dance or two; like he was keeping his distance. When he invaded her personal space it was restricted to looming and leaning in where as before he’d draw her into embraces whether she was willing or not. And as for the activities she ran, he’d taken to residing far more in his rebuilt radio tower than anything else. So Charlie honestly hadn’t had much in the way of hoping he would join at her request, but she was still willing to try.
“Forgive me for seeming disinterested,” he'd said as he originally tried to brush her off, flitting about and fiddling with dials and buttons across his expansive console as he prepared for another broadcast, “But I fail to see the point, or potential for amusement, in a party with the souls we already share a living space with.”
“It's about getting together and having fun,” Charlie had protested while following his movements, “No lessons, no soft limits, and there's tons of fun to be had!”
“Like what?” she had caught his attention as he spared a glance over his shoulder for a moment.
“Well… Angel and Cherri have volunteered to do makeovers; there's going to be snacks, maybe we’ll watch a scary movie or two, and games! Lots of board games and other types of activities!”
“Again, I fail to see the value in patroning that pathetic television podcaster by using his services to entertain the rabble.”
“Come on Al,” she tried to get things back on track by soothing his ego. She should have known that movies and visual entertainment would be a sore spot for him, “We all know television doesn't exist without radio. And that if you wanted to you could shut down the electricity in all of Pentagram City.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere darling. My answer is no,”
“But I-” Charlie paused, studying him intently for a moment.
While he made a show of being busy there was this sense that he was waiting on her. Toying with her and wanting her to beg him. It was confusing, with the combination of everything else. Like he was trying to stay at arms’ length while monopolizing her at the same time. This distance of his was carefully crafted; another riddle, another game. But was she willing to play? Charlie surprisingly found the answer was yes, but only if she could play it her way, “Well that's fine I guess,”
She saw him perk in interest as she turned away. Clearly she was right; he'd been expecting her to beg. But two could play the game of manipulation. Her father’s number one rule when she’d expressed her interest in being with her people instead of above them echoed in her head; don't take shit from other demons.
“It… is. Splendid!” Were it not for how long they'd been working together Charlie might have mistaken his answer for sincere.
“Yeah, that's fine. I mean, I was hoping my partner would join me in a show of solidarity but since you really don’t want to…it’s alright. I can just ask my dad to help out instead.”
A screech of radio feedback had filled the air. And Charlie knew she had him. But of course he’d only taken the bait. Now she needed to reel him in.
“Come again?”
“Yeah, Dad said he's been wanting to take more of an active role in helping run the hotel. Out of respect for our partnership I wanted to enlist your help first. But if you really don't want to do it…”
“Perish the thought!” Alastor changed his mind so quickly Charlie almost got whiplash, “You're quite right that a little relaxation of the program’s rules could lead to some entertaining moments. Yes, I will help you run the evening. However,” he held up a finger at her, “Do not ask me to participate. I am there solely as an observer and a peacekeeper, ironic as that may sound.”
“Three activities,”
“None,”
“Two?” She batted her lashes as if doing so would somehow help her case.
“Don't try to haggle with me Charlie or I'll let your father help you.”
“Fine; one activity of your choosing and you don't have to wear pajamas.”
“Done,”
With attendance out of the way Charlie had focused her efforts on preparation and planning. It definitely made for a good distraction; given her recently single status and only one current person in line to change it. On the night of their soiree the lobby had been selected as their main base. As fun as it might have been to use the ballroom it didn't have the cozy vibes that Charlie had been going for. Everyone piled pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags on the night of the soirée and showed up in their comfiest pj’s. They were all chatting, drinking, gorging themselves on pizza. Well, except for her. She'd ordered one with pineapple on it and had happily gotten it all to herself. A pity that no one else seemed to like it, even making exaggerated faces as she happily chomped down piece after piece. But then again, she didn’t have to share because no one wanted any even when she offered. Besides, she was kind of used to people thinking she was weird for preferring this topping to any other. Charlie was just going for the last piece when her hand bumped against someone else’s.
“Oh sorry about that-” she paused as she saw who's hand it was, “Alastor?”
He smirked at her, raising an amused brow at her expression as he retracted his hand for the moment and Charlie did the same.
“Do you really have so little faith in me it surprises you that I'm here?”
How did he manage to find the right combination of words to always put her on the defensive? Of course she’d had faith he’d show. He was true to his word when it was given, even if this hadn’t been an official deal between the two of them. But even with all that in mind it was surprising to her that this was when he’d chosen to participate. Actually, Charlie had been bouncing from activity to activity, truthfully she hadn’t noticed if one or two slices of her precious pizza had gone missing in the interim when there was plenty for her. And to now see that it was Alastor who’d been sharing with her?
“No it's just… I didn't know anyone except me and my mom liked pineapple on pizza. Let alone you.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“No offense Al, but you're kind of a food snob,” Charlie shrugged, letting him take the final piece for himself, “And this would be the one time you'd have most of society agreeing with you.”
“I've always been a chef of… eclectic taste.” Alastor opened wide and devoured the slice whole before letting out a satisfied sigh, “Ah. Absolutely delicious.”
“You two are fuckin’ made for each other,” Angel’s insult reminded them there were other people around, “You're the only ones I know who could eat that slop.”
“Says the pro skirt who’s eaten far worse,” Alastor shot back with an amused smile. Clearly he wasn't as above this little occasion as he'd been pretending the whole night.
“People pay me to do it and pay even more just to watch,” Angel crowed with one set of arms folded and the other on his hips, “What's your excuse for eating that shit; for free no less?”
Alastor, seemingly having noticed a bit of grease trickling down his hand lashed a tongue around his palm before giving a predatory smile and glancing at Charlie, “I enjoy the taste.”
Heat bloomed on Charlie’s face like a bird of paradise flower. Ever since her tear-filled yet altogether amicable breakup Alastor had been acting stranger than usual. While she had noticed a sense of distance he’d been putting between them as far as everyone else was noticed he was on top of her like a second head. And people had noticed. Angel in particular seemed convinced that Alastor had somehow developed the hots for her and was sticking close to mark his territory from any would be competition. Charlie had laughed it off every single time.
Sure, he liked her well enough, but she knew a good deal of that was due to her status as Princess of Hell. And being far more willing to deal with the average Sinner than either of her parents had ever been. And again, the way he carried himself around her since she was officially on the market as it were hadn’t gone unnoticed. Amicable as always but like something had changed. Some barrier between them that wasn’t easily spotted from the outside. For what reason she couldn’t say; Alastor wasn’t directly any crueler to her than he’d ever been, nor more generous. He did his job and did it well, but the casualness of the way he invaded her space had changed and Charlie wasn’t sure what to make of it. She wasn’t dumb enough to believe Angel who claimed he’d caught feelings or anything like that. It was just… something weird that she would nonetheless respect. If it was part of some bigger scheme she’d deal with it when the time came instead of wasting energy worrying about a being she could no more control than the stars. Charlie always appreciated his help and his advice; but she never ever forgot who she was dealing with. She already owed the man a favor, she wasn’t going to risk losing her soul in the process.
Though she would admit it, for as much of an opportunistic bastard as the stories made him out to be; the fact that he hadn’t taken her soul when it was freely on offer had impressed her. Whatever twisted code of morals he ran on, it seemed he only took what he himself was willing to lose. Especially when she’d made clear she wouldn’t harm anyone for him. Of course, knowing all of the dangers involved was one thing. It was quite another to be face to face with a handsome and charming man who shared her love of music and dance, her sense of humor, and now even the same fucking type of pizza topping. Charlie was only… well she was technically half human. It was the only reason she had a soul to barter with in the first place. But seriously, how was she supposed to resist feeling attracted with all this working against her?
“Ugh, that's it!” Angel threw up his hands, returning her to lucidity from her internal dialogue, “Everybody gather fuckin’ round! We're doin’ our last activity now !”
Somehow, Charlie had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Considering Angel had been prompted to call everyone from milling about by watching her and Alastor interact she was fairly certain this was going to involve some harebrained scheme to try and throw her at the Radio Demon. While she was sure he meant well and his intentions were… benevolent if not overly bold and highly embarrassing, Charlie was not in the mood to deal with any of this. She’d already been fighting her growing attraction to her business partner from the moment he’d waltzed through her door. And now she was unattached and really starting to struggle with it. According to Angel, just what she needed was a “good dicking down”. Nevermind that Alastor had given no indication of any attraction or even anything that could even be mistaken for it. It might have hurt her feelings had he not acted that way with absolutely everyone.
“Alright, last activity of the night!” Angel announced again, gathering the residents in a small circle on the floor, “And I say it’s about time we stopped with the kiddie shit and did somethin’ all the best parties have.”
