Rhododendron

"Oh come on, kitty-cat... you really don't want another go?" Angel asked, a coy smile that glint devilish intent. Long fingers, polish clean and nails painted to a shiny pearl pink. Toying with the stem of his drink, making the other only sigh and deeply roll his eyes away, keeping to work. The spider demon leans a bit, having his fluff curve against the low counter. Flicking his pointed tongue against sharp teeth before taking a dainty sip of his drink, adding on a whim. "No fun as always."

"The doc will be back soon and you can go torture him for I fucking care." Husk grunts, focusing on cleaning glasses and just fixing another drink for himself, again. Repercussions be damned.

"You care-"

"Don't you fucking start that shit-"

The front doors swing a fanfare entrance, there stood a voluptuous figure of a she-demon, sharp golden eyes and copper skin tatted with elusive mehndi flare images that framed in tight cloths and loose sari, embroidered in shades of gold, rose, and emeralds. Hair dark as night that peak out from acute cover, curled and frame along with low hang horns that thin and mock shape akin diamond earrings below the temple. Flair and twist straight of a sunset Bollywood veils and tussles that swift under a traveling shawl in each dancing like step. Painted lips blinding in a pointed smile and eyes plotting until reaching the other demons of an otherwise rarely empty front counter. Voice raspy and alluring in greeting, as any of an upper class could do without pause and a flavor tick. "Well, hello there bahut kam lubhaata hai. If this isn't the Happy Hotel. I've found the next best thing."

Angel and Husk share a once over, minds loose to the alcohol by how some her own words jumbled to them. Even with bowed winds within, told enough to see how this play out. A casual wink from Angel said enough.

"Yeah, I am not in the mood, lady." Husk stated, leaning ways and on alert of the newcomer. Making a halfhearted begone motion, saying. "This place isn't for a hussies like you. Take your wiles elsewhere and hey, please, by all means take this guy with you. Give me a break."

"Hey!" Angel shouted, with a childish pout, looking to she-demon with a wary but welcoming grin. "Welcome toots. What brings you all from the rings of orgies."

The she-demon gives an airy giggle. "Just looking around, I have heard a lot of... interesting things about this place. Thought I take a look what the misfortune sinners are getting lately." Taking another look around, before taking an opening seat at the bar. Eyes of deep jades landing on the bottles behind the winged cat demon, saying. "Lovely spread. Meree seva karo. I am in need of a drink after coming so far."

"Residents only, lady." Husk warned, with a scowl that linger around a growl of displeasure.

"Even if I make it worth your while?"

Husk, lacking amused stare and showing no signs of acknowledgement to Angel's own sass.

"Yeah. No. I don't feel like getting nagged at again, moll."

Savoring his drink all the more, until the she-demon spoke again. The flaunting in her tone, hypnotic and a noose strong on his will, until under the counter lightly grazed his sharp talons to awaken from the spell. He could hear his heart race under a bored face, still and aware than before. Angel eyeing the she-demon in what could be only seen as checking the competition. A coy smirk was only tell from what Husk could see, while the she-demon near, eyeing every bit of the room she could. Lingering on the owner's personal family photos, a frown or puzzling bout.

The grin returned as the she-demon said, recalling "Kinda of dead isn't though?"

"It's witching hours for the restless, lady. Demons need sleep too." Husk grunted, clawed fingers tapping in a method tune that speed in stress.

She waves him off. Looking towards to the spider demon, giving a once over. A frown flashed away that playfulness quickly. "My oh my, the Angel Dust rescinds here. Rumors are true. That's very... exciting."

"Shits if I care. I can smell the lust and mistakes off you fine, floozy. Pot and kettle."

The grin came back and dangerously elongation with her words. "Oh, priy, how little that is true. But I am willing to always welcome fresh and raw talent to our work. Like my number?"

Husk glanced over to Angel, refilling his drink while Angel just remained still and lost in thought. Before shaking his head, answering. "Temping, but I got dates that would just clash with that scheduling. Thrill seeking topside not counting."

"Shame. Well, then to other business. I'm looking for the owner, is Magne in? I like to make a proposal to her." The stranger spoke, adjusting her hood move off to settle on around her shoulders, with her veil fluttering along the movement. "This place, oh what's the opposite of koothara... ah, yes... holds promises."

Angel gave a snort, saying. "Girly, you are laying it thick there."

"Boss is out handling family stuff. Other sharers are out. Doc should be back soon though from errands." Husk cut in, catching the rues quirk in the she-demon's brow, feeling that of a slight upon his spine, made of only icy spikes.

"Shame." She said, though her low radiance was only in sarcasm. Adding with a shrug. "Oh... yes, the good doctor. I have been hearing some ponderous things about him. Maybe I can just leave a message."

Husk only shrugged. "Yeah, whatever. By who?"

