Chapter Text
Charlie was completely frozen in the doorway, unable to say or do anything but gasp so conspicuously that for a second she thought she might faint.
Adam was standing in front of her in an outfit that was decidedly... peculiar? He probably thought it best to find something suitable to camouflage himself from the eyes of the infernal populace, but what he was wearing was totally out of place and embarrassing even for a guy like him. He wore an absurd red dragon costume that also looked terribly heavy for the climate of Hell, which she could tell from the drops of sweat running down his head and sticking his dark hair to his temples. His face peeked out beyond the huge mouth of the costume, studded with soft white teeth, and as if all that wasn't enough, he reeked of acrylic to the point that she felt choked.
From behind the enormous tail, the figure of her father appeared, almost scrambling to get past him and move in front, also gasping for air.
- Charlie... someone came to see you – he mumbled, irritated, pointing his thumb at the angel behind him.
Every single alarm bell in her head started flashing, making her catatonic. Not only had Adam shown up at Alastor's place, and she was pretty sure she'd just heard him growl, but he had first stopped by her place, putting her father on alert. She knew that if there were three people in that dimension who shouldn't be kept in the same room, it was those three; they would risk setting Pentagram City on fire just because one of them breathed too loudly.
- I told you I could come alone, short-stack – Adam blurted out.
A nervous tic ran through the King of Hell’s eye, who continued to stare straight ahead, gripping his walking stick tightly with both hands. - And I told you that rather than let you see my daughter without a chaperone, I'd fuck a real dragon, and I assure you I know one -.
Oh, perfect, all that's missing is Uncle Satan in this beautiful picture she thought, exasperated, while all she could do was stand with her mouth half-open like a goldfish in a bowl.
A cough behind her forced her to turn around and she found Alastor there, observing the newcomer with an investigative look, his vermillion eyes narrowed into two pinpricks full of malice.
- Bonsoir, to what do we owe the honor of this visit? – he asked, holding his back straight as if he were about to snap.
Adam pulled off the dragon's head like it was a hoodie. – Who the fuck are you? -.
At that point, she was sure Alastor would kill him; she distinctly sensed his irritation even though she wasn't looking at him right now. She noticed the slight vibrations of his fingers on the stick he held in front of his torso, and above all, the room suddenly seemed to have become darker and gloomier. A static hiss was coming from the Overlord's lips, and she remained fixed like a pole.
She blinked a couple of times before recovering. – Um, Alastor, this is Adam. Adam, this is Alastor – she tried to say in a squeaky voice, pointing first to one and then the other.
Another broken glass accompanied those introductions; at this rate, the establishment would completely run out of them. Thanks to her, Husk had already broken at least three.
Lucifer entered, bypassing the Radio Demon, and took a seat on one of the stools. – An apple juice, cat, please – he commented tiredly, massaging his temples.
The angel remained on the threshold, observing the seraphim. – You still drink like a pussy -.
- And you’re still the same idiot unable to keep that big mouth shut. If you had known how to use it in more creative ways, perhaps you would have kept your wife – the king replied, spinning on the stool and giving him a mocking smile, then making a V sign with his fingers in front of his lips and sticking out his forked tongue.
Charlie covered her face; that was definitely too much information regarding the relationship her father had with her mother.
Adam then walked past her and Alastor, bumping his shoulder, and she was sure that for a second his pupils had taken the shape of radio dials and that green stitches had formed around his mouth. She tried to catch his gaze, but he remained motionless, staring at the open door, completely devoid of expression, except for his constant smile, which seemed more forced than usual.
- You funny little dick-bag! -.
- Your first wife didn't think that when she saw it -.
Oh, damn it, this can't be happening she thought, distraught, not even knowing how to move in that absurd situation. She should have expected Adam to show up sooner or later for the weekly meeting she herself had proposed, but she thought they would have warned her so she could organize. She never expected to see him drop in by surprise like that, especially with her father and instigating an argument about who had the longer penis.
She tried to get Alastor's attention, who turned towards her with a neck snap so fast that it emitted a terrifying crack. – If you need a chaperone, I kindly ask you to remove me from the list -.
She tucked her head into her shoulders, casting fleeting glances at the counter where Husk looked like he was about to stick the bottle down his throat just to get the last sip of whatever he was drinking.
- Actually... well... is it a problem if we stay here? I mean... I would feel safer not being alone with him, and a place full of people would be the ideal spot -.
At that point, she was absolutely certain that Alastor's eyes had become two radio dials; she could see them perfectly from that position. His neck had strangely lengthened, emitting gloomy creaks, and a green aura studded with voodoo symbols was beginning to form around him.
- I don't think I understood, chérie. Could you kindly repeat that? – he asked her in a hiss as she almost flattened herself on the ground.
Her father was too busy insulting Adam to notice what was happening a short distance from him, and this was both good and bad.
