I held off on updating this one, as I wanted to concentrate on finishing "The Girl in Black." But after the recent "Addict" music video, I felt pushed to return to this.

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MENTIONS OF ACEPHOBIA, PAST ABUSE AND PAST SEXUAL ASSAULT! READER DISCRETION ADVISED!

"So, my dear Tina, what did you think of Rosie?" Alastor asked.

It was a few days later and they'd just come back from Franklin and Rosie's Emporium, where Alastor had introduced Tina to one of his oldest acquaintances. They were walking arm-in-arm down the street, intending to be seen together by anyone passing by.

"She's okay," Tina replied with a shrug. "Boy, she does smile a lot. Reminds me a bit of you. If you were like Barbra Streisand in Hello, Dolly!"

Alastor cocked his head. "Barbra who?"

"Right." She rolled her eyes. "Gotta start brushin' up on 30's references you'll understand." She glanced back the way they had come. "What I don't get is why ya didn't ask her to make my gown if dressmakin' is her job."

"While Rosie does make excellent gowns," he said with a dark chuckle, "her clients have an unfortunate habit of not getting out of them. Alive, that is." He leaned down to whisper, "Rosie knows not to harm anyone else close to me, but all the same, it might be in your best interest not to be left alone with her."

"Noted." Tina didn't have the courage to press for more details on that matter. "I have to ask. Is she…just a friend of yours, or did the two of you have something else goin' on at some point?"

"You're not the first to ask." He waved his hand. "But no, the relationship Rosie and I share is about as professional as ours."

"Even so, ya seem to have a lotta female friends. Mimzy, Niffty, Rosie. Why didn't ya ask one of them to be your pretend wife? Just sayin', I'm a practical stranger compared to how ya are with them."

Rolling his wrist, Alastor replied, "My fondness for Niffty is almost paternal, so that would be rather awkward. Rosie is already an Overlord in her own right. She has nothing to gain from our union, as we already have a civil understanding. As for Mimzy…well, there's a bit of a complicated history there."

She looked up at him curiously. "How so?"

"She never told you? Back in the days above, she'd taken quite a shine to me!"

Tina's jaw dropped. "Mimzy had a crush on you?!"

"Is it really a surprise?" he said, running his claw through his hair. "I've been told I am quite the charmer with the ladies!"

"Snake charmer, more like it," she said with a groan. "Ya know? When I told Mimzy the news of our engagement, I thought she was worried 'bout me. Now I'm thinkin' she might've been jealous."

"Exactly!" He held up a finger. "I respect Mimzy too much to get her hopes up that I might one day return her affections. I do have some standards."

She raised an eyebrow. "So, no problems with killin' people, but ya can't stand to break their hearts?"

He widened his grin. "I'm more interested in consuming their hearts."

"Ugh!" She gagged. "You're disgustin'!"

"What? I clean up afterwards!" His ears picked up a soft giggle from her. "Oh, so you won't laugh at my knock-knock jokes, but you'll laugh at the blood and gore?" He elbowed her playfully. "Quite the little lady, aren't you?"

"Just stop!" she exclaimed, holding back her laughter as she nudged him back.

He stopped walking and knelt down to her level. "Oh, don't tell me I'm going to have to worry about breaking your," he said, giving her a boop on the nose, "little heart too, am I?"

"Oho!" she said with a snort, flicking his nose in return. "Now that's the funniest thing you've ever said!"

"Brutal, dear!" He dramatically covered his nose, as if her action had actually hurt. "Simply brutal!"

"Have to keep up with you now, don't I?" she said, batting her eyelashes.

Just then, a female voice said, "In other news, rumors have been spreading all over Hell that Alastor, publicly known as the Radio Demon, one of Hell's most powerful Overlords, has finally found himself a mistress!"

Frowning, Tina turned around and realized they were in front of a TV store. The screens were tuned into Channel 666 News with Katie Killjoy and Tom Trench.

"That's right, Katie," Tom Trench said through his gas mask. "Last Friday night, an up-and-coming singer by the name of Tina Twinkle," a picture of Tina onstage at Mimzy's club appeared in the corner of the screen, "announced to her audience that she and the Radio Demon were engaged! Is this claim true, or is the dame just looking for attention?"