"Arati?" A new voice spoke out by the entrance, having the trio turn to see the tall eyesore maroon holy being tilting forward to get inside. Adjusting firstly his hat when it almost fell. A large bag of groceries coiled in one of his arms, while closing the door behind him. Unaware of the confusion of two and glow of another. A few steps in, the voice adds. "I hope you are not causing any trouble now, Graa olpirt."

Angel was first to speak. "How-"

"Hesediel! It's been so long! And look at you... very, very nice." The succubi crone, standing from her seat and rushing over to the tall one, only to be stopped before even coming inches of touching the other. Watching with just a flick of Hesediel's hand turned his shades to glasses, deep eyes shun of mist but frisk. It turned the she-demon, Arati, insides that of a jumping beans of how she crowed the holy one. Side stepping her closeness with ease, having her say. "Still a tease, I see. I'm hurt." Still, she near enough to run a cupping hand along his static arm, which sway just enough of a silent message.

"Hardly. You'll get over it, Arati." Hesediel said, passing by while nodding to the others in hello. Unsure of the sudden or even knowing what to do with the events, with a sigh, kept on task for now. Looking over to Arati with the usual stone face, saying. "Stay. I need to take these to the kitchen. Again... stay."

She only sashay a few feet behind him, like a predator to prey. Though a look of coy was nowhere in sight, revere and possibly lost in how his stance appeared stiffer than it could be. Sneaking a few touches and lasting haughty quips that were given no reposes. Which only had her bouncing more in step, a child that found the lost treasure. Eyes just glowing and whips of alluring magic stills around her. Words slipping out like a river. "Commanding. Oh boy... my, my, my. Still the same old Hesediel. Fine. Jaldee karo!" Blowing a quick kiss to the other, while the other only shook his head in what had to be loss.

A tick silence comes and goes when Angel just shouts. "The fuck did I just witness!?" Angel was to his feet, a glare to the succubi wishing for the flames to out her, but that was in his mind as she sat back on her seat. Fixing herself up with gusto, wide chest arching to each bow in her body. Affecting Husk in quite ease, inches from just giving in, before Angel snapped his fingers in front of Husk in quick motion, saying with a roll of his eyes and a tick in his voice. "Down boy."

Arati shared a giggle with the other two just lost of what happening before them.

"You two know each other?" The spider demon asked, lazily as he could despite being on edged that made him only more sour.

"In ways. We... shared... yeah, that, of common associates and... lost touch and well, when you hear things-"

"Arati." Hesediel spoke when returning, taking a stand by Angel with a glance to both spider and cat in ways he hoped they understood, before saying. "While, it is a pleasure to see you well and spades in your craft. Why are you here?" Off handing, to just place a hand on Angel's tense shoulders that downed after the contact stayed kind and firm, before moving away and standing closer to the she-demon. Eyes staying trained on Arati, as she did the same back. It had a hold of nostalgia to them both.

"Can't I just want to spread good cheers and who knows, see an old friend on the side... come on, where's my little cockatoo?" She chirped, eyes focusing on his own steady glance, while keeping in mind of the markings to his wears, a simple smile rested on her face. "Though, I think little is an understatement. So... that rumor is true too." She hushed, looking lost. It was enough to let the ridges go away from Hesediel in seconds and a foul gust that she caught wind of, gone as well.

"Arati."

She waved him off, catching well to what could be heard of a worrying tone, having said. "Leave me be, just soaking in the sights." Ending with a wink.

"Arati-" Hesediel tried, attempting with folding his arms to seem serous and let the weight be known, even just between them.

"Okay. Okay. I have a proposal for your boss girl and I think you'll it love too!"

"I am having a sense of doubt already, my dear. Yet, you could prove me wrong. Within reason."

"Oh, don't you go treating me like the rest of these haziness gaandus..." Arati said, eyes down and curled on her body, but the ruse outdone by how air thicken with a grip of lust and toying galore. A smirk to say. "Oh, wait... as I heard. Doctor? That's adorable. Doctor Cockatoo. So sweet..."

Hesediel took a seat between, with another sigh. "Not that."

"Buy me a drink and... I'll try. Gin and tonic, I need my daily, samajh gaya?" Her tone held no room for augment.

Hesediel nod once and looked to the cat demon, droning softy. "Mr. Husk. Put it on my tab. And please, excuse my... friend... she's normally more behaved then this."

"Behaving between us, Hesediel are different things. Do not think I am the only one with a record here, pyaara sa."

"What..." Angel muttered quietly to himself from that exchanged, just sitting back and watching the two interact with each other. Stoic as Hesediel was, his shoulders were laxer and arms lazily crossed while chatting with the egoistically confident and joyful succubus, rich eyes never taking a second to once over Hesediel in any chance. It set a bitter taste in Angel's mouth, but shook it off for now.

