A Deal with No Strings

by Fanphasegirl

Charlie discovers family in the human world, summoning her down to Hell. Hoping to get some new support in her life, her family isn't what Charlie expected. She is helpful in warning Charlie that, "Our Actions have Consequences". Plus, this new family member falls in love with the worst possible candidate- Alastor. Angel profits from everyone's roller coaster experience, kinda.

3. Chapter 3: I Am the True Fallen One

Chapter Three:

I am the True Fallen One

"A.D.! How much to touch you?" Aby made her way over to Angel. Currently sitting at the bar, waiting to pick on Husk, who had yet to show up.

"Baby, you realize it's barely eight in the morning, right?" Angel fingered the rim of the glass of ice water he was drinking.

Fighting the last of his hangover from the night before. Not looking behind him as she acknowledged his 'mistress'.

"How much to touch you?" She asked again, repeating herself, her tone remaining the same.

Angel's mouth formed a frown. Aby hated repeating herself unless it was important. He made the decision to give her the rates.

"$300 minimum, $100 extra cuz you're a chick and I'm not into that, plus the drug free fee, and if you want me to touch you back- you'll have to strap a banana to your thigh to poke me that, may or may not, be convincing as a cock so I can imagine I'm hugging someone with a dick and boobs. Instead of- you know…you." Though half of the reply was said to joke with her, the other was just the usual prices he gave her.

The two had been at this for almost two weeks now. Which is why it didn't faze him when she slammed the money on the counter keeping her place behind him. He also knew the look on her face was the same exact one she gave him when she did this. A cocky grin with an arched eyebrow that said 'I'm the shit. I got the money. Now- on your knees'.

It would have turned him on if not for the soft innocence her face reluctantly held. It came from that part of her heart that said 'I'll play the game your way. But only because I know it's the only way to keep you safe from yourself'. The strange combination made him turn on the flirty charm to the max, but also made him playful in a non-sexual way. He had no idea where it came from, but he did know he couldn't do it with everyone.

Another usual thing that came with the new routine, was what made the biggest difference. Angel no longer bothered counting the amount, knowing she never shorted him. Spinning in the stool he gave her an alluring face. Using his top set of hands, he brushed his chest fur while his second set rubbed the inside of his thighs before bringing them to circle his knees. He lifted his gloved hands so only his fingers made contact with his body, giving a sensational show. When he made it to his mini skirt, he held it between his indexes and his thumbs to pull it up. Adding in the extra points for a risqué peak show. He finished his little display by blowing a kiss and extending his top arms out to invite Aby to grab him. She smiled delightfully at him, shaking her head endearingly. Confusing him long enough to keep him from reacting when she came in for a sweet embrace. She buried her face in his chest puff; motor-boating the pile of fur.

"W- What are y-you doing ya little freak?" Angel fell back into the bar. His arms flaring about before gripping everything within reach that wasn't Aby. Doing this in case he fell to the floor. Attempting to keep himself from taking her with him.

"You seem like you didn't sleep very well last night. I just don't want you to have a bad day," she told him softly, not giving much thought to his freak out.

Angel's face dropped for a second. Finally, after about a minute, letting himself smile warmly at the way Aby approached the situation. He hugged her back. Careful not to let anyone see him acting this way. It had been long enough into his arrangement with Aby by this point, that he understood she wouldn't sully his reputation. Especially not if he gave her some affection back. The voice in the back of his mind did wonder how she came to that conclusion though. Starting to feel he wasn't acting like his usual self enough, he broke the silence.

"Hey, guess what", he whispered into her hair. Giving it a tiny kiss.

"What?" Aby shot her head up, careful not to hit him on accident. Looking at Angel in one of the most innocent ways he'd ever seen her. Things like this is what made him think she could actually be cute.

"I can destroy you with one finger, doll." He said it with a straight face to make the joke more powerful.

"I can destroy you with one swift swing of my boot to your ass." Aby had been able to do it better. The two shared a stare for less than a minute before they started laughing, leaning into each other as they belted from their own stupidity.

Later that day, Angel had put his gun in his bag as he grabbed the key to his room. He looked up and down the hall before securing the door to said room behind him. After one more scan of the hall, he began making his way to the elevator. He had to make sure no one saw him who would ask questions. After the text he received, he had to take advantage that Aby was god knows where with Alastor. Secretly grateful for the strawberry pimp's eagerness to keep as far away from him as possible. When he felt he was far enough away from the hotel, he waved down a cab.

"Valentino's turf studio." It was all he had to say for the driver to figure out where to go.

The drive was a short one as the cabbie made sure to step on it. Valentino had built himself up to be known as the kind of Demon lord who wasn't meant to be kept waiting. It was even more expected when he called you. When the car pulled up to the curb in front of the club, Angel just sat for a couple minutes. Staring at his phone, he studied a picture that he and Aby had taken after one of their 'lessons'. He still remembered when they started meeting up the way they had been. It had been that night he took her out with him to one of his favorite bars. Aby had approached him after chasing off another horny old bag who had been giving him a hard time. Able to distinguish between a potential partner and a potential hazard. She fussed over him constantly, checking his drink to make sure no one had drugged it, keeping a hold of his wallet purse so no one would steal it and never going too far from him. She even went with him to the bathroom. Because of this, he had to use the family restroom so neither of them got harassed after being dragged into a stall by a lowlife. HIs money said that if it was going to happen to anyone, it would be her. It was his way of looking out for her in return, since she didn't care about her own safety when he was around. Evident by how she couldn't care less when perverts had been tugging at the skirt of her dress but whipped out a knife at the first fucker that tried to reach up his dress for a game of tug and kiss. Angel also made sure to compromise by doing something she wanted. This was keeping him on the dance floor to get him sobered up before she dragged him back to the hotel just before closing. On the way back, they had had a fun conversation.

*#*

"God, I hate it! A guy in drag is a better sex symbol than me", Aby groaned as they started walking back to the hotel. Beating the crowd of drunks and druggies who would no doubt try to convince Angel to take them home.

"Aww are you jealous", Angel teased.

"I know you're a porn star but why do guys jump to buy you a drink before me?" Aby appeared to be genuinely hurt by her lack of getting hit on.

"Doll, trust me, it's not that great. Look around at all the fucking harlequin babies down here, they-."

"Heeey- that's a real disease. You shouldn't throw that around so lightly." Aby had such a serious look on her face as she used her handbag to tap Angel on the head a couple times. She would use the gesture many times after that. This was a way of 'beating the message into his head'.

"Well sooooorry. But my point still stands." Angel pushed her hand away with no effort as he gave an apologetic but underlined sarcastic smile.

"It's not about the players. It's about the game. You don't understand. No matter who I'm out with I'm always the ugly, designated, anti-creeper friend."

"Yeah, because you don't try to be anything else you damn mother hen." Angel thought before speaking again.

"Why does that bother you, anyway?"

"Because- I want to have fun too." Angel translated the phrase as to mean 'I want be more than this bored, square, goody goody who takes cold showers and reads too much porno'. Based on the look on her face, he felt it wasn't wrong.

"It's not fun doll, it's a fucking scene. And a boring dime-a-dozen one at that," Angel placed his arms around Aby as they kept walking. Angel recognized the fidgeting movements Aby had begun doing.

"That's easy for you to say. I can't get laid unless I pay for it or unless I settle for the very lowest bottom feeders", Aby's face became a deep shade of red.

"No- I don't believe it. In fact, I think it has more to do with who you wanna fuck." Aby gave him a side glance, failing to look him in the eye.