She swallowed the lump of saliva stuck in her throat with difficulty and forced a sweet smile. – Well, after all, you said this is like my home, right? -.
An uncontrollable tremor made one of the Overlord's eyelids twitch in front of her, whose jaws seemed about to snap from the grip he was holding on his mandible. – Charlotte, chérie, I would rather go to dinner with Camille and be force-fed sickly sweet desserts than keep that uncultured boor inside my establishment -.
- Who did you call an uncultured boor, you little dick-head with an ass-face?! -.
Alastor's ears pulled back as he returned to a less disturbing appearance. – As I thought -.
Charlie put her hands together and moved closer to him so she wouldn't be heard. – Please! I promise I'll do anything! -.
Alastor's smile widened strangely, and he simultaneously narrowed his eyelids. – You said, anything? -.
Lucifer suddenly appeared between them. – There's no need, she can come home, and I'll be happy to chaperone! -.
The Overlord's gaze suddenly softened, as if he had returned to his senses, and Charlie told herself she would have to investigate what he would want in return for that courtesy.
- There’s no problem, of course, I would never ask anything of my new business partner. You can stay here – he replied serenely.
Husk leaned over the counter with a perplexed look. – Boss, not to ruin your plans, but I don't think this will go unnoticed – he commented, pointing to Adam, who in the meantime was trying to take a seat on one of the sofas, knocking the candles on the tables to the floor with his tail.
- Fucking costume, fucking tail, fucking Hell – he muttered under his breath as he wedged himself between the table and the armchair, emitting constant noises.
Alastor closed his eyelids and took a deep breath. – Call whoever made a reservation; tell them we had to close tonight due to a fire in the kitchens -.
- But there wasn’t a fire in the kitchens – Husk commented.
The Radio Demon almost growled. – We could ask Charlie to help; she’s an expert in this field -.
- Honey, did you set the kitchen on fire? I told you to be careful last time! You might get hurt – her father exclaimed, widening his eyes and starting to check her to make sure she hadn't suffered any burns.
Charlie glared at Alastor. – I thought we were past that incident -.
He shrugged, walking towards the kitchens. – I forgive, but I don't forget -.
- Hey! goldy-eyes, shall we start this date?! – Adam shouted at her, making her jump.
He must be colourblind, she told herself, sighing out all the air in her lungs.
Lucifer tightened his grip on her shoulders, showing his upper jaw like a lion ready to attack. – Now do you understand why I wanted to stop you from doing this madness? -.
She moved him away, trying to regain her composure and smoothing her red jacket with her hands. – Dad, please, one problem at a time -.
The table Adam had chosen to sit at was the farthest from the counter, perhaps to prevent anything he might think of saying to her from reaching her father's ears. She already considered it a small miracle that those two had limited themselves to insults without resorting to blows; she didn't want to imagine what would happen if some particularly disturbing comment reached her father's ears.
She took a seat opposite him, even making sure to keep her legs away from his to avoid touching. – Apparently no one will be coming tonight, so you can take off the costume if you're hot – she tried to say, hoping her kindness would be reciprocated.
The angel pointed his hands like guns at her. – Thanks, it's fucking hot in here -.
With a snap of his fingers, he made the costume disappear and was left in more casual clothes. He wore a tight black t-shirt that highlighted his sculpted pectorals and a pair of ripped jeans. She still found it hard to believe that this guy was not only an angel but also her mother's ex-husband. Knowing her, even without her father's intervention, they could never have been a couple destined to last.
He spread his arms along the sofa. – So, this bullshit is about getting to know each other. So who starts? -.
Charlie sighed, trying to force her smile even more. – Well, is there anything about me you'd like to know? I mean, before today, we never had a chance to talk outside of official meetings -.
Adam put on a thoughtful expression, then gave her a mocking smirk. – Favourite position for fucking? -.
She almost fell off the chair at that point and heard yet another glass shatter. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that this time Husk was not the culprit; it was her father who had squeezed it excessively, ending up shattering it and spilling all the juice it contained onto the counter and the floor. The bartender sighed resignedly as he rubbed the bridge of his nose and pulled out a rag to start cleaning up the mess, murmuring various curses.
- Does that seem like a starting question? Don't you care even a little bit about making a good impression? – she asked him, dumbfounded.
The angel responded by shrugging again. – Nah, the contract's signed anyway, and we'll still get married in a year -.
- Not if I redeem a soul – she replied, feeling her throat parched with anger.
Adam burst into a booming laugh, slamming his fist on the table and holding his stomach with his other hand. – Oh, fuck, you actually believe that? What a fool! -.
Charlie felt horns starting to grow on her head and had to rely on all her self-control to avoid exploding at that precise moment. – We'll see who the fool is, Adam -.
He wiped a tear that had fallen from the side of his golden eye and slowly took a breath. – Alright, have it your way, pretty tits. For now, I'm still enjoying my freedom while I can -.