Husk waved off the chatters and set on making the drink, eyeing to Hesediel once or twice.

Hesediel soon said. "So well are your wishes-"

"I wish you came to visit me, dhikkaar hai, kaakaatua! You have been coming back to this drab for some time and not once, not even a letter to say hello. How cold of you, Hesediel." She pouts, leaning heavily on his arm, breast pillowed between them and mocking well she did in appearing as a clingy one, while her own tangled with his hand resting on the counter.

"I'm busy." Hesediel stated, before adding and gesture to the other demons. "And I'm needed and I will not half job it."

Arati rolled her eyes, detaching herself from before flicking his ear. Having him rub his assaulted person. "main ek bevakooph nahin hoon. But still! I haven't seen you since you were like this big." Shaping with a humorousness grin, holding out a hand that held just barely of what certain cleaning demon within the hotel.

"Rude."

Angel and Husk on the other hand, were enjoying the show despite the shock somewhat still in. Husk speaking out. "This giant used to be a midget. Damn, doc." Husk even humor enough to make him his usual order, akin that it was a rite of passage. "Cheers to whoever that motivation was."

Angel snickered, throwing in with a chipper snide. "Very. My complements to the chef, handsome."

"Please no-"

"Oh! Let me tell you, this guy was a little ruckus back in the day. Skvaaking like a little cockatoo over the most trivial of things. I think, Hesediel, you even wrote a book about it all, haan?"

"It was a long time ago, Arati."

"Cockatoo." Arati warned with anything but a light tease.

"If anything, I did finish it. Somewhat but other things have been coming up."

Husk settled a new round of drinks, saying. "So it's not just paintings he has a kink for."

"Mr. Husk, I feel very betrayed here."

Husk paid no mind, and added in a minor jest. "Did you always get this treatment too?"

"Usake paas koee doosara svich nahin hai. Yeah, yeah, he did. I bet it's framed or something, if it's not on your person anyone, you're still a book nerd at heart and took it everywhere with you. Tender then and now. I can tell." She said with fondness, before going back into mischief seeker to her little onlookers. "And this little might always going against scales and fae all the same. Bruises and bite-marks but always smiling. It was just adorable. You should have seen how bright red he was with my sisters, the hottest spice holds no candle to how his shyness of risk." Arati looked to Angel, asking. "Still a little virtue to the end I bet?"

Hesediel sighed under his glass, lingering to thoughts of the sweets but still hushed. "Your father thought otherwise."

Angel gave a dramatic sigh overriding Hesediel blight, leaning close to bridge in sight. "Honey, let me tell you. If you or any floozy couldn't then, there is no hope for this guy now."

"Well... I wouldn't go that far-" Arati said, with mischief rushing over everyone is a sight of glee, all but one. On a whim and the change in the air was only felt by two. "It doesn't take much to have a reminder, hmm... Hesediel, how about-"

"Change the subject or I am going to ask you to leave." Hesediel spoke, after finishing a quick sip of his drink with a hidden tight grip, it was all known to the change between the two old friends. Hesediel felt and it only made Arati smile wider from their little secret. Wanting nothing than to keep his mind on the sweetness and whispering memories, though one look to the sassy she-demon. There would be no such luck and in a dip of his fingers around his glass, that was closest to him showing he honestly cared of the bitterness that loomed over him personally.

Arati just smiled at the holy one. "What subject we were going here, bardee? We all went through those once. I mean, remember when you got Rā to try the world of anupasthit? Daddy was so pissed at you corrupting us. He was always inches away from chamadee udhedana you."

"No. I believe he wanted my feathers regardless. The sire is a frightening demon then as now, I do not doubt that." Hesediel tender another sip, loose in thought of a looming and burning brimstone of a enigma. Hesediel did what he could not to turn over his shoulder in an afterthought of thinking the past had returned in full form. Long ago that thought being, fever temples and all gone with Arati's temptation of a lullaby voice sooth him as a warm honey tea drink held in biddy hands.

"So you say. It changes nothing."

"I did no such thing, bias of your words, Arati. Dare not of that. She did that all out on her own. I was merely-"

"Worrying for her well-being. Cockatoo, I tease but still... it was pretty funny." Arati laughed, cozening out even more along with Hesediel, all forgetting their little watchers on them. "But... we want to talk about dil todane vaale. There's always Ha-"

"Do not." Hesediel spoke lightly, arms crossed on the ends of the counter, toying gently to his drink. Calm hiding a storm that shot to Arati in one glance, and slight cough that came and went.

Husk jumped in, catching the tone of the succubi hinted at with just a slack jaw. "Who the hell did you get handy with, doc?"