"You want to please him without being a whore. Greedy little gluten mess. You want to have your cake and eat it. Slooowly, moooistly, and swallowing all that creeeeamy saaaalty-."

"Don't be rude, A.D. its mean." Aby flicked Angel's forehead when he started moaning his lines. He gave a low, closed mouth giggle at the sight of the most adorable closet outed face he had ever seen. Aby had such a spectrum of faces. It was different.

"You know, you've been so cute giving me all this money, doll", Angel confessed. Letting his arms snake over her shoulders. Continuing his thought, "Too bad you can't get your money's worth." Angel waved his hand in the air, shifting his gaze up. Aby spun around so fast she had almost hit Angel with her long hair in the face. The fast movement had also made him flinch out of habit. That's when she blurted out the question.

"How much for you to teach me?" Aby looked Angel dead in the eyes as her face went extremely close to his. A hopeful look plastered to it.

"W-w-what?" Angel felt so lost once his anxiety started to ease.

"How much for you to teach me to please a man? You're a guy, you must know some tricks only guys would know", Aby reasoned as she kept moving dangerously close.

"Y-you know I- I prefer men. That's part of the reason."

"Yeah, I saw your video 'Multiple Hands for Multiples Good Times'. It wasn't hard to figure it out from there." Angel gave her a confused look.

"When did you have time to-?"

"Someone showed it to me while we were on the dance floor. He wanted to be sandwiched between us with his ass facing you. I told him I didn't think you'd be into that. Crossdressing is one thing. Dick rubbing is another. That's when he whipped it out on his phone. Fucker was ready too- like it was his 'moment' or something."

"And…what happened after?" Angel watched as Aby finally backed out of his personal space, the expression of minor guilt mixed with a smile she gave him made him burst out laughing.

"Oh, baby, you're gonna be bad for business. I can already tell." He wiped a tear from his eye, bringing Aby in close to him at the same time. Not having to look at her to know she was stunned in confusion.

They made it back to the hotel. Angel led Aby back to his room. Deciding to give her her first lesson. He sat her on his bed before giving her a strip tease. It was his way of figuring out what kinds of things she was into. Watching her as she watched him turned out to be very interesting. She was easy to read when it came to what she wanted. But when he got her to put her hands on him, things took an unexpected turn. She had managed to get him on his back, completely taking over the situation. Biting and scratching at him in all the ways he enjoyed. Getting rougher with him if he told her it was okay. Every session after that had been less vocal. She only needed to be told once in the bedroom what he wanted, and she would give it to him, changing up the combination every time, making each experience a pleasurable one. Each time after, she would take the time to groom his fur and lull him to sleep. She would show him such care and appreciation. Always insisting on making sure he was taken care of so his health wouldn't decline.

Angel had dealt with post sex romantics, obsessions, control freaks, and fetishes. Lots and lots of fetishes. All across the board, ranging from weird to kinky to 'Fuck that shit'. More than that, he was used to the occasional customer trying to be sweet to him. Aby wasn't like them. When they did it with Angel, it made him feel like it was a blank pass time. Waiting for the last of their time and trying to get on his good side for a discount or unreasonable favor. Even the off-beat ones like Travis, who just did it out of what seemed like a habit, made him hate it. Aby took the time to talk to Angel. To take care of him. And when she listened... she listened. The fact that he could charge her extra or push her off was all the proof he needed.

Call it what you want, it was a nice change for the slutty arachnid. He had never expected her to be both a fast learner and a simple romantic. Always careful to never get too clingy. Making him earn his scratches as well as his cuddles. It built a trust between them. Because of all this together, Angel felt comfortable faster than usual. Making the choice to communicate with her new favorite. When he talked to her about allowing him to engage in his masochistic desires, she did express some uncertainty. The first couple tries had been very vocal as Aby focused on listening for their agreed upon safe word: Mongoose. After those tries, Aby became the perfect mistress for him. She was a complete natural as she made sure to cause him many forms of pleasurable pain. It was because of this that he discovered she had plenty of experience with whips, chains, and shackles. She did seem reluctant to discuss the topic, so Angel didn't push her too hard. A favor she returned by not forcing him to show her his feet. It was the only part of himself that he was self-conscious about. During sessions, Aby would soothe his worry about her seeing them by moving to his face and fluttering kisses over his cheek and neck. Followed by choking him to the point breathing was a privilege. It was stupid; regardless Angel let himself bask in it.

*#*

Fast forward to the present, Angel brushed his finger over the photo on his screen. The picture had been taken at a downward angle, the lighting complimenting both skin tones of the two in it. A small smile slipped over his face. In the photo, Angel was in his regular suit with his old hat on his head a Tommy gun in the hand that was draped over Aby's waist. Aby was in the dress he had given her, her hair curled, pinned up, and decorated with an adorable matching ribbon. Both held a popular snack Aby always had on her called Pocky sticking out of their mouths. Angel then swiped the screen right looking at another picture they had taken with Cherri. The three of them had gone to an amusement park only to get kicked out early because Cherri had started a fight with a prick who had tried to grab her ass before they got on the coaster. However, it had been Angel who made it physical due to his withdraws making him hate life. Aby had also made the transition easier with some weird potion she made for him. Though this particular day he didn't drink enough.

In the end, they had managed to escape before getting put on the banned list officially but Aby was still upset about the chaos. Cherri had made up with her by getting her a milkshake in a 50s themes café she enjoyed visiting from time to time to listen to the old rock n roll music. After the shakes they went out to karaoke, the three of them dancing to party music in between songs. Angel still laughed at how energetically Aby had danced. He never thought she was the type to enjoy pole dancing, but she found it to be one of her favorite kinds of dance. He had had so much fun. The two girls were very different in many ways, but Angel still cared very deeply for both of them. It was that care that led him here with his boss. He pushed his phone in his pocket as he got out of the car.

The nightclub was bumping as the lights flashed and the music roared over the speakers. Multiple dancers in various parts of the room showing attention to the clients who seated themselves looking like their shit didn't stink. Angel was always disgusted by the display, but recently he found himself being more annoyed by it. Though he didn't know the cause. Angel had been able to make his way through the club with relatively no trouble or ass grabbing. Many had looked his way with hungry eyes, but that was as far as they had been willing to go. Everyone knew his face, everyone knew his boss, and everyone wanted to avoid falling to the unknown void after getting their asses killed. Angel made it into the elevator going up to the top of the multi-floored building. From inside Angel could see the blinking of the giant neon sign that was bolted to the side of the building. When did this place become so to him? He heard the recognized ping of the elevator alerting him to the arrival of his level. He stepped out, looking side to side, seeing no one was around. Walking up to the large door leading to the VIP office, which was really just a personal lounge for Valentino and his companion Vox. He knocked loudly a couple times waiting for the-.

"Come in." Angel opened the door, keeping his head up tall as he entered with as much grace and style as he could.

The door closed behind him on its own as the boss laid on the custom styled pull out couch. Next to him was the TV demon lord who sat cross legged, one hand playing on his phone. He paid no attention to Angel as he made his way across the floor, coming down the three steps that led to the sitting area which looked like a sunken circle in the center of the room. Valentino, on the other hand, kept his eyes on Angel the whole time he moved. Sitting with his top set of arms bent at the elbows dangling from the couch back, while his lower set sat folded against his torso. He had a large sinister grin on his face that Angel knew wouldn't last. He stopped just short of ten feet in front of his boss as he stood plainly.

"It's been a while, Angie baby", Valentino let his supple, deep voice roll off his long, pointed tongue. Angel didn't speak as he waited for his boss to get to the point.

