As promised, next chapter is here! Had a lot of fun writing this one, I'm starting on the next chapter already :D Damn it feels good to write again!

Huge thanks to all my reviewers, I must look like an idiot with the big fat smile I have on my face when I read your reviews! YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING. You people keep me going, especially you Linaelly, SwingingOnAStar, ClariartyShippers, Deep And Lovely Dark, THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR STICKING WITH ME ALL THIS TIME, YOUR REVIEWS ON MY LAST CHAPTER WERE AMAZING

Btw Linaelly, there's a little French phrase hidden in this story pour toi

Anyway, hope you like this one guys!

It was dark, it was grim, it was bitterly cold, and it was possibly the least visually appealing place that Clara had ever set foot in during all her travels, but she couldn't help but feel entranced by it.

The bleak corner of Hell that they were currently standing in was quiet, almost desolate, and she shivered as she cast a quick glance around, struggling to take in her surroundings. Not that there was much to see. They were in the middle of what appeared the be a dimly lit tunnel with glistening high stone walls on either side and when Clara craned her neck to make out what was at the end of it, she found that all she could see was darkness.

"Are you absolutely positive that you can handle this?" Crowley turned her around swiftly and prodded her in the right direction, a teasing glint in his eyes as his smooth voice echoed and resonated off the walls almost eerily, mocking her repeatedly. "I can't have you showing me up in front of my minions."

Clara gave an indignant scoff, disregarding his concerns flippantly.

"Course I can handle this you big muppet," She slapped his arm playfully. "I'm tougher than I look. Hell, a big pile of essays to correct… It's all the same thing really."

"Well, now that I've jeopardized my reputation as a heartless monster by showing concern for your wellbeing, rule number one," Crowley held up a finger to establish his point, his other hand on the small of her back to guide her forward. Their steps echoed against the ancient stone pathway as they walked. It was the only other sound except for their voices and the distant roar of fast-moving wind above them. "Do what I say at all times. Rule number two, don't do anything the other demons say. Ever. Got it?"

Clara gave a stiff salute. "Yes, boss."

"Good."

"Ooooh," Clara sucked in a deep breath through her teeth, widening her eyes in mock shock. "Good? That word being spoken down here in Hell? You watch your tongue, Mr. Crowley, that's treason. Oh wait…"

She feigned mock realisation as if the truth of what he was had only just dawned on her. Crowley rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue impatiently as she laughed.

"These snide little mocking comments I will tolerate, but if you start calling me 'Your Majesty' we're going to have a problem."

Clara bit her tongue against another teasing remark, but she could see the amusement in Crowley's smirk as they walked.

There was a strange atmosphere there, one that Clara couldn't quite pinpoint. A slight twinge of foreboding, maybe? Almost as if an invisible, ominous shroud was draped over the entire place. It felt colder, instead of hotter, like she would have expected and her breath formed a cloud of fog in front of her when she exhaled steadily. The air tasted bitter, almost like copper. She failed to suppress a shiver. She should have known that it wouldn't be all laughter and sunshine. Getting there had, after all, almost caused her stomach to make a hasty exit from her body through her throat, and she had been half certain her insides would become her outsides. She wasn't sure what she had been expecting really, but she had thought there would be more… Chaos.

"Don't let my demons push you around. Not that you would, bossy little control freak that you are," He carried on briskly before Clara could object to his words. A small pinprick of worry ignited in her stomach at the thought of the other demons. She knew she was safe with Crowley, but she didn't exactly have a good track record with the wicked spirits. "But at the same time don't become besties with them or anything, it's bad for business. You have a tendency of wrapping people around your little finger and I can't have you corrupting any of my evil, twisted souls."

Clara felt a wide grin spread across her face at his words. This was too good an opportunity to pass up.

"Are you implying that I have you wrapped around my little finger?" Clara skipped to quicken her pace so she could get ahead of him and see his face more clearly. Her grin was still plastered on her face in way that made her sure that there was a cheeky glint in her eyes as Crowley slowed his pace dubiously. Clara was now standing directly in front of him, testing him, walking backwards slowly. "Don't worry, I will handle your demons professionally. Pinky promise."

She held out her little finger, her grin widening more than she had thought possible. Crowley gave a short, sharp bark of a humourless laugh, unimpressed. He reached out his two hands and folded Clara's finger back into place, enclosing her fist between his palms. He raised an eyebrow with a weary expression that screamed a sarcastic, 'really?', and slowly released her.

