Chapter Number 7 Lovelies. I swear I'm on a roll with this. Makes me so happy, and I'm sure you all appreciate the quick updates as well.
To the Guest who's mood improved when I updated, I'm glad i was able to make you feel a bit better with my writing
DISCLAIMER: I own NOTHING. Not even Rhia is fully mine.
It was time for end of year finals, and Rhia was losing her mind. Stumbling down the stairs, she made her way to the kitchen for her umpteenth cup of coffee. She'd been up for about a day and a half studying for the final in her advanced Calculus class and practicing her part in a classmate's end of year project at Ailey. She knew she was sleep deprived but she was too stubborn to sleep until she felt prepared for the test, hallucinations be damned.
"You look like shit, duckie," Crowley told her as she leaned against the counter, nursing her cup of liquid energy.
She gave a lopsided grin. "Such flattery will get you everywhere."
"Have you slept at all? You do realize that you need sleep, correct? You're not a demon, love, despite the fact that many of mine have seen fit to practically adopt you."
He wasn't wrong. After her introduction to the demons, she'd been to Hell more often in her human form. At first, they'd tolerated her merely as the King's pet, but the more she was around, the more they began to like her. She made an effort to learn and address them by name. She verbally sparred with the best of them and overall treated them with the same amount of respect they showed her. At least, as long as they didn't test her loyalty to Crowley. Most of them remembered what she did down in the arena, but there were a few who decided to push her buttons. She typically ended up removing a limb for a chew toy while she left them at her Master's feet. Those loyal to the King began to teach all the tricks to being a demon. Every time she visited Hell, she was being pulled away by a crossroads demon to learn how to lie, manipulate, or she was being dragged down to the lower levels for lessons in maiming and torture. It amused Crowley to no end.
"Yeah, well, I've gotta finish studying for this test. I can't afford to fail."
"Go to bed, pet. You'll be fine. You've been studying with dear little Kevin all week. Even if you fail, one of your new besties will more than likely sneak in and change your grade."
"It's not the same," she snapped, good mood gone. The bad part of sleep deprivation is that it made her emotionally volatile. "If I can't get the grade on my own, then I don't deserve it."
"Enough of this. Bed. Now."
"No, I have to study still, dammit! You're not my dad and I'm not 5. You can't tell me what to do!" She slammed the coffee mug down in irritation.
"But I'm still the King of Hell and your Master. You will obey me." With that said, he grabbed her by the waist and tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, carrying her upstairs. He tossed her onto on the bed. "Go to bed." His tone brooked no argument, putting his power behind it. Unable to fight against the direct order, her eyelids unwillingly slid shut and she was out.
Relieved, Crowley snapped his fingers, getting her under the covers without waking her, and headed back to his office. When he wasn't tutoring Rhia, dear Kevin was decoding the demon tablet for a way to open the Hell Gates and he was anxious for the little brat to finish. Now what to do about Rhia working herself to the bone over this irrelevant test of her's? He summoned one of his lower level minions.
"I need you to possess Rhiannon's Calculus teacher until after her final. I'm tired of watching her slave over this so you're going to get me the test, make sure she understands the material during class review and tweak the grade if she doesn't pass. Understood?"
"Sir, forgive me for speaking out of turn but- won't she be angry if she finds out?"
"Your point? I'll deal with it. Now go."
"Yes sir." The demon vanished and Crowley summoned a glass of Craig. It was going to be a long night of plotting.
She was headed into Calculus when she caught an odd scent. A deep whiff told her it was sulphur. Eyes narrowed, she walked passed her teacher, muttering "Christo." Mr. Sanders flinched, eyes pure black for a moment.
"It wasn't my idea," the demon barely murmured, so that only her superb hearing would pick it up. "But in his defense, your teacher has it out for you. He knows where you're struggling and that's why it's never reviewed. Plus he's sleeping with the redheaded bimbo over there."
Interest piqued, she glanced at the indicated girl, who was surreptitiously eyeballing the teacher's ass. She gave a tiny nod in acknowledgement, taking her seat. Maybe, just maybe, she'd let this slide. She really needed to pass this final.
Feeling better about Calculus, pet?