"You haven't been coming in lately. I take it you have a good excuse." Valentino looked harshly at Angel, his composure slowly leaking through. Though only those who know Valentino personally would be able to tell. Due to this, Angel took the hint as incentive to reply.

"It wasn't anything I could control boss it was this-."

Valentino jumped from the couch, gripping Angel's face in on hand as he lost his shit. Baring his sharp fangs, his caws threatening to cut Angel's skin. At the same time, Angel knew that wasn't going to happen because his face was his work. Plus- that wasn't what Val was into. Angel stood completely still as he let the sex demon lord finish. His voice carrying an aggressive growl.

"IS THAT THE BEST YOU'VE GOT?!" He retracted just enough to gain back some composure without losing dominance. Saying in his normal tone, "Angie, baby. Why do you try my patience so? Haven't I always taken care of you? What have I told you?"

Angel inaudibly sighed. "Stay in the studio." He kept his gaze at the taller of the two. Deep inside, he hated this conversation.

"And, where were you?" Valentino's posture became taller as he towered over the spider porn star.

"Not- the studio. But- boss. I have the cash." Angel reached into hit suit pocket, pulling an envelope from it.

Valentino took one look at it before letting go of Angel's face, using the same hand to take the envelope. One of his other hands reached behind him to the side table next to where he had been sitting. He picked up a glass cup filled with unknown contents. Valentino lifted it to his lips before bringing his mouth over Angel's. Angel closed his eyes as he let the cold liquid pour into his mouth. Swallowing it against his better judgement. Valentino slipped his tongue into Angel's oral cavity, gliding it against his. Circling it before sucking on it. Angel felt his body start to get hot. He started a clock in his head- 20 minutes. Valentino bit down on Angel's bottom lip, leaving two puncture marks from the hold he was able to get on it. He then pulled away, licking the blood from his lips before addressing Angel again.

"This is a lot more than usual. How did you manage this?" Angel didn't answer, instead fighting his body from going into submissive mode.

"What's wrong? Got yourself a new regular? That's not like you at all. You hate spending too much time with just one person. So, who is it?" Angel still didn't answer. Now using his arms to shield himself as he shifted his weight back and forth, his body betraying him. Unable to decide between fighting back and just quitting before it got bad. This wasn't how things were supposed to go.

Damn it, I've been clean too long. He couldn't figure out how much time his body had under these conditions.

"I've been hearing rumors Angel, baby. What's this I've been hearing about you being the lap dog for that bitch from the hotel?" Angel started shaking as standing became too much of a chore for him. Valentino saw the change and figured out what was going on.

"You're trying to go clean?!" He threw the glass onto the floor. Shattering it with a loud craaack echoing across the room as he took Angel by the throat with one hand, another pulling his hair. He made sure to use his claws to keep it from being too enjoyable for the pink slut. Slowly, he lifted Angel off the ground.

"I don't know what the fuck you think you're doing. But I know you are NOT about to cause me some troubled shit I don't want to deal with." Angel kept his arms down, knowing if he tried to make it seem like was fighting Valentino while he was in one of his moods, it would just make it harder for him.

"N-no. D-don-t hu-rt. Hurt. H-her." Angel could barely get the words out as he started to lose focus on what was happening.

Too many things were overwhelming his senses. His ability to make out images had been temporarily blurred. He was just about ready to black out. Suddenly, without warning, he heard something cut through the air as Valentino's grip broke. A series of metallic clanking sounds traveled on the current before the loud thudding of Valentino's body hitting something else. He heard the shuffle of what turned out to be Vox leaping to his feet, ready to act. Another cut of air had been made out along with the same combination of sounds.

"What the- The fuck are you doing he-?" Vox has a demanding tone in his voice before another metallic sound seemed to cut him off.

Angel's vision started coming back, allowing him to notice something shinny reaching across the room. He saw, with his peripheral vision, someone standing in front of the door. He proceeded to have a fit of harsh coughs. Having had the wind knocked out of him after falling on his back. Breathing heavily when he could. The heat in his body was growing as he felt his limbs go numb. He used some of the last of his strength to turn his head. It was here that he saw the figure had actually been Aby. The pulsing of his blood rushing a tingle sensation over him, his head feeling lighter and lighter.

"Get your fucking hands off him you tall, evil, whining, worthless piece of shit. You call me bitch, but I see you having used too much free time spent on your own back. Think about that next time you sling mud, douchebag. Ta." Angel's vision went fuzzy again. A green light overtaking the world around him. Once it cleared, he was relieved to know he was in his room back at the hotel. Aby had teleported him on his bed, using a handkerchief to pet the moisture his body started secreting away before working on the blood over his mouth. Through the corner of his eye, a large bowl rested on the nightstand. The damp towel felt cold against his body's heated state. That was when Aby spoke. A far less sinister tone than before.

"You fucking idiot. What the hell were you thinking? Do you have any idea what I had to do to find you? How worried I was?" Angel moaned in response to the attention his body was getting. He was sensitive all over. Every feeling making him eager to be touched more. Causing him to push back weakly against her touches.

Aby retracted her hand, "What's wrong with you. Now's not the time for asshole jokes!"

She watched Angel's face. Eyeing him struggle to form coherent sentences. His eyes were glossed over in pure lust, his pupils dilated. Cheat heaving as his breathing was broken and rough, showing he had to focus to keep it even. Aby's face grew more concerned as she failed to hold the anger, she had previously lashed at him.

"What did he do to you?" She cupped him face as she often did.

"D-dru-." Angel couldn't speak. His body was starting to feel immense pain as the pressure built up in the lower half of him. He knew what it was, but he needed to fix it. And fast.

Damn it. I'm almost out of time, he thought. His chest had begun to hurt, but not from the effects of the drink.

Aby's eyes went wide, "The fucker drugged you?"

Angel mustered his strength, focusing it. He gave a single nod. Aby's face dropped into one of pure dread. Her eyes had started to tear up. Angel could feel her hands shaking. His stomach churned. His heart swelled. Angel couldn't imagine what she was feeling. But with a face like that, any doubt he ever had about how much Aby wanted better for Angel had been entirely destroyed. With the realization came another emotion from within Angel. He hated that face she made- because it made him know how grateful he was to have her as a friend. Along with how few friends he'd ever had who gave a shit about him. Even in life. He'd always known he landed in Hell for a reason. He just never let himself care.

"Oh, Angel Dust. I'm so sorry." She stifled the tears. A look of determination on her face. "There has to be something I can do to help. What do you need?"

Angel knew there was a better answer. He also knew it would be a longer answer. Feeling out of options, he moaned lightly, opening his mouth at her. Licking his lips slowly. His signature indicator. Her mouth became tight at the response, she knew where this was going. The sinking in her gut only continuing down. It became harder for her to fight her tears as she spoke.

"Please, no. Surely, not like this. Even if that's what he had planned for you, that can't be the only way. I don't want to hurt you." A tear fell directly onto Angel's cheek. Her face coming to rest against his as she let the pain in her chest eat at her.

If I had to say, I'd pick you over him every time, he thought. Aby felt the bell ring in the back of her mind. She pulled away from Angel hovering over him.

"Angel Dust. Do the best you can. If you trust me, let me know. You have to be ABSOLUTLY sure. You don't have to forgive me once it's over. And that's okay. But right now, you have to be completely sure. Say it. No nods." Aby couldn't stand it. How she was listening to the bell for something like this.

Once more, Angel concentrated. He let the feeling ball in the back of his throat. He was in some pain, he was in an overbearing amount of heat, but despite all this, his head wasn't fogged over by it. He took a deep breath. Making sure to look her in the eyes as he concentrated.