"While Miss Twinkle and the Radio Demon were unavailable for comment," Katie Killjoy continued with her big, plastered smile, "the two of them have been seen together all around Pentagram City!"

A picture of Tina and Alastor walking arm-in-arm appeared next.

"What do you think, Tom?" Katie Killjoy asked her colleague. "Is this a match made in Hell or is this little bat seeking advancement in the demonic hierarchy?"

"Well, if she's a gold-digger," Tom said with a wink, "she's got the legs for it! Who knew that Radio Demon had it in him, eh?"

Not able to listen to them anymore, Tina hastened away from the TVs, her face puffed up in frustration.

"Oh, don't listen to those amateur hosts, darling!" Alastor said as he caught up to her. "Don't you see? This means our little ruse is working!"

"They think I'm a gold-diggin' whore," she grumbled.

"Well, they're not wrong, are they?"

She darted her eyes at him.

"Not the, ahem, whore part, of course. But you did agree to my proposal for purposes of advancement!"

"It's not that cut-and-dry!" Tina shouted. "Sometimes women like us have no choice but to get with a guy to get ahead!"

Raising his eyebrow, Alastor said, "I was merely referring to the business nature of our engagement. And what does it matter what they think as long as it's that we're romantically involved?"

She inhaled deeply through her nose. "That's easy for you to say! Ya have a pretty young thing on your arm and you're a hero for male demons everywhere! But for me I'm just…" After meeting his blank stare, Tina sighed. "Never mind. I wouldn't expect a man like you to understand."

He grabbed her arm to stop her from walking. "We can discuss this later, but it would be best if we refrained from quarrelling in public."

Scowling, she faced him. "Ya sure 'bout that? I hear it's normal for couples to fight!"

She attempted to wrench herself away, only for him to pull her close enough for their noses to be touching. His eyes were glowing dangerously red.

"You seem to have a rather nasty habit of trying my patience, darling," Alastor said in a low whisper. "Push your luck any further, and you'll see what I'm like when I'm truly angry."

Tina boldly maintained eye contact with him. "Didn't we agree that if ya do something to me, I'll do the same thing right back?"

"In private, my dear." The corners of his mouth turned up further. "I don't recall us setting those standards for public situations."

"Uh-huh." She glanced sideways at the demons passing by who were watching them curiously. "And how's it gonna look when they see ya roughin' up your fiancée? I thought the whole point of this was to make people think you were actually in love with somebody."

His shadow on the wall beside him seemed to expand. "Who said I needed to touch you in order to punish you?"

"I mean it, Al!" Tina said, closing her hand around his in an attempt to shove it off. "Let go before we make a scene!"

He tightened his grip. "Only if you tell me what's on your mind first."

"What's on my…?" She grunted. "Damn it, Al! I'm this close to usin' my claws on ya!"

Just as Alastor was about to respond to her threat, a ruby red limousine pulled up beside them. Upon seeing the white hearts painted on the side, the corners of Alastor's mouth dropped an inch. He already knew whose face to expect as the window rolled down.

"Well, well, well," said a heavily flirtatious voice. "Isn't this a pretty picture?"

Also recognizing the voice, Tina turned to face its owner, her previous anger tensing up into fear. Sitting in the limo was a moth demon known all throughout Hell. His tall, zebra-striped, feathered top hat; heart-shaped sunglasses and red, fur-lined coat all made up his iconic look. He had a promiscuously-dressed demoness pressed into either side of him.

"Oh, I'm sorry," the Overlord said, glancing between Alastor and Tina. "Was I interrupting something?"

After quickly releasing Tina's arm and straightening up, Alastor gruffly greeted, "Valentino. You're looking…abundant, as usual."

Valentino grinned widely, his gold tooth glinting. "I heard the rumors on the news, but I simply had to see it for myself!"

He shooed the ladies away and waited for them to move to the other side of the limo before leaning out the window. "And here I was starting to think the big, bad Radio Demon had an erectile dysfunction, but it turns out he's just like any other male down here!"