"Maybe next time, then," Clara smiled brightly, probably enjoying this more than she should. She spun around and began walking forwards again, feeling lighter than she had before. Something about being here with Crowley just felt… Right. It was just a feeling, something deep inside her that she couldn't exactly put into words. In a way, she didn't want to be able to explain it, because the reality that she might be feeling… Something for a demon was just too terrifying to admit, even to herself. So she would settle for this, this feeling that, though she couldn't completely comprehend it, she was absolutely certain that she didn't want it to go away no matter how wrong it was. She paused suddenly and looked back, another hopeful smile gracing her lips.

"So here I am, actually getting to see your place of business," She fell into step beside him again, peering up at him inquisitively. She smirked. "Does that make me special, then? Part of the team? What, do I get to pick out which tie you wear to your next demon rendez-vous?"

"Oh, execute me now."

Clara laughed heartily, the sound bouncing off the walls and coming straight back to her as if rejecting the unfamiliar noise that was seldom heard here. As they approached what appeared to be the end of the long passageway, Clara recognised the shape of a large, bolt ridden door materialise out of the gloom. Instead of feeling relief at the end of their journey, a wave of apprehensiveness washed over her. Her smile waned and faded slightly. She had to be careful, especially when other demons were involved.

"Just one more thing before you go storming in there, Clara," The use of her name got her attention more than the fact that he had just grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her around to face him. "I know you're tough as nails and all that, but don't forget who I am and where we are. This is Hell, and you might see some things you don't like. If you want to leave, at any time, just tell me. Understood?"

Clara's breath caught in her throat, but she choked down the fear. She would be fine, she trusted Crowley. She forced a smile onto her face and poked him in the chest lightly.

"What, can't stand the heat get out of Hell, is that it?" She tilted her head to the side and her smile turned gentle. "No such luck, mister. I'm here to stay."

Crowley grinned, his dark eyes glinting dangerously at the challenge.

"Suppose I'd better show you the sights then."

With a flick of his wrist, the door swung off its hinges and the chaos she had been expecting hit her in full force.

People that Clara knew better than to assume were human rushed around as if they all had a specific purpose, some holding stacks of old books and papers, some striding past with blood soaked shirts and knives drenched in dripping crimson. It was organised chaos, she realised, looking around further. When she squinted to see what was at the end of the new passage, wider and lighter than the first one, she saw that a steady line of people waited for something around the corner, for what, she wasn't sure. Somewhere in the distance, behind the stone walls glistening with something that made her want to look away, she thought she heard a wretched wail of pain. Clara froze.

For a moment she felt lost, out of her depth, but then Crowley's hand was on the small of her back, gentle but insistent, guiding her forward.

"Alright, you wastes of vessels," Crowley boomed suddenly, and every head turned in their direction, all demons standing to attention. Clara didn't fail to notice the deep-rooted fear present in most of their eyes. "This is Clara, and what she says goes."

Clara blinked, straightening up suddenly as she realised all eyes were on her, some accusing, some just confused. She cleared her throat self-consciously, trying to ease the startled hush that had fallen over the demons. One particular man stepped forward with an indignant look on his face. He gestured towards Clara as if unhappy with her presence there.

"Sir-" He began to object, but it was Clara that cut him off.

"You heard him," She raised an eyebrow, surprising herself at the sound of her own voice, loud and clear.

The demon opened his mouth to speak, but Crowley glared at him and he fell silent.

"Like I said, what she says goes. Speak out of turn again, and I'll make you swallow your own tongue. Capiche?" The simple flicking motion Crowley made with his hand sent the demon hurtling across the room until he slammed against the wall with a sickening crack. Clara gasped, momentarily concerned, until the demon began spluttering out apologies and she realised that a simple cracked skull and fractured spine wouldn't kill one of these things.

Realising her mouth had been hanging over in shock, she clamped it shut quickly. She peered up at Crowley who shrugged matter-of-factly.

"Were you ever nice?" She questioned, eyes wide.

Crowley paused for a moment, as if carefully considering his answer.

"Once," He replied finally, a dark expression of disgust passing over his face. "Worst three minutes of my life."

Clara let out a laugh and followed him across the room, enjoying the way the demons cleared the way for them. She had a strong sense that she needn't worry about them now.

She raised an eyebrow as they walked alongside the painstakingly slow-moving line of demons, shuffling forward another fraction every now and then.