"Yyy-yes." He said it. He told her he consented as best he could. Circumstances be damned.

Aby got off the bed, gathering the supplies from around his room as she took the time to mentally prepare herself. She returned to him as quickly as she could since there wasn't much time. Starting off with tying a blindfold over his eyes. She had only known about these kind of drugs to an extent in the human world. None of the experiences had been pleasant. Now she was questioning how they worked in Hell. Either way, she couldn't forgive herself if Angel saw the look on her face as she went through with this. She poured the gel on her finger, spreading his legs, moving his panties to the side. Not wasting a thought on the otherwise shocking facts that he was wearing any. Meanwhile, her other hand got to work as well. Doing so by stimulating him through the fabric. She felt so disgusting. Doing all the things she had done with him in their previous lessons. Making sure to accommodate the sensitivity of his body. Not able to control the trembling of her hands. Angel had been responding positively to her ministrations all the while. Moaning louder with every thrust of her fingers. A couple tears trailed down her cheek as she ignored her need to cry. Angel cried out as he came for the first time. They spent the next hours and a half there on that bed. Aby used multiple toys and lotions to create new sensations over the spots Angel got the most pleasure from. She moved his body for him, bending or twisting him to get the right angles and pressures to get him to cum again. Then again. This went on two more times before Angel could use his arms enough to touch her back.

A true pro, she thought to herself. No real limit even up to the very end.

By this point, Angel had also been able to use his voice. Speaking dirty to Aby, encouraging her to continue to adjust to his body's needs. He was enjoying what was being done. He made a private note to run the idea of using the hormone drug in the future again. Deciding to butter her up to the idea ahead of time by letting her know how much better she was than Valentino. He explained between pants that his old pimp never let him cum and acted like a dick. He soothingly rubbed at her back when she pulled him into her lap making him cum once more. Never responding to his bed banter.

"Don't worry, doll. For me, this is just another form of pleasure. I'm sorry you had to get dragged into my kinks. I know it's new to you, but I promise this- is- incredible." It wasn't a lie. For him, this was another form of foreplay for Valentino. Aby buried her face in the crook of his neck, biting the spot and sucking at it.

Currently, Charlie was trying to head to the kitchen to get a late-night snack. Once out in the hall, she decided to do a round to check things out. She was coming up near Angel's door when she made out the distinct sound of him moaning. Charlie knew Angel had been acting out in his own way lately. Suspicious of if he was following the rules about guests, she took a peek through the keyhole. Charlie gasped as she saw Aby in between Angel's legs. Angel was bouncing in her lap as he was being trusted into. Charlie couldn't believe what she was seeing. In a flustered panic, Charlie retreated running back to her room. She closed the door behind her. Immediately she attempted to recollect her thoughts. Always coming back to the same conclusion.

How could I have let this happen? Aby has been treating Angel as- as- as- as property. As a sex object…

Meanwhile, back in the room. Aby and Angel were tangled together under the sheets. They reached a decent stopping point once Angel had maxed out his shot limit. Angel was then eased onto his back by Aby. She had tried to sneak away, leaving Angel to rest. Instead, he had pulled her on top of him, holding her with his lower arms while the top ones adjusted his pillows and pealed the blindfold back. Angel was craving a smoke, deciding to allow his legs some time before he fell on his face like a moron trying to get them from his hiding spot under the dresser. In the meantime, Angel brushed Aby's hair from her face, her brow covered in a thin layer of sweat. He flashed her a perky smile, forcing her to look at him. He had hoped that she had gotten over her unease about what had happened by now, but her distance told him otherwise. She managed to make herself look at him. The instant her eyes met his, she broke down crying. Burying her face in his chest, bringing her hands to clench at the fur. Sobbing pitifully into the bush of hair. Angel held her until she fell asleep. Holding her even after that. When she had been unable to cease her tears even in her dreams. The morning came quick, allowing her peace at last. During the minutes the sun was rising, Aby paid Angel the money she owed him. Angel hesitated as he felt a strong concern for her. She hugged him tight before going down to breakfast, giving the impression that the previous night had never happened.

Seems like she's back to normal. That or she's used to pretending everything is fine. Angel knew in his gut which was the fifth answer. He just couldn't bring himself to push the issue. Confident what had happened would change nothing between them.

*#*

"Alright-y folks! It's a marvelous time! A fun, toon-y, comedy time! Iiiiiiiit's tiiiiiime…", Alastor took a step to the right waving his arm in a presentational manner, revealing Aby in her pretty black and red swing dress. Which she now wore on a regular basis as her everyday outfit.

Aby jumped in finishing the line with, "…For the Shadoooow Staaaage!"

The duo snapped their fingers in synchronization as the stage Alastor created from his shadow magic popped up once more as it had before. The light altering as a spotlight shinned down on them as they struck a ringleader's pose followed by a bow and a curtsy.

"OH, NOT THIS SHIT AGAIN!" Angel called to no one in particular. Slamming his fists on the table. Getting ready to retreat under it and start jugging the booze Husker had brought with him. He didn't care if he'd have to fight Husk to the death for it. He'd rather take the chance!

"No worries A.D. you get to be on stage with us this round!" Aby looked expectantly at Alastor. He held his gaze, testing her seriousness.

After a minute, he rolled his eyes playfully and snapped his fingers again. Angel instantly fell through a portal on the floor beneath him. He had less than a second to figure out what was happening before the falling sensation hit through him only to follow by being spat up on the stage. Aby instantly grabbed him from under his arms- as she always did when he was on the ground- to help him up.

"I'm Alastor- the Radio Demon! This is my gal, Aby. And the random pink thing is Angel. We don't talk about his accident." Aby twitched in a crazy fangirl kind of way at the title of being Alastor's Gal. Pausing to consider the meaning behind its use. She came to understand all too well that it wasn't a 'title' but at the same time it was. Her face flushed a deep red as she showed off her excitement. Angel took the opportunity to react by speaking up fist.

"Wait- What accident?"

"Your birth, dear boy!"

Aby erupted with laughter at the backhanded insult. She usually didn't like hitting below the belt, but she also had to give credit since Angel walked straight into it. He gave her a glare as she patted his hair, mouthing 'I'll make it up to you I promise'. Taking a risk, she delivered another kind of apology right away.

"No don't worry Angel you're not an accident. You're a beaver."

"What the fuck. How?" He gave her a very judgmental look. Shaking his head at her crap.

"Because- Damn." Aby wiggled her eyebrows at Angel giving a cat-like purr for emphasize. The two of them leaned into each other as they had a laugh, Aby of course was more amused by it then Angel who responded, "Shut the fuck up, whore!" His tone suggested he was using the phrase as a term of endearment. Which confuses Alastor. Almost to the point of irritation.

Alastor cocked his head to the side as he became lost as to what was going on. When his face started to go dark from his shadow persona floating near his head, Aby gave a sheepish smile. She followed it up by shrugging her shoulders. Alastor exchanged looks with his shadow familiar before deciding he didn't care enough to get annoyed at Angel's crude demeanor. Instead he would show all his attention to his dear.

"Speaking of animals, darling- What do you call a fish with two knees?"

"What?" Aby intertwined her left arm with Angel's lower right, bouncing her eyebrows at him. He placed his top right arm around her shoulders, sighing heavily.

"A two-knee fish, HAHA." Alastor brought one hand to adjust his bow tie. Listening to Aby laugh. Mostly because she was the only one.

"I heard Angel bought his new shoes from a drug dealer", she told Alastor. Her gaze instead shifted at the pink spider boy.