Lowering his sunglasses, he sized Tina up. "And with excellent taste."

Alastor tensed as he felt Tina grab his arm with both hands. He glanced down to see her eyeing Valentino uneasily. She was even stepping backward, subtly placing Alastor between herself and Valentino. The Radio Demon may have not known Tina for very long, but he had never seen her this nervous before. Not even in front of him, one of the most powerful demons in Hell. Yet somehow, she was more intimidated by Valentino than she was of Alastor.

Meanwhile, the pimp wasn't done talking. "Or were you gonna fry her up after the wedding night? Not that I'm judging, of course. We all have our kinks."

Reaching over, Alastor closed his free hand over Tina's and turned her away from Valentino.

"Just keep walking, dear," Alastor whispered in a way that was both commanding and assuring.

But as they walked, Valentino's limo followed slowly after them. "I mean no harm, Al baby! I merely want you to introduce me to your little wifey-to-be there!"

Without looking at him, Alastor seethed through his teeth. "She is not the sort to be acquainted with the likes of you."

Keeping her head down in an attempt not to be seen by the pimp, Tina looked up at Alastor curiously. This was the first time she'd heard so much contempt in his voice. It was so contrary to his usual cheery, slightly domineering behavior. Now he sounded like a growly lion not willing to share his meal.

"Is that so?" Valentino said, peering behind Alastor to get another look at Tina. "Come to think of it, don't I know you from somewhere, Sugar?"

Turning her face away, Tina murmured, "I-I don't work corners."

"Unlike the ladies you hire," Alastor said, casting a judgmental sideways glance towards the pimp, "my Tina is a demoness of class!"

Valentino scoffed. "I hire those too."

"Al, let's just get outta here," Tina whispered, hunching her shoulders further. "This part of town reeks too much of syphilis."

Those rose-colored glasses glinted in recognition. "Now, I remember you!" The limo skidded to a halt as Valentino strutted out. "You used to be a street performer, didn't you?"

There was an audible record scratch as Alastor stopped walking. He glanced down at Tina, who winced.

"Yes, yes, I remember that big mouth of yours," Valentino said with a nod. "I wanted to put it to good use."

Alastor turned towards the pimp as he slammed the car door. Tina turned with him, though kept her grip on his arm and did her best to hide behind him. Alastor glanced between her and Valentino, astonished that they had met before.

"It's not what ya think," she whispered. "All I did was tell jokes and sing."

"With quite a lovely voice, I must say!" Valentino exclaimed, stalking towards them. "I gave you one of my cards, as I recall." He feigned a pout. "I was actually a bit disappointed when I didn't get your call."

Tina shrank under his gaze, surprised to find he was a giant compared to even Alastor. "I…found an opportunity elsewhere."

"I can see that." His eyes flitted towards Alastor, then focused back on her. "Well, if you ever get tired of having this stiff as your pimp, my previous offer still stands." He held his hand out towards her. "I can make you a star."

Before Valentino could so much as touch her, Alastor grabbed Tina by the shoulder, pulled her back and pressed her into his side. The demonic growl he released was unlike any animal she had ever heard.

"Mr. Valentino," Alastor said, his voice lowering, accompanied by growing static, "I must kindly ask that you cease your harassment of my fiancée!"

Tina gasped internally as she felt his fingers dig into her shoulder in an almost possessive manner, though it didn't hurt as his claws were retracted. She looked up at him questioningly and found that his eyes were transforming into radio dials, Vodou symbols floating all around him. Valentino simply laughed at the display.

"We-he-hell! If I didn't know any better, I'd say the Radio Demon was jealous!"

"Even if she wasn't my fiancée," Alastor said, summoning his microphone, which was glowing readily, "you would do well not to spout such vulgarities whilst a lady is present!"

Valentino kept up his grin as he pulled a cigarette and lighter out of his coat. "I don't think I've ever seen you like this before, Al baby. It's…interesting. And somewhat hot."