"What are they waiting for?" She inclined her head towards them in curiously. Crowley smirked smugly.

"Nothing. Worst torture of all, isn't it?"

"Ouch," Clara widened her eyes slightly, letting out a strangled sound somewhere halfway between a surprised yelp and a laugh. "Sorry I asked."

"Alright, wait in here," Crowley pushed open another door, and they found themselves in a large, cluttered room, dark like the rest of the place but much more spacious.

"Wait, what?" Clara spun around to face him, catching hold of his arm fiercely. "I'm coming with you."

"I'm going to a part of Hell you won't want to see," Crowley looked at her earnestly, and Clara knew there was no point arguing with him. The stubborn part of her continued holding onto his arm for a moment longer, unhappy at the thought of being left behind, but the sensible side of her told herself that if Crowley thought she wouldn't want to see something, then maybe it really wasn't for her eyes.

"Fine," She looked down at the ground, releasing his arm reluctantly.

"Hey," Crowley lifted her chin up with his finger and looked at her. Once her eyes met his Clara couldn't look away, and the gaze was so intense that she was almost positive Crowley was looking into her soul. "Maybe someday. But not today."

"You're the boss, I suppose," She sighed, looking away finally. Her skin was tingling all over, and she had to force her breathing to remain steady so Crowley wouldn't notice. "Hurry back then, yeah?"

Crowley smirked in way of an answer and turned away, walking towards another door off the side of the room.

"Don't go running off, we're here on business remember?" He called over his shoulder before pulling open the door and disappearing inside as it slammed shut behind him.

"Says the one," Clara grumbled, settling for scouring her surroundings for something to do instead. Everything down here seemed to be illuminated by candlelight, causing sinister shadows to dance and fight along the walls. Clara was almost certain it was just for dramatic effect.

This room he had dumped her in seemed to be an important one, and she guessed just by looking at the messy state of it that it was the place Crowley spent most of his time in whilst in Hell. She paused to examine a few scattered papers littering a nearby desk, the parchment tinged brown and gnarled with age, but stopped when she noticed a stain on one of the pages that looked suspiciously like blood. She passed a bowl of herbs and bones that reminded her of the kind she used during that summoning spell gone wrong. It seemed like so long ago now. A few metal objects she couldn't- And definitely didn't want to- identify lay haphazardly across the floor, and at the far end of the room, on a slightly raised platform in the centre was-

"No way," Clara laughed, starting towards the large, intricately designed throne.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Clara spun around, instantly on her guard at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. A dark-skinned woman with a shock of voluminous black hair, who appeared to be around her own age stood before her, hands clasped in front of her. She was dressed in a formal looking suit, and even with the small heels she was wearing, she wasn't much taller than Clara herself.

"Who're you?" Clara demanded, her tone coming across a tad more defensive than she had intended. The demon didn't appear perturbed, simply flashing her eyes black as way of answer. She raised her eyebrows matter-of-factly. Clara mashed her lips into a firm line and decided that demons definitely did that eye thing just to show off.

"I'm here to keep an eye on you while the King is gone," She replied simply, and Clara's eyebrows shot up.

"Um, I don't need a babysitter, thanks," She half laughed in disbelief, but the demon didn't budge.

"That's not your call to make, I'm afraid," She smiled condescendingly, and Clara folded her arms across her chest in annoyance at her tone.

"What's your name then?" She pressed, refusing to feel intimidated. She had a feeling that her ties to Crowley were part of her safety contract- No one would dare to hurt the King's guest of honour. The demon glared at her, her face stonily cold suddenly.

"Not important. I'm just a foot soldier-"

"A foot solider without a name?" Clara didn't relent. "Somehow I find that hard to believe-"

"Bela," The demon snapped exasperatedly. "It's Bela. And I already know your name, Clara Oswald, so that's it for the pleasantries."

"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Clara arched a brow. She shrugged and turned back towards the throne, still slightly irritated at the fact that she had to be minded, but realising that maybe it was necessary. "Fine," She breathed in a huff of slight annoyance. "That's just fine."

Deciding to turn back to the matter at hand, she eyed the glorified chair up calculatingly. She strode towards the throne with a spring in her step, running a hand along the upholstery almost reverently before sitting down on it and crossing her legs as regally as she could manage. She cracked a grin, probably enjoying herself too much and definitely not caring.