"Oh?" Alastor only partly paid attention due to the joke involving Angel. Alastor knew Aby wasn't too mean spirited when it came to the sexual attention seeker. Needless to say, he let her have her fun.

"Don't know what he laced them with, but he was tripping all day."

"Jokes on you, bitch. I don't know how to tie my shoes. It's all Velcro, mother fucker", Angel shot back without missing a beat. He then leaned forward in a dramatic way, enjoying the smartass tone in his voice. Angel brought it all him by letting his left hand slap his ass.

"You can tie knots, but you can't tie your shoes?" Aby joked knowing exactly where Angel wanted to go but also feeling her wording was safe enough to get away with it in front of Alastor.

"Oh, baby you know it." He gave her a shit faced look that told her he wanted to take it farther. Luckily for her, Alastor continued before he could press it.

"I thought about going on an all almond diet, but then I realized that's just nuts." Alastor and Aby gave a quick laugh at the joke he just delivered.

"I like nuts", Angel declared as loud as he could, throwing his arms up in the air.

He got Aby's elbow in his side. Pressing in a little to give him a light push. She looked at him wide eyed. Her expression telling him to hold back before he made her blow her cover. In exchange, he stuck his tongue out at her.

"Did you know French fries aren't cooked in France? They're cooked in grease!"

"Oh! Fries sound so good right now." Aby drifted into the distraction that was a sudden food craving.

"I think you need to get used to spicy foods so I can teach you my mother's jambalaya recipe", Alastor stated. Allowing for the derailed topic. Aby didn't have the luxury of being surprised by the offer. The chaos reigned.

"Vaggie needs to comment on this", Angel chinned in. Giving a sassy hip dance, snapping a couple of his fingers on multiple hands.

Aby gave him a confused look responding, "Why? She's not French."

"Maybe but she's good at tongues." Angel brought a hand up near his mouth. Creating a peace sign as he gave a tiny mouthed mischievous grin.

"Don't you mean she's got great tastes", Aby gave him a sideways glance. Hinting harder.

"No way. Haven't you heard? All lesbians are fluent in tongues", Angel answered, ignoring her. He then bit his lip. His smile came with so much pride at his joke.

Aby's eyes went wide as she instinctively smacked him upside the back of the head. He reached up with one of his left hands. Tapping the spot. She hadn't hit him hard, so he got more of a laugh than actual pain from it. The look on his face only got more satisfied as he gave her the dumbest face he could make. She chuckled at the joke regardless, but still tried to fight it despite not knowing how else to respond.

"Fuck you, you god damn, glitter shitting, cum-covered, quad appendaged, boot-licker", Vaggie had just entered the dining area right on time to get her own jokes in.

"Can you blame me? Com'on you're so gay." Angel started laughing more at himself than he had before. Finding himself to be hilarious.

"You're one to talk pump chump", Vaggie called, letting Charlie drag her to the row of chairs seated at the oversized dining table. Angel continued to laugh, taking a couple steps to get to the back of the stage.

"I'm glad we're all having a great time. Now- moving on." Alastor joined in on the chaos despite not being fully aware of what was happening. Aby brought her hand up to signal Alastor that she wanted to say something. He took a step back offering her the stage.

"Wait- I didn't know you were homosexual", Aby stated calmly. Her expression holding no emotion.

"How?! You've been here for over a week!"

Aby shrugged her shoulders. Her face had been no different from the blank look she gave before. It reminded Vaggie of Angel's idiotic face, which only made her more frustrated.

"Oh, that's nothing. Guess who her girlfriend is", Angel commented from the back.

"Who?" Aby questioned, looking at Vaggie. Vaggie got between her and Charlie, hiding the royal behind her. Aby shifted her glance to the dork before gasping.

"Nooooo." Aby looked at Angel while pointing at the two girls. He nodded his head in response.

"You too, Charlie?!"

"Technically- I'm…bi."

"Oooooh. Okay good", Aby brought her hand to rest over her breasts in a sigh of relief.

"The fuck does that mean puta?!" Vaggie felt attacked and offended. Getting ready to fight.

"Oh no- I don't mean you. It's just I don't know Charlie and- call me old fashioned- but one of the ways I get to know a person better is by people watching with them. But I'm not very good at pointing out hot women. Being hetero and all. But its fine, cuz then this way I can be myself and I don't have to worry about trying too hard with her and ultimately making her uncomfortable." By the end of the explanation, Angel had made his way back next to Aby who called for a high five at the win-win outlook of the situation. Before anyone could react, respond, or change the subject a male voice spoke from the entrance of the dining room.

"That won't be necessary."

*#*

Lucifer stood in the doorway with his arms behind his back. He held his head high, a gracious smile decorating it. Charlie grabbed Vaggie by the back of her shirt, remaining behind her. At that moment, since breakfast he'd yet to be served, Nifty zoomed into the room passing out plates she prepared for everyone. Vaggie stood battle ready with her spear in hand. Angel Dust and Husker just stayed where they were, pretending to have better shit to do. Aby observed everyone's reactions before concluding that the man was indeed her brother.

He looks a little different she noted. Aged.

"How's my sweet little sister?" He easily glided across the floor, letting himself in.

"Just swimmingly. Nice kingdom you got here, bro. Hope you don't mind if I take over", Aby greeted. Half joking, half serious.

Lucifer laugh amusingly, "Oh, sweet Aby. You couldn't bare it here. It's hot. It's dull. And well- full of sinners."

"I could punish the sinners if you'd let me", she protested.

"That's not how it works down on the lowest level." Lucifer made his way to the table, picking up a plate, examining the food. Aby couldn't tell if he was comfortable or establishing dominance.

"You look different", Aby confessed. Striking up their conversation again. Uncomfortable by the silence. The tension.

"Yes- the chemical makeup of Hell makes my hair... blonde."

"I noticed. But that's not what I meant."

Lucifer swallowed the bite he had taken of the meal. Then said, "Enough formalities." He reached into his jacket, removing a round tiara looking item.

"What's that?" Aby looked at the circular item in his hand as it glistened in the red light that made up Hell.

Aby was used to the light distortion enough to know the item was white silver. Its tangled vine design made it look unique. Some of the vines curled outward creating a frame with a gem in the center that shinned like a green emerald. It wasn't like any stone Aby had seen on earth. All the proof she needed to know it wasn't an earthly stone.

"Your Halo. I spent many years on it. But, its fixed at long last." Lucifer tossed it to his younger sister Frisbee style as he began to walk closer to her. Aby had caught the item effortlessly. Suspiciously examining it before speaking. It was here that Alastor released the magic that created the stage. Allowing the room to go back to normal.

"Why would I care about this stupid old piece of shit?" Holding it in both hands, gripping it tight. She gave it a long look over. Her face growing tense. Fighting back the desire to break it. Mainly, because she knew she didn't have the ability. Even Lucifer couldn't break it if he wanted to.

"Because playtime is loooong over dear sister." He put both his hands on her shoulders as he stood directly behind her.

If not for the height difference between them being only a couple inches, he would have loomed over her. Lucifer smiled as he noted that Aby still followed through with one of her oldest habits; adjusting her height to those around her. She could be so ridiculous about the dumbest things. It was cute. Yet, it didn't stop him from being a big brother.

"It's time. To go. Home." With a wave of his hand he created a portal that was the front door of the hotel. The barrier keeping the teleportation at a limit for the older sibling.

Aby looked straight ahead, past the light that shined in from the doorway and into the blankness of Hell. Her heartbeat rung in her head. Leaving her feeling each thump beating into her bones. She had a sinking feeling that made her entire body feel heavy. A wave of sadness shook her, making her face pull into a sad but serious look. Alastor saw it and thought of the old china porcelain dolls. His own smile dropped into a closed one. Watching her carefully to see how she would carry on with the exchange.