So much for respecting the engagement commitment she thought ironically, although the matter didn't concern her. As far as she was concerned, they had no kind of bond, not until that year was over and she was forced to marry him. Furthermore, she had no romantic interests, so she found no difficulty in complying with that clause; the only person she would risk breaking it for was not interested in that kind of relationship.
- Well, let’s not talk about that bullshit. Instead, what do you eat in this place? – he asked, glancing at Husk behind her back. – Hey! Waiter! Is some bastard going to bring us a menu? -.
Niffty, who had popped out of nowhere, appeared in front of them with her large eye wide open in the centre of her face, making Adam jump in the armchair.
- I prepared a special dish for tonight – she hissed at him. – Want to taste it? -.
The angel slipped further away, continuing to stare at her. – No fucking way! -.
She tilted her head to the side, looking offended. – Too bad for you -, after that sentence, she vanished exactly as she had arrived, and Charlie couldn't help but smile at the intervention.
- That means I’ll drink something. Since you live in this dump, can you tell me what to drink? – he asked her, bored, resting an elbow on the table and his head on his open palm.
She took yet another long breath before answering him. – I don't drink much, but Husk is very good -.
- Pussy – he replied, rolling his eyes. – Hey! Bring me something strong! And whatever she usually drinks for her -.
Alastor had been through a lot in his earthly and infernal existence, facing and enduring things that would give most people nightmares. Yet, he had always emerged with his serene calm, sporting a true grin capable of instilling fear in anyone, and this had made him the damned soul able to bend many to his will. He was genuinely convinced that there could be nothing that would upset his nerves to this extent.
He had to completely change his mind that day.
All because of Charlie.
That angel was able to simultaneously assault almost all of his senses. His sight with his mere presence, his smell due to the odour of sweat and acrylic emanating from that hideous costume, his hearing with his sometimes high-pitched voice, which only managed to utter the worst profanity. He was even sure that if he touched him, it would manage to irritate his sense of touch too; perhaps only taste would be spared.
Angelic flesh must be particularly tender, but perhaps a guy like that would still turn out to be stringy and unpleasant even when served as a dish. And he was in his establishment because of the Princess; therefore, the object of his nervousness swung like a pendulum from her to him in a constant turmoil that was twisting his guts as if they were being squeezed by rough, knotty hands.
As if the presence of that boor with a feather-filled brain wasn't enough for his precarious calm, Lucifer had positioned himself at the counter of his establishment and continued to drink horrendous fruit juices that Husk only kept for mixing with alcohol. At this rate, he would have to make an unscheduled reorder of apple, peach, and even strawberry juice. Not counting the two glasses that had shattered in less than ten minutes; in all those years of opening before Charlie arrived, only five had been broken. They would reach a new record at this pace.
Husk came downstairs after contacting all the customers, arriving behind him. – Everything alright, Boss? You're strangely quiet -.
He remained motionless, staring through the door's porthole at the three unwelcome patrons. – Mon amì, one never plans a murder out loud -.
The bartender sighed, looking around the room in turn. – I think I'll overlook the insults I heard shouted at me from the regulars. I blamed Niffty -.
- Hey! – she shrieked, popping out of the cold room. – You could have said it was Charlie! -.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. What he wanted to do was withdraw so as not to hear the ferocious squawking of every being present in the two rooms, but he didn't trust any of them enough to leave them alone with an angel and the King. He would have to muster all his remaining calm to get through what he hoped would be a few hours.
- For the moment, it’s best that few people know of the Princess’s presence, and I hope I don't need to tell you that no one should know about an angel's presence in the establishment. Have I made myself clear? – he asked in a thin voice, casting menacing glances at both of them.
Niffty put on a confused expression. – Not even Angel Dust? -.
- Especially not Angel Dust! Luckily, that nagging pest is out of the way tonight -.
Husk started to head back to the lounge. – Look, Boss, not to butt into whatever you’re cooking up, but you should really preside over this charade. After all, it was your idea -.
He barely held back the growl that rose in his throat, instilling a healthy dose of fear in his subordinate, who quickly reached the counter, leaving him in the kitchen.
That damned angel had been sitting at the table for almost an hour, out of his sight, but close enough to his ears to let him hear a good part of the obscenities he had rattled off in that short span of time. He truly couldn't comprehend how that guy could be called a creature of Heaven; he looked more like some disgusting boor he might have met in the most sordid speakeasies of New Orleans during his life and whom he probably would have enjoyed mutilating.
Now that’s a relaxing thought he told himself, as he imagined cutting Adam's body piece by piece, starting if possible with those annoying and obscene wings.
He could definitely pluck him first like a Thanksgiving turkey and then cut them off; perhaps they would be more delicious than the rest of his body, despite being stringy. He would probably have to cook those to make them more tender, perhaps in a stew with seasonal vegetables. The arms and legs, however, would be perfect raw. He realized that his salivation had begun to increase because of those fantasies, but at least he had achieved the goal of calming down momentarily.