His attention returned to Tina as he lit the cigarette. Alastor rotated his body sideways so that he could further shield her.

"You have precisely three seconds to return to your vehicle and leave us in peace," he said as screams began echoing from his microphone, "or else I will be having moth for dinner tonight!"

Valentino puffed his cigarette. "You really up to starting a turf war over a dame?"

Alastor pointed the microphone at him. "Only if you force my hand."

"Ooh, now it's a party!" The pimp reached into his coat for his cellular phone. "Shall I invite our buddy Vox to join in the fun?"

Tina felt Alastor stiffen beside her. She didn't keep up with Overlord politics, but based on Alastor's reaction, she had a feeling this Vox was bad news even for him! Frankly, Tina wasn't big on the idea of getting caught in the middle of a turf war. And if this Vox had even Alastor scared, she wasn't sure he would be able to handle it on his own. As she watched Valentino flip his phone open, Tina felt a sudden, strange obligation to deescalate the situation fast!

So, snapping into performance mode, Tina moved in front of Alastor, saying, "Al, Al! Calm down!" She then placed her hands on his chest. "No need to get yourself in a tizzy!"

The Vodou and static faded into the background as Alastor looked down at his fiancée, confused, and a little bit peeved that she has so foolishly intervened.

"Tina," he said in a warning tone, "darling, what are you—?"

"Shh!" Tina whispered, smiling innocently as she ran her hands up his chest. "It's sweet seein' ya get all defensive over lil' ole me, Sugar. But I can handle myself."

The wink she sent caused Alastor's eyes to return to normal. She was clearly planning something, and he was curious to see what it was. So, when she turned to face Valentino, Alastor quietly placed his hands behind his back.

"Don't believe I properly introduced myself last time, Mr. Valentino," Tina said sweetly, holding out her hand. "I'm Tina Twinkle."

Flicking the cigarette away, Valentino bent down and took her hand. "It's a pleasure, Miss Twinkle."

As he kissed the top of her hand, Alastor's face flared up. This did not go unnoticed by the pimp.

"Looks like this little honey's got ya wrapped around her little finger!" Valentino said, looking back at Tina. "What's your secret, doll? How'd ya manage to tame a wild beast like him?"

He still hadn't let go of her hand, but she pretended not to notice as she giggled. "Oh, you know! He's a real big softie once ya get to know him!"

That caused the Radio Demon's face to grow even redder. "Darling—"

"In a minute, Al!" Tina called back, feigning annoyance. "Sorry, he can be so overprotective sometimes! Anyway, Mr. Valentino, you said you liked my singin', did ya?"

"Oh, yes," Valentino said with a purr, grabbing his arm with his other hand. "Definitely quality enough for my one of my establishments, if you're still interested."

Upon seeing Tina flinch, Alastor felt about ready to rip that insect's flowery wings off! Then he heard her giggle and decided to restrain himself for the moment. After all, he had seen what she was capable of. It would be rude to steal the spotlight away from her prematurely.

"Really!" Tina exclaimed, placing her free hand over her heart. "That's mighty kind of ya to say, mister!" Her voice lowered as she brought a finger to the pimp's chin and pulled him closer. "How's about I sing a little number right now, just for you?"

Valentino chuckled. "That would be—"

But what came out of Tina's mouth wasn't a sweet song, but a sonic screech. Shouting, Valentino jumped back and covered his earholes.

"You fucking bitch!" He lunged for her. "I oughta—"

"Uh-uh-uh!" Tina said, holding up a finger. "Touch me again, and the next note will blow out your eardrums!" She said this so sweetly, but her eyes were narrowed in warning. "Or do ya think I snagged the Radio Demon with my good looks alone?"

Behind her, Alastor was staring at her aghast. Her screech hadn't affected him, as he'd spent decades bending sound to his will, so his ears had since adjusted to such high frequencies. However, he found himself impressed by Tina's performance, luring Valentino into a false sense of security, making him think he had control over the situation, before hitting him where it hurt! And even whilst the furious pimp was seething at her, her air of confidence didn't falter.

Alastor had to clutch his heart to keep it from leaping out of his chest from the sudden euphoria coursing through him.