“Bar’s closed or else there’s gonna be vomit everywhere,” Husk announced from his position behind the bar. Charlie had asked him to make sure no one got too shitfaced.
“Nah, but I betcha got an empty bottle that’ll be perfect for what I got in mind,” Angel wiggled his brows suggestively and all Charlie could do was pray he wasn’t about to give them a show.
“Ooh!” Nifty squealed, “Spin the bottle? I love that game!”
“But Angel,” Charlie tried to intervene as Husk wordlessly handed over a rather hefty bottle from the counter and Angel held it up like a trophy over his head to the cheers of almost everyone else. Spin the bottle? Could he be any more obvious? Charlie tossed a hurried glance to Alastor as she tried to think up an excuse for why this was a bad idea, “Aren’t you gay?”
“So?” Angel raised a brow at her, “Not like it’d be the first time in this life or the last I’d ever locked lips with a dame. I had an Italian mama, and my family was in the business.”
“I mean, it’s just… spin the bottle can be a bit unpredictable you know-”
“That’s the fun of it!” the spider demon protested, “C’mon, everyone’s into it. Even Vags!”
Charlie turned to her ex, currently cuddled up with her new girlfriend, and pled for help with her eyes, “You’re okay with this?”
Vaggie shrugged, “No one said we had to French the person we get. A chaste kiss on the lips is on the low end of bad things anyone here could do.”
“And!” Angel added brightly, “Everyone’s gotta play.”
“Aha,” Alastor laughed from his position next to Charlie, “No,”
“Too bad,” Angel smirked, smug as anything, “We already know about your little deal with your little princess. One activity, and you already vetoed all the others. So Smiles, you got no choice but to play.”
“Angel we can’t force someone to do something they’re not comfortable with,” Charlie set her foot down, “Kissing someone in front of everyone else isn’t really my idea of fun either.”
“So it’s the public thing that’s got your thong in a bunch?” there was a moment of awkward silence as Charlie’s face flamed and Angel looked pensive. Finally he shrugged, “Alright. Seven minutes in Heaven it is.”
“Angel!” Charlie shouted before covering her face with her hands. Odds were that Alastor didn’t know what that one was but in case he did she was nipping it in the bud beforehand.
“Look, we want some sexy stuff around here,” Angel looked to the other guests who begrudgingly nodded, “Come on! Nothing has to happen if ya don’t want it to.”
“Dare I ask what he’s referring to?” Alastor’s murmured question in her ear made Charlie jolt.
“He wants to try and have semi-public sex,” Charlie whispered back, “And considering the number of arms he has there’s at least a good chance he’ll get whoever he’s aiming for. Now the question is, how much you wanna put on that person being you?”
“Absolutely not,” Alastor shook his head, smile still in place but disapproval evident in his eyes, “Turn tricks on your own time, but do not try and drag me into it.”
“Well then,” Cherri suggested, “What about manhunt?”
“Manhunt?” Charlie asked in confusion while Alastor’s smile turned intrigued, “Do explain,”
“We used to play it all the time in the brush,” the Aussie cyclops explained, “But the hotel’s more than big enough. It’s like tag, but more intense.”
“I fail to see how a simple game of tag can have the kind of stakes that necessitate it being renamed,” Alastor leaned on his cane, “But I’m not entirely opposed to the idea.”
“You give everyone time to hide and then go searching for ‘em,” Cherri replied, “Depending on the role you want to either stay hidden for as long as possible or track down every last person and win. If you want you can even have a rule that anyone found has to start helpin’ you.”
“That won't be necessary,” Alastor’s smile turned predatory, “Alright, count me in. I'll begin; you have until the count of ten to find a place to hide. Ready?”
Immediately panic set in and everyone rushed to find a hiding spot. Even Charlie found herself tripping over her own hooves looking for a place that wasn't obvious and wasn't already occupied. Surprisingly that was a difficult order considering how large the hotel was. Then again it wasn't as if Alastor had given them much time so the upper floors were a bit trickier to get to. But she managed it. While she wished they still had the old building as she'd known every single hidden hole and recess in it, Charlie had found a hidden panel in a back room closet. Originally it had been meant for a large safe to be placed inside it but they'd never gotten around to ordering them.
Charlie squeezed herself inside leaving only a crack open. But with the closet door firmly closed and the late hour it would take a very observant person close inspection to find the popped out seam. Her heart thudded within her chest with excitement and anxiety. This was such a good hiding spot there was absolutely no way Alastor would find her.
Of course, like even thinking it had tempted fate Charlie heard the door to the room swing open and the lights flicker to life. Even on the plush carpeting she heard him taking measured steps. Silently as she could Charlie slid her hands over her mouth to try and silence her breathing. She curled further into herself as she listened to the sounds of him shuffling about. Somehow, despite the darkness Charlie failed to notice the shadow’s eyes and mouth peering at her from the black before retreating back through the slip of the crack. Just a few moments later Charlie watched in anticipation and disappointment as Alastor pulled open the door to her hiding place.
“Found you!” He sang out as arrogantly as ever. But, always the gentleman he offered her a hand so that she could uncontort herself out of her hiding position and return to the lobby with him:
“No fair!” Charlie whined, slightly petulantly even she would admit that, as she lightly stomped one foot, “You cheated!”
“How so?” He asked airily as they made their way back downstairs.
“Because I had a good hiding spot!”
“Darling did you forget?” He leaned in close to her and she backed away, “I'm a hunter.”
They arrived back in the lobby and Charlie winced. Seemed she’d been the last one to to be found and any hope the grumbling other players had dropped when they saw her.
“Oh what fuckin’ bullshit is this?” Angel asked as he saw them together, “The rest of us get shadow minions but the princess gets found by the guy who’s supposed to be doin’ the work?”
“Alastor,” Charlie put her hands on her hips, “You did cheat!”
“It was never explicitly stated that I couldn't outsource some of the work,” Alastor leaned on his microphone and smiled at her, “Do forgive me for that.”
“Alright, alright, either get a room or charge people to watch,” Angel broke up something that was neither a fight nor a friendly conversation, “Next round and Smiles ain't gonna be the hunter. Any takers?”
“And,” Charlie added in a voice so low only he could hear her, “You are forbidden from using your powers this round.”
Alastor dusted off his jacket and straightened his lapels, “If you insist dear.”
HH
Which brought them to here. Stuck in a closet, while the rest of their friends and patrons were playing an advanced game of tag. They could try screaming for help, but Charlie knew exactly what would happen if someone else ended up finding them. The rumors that she was fucking the Radio Demon and that was why he hadn’t yet abandoned a seemingly hopeless project. His friends and enemies believed it, her ex-girlfriend and her new partner believed it, all her patrons seemed to follow Angel’s direction and took his word that they were up to something together as gospel. And dammit, this might be Hell but she wasn’t fine with the notion that her reputation was entirely predicated on the question of whether or not she and Alastor were fucking.
“I know I said not to use your powers for this round,” Charlie began as she willed the strength in her arms not to give out, pressing them against his chest in an attempt to give them a modicum of space in this tightly packed area, “But maybe you should-”
“Ah, ah, ah,” Alastor clucked his tongue at her, “You expressly informed me I was not to use my powers for any reason for the duration of this round. So we shall simply have to be content in each other’s presence until someone finds us or the round ends.”
“Not using your powers didn't account for a closet with a broken lock!” Charlie lamented. When she'd originally picked this hiding spot she'd thought it perfect. Secluded and out of the way. Not obvious, but not too difficult either. Unfortunately she hadn't anticipated it being occupied.
Unfortunately for them both, footsteps echoing made Alastor pull her into the closet and slam it shut in a moment of instinct. And thus, their current predicament.
“No doubt from your father’s shoddy craftsman work,” Alastor scoffed even as Charlie rolled her eyes, “But riddle me this Charlie; aren't you the one always impressing upon our patrons the importance of sticking to one’s word?”
“I- yes,” she answered, instantly on the defensive. Despite her nature as technically the Antichrist, Charlie tried to set a good example for her patrons. That decision was even more important now that they had proof redemption could happen and that her hotel did work.
“So you would ask me to break my word, simply to benefit yourself?” Alastor pressed. And she didn’t need to be able to see in the dark to know he was giving her his smug smile. Funny, how despite his expression rarely if ever changing Charlie had learned to tell the differences in the emotions of his smiles.
“This would be benefiting both of us,” Charlie argued, wishing she could put her hands on her hips but knowing that doing so would only bring her into closer proximity with her hotelier and she wasn’t quite sure what she would do about it “I know how much you appreciate your personal space.”
He hummed a bit out loud, as if in thought. But again, Charlie knew him just a bit too well at this point. That was a show of pensiveness put on for her. To get her hopes up only to be blindsided and shocked when he denied her, “True,” well, there was the surprising part, “However I do think that we need to stand as a unit. I might enjoy watching people fail, but they can only do so when there is an expectation to hold themselves against yes?”
