So my job is shut down because of the coronavirus scare. I'll work here and there since we can't leave the warehouse unattended with the deliveries in route and what still needs to be checked in and brought up to the sales floor, but it really sucks regardless. With the weather being rainy, I'm stuck at home with people who drive me up the wall if I stay around them too long. I'm already restless. I love to work, I'm a workaholic, even if I'm addicted to sleep. Anyway, here's another chapter to make you all feel better.


Chapter Ten: The Devil's Dance Floor

Charlie felt better after Rosie's half assed apology and having Alastor wrap his left arm around her, pulling her close to him as he and his friend talked about things of unimportance. He had handed Charlie her phone he promised to hold as she didn't have any pockets or a purse to keep it safe. The princess texted her girlfriend of their arrival and gingerly took the glass of Moscato Rosie ordered for her from Jacque's webbed hand. She sipped and her smile widened as the sweet citrus and peachy notes washed over her tongue.

"Good?" Rosie asked.

Charlie nodded, "Yes, thank you. This is delicious."

The irisless demoness swirled the contents of her glass, "I thought as much. You seem to lean toward the sweeter things, yes?" She smiled and removed her hat, "Perhaps because you're so sweet yourself." Charlie blushed and drank more from her glass, subconsciously leaning more into Alastor.

Said Radio Demon chuckled, "Yes, she is. I'm quite pleased that the patients will be moving in soon and see whether or not a sinner can be redeemed. It's an idea I'm still wrapping my head around. Think you'll try your luck on the picture show once they arrive?"

Charlie sighed, "I'm excited, but scared to be honest. It's a lot of responsibility and I don't know if I would want another crack at it on the news. Katie Killjoy made it very clear no one really cares and find the whole thing stupid. You yourself said it's whacky nonsense but I really believe there is hope." She looked up at him, "I think I can save my people, and I'm going to keep believing that I can. I don't know how long it'll take, but I'll keep on trying. I have been for a long time, but this time... it'll work, I just know it."

Rosie hummed, "How noble of our dear, sweet princess. What's in it for you?"

"I'm sorry?"

She shook her head, "Never mind, another time. Alastor, dearest, why don't you take our princess down to the dance floor and nab a good spot? The show should be starting soon."

The Radio Demon nodded in agreement, "That sounds like a splendid idea. Come, my pet, shall we?"

Charlie nodded and downed the rest of the wine, feeling her face heat up from the alcohol. Alastor removed his coat and top hat before offering his arm for her to take. He escorted the both of them out.

As soon as they reached the stairs down to the lobby, Alastor spoke, "What do you think of Rosie? My apologies for her brutal bluntness when she's on a toot and bend. At least she calmed down."

Charlie giggled at his old time slang for drinking binge and drunkenness, "She's not too bad. She doesn't seem intentionally mean."

"Charlie, my dear, your naivety is both endearing and worrisome. Do be careful of her for now. Between her and Mimzy, she will not hesitate to rip you to shreds for her sheer enjoyment." He patted her hand holding on to his arm. He guided them to the bar and ordered another round of drinks, "Here darling, one more to relax you. I can tell you're still very nervous and I've seen a mess you can be when you're flustered. Well, anyone who watched the picture show knows."

Charlie blushed, "S-Sorry. There's just so many people here and I don't know what they must be thinking. We never announced your involvement with the hotel so it kinda looks weird that I, the sappy schmuck of a princess everyone likes to poke fun of, is out on the town with the feared Radio Demon. We've been getting glances since we arrived." She looked up at him, putting the new glass of wine to her lips, "When I think about it and say it out loud, it does look a bit suspicious. I'm still processing that you and I, you know... though it hasn't happened yet... will... Um... however this dom-sub thing we got going, even happened. You say I'm your pet, but I don't have to wear a collar, do I?"