"What if- what if I don't want to…go?"

"Beg your pardon, sweetie? I don't think I heard you correctly." Lucifer's smile became a grin.

"Kita harmon a no bess co taro." Aby spoke the line with ease.

Everyone exchanged looks with one another except Lucifer who didn't feel confused in the least by the old angelic language being spoken. He also knew he was the only one who would recognize it for what it was since he never spoke it to Charlie; or Lilith. It had been too long for Aby to know much of it anymore since she had been so young, but for some reason she never forgot this one line. She never forgot how to tell her older brother, 'I don't want to go'.

"I want to make a deal", she bluntly pushed. Lucifer cocked his head.

"You have nothing to offer." Aby spun around.

"You don't know that." Lucifer brought up his hand to keep her from speaking over him. Because of this, Alastor pulled Aby back by her shoulder. Holding his mic cane with both hands. Leaning against it, he left his hands relaxing against it. Aby blushed at the sudden wall of red pinstripe fabric in front of her face. Lucifer smiled wide at the new, a very much unexpected, challenger. Most demon lords didn't associate with him unless they wanted something. The Radio Demon, more times than not, kept his head low at all times. Not caring for anyone else's crap unless it benefited him. And being the way he was, he could take whatever he wanted, when he wanted it.

"How unlike you, Alastor." Lucifer stared at him with a playful smile. The two had a long, mutual respect for each other so Lucifer didn't feel the need to be rude.

"Why, Lucifer, a man can change. Especially, if he meets a darling young lady such as this", he stated cheerfully. He then lifted Aby's hand in his own, side stepping enough to give her a twirl, showing her off before standing behind her hugging her from behind. His staff holding her in place by the neck. Just barely touching her skin.

"And what kind of 'darling young lady' is she exactly?" The question came out of nowhere for Aby. Time began to slow. Her stomach churned. A final breath hitched in her throat. She wasn't ready.

"My lover of course!" He planted a kiss to her left cheek.

"You've never had a lover before. Are you sure this feeling is mutual?" Lucifer's face seemed grow agitated, nevertheless he kept his polite charm. Testing the waters. Aby could see was already preparing a strike should it amount to a threat.

Alastor looked at Aby giving her an endearing smile, fluttering his eyelashes playfully. Aby could tell he expected her to answer for herself. Aby gave a look at her brother that he knew well. Without giving much time for the silence to grow, she answered.

"Alastor is one of the most important people I've ever had in my life. I'd never betray him. I'd never abandon him. And I won't let anyone hurt him no matter what I have to do. Or to whom."

Everyone stood, mouth a gapped. Angel felt his chest flutter, Husker starred down at the floor before taking a large swing of booze. Charlie ground her teeth, tightening her grip on Vaggie, who turned her head to rest against hers in attempt to comfort her. Alastor's smile grew to the point it looked even more unnatural. He rewarded Aby for her confession by holding her more romantically, kissing her head repeatedly. Lucifer closed the gap between him and his sister. The two siblings looking at each other for a long, unbroken moment. Her face had been set in a stiff but distressed manner. Like a child looking up at their parent silently wanting to ask something but holding off for fear of being told no. On the other hand, Lucifer stood across from her with a tiny bare smile clung to his face. While his expression was a downed version of his usual charisma, Charlie could tell it was still holding a secret far behind it. A secret only Aby could find. Or understand. And it drove the youngest royal in the room mad.

Lucifer gave a chuckle. Alastor granted the request by taking a step back from the girl, releasing her from his hold. The blonde reached up with his hands, holding Aby on either side of her head. He brought his lips down, keeping them in place on her head as he gave a soft, slow kiss to her forehead. He pulled her in closer as he gave a somewhat effeminate hug that resulted in Aby's face being buried in her brother's chest. When the two pulled away, Lucifer hooked his arm with hers as he walked through the portal with her. When it shut behind them Aby spoke again.

"Does this mean we deal?"

"Do you really love him that much?" Lucifer ignored Aby's question, by asking his own. Aby looked up to her brother for a moment. The ground was so appealing right now.

"You don't know what you're asking."

"Do you think he loves you?" Aby kept her hands folded in front of her. Not daring to look back at Lucifer.

"That's not possible for him", he explained.

"Why's that?"

"Alastor is asexual. He has no interest in the physicality of a relationship."

"Why do you tell me that as if it matters?" Lucifer brought his hand to Aby's face. Squeezing her cheeks together between his index and his thumb. She now looked her brother in the eye, hating the fact he was still treating her like a kid.

"I know you. You love sex. Hell, I love sex. I can't blame you- but I just thought you should know. With how protective he can be- Do you really think you'll ever have sex again being with Alastor? Celibacy is not something you and I believe in. No matter how much we want to be with someone. Physical attachment mends the holes in your heart outside the emotional bond. And he intends to make you sacrifice it for him and him alone."

Aby became irritated. Both because she knew her brother wasn't wrong; but also because she thought she could be a better lover than the kind who couldn't make it work over something as fickle and fleeting as sexual desire. Doubt did reach her as she struggled to understand how she could adjust to a partner like Alastor. Mix that in with how he was a neat freak and hated being touched and Aby was on pins and needles. Every one of her fears triggered. Her sensitivities all on high alert, looking for any sign that she might have done something wrong. How would she react when she did mess up? How would Alastor? No real problems had arose between them yet. There was no foundation that tested the relationship or its initial end goal. Aby mind was overrunning itself trying to find a comeback. Then to fight against its darker thoughts. All of Aby's past collisions. Making her emotional over the past she had yet to forget. One that left her scarred. As well as scared. Even so, she wanted to be with him. She slapped Lucifer's hand away from her face. Glared at him. Letting her fists clench.

"This is the first time I heard him call me anything like this. The fact that it took you asking somehow makes it less complimentary. So, tell me who's really acting the fool here?" Aby turned so her back faced her older brother.

She wasn't used to speaking out to him. Ever since she could remember, he was always the one she sided with over anyone. She buried her face in her hands silently questioning her actions. On the verge of tears. If she could she would scream. Instead left to deal with the spinning her heart left as her brain fought desperately to shut it down. Like a mechanic at a fair when one of the twirling rides was having technical issues. She felt him hug her as he shushed her. No longer wanting to cry, her eyes fired before the droplets ever fell. He patted her head then left. Aby dropped her hands as she looked to the door, which was now closed. He gave her his blessing.

So why did she feel like she just lost?

*#*

Aby sat at the bar. A slow jazz instrumental playing in the background. She watched the band boy shadow demons on their instruments as they hovered up and down as they played. Finishing off her whiskey, she made a sour face at the bitter taste. Fighting the horrible taste due to her need to 'get shit faced drunk' being stronger than any drink. Her body was getting warmer, informing her it was working. Husker waved to the bartender to get her another drink. Sliding his glass of scotch to her. She chugged it faster than the whiskey since she hated it more. In truth she was more of a vodka girl with whiskey a close second. Though anyone could tell you schnapps and mike hards' were cheaper. But either way, whiskey was easier to flavor-in her opinion, anyway- and went down smoother for her. Working two angles for getting her more under the influence. Feeling the kick of her drinks catching up with her, she flicked her wrist at the boys. Using her magic, changing their music sheets. The boys played the tune as Aby moved to sit on the bar.

"What a dog", Aby spoke loudly.