"This is not very ap-"

Arati took over. Animated all the same, guarding with some details but enough that drew the other demons in. Fleeting webs of the past of a lone goddess that tears were just lassos on Hesediel's heart. How the angel descending before her, a flower in hand, legends saying of her people that it match her heart and eyes. Rumors of it being a Lily of the Incas, an entice marvel to her people. To be given so freely and with yen fitting for a tricky angel against all else. A statement that could any nerves of the great in one swoop. Even as they, alone, lost in the summer lands of greens and wildflowers, a lonely morning met with the most heavenly low tenor greetings. Her voice like a bell, soft as silk and warm of her mornings, bewitched the foolish angel into the twisted tales of the lonely fair maiden. Or an unheard of taboo love of another that dwell deep in the earth's core. Hesediel was swift in cutting Arati was from adding more than needed to those past memories.

"Arati, do not run your mouth on those tall tales."

"You say that, cockatoo and forget, so willfully of rumors regarding one of her children being yours. Aapake lie sharm kee baat hai. Those eyes are a dead give away. Naughty, oh so naughty Hesediel."

Hesediel pointedly look at the Hindi dancer of lust, with a bland usual look, with a quick say. "Again, rumors. I have done no such thing nor ruin her happiness like that. Plus, her husband made it clear that my death is just a ticking bomb."

"Got to admit, that is hilarious all things concerted."

"Hardly."

"Hesy is pretty use to being sweet on royalty, ain't cha, big guy." Angel said, leaning by Hesediel upon hearing more of this tearful goddess.

"I do not like what you are implying, Mr. Dust."

Angel only gave a wink and a soft pat on Hesediel's side, comforting in mean under layers of teasing and kittenish larks.

Arati added. "If this cockatoo was looking for another unkempt romance. It better be because you need a litil mis mammee. Which, by the way, I am more than willing to do that."

"Never in this paradox or the next, Arati. Even I would never be that cruel to my children." Hesediel firmly kept, even on a lone side glance that made her shiver and burst in laughter to hide it. Fear or pleasure was left for debate.

"Whose the rude one now?"

"Was it a lie to a stutter that never came?"

"Hesediel!" Arati shouted with a barking laugh to his hidden snide.

Husk gave a bark of laugh to that, saying. "Hold up. I hear about this guy having kids. Be honest, is it true?"

Arati nods with glee. "So true. And they are just cuties even if I haven't seen in a while, even if just the two at the time. No doubt, they are still the little monsters I adore. Cassie is my favorite. bilkul bachche kee tarah." Arati said though her laughter with the others, along saying. "Though now, Hesediel, is it true you have another? It was about a decade or so back. I hear this is one a handful. How many is that?"

"Five. I have five, Arati. And my youngest is just fine and an odd learner. Be kind. You're excitement is blurring your speech."

"Nope. It's the drink. Another. Ek aur." Arati said quickly, playing to the annoyance of the other, awaiting her glass to be refilled. Watching as the winged cat demon does so, begrudgingly after Hesediel spoke that he still cover the she-demon's drink, once more.

"Damn! Five little munchkins... maybe that vow of virtue is all for show after all." Angel said, eyes wide in wonder and shaken again by that sour feel. But pushed it aside, even as the she-demon got more comfortable by Hesediel while Angel could barely even have a hand on his wrist without being brushed off.

Hesediel didn't say anything at first, but soon decided to stand and look to his watch. Angel took that as his cue to leave, not once speaking a word of departure or a backwards glance. That alone, made Hesediel stiff in what could be guess as worry. Seconds away to the door, in time of seeing Charlie and Vaggie coming in. Exhausted in their walk and eyes seeking sleep or lessen whatever redness that thicken in Charlie's eyes. All he bared to say was. "Welcome back, Miss. Charlie, Miss. Motha. We have a visitor. This is-"

"Hi!" Arati took a stand by Hesediel, getting through the greets in swift motion. Relaying her proposal in quick fashion, all the whims of a lead proforma would have. Wary in her steps around Vaggie, keeping to just staying focus. Her voice clear when Hesediel zoned back to the present while helping Husk fix up the shelves of new bottles. "I honestly believe this gala is the personal push your hotel needs. The more benefactors. The happier the residents, haan?"

"This really sounds too good to be true. I didn't know many locals further downward would be interesting in helping. Let alone... well..."

"Eh, some people are just assholes. Ho jaata hai."

Vaggie interjected with a cold chip. "It does if anything leave questions why a bunch of born demons would suddenly have a change of heart."

Arati only smiled. "Well, let's just say our sources did some digging and after a final confirm. Call this a long overdue dhanyavaad. If anything Miss. Mange, you don't have to say yes to this right a way. But just some thought that there are others like you, but unlike you, the motivation is a bit trickery."