He swallowed the lump that had formed in his mouth and took a deep breath before entering the room. The smell of acrylic and sweat still hadn't gone away, and his sensitive nose was immediately hit by that stench, instantly taking away the satisfaction that hypothetical meal would have given him.
He’s not even good enough to eat he commented to himself, leaning against the shelf behind him and trying not to look directly at the King. If he did, he was sure that the Lucifer would start with his usual whining, and at that moment he needed to conserve his remaining patience to avoid a massacre. He hoped at least that this move would once more earn him the Princess's trust; that was the only thing he had to stay focused on.
He then fixed his gaze on one of the establishment's lamps, wondering how long it had been since Niffty had cleaned it; he was sure he saw a small stain.
- More juice, Your Majesty? – Husk asked.
The seraphim nodded, disheartened. – Yes, cat, I need it -.
Like father, like daughter, two grown-up children he thought, irritated. That little guy couldn't even drink; he limited himself to having sickening fruit juices poured for him to suppress his feelings with sweetness, something adults usually did with alcohol.
Speaking of alcohol he told himself, making one of his favourite aged whiskeys appear between his fingers. He brought it to his nose, hoping that the smell would erase Adam's stench, and for a while, his nostrils were invaded by the fragrant cedar notes that characterized the barrel where the distilled spirit was aged, an intoxicating fragrance that paved the way for the flavour he would soon taste with satisfaction.
- ...and so I told her, I mean, I'm the first fucking dick on the planet! If you're going to suck something, suck this! -.
All three of them froze upon hearing that sentence, staring at each other without truly seeing, as if asking for confirmation that they had actually heard that sentence.
If my sense of smell is saved, I won't be able to save my hearing he thought angrily, swallowing a long gulp of whiskey and concentrating on the burning sensation that reached his stomach, which was still more pleasant than anything coming out of Adam's mouth.
Lucifer's eyes were starting to take on vermillion hues, and his teeth were grinding together like nails on glass. – I'm going to kill him, damn the agreements with Heaven -.
Don't you dare, you damned short-stack! You'll ruin my plans
He set down his glass and approached the counter, stepping out of the shadows and addressing the king. – Your Majesty, I agree with you that it would certainly be a pleasant activity, but I recommend foresight -.
Husk looked at him, amused by the fact that he, who had known him for so many years, was perfectly capable of noticing when he was flattering emptily to snare a prey. They were the same techniques he had used on him back in the day.
The King looked at him with irritation. – All we needed was you; I don't know who is worse between the two of you -.
- Perhaps between the two, it’s better to choose the one who isn't aiming for your daughter’s favours, wouldn't you agree? – he replied ironically.
Lucifer trembled for a second, his big red and gold eyes widening on his face, as a shiver shook him to the point of making his hideous top hat slip to the side. – Ugh, disgusting – he murmured in a trembling voice. – And anyway, who’s to say you’re not interested in something else too? I don't trust you, regardless -.
The bartender barely held back a laugh, and he glared at him before any comment could leave his mouth.
He made a second glass appear in front of the sovereign, containing the same whiskey he had poured for himself. At this point, it was vitally important that he manage to establish a truce; it was necessary to prevent that small time bomb from killing the angel and thus risking a war, alienating the Princess forever and ruining everything he had set up so far. He was close to his goal; he had to start working the flanks too to get what he needed. He knew Lucifer would never trust him, but he could at least be rated as a better option than Adam for company. Which wouldn't take much; the comments they had heard so far had certainly earned him points.
- Your Majesty, let us set aside our acrimony. There is nothing that unites more than a common enemy – he began, passing him the glass.
Lucifer looked first at the whiskey and then at him with an investigative air. – Are you trying to poison me? Because I'm sorry to inform you that poison isn't enough for someone like me -.
He took a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose. – No – he hissed, trying not to growl. – I am trying to lay the groundwork for a truce -.
The King grinned before bursting out laughing. – A truce? With you? – he blurted out, wiping a tear from the side of his eye. – You're funny, I'll give you that -.
- I was not joking at all, Your Majesty – he continued, moving the glass even closer to him. – It is evident that there is no love lost between us, but we could put aside our mutual antipathies for Charlotte's sake. I think you agree with me that you would prefer to see her here in Hell rather than in Heaven with him -, having concluded the sentence, he pointed to the angel who, in the meantime, with better timing than a Swiss watch, was miming obscenities of various kinds with his hands, to which Charlie responded with wide, glassy eyes.
Lucifer trembled again, finally taking the glass he had served him. – And what do you propose? If I'm not mistaken, it was your idea to make her meet that asshole and look what a great catch! -.
- ...anyway, that's why I'm never getting a blowjob from a flutist again. Honey, you have to suck, not blow! -.
With what audacity did they leave him a tongue to speak he thought, pulling his ears back, hoping that gesture would make the voice of that foul-mouthed, irritating, and nagging being less audible.