“And what example are we going to be setting if people find us locked in a closet together?” Charlie hissed, trying to keep her voice down as she’d sworn she heard the elevator ding from down the hall, “People always assume I’m either too naive for my own good or that, as heir to the Mother of all Succubi I fuck people to get my way!”
“Oh, poor you,” Alastor mocked, “It must be truly difficult that people associate you with one of the most powerful Overlords in Pride.”
“I could kick your ass any day and you know it.”
“That would be assuming you could bring yourself to harm me. Which we both know you wouldn’t.” he leaned in, dangerously close, “Face it Charlie, you’re a soft touch. A horde of exorcists come to try and kill you and you were apologizing with every blow.”
“Oh fuck you!”
“Isn’t that what most assume we do anyways?”
“I don’t see how that doesn’t bother you,” Charlie turned her head to the side, “Far as I can tell you don’t even like… that stuff.”
“I find it more prudent when it comes to wagging tongues to keep this old adage in mind; those who care don’t matter, and those that matter won’t care.”
“So Angel and the others don’t matter to you?” Charlie blew at a stray piece of her bangs that had begun drooping as the heat began to encroach on their confined space, “I call bullshit on that. You wouldn’t have fought to save any of us if you didn’t. And before you bring up the fact that you left. Your dumb ass decided to take on a high ranking angel by yourself, if you hadn’t you’d have fought to the very end out of sheer ego.”
“Well now, and who are we to speak with such authority on why I do the things I do?” Alastor asked her, “Do you truly think I bother with things that do not prove useful to me in one way or another?”
“Yes,” Charlie stated matter-of-factly, “Because I fail to see what use this is to you.”
“Agree to disagree then,” Alastor shrugged, “I’m not going anywhere and neither are you until someone finds us or the game is over.”
“Fine,” Charlie took the challenge thrown at her. Immediately she dropped her arms and let herself go face first into his chest. Well, not quite. Given the scale of their difference in height she fit snugly into the crook of his neck and she could both hear and feel his breathing. And the way it seemed to skip a beat at her actions.
“Charlie?” he’d said her name through his teeth. Not surprising, really, while he loved to invade her personal space he took great offense if anyone else dared do the same to him. Even his closest friends often waited for a sign before engaging in physical affection with him.
But Charlie was in no mood for apologies. He wanted to be a stubborn ass and leave them stuck in here? He could deal with the fucking consequences.
“My arms got tired,” was all she said in response, “You can deal with it or leave. Your choice.”
“Well aren’t you the stubborn one,” was all he could say in response.
“Not half so much as you are,” Charlie groused, wishing she could sit but that would take up even more room that neither of them really had to spare.
There was silence. Uncharacteristic for both of them but especially for Alastor; who even when he wasn't actively speaking had some sort of ambient hum around him. Likely a holdover from his demonic powers, radio static and feedback and the live wire sound of electricity filling the air around him. And Charlie became hyper aware of his presence because of it, especially since this was the closest she'd been to him in months. He wasn't doing anything, wasn't saying anything, and yet she found her pulse begin to quicken. She was nothing if not a dreamer, and a consequence of her overactive imagination was that it was all too easy to see the ways this could spiral. Ugh, maybe she did just need to get laid if being locked in a closet with him was enough to get her going. Stupid, stubborn man. Why couldn't he just take the easy way out? Why couldn't he leave her trapped in here alone? At least then she could deal with her own repressed attraction on her own!
“So…” she began lamely, not really finding much to say given the circumstances. Sure, they'd bickered but she'd never felt awkward around him. Uncomfortable? Sure. But never awkward, “Um… how has your show been going?”
It was barely a step up from the pleasantry of asking about the weather, but it was all she could muster that was an even relatively safe conversational topic.
“Oh same as always,” Alastor shrugged, “I've my devoted listeners but far too many only care to tune in when Vox,” he spat out the name like a foul taste, “Attempts to outdo me. An effort as futile as I once thought redemption was, but I digress.”
“Still… doing the whole screams of pain and terror?”
“When necessary,”
“And has it been? Necessary, I mean?”
“Depending on one’s point of view, yes.”
She wondered if she'd ever get a straight answer out of him one of these days. Here she was trying to be a good friend and business partner by asking about his interests and hobbies and he continued to play games with her.
“Oh,” Charlie bit her lip, “I mean I guess I understand if, you've been gone a while.”
“Hm, wondering where I'd been?”
“Depends, are you going to tell me if I ask?”
“What makes you think I wouldn't?”
“Every other interaction I've had with you?”
“Touché,” he allowed, “As it stands though it’s not just the matter of my absence that requires the reminder of my true power and ability. Sometimes it's just for letting off steam.”
“Like you did with those loansharks?”
“Ah, so you did see that little show I take it?”
“Hard not to when it was right outside my front door,” Charlie resisted the urge to play with her hair. They were too close already and she didn't want any more accidental contact than could be helped.
“It was sloppy at best,” Alastor said after a moment, “Barely competent in my own opinion. I usually have much more finesse,”
“I still don't understand how you can enjoy all this-”
“Shh!” She could see the outline of his ears twitch as a hand came up to cover her mouth. She was going to protest but then she heard voices outside. They were too far away to catch the details of the conversation but- wait a minute. This was their chance !
She fought against his hold, trying to break free and call for help. But Alastor held firm, bending as much as he was able to whisper,
“Not a peep out of you now darling.”
Charlie’s brow furrowed at that. Fuck, was she irritated or horny? She needed to get out of this damn closet before she did something she'd regret. Or maybe it was already too late, because despite how she moved and tried to wrestle out of his grasp her hotelier held firm no matter what. And so, she resorted to something incredibly juvenile. While he was holding her too tightly to speak, she could still open her mouth. So she did. And then? She licked him. Swept her tongue over the roughened palms and managed to shock him enough that he let her go. Unfortunately for her, by this time the voices could no longer be heard. She'd missed her chance.
“Did you…” he seemed stunned, “Did you just lick me?”
“You didn't give me much choice, did you?”
But Alastor was now apparently a record with a nick in the grooves; constantly skipping as the needle jumped back to precisely one part, “You licked me.”
“And you eat people. Are we done stating the obvious yet?”
He didn't answer her. While his eyes glowed like a predator’s they were distant and far off; like he was now lost in his own little world. She might have apologized if this whole thing wasn't his fault. But she had long since given up on trying to understand him, or level with him over trivial matters. It was bad enough that she lusted after him with such fervor he tended to invade all sleeping and most waking thoughts. Maybe Angel had been right, if not incredibly crass.
With each lost in their own thoughts they fell back into comfortable, if not lengthy silence. Charlie shifted from hoof to hoof, even turning herself in the limited space trying to balance out the strain on her legs from standing for so long. Sure, she could do it for hours when running activities; but running activities also meant running around. It was hard to feel the strain when you were busy expending the energy until the end of the day when you finally rested. But standing in here with nothing to do but stand? Yeah, she felt the ache building far sooner.
“Charlie,” Alastor began, sounding like he was speaking through his teeth. But not in the way that meant his demonic form was seeping through, more like he was gritting his teeth so tightly that he couldn't separate the jaw enough to form the words properly, “Would you mind refraining from doing that?”
“Huh?” She was confused, she knew he liked his personal space but he was the one with the ability to leave whenever he so chose. Why would he need her to-
Oh. Oh. Heat rose to her cheeks as one slight misstep send her leaning into the full length of his body whereas before she'd only been lightly grazing it aside from her chest against his own.
“I… sorry Al,” though she kept her gaze lowered and on anything else she could possibly make out in the darkness she chanced a look up at him. Alastor was standing as rigid as the rest of him apparently.
For once, he didn't seem to have a snappy rejoinder or even an acknowledgment of her apology. When she looked up she saw him clearly in the darkness her eyes had since adjusted to. He looked… scared? Filled with trepidation no doubt. But what in the seven rings could possibly scare him?
Then, she got a thought. A devious thought. Charlie got a wicked, devious thought. Batting her eyes she pressed closer, faking losing her balance,
“Why Al,” she practically purred, “Are you perhaps, embarrassed?”
“Shame is for the weak,” he replied quickly. Too quickly for it to be the truth, “I just find the human, or in this case demon, biological reaction something particularly rude in the company of the fairer sex.”
“Actually around here causing a boner is a compliment,” she was being cheeky, she knew, but she couldn't help it. This was one of the most feared and desired Overlords in Hell and even if it was because she was rubbing up against him due to their close proximity she’d gotten him aroused. Her. How many other demons could say that?
“Such a crude sense of flattery,” Alastor scoffed, even as he was trying to flatten himself against the door and put space between them, “Like it’s a mark of pride.”