Alastor threw his head back and laughed along with the ghost audience, drawing attention to them for a brief moment. "Goodness, my dear sweet girl, your innocence baffles me, and I enjoy every moment of it." He rubbed his eyes as he tried to regain his composure, "Dear me, I haven't laughed that much in some time. Oh Charlie." He leaned in, his bourbon scented breath hot on her cheek as he whispered for her ears only, "Only if you wanted. You stir a great deal of desires in me no one has, not this life or the last, and I cannot wait until we can begin. Is it your innocence? Your pedigree? Kindness? Mayhaps. It does make things a bit more erotic when we get down to it. I am very excited to see where all this leads, but understand that I'm not doing this because you're just the Princess. I am very drawn to you and I'm truly happy to explore this side of you, my dear. You have such great potential." Charlie could have sworn she stopped breathing and she mentally screamed that it must have been the alcohol talking for him based on the lazy expression he had and relaxed smile. He wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her closer to him. She hid her face in the crook of his neck as she wrapped her arms around his waist, "You are mine to play with, Ms. Charlie Magne, and I expect a lot of fun to be had."

The crowd began to make their way to the next room where the stage and dance floor was located. Alastor leaned back to finish his shot and let her go. Charlie once again resembled a tomato.

They entered the massive room. The perimeter was lined with booths that could sit anywhere from 4 to 8 bodies comfortably, set above the floor by two steps, and other tables scattered around, some at the very front of the stage, lit up by tea candles. Alastor, after scaring off some lowly demon and their date from a small booth near the stage with his radio eyes and the sound of crunching bones as he tilted his head, helped Charlie settle in as the lights dimmed along the wall, casting them into shadows as only a single, bright spotlight shown on the center apron of the stage. The dance floor was illuminated by the light of the chandelier above and floor lights on the outside, defining the area.

Charlie licked her lips, "What's she like?"

Alastor chuckled, "Mimzy is a very generous person when she wants, though first impressions are everything. I suppose I made quite an impression for her to be crazy for me" He pressed a button underneath the table which sent a signal to the bar for service, "While it's true she doesn't like you right now, there's no doubt in my mind you'll win her over."

Charlie looked around and very sneaky like, placed her hand on his leg underneath the table, "I-if... if I do this, will you and me... will we...?" She blushed. She wanted to say it, but couldn't muster the courage just yet. Why was it so hard to say 'sex' or 'fuck' or anything that called out what she wanted from him.

Alastor placed his hand over hers and leaned into her ear again, the radio static gone. He whispered, his voice thick with desire, "It hasn't been easy resisting you tonight, Charlie dearest. You really are lovely, and to be fair, that lady friend of yours still hovers around you though I do believe she's starting to slightly trust me. The opportunity just hadn't presented itself yet." His hand moved from hers to her knee than up to her inner thigh. "I have some regrets not taking you last night, however being out in the open isn't my style. At least not the first time we engage."

Charlie felt her pulse quicken as her breath became shallow pants. She was getting turned on by his touch, his natural scent mixed with the alcohol he had been drinking, and the sensual tone in his voice. Add in the effects of the wine, her head was spinning.

"Tonight then?" She whispered, almost desperately, not realizing that as she leaned into him more and put her other hand on his leg, she pushed her breasts in together more and made her cleavage more pronounced in the scoop neck of her dress. Alastor liked the view.

"May God strike me down where I sit." His eyes were lidded as he grinned at her. He leaned forward and brushed his lips against her neck, "You have my word, doll. With you like this, if Mimzy doesn't agree, I can still provide a little treat of release back home." He planted a firmer kiss and gently nipped at the sensitive skin above her pulse, mindful of his razor sharp teeth, causing electricity to shoot up her spine. She gasped and fought hard to not let out a moan.

Charlie and Alastor locked eyes when he lifted his head again. Her eyes swirled with lust. Alastor's eye swept over what he could see of her body as he licked his upper lip slowly, causing her breath to hitch as his hand moved up high on her thigh toward her source of heat, yet stopped short of making contact.

"A-Alastor..." she whispered, spreading her legs a little more to invite him in. She whimpered as he withdrew his hand instead when a server arrived at their table.

"I'll take a brandy, please, anything top shelf. And you, darling?" He turned to Charlie, "More wine?"