Flipping her hair, Tina sent Valentino a challenging look as she placed her other hand on her hip. "Wanna find out what fifty octaves above high C sounds like?"

Valentino glanced at Alastor, who wore a smug smile as he crossed his arms. His eyes seemed to say, "Just try it, buddy."

The pimp then laughed as he straightened up. "You've picked yourself a feisty one, Al baby." He looked back down at Tina. "Be careful, doll. Ya don't wanna play around with Overlords." His gaze flicked towards the Radio Demon. "You'll find us to be a…difficult bunch."

"Oh, believe me." Tina rolled her eyes towards her fiancé. "I know."

"Rest assured, darlin'," Valentino said with a tip of his hat, "this won't be the last time we meet." He sent her one last foreboding grin as he stepped back into his limo. "Ciao, babies."

As the limo took off, Tina sighed in exasperation. "What a sleazebag."

When she turned back to Alastor, his face was flushed, his eyes wide as they focused on her.

"Why you lookin' at me like that?" she asked.

Forget the wedding! Let's elope immediately!

Alastor hastily shook the flicker of a thought out of his head. "I hadn't realized you and Valentino were…previously acquainted."

"Oh, that." She hung her head. "Not really. When I first fell, I didn't have anywhere to go. So I sang for my supper on the streets." She looked down the street where Valentino's limo had disappeared to. "Mimzy…wasn't the only one who'd made me an offer."

Alastor's shoulders tensed up. "Did he…make any advances?"

The vehemence in his voice almost made her smile.

"I think he saves that sort of thing for his floozies." She shook her head. "No, he only gave me his card. Said he'd make me a star, but I knew what he really meant by that. I know his type." She frowned. "I won't lie, I…considered it, for a moment. But when Mimzy found me, I tore that card up."

When she looked back up, his head was tilted as he continued to observe her.

"You surprised?" she asked, gesturing to herself. "That's the kind of attention ya grab down here when ya got a bod like this."

"Oh, I wasn't questioning it, dear!" His head snapped back up. "I simply didn't expect you to have a history with one of my rivals!"

"Yeah, I could tell ya weren't a fan." She pointed her thumb towards the street. "What was that all about?"

Alastor sighed. "Valentino is an associate of Vox, another Overlord." He brought out his staff, slamming it onto the concrete. "It is really him I have a burning disdain for, but I don't quite approve of Valentino's exploits either."

"Who's Vox?"

"A television demon. But don't let his seemingly ridiculous appearance fool you. He has it out for me, and no doubt Valentino will be informing him of this incident." He locked gaze with Tina. "You must never approach either of them without my supervision, understand? Now that you're affiliated with me, they might use you as a means to get to me."

"I'm not an idiot." She folded her arms. "Though it would've been nice if ya'd mentioned sooner that becomin' your wife would attract the attention of other Overlords!"

"I had thought it obvious." Before she could scream at him, he raised a finger. "Which would you rather have? The attention of a few powerful demons, with protection? Or the attention of countless lesser demons, with no protection? In fact, didn't you already have Valentino's attention before we made that deal?"

Realizing he had a point, Tina hung her head back with a groan. "Still, you're gonna have to show me a list of everyone who has it out for ya."

"Fair enough." Alastor's grin widened. "Although, I must ask, what do you even need me for?"

She blinked. "Whaddya mean?"

He replayed her sonic screech on his microphone and held it out to her. Demons walking by stopped to cover their ears. Tina was surprised that the Radio Demon appeared unaffected.

"That is a rather unique power you have there," he said, tapping his mic to silence it. "Even if one didn't take that into consideration, you handled yourself pretty well just now. And I know you are unafraid to unleash those claws, should the need arise. So, I cannot help but wonder, why have me as your bodyguard at all?"

She was quiet for a moment. "You remember those goons from last week. I don't always win the fight."

"But you could." He bent down to her level. "I've seen what you can do. Why hold yourself back?"

Rubbing her arm awkwardly, Tina glanced off to the side. "I…I've already killed once. I'd rather not have more blood on my hands."