“It could be worse,” Charlie shrugged, “You could be stuck in here with a succubi.”
“You’re attempting to tell me with your parentage that you aren’t?”
“I’m a royal succubus,” Charlie corrected, “And I have a lot more self restraint than that. Trust me, if I was using any of those powers, you’d know.”
Alastor grumbled something under his breath and Charlie narrowed her eyes. Was it really so… difficult for him to admit he still had some mortal weaknesses? Hold that thought, of course it was. But she wasn’t going to let him off the hook either way.
“I’m sorry, what was that?” she cupped a hand to her ear and leaned in closer.
“I said it would be better if it was,” Alastor growled at her, “This sort of weakness and agony being caused by magic no sinner can resist would be far preferable to the alternative.”
The temperature was slowly but surely rising inside of the tiny room. But she wasn’t sure if it was due to their own tempers, the HVAC system kicking on, or something else entirely. Either way she found it absolutely ridiculous that he’d prefer a magic that overrode free will and any sanity he had left to just popping a tent because she’d been inadvertently rubbing her hips against his crotch. Charlie felt bold, far bolder than she normally allowed herself to be but damn if the comment hadn’t pricked at her ego?
“Surely I’m not so repulsive that you would need sex magic to feel anything towards me?”
“I never said you were repulsive,” Alastor countered, “You’re a beautiful and charming woman.”
“Beautiful,” she repeated as she mulled over his answer, “But not sexy?”
There was a sudden pop of static as he asked her, “What?”
“Come on Al,” Charlie laced her words with a honeyed tone, leaning in and looping her arms over his shoulders. Though she remained careful to keep her hips a bit of a distance away. The resulting arch of her back to achieve this, however, resulted in the fabric of her shirt and bra pulling taught and pushing her breasts up. Not her intent, but it was what it was, “You can admit at least a part of you finds me a little attractive,”
“But it isn’t!” Alastor practically roared, shoving her backwards with enough force that she might have been hurt if she were anyone else. The knocking down of several objects at least freed a space atop an old forgotten dresser for her to sit as he tried fruitlessly to pace.
Charlie didn’t understand, was he so egotistical even the slightest reminder that underneath the terrifying facade was human soul that reacted to simple stimuli?
“Al, what are you-”
“It’s not just a part and that’s the problem!” he kept repeating it like a hellish refrain and she couldn’t get through to him.
“I don’t understand,” Charlie began, attempting to level with him as this seemed to bother him so much. His smile was tight, his eyes were frantic and his hands were raking through his hair in wild frenzy. Even his shadow seemed to be concerned.
“Of course you don’t understand! How could you possibly hope to understand?” he was lashing out, not at her she was just the only one here, “I have existed for more than a century! Paltry, I’m sure, compared to your lifespan, but human time still means something to me. A year is both a finite and infinite amount of time. Over a century of existence and not a single person has ever been able to do to me what you have!”
“I’m… sorry?”
“So naive, so powerful and yet so utterly confounding. It was easy enough to ply you with support but then you did something to me. Some wicked magic I’ve yet to untangle and break free of. From the moment I saw you on that newscast I thought you entertaining; I can admit you were an enchanting thing to watch. And surely, I noticed some of the similarities as you drew me further and further into this little web of yours. I have faced down Angels, Overlords, and stood toe to toe with the Originator of Sin, playing nice for your sake!” he whirled on her, panic in his eyes, “And yet-”
Alastor began to laugh, a broken thing that filtered in canned mirth with something that resembled a dying animal, “Still you demand more of me.”
“When have I asked you for-”
“Not with words,” He cut her off, “With your smile, your passion, the tenacity with which you hold on to those you care about. Beauty fades, character lasts forever. I originally thought to myself there is such potential in such a bright star that I could have a hand in guiding. But somehow, you have twisted me so utterly, undone and remade me until I can no longer recognize myself!”
“Alastor calm down!” Charlie interrupted him, sliding down from her perch and reaching out only to halt halfway. Uncertainty laced her tone as her hand remained partly outstretched in an attempt to comfort and yet paused as if she’d hit some sort of invisible wall, “I rubbed against your crotch and you got hard. It’s perfectly natural! It can happen to anyone, it doesn’t mean you’re attracted to me.”
“Except it does!”
There was silence for a moment. Charlie as she tried to wrap her head as to what he was saying. He was attracted to her? Since when? He’d never give hide nor hair of a hint; not even now that she was technically available. Sure, it could be due to some sort of respect for their working relationship but his emotional turmoil at the very notion that he could view someone that way seemed to imply a deeper layer to this. Was this what he was afraid of?
“I…” Charlie couldn’t find the words to offer solace. Despite how desperately she wanted to. She was facing the same war of dueling thoughts and conflicting emotions. The bleeding heart felt bad that this was causing him so much torment. The other half of her was elated that he found himself gravitating to her the same way she had been to him, “Do you want me?”
“What a question,” he laughed like it was the most absurd thing he’d ever heard, “Of course I want you.”
“Tell me,” she felt breathless but sounded like her voice had melted, “Tell me how much you want me.”
“Past the point of madness darling,” Alastor drifted closer to her. Like he couldn’t help it. Like they’d been in passing for so long that to be near one another was as natural as breathing,
“My every anticipation each morning is to meet with you as the sun rises over the city. My days apart from the hotel are filled with monotony and I find myself wondering what chaos you’ve managed to wrangle our patrons into. My own rooms are no longer a safe haven for me as I can picture you there; sitting in a chair and reading by the fire. Or singing along as I tickle the ivories. Cutting a rug to some jazz on my record player. When the dark grows deepest visions of you torment me. My own form betrays me as I can picture you with silken hair laughing and sighing as our lips meet. And I crave Charlie. I crave. I can only conjure the vaguest of notions as to what I want to do to you. But what I do know is that I want to devour you and that is what terrifies me. I have never known anything like this before.”
The intensity of his declaration sent a shiver through her. She, who sought redemption and a better way of life for her people, desired not for what power she represented but who she was, by a man who did not believe in any of it. Had only accepted the reality when faced with it head on. And yet, he had believed in her unconditionally. Always. Found a way to bolster her confidence in ways that meshed with her natural charm, took care of the more complicated issues that she herself could not yet handle. He had been a support she hadn’t known she’d relied on as much as she did. And he wanted her.
“I haven’t either,” she admitted. She’d known love, heartbreak, but the intensity of Alastor was something entirely different. The question was; was she brave enough to reach for it?
“Then what can we do?”
“You can kiss me, for a start,” Charlie wound a small lock of hair around her finger, “Or, should I kiss you instead?”
“A gentleman always lets the lady go first,” he finally said after they held intense eye contact for a moment or two.
Charlie wanted to launch herself at him. But, she decided that if they were going to make out in a closet she would take things slow. It wasn't as if they had any chance of being interrupted. Not given the circumstances. So she took ginger steps until she was pressed right up against him. He'd apparently calmed during his little freak out turned confession, but she hoped to change that. She stretched upward, balancing on the tips of her shoes, and placed a kiss to the corner of his jaw. Slowly, they had time. Charlie heard his breath hitch as she trailed kisses downward until he turned his head. When their lips met, she felt the same spark of magic she often sent outwards when she used her powers. Of their own accord her hands reached up and tangled in his hair and he snaked his arms around her hauling her even tighter against him. Air was hardly a necessary commodity as their kisses deepened and she felt him lick at her. Fuck, how was he so good at this? A pulse of jealousy shot through her as the brief image of Alastor kissing some nameless, faceless woman appeared in her mind’s eye. Learning how to please a lady that wasn’t her. How it made the ichor in her veins boil.
Before she knew it she had grown ravenous, assaulting his every sense in her mindless quest to conquer and claim. Not once in the right frame of mind to pause and realize she already had it. When she finally broke for air from him, she saw him looking at her with something she’d never seen; trademark smile dropped as low as those spectral stitches in his mouth would possibly let him go, with sheer awe and arousal in his eyes. Charlie could only imagine what she looked like, feeling her tail sprout from her back and slip through the waistband of her trousers to swing itself about. So much restless energy and she knew exactly what she wanted to do with it all. Was this still taking it slow or moving too fast? Honestly she didn’t know and at this point couldn’t find it in her to care. She had Alastor and she wasn’t about to let him go back out there without the knowledge that he was irrevocably hers.
If he thought himself a possessive man, then he had no idea what she was like. He thought of her and was confounded by the desires she brought out in him? She knew exactly what it was he did to her and what beautiful ecstasy she could teach him to bring her. The unspoken benefit about men with egos was that their own pride wouldn’t allow them to be anything but the best. And that included at sex. If she had to guide him, so be it. For now, she could always take the lead. Charlie returned to kissing him, uncaring of the sharpened teeth on which she cut her tongue. He’d probably love the taste of her blood and she wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea of him liking it either. She curled her tongue around his and sucked, scraping her nails against his scalp. A low animalistic hum filled her ears. And she paused, wait a moment, that sounded like…
“Have you…” she panted, as she broke away from him, “Have you always made those sounds around me?”