"N-no... I'll take a Shirley Temple, please." The red skinned imp nodded and walked away.

The large black and gold curtains were drawn across the stage and shuffling could be heard as the musicians took their respective spots. A spotlight was cast down on the middle of the stage. From left of the stage, a tall bird demon with a humanoid torso and head, and long stork legs with cuffs around his ankles, walked up to the microphone. His large brown tail feathers bobbed with each step. His nose was large and beak like from his profile and his hair, while mainly an orangish brown, was tipped a reddish brown at the front, matching the color of his sideburns, thick eyebrows, and thin mustache.

As soon as he got to the mic, he tapped it twice with a long slender finger before exhaling a breath. He scanned the crowd and made sure most, if not all, of the guests on the dance floor were looking at him.

"Good evenin', my humble ladies n gentlemanly sinnas. Tonight we got a very special performance by our dear, sweet lady, Mimzy Hanigan as we celebrate tha 69th anniversary of tha Birds of Paradise. Let's give 'er a nice round o' applause for bein' such a wonderful n gracious lady." He began to clap himself as the crowd followed suit. "Righto! Tonight we also got special guests joinin us. You be in fer a treat as we start off with classics to get y'all relaxed than move on to some exciting new beats. Without further adieu, I present to yas, Ms. Mimzy "Mockingbird" Hanigan!"

The crowd clapped respectfully as the curtains were pulled back again to reveal the band of demons and ghouls. The Master of Ceremonies joined them, taking his place at a double bass within the string section.

From center of the apron, a trap door opened up and a fog machine was set off. Slowly, a figure emerged. Mimzy slowly rose, her eyes closed as she posed with both hands folded under her chin of her of her round face, a small smile on her red stained lips. One foot was in front of the other. She was dressed in a red flapper dress with a deep v neck that framed her massive cleavage nicely with the help of a push-up bra. The dress stopped mid-thigh with beaded fringe hanging to her knees. On her tiny feet were heeled black tap shoes, polished to the point the lights of the stage reflected and shimmered off the surface.

She wore a simple feather black headdress, long black opera gloves that reached her elbows and a long black pearl necklace around her neck, looped twice around her neck that rested on her cleavage. Her dress sparkled as the fine beads caught the light just right. The band picked up their instruments. The drummer and pianist began to play.

Her black sclera colored eyes opened and her smile widen. The pinks of her irises scanned the audience, first looking up at her private balcony, searching, but she frowned a little and scanned the crowd.

"Welcome, welcome dear friends!" She started off in a relatively high pitched voice, "What a wonderful night this'll be. Thank you all so much for your continuous patronage that makes the Bop so successful as we know there are a lot of shallow, classless clubs out there to get down and dirty in." This illicit a chuckle from the crowd.

Charlie turned her attention to the stage and did her best to calm herself before she soaked through her panties. 'Every damn time... I'm going crazy!' She whined. She looked at Alastor who smiled calmly, his head propped up on his hand as he leaned on the table.

Mimzy giggled, cupping her right cheek as she titled her head, "I would like to thank our new members and guests. Aside from Caged Canary, this is the oldest, and most precious of my clubs. It's been a real trip here, but I honestly believe I'm more successful and happier down here with the lot of ya than I was above. I'd like to share a little story with you of how I found myself here in Hell."

She rocked her hips from side to side as the band started. The brass section began with the double bass and drum. She took a breath and began, followed by the rest of the band members needed to accompany the song.

Post Modern Jukebox: Gangster's Paradise

"As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I take a look at my life and realize there's nothin' left
Cause I've been blasting and laughing so, so long,
That even my mama thinks that my mind is gone"

Charlie's eyes widen at the sound that came out of Mimzy's mouth. It was deeper than she would have thought, but beautiful and sensual. She forgot about her frustration as the song continued, delving more into Mimzy's past she shared through song.