"What's the point in that?" Chuckling, he gestured to their surroundings dramatically. "Just look where you are, darling! Down here, it's a sinner's playground! If you rough up your playmates, there's no teacher for them to tattle to! Assuming you let them live, of course! Why not let yourself loose and give into your natural, killer instincts?"

Scowling, Tina turned her back to him. "Course a cannibalistic serial killer like you wouldn't understand."

Next thing she knew, he was right in her face. "Try me."

She shoved him away. "I don't wanna talk about it, okay?"

"Oh, come now, my dear!" Straightening up, Alastor twirled his cane in his hand. "What's the use in hiding your sins, when I've committed enough to fill a book longer than anything Tolstoy's ever written?" He plopped his staff into his other hand. "Besides, if we're to be married, why keep secrets?"

She glared up at him. "Would you tell me your secrets?"

Alastor's head tilted with a sickening crack. "Touché, ma chère." Sighing, he caused his staff to disappear. "If I tell you a secret of mine, will you tell me yours?"

He held out his claw, but she only stared at it. It truly didn't matter to him whether she told him or not, but it would be advantageous to have something to hold over her, should she fall out of line in the future. She had also been testy all afternoon, and he wanted to know the reason behind it. After all, it wouldn't do for his fake fiancée to have such a negative attitude around him.

Without taking his hand, Tina simply stated, "Maybe."

It wasn't exactly a deal, but Alastor would take it. Anything to get her out of this foul mood.

Retracting his hand, he glanced at a group of onlookers and said, "Let's discuss this somewhere private, shall we?"

Summoning his staff once again, Alastor tapped it to the ground and the world around them changed. Yelping, Tina grabbed his arm to get away from the indescribable images surrounding her. She expected them to appear in his house or hers, but instead, they ended up in a gazebo in the middle of a swamp. His swamp, more specifically. She was about to ask why he'd chosen this place when he suddenly spoke.

"I have an extreme…dislike of dogs."

Releasing his arm, Tina looked up at him in disbelief. "That's your deepest, darkest secret? Ya don't like dogs?!" She crossed her arms. "What, so you're a cat person or something?"

Alastor looked out at the swamp in a far-off gaze. "A pack of hunting dogs ripped me apart."

Her expression softened as she continued to listen.

"I don't tell many people how I died," he said, running his hand over his chest. "But since then, I can't even bear to look at a dog. Or a demon possessing canine features, for that matter. I…" He glanced down at his chest. "I can't have my enemies knowing that, so…I'd very much appreciate it if you not repeat this to anyone."

The corners of his mouth pulled downward, his everlasting smile threatening to leave. Tina watched as he traced a pattern on his chest, as if subconsciously mapping out the wounds those dogs had inflicted. She could understand why this would be a hard thing for him to admit. He was one of Hell's most powerful Overlords, yet anyone could intimidate him just by showing him a dog, or being a dog.

Weaknesses and fears were serious down here in Hell. One chink in the armor could be a demon's undoing. Tina couldn't believe Alastor trusted her enough to confess his chink. Or was he lying? No, having a phobia of dogs was a stupid thing to lie about. All she would have to do was buy a poodle in order to debunk it.

Was he really that desperate to hear her tragic backstory? She had to admit, it had been a long time since anyone had ever confided in her about something so personal.

Damn, he's good.

"He was my boss."

Alastor turned to her. She refused to meet his gaze as she walked up to the gazebo's railing.

"He owned the club I performed at when I was alive," she continued, leaning against the rail. "We…we had an affair."

He walked up beside her. "Let me guess. He wouldn't leave his wife?"

Tina shook her head. "He wouldn't leave me. I knew it was wrong to begin with, but…well, some men need extra convincin' in the entertainment biz. But this one, he…he got rougher." She clutched the railing. "I was gettin' sick of it. I didn't know he was married, see. He never wore his ring around me. Then when his wife came to the club, I realized he hadn't kept our relationship under wraps just cuz it was unprofessional. He also didn't want her findin' out."