"I don't know..." Charlie started, a choking pause rushed her before going on. "...We have come so far and if there one thing I learned in the past. Nothing is what it seems and while I do appreciate the reach from you and others. Excuse me if I am still a bit... on the fence about this. Plus, it's not like I could bring any of my clients there as a showcase. It just sounds... off."

"No, I get it." Arati answered, fixing up her shawl and making in flourish, eyes ever the wandering ones. "What about the big guy?" She nodded over to Hesediel so coolly, as if he was stranger in her eyes. "A showcase on just having an pavitr paree working with you, that's got to be enough?"

Charlie looked to Hesediel, whom was ideally chatting with Husk in hush tones while helping around the bar when a few residents choose to appear for a late night drink. She worried her lips and Arati's words pinned around her head in thought. Looking to Vaggie for moment and was given an unsure shrugged. Finally with a deep breath, said. "I'll have to ask him."

"No doubt he'll say yes."

"Don't go jumping the gun here. While you seem like a descent person. After the day I have been having... I am not just going to say yes to this. Plus, it's not just me you are asking to show up now." Charlie answered, calmed and firm, shaking on the inside as the effects of the day hours ago still rolled around her like a hurricane. Adding with a light bite. "I'm not my father, so if you excuse us we still have a lot to plan and such. Could you give us a few days to think it over? We still need to also look over other plans for the hotel."

Arati frowned, but made no pried words after that. Only nodding and slipping Charlie a card, that chipper drive before dying down and her words more calm and less jumble. "Alright, well here's my info. Call me whenever your ready."

"Of course, good evening to-" Charlie eyed the card before continuing with a sudden quicken heartbeat that she tired to hold back for the recoil when saying. "Baroness Arati."

"Same to you too, princess. Later Hesediel! Don't be stranger now! And I want pictures of that little nest of yours, don't you dare hold out on me or your next... gift won't be as forgiving." She says with glee, ending with a kissing farewell gist to him, causing a short tick in his throat but clears with ease.

"Until then, Arati."

Ice in the veins is what probably made Charlie shiver in the warmest place in hell, if anything to that. If any felt a sudden change in the air after the she-demon left, no one really said anything and the day went uneventful after that. Hours later into the next day, Hesediel and Charlie were in her office, looking over plans that would help further expand the hotel. One of the major prints they were looking over, was a new design for the back lot outdoor park of the hotel and photos to what has been done and listed ideas sided. Adding touches to make the place feel more welcoming. Much as they planned to do the same with the rooftop garden as well.

"This looks beautiful. I do think the flower patches here should be moved near the front gate side. Private matters to them."

"I will see to adjust the measures needed. Thoughts for the main piece fountain? I believe just the simple three tier arches will do. No need for the obtuse gaudy statues." Hesediel said lightly, running a pen over the paper of minor notes and off sketches of what would go where.

He glances were he hear Charlie give a weak chuckle in response. Her body seemed closed and small, head bow to where her hair covered her face without try. Pose in stance but that jerk in her feet and shoulders makes him still his hand. Silence is between grows and unnoticed to Charlie for a while. Hesediel taking a moment to further take in, watching of how her pale slim fingers twist and tap against her clashing dark-wood desk, lost in thought. He lightly places his pen down and leans back in his seat. His voice a thunder in the quietness.

"Are you alright? Yesterday looked to be a handful for you, Miss. Charlie."

A pause came and went. Charlie sighs but said nothing, as she took her own seat. Hands covering her face, rubbing her cheeks with a sleepless groan escaping her lips in one go. Clothes askew enough that most would not noticed but one button out of place and lack of cuffed sleeves did enough for Hesediel await in what could be worry, while setting things aside for them.

"He's becoming more frustrating and... I'm worried."

"I believe I know what you speak of."

"Do you think we'll have enough time to keep this place safe? I just couldn't..." Charlie couldn't find the words as her eyes just widen of what was to come. Her hands busying with rubbing her arms, freezing by thoughts.

Hesediel stood from his seat, finding his being unable to keep in check that it rakes a loose cough again. Focusing on tending to the arrange of flowers that he personally decorated in her office, thinking in memory of other places to check the planets here and there too. Gently yanking a dead leaf or two and plucking a lone tagetes that match a burning sun with a black-hole center. In short steps, stood by here and in practice matter tangled and set the flower by Charlie's face. A soft stroke on the back her head, felt warm, burning almost as hell itself yet the touch couldn't be more soft as breeze. It peaked her to look to him in confusion and touched the flower that tickled her temple.

"Forgive the sudden the closeness. I do this with my eldest daughter when she's upset. Habit." Hesediel said with hands behind his back, adding on a whim. "If anything, sit back and think. Calm yourself. I just tend to these until your ready. No hurry." With a loose bow, before going back to tending to the flowers, leaving Charlie to her own thoughts.