"But I ain't never crossed a man that didn't deserve it
Me be treated like a punk you know that's unheard of
You better watch how you're talking and where you're walking
Or you and your homies might be lined in chalk"

She swayed side to side, pointing her finger into the crowd in a gun like fashion. She fired her fake gun then walked down her riser, hands on her hips. The riser sank back into the floor.

"I really hate to trip but I gotta loc
As they croak, I see myself in the pistol smoke, fool
I'm the kinda G the little homies wanna be like
On my knees in the night saying prayers in the streetlight"

She placed her hands together and looked up, closing her eyes to say a mock prayer. Mimzy looked as if she was seeing ghosts of her past as her brows burrowed slightly, her expression saddening.

"Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise"

For a moment, Mimzy looked like she was elsewhere in her mind, remembering a time that once was and recounting the different what ifs or should haves that could have altered her life differently. Her eyes glazed over, pouring herself into the lyrics as she gently swayed, gliding across the stage.

"Look at the situation they got me facin'
I can't live a normal life, I was raised by the streets
So I gotta be down with the hood team
Too much television watching got me chasing dreams"

"I'm an educated fool with money on my mind
Got my 10 in my hand and a gleam in my eye
I'm a loc'd out gangsta set trippin' banger
And my homies is down so don't arouse my anger, fool"

She rubbed the fingers of her left hand together in a money like fashion and pointed her finger right to her eye than back to the crowd like a gun.

Charlie was hypnotized, as if in a trance from a siren's song. She felt a small twist in her chest at Mimzy's pain. Part of her also thought it could have been the two glasses of wine she had. She finished her drink and realized that Alastor did in fact, still ordered her glass of red wine.

"You alright, dear?" Alastor whispered to her ear. Charlie jumped a little, not realizing he had moved.

"Y-yes... just, she has a beautiful voice and it's making me a bit, I don't know... emotional?" She took a small sip and smiled as the Zinfandel entered her mouth and was happy to not have something as sweet.

He smiled, "That's one of her talents. You're not to first to think that." He turned back to the stage.

"Death ain't nothing but a heartbeat away,
I'm living life, do or die, what can I say
I'm 23 now, but will I live to see 24
The way things are going I don't know"

"Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise"

Charlie would have never guessed that in the singer's past life she'd have been involved in a gang, not with how petite and talented as she was. To be fair, Mimzy never thought she would have been either had life been fairer.

"Power and the money, money and the power
Minute after minute, hour after hour
Everybody's running, but half of them ain't looking
What's going on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cookin'"

Mimzy placed a hand on her chest and the other to cover her face as it twisted in anguish, memories of a different kind of turf war flooding back to her. Living in the prohibition era had not been kind to her, especially when she had gotten involved with Capone. If only she had left the life she had in Chicago sooner, the backlash probably wouldn't had resulted in death. She was young, and so naive. Careless and afraid.

"They say I gotta learn, but nobody's here to teach me
If they can't understand it, how can they reach me
I guess they can't, I guess they won't
I guess they front, that's why I know my life is out of luck, fool"

"Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise
Keep spending most our lives, living in the gangsta's paradise"

As she held the last note, the crowd cheered and whistled. Charlie clapped, in awe of Mimzy's powerful voice.

The singer laughed, grabbing the Bluetooth microphone from a stagehand and placed it on her ear, "It sure was a wild ride back in the day. Mmm, fun, but if I could take some of it back, I would in a heart beat. Had me runnin from Chicago all the way down to the bayous of New Orleans where I tried to start a new life. Met a fellow, fell in love, but the past had a way of catching up. Never got the chance to love him like I wanted, and even though he's here in Hell with me, he just won't admit it we are meant to be."

The crowd aww'ed. Alastor sighed, drawing Charlie's attention as he pinched the bridge of his nose, leaning back into the plush seat of the booth with his arms propped up on the back, "Well... This isn't good."

"What do you mean?" The next song began. Charlie looked up at him in worry. Did she miss something?

"Mimzy only talks about some nonexistent love affair we had when she's drunk. Do be careful, dear. She doesn't take kindly to 'competition' when she's like this." Charlie stares at him wide eyed, wondering what he meant by 'be careful'. She looked back at the stage.