“I…” Alastor was gasping for breath as well, “Not on purpose, it was subconscious.”
“What are they?”
“I know, what they are,” if he could blush she assumed his face would be burning with shame, “They’re cervidae mating calls.”
“Cervidae?”
“Deer, elk, four legs and antlers and everything I’ve become since I manifested here,”
“And you’ve been making these noises for months?”
“Again, not intentionally,” Alastor turned his face away, “I have so much feedback and other ambient noises they all just blended into the background at first. It wasn’t until I started my descent into further madness that I even noticed them.”
Despite herself, Charlie smiled, “Aww,”
“If you say that it’s cute I will leave,” Alastor threatened, “I would like to keep some of my dignity.”
“Little late for that isn’t it?” Charlie smirked, “You’ve locked yourself in a closet with me. Besides,” she raised a saucy brow at him, “You sure you wanna go out there like this?”
She palmed him through the tented fabric and he groaned, slumping forward into the crook of her neck and biting down hard. She reflexively squeezed in response which cause him to dig in further. And it was hot. So hot. Charlie’s fingers moved over him as he grunted and moaned into her ear while licking at the wounds he caused. Apparently he was just as concerned about marking her as taken as she was about doing the same to him. Her free hand began to elongate and sharpen and she paused just long enough to whisper into one of his ears,
“Take off your coat,”
He had just licked a stripe up the column of her throat when he answered, “Why?”
“Because,” she purred, “I know you love that coat. And I’m not sure even the tailor will be able to repair what I’m going to do to your clothes.”
With a snap of his fingers the coat was gone and she saw him down to his shirt, trousers, and waistcoat. Still too much clothing for her preference but she had five claw like nails that would take care of that. The sound of tearing fabric filled the air as she sliced and stripped it off him. She was aggressive, she was controlling, she was every selfish thing she never allowed herself to be because she cared too much about the people around them to risk hurting them. Not her secret repressed nature, but not something that was entirely separate from who she was either. Charlie was forcing him up against the clutter of the closet, feasting on every inch of scarred skin available to her. Alastor bore countless stories across his remade flesh, and she wanted to know each and every one of them. For now, they would have to settle for a quick kiss or flick of her tongue as she trailed lower and lower.
“Tell me Al,” Charlie looked up at him through her lashes as she sat on her knees in front of him, “When you fantasize about me, has it ever occurred to you that there’s more than one way to have sex?”
“I have been forced to watch Angel’s performances one too many times to say no. Though I would love to have that ability back.”
She stuck her lower lip out in an exaggerated pout, “Oh dear, did the big, bad Radio Demon see something he didn’t want to? How about I give you something new to think about when you hear certain things?”
The demon before her was looking down, still smiling but with frantic and wild eyes. It felt like at any moment his antlers would elongate and instead of pupils she would see radio dials. Just how far into madness could she push him? Charlie looked forward to finding out. But first, she decided to torment him just a little more. Discarding her jacket was easy enough, as was the straps of her suspenders and the scrap of her bowtie. But she made a show out of the torturous wait of undoing each button. Inch by inch revealing more skin that lay beneath. Alastor watched with rapt attention, clutching the shelving unit he was currently braced against hard enough she heard at least one snap. Well, good thing other broken objects were stored here, no one would ever know the difference. When her shirt was nothing more than the barest of hindrances to his gaze she tossed it aside and relished in the noise he made as her lacy red bra was revealed.
“You like?” she asked in a conversational tone? The furious nodding she received in response made him resemble a bobblehead but she didn’t care. She felt beautiful and sexy and desired and that was all that mattered.
Charlie nuzzled against the tent in his trousers and relished the groan that ripped itself from his throat. Then, she upped the ante. She placed a tender kiss to the head, letting her saliva leave a wet stain in her wake. Even just the single taste of him had her craving more. Her own succubi traits flaring as she felt her own essence begin to leak out of her. Gentle, if shaky, hands reached for the buttons and zippers. Thank fuck he wasn’t done up in laces and stays like some people still wore around here. This was easy access, and she was already chomping at the bit.
While she’d never really allowed herself the free reign to consider the dimensions and measurements of Alastor’s cock she was thrilled to find out that he was just suited to her liking. In polite terms he was well endowed, in cruder words he was hung like a prize stallion and fuck if she didn’t wanna take him for a ride. But that would have to wait until later, or until she got too horny for patience. Charlie licked her lips and looked up to him again.
“Ever conjure up this scene before?” she asked, tone conversational even as a delicate hand wrapped around him and began to stroke in even motions.
“Not ngh!” Alastor managed to answer, “In so much detail.”
“Do you want to fuck me?” she asked him in between strokes, “Do you want all of this deep inside me, claiming me as yours?”
“Hell’s bells yes!”
“Well, too bad,” the way he visibly deflated only to restring himself as she gave a coquettish lick to the head of his cock was almost comical, “Maybe if you’re a good boy you’ll get to.”
“Fuck,” it was hot to hear him swear, it was even hotter the way he dragged out the sound at the beginning like his brain was scrambling to recall what word it had been he’d wanted to form while she continue to stroke him.
However, Charlie had had enough of conversation. With a deep breath she began taking him in her mouth, working her way down the shaft and back up again. She hollowed out her cheeks and tried to keep her teeth away from the sensitive skin. A hand reached down and tangled in her hair, which until now miraculously hadn’t come undone. With a couple of snaps that was rectified and she felt silken tendrils fall into her face as she worked him. Slowly she took more and more of him in, continuing the torture of her hand on the parts she hadn’t reached yet. Even though Charlie felt a little out of practice he didn’t seem to notice. If anything he was more than pleased with her performance. Every so often Charlie would let him go to gather more air, and he would cry out in dismay. So greedy, but she couldn’t say she was any different. She was ravenous, desperate for more and it was like instinct took over. The noises of soft moans and explicitly wet sounds filled the air between them and the princess could only imagine how she looked right now. Half undressed with her hair and makeup a mess, on her knees in front of the most composed Overlord in Hell and quite literally sucking the damned soul out of him if his reactions were anything to go by.
Unfortunately, one of the things Charlie had fantasized most about when she thought of accosting the Radio Demon was the sound of his voice. Doing just as he was now. Moaning and gasping and making the most debauched noises ever. Because of her. She hadn’t even noticed the hand that slipped down her own body, past the waistband of her trousers, and parted her folds to smear her growing arousal around further and further. But she jolted as her hips moved to let the intrusion in deeper. Her hands knew herself well, though she was confident she wouldn’t be as reliant on them for her own needs in the near future. Still, she needed more from all of this, or at least some relief before she said screw it and mounted him, forcibly if the need arose.
But when the hand in her hair tightened to the point where she looked up to gauge his reaction, Charlie knew she was caught. Surprisingly, despite the sounds she’d been pulling from him he looked far more composed than he had any right to.
“Charlie, Charlie, Charlie,” he chided with a shake of his head, “Do you have any idea the picture you make right now? On your knees before a simple sinner? With your idle hands playing where they shouldn’t? But then, I suppose it’s only natural for the daughter of the devil.”
His low chuckle made her shiver, brushing her fingers against another bundle of nerves and sending more waves of pleasure through her. Her muffled moan sent vibrations down him and she watched him grit his teeth in response.
“Such a beguiling show,” he spoke again, praising her and only fueling her desire, “But it’s not enough.”
She almost released him in objection. But he spoke again before she could,
“Come now Charlie darling,” he added as he began to goad her, “I know you’re capable of far more than this. Show me exactly what you can do.”
He was starting to catch on, she noted with pride as the words hit their mark and made every internal muscle clench in anticipation. Taking a deep breath she decided to do as he said, flattening out her tongue and easing him all the way down the back of her throat. Being a royal succubus her sense of a gag reflex was really only triggered by illness or a really bad hangover. So deepthroating wasn’t a challenge, she just needed to mentally prepare for it. The animalistic sound he let out in response was totally worth it though. Claws scratched against her scalp and his voice sounded like it had been scraped raw when he spoke,
“Good girl,” he growled. His expression was equal parts pleased at her following his command and arousal so intense it seemed like he was exerting every amount of self control he possibly possessed not to falter here.
Had her mouth not already been so full Charlie might have smirked. Was he that worried about coming too soon? Slowly she drew back until she released him with an audible pop.
“Don’t think we’re done yet,” she spoke, her own voice raspy now too, “I’m still fully dressed.”
