The Princess Groom
Ch.2: One Year Prior
On that day in 2021, the Hotel found itself in a subdued, peaceful mood. Its inhabitants were all in the Lobby, doing various things. Angel was doing his morning routine of being flirty with Husker, with Husker rolling his eyes at the antics. Alastor stood behind the couch, watching the 55 Inch Television with amusement. It was true that the Radio Demon was not a fan of most modern technology, but it did not hurt to look for a time. Nifty stood next to him, waiting. A guest was checking out soon.
For Vaggie, she sighed contently, sipping on a cup of French Roast. Her mind focused on Charlie, who sat on the left side of the couch, gazing at the screen. She was expressionless, acting like an observer.
Vaggie frowned, concerned. Charlie was usually happy. Hell, she had expressed a lot of joy earlier. While the Hotel was not a tremendous success, it saw guests regularly. What would she have to worry about?
The Latina's thoughts turned to their relationship. Their nickname "The It Couple" was not said unfounded. They had been in love with each other. They had cuddled every night, kissed often, and were there in their respective darkest moments.
That previous December had seen their breakup.
It is rumored that it was on Lucifer's insistence. That Charlie needed to focus more on the business. This rumor is false. Indeed, the two had concluded what so many find in their heart- simply, Charlie and Vaggie made better friends. There had been no damper on the Hotel's mood. The two remained as close as ever- the fact that Charlie's mood bothered Vaggie so much was proof.
Vaggies eyes widened. Charlie had been called outside earlier. She had been cheerful that morning as she left the Hotel. Vaggie strolled over, sitting down.
Charlie sighed softly to herself. Everything had been well. The Hotel, her friendships- even Alastor was well accepted in the Hotel mostly. That morning, she had been called outside to talk to her parents, and-
Charlie sighed, smiling a bit as Vaggie plopped next to her, setting the coffee cup on the coffee table in front of them. Vaggie took Charlie's left hand, squeezing it softly.
"What has you down?" Vaggie asked.
Angel heard this and smirked. "Her lack of Tacos probably." Angel chuckled until he was set straight by a glare from Charlie and Vaggie. "What?" he asked innocently.
Charlie pondered to herself then. Could she tell them what she knew? How would Vaggie react? They had just broken up recently! And now... and now...
Making a decision, Charlie stood.
"Everyone, meet me in my office in Ten. I have to tell you something"
Charlie's office is huge. Set next to the Grand Fireplace in the lobby, it has a desk carved with fine Oak, and a total of eight lazy chairs. Charlie believed in comfort, even in a professional setting. It made things easier and made the atmosphere more comfortable.
"So, what's going on?" Alastor asked, crossing his arms. "Is Valentino threating to take Angel Dust to court again?" he asked, malice in his words. He HATED Valentino.
Charlie shook her head. "No, thankfully. Its something to do with my parents and me."
Nifty raised a hand. "Are they breaking up?"
This got a laugh from the room. The chance of Lucifer and Lilith doing so was much like the Detroit Lions winning a Super Bowl. It would only happen in acid trips.
After the room recovered, Charlie smiled. "No actually. You know how my dad makes deals with humans?"
Everyone nodded slowly.
"Well," Charlie said "He made an arrange marriage deal for me. The guy comes down here next year."
A pin dropped over the room for the next few moments. Charlie watched the expressions of those around her. Angel was stroking his chin, visibly confused. Nifty was holding back excitement. Alastor, as he was won't to do, was unreadable. Vaggie had her eyes closed, angry. And Husker had no reaction.
Finally, Alastor spoke. "What do you know about this human?"
Charlie smiled widely. "Well, he has Asperger's, for one thing"
Vaggie perked up. "Really?"
Charlie nodded, Angel smiling. "Is he a cutie?"
"No Angel, you can't take him" Husker said. Angel frowned.
"He's 25" Charlie continued. "He works as a cashier at Dollar General." The room shivered at that one. Not even Lucifer would create such a manelavent thing. "He is a bigger guy- 6 foot, 300 pounds. He's supposed to be nice, but also quiet. He does not like new situations. And..he's a Christian."
Heads snapped towards Charlie at the revelation. Vaggie crossed her arms, but her face turned thoughtful. "You know. That makes sense."
"Indeedy" Alastor grinned. "A good soul among us damsels? This will be very entertaining."
As he said this, Charlie looked at the clock. "Nifty, go check them out, okay?"
Like a flash, the young Yandere was gone. Its humorous to call her young- Charlie is younger than her!
"So" Vaggie said. "You know that I don't like men Charlie. But" she sighed, taking a deep breath. "For you, I'll give him a shot."
And so, it was. The two watched me through a mirror Charlie was gifted by her father. The group waited in anticipation, Charlie the most.
It was 366 days later that we met for the first time.