Rhia grinned to herself in Ailey's changing room. Yeah, I am actually. Thanks for that.
The little bug was worried you'd be… upset and would take it out on his hide.
Don't get me wrong, I was ready to throw a fit. But apparently, he has it out for me. Explains SO much. Especially since smarty pants Tran has been helping out
I figured as much. You study more than I make deals yet you still had a hard time with it. So, I arranged a bit of… extra tutoring, you could say.
I appreciate it. Knew you were a big softie.
Mutually beneficial, I assure you. I was tired of you running yourself ragged. And I fully expect a reward for being so helpful.
I'm going to be dancing in front of my entire class here soon, if you want to come watch. It's to your favorite song.
If you mean that infernal noise you changed your ringtone to, then you're horribly mistaken about it being my favorite.
You've yet to change it. And it's been months.
I'll drop by for a tic.
Rhia's grin grew even bigger at the slight waves of embarrassment she felt rolling off him before he slammed down the mental wall. She finished changing into her dance clothes and grabbed the heels she'd brought for Jake's routine.
She smelled him, before she felt his invisible hand brush against her lower back, that warm, spicy cologne he always wore though it never fully covered the stench of sulphur that clung to him.
Hello, pet.
You really couldn't resist, could you?
And neither could your new besties.
What- Rhia took a tentative whiff of the room, looking around at her classmates. The scent of sulphur was pervading the entire room and she was greeted by multiple sets of demonic eyes. You let them possess my classmates?!
Relax, pet. They just want to watch. No damage, not a toe out of line. I promise.
You better not have let them possess my partner or the teacher. This is his final grade. We worked hard on this.
Cross my heart, pet.
Rhia huffed before walking over to Jake, heels still in hand. He was standing in the far corner, chewing nervously on his thumb nail. She smacked his hand down away from his mouth.
"Stop that," she grumbled at him.
"I'm so nervous, babe. I mean, what if I forget a step, or tread on your toes? Or god forbid, miss a spin?!"
Rhia let loose a laugh. She loved dancing with Jake, he was a natural. "You won't forget, hon. Forget everyone else. Pretend it's just us. It always helps me."
He flung an arm around her. "You always know what to say, dollface. C'mon, let's go wow the crowd."
"Gimme a second. I need help these heels on."
Rolling his eyes playfully, he held her elbow so she could balance while slipping out of her socks and into her heels. Rhia could feel Crowley's sudden irritation but ignored it. Arm in arm, they made their way to the center of the room, everyone else going to sit against the far wall. As soon as the music started, they were off.
Like a gift from the heavens, it was easy to tell It was love from above, that could save me from hell She had fire in her soul it was easy to see How the devil himself could be pulled out of me There were drums in the air as she started to dance Every soul in the room keeping time with their hands
Crowley watched the little worm put his hands all over Rhia. He knew from experience that she often needed help balancing while putting on heels, but it didn't mean he always had to think rationally.
And we sang Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay And the voices rang like the angels sing We're singing Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay And we danced on into the night Ay oh ay oh Ay oh ay oh And we danced on into the night
He didn't like others touching what was his, but he had to admit, they danced well together. Their quick footwork carried them across the floor, Rhia's lithe form spinning and dipping sensually.
Like a piece to the puzzle that falls into place You could tell how we felt from the look on our faces We was spinning in circles with the moon in our eyes No room left to move in between you and I We forgot where we were and we lost track of time And we sang to the wind as we danced through the night
The more he watched them move together, the more certain he became that he did not like people touching what was his, especially Rhia. But, as he caught sight of the exalted expression on her face, he knew he couldn't take this away from her. Dancing was everything to her, whether alone or with another. To deny her of it would be worse than stringing her up on the rack for a few hundred years, which was quite a difficult feat.
And we sang Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay And the voices rang like the angels sing We're singing Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay And we danced on into the night Ay oh ay oh Ay oh ay oh And we danced on into the night
So he reluctantly buried the urge to squash the little bastard pawing all over his Familiar and tried to focus on just Rhia. Her fluid movements and the joy so obvious on her face. The way her bare abdominals flexed and hips swayed with each turn and dip.