“Not fully,” Alastor countered with a hungry grin as he watched her suck the fingers that had been inside her into her mouth, “But I’m sure I’ll be able to put a smile on your face by the time we’re done. As for the rest; you are correct, it’s far too much. Allow me,”
As she had done to him, so did he to her. Ripping and tearing her clothes until she was completely bare before him. With another snap that echoed in the confined space all the scraps of what might once have been their garments were gone and they were skin to skin. And, it was glorious. Until she saw something swishing behind him in the dim lighting.
“Is that a tail?” her eyes shone in delight as she spotted it.
“I could ask you the same question,” he slid two fingers along her extra appendage and she moaned in response, “And I see yours is just as sensitive.”
“Don’t think you’re going to take the lead here,” Charlie warned him even as she maneuvered backwards onto the broken dresser she’d sat atop before. Only this time with thighs spread wide and inviting, “Between the two of us we might have enough experience. But only one of us knows what they’re doing.”
“Unfortunately for you darling, you’ve made me realize something,” Alastor’s smile was back in full force as he somehow managed to stalk her without taking a single step, “This little game is a lot like hunting. And in case you’ve forgotten, I’m an excellent hunter.”
Charlie arched a brow at him, raising one leg to the point where her tendons ached and slinging it over his shoulder, “Prove it.”
Clawed hands traveled up her legs and spread her out even further. The leg that she’d slung over him fell into the crook of his elbow. Hot breath wafted against her folds and she didn’t need to see his face to know what type of expression he had. A smile of triumph, and eyes quite literally dilated in lust. The only differing detail was the way his tongue swept over the points of his teeth as something dripped from the corner of his mouth. Could have been drool, or blood, either way she wasn’t going to question it when he was so close to where she wanted him to be. When he dove in like a man starved Charlie couldn’t tell if she wanted to sigh in relief or scream in ecstasy. For someone with no experience he ate her out like a pro. Then again she was dealing with someone who loved food, and eating. Was it any wonder he’d be great at eating anything of any note?
His tongue and fingers reached deep inside of her while the very tip of his nose bumped against her clit with every stroke. Charlie praised each pass, reaching for his hair and tugging in her pleasure. One free hand reached to toy with her breasts; flicking against the hardened nubs and pinching them roughly. Her hips began to cant in rhythm with his ministrations and she could feel that coil inside her winding tighter and tiger. It just wasn’t fair that Alastor could work her over so easily. He was already handsome, and talented, vocally gifted, a fantastic dancer, a powerful Overlord, etcetera, etcetera. The knowledge that he had never been interested in sex should have meant this was something that he could be a novice in. Something she could be better than him at, if only due to the sheer comparison in levels of experience. But here she was ready to come because he was going down on her like a fucking pro . Soon enough he’d be able to add ‘awesome in bed’ to his list of talents that inflated his ego. Though, while people could know about most of his skills, this last one was definitely something she intended to keep to herself.
“Ah,” she moaned, knowing at this point they had to be making too much noise for someone not to know the closet was occupied, but she just couldn’t help it, “Yes Al, right there. Oh fuck yes! Oh, you’re so good! So fucking good!”
“How good am I?” he preened even as he asked, like he already knew the answer. Charlie was certain he did, but he wanted to hear it anyways. Her immediate instinct was not to reward such prideful, egotistical behavior and she gave as middle of the road of a comment as she could possibly muster. But this fucking bastard seemed to know what she was doing.
“Oh, just so-so hm?” his fingers and tongue slowed and left her needy. Charlie attempted to move her hips against him to provide some sort of relief. Some minor friction that would ease the burning ache int he very core of her. But he refused, even threatening to withdraw, “Ah-ah Charlie!” he clucked his way too talented tongue at her, “What is it you always say? The truth shall set you free?”
Fucking god damn smug ass radio prick fucking bastard! Charlie wanted to yell, scream, pin him to the ground and ride his face until he had no choice but to give her what she craved. And she knew she could, if she truly wanted to be that sort of demon. But she was so close, was her pride worth a denied orgasm? Truly, in the grand scheme of things? She could be stubborn and he could leave her wet and wanting, with no guarantee even with his declaration that they could pick this up at a later date. Or… she could be honest, and get at least an orgasm for herself out of the bargain.
“Too fucking good for a beginner,” Charlie bit her lip as tears leaked from the corner of her eyes. He’d moved back inward with just the slight confession. Oh, so he was going to make her beg for it was he? Well, she was naked on a busted up dresser desperate for relief; the time for dignity to be a concern had long since passed.
“It’s not fair that you seem to know how to make me feel so good,” Charlie pouted, as he returned to his spot between her thighs. The place he belonged as far as she was concerned, “Every woman in Hell that likes guys, and probably a few men too, are already trying to catch your eye. They don’t even know how good at this you are. I’m going to have to beat them all off with a stick to keep them away.”
“My sweet darling you have nothing to fear there,” he spoke before tenderly biting at the flesh before him, “Surely you know that only you could captivate me in such a way?”
“Only me?” her lust blown eyes blinked slowly, highlighting long eyelashes and flushed cheeks.
“Only you,” he affirmed, sucking at her clit just to prove it. The taste of another’s flesh was a delicious thing, but not even the finest cooked meal could compare to the delicacy that was Charlotte Morningstar. Daughter of Sin, Princess of Hell, Conqueror of the Radio Demon.
“Well… in that case,” she broke off with a gasp when he eased his already soaked fingers back inside her, “You’re the best I’ve ever had.”
Whether she was being entirely truthful with that statement or not was immaterial. He would make it true. Immediately his efforts redoubled and whatever ground she’d lost in the intervening moment was regained in an instant. Seemed he liked being praised as much as she did. Charlie felt that cliff growing closer. The edge of oblivion was right there with the blissful abyss of pleasure a steep drop below. Lean and lengthy fingers plunged themselves deeper and deeper into her, spreading her open and causing synapses to misfire in rapid succession. Charlie tugged and writhed, making sounds that might have been words but she honestly couldn’t tell. So close, so close. And then, it was all over. One brush, one flick, one gasp, one sigh, and it was all over. Charlie went tumbling headfirst into carnal bliss. And it wasn’t until she came down from her high that she realized in her ecstasy she’d wound her legs around Alastor’s neck and pinned him face first into her crotch.
“Oh, sorry,” she might have been slightly more embarrassed if she hadn’t had one of the best orgasms of her entire life.
“Yes,” he was still slightly muffled because she’d only slightly loosened her hold as she slowly regained control over her muscles, “I can tell by the way you’ve let me go.”
She laughed despite herself. And it warmed her heart. Too many times things with a partner hadn’t worked out because she found herself too self-conscious and worried about maintaining a certain perception of herself to really enjoy the after part of sex. Someone making a joke during pillow talk? No matter how funny she found it she couldn’t bring herself to laugh. But with Alastor her mirth came naturally. Even as she let him go she couldn’t help her languid smile made of pleasure and joviality.
“Now there’s that smile,” Alastor praised her and suddenly despite her exhaustion she was ready to go yet again.
“You kept your promise,” Charlie admitted, stretching to wake the rest of her body up and get ready for what was to come, “Now how about I return the favor?”
“Do you want to?”
“Are you really asking me if I want to fuck you out of some perceived obligation of reciprocity?” if she’d had the strength to stand Charlie would have put her hands on her hips and stared at him. How could someone so smart think that she was only going to fuck him because he'd made her come?
Charlie reached for his hand and licked her own essence off his fingers before placing it against her breast so he could hear the racing of her heart as it threatened to batter itself through her rib cage.
“No, I want to fuck you because I’ve been wanting it for a while.” With a wry smile she added, “You're not the only one who's been in a bit of agony.”
When she cupped at his jaw and beckoned him he followed her like a moth to a flame. Maybe this intensity would do nothing but burn them both but neither of them had the will to care. This was completion, it was unification, it was everything and nothing. Their lips met in a tenderly savage kiss as their hands roamed freely. All thoughts of the outside world had long since fled them and now their only concern was with the other. With Charlie’s assistance Alastor lined himself up with her opening and slipped inside.
It was wet, it was soft, it was tight. Surely, this couldn’t be real. If he weren’t already dead he was certain his heart might have stopped. Suddenly, all the ways people across eons had described this one act made sense to him. It wasn’t just about the physical pleasure, though there was certainly plenty of that, it was about that emotional connection. The one he’d been seeking all through life to only find it in death. Surely, there was no need to petition the pearly gates for absolution when Heaven lay right here before him.
Charlie let out her breath in a heavy whoosh. She’d known what to expect in terms of a fit, but the feeling of fullness was still something one had to take time to wrap their head around. It seemed that her paramour was in no need to rush as he’d stilled the moment he fully seated himself inside her. She was stretched open but it was okay, she had been wanting this for so long and her earlier fluids had helped to ease the friction. But really, all she could think about was the irony that after so much time pining, here it was. In a closet of all places.