Razzle took his cue to start playing the notes on the piano as the bar went silent. Aby pictured a tall, slim body. The way he walked, stalked and strayed. How his coat tail swished in the breeze behind adding the roundness of his backside.

"What a dog!"

Aby grabbed her glass with the tips of her fingers. Looking at it with half lidded eyes. Picturing the clack of the cane hitting against the ground. The tapping of his foot when he got into the music. The clean, soft hair that matched the soul piercing eyes. Aby held a cigarette in her left hand, which Husker lit for her with a match. She took the puff into her mouth instead of the lungs. A trick she learned from back in the 50s. 1850s that is.

What ever happened to those old hookah joints in Europe?

"He's a tramp, but I love him. Breaks a new heart every day." Out in Hell, somewhere, Alastor was strolling down the street, whistling his favorite song. The on looking demons watching his suave, charming grace. Most were hiding. Trying to get away from him with their lives intact. Others were more interested in holding his attention. Swooning once he passed by and was at a safe enough distance that they could drool without getting killed.

"He's a tramp, they adore him. And I only hope he'll stay that way. He's a tramp, he's a scoundrel. He's a rounder, he's a cad. He's a tramp, but I love him. Yes, even I have got it pretty bad." Aby snuffed the nicotine stick against her breasts, burning the skin before flicking it away. Ultimately wasting it for the sole purpose of looking cool. No sign of any pain evident on her face during the process.

"You can never tell- when he'll show up. He gives you plenty of trouble I guess he's just a no 'count pup. But... I wish... that he were double."

The glass that Aby was using was held in front of her face. Unable to help envisioning him splitting into the tree primary colors made in the alcoholic liquid from the way the bar lights hit it. Granting her a drunken pleasure. Being able to daydream him walking towards her. In all his glory, just taking the room by storm. Aby sang with more emotion than she would be willing to if she was giving a performance. Hating her voice and her lack of skill in her life's passions. Hating her desire. Distaining the world that called to her with such beautiful lights, sounds and some of the most surreal creatures she's ever known. Two of said wonders were guarding her from the predatorily asshats that eyeballed her as a target due to said drunken state. Husk used his wing to censor her as her dress started slipping in certain spots that made her seem available. Angel spotting her as she swayed, inevitably coming too close to fall back for his liking. At the same time, he was both impressed and amused that she had yet to slide her words.

"He's a tramp, he's a rover and there's nothing more to say. If he's a tramp, he's a good one. And I wish that I could travel his way. Wish that I could travel his way. Wish that I could travel his waaay." The last of the music rang out in that classic note extended ending. The shadow boys disappeared as Aby's control faded. Razzle flying on ahead to help Husker with the door. Angel kept his grip on Aby, despite him having a hard time keeping her upright until he could get her away from the party. Luckily, Aby didn't make the job hard since she leaned into Angel cuddling the arm she was holding. The boys got her home with no hassle. Taking her to her bed. Once laying there she became clingy.

"I don't want to sleep alone. Co'moooon I'll pay you for it. Just don't go. Stay here- pleeeeeease." Aby was trying not to slur her words. She also tried to hold her eyes open. In both tasks she could only fail. It was here that Alastor walked into the room, shooing the others out. The two left without saying a word. Just exchanging looks before making their way past. Aby tried to reach for Angel to get an answer from him. A hand grabbed hers, her face meeting a torso with a wonderful smell of spices and wetland nature. Musk-ed over with the smell of blood. Though not overpowered.

"Alastor?" Aby couldn't tell if it was the alcohol messing with her or if she was really making an ass of herself in front of the only man to call her lover.

He said nothing, picking her up bridal style taking her back to the top of the bed. He laid her down, stripping her of her dress. She didn't fight him, breathing steadily as his claws scratched her teasingly. The feel of his claws tickled her delightfully. He pulled her onto his chest which she joyfully used as a pillow. Snuggling between the soft mattress and the fantastic Radio Demon. The last thing she heard was that tube radio voice whispering into her head.

"Darling. I think you went a little overboard today. Perhaps next time you'll come to me to consult in first."

On the other side of the hotel, Razzle scurried as he returned to Charlie's side. She had been sitting on the balcony in her nightgown- rarity wardrobe decision- while her knees laid against her chest. Dazzle at her feet curled up on the footrest of the patio seating. Sleeping. He woke up when the other twin snuggled him before curling up together. She petted his head, greeting him. He wagged his tail, letting her realize the night out with her 'cousin' wasn't too troubling. Charlie looked to the sky as she questioned her past actions. She recalled the faces her father had made to Aby earlier that day.

I wonder, she thought to herself. If that's what dad looks like when he actually loves someone. Or if he has any pride in them.

*#*

Early in the morning, Charlie greet her home with her daily awakening song on the office balcony. Not in the mood to belt it out as she usually did due to a need to rush the song. Once she was done, she reached down her pocket for her phone. Unlocking the screen, beginning to go through her apps. Finally settling on the phone call icon. Searching over the contacts in her phone, Charlie found the one that read 'Mom'. Pressing the selection, she brought the phone up to her ear. It went straight to voicemail; as it always did when calling her.

"Hey mom. I know you're still busy. But I just wanted to let you know that things took a weird turn yesterday. Dad showed up and apparently Aby… has a Halo? I also need some advice on how to touch a topic with her. Though I don't think I could ask dad. Mom- I want to know... more about... your story. You know, how the mighty Lilith rose up as the queen. Love you, bye."

She hung up the phone as she faced the door leading back into her office. Stopping when she was startled by her family member in the shadow. Aby stepped forward a look of shock on her face.

Uh- oh. Had Aby overheard? Charlie had no time to respond.

"Your mother…is Lilith?"

Shit. She heard.

Aby was filled with a deep rage that stemmed from an eternally long buildup of loathing. The feeling coming to a rapid boil. Aby stalked over to the other. Charlie didn't need an explanation to know why this upset her. Remembering her father's journals mentioning the two could never (knowingly) exist on the same plain. Taking the opportunity to answer a question that had lingered in her mind since Charlie first read about it.

"I don't understand! Why do you hate my mother so much?"

"Because your mother is a selfish, stuck up, traitorous cunt!" Aby went wide eyed at the problematic language. Aby cussed once in a while, but only did so when her creative mind lacked inspiration. Or so she claimed. That didn't seem to be the case here as- for the first time Charlie had seen- Aby seemed genuinely intent on insulting and sullying the image that was Lilith. Aby caught the pure look of horror Charlie infused with disbelief as she went on.

"That's right! I said it! I said the taboo word to call any woman. And she's lucky that the worst thing I can call her without any preparation!"

"I- don't believe you", Charlie stated struggling to rationalize what was happening.

"Believe it princess! You must at least know the stories."

"What stories?"

"The one on how your parents wound up down here in this god forsaken piece of wasteland turned lifestyle built with sinner's blood."

"Why would that matter?! Everyone knows my mom was thrown down here because God deemed her an unfit wife for Adam."

"She WAS unfit- but not for the reason everyone thinks! That fucking bitch was a leech who used her beauty and power to try to do whatever she wanted! She was a greedy whore with no morals or compassion! AND SHE FUCKED ME AND LUCIFER OVER BECAUSE OF IT!"

It was at this point that Charlie started to get upset. She didn't like to resort to violence or harsh words, but she felt Aby was getting out of line. Sensing her distress, Razzle and Dazzle both took a stance on either side of her. They growled, glowing from the increase of their magic. Ready to transform on Charlie's signal. Instead, she waved them off. Charlie knew from the journals that Aby had a temper but would keep it at a shouting match unless threatened or cornered. In truth, even shouting had to be provoked. Never the less, once Aby was under the impression things were physical, she went straight for the kill. And it wouldn't matter who was her opponent. Aby must have caught on because she starred down the two goat servants. Her eyes glowing a curdling, dark, sinister green as she spoke.