He took yet another breath. – I propose that we refrain from killing him for a little longer; we share the same revulsion for that being. What I ask is that Charlie is actually given the chance to pursue her idea for this year and, if you agree, when the time runs out, I will be very happy to help you to get rid of him -.
- I'm enough for that – he replied, sipping the whiskey but immediately making a disgusted face. – What the hell is this? It's so bitter! -.
Alastor was truly beginning to lose his patience at that point. – Whiskey, Macallan to be precise -, and he had to die to be able to afford it.
Lucifer put the glass back down, and Alastor watched in horror as he diluted it with the apple juice he had nearby, pouring it in.
A sharp hiss escaped his mouth, even attracting the attention of the other two at the table. That imbecile had completely ruined one of the best distilled spirits on the planet by diluting it with plain, ordinary supermarket apple juice. It was an unforgivable affront to every decent connoisseur and drinker in Hell, Heaven, and Earth.
- Whiskey is drunk neat! Especially a Macallan, this is an atrocity! – he was close to shouting at that point, and it had been years since that had happened to him. The last time was when Mimzy had brought some particularly noisy customers, and even then, he hadn't exactly shouted; he had merely raised the classic tone of his voice by a few decibels.
The King sipped the whole thing with satisfaction. – It tastes better this way, trust me, want to try it? -.
Husk fortunately intervened before he reached out and, instead of taking the glass, grabbed the King’s slender neck to try to choke him. – With all due respect, Your Majesty, but for once I agree with my boss. This type of alcohol is not meant to be mixed, but if you want, I'll be happy to let you try something that meets your tastes -.
Alastor regained his composure, realizing that just three days of proximity to the Princess had been enough to risk losing his temper. Almost a century in Hell had not been enough to make him so nervous, but that family had the extraordinary power to grate on his nerves almost more than Angel Dust.
Keep calm, at least he stopped thinking about killing him he told himself, as he adjusted his monocle on his nose and focused on his breathing. He stopped paying attention to the King at that point; that little pantomime had at least served its purpose, and he could breathe again; it was better to leave the thorny issue of keeping Lucifer busy to Husk.
The bartender seemed to have understood his intentions and stood in front of the seraphim while mixing various ingredients. – Trust me, Your Majesty, this definitely won't be bitter -.
He served him a Strawberry Screwdriver in a glass, the classic sickening cocktail he had wanted to remove from his menu as soon as the bartender had proposed it. He considered it an excessively simple and low-quality drink, but he had to admit to himself that the cat knew how to deal with people, especially when they had a glass of any alcoholic drink in front of them.
Lucifer observed the whole thing carefully, smelling it before drinking it and widening his sharp smile. – Holy hell! I hate alcohol, but this is good! -.
Husk leaned his elbow on the counter, tilting his head. – Thank you, Your Majesty -.
- No formalities, call me by my first name -, he then turned to Alastor, narrowing his gaze. – You, on the other hand, don't even try -.
I wouldn't have anyway he thought, giving him an arrogant smile.
The bartender took the dirty glasses to wash them and started wiping the counter with a rag. – Thank you, but I wouldn't feel comfortable given the situation -.
I should let him do this more often; he proves useful in these matters he commented, watching the two start to bond better than he would have expected.
- Your Majesty, I realize this is not exactly where you imagined your daughter, but would it be so terrible to let her try? After all, she’s bought herself another year, and if all goes well, you won't have to say goodbye to her –, Husk's tone was calm, tranquil; he definitely had a gift.
Lucifer sighed sadly. – No offense, but I've seen human souls for centuries. There's no way to redeem them; they're a lost cause. I don't know what you did to be here, but I imagine it was something terrible -.
Husk pulled back his ears but continued to speak. – Nothing worth remembering – he murmured. – But I know people who didn't have many choices in their earthly life other than to take certain directions; maybe your daughter will truly be able to do something for them -.
The seraphim fidgeted with the wedding ring he wore on his finger, his gaze lost in thought. – She’s like her mother, stubborn to the end... but I don't understand why she decided to move away from home like this -.
- Children grow up; they need to make their own mistakes. Sometimes the only thing to do is let them fall and be there to help them get back up -.
Alastor found himself strangely lost because of that sentence; his mind flew back to the memories of his earthly life. Particularly to the day he chose to climb a tree under his mother's worried gaze, but she let him. Shortly after, he fell, scraping his elbows and knees, and she was by his side almost immediately, lovingly caring for him as only she could. She hadn't reprimanded him for that bravado; she had simply told him to pay more attention and that she would always be there to help him stand up.
Damn sentimentalism he told himself, picking up the glass he had left moments before to finish drinking his whiskey. Those conversations made him nauseous and brought up things he had willingly chosen to bury. He hadn't been that child for a very long time.
- So much for mistakes – Lucifer commented, looking at him sideways.