She started giggling despite herself. And the sudden fit of mirth caught Alastor’s attention,
“Penny for your thoughts darling?”
“It’s just,” she managed to get out through smaller fits, “Of all the places we pick for our first time together; it just has to be in a closet.”
He let out a low chuckle, “I have to admit, not the most romantic location in the world. Or the hotel.”
“It’s alright though,” Charlie laid her hand to the side of his face, “I’m finally doing this with you. My back is going to be sore as hell from this position come tomorrow but-”
“We could move,” he suggested, “If you wish.”
“When I just got you where I want you?” she made a point of clenching her muscles around him just to hear him groan, “I don’t think so.”
“So greedy,” he murmured but he wasn’t at all upset by it, the shadow which had been mostly minding its own business gathered up a stack of stored towels and handed them to him; which he then tucked under the arch of Charlie’s back to spare her any later pain.
“Good thing I don’t need to set a good example for you then,” Charlie quipped, stealing a kiss, “I can be as selfish as I want.”
The extra padding did wonders and after a little wiggle to settle herself she felt ready and raring to go, “Alright,” she took a deep breath in, “You can move now.”
“Move?” Alastor cocked his head at her, “Darling I'm afraid you're going to have to be a bit more specific this time.”
Oh right, the virgin thing. It had been a while for her since any of her partners had been less than even casually experienced, “Move your hips back, just a little, then move them forward again.”
Alastor have an experimental thrust and seemed to be fascinated by the reaction from her. Even slow and hesitant the drag of his cock against frazzled nerves was divine. All she wanted to do was throw her head back and let him take over but the pace at which he was doing it was like bringing her to the top of a mountain only to not let her see the peak. It would be good, if she wasn’t so hopped up and horny. Maybe another time, and she licked her lips at the fantasy of a next time for them, slow and far more romantic sex would be nice. But right now? She wanted to be fucked . Hard .
“It's like a dance,” Charlie somehow managed to form a coherent sentence while he seemed to be doing his best to drive her absolutely insane, “And I know you've got an impeccable sense of rhythm.”
For whatever reason that seemed to make things click. And it didn't take long for Alastor to find a pace which made her eyes cross and her head spin. Charlie’s hands reached for him, running along his shoulders, his back; digging claiming marks against the scarred and fuzzy flesh. Her ankles locking themselves at the base of his spine and brushing against his tail. Sloppy kisses passed between them and landed on any square inch of skin they could reach. Bite and scratch marks littered carelessly across a sweat soaked canvas. Moans and sighs and grunts and keening wails filled the air and neither one of them could remember if this floor was normally occupied. Nor could they really give a shit if it was.
Charlie let out a low moan as she grasped at his shoulders, “Harder Alastor, faster!”
She was breathless and flushed and the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. The way her voice sounded as she became more and more debauched at his hands was intoxicating. The tingle in the pit of his stomach grew larger and larger, spreading out and threatening to consume him whole. Could one die again? It was an idle thought but he’d gladly accept that fate if it was a result of finally having his charming demon belle. All of Hell at her beck and call and he was the one she wanted. A swell of ego pushed him further, harder, gave him strength. He couldn’t let her faith, her desire in him be misplaced. He wouldn’t allow himself the satisfaction of release until he was certain Charlie had gotten there first. And now that he had a taste of what her pleasure was like he wouldn’t rest until he could replicate it in every way imaginable.
His zealousness turned them both into panting snarling beasts. Clawing for pleasure from wherever they could wring it. Hips meeting thrust for thrust as Charlie babbled out incoherent nonsense that only made sense to someone just as lost in lust-driven insanity. Of course, it was unlikely anyone could hear what sounded like voices over the sounds of wet slapping and dull thumping that comprised this bacchanalian symphony. Then, he hit a spot that made her see stars.
“Right there,” she rasped against his skin, “Do it again.”
He paused for a moment before adjusting the angle of his hips and slamming back in. Charlie began to flutter around him, digging in tighter and hissing in his ear.
“Yes, there!”
While he had always considered Charlie a meal worth savoring as he’d begun his slow descent in to carnally fueled insanity he found that now that he’d finally caught her in his trap that he was simply incapable of doing so. It was too much of her all at once, and instead of taking his time and relishing in every bite he was scrambling like a carrion beast trying to attain as much sustenance as he could. The touch of her skin, the texture of her hair, the sound of her cries, the taste of her flesh. And the sinful picture she made as she fell further and further apart. Every feeling he'd thought himself above all his life and most of his death had been tormenting him for months and there was just too much of it to act in anything resembling a civilized manner. Maybe next time, and he assured himself there would be a next time, he would allow himself to savor Charlie in all the ways he wanted to; all the ways she deserved. But for now, they both needed to take edge off of their pent up desires.
He focused on his rhythm, a perfectionist in this as he was in a swing. And he was tuned into Charlie like his favorite station. Each reaction he elicited was something filed away for future use. The smaller, roughed strokes were met with yelps and cries. The longer, deeper ones were met with breathy sighs and moans. He wanted to be rough with her, comfortable in the knowledge that as fragile as she looked she would not break easily beneath his hands. He wanted to be all the softer things she seemed so fond of. Wanted to meld his sharp, jagged edges with her rounded giving ones. Every little thing about this perfect princess he wanted to claim for himself, so utterly and thoroughly that no one would ever dare speak of a time when she was not his.
The closer they got to that peak, the less coordinated their movements became. Scrabbling hands and mouths and noises and moans and gasps. The cramped closet their own tiny little world utterly insulated from the one outside and all of its consequences. A thin darkness that cast the light that did slip through into a hazy dreamlike glow. And were the sensations not so visceral they both might have thought of it as just another dream. A fleeting flight of fancy and that they would wake alone and unfulfilled in their own beds. But the heat of his breath against her skin was real. The touch of her hand against his face was real. The bite of their nails as they dug into the other; seeking an anchor in a world that was slowly but surely falling apart at the seams.
“Charlie,” Alastor panted as his thrusts became more and more erratic. There was an end to this reverie.
Just as every song faded out into the soft static, as every finger of rye dwindled to an empty glass, every night of fireflies over the bayou surely turned into a harsh and unforgiving day. He wanted to stop it, wanted the ability to give her every bit of pleasure he could force this form to wring out of her. And when she tired of it? He would make another.
“Charlie,” he called her name again and again, never tiring of the way the delicious syllables slipped from his lips, melted on his tongue like an exquisite meal, “Charlie, darling,”
Her name was a benediction on his lips and she had never felt more divine than she did in this moment. To be worshiped in such a way was heady. Even more so that it came from him. The ever poised, unflappable Radio Demon. The scourge of Hell from the moment he’d manifested. As he lost more and more of that carefully managed restraint while he lost himself in her Charlie could hear the low hum of static that always seemed to accompany him fade until it revealed something else hidden within the broadcast. Voices, voices she had once known. Long since missing. Powerful voices that had so long ago been silenced. And yet, they were all saying the same thing. The same name that left his own lips.
“Charlie,”
His ardor was dangerous, hungry. It was all-consuming. A depth which could scarcely be contemplated from the safety of the shallows above even as the undertow of the abyss threatened to take hold and pull you in deeper until you forgot how to breathe. And it was both horrifying and thrilling for Charlie to realize just how badly she wanted to sink. To be pulled under by waves of darkened pleasure and obsession. To be consumed entirely and yet remain untouched but not untainted. To be so powerful as to be powerless. All his madness, all his violence; every dark and disgusting and irredeemable part of him. She wanted it all.
“Alastor,” Charlie whined. She was close, so very close. The maelstrom she was caught in grew stronger and stronger. The grip of the current tighter against her body while her heart pounded like thunder in her skull. That red hot coil in the very deepest part of her both wound too tight and stretched too thin. Like a sweet reward being dangled just out of her reach. No matter how much she stretched that prize lay firmly on the shelf and out of her grasp.
“Alastor please,” she begged him, wanted everything he could give, everything he could take. The pleasure bordered on pain at this point as her ultimate satisfaction was denied to her, “Touch me, kiss me, I need… I want…”
Again he changed the angle of his thrusts, slowing to a pace that made her want to cry. Shallow thrusts that held no rhyme or reason as he sought out something from her she couldn’t identify. But when he found that angle, the slide of him into her brushed against her clit and was that extra little bit she had been seeking. When she moaned in approval he knew he had it and rushed his thrusts trying not to let her fall from the heights she’d already climbed.
“Yes my darling,” his voice was like a balm to her frazzled nerve, a clarity in the chaos, “You are nearly there. My sweet little songbird.”