"I can't believe he has a throne! A throne!" She laughed gleefully, her bad mood vanquished, shifting around in the seat a little. She squinted as she positioned herself on the chair more casually, slightly impressed. "And it's actually comfortable, too."

"You should probably get down now," The demon had moved closer and was now watching her with barely concealed apprehension, clasping and unclasping her hands anxiously. "If he comes back-"

"Oh come on," Clara rolled her eyes, stretching out, making herself even more comfortable as a result, much to the demons annoyance. "Why are you so scared of him, huh? I know your technically dead but live a little!"

The demon remained silent, glaring at her. Clara wondered briefly what kind of things Crowley must have done to earn that glint of fear mingled with respect in the demon's eyes. Contemplating for a moment, she bounced up suddenly, and the demon's shoulders sagged a little in relief.

"Go on then," Clara grinned, nodding her head towards the chair. "Give it a try. You know you want to."

The demon looked at her as if she had just offered her a pint of holy water.

"What- No- Are you insane?" The demon stared at her wide eyed. "I couldn't-"

"Why not?" Clara prodded, starting to enjoy herself. "I know you're just dying to. Haven't you ever wondered what it would be like to sit up there?"

The demon eyed the chair, a flash of temptation in her eyes. She took a hesitant step forward, but then she shook her head.

"If Crowley found out, he'd-"

"- Be really upset that you've ruined my image of demons as fearless beings," Clara shrugged with a mock pout. The demon rolled her eyes.

"You're trying to get me in trouble, that's what you're doing."

"I'm not trying to do anything, but this is probably the only chance you'll get to sit in that chair and I know you want to take it," Clara leaned against a pillar nonchalantly. She wasn't a hundred percent sure why she was doing this, but she was bored, and she wanted to get a better idea of what demons were like.

The demon bit her lip, then something seemed to shift in her expression and she closed the small space remaining between herself and the chair and sat down on it quickly. She froze, as if almost shocked that she had actually done it. Clara laughed.

"You're a bad influence, you know that?" The demon shook her head with a disbelieving chuckle. "I can see why Crowley brought you here."

Clara arched an eyebrow but ignored the comment, and the demon gasped as the door swung open with more force than was probably necessary. She sprang from the chair as if she'd been shocked, and Clara leapt to take her place. She may have enjoyed teasing the demon, but it wasn't on her agenda to get anyone in trouble. She swung her legs over the arm of the chair, positioning herself more comfortably and smiled brightly as Crowley walked in.

He took a few steps then stopped, squinting at her for a moment and making a face.

"This is what you've been getting up to?" His tone was laced with disbelief. "Playing musical chairs with my demons?"

Clara dangled her legs over the edge of the chair with a grin.

"I didn't know you had a spot in Hell reserved for me, Crowley," She beamed, gesturing to herself and the throne. Crowley paused mid-step, leaning back as if to examine her in more detail, a half smirk on his face.

"You know, I think royalty suits you."

"Well, I have always wanted to be a queen," Clara winked, not caring that they were crossing into dangerous territory now. Crowley's eyes glinted mischievously.

"Where have you been all my life?"

"Waiting for you, obviously."

Crowley cracked a smile and took her hand gently, pressing his lips to it briefly with a wink.

"Come on then, my queen," He pulled her up and Clara, filled with a sudden surge of bravery, laced her fingers through his instead of letting go. Crowley didn't appear to object to the gesture. He cast a quick glance over at the demon girl who was still standing cautiously in a corner of the room. "You can go."

Clara gave a little wave as the demon nodded quickly and scurried away. She raised an eyebrow.

"Timid as a mouse. I guess not all demons are as big and bad and scary as you."

"And don't you forget it," Crowley tugged at her hand, pulling her along. "Come on. Places to go, people to see, and all that."

"Where are we going?"

Crowley paused to look down at her, that glint of mirth shimmering in his eyes once more.

"In the mood for a bit of danger?"

Clara clasped his hand tighter and grinned, feeling her heart thud harder in her chest.

"I thought you'd never ask."

And that's a wrap on this chapter! I actually had more planned for it but it was getting too long so I decided I'd leave it for next timeeee

So, there was a subtle piece of information hidden in that chapter that I'm not sure I want to do something with yet, whether I'll write it off as a coincidence or follow through with it and just… Roll with it a guess, can anyone guess what it is? ;)

So, hopefully you guys enjoyed that, wanna let me know what you thought? I'm right here guys, right here, just leave a review :D