He turned towards him, regaining his ironic demeanour. – Your Majesty, you honour me by giving me all this attention. Especially coming from someone who was the first to arrive here by making mistakes -.
- That's it, I'm going to kill you! -.
Husk stepped between them. – Your Majesty, please! -.
Charlie no longer knew how to steer the conversation. Every time she tried a topic far from anything to do with sex, Adam managed to bring it back to that. Even telling him about the flute lessons she had taken as a child led him to tell her how a flutist was not a suitable partner for certain pleasures. Behind her, she could hear quite a commotion; she was quite sure her father had repeatedly wanted to come over and lash out at Adam, and she couldn't blame him for that, but right now he seemed intent on starting a fight with Alastor again.
- Excuse me for a second – she said awkwardly to the angel, turning around in her chair to see what was happening.
She saw her father leaning over the counter trying to grab Alastor, who stood straight and serene, sipping whiskey as if he weren't worried about it at all. Poor Husk was trying to mediate. It must be said that she didn't expect the Radio Demon to maintain all that calm for so long; in fact, based on how things started, she thought they would risk a lot. Against all expectations, after the initial, rightful irritation over the unforeseen event, he had behaved admirably and even seemed to have attempted to start a conversation with her father, although the results must not have been the best given what was happening.
- The pussy dressed in red is creepy, and that voice effect is for old people – Adam blurted out, finishing yet another beer that Niffty had brought him.
She turned back, nervously stirring the straw in her glass. – Alastor is not what he seems; no one in this Hell is – she replied, stung by that rude comment.
Adam ran his hand through his hair as if to be admired. – Goldy-eyes, what's beautiful outside is beautiful inside -.
She narrowed her gaze. – Maybe you haven't noticed yet, but my eyes are not that colour -.
The angel leaned toward her to the point that he was inches from her face, staring at her in shock. – Oh, damn! You know what? You're right! I never notice; almost everyone in Heaven has them like that, and I like to look at other things –, after saying those words, he lowered his gaze towards her shirt, and she instinctively pulled back, crossing her arms to hide her chest.
- Very gallant, indeed – she whispered, exhausted.
This date had been one of the most difficult things she had faced in her existence, and she was over two hundred years old, and she didn't want to imagine what the subsequent ones would be like. It seemed that Adam possessed an almost inexhaustible reserve of sexually charged anecdotes and that he greatly enjoyed recounting them, completely ignoring any reluctance she had on the matter.
- But I'm going to keep calling you goldy-eyes anyway – he replied, leaning back against the armchair. – I’d say the date for today is over. Next week at the same time – he concluded, standing up.
That sentence brought her the first genuine smile she'd had since they sat down at that table; it was finally over. – Oh, sure – she replied serenely. – Just one thing before you go, do you happen to know when Sera will give me some news regarding the trials and information you need? So I can start organizing -.
Adam sized her up from top to bottom. – What the hell do I know, I don't deal with that pain in the ass. I just limit myself to coming here and doing the dirty work – he seasoned that sentence by running a finger across his throat to mime the gesture of slitting.
Charlie clenched her fists as she stood up. – Could you ask? At least I'll know when the year starts -.
The angel snapped his fingers, and the portal to Heaven opened in front of them. – It already started the day of the interview -.
- What?! -.
That news almost made her faint, and the scream she let out definitively attracted the attention of everyone present in the room, including Niffty, who popped out of the kitchen again. She was convinced that they would first have time to discuss the terms, the trials, the necessary information, and only once those matters were clarified would the time she requested start ticking. This way, they were taking away precious days, leaving her in limbo, and she found this absurd and cruel. Despite this, they were forcing her to see Adam as if they had already decided that marriage would be the definitive solution.
Adam shrugged, heading for the portal. – Hey, you still have three hundred and sixty days. If your idea is really that good, you'll be able to do it anyway, right? – he asked her, giving her a malicious wink before disappearing completely.
She found herself breathless, staring at the spot where he had vanished, her head completely empty. In that moment, she felt like a complete idiot for having trusted Sera's good intentions; she would probably stall until the last minute to prevent that plan from succeeding; in fact, she would try anything to prove to her that redemption was not possible. She was truly beginning to fear the trials they would propose.
- Honey, are you alright? -.
Her father's voice reached her, and she felt his hand on her shoulder, but she remained frozen in place as some tears made their way into her eyes. She felt mocked, manipulated like a poor fool.
- Chérie, do you need me to bring you something warm? -.
Alastor had arrived too and remained behind her, and her father turned in his direction with annoyance. – I'm with her; you can stay away -.
A serene laugh left the Supreme Overlord's mouth. – Your Majesty, if there is any news from my partner, I should be the first to know –.
- Stop it! – she shouted in a fit of anger, turning towards both of them nervously. – You look like two kids who just left kindergarten! Leave me alone, both of you! -.