“Alas-tor,” she moaned, unable to keep her hands still as her frenzy reached a crescendo, “Please,”
“Anything for you cher,” the transatlantic accent slipped as he lost more and more of himself; clearly close to his own climax as well. And fuck it was even hotter when he continued, “My sweet, darlin’ belle. Say you’ll come for me,”
“I…” she could barely make words let alone give him the response he craved, “I…”
“Say you’re mine, Charlie,” he insisted, “That your pleasure lies in my hands, that it all belongs to me.”
“Al-” she gasped as he pressed into her in a way that made darkness swim before her for a brief moment.
“Say it!” he commanded, voice loud enough to be heard well beyond the hallway of their hidden suite.
“Alastor!” it was a broken cry that echoed in the now silent room. Clear as a bell and cutting like a banshee’s keening wail. A sound that was primal and beastly in nature responded as he followed her off the edge of paradise and into the warm depths of oblivion.
HH
When she opened her eyes Charlie found herself staring into the darkness with a heavy warmth laid atop her. Even despite the extra padding she’d been provided her back ached and she felt more liquid than demon. But finally, it felt like a hunger had been filled or a nagging itch had been scratched. Maybe Angel had been right and all she’d needed was a good lay; but the partner that still seemed semi-comatose atop her had made all the difference. Well, hopefully he was only comatose, she did remember before she’d gotten a handle on her succubus powers killing a lesser demon. Her mom had been proud, Charlie had been mortified. Who wanted to tell a grieving family, “Sorry I fucked your relative to death”?
Not that Alastor had any family around here. None that he’d acknowledge as such. And she realized that despite everything, even though she knew him she didn’t really know him. He kept his cards close to his chest, likely how he’d managed to get poor Husk under his thumb. Probably the closest thing he had to a family was the staff and residents here at the hotel. But given his level of pride it was unlikely he’d ever admit as much. Honestly, she was still stunned that he’d admitted to wanting her so pushing her luck now wouldn’t be in good time, place, or taste.
She could still hardly believe any of this was real; even as she idly petted the hair that tickled at her collarbone while his breath gentle chilled her skin. She’d fucked Alastor. She had had sex with the Radio Demon. She; Princess Charlotte Morningstar, had bagged the most sought after sinner in Pride and damn if she didn’t feel good about it. And not the altruistic kind that she felt when she helped her residents reach their potential and make their goals and strive for them. While she cared for the progress of every sinner here, she knew that losing them would be inevitable. Either they’d fail, and leave in disgrace, or they’d succeed and leave her anyways. Alastor, on the other hand, had made it abundantly clear that the Pearly Gates were a sight he did not care to see. He knew why he was here and seemed to think himself deserving of it, if not making the best of it he could. Nothing short of an exorcist’s spear was likely to tear him apart from her, not now.
And to think all it had taken was locking them in a closet during a… horror filled her eyes as she remembered the circumstances that had led to all of this. And more importantly; how much time had passed in the interim. As surprisingly comfy a blanket as Alastor made she needed to get up and return to her friends, now.
“Al,” she hissed through her teeth, being mindful of his sensitive hearing, “Alastor!”
He woke with a start, immediately on the combative defense. A predator never cared to find themselves as prey. But the rush of magic receded as his wits returned and he too seemed to recall where he was, whom he was with, and what they’d been doing in the meantime.
“Charlie?” his smile was back in full force, perhaps more smug than ever before, “Ma belle, whatever is the matter?”
“The party!” she hurriedly slipped off the furniture she’d been so thoroughly debauched atop and seemed to have forgotten what happens when one mixes good sex with gravity. With a yelp she hit the ground but continued to scramble on hands and knees, “We need to get back to the others!”
“Do we now?” leave it to Alastor to take the aftermath of something wonderful and be a bastard about reality creeping back in, “I’m sure they’ve found other ways to entertain themselves this evening.”
“Oh fuck,” Charlie cursed as she tried to remember what they’d done with their clothes. The only article she could find was Alastor’s coat. Oh well, beggars couldn’t be choosers and she slipped it on over her shoulders. It was too big by far, and was more of a dress on her frame than anything but she was no longer naked so she would count it as a win, “This is so not good, we’re supposed to be there making sure no fights break out.”
“With two angels and a third not befitting the name?” Alastor parried, “I highly doubt anyone would try anything.”
“If Vaggie and Emily had been sober? Sure, I’d agree no questions. But everyone’s been drinking tonight.”
“And them not being able to hold their liquor is your problem… how?”
“Stop being a dick and help me!”
“If I recall that appendage was something you seemed rather-”
“Shut it!” she yelled at him, even as her cheeks began to flush and she felt the stirrings of desire get plucked to her own mortification, “Save the dirty talk for bed or don’t do it at all.”
“Bed?” now he seemed intrigued as with little more than a snap he was mostly dressed. Mostly meaning all save for his coat, which remained firmly on Charlie’s person, “Now who’s bed would you be referring to?”
“Do you even have a bed in your room?” she asked as she struggled to her hooves and failed to keep her balance. Ever the gentleman Alastor caught her and swept her up into his arms, “I would think mine since you’re already so comfortable rolling around all over it.”
“Fair enough,” she felt herself go up and down as he shrugged, “You wish to check on our humble guests then darling?”
“Yes,” remembering her manners she added, “Please?”
“Such a good girl,” Alastor chuckled, enjoying her flush as his shadow stretched out under the edge of the door and set them free.
While he could have easily transported them through the void as he did to move himself about most places he instead took the time to walk her through the hallways and into the elevator. Never once letting go even when she felt the strength in her limbs return. They happened upon the lobby dimmed as far as the lights would go with everyone curled up on couches and in pillow piles. And only Husk standing; awake but far from sober.
“I was wonderin’ when you two’d make an appearance,” he drawled, not sounding in the least as intoxicated as he was, “It’s after midnight already.”
“Shit,” Charlie cursed under her breath, “How long were the others looking for us?”
Husk raised a fluffy brow at her, “Princess,” he began, “Do you happen to know what’s in vents?”
“Uh… ideally nothing?”
“Right,” Husk paused as he took another swig, “So they’re empty metal tubes that carry air, right?”
“Right…” Charlie replied hesitantly, unsure where the cat was going with this. Alastor, surprisingly, remained silent.
“Funny thing about ‘em,” Husk took another swig as if trying to drown something out, “They also tend to carry noise. ‘Specially when the one makin’ it gets real fuckin’ loud.”
It took approximately five seconds for Charlie’s expression to go from blank impassive stare to shock of realization to the red flush of mortification. She… they… oh fuck.
“Yeah…” Husk affirmed, though as he looked slightly behind her he seemed to find something else to say, “N-not that we was listenin’ in on purpose boss,” he quickly clarified, “Once we heard things start to escalate someone put on a movie as loud as it could go!”
“I see.” the clipped response was all Husk got. And if anything it seemed to scare the barkeep even more. Charlie frowned,
“Alastor, whatever you’re thinking of doing to him, don’t.”
“Why would I do anything to my dear chum Husker?” he laughed, keeping the sleeping demons nearby in mind, “He’s far more valuable to me in one piece after all. Or, however much your friend with the four arms leaves you in.”
“Right, well,” Husk cleared his throat, “We got everything under control down here. Why don’t y’all go on up to bed. Sleep in late. Me ‘n the others will wrangle the masses for breakfast tomorrow.”
“Capital idea Husker,” Alastor agreed before Charlie could speak. He instantly turned on his heel and began carrying her off.
It was only when he was enough of a distance away that Charlie could no longer hear that Husk dared say something to him, “And boss?”
He paused, knowing the feline’s eyes were on him and the stock straight posture indicated without words or expression that he was listening.
“Uhh… congratulations,” the sentiment was as respectful and and as sincere as he would ever let his contract get. But Alastor nonetheless flicked an ear in acknowledgement.
“Al?” Charlie questioned why he had suddenly stopped just before the grand staircase of the lobby, “Is everything alright?”
“Quite fine I assure you,” he answered, “Just thought I heard something was all.”
With a single step his shadows transported them to Charlie’s room where he laid her out on the bed, “As ravishing as you look in my clothes my dear I do believe it prudent to get some actual rest on something more comfortable than a pile of towels.”
“Right…” Charlie yawned, the exhaustion and late hour hitting her in full force, “Can you just get me my-”
With a snap she was in sleepwear. But instead of her usual suit like two piece it was her far less loved red nightgown of the same material. Clearly he was trying to say something without saying a word. But morning sex would have to wait until morning, and Charlie was far too tired to argue.
“Are you coming?” she asked through bleary eyes and sleepy voice, struggling to stay awake.
When she could no longer hold her eyes open she felt him slip in beside her, throwing an arm over her and pulling her close.
“For you my dear?” he asked as she drifted off yet again, “Every time.”