'They knew each other before death? What is she to him, then?'

Robyn Adele Anderson: Freak on a Leash

"Life's gotta always be messing with me
Can't they chill and let me be free?
Cant I take away all this pain?
I try to every night, all in vain"

"Sometimes I cannot take this place
Sometimes it's my life I can't taste
Sometimes I cannot feel my face
You'll never see me fall from grace"

Mimzy closed her eyes and poured herself into the lyrics, thinking of a Mardi Gras parade down Bourbon St in the French square where she had met him.

She could sense him in the crowd. She was always drawn to his darkness, like an inviting empty abyss that promised no more pain or suffering, only a sweet gentle embrace. She remembered the first time he grabbed her small impish hand and brought it up to his warm lips, the way he smiled gently at her and raved about her voice he heard at the night club the day before. It was love at first sight.

"Something takes a part of me
You and I were meant to be
A cheap fuck for me to lay
You and I were meant to be"

Mimzy stared at Alastor in the booth as she sung the chorus. Alastor smiled, but without teeth. His eyes were lidded as he stared back at her. Try as she might, Alastor would never reciprocate her feelings. She was too predictable and he had nothing substantial to gain.

He glanced down at Charlie as the band slowed its tempo for the second verse. In Hell, Mimzy was just another source of amusement with no real purpose in his master plan. While they had been alive, he and the femme fatale connected on a dark level very few would understand, but like everyone else he had met, she was just a potential target in his sick twisted game. It wasn't until he was sentenced to eternal damnation that he actually considered anyone a true friend.

"Feeling like a freak on a leash.
Feeling like I have no release.
How many times have I felt diseased?
Nothing in my life is free"

At the second round of the chorus, Mimzy began to tap dance a little, starting off with her right tip toes, stepping forward only to roll back to her left heel for a light clap, clap of the shoes, then stepped side to side and clicked her heels together, clacking her shoes to the beat of the song.

"Sometimes I cannot take this place
Sometimes it's my life I can't taste
Sometimes I cannot feel my face
You'll never see me fall from grace"

"Something takes a part of me
You and I were meant to be
A cheap fuck for me to lay
You and I were meant to be"

"Boom na da noom na nanema!
Da boom na da noom na namena!
Da boom na ba noom na namena!
Da boom na da noom na namena!"

She had tapped dance herself off the stage toward the table Alastor shared with Charlie. Her focus was on him and him alone. As she finished the final chorus and reprise, she managed to crawl onto their table and kneel before him, a loving smile on her lips. Charlie was a little irked at the woman's proximity to Alastor's face as she finished singing to him.

"Hello, Ally-bear." She cooed, leaning closer, not caring that her side of conversation was being broadcasted to the rest of the audience. Alastor summoned his mic and used it to stop her from getting too close by placing it on her chest with the back of it.

"Mimi." He gave her a slight nod.

She gave Charlie a side eye, her lips cast down in a frown as she gave her a once over. She grunted in disapproval and turned back to Alastor, causing Charlie to bubble with anger. Her scleras flashed red as her irises shifted to yellow for a moment. She took a deep breath to calm herself, not wanting to ruin the opportunity to gain Mimzy's help for the hotel.

"Ally-bear, love... it's been so long. You don't come to visit anymore. I miss the singing and dancing we used to have." She straightened his bow tie, but before she could grab his face, he politely moved her hands down with his left hand.

He chuckled, but his eyes narrowed as everyone else's were on them, "I've been busy, Mimzy." The crowd murmured as they noticed the princess. Charlie shifted uncomfortably next to him, scooting away just a tad. This displeased him. His pet place was by his side, and if she could assert herself just a little... Perhaps Mimzy would leave him alone and stop considering him a potential lover.

Mimzy sighed exasperatedly, "You always are, cupcake. Here I was worried about this little tart but all she is, is a little mouse!"

Alastor chuckled amusingly, "Your jealousy is unbecoming of a lady, dear. One of many reasons why I never took your offer. Perhaps you should continue your set, we can talk afterwards."

