Elli spends time with Husk, Nifty and Angel outside of the Hotel. As she's getting to know them, she learns of how they met Alastor and she ends up meeting her son's worst enemy in the process.
Chapter 9: Friends and Enemies
As much as she enjoyed spending time with the girls and Alastor, Elli knew she hadn't spent much time getting to know the others at the hotel. Charlie and Vaggie she undertood since the two girls were running the hotel. Alastor was busy as well since he was their sponsor. But the others, she felt was time to change that. She normally didn't drink but she knew that Husk was always at the front desk/bar. She was quite please to see that Nifty and Angel Dust was there. Wasn't that convenient? Now she didn't have to individually track them out. Angel Dust was drinking some sort of pink drink as Nifty was sipping a martini. Husk was cleaning a glass. She took a seat next to Nifty. She flashed them a smile.
"'Ello dearies!"
"Hi Ms. Elli!" Nifty grinned.
Husk eyed the doe demon. She never came over the bar very often. Unless it was to ask him some questions, but she had never ordered a drink. Until now.
"Husk darling, could you pour me a glass of Bees Knees?"
Okay, this was new. As he started making the cocktail, he couldn't help but ask. After all, this was Alastor's mother. And she actually had ended up being on his good side. She definitely didn't invade his space like her son and she actually had some knowledge in a few card games. They had actually got into a rather heated competition of Texas Hold 'Em. They were currently at a tie of twelve games so far.
"Any reason for the drink?"
"Jus' wanna shoot de breeze. Wanna knew if ya youngun's wanna go out wit' me. Don' really get ta know ya'll much properly since Ah've been here. With adjustin' and reconnectin' wit' Ali 'nd all."
Husk let out a hum. Since Elli had been down here, one of her favorite nicknames for Alastor was Ali. He cast a glance at Angel Dust. The spider demon had a smirk on his lips. Ever since he had heard the nickname, he took it upon himself to insert it into his vocab every time he spoke to Alastor. And as the cat demon figured, Alastor made it verbally clear that he didn't care for the Porn Star using his mother's favorite pet name for him. Like that would stop him from doing what he wanted. Angel took a sip of his drink.
"What were ya thinkin'?" He asked.
Elli beamed, her eyes bright.
"Mimzy told me dere was a jazz band playin' at one of de casinos tanight. Alastor couldn't accompany me tanight and I wanted ta know if ya'll would like ta? Ah asked Ms. Charlie 'nd Ms. Vaggie but dey busy also."
"That sounds like so much fun!" Nifty piped up.
"Count me in!" Angel grinned.
Elli looked at Husk. A moment later he gave a curt nod, agreeing to go out. She grinned, clapping her hands together.
"Wonderful!" She leaned against the bar, a mischievous smirk on her face. "Rematch once we get dere?"
"You're fucking on." He told her, sitting the now clean glass down.
She laughed, then down the rest of her drink.
"Shall we all leave say 'round 6?"
"Sounds good to me Toots." Angel replied.
"Me too!" Nifty piped up as Husk nodded in agreement.
"Meet back here at de time. Ah'll see ya'll lata' dis evenin'." The Louisiana woman told them as she stood up. "'Nd thank ya fer de drink Husk sweetie."
The cat grunted in response. With a wave, Ellie left the room.
True to their word, all four of them were at the bar at six. With all of them there, they followed Elli to the casino where the band was playing. Husk recognized the casino, being one that he went to frequently. The moment they stepped in, Elli lead them over to where the band was playing. Nifty went off onto the dance floor. Twitching and giggling at all the men that were around her. She started zipping to each one that didn't appear to have a date. Angel went over to the bar and starting flirting with the bartender, hoping to get free drinks. Husk and Elli exchanged smirks at each other and went over to the table that was about to start a new game of Texas Hold 'Em. Once again starting up a new round to their on-going poker match.
"You're in my terf now sweetheart." Husk told her.
"We'll see 'bout dat." she quipped back, as she picked up her cards.