"You little shits think you can step to me? My brother was the one who made you. Do you honestly believe Charlie would be so much better without you, you would challenge me… just to die?"

"Aby! Enough! Keep this between us", Charlie warned.

"Or what?! What can you do? Show me", Aby glared with the mist of death in her eyes.

It didn't take a genius to know what was happening here. She demanded Charlie fight. Giving her the first hit. Charlie didn't want to, but she charged at her aunt full speed anyway. Using her hand to punch at Aby, the older of the two leaned forward to dodge leaving Charlie's arm too far back to change direction or retract to block. Aby kept her position as she used the hand closest to Charlie to intercept, bring it up under Charlie's chin with a hard impact. Charlie fell backwards, a feeling of weightlessness running through her body as she fell, stopping when Aby grabbed her by her tux. Aby pulled Charlie back up to meet the momentum she crated when she brought her knee up, striking just under Charlie's rib cage. Once Charlie felt the burning sensation in her torso, she became nauseous. Unable to hold it back, she spat up some liquid that had been sitting in her stomach. Aby tugged on Charlie's hair as she eased her onto her knees. Once Charlie had begun panting to catch her breath, Aby used her hold on the blonde hair to drag Charlie away from the mess before letting her fall on the ground. The demon princess had been so dazed and weak, she hadn't been able to brace her fall in any way. Charlie was confused on what was happening. Her flame was dull, her power somehow being blocked.

"It's obvious my brother didn't push you too hard in your training. But you already knew that didn't you. He made sure you knew you were wasting his time. You're just not the fighting type", Aby circled Charlie as she egged her on. Provoking her.

Charlie spat out the blood that gathered on her tongue before going for Aby's legs, swinging fast hoping to catch her off guard. Aby stopped the hit with one hand, yanking Charlie off the ground. Aby finished it by swing her around by the ankle and slammed her as hard as the royal could handle into the stone ground. The momentum of the force used made Aby push off the ground as Charlie was pushed further down. Charlie gasped out, the wind being painfully removed from her lungs. Charlie could feel the crack alerting her to the threat of ribs breaking. The bones stopping their unnatural bend just before the bones could gain more than a strenuous bruising. Somehow, it made it more painful for her. Aby brought the heel of her shoe to clamp down on Charlie's throat. Lucky for the pale hostess, Aby had long feet so the space between her heel and the flat of her foot was just enough to keep from stabbing into her throat. That being said, it still hurt like hell.

"I was such a fool. I spent so much time looking at you as the daughter of my beloved brother, I completely forgot about who the fuck your mother was. It would seem I've been too lenient with you. Now I have no choice but to knock you down as many pegs as it takes. Then to keep you down until you learn a thing or two about respecting your elders." Aby's voice became more demented, distorted and wicked as she spoke. Charlie had no way of knowing if Aby even knew what reality she was in anymore.

Aby was getting more and more overworked as she didn't think about what she said. Her only rational thought being that she needed to hurt Charlie. She needed her to submit to whatever punishment she deemed appropriate. Her eyes glowing so bright, Charlie couldn't see the retinas of her eyes. Her teeth also began to grow sharper, the gums of Aby's mouth bleeding as they shifted to a longer, sharper form. Forcing room for the newly required fangs. The physical change looked painful. Aby removed her foot, backing away, keeping her eyes on Charlie.

"Fuck…you." Charlie used what little strength she had left to pick herself off the ground.

Once she was standing, movement became easier for her. Charlie took it as a sign to keep going. Now fired up by the will to fight for her family, Charlie repeated her move from before and charged straight on. Aby slapped her fist away, taking it with her own hand, she guided it straight into the air. Charlie saw her opening. Swinging her body, bringing her leg around to kick at Aby. Nailing her right in the side, pushing her back. Charlie inwardly cursed when her hit didn't appear to do much damage, seeing Aby only flinched at the impact, not losing her footing even an inch. Aby followed it up by smiling at Charlie, the glow in her eyes dying out as she pated her stomach.

"Well look who's got the speed. Doesn't do you much good without the skill."

Aby vanished from Charlie's view, reappearing to the side of her, kicking her leg up to force Charlie into the air. Rapidly turning her body with the remaining momentum from the hit to make her body do a full 360. When she came back around, she aimed for Charlie's ribcage sending her into the wall behind her. Aby spoke through gritted teeth.

"Or the experience."

Aby then rushed to get under the younger one holding her by the chest, using her forward, pushing down hard. Her nails growing into claws, piercing the fabric all the way through Charlie's arm.

Charlie argues, "I may not...know everything, but that doesn't give you the right- to take it out... on anyone else." Aby squinted her eyes at Charlie, loosening her grip enough to allow Charlie to concentrate on speech instead of the pain.

"Who have I been abusing exactly?" The accusation had succeeded in getting under Aby's skin. But Charlie would only have a few seconds before it led to Aby getting even more pissed off.

"I know- I know what you did. To Angel. What did he do to deserve that from...the likes... of you?" Aby's face dropped as she flung Charlie across the balcony. The blonde slid across on her injured shoulder. Stopping when the goat boys caught her to keep her from hitting the pillars.

Meanwhile, Aby took her shot at speaking, "I can't imagine being you. How lucky can you be? To go through life with this exceptional bullshit you call common sense. Just how fucking amazing would it be if I could get to be as dense as you? No- dense isn't good enough for your majesty. You're just so fucking pure. How naïve. HOW! FUCKING! CHILDISH!" Aby unleashed a burst of energy that expanded in a radius over hell. The ground shook, the lights flickered, and a strong sour smell of sulfur filled the air.

Aby breathed heavily as she finally took the time to look at Charlie. Really look. She was being helped up by Razzle and Dazzle, struggling to keep her strength. Blood staining her mouth, ripped clothes and bruises all over. With this sight, Aby wasn't capable of remaining upset. Charlie's eyes had tears. Her clothes were bloodied and torn from where her claws has been moments before. And she stared at Aby entirely heartbroken. Aby had gone too far. Instantly feeling she had said too much. Her programming kicked in as she felt the guilt decapitate her anger. Aby was conflicted. The time it took her to reflect was also the amount of time it took for Charlie to run to her room. Fighting back the last of her emotional strength, feeling she would always be a failure. Aby watched, wanting to reach for her niece. Wanting to stop her, hold her and apologize. Too stunned by her confliction to go through with it. Charlie was far out of sight when she noticed the goat boys sitting at her feet. They looked up at her sadly. The voice inside her heart started giving its two cents.

She didn't ask for this…

Aby pulled at her hair, pacing the space. Chanting, "I won't do it. I won't fucking do it. Fuck it. It's my time now!"

It wasn't Charlie's fault…

"I won't do it. I can't. She's a big girl. She can learn on her own! I'm only doing what I want for a change! It's my right! I don't have to care about anybody else!"

Only the guilty should be punished. It wasn't her fault…

Aby ceased her nervous walking. Razzle and Dazzle starred looking up at her. When they didn't follow Charlie, Aby knew it was because of something the dork did. Even after all that, they still obeyed the orders they were given. She clenched her fists, yelling at the distance. Screaming out her struggle until she could return to the only part of her that mattered. The part that knew she needed to make up with the dorky blonde and be there for her. The part that could never be free. She opened the door leading into the hotel without having to touch it. Turning on her heel, she took off at full speed towards her dorky 'cousin