Like a gift from the heavens, it was easy to tell It was love from above, that could save me from hell She had fire in her soul it was easy to see How the devil himself could be pulled out of me There were drums in the air as she started to dance Every soul in the room keeping time with their hands
Her high kick and come hither motion where nearly the end of him. She had been looking directly at him, though he wasn't sure how, a devious little smile on her full lips. If only her ruffled skirt hadn't had shorts underneath…. Then again, with the amount of other people watching, he was glad.
Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay And the voices rang like the angels sing We're singing Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay And we danced on into the night Ay oh ay oh Ay oh ay oh And we danced on into the night (And the voices rang like the angels sing) Ay oh ay oh Ay oh ay oh And we danced on into the night Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay (Ay oh ay oh) Ay oh ay oh ay oh ay (Ay oh ay oh) Singing ay oh ay oh ay oh ay (Ay oh ay oh) And we danced on into the night
With a final dip, they were finished and Crowley was happy to see Rhia put a little space between them. But the idiot boy threw himself on her in a hug amidst the applause, causing Crowley to suppress a growl.
You do know he's flamboyantly gay, right? Rhia's amused voice went through his head.
And I should care about his sexuality, why?
Because I can feel your irritation and jealousy seeping past your wall. You're extremely possessive, you know that?
I never was big on sharing, pet.
Mr. Crowley, what went on in your head? She sang, plopping undignified on the floor to take off her heels.
Where do you think Ozzie got inspiration for that?
Figures. Can we grab a bite to eat? I'm starved.
Don't you have to stay for the rest of class?
Nope. She walked out the classroom as if to prove a point. Finals day. Present your work and go the fuck home. I did mine on Friday so today was my last day. Can you make sure your minions don't ruin my classmates' projects? They might be dicks, but i'd rather they failed by their own doing.
He chuckled, leaning against the wall outside the changing room and allowing himself to come into view since the hall was empty. Already done, pet. I expect you'll be mobbed when we return to Hell. What do you want to eat?
Pizza? Please?
Hurry up then.
She walked out with her bag, not having bothered to do more than throw on a light jacket over her midriff baring top.
"What?" she asked defensively when he gave her a once-over. "We're just grabbing a quick pizza."
"Rhiannon!"
They turned to see Jake strolling over to them, grinning. Crowley scowled, but Rhia greeted her friend with a patient smile.
"Doll, you were fabulous. Thank you for dancing with me." He looked at the demon and held out a hand that Crowley reluctantly shook. "You must be Crowley. My name's Jake. Rhia talks about you all the time. It's so nice to finally meet you. Did you get to see Rhia dance?"
"I managed to catch a glimpse at the end," he lied easily. "I showed up a bit early to take her home."
"Pity you couldn't see the whole thing. Rhia's a dream, always is when she dances. Maybe she'll show you sometime," Jake said slyly. "Anyhoo, I gotta get going. My ride's waiting outside. Don't be a stranger over the summer, doll. I'll text you later." He gave Rhia a tight hug and an over exaggerated wink before waltzing out to the parking lot.
"Well, now that I've talked to the boy…." He trailed over, his voice thoughtful.
Rhia smirked in return. As they walked arm in arm to her favorite pizza parlor, she heard her phone go off. Checking the text message, she burst out laughing before handing the phone to Crowley. He only raised an eyebrow and smirked.
HE'S DELICIOUS YOU LUCKY BITCH! Tell me all your secrets so I can snag me a sexy British sugar daddy. I better get invited over this summer. You can't keep him all to yourself. Learn to share with poor ol' me, you selfish cunt. Luv ya! ~Jake
"Interesting friends, pet."
"Shut up and get me pizza Crowley," she huffed, refusing to look him in the eye.
Welp... that was interesting to say the least. I'm sorry guys, I meant to have more interaction with Kevin but got distracted by then dancing and then I couldn't rework it properly. I'll make it up to y'all and Kevin in the next chapter. Crowley really is a possessive bastard, huh? All the more fun to write. Once again, Rhia's dance routine will be on my profile. Just remove the spaces. As for her sleep deprivation, just a taste of what I was dealing with when I wrote Ch. 6. I was awake for better reasons, though. Anyways, remember to review. The button is like... right there. Makes me a happy writer and motivates me to keep going. :) ~WK