She headed for her room, and as soon as she arrived, she closed herself inside, sliding down with her back along the door until she was sitting on the floor. She hugged her knees to her chest and tried to breathe deeply; she didn't want to start crying like a child, not again. There were surely more adult and mature ways to react to what she had just heard, but at that moment, the most sensible thing she had found was to run away to her room and lock herself in.
Not a sound came from the corridor, a sign that both her father and Alastor had decided to heed her request.
She stood up and took off her boots, then threw herself onto the bed, cuddling into the pillow to try to release the tension as best she could. It had all been too good to be true; Heaven had never fully believed in her idea, and who knew what absurdities they would propose to her to prove that souls could indeed be worthy of redemption. She couldn't think clearly; all she felt was anxiety gripping her stomach and taking her breath away. She was back to square one, only unlike before, instead of having three days of freedom, she had three hundred and sixty. What could she do at this point? She wasn't going to give up, but if Heaven didn't give her the tools she needed to prove her theory, everything would be useless.
- Charlie? Are you here? -.
Vaggie? She thought, shocked, sitting up abruptly on the bed. She couldn't believe she was really there.
She stood up, running to open the door, and found her. She hadn't seen her for two days, and having her there was yet another blow to the heart that day. As much as she tried to always put distance between them, she could never completely forget her. They could argue, get angry, but for three years she had been her confidante, her shoulder to cry on, and her rock. She couldn't forget what they had shared, even if their relationship was marked by the shadow of Vaggie's constant refusals.
The former angel tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, staring at the floor. – I was in the area... after seeing Adam at home, I thought I'd stay to see if you needed me – she murmured.
Charlie lowered her gaze in turn, gripping the wooden door she was leaning against between her fingers. – Yeah, it wasn't a great date – she replied.
- Your father told me you seemed upset and that having a friend nearby might do you good – Vaggie continued.
All that was missing was the emphasis on their relationship at that moment; that day had already tried her enough without the ultimate blow coming her way. She wanted to throw her out, but she couldn't. She had missed her more than she could explain, and her simple presence had momentarily calmed and confused her.
She stepped aside to invite her in, and Vaggie began to observe the room with curiosity. – Nice, but it's missing a bit of you -.
She let out a nervous little laugh as she closed the door. – Yeah, I think I'll have to commit to decorating it to make it less aseptic -.
Vaggie sat down on the mattress, nervously moving her feet. – So you're going to stay? Really? -.
She gritted her teeth and tried to maintain her calm once more. – Vaggie, if you're here to make me change my mind, this is really not the right day, so please leave if that's the reason for your visit -.
When did that happen? When did their conversations start turning into arguments almost immediately? And above all, since when was she able to be so cold to Vaggie? Perhaps the fact that she hadn't felt supported by the person who had played such a large part in her life had been too much for that relationship built on a knife's edge, and now those years of pain had come back, breaking what had been there. In any case, she probably would never be completely able to say goodbye to her. She still found her beautiful, perfect, the only one who always managed to make her waver.
Vaggie flinched and raised her palms. – No, Charlie, seriously! I just wanted to make sure you were okay... you didn't even reply to my message –
And what should I have replied? she asked herself, hugging her arms to her chest and turning the other way.
She truly didn't understand what Vaggie expected from her after everything that had happened; above all, she didn't understand what she really wanted from her. – I've been very busy, although at this point I'll have to wait for news from Heaven -.
- Yes... your father told me that when he left -.
She rolled her eyes. – I see you maintain the policy of talking without consulting me -.
Her friend glared at her. – Now you're exaggerating, Charlie, we're just very worried about you! -.
- And I'm worried about not being able to save them! – she shouted at that point, putting her hands in her hair. – I'm afraid I won't save Angel. He really hopes so, you know? We talked about it, and I'm risking disappointing him because I got into this thing without perhaps thinking it through enough, without considering that they could trick me! -.
Vaggie got up from the bed and hugged her suddenly, taking the breath from her lungs. She found herself hugging her back uncontrollably, burying her nose in her hair, which smelled as always of lavender, and feeling enveloped by the warmth of her body. It was strange how that hug was enough to make her feel strangely safe, as if she needed nothing else. Despite being shorter than her, she felt completely wrapped up by the former angel's body and let her hold her, caress her, while she only felt the desire to kiss her as she had that night. But she didn't want to ruin that perfect moment, not when she finally had her so close after wanting it for so long.
- Charlie, I'm so sorry – Vaggie whispered, stroking her hair. – I... I just wish I could understand you more -.
She wished that too; it would have been so wonderful to have her by her side in that undertaking, to feel supported by her in the same way Alastor was doing. Why did he succeed and she didn't? Theoretically, he was the cruel one, the one everyone considered a monster, whereas Vaggie had been an angel, a good and pure creature despite being an Exorcist.
She slowly pulled away, trying to push back the lump in her throat. – You should go now... I need to try and get organized and figure out how to proceed -.