Next to him, Charlie chugged her wine, trying hard to not get upset as if she was speaking about a child when the rosy cheeked heiress was older than both of them combined. Something about the way Mimzy spoke angered her rather than hurt her like Rosie. Alastor had some interesting lady friends.

The singer scoffed and slid off the table, "Always playing with my heart, Al. I've got a song for you. You say it won't ever happen, but heaven be damned I won't stop trying, love."

"I wouldn't doubt it."

She began to whistle as she approached the stage. It was loud and crisp sound that cut through the air, drawing the crowd's attention back to the stage.

The Radio Demon turned to Charlie who stared daggers at Mimzy, "Come dear. Let's blow some of that steam of yours." Charlie nodded as she followed him to the dance floor. The crowd parted for them and created a circle as the two faced one another, Charlie's right hand on his shoulder, his at her waist, and their left up at their sides. They continued to murmur, speculating what it was that brought those two together.

As Mimzy began, they took a step back and turned to their left, bouncing on their knees then turning toward each other. Alastor held her waist and turned them around in a circle, Charlie left leg dragging behind her until they completed the 360-degree turn. He turned one more time about 90-degrees and stepped back, holding Charlie's hand as she too stepped away from him and squatted before being snapped back into his body where he caught and twirled them around, their legs moving along in a classic swing style, Charlie's leg moved higher high past his waist as she shook it around, the beads of her front tapping into one another.

PMJ: Bad Romance

"I want your ugly, I want your disease I want your everything as long as it's free I want your love Love, love, love, I want your love, hey"

"I want your drama, the touch of your hand I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand I want your love Love, love, love, I want your love"

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want your bad, bad romance
I want your love, and I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your love, and all your lover's revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Mimzy tapped dance effortlessly on stage, the click clack adding a nice element to the song. She frowned a little as she watched Alastor dance with Charlie, a rare genuine smile on his face as they synchronized their movements wordlessly. Her eyes narrowed, not liking the look in his eyes.

The princess was pretty good, she had to admit, but how dare she get comfortable in his arms and how dare he dance with anyone else, in her own club no less! Princess or not, Alastor was supposed to be hers in the B.O.P.

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Caught in a bad romance
Ra-ra-ah-ah-ah
Roma-roma-ma
Gaga, ooh la-la
Want your bad romance

"Nicely done," Alastor commented as he twirled her under his arm then proceeded to spin them some more, their legs and feet moving with a mind of their own.

He pulled away from her and spun himself, both arms up. Charlie laughed and clapped in tune with Mimzy's steps.

I want your horror, I want your design
'Cause you're a criminal as long as you're mine
I want your love
Love, love, love, I want your love, uh
I want your psycho, your vertigo shtick
Want you in my rear window, baby, you're sick
I want your love
Love, love, love, I want your love

I want your love, and I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

The singer tapped dance her solo, using fancy foot work hardly anyone could keep up with.

Alastor and Charlie stopped briefly to watch and admire her.

"You know, I never learned to tap dance."

"Really?" Charlie looked up at him in amazement. "You're so talented I would have thought so."

He nodded, "The price of learning is a little too steep for me nowadays. Mimzy likes to throw herself at me every chance she gets. Sometimes it's amusing, but it's rather annoying to be honest. I've been here almost 90 years and never in those decades or before did I ever lay with her. She thinks to seem otherwise."

"Yea... I can tell." She didn't mean to snap at him.

"Jealous too, dear?" He cocked a brow as he looked at her. He resisted the urge to cup her face. It was best not to show too much affection in public, although it would help draw her in further into his trap.

Charlie only blushed and Alastor chuckled. He spun her under his arm again and turned his back to her when she came to a stop. She held onto both of his hands as they moved to their left. Several steps in, He twirled her again and moved the hand he had been holding over his head and held onto her waist as she stood flush to him.

As the song slowed, he held her close to his body, her chest pressed up against him as he gripped her around the waist, her left hand in his right. He stepped forward and she mirrored his movement, staring into his eyes. A please grin on his lips.

"Don't be," He whispered in her ear, "I came to you. You're the only one I want to play with." Charlie rested her head on his shoulder as they ball room danced for a verse. She was sure she was blushing again.

I want your love
And I want your revenge
I want your love
I don't wanna be friends
Je veux ton amour
Et je veux ta revanche
Je veux ton amour
I don't wanna be friends
I don't wanna be friends
I don't wanna be friends
Want your bad romance
Want your bad romance
Let's write a bad romance

I want your love, and all your lover's revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Caught in a bad romance Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Caught in a bad romance

As the song ended, everyone clapped for the trio. Mimzy jumped off the stage and came between the two on the dance floor. Charlie stumbled briefly but caught herself, her eyes once again turning red.

Mimzy got into a starting position with Alastor who raised a brow. She nodded to him. "One dance, our song. That's the price for me to even considering that silly proposal you gave me."

"Very well. Charlie dearest, my sincerest apologies." He looked at the heiress and gave her a small smile. He snapped his finger and a shadow with a saxophone that resembled him appeared on stage.

Charlie huffed and stood within the crowd as the spotlight hit the oddly paired duo. Alastor was about twice her size, her head reaching to his abdomen.

The piano began, then the saxophone a few seconds later. The two began a salsa/tango mix of dancing, Alastor not bothered by the height difference.

PMJ: Careless Whisper

"I feel so unsure,
As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor.
As the music dies...
Something in your eyes,
Calls to mind a silver screen,
And all those sad goodbyes."

"Hello, dear." Rosie's voice startled Charlie. She jumped a little again. She really had to learn to not be skittish.

"Oh, hey Rosie. Come to dance?" Charlie rolled back and forth on the balls of her feet.

Rosie giggled, "No, I just came to get a closer look at these two. It's so funny watching Mimzy try so hard and Alastor swatting her away like a pesky little bug."

"I'm never gonna dance again,
Guilty feet have got no rhythm.
Though it's easy to pretend,
I know you're not a fool."

"I should have known better than to cheat a friend,
And waste the chance that I'd been given.
So I'm never gonna dance again,
The way I danced with you."
"Time can never mend,
The careless whispers of a good friend.
To the heart and mind,
Ignorance is kind
There's no comfort in the truth,
Pain is all you'll find."

"I'm never gonna dance again,
Guilty feet have got no rhythm.
Though it's easy to pretend,
I know you're not a fool."

Alastor picked up Mimzy by the waist and hoisted her up. She leaned back with her arms held out beside her as if flying. He put her down and decided to ballroom dance with her. The energy they had together was lackluster, at least to him. The only thing he enjoyed about this number was his shadow minion on the saxophone, jumping in and out of the chorus and during the bridge.

As the tempo picked up at the last measures of the bridge, Alastor spun Mimzy away from him, one hand firmly gripping her to spin her back to him to continue with a salsa tango fusion.

"Tonite the music seems so loud,
I wish that we could lose the crowd.
Maybe it's better this way,
Wed hurt each other with the things we want to say."

"We could have been so good together,
We could have made this dance forever...
But now, whos gonna dance with me?
Please stay.
And now it's never gonna be
That way..."

Rosie threw her head back and cackled, "This night is rich! You have her riled up, love. I do hope you come around more. I'd like to see how she is with you when she's sober."

"She's really... drunk?" Alastor did say so himself.

"Very much so."

Before Charlie could say anything, Alastor pulled her into the dance floor, replacing Mimzy who continued to sing, but with a scowl on her face. The fair skinned demonness tried to avoid eye contact.

"I'm never gonna dance again,
Guilty feet have got no rhythm.
Though it's easy to pretend,
I know you're not a fool."
"Now that you're gone...
Now that you're gone...
Now that you're gone...
Was what I did so wrong?
So wrong that you had to leave me alone?"

As the song came to a conclusion, Mimzy was red faced with fury. Who was this hussy that dared dance with her Alastor? Her head spun a little from all the moonshine she had earlier. Although she had asked for this Charlie Magne girl to come, she had gotten nervous the last moment and drank her liquid courage. Perhaps a little too much. She stormed to the two and tapped Charlie's shoulder the best she could.