Keeping the notice of feeling her eyes on him, said nothing further and soon with just roughage of plants swinging and plucked. The icy air still lingered around, with the light sniffles that filled the room. Hesediel did not turn or speak. Eyes forward, even if a cough slipped again. The rough scratching his throat like thorns of a poisonous serpent.

"I-I ha- can't stand him sometimes..."

Hesediel only hummed in response as her tones were that of the song and dance playing well in his head, but remained silent. A vent is a vent like any other., touching the brim of one of the fine design pots, craved in patterns that echoed his straps and tie. Glowed the lines faintly, as the dirt darken with a casting of magical water flowing through his finger tips. He glanced over his shoulders, glasses skewed by the sudden movement, having him steady them before going back to work.

"There were times I saw him as my hero. Now he's my own villain in my story."

"It is probably the same for him with you. I don't think I have never him not try jumping to jabbers based on ills unlike his own." Hesediel stated, patting his hands away of sticking gravel, adding on a thought. "Though, I know it doesn't excuse him. I wish he handled things better, but, I learned that there are times he has to take his own suffrage as an unwanted meal."

Charlie wore a small smile, saying. "You make it sound like he's a child."

"Between the two of us. I am not one to back away to share those larks. It's how we personally spoke to each other." Hesediel ended with a shake of his head, rubbing his hands together when feeling a flex nerve to his inner thought of bitter-sweetness. He soon found himself saying. "If anything, give it time. He may not care about this project. He cares for you, just by knowing that the hotel is still standing despite his blights with you and his own issues. That must say something."

"I can only handled his childish for so long, Hesy. This song and dance is going to have end. Even if you keep on defending him so much."

"Think of it like this. I am defending your father, the one who clearer loves you and hovers near the moment of your troubles in youth. I see that person worth defending. The one known only as Lucifer is a different issue altogether. And just like you, he also has problems dividing the two. So, if it sounds like I am painting him as the one in the right here. I am not. But..."

"I got my own to work through as well." Charlie spoke softly on, leaning heavy in her chair. Slipping the flower from her hair and toying with it, twist of the stem and gentle pet the petals. A thin frown bitten between her teeth as she stared longingly, eyes mist and forehead flushed, at the sun tone flower. A whisper sigh leaves her as she places the flower down, a petal or two withered in her burning grip. "I guess we're more alike than just spite and dreams, huh?"

"Very."

"I am never going to forgive him. At least not now."

"Understandable. But knowing your father... it's not that easy for him as well and I don't think it ever will be. Based on him coming to terms or pushing them away. But if anything. Do not waste tears on that side of him, it leads to only troubles. Believe me, I know that very well."

"Yeah..."

"If you were to ask me who do I favor more. Between my brother or Lucifer. I say my brother in a heartbeat even if the other side of the coin flips."

Charlie nods, a look of loss on her face etches way. Sorrow away, in place now confusion. Hesediel follows her wandering eyes to a draw across the room.

He takes the plunge in asking. "There is something else, too?"

"It's just... that woman that showed up yesterday. You know her?"

Hesediel nodded, before continued with an airy afterthought. "Call it my rare moment of rebelling for temptation. I wanted to know more of worlds there are and thanks to those in my life then. I found a friend in Arati. She's an odd one with a loose tongue that can't stick to the now but if all else, the only thing she has ever hurt was a love that hurt her. Otherwise, her heart about this is in the right place even if appeared otherwise. You don't need to take my word on it, just my personal thought."

"I see, so the gala thing?"

"That's up to you on how you want to take this. I follow where you go, Miss. Charlie. I see the ups and downs to this as well and given who is likely might be there. If we do plan to go. I would like to look over the guess list personally... just in case."

A mixture of unsure and wondered shot through her eyes, with a bow mouth to speak in questioning. "Why is that?"

"Your father is your own personal demon and I have my own... though, it's more bitter and fury I fear of."

"Should we not go then?" Charlie asked, adding with a hint of mystify. "I don't want any drama either if it can be avoided. We're still recovering from that turf war from those hell-hounds and that snake guy."

"Again, that's up to you and how you wish to handled the hotel, Miss. Charlie. All I can ask of you is to be safe about it."

Charlie's eye stayed at the draw for a while longer. Heaving a deep breathy sigh and stood up, reaching for her coat. Passing the draw in one swoop to get what was in out. Heading to the door, with a simple. "I'm going for a walk. Alone. Manged the place until I get back, Hesy."

"Will do." Hesediel answered, and with a soft click of the door; he was alone.

Later on that day, keeping to his word was doing rounds of hotel. Checking the staff rooms, ration areas, tending to the plants, and if possible to avoid Alastor has much as he could. Coming to stop when passing the residents rooms, hearing music blaring through the walls that many lingering in the halls pay no mind. Though, given the direction, Hesediel headed to the source and stood outside Angel's room. The hall bare as it usual was around the hour in the west wind, likely the blame being on a certain Radio Demon lurking commonly in the area. Straightening his shoulders, a fix of his glasses, and finally a knock.