Her friend's eye widened, but she kept her arms around her shoulders, and for the first time since they had known each other, she felt there was something wrong with that gesture, something strangely cold and distant. She was experiencing a real emotional roller coaster, and she only wanted to push Vaggie away; she felt the need to talk to Alastor right now. It was necessary for them to organize themselves; she needed it to calm down. He would surely know what to do; he was the most prepared person she knew.
- Charlie, I just want us to clear things up – her friend tried again, while she placed her hands on Vaggie's forearms to move her.
She tried to push back the urge to push her onto that bed and breathed. – I need to talk to Alastor; we need to organize -.
- Chérie, did you call me? -.
How did he do that? she thought, shocked, hearing the demon's voice just outside the door and being completely caught off guard. Vaggie pulled away completely at that point and let out some irritated grumbles.
- Pendejo – she hissed angrily.
Charlie turned and opened the door, finding the Radio Demon waiting with his staff clutched between his crimson claws. – I'm happy you called me; I didn't come to disturb you earlier to respect your space – he then glanced at Vaggie. – I tried to explain that to your friend, but she preferred to ignore me -.
Charlie let him pass to enter, while praying that those two wouldn't immediately start arguing, even though Alastor seemed particularly serene at that moment. – Thank you for your thoughtfulness; I was just telling Vaggie that we have many things to discuss regarding our project -.
- Since when did it become our project? I thought it was yours – her friend commented acidly.
Alastor turned to the former angel, widening his sharp smile. – Charlie gives me too much credit; I am merely an aid to her idea and a happy participant in the project -.
She couldn't help but smile at him for choosing to make it clear that the idea was hers, even though she always tried to involve him by speaking in the plural. She found the thing strangely comforting, as was his presence at that moment.
Vaggie crossed her arms over her chest, putting on a sarcastic look. – You want to be redeemed? When was the last time you did something for others? -.
Alastor responded by tapping his chest and raising his chin. – I recently prevented a murder -.
Charlie's eyes widened upon hearing that sentence. – Really? And how? -.
The Overlord shrugged, looking at his fingernails. – Thanks to self-control -.
A bead of sweat formed along her temples as her smile faded and turned more into a grimace of sad resignation. It wasn't much, but at least it was a start. She imagined that Adam's presence had particularly irritated him, and the fact that he had maintained his calm was no small feat.
- Well, those are steps forward – she tried to say with a nervous chuckle.
He turned back towards her with a pirouette and bowed his head slightly. – Thank you, chérie, I’m glad you appreciate it -.
Vaggie came close, trying to stroke her shoulder. – Listen, Charlie, I know it's a difficult time, but you've been through a lot these past few days. How about taking a few days to rest before starting again? Maybe it will help clear your head. You really wanted to go to that beach outside Pentagram City -.
She looked down and sighed. It was true, she really wanted to go there, but in reality, it would just be another way to try to spend time alone with Vaggie to seek another chance. At that moment, it seemed like a childish and stupid idea, and above all, it was not the time to indulge in such foolish trivialities.
Alastor stepped between them again, observing her carefully. – For once, I agree with your friend. Besides, it's been a long time since my staff or I took a well-deserved vacation -.
Charlie stared at him, dumbfounded, with her mouth half-open. – But... we have so much to do, especially given recent events -.
- And anyway, you weren't invited – Vaggie hissed, narrowing her eye to a slit.
The Radio Demon smiled at her, completely ignoring the other. – Chérie, it's understandable that you are upset, and a tired mind does not reason well. Moreover, a relaxing place could help build the trust that you proclaimed with such ardour this morning -.
Why did he manage to make even the craziest idea appealing? Until a moment ago, she was desperate, destroyed, and now, thanks to his words, she felt strangely comforted, as if his mere presence could give her the help she felt she needed. Perhaps it was thanks to his constant calm and his serene control of the situation that she could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
He placed his clawed fingers on her shoulder. – Everything will be fine, chérie, we will solve it together -.
An electric shock ran through her body when he said those words, accompanied by that gesture. His crimson eyes were focused only on her and seemed completely disinterested in the huffs that kept coming from Vaggie, and for a second, it seemed to her that they were completely alone.
She shook her head and forced a smile. – Oh, thank you, Alastor, really – she murmured. – But are you sure you can close? I wouldn't want to cause you excessive trouble -.
He took his hand away, waving it in the air. – Nonsense! Tomorrow I will organize everything; let me prove that I am trustworthy -.
Vaggie rolled her good eye to the sky. – So we have to take him too? -.
Charlie sighed, resigned to the fact that it would take all her positivity to prevent her friend from arguing with the Radio Demon. However, it was truly an unmissable opportunity; until Heaven gave her instructions, she was somewhat free, and that short trip of a few days could help them build stronger relationships; perhaps a relaxed environment would also help with the questionnaires.
- Yes, Vaggie – she replied, smiling at both of them. – We're all going.