Pausing a moment, she closed her eyes. "I just…couldn't do it anymore. So I confronted him, told him we were through. He…threatened to fire me." Her chest rose as she began hyperventilating. "Called me…a slut. Just started…ravin'! Like a mad man! That I…hadn't been a…a bitch about it before, so why…why should it matter he was married? And then…then he got…real rough."

A tear plopped onto the rail as Tina brought her hands to her shoulders, hugging herself tightly. Alastor then recalled when he had grabbed her by the shoulders a few days ago. Had that former boss of hers grabbed her in a similar fashion? Was that what had triggered her then?

There was a sudden, uncomfortable lurch in his stomach. What was this feeling? Was it…guilt?

"He…he was on top of me." She stretched out her hand, closing it around an invisible object. "So I…I grabbed the paperweight on his desk, and…" She raised her hand. "H-Hit him over the head." Inhaling sharply, she brought her hand down. "Again. And again! I…I just wanted him off me!"

Slowly, Tina returned to the present moment, returning her hand to the railing. "You…you may not regret your sins…but I do. Cuz I sure as hell didn't enjoy committin' 'em."

More tears fell as she dug her claws into the wooden railing, not caring about possible splinters. For a moment, Alastor stood there in silence, at a loss of what to do. People rarely cried in front of him. Unless he was torturing them, of course. All he could think of was what his mother had taught him to do when he saw a lady weeping.

With a wave of his claw, he made a handkerchief appear.

"Now, now," Alastor said, holding the handkerchief out to her. "Dry those tears, my dear. They don't suit you."

Tina accepted the handkerchief and was about to thank him when she felt his finger on her chin. He tilted her face upwards to meet his. Of course, that grin hadn't faltered in the slightest.

"How's about you show me that pretty smile, hmm? You're so much lovelier when you smile!"

Scowling, Tina smacked his hand and shoved the handkerchief in his face. "For Christ's sake, don't ya have any fuckin' sensitivity?!"

Narrowing his eyes, Alastor pulled the handkerchief from his face. "I'll forget that ever happened, given your state of…emotions."

"At least I have 'em!" Tina shouted, poking him in the chest. "And will ya stop fuckin' tellin' me to smile all the time? Don't ya think I get enough of that crap as it is?!"

"What's wrong with a little smile, my dear?" He gestured to his toothy grin. "You said so yourself, you're never fully dressed—"

"It's a fuckin' song, you dickwad! Ya think I actually wanna be smilin' all the fuckin' time like you?!"

Alastor stepped back before she could push him. "Your smile may not be present all the time, but you show it often."

"That's cuz I'm a woman, you pompous creep!" She pointed at herself. "I have to put up a smile, or else I look like I'm upset! At least…that's what he said." She scoffed. "Well, I am upset!" Bringing her hands to her head, she began pulling at her hair. "No, I'm not upset, I'm angry! How the hell am I supposed to look like I'm happy when I'm fuckin' fallin' apart every…single…fuckin'…"

Unable to hold it in anymore, she released a sonic screech. The wooden gazebo cracked around her and nearby crocodiles dove underwater.

After what felt like several minutes, she panted heavily, looking up at Alastor, who appeared completely unfazed by her outburst. Letting out an exhausted groan, Tina fell to her knees and allowed more tears to fall.

A minute later, a pair of red knees entered her line of sight. Looking up, she found Alastor kneeling down to her level, offering her the handkerchief once more. This time, she didn't throw it back in his face, but used it to wipe her own.

"Have we gotten that out of our system, now?" he asked calmly.

Nodding, Tina blew her nose.

"You needn't be ashamed of your sins, little one," Alastor said, sounding strangely like a parent consoling a child. "As I've told you, I've done far worse. But from what you've told me, that scum of a man got what was coming to him. Actually, he sounds like the sort of man I would've killed, but you killed him in self-defense. I hardly think that warrants damnation."

Sniffing, she lowered the handkerchief. "That's…what I said."

"Hmm." He rubbed his chin in thought. "Couldn't have been the adultery. You were clearly coerced."

Tina winced. "He…wasn't the first man I…slept with…for a gig."