The feline smirked. Oh yea. He liked Elli. He didn't think hanging out with his "friend's" mother would actually be fun. She was a real sweet woman. She was kind but she had quite a sharp tongue on her. She was blunt. A straight-to-the-point, no bullshit kind of woman. Husk liked that about her. She was real motherly as well. More than a few times she had brought him water and food to help with his morning hangovers. She never reprimanded him either like Charlie or Vaggie did. She only asked him once why he drank so much and when he replied with "Life shit," she didn't press and just nodded. Oh yea, this chick he had no problems being around. She had quite the voice on her as well. As he discovered when he found her and Alastor in the kitchen on day cooking together. The entire kitchen was transformed just like Alastor did when he first came to the hotel. Which was a common occurrence when ever he and Charlie ended up cooking together. They were singing and dancing together as they fixed that night's dinner. He instantly found out where Alastor got his love of music from and how he learned to dance. He looked at his cards. He had a good hand. He was sooo going win this round.
Elli tossed some chips in onto the table. When she first met Husk, she quickly learned that he was an alcoholic grump. At first it put her off, wondering why they would put a heavy drinker in charge of the bar. She had asked Vaggie and she stated that it was Alastor that brought him in, much to her disdain. She quickly understood. Vaggie had a job to help get the Sinners redeemed and a bar didn't seem like it would help and would possibly caused more problems. During her free time, she would make a stop and talk to him, never taking a drink for herself. He had plenty of other customers to deal with. She found out from Alastor that Husk, or Husker, as he fondly called the cat, was her son's best friend. Though Husk would never admit to such a thing. He had a very crass mouth on him, but she never scolded him for it. Alastor explaining that's just part of his personality. From what she learned he grew up in a Casino, which helped him learn how to be able to play any game that they serviced. He also liked magic shows, from what he watched as a kid and learned to do it himself. When she learned about him being an avid card player, she challenged him to a game of Texas Hold 'Em poker. It was a game her father and she used to play before he passed.
A small pang of sadness entered her heart. When she arrived in Heaven she was so happy to be reunited with her parents, who both died when she was teenager. But the longer she was up there, they could tell that she missed her son deeply. They were very understanding why she left, but she knew that hurt them that she rather be in Hell than Heaven. Now was not time to dwell on such a thing. She had a game to focus on. And she was going to show the war vet she was the better card player. Five games later, with Husk ahead by one game, she decided to ask a question that's been on her mind.
"How did ya meet Alastor?" she asked him.
Husk looked up at her in surprise.
"He didn't tell you?"
"Ah did once but 'fore he could answer Charlie called fer 'im and he hadn't gotten back ta me since."
Husk frowned, his tail twitching lightly. He debated if he should tell her. After a thought, he decided that she did have a right to know. She was Alastor's mother. She deserved to know. He took a swig of his scotch, then tossed more chips in front of him.
"Alright I'll tell ya. Long story short. I was at a casino, not this one, a different one, and was just relaxing at the bar. He came in for who the hell knows what. I saw the dart board was the some of the demons that were play before ran off when he came in. Some asshole tried to knock him out, or kill him, I have no fucking idea. To this day I still don't know why I fucking did what I did. I threw the dart that was in my hand, striking the bastard, causing to cry out, alerting Alastor that he was there. Alastor took care of the fucker and then saw the dart. He locked eyes with me and then the asshole hasn't let me alone since."
Elli looked at him. A smile spread on her face.
"Husk... Ah'm sorry fer what Ah'm 'bout ta do."
He blinked in surprise when she sat down her cards, laying flat down, and went over and hugged him. He felt a himself blush under his fur.
"Ya saved mah baby. Thank ya" She pulled away. "Sorry fer dat sugah, but Ah had ta show how grateful Ah am fer ya. Ah'm buyin' a round fer ya fer savin' mah boy."
Oh yea. He really fucking liked her.
After buying Husk his drink, Elli stayed at the bar with Angel Dust as Husk went back to play some other casino games. They were once again tied an their Texas Hold 'Em tournament. She ordered herself a Bees' Knees. She looked over at Angel as he had his drink in his upper left hand, his upper right arm resting on the bar top and his lower arms on his hips. She took a sip of her drink when the bartender handed it to her.
"Ya enjoyin' yaself sugah?" She asked the spider demon.
He looked over at her, winking while shooting a hand gun at her with his three free hands.
"Ya know it babe."
She chuckled. Angel gave a small smile at her. In the short time that he knew her, he really liked her. She reminded him as his own mom. Loving, supportive, kind. In a way, he was a bit jealous of Alastor. His mom came back to him. Why couldn't his? But that was a selfish thought. His mother deserved Heaven after everything she's been through. She of coursed loved her family dearly, but she belonged up above with how wonderful she was despite being the wife of a Mobster. The doe-demon looked down at her glass, lightly swishing the liquor in the glass.
"Ya miss ya mama, don't ya love?"
Angel was taken aback by her question. How did she know? He never said anything.
"I... well... yea, I do, but how'd ya-?"
"Ah've seen de way ya look at me 'nd Alastor when ya think no one's lookin'. Ah'm a motha'. We know dese things."
He gave a slow nod. Damn. He didn't think he made his emotions so damn obvious. But he did. Shit.
"I-I'm sorry. I-"
"Ya don' need ta apologize none sug. It's okay if ya miss ya mama. Ah miss mine ta."
He nodded, glad that she wasn't upset with him. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"Thanks fer not gettin' upset."
"Honestly sugah, Ah'm a lil' flatta'ed." She ran a hand through his hair.
Aw shit, she was such a mom. If he wasn't careful he might actually say it outloud. And he highly doubt that Alastor would be happy that he did. ...though that did make him wonder... what if he could? She was acting like an active mom to everyone in the hotel. Well her and Charlie both. He wouldn't dare call Charlie mom. Vaggie would spear him, probably thinking it's some weird sexual kink. Okay, he couldn't blame her for thinking that with his history. But he was gay! So nothing was going to happen between them. That and her sweetness and naiveness made her almost child-like and he just couldn't. Honestly...he wouldn't mind having Elli has a surrogate mom. It would be nice to go to someone and complain and lean on about his job, about people pissing him off, if he needed a good cry (not like he ever would!), and other shit that he emotionally couldn't handle. He swirled his alcohol in his hand.
"Hey uh...Elli? Ya mind if I ask you a question?"
"Not at all sweetie."
She called him sweetie. Damn it. She was making him blush in embarrassment. He rubbed the back of his neck.
"I was uh... wonderin'...and ya can feel free ta say no. 'Nd don't get offend but... do ya mind if I call ya mom?" She blinked in surprised, causing him to continue, holding up all four of his hands up, his drink sitting on the counter. "I-I know it's a fucking weird request. But...do ya mind if I call ya mom? It's just... ya remind me of mine. And well... she was kinda de only one that excepted me. Otha' than my sister."
Ellie was very surprised. But in a way, she was quite touched. His mother must've been in Heaven. Poor thing. She smiled and nodded, holding her arms open for him to come hug her.
"Ah'd be hona'ed."
Angel smiled and hugged her. She pulled away, taking his top hands in hers.
"Since Ah'm bein' ya mama now. Tell me ev'ryt'ing 'bout ya."
The spider demon's grin got bigger. He started telling her everything she wanted to know.
After speaking with Angel, Elli decided to go and join Nifty on the dance floor. As she was looking for the smaller demon, she ended up accidentally bumping into someone. She blinked and took a step back.
"Oh 'Cuse me."
The demon turned to look at her. He was about the same height as Alastor. He had a TV for a head with a top hat with two antenna on it. He was wearing a black pinstriped blazer with a red and black stripped shirt, with a white shirt underneath and a big red bow tie. His pants were the same has his blazer. She had never seen someone with a TV for a head before. She forced a smile realizing she was staring.
"Sorry sugah. Didn't mean ta run inta ya 'nd stare. Ain't neva' saw someone with a TV 'fore a head."
The gentleman smiled at her.
"It's alright little doe." He blinked at her, then smile awkwardly realizing he was starting to stare at her. "Sorry for staring back. You remind me of someone I know."
"Oh? May Ah ask?"
"Just a fellow Overlord named Alastor."
Elli blinked then a smile spread on her lips.
"Ya know mah Alastor? He's mah son! I'm Elli, his mama!"
The demon looked shocked. Then a smile spread on his face as he took her hand, shaking it.
"Well hello Elli. I'm Vox. I guess you can say that I have very...unique relationship with your son."
Elli's eyes widen. She was not the type to curse. But this was Hell and she had knew that at this moment, it was completely called for. Oh shit. In her own mind at least. She was never going to say such words out loud. This was Vox. This was Vox. Her son's enemy. Oh dear Lord what had she just stumbled into?
"Y-ya Vox?"
"Ah, so you've heard about me."
She nodded.
"Alastor told me ya where 'is enemy."
"I see Bambi didn't waste any time letting you know."
She tilted her head in confusion at the nickname.
"Bambi?"
"Little nickname that we Overlords sometime call him."
She gave a slow nod. She heard of the name Bambi before. Apparently it was a movie about a little fawn and his life. She saw the movie a few times up in Heaven. It was actually very cute. She figured they must be calling him that because of their new deer-like form. That made her wonder if her son had ever seen the movie before. Did he like the nickname? She heard Angel Dust call him it a few times. She made a mental note to ask him when she and others returned to the hotel. She gave the TV Overlord a cautious look. Alastor told her not to trust him. And she always trusted his judgement. Though so far he's been very courteous and kind.
"Well it was nice ta meet ya Mr. Vox. But Ah need ta go find mah son's friend Nifty. She's out here on de floor somewhere."
He chuckled and motioned to where the little cyclops was, obsessing over the men around her.
"She's over there. It was nice to meet you Elli. Tell your son I said hello."
"Ah'll let him know." She told him. "Thank ya kindly."
Vox watched her walk off to Alastor's little associate. Oh this was quite the interesting development. He had met his enemy's mother. Oh wasn't that just delightful! And the woman had a pretty strong southern accent. Cajun, from what he could remember from his past life. He had an associate with the accent back when he was alive. He could never forget it. It did make him wonder if Alastor still had his. Or if he was stuck with that annoying radio voice instead. Maybe if he played his cards right, he could find out in due time. A mischievous smirk spread on his face. Oh this was going to be fun.
Elli managed to get Nifty away from the men so she could finally spend some time with her. She was able to convince the smaller demon to go and sit at a booth so they could just talk and get to know each other. It didn't take long till Nifty started talking away. Much to Elli's delight as she answered the girl's question and Nifty did the same for hers. It was wonderful. Then she finally asked the question that's been on her mind.
"So how do ya know Alastor?"
"Oh! It was right after I arrived in Hell! I came right after Alastor finished one of his broadcasts. Oh was he filthy! Covered from to toe in blood! I couldn't let him stay in such a miserable state!"
Elli made sure to keep her smile up. It was still a bit unnerving to her hearing how everyone so casually accepted that he was a lethal murderer. Going on killing sprees and actually broadcasting them for everyone to hear. She wasn't afraid of her son, but it did make her a little bit upset that he could such a thing. But she told him that she accepted him for who he was, and she was going to stick to what she said.
"I immediately start fussing over him and getting him cleaned up! He didn't take too kindly at me touching me at first, but I insisted I had to get him cleaned up! He was a mess! He whisked me away to his place and I went to wash his clothes as he changed. We got to talking and we've been friends since!"
Elli chuckled.
"Well Ah'm glad ya two met."
Nifty giggled. She stood up and grabbed of hold of the older woman's hand.
"Let's go dance! I may like men but every now and then I could us a little girl time!"
Elli laughed as she allowed the smaller demon to lead her to the dance floor. As the two danced, Angel Dust eventually joined them. Elli noticed Husk sitting at a booth nearby and she waved at him. He responded with a curt nod. She smiled, turning her focus back onto Nifty and Angel. She was glad that she managed to get them out. It was nice to get know her son's friends. Without the unexpected run-in with Vox, she was excited to continue learning about her son's friends.
And that's the end! For Husk's backstory of meeting Alastor, I did read Shit, the Radio Demon is parot of my Afterlife by Jadelie. And I thought it was the perfect background. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it and the sequels to it. I didn't really know what to make of Nifty's so I just cooked something up quick. And also, Elli has met Vox! But now that the TV Overlord knows about Alastor's darling mother, could he be hatching some scheme to get back at his nemisis? Thank you for reading and please review!