The music cuts. A bit of rustle is heard before Angel is standing in the door way, standing in what Hesediel could guess as his work out clothes. Tight, bright pink, and plenty of glitter. No words were said, as Angel stands back to let him and Hesediel does so in a wary stance away, catching a bow in Angel's brow that was seconds away from shouting or confusion.

"Evening Angel." Hesediel said, once the door was closed.

Angel just gave a mumbling hum before going back to turn on the music, lower than before and walking pass his pole and just lay down on his plush bed. Fat Nuggets, the little piglet demon, asleep deeply on a large, thick, comfy mat near the bed. Angel made a wave of his hand for Hesediel to do as he pleased, which was taking a seat by the spider demon stretch out on his bed. The music covers the silence well in dancing club thumps, yet his eyes looked glossy and that made Hesediel questioned.

"Are you alright?"

"Been a shit day, as usual." Angel answered, twisting to his side with his back to Hesediel.

"I see." Hesediel said lightly, sitting unsure of what to do. A glance to a fallen blanket on the floor was enough to get notions moving. Taking a stand and fetching it, aware of eyes on him as he fluffed it and spread it. Taking a turn and just placing it over Angel's form.

Having Angel roll his eyes at the action, sneaker out. "You are an old man."

"Given your own father won't do it. Someone has to." Hesediel noted offhand, checking on Fat Nuggets as the little creature began to awaken from talking and change of music. A few pets in, the piglet was resting once more in huffy snorts. He turns, kneeling enough to an obtuse match level with Angel's eyes, wide and mouth a gap. Recalling quickly of his loose terms, adding in a hush. "That was out stint of me. For-"

"Keep your sorry. I don't want it when that's what I wanted to hear." Angel grunted, bringing the blanket closer to his being, up to his mouth and his glossy eyes as all Hesediel could see. His many arms under the blanket staying warm and holding himself, a troubled breath is all that came next as he gesture for Hesediel to sit by him once more. The holy one caught bits of familiar purple cloth peeking out from under the bed, but made no note on it and sat by the lumps of Angel's legs.

"Very well."

Another song plays, much more lighter and slower. Minus certain language used, it could almost pass off as a lullaby. Still, they stayed in place. Being around each other, without a further word spoken or a muscle moved. Letting time tick on, Hesediel sweeps around the room to see bit by bit that the room was becoming less clutter. A few adult items lazily tossed here and there, but besides that, the overly pink room was looking more of a home than a storage unit. The vanity of all else in the room, still the spotless area in the room. And there, Hesediel catches eye of a folded filmy piece of paper. He glances to Angel, appearing to be in a state of sleep before carefully standing up and picking the item. A card. A birthday card. Or how it was crudely disfigure penmanship, it was written as a death reminder.

"My boss has an interesting take of humor, huh?"

"I already made one lash. Do not temp me with another, Angel." Hesediel said coolly, hearing Angel wetly laugh at his half joke. Placing the card down halfhearted and moved back to the spider demon. For a moment, Hesediel just stills and looks at Angel as he placed an arm over his eyes, trying and failing to hide tears. A motion that brought thoughts of another place altogether for Hesediel.

Out of habit, he pets Angel's head. Letting his fingers comb through the thick plush of hair and very aware of the odd look he was given, for such an action. Before Angel even could say anything, Hesediel hushed him and continued until the mismatch eyes were starting to close and breathing light. Once that was done. Hesediel stood and turned off the music with a wave of his hand. Flicking his pinky just the same to levitate Angel's phone hidden under piles of forgotten clothes. Scrolling fast until finding a needed name and waited.

"Hello, Miss. Molly." Started his call, adding after the female spider demon greeted back. "Are you busy today? It's about your brother and I believe he needs some more familiar closeness that can't be done by my hands. Good. Thank you. I'll see you in, hopefully. Again, thank you."

"You sold me out..."

Hesediel glanced to the low whisper as he hung up the phone and place near the bedside table, and could find the words to say and a flex to straighten his glasses. "Indeed."

"Doctor's orders?"

"More that a friend worries. Sleep now, your sister will be here later today."

"Great."

"I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." Hesediel told, heading towards to the door and had a hand on the light switch.

"Right... Hes..."

"Yes?"

"Fucks if this means much... just, you know, thanks."

"Of course. Sleep well."