Slowly, Alastor began to realize why she would constantly switch from being flirtatious to being brash, and why she'd been so nervous around Valentino. More than once, a man had approached her with a request regarding her body. But after killing the last man to dominate her, she had decided not to comply with those requests anymore. However, despite her resolve to change, the men still came for her. It wasn't that she was afraid of killing them. She just wanted the cycle to end.

That was why Alastor was here.

"Well," he said simply. "This certainly explains a lot."

She opened her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I am merely stating the facts, my dear." He lifted her chin with his finger. "You were a woman of color, in a profession dominated by white men, and I can only assume you were as easy on the eyes then as you are now. With all these odds stacked against you, you felt the need to get where you wanted to be through any means necessary. That may make you a sinner, but I don't think that makes you shameful."

Taking her hands, he lifted her to her feet. "The world is a cruel place, my dear. Sometimes you have to be cruel to survive in it."

Leading her to the rail, he gestured towards the endless, red sky. "The only difference between Earth and Hell is that down here, you no longer need to fear death. Except in special circumstances, of course. Which is why it's ridiculous to have any reservations in repeating your past sins.

"Though, I must say," he said, looking down at her, "remorse is a rare trait I find in demons. For what it is worth, if I had been in charge upstairs, I wouldn't have considered what you just told me as enough to damn you."

Tina glanced down at her feet. "I…I know why He sent me down here. He might've forgiven my other sins, but I can't even forgive myself for…"

Then she stopped, closing her mouth immediately.

"For…?" Alastor asked, tilting his head curiously.

"Nothing," she said, stepping out of his hold.

He had a feeling there was more to her story. That there was some other sin she'd committed far worse than fulfilling sexual favors and murdering in self-defense. Unless she'd eaten that one victim, Alastor couldn't think of anything that could be worse. However, he decided he would let the subject drop for now, as she seemed emotionally spent already.

After all, they were to be married. There would be plenty of time to uncover her other skeletons in the closet.

"Al?"

"Yes?"

"I…" Blushing slightly, Tina twiddled her fingers. "W-What ya did back there, with Valentino, I…" She took a deep breath. "Thanks. To be honest, I…I wouldn't've had the gall to stand up to him if ya…hadn't been there to…back me up."

Alastor raised his hand. "Think nothing of it, sweetheart! I may be a sinner, but I simply cannot stand idly by and let a fine lady such as yourself be treated with such disrespect! After all, what kind of husband would I be if I carelessly left my wife to fend for herself against such an insect?"

When a small smile graced her lips, there was a roar of applause.

"There's that smile!" Alastor said, clapping his hands. "Don't you feel better now, dear?"

She nodded slowly.

"Well, I don't know about you, but that illuminating conversation has left me starved!"

She snorted. "Keep me off the menu, if ya don't mind."

Alastor found himself surprisingly elated that she was making wisecracks again. He hadn't realized how much he'd been missing them.

"Ha-ha! Another time, maybe! Actually, I was thinking that I finally introduce your taste buds to my mother's famous jambalaya recipe!" He winked. "If you think you can handle a dish spicy enough to turn your tongue to ash! Ha-ha!"

As he held his hand out to her, Tina's heart skipped a beat. Deciding not to dwell on the sudden feeling in her chest, she smiled further and accepted Alastor's hand.

She would say this much. Of all the Overlords she could've made a deal with, she was glad she'd chosen Alastor.

Originally, I was going to have Vox be the one they run into, but after the recent music video gave me more insight to Valentino's nature, I realized he would be more intimidating to Tina. Also, I felt I didn't know enough about Vox to try writing him, same reason Rosie's only briefly mentioned in this chapter.

One thing I've noticed with OC and Reader fics in this fandom, is that even though these are supposed to be demons in Hell, the many of the fanfic writers I come across are afraid to explore the sins of their demonic OCs/Readers, or they make them WAY too nice. As much as you love your characters, if you make them a demon, you have to remember they're in Hell for a reason, and Hell isn't full of Charlies (unfortunately).

I have three more chapters planned. I told you this was going to be a short one.