"Hey, doll, I got a song for you too. Let's see how good you are. Alastor is only supposed to dance with me here at the Bop. Are you worthy?" Electro swing music began to play. The crowd moved further back, knowing full well Mimzy planned to make the heiress a fool on the dance floor. Charlie looked to Alastor. He smiled his usual smile and nodded.

"Mimzy likes to dance. Perhaps it'll sober her up enough to talk. Good luck." He moved to stand next to Rosie just as Mimzy began with the Charleston. A few measures more and she began to sing.

That's right I heard the story over and over again
Gee, it's swell to finally meet [the] other friend
That's right I heard the story, don't really like how it ends
Gee, it's swell to finally meet [his] other friend

It took a moment for Charlie to figure out the beat and tempo of the song. She mirrored Mimzy's moves at first than moved onto v-steps, moving one way, kicking out into a T-step, than moving the opposite direction all while keeping her arms up by her chest and shimming slightly, her eyes on Mimzy.

What did [he] say about me? What did [he] say?
What did you do without me? What did you do?
Did you play games without me? What did you play?
Did you think all this time that I wouldn't find out about you?

Mimzy grinned. She moved from the Charleston to the running man, then shuffling. This girl, Charlie, was actually pretty good at dancing.

That's right I heard the story over and over again
Gee, it's swell to finally meet [you], other friend

Who am I? Who am I? What are you even saying?
I'm the loser of the game you didn't know you were playing!
Let's play another game this time I get to win
Lives on the line
Winner takes all
Ready or not
Let's begin!

Mimzy grabbed Charlie and twirled under her arm. The princess let the little woman lead them but held her ground as they moved forward and back, right sides tapping, then their lefts. Charlie's arm extended out, her left hand holding onto Mimzy's right hand, bring the small pudgy woman back and bending low for the woman to spin up and over her back and land on the other side. They both moved away in v-steps than shuffled, large smiles on their faces as the crowd roared with cheers.

Oh, that's right I heard the story over and over again
Gee, it's swell to finally [meet his] other friend
Oh, that's right I heard the story, don't really like how it ends
Gee, it's swell to finally [meet you] other
Other
Other friend

They both giggled at the end of the song. Mimzy tore the ear piece off her and met Alastor's gaze, "Where did you find her! Alastor, dear, this tart may be a mouse, but lord in high heaven, she's a beast on this floor, and you know I don't say that about anyone but you!"

The crowd cheered and clapped. The band members left the stage as the DJ and his equipment morphed into view from the trap door Mimzy had came from.

"What a marvelous performances ladies!" The red clad demon beamed, "It was absolutely delightful."

"I see you've sobered up," Rosie commented, "Pity, it's was fun to watch you stare daggers into her. If looks could kill Charlie, dearest, you'd be in a place worse than hell."

Mimzy blushed, "I... I had a little too much moonshine this evening. Do forgive me. Charlie, was it?" She extended her hand out, "Mimzy. Pleasure to meet you."

The golden hair she demon shook her hand, "You have a beautiful voice. I would love to hear it again sometime."

Over the speakers, Benny Goodman's Sing, Sing, Sing began to play. Alastor perked up, "Charlie, my dear, I'd very much like a dance before we get down to business. Mimi, Rosie, meet you back upstairs?" Behind them the crowd began to dance in a frenzy of movements.

The club owner nodded, "Yes. I need to lay down anyway, I'm starting to get a hangover. You have fun, Ally-bear. Love you."

"I know." He laughed, pulling Charlie further into the dance floor.

For some time the duo danced to the beat of the electro swing mixes and classics. Alastor was surprised how easily it was for her to mount and dismount with the kicks and flips, but he especially loved swinging her around his frame, feeling her legs wrap around him when needed and overall the confidence that exploded from her body.

This was the most fun the Radio Demon had had in a very long time.


Thanks for reading!