"And..and he…." Katherine's voice was overcome with laughter touched her own warm cheek, her other hand nursing a third orange juice and gin.
"Mama, I'm an overlord in hell, why in the Devil are you telling this one," Alastor fussed snidely, his cheek perched on his fist, fighting desperately at his own laughter.
"You watch...watch that," she gasped out between laughs. "Devil talk." She was cackling with a smile wide enough to shame the Radio Demon himself. Nifty was giggling into her napkin and Charlie and Vaggie (even Vaggie) were wiping at each other's tears from laughter.
"Nuh uh," Angel exclaimed, dramatically shaking a finger. "Mama Smiles, you gotta finish."
"So he…" she put her head down on the table as another bout of laughter overcame her. Husker who was the soberest of them all (Husker never drank in front of Kat many had noticed) chided in, "The kid goes on live radio and says "Laughter does a body good just like milk. Good for their teethers and boners." he too dissolved into laughter and Aastor bit back a smile as he took another bite of gumbo with a snap of his yellow pointed teeth.
"It was a clever word play, meant for the kiddies. If everyone didn't have their mind in the gutter-"
"They never let him improv another ad on the radio his entire career!" Husker cackled, clinking his water glass to Kat's. "Nifty was in charge of making sure he stayed on script."
Even Nifty pulled down her napkin to blurt, "They called me his handler. Said we'd be on the street if we ever lost another client like Boarden's Eagle." She giggled so hard she almost toppled off the stack of books she was perched upon in her chair.
"Now that's enough of that," Alastor drawled, tossing back the last of his whisky. "Mama I worked hard on my image down here and you're about to ruin it in a night." He jabbed a finger into Husker's nose as well and the other in Nifty's direction. "And the two of you are gettin' mighty bold."
Both Husker and Nifty only laughed harder, even squeezing hands for a second in their good moods. Angel Dust laughed joyously along with rest and leaned back in his chair. He exchanged a look with Charlie that said it all.
It was odd to see Alastor so jovial. Even more strange to hear his old New Orleans voice, sans bravado or static. They liked him like this. He was sweet, fun, the horrifying overlord they had feared dissolved into the charismatic and charming southern boy they never dreamed he could be. Even Husker and Nifty had lightened up. No longer slaves, but the friends they once were. Husker rarely drank and Nifty still kept things together but without the manic energy of perfection before. Even Angel Dust had seemed different. More sober, home for dinner every night, no sleazy gentleman callers showing up unannounced.
Charlie felt her laughter subside but didn't lose her smile as she watched everyone. It had been two weeks since Katherine's return and no word had come. But something about this scene warmed her heart, in the way it had many nights as well. Everyone talking, and laughing. A family. She felt a small tickle in her throat as she cancelled the thought, a family like I always wanted. She had even lifted the drinking to an extent in response to everyone's good behaviour. There had been something infectious about Kat, Alastor, and Husker reuniting. Something warm and beautiful that affected them all.
She watched as Alastor continued to give a faux glare at everyone, but with a good natured smile. A look that normally would have sent people's heads spinning with static. The terrifying monster that had knocked at her door before was now a man she couldn't help but love. Even on his own, when Katherine wasn't around, he had dropped the transatlantic demeanor. Still the teleporting around, still the random bad jokes, still the aggressive charm of a performer...but there was something warm hearted about it now.
She caught that even through his laughter his eyes still wandered to the empty seat at the table. And she knew why. He had confessed to her that their new guest was a previous victim. He had been honest and his shame was not veiled. They had agreed it was best to let her adjust on her own but she too wished the young girl would join them. They didn't even know her name and if Alastor remembered it, he wouldn't speak it.
Charlie stood to get the empty bowl from the counter to bring it to their shyer guest. As she ladled food into the bowl, she almost jumped as Alastor materialized over her shoulder, his long arm stretching around her to take it. She saw his hand glow and steam rise from the plated dinner and turned to find them nose to nose.
"Do you mind if I…" his voice trailed off as his head cocked to the side. Charlie couldn't help but look unsure.
He sighed and stepped back, holding the bowl to her. "I suppose it's best if you take it." She caught the hurt in his voice and forced herself to push her worry aside.
"No, Al...go ahead." She gave him a warm smile, and returned it. But as he disappeared into shadows it slipped from her face.