The day went as that. Once Hesediel was in the kitchen, resting his jacket on a hanger in replace with a offset hue apron to the rest of his being. It matter not after that, with rolling up his sleeves and washed hands. He got to work to just bake. Taking every pan, cup, flour, eggs, all that a renounce baker could dream on to have in one place. And just got lost in the craft. Training away an itch that appeared from the day before, memories just soaking his own mind and tangled as a broken bird nest. Letting the kitchen waft out the smells of cooked yeast, sweets, and after tasks of sours and bitters. Building a sheen of sweat above his brow and a shaky breath while wiping it away. Streaks of flour and cinnamon he paid no mind on. Hair puffed and powder with flour as well.

It could feel it in his lips, moving on his own. Light as a spell yet still his own thunder of pain. "Kures da i crip el gaa, childao adgt ge blans, vaoan boaluahe ar trian noan fefen..." The tick in his throat causes him to cough into his sleeve, anything to hold back whatever ill him. The flashes of a lady of tempation gave him a blind sight and coking breath, finding the words to go on and continuing his work, calm enough to be ice. "tol ol tibibp lrasd noan atraah, blans hoath uniglag fafen de, gnay ge... om ol tibibp, adgt ge ozien ol cnila..." Another pause comes and go, feeling calmer now and able to finish his little tune and another tray of sweet bread. "Cirp t i ge, ol boaluahe lrasd capimao."

He brushed off his hands of extra flour as he look at his spread, numbering away that all was ready. "Let's see the flaugnarde, gözleme, hamantash, and the moorkop should do them nicely." With a trolley near, taking the treats over to the dining area for anyone passing by and handling others over little touches. Unaware of peeking eyes watching him, until he was gone glazing some rounded short fruit dotted cakes. Setting them by others that were finished and flocking an alluring tang in the air. Hesediel only busied himself cleaning the dishes. Leaving soon, just out of the corner of his sight finally saw his audience. Giving a nod to his words. "Good evening to you, Miss. Molly." Glancing at his watch, adding. "You're early."

She gives a light chuckle, before nearing the holy one and letting him know she was eyeing his work. Which he motions for to take one, and gleefully she does. Humming in delight before saying. "It's Angel. I will find to make time for him. No one but that clearer girl was out front and she sent me here." Pausing to have another bite, adding with a wide dusted smile. "This is so good."

"My thanks, I was having as you could say a bug to work out. Someone yesterday decided to be play me, you could say and after just a few... personal displeasure."

"And this is the results?" Molly said with a wide smile, crumbs on her cheeks while finishing up her treat. Taking another without a pause, asking. "What are these anyway?"

"What you are having is a banitsa, just a simple sweet and cheese bun." When Molly went to grab a different snack, Hesediel gave insight as well. "Here we have chin chin, think french fries in shape but churros for taste." Hesediel said, taking one and taking a bite, after a pause spoke. "I might have added too much nut-meg." And picks up the small server tray swiftly.

"If you throw those out, I'll cut you." Molly warned, though the glint in her eyes were only in humor and made a grabby motion for them, which, without a fight, he gives them to her and went back to cleaning. He looks over to see her make a takeout box and said nothing, letting her do as pleased.

"Just a second and I'll walk to you to Angel's room. Hotel's rules and all."

"Thanks Hesy. Hmm... these are great. I'm not a big fan of curry usually but color me impress."

"The curry puff seems to be a favorite to others I know, nice to see that it still fairs. I haven't made them or any of these in a while."

"Been a busy bee, hon?"

"In ways, yes. This and a few other things have been a nice short break. A needed temptation, you could say and by all else I don't honestly mind."

"I bet!" Molly sampling another curry puff, muffled in words. "Yeah, I am taking these. You can't stop me." And grabbing the most empty cooling tray and filling it with any assorted treats she could, a few bites not withstanding.

"Of course not. Alright, let's go." Hesediel finished with placing the drying cloth back in place and taking the remaining trays to the spread dinning tables and followed Molly out.

After making sure Molly and Angel were settled, carried on his day. Feeling the itch fade away. Though the bite in his throat was flaming. Even after a few cups of ice tea, it did little as he relaxed in his office. Handling the last bit of the prints Charlie and him were looking over. Leaving notes for her to see later. Eyes glancing at his watch for the time now and then. Until he vise a sigh and lean back in his seat, raising the watch closer and place his hand over the face. Hushing the ticking of the gears. Removing his hand and saw moving images, brushing his fingers to change the images until he just stopped.

There was no sound but the joyful sight didn't change anything. Bright and welcoming, the figures going about the day unaware of the faraway eyes watching them. Little by little, that scratch in his throat faded. Finally. Hesediel takes a needed sip of his cold drink, eyes never leaving his personal view. Even if it was fluke, an unaware wave was seen by one of the figures and it twist his heart that made ills dancing only for a second. Another drink and calming breath, it was soon away like a breeze. He couldn't help find fondness. That it was either something of his own, a face of the past, a tune worn on rusty mellows, a sense of peace, or the workings of the hotel and those inside it.

"Your work is flawless as always, Arati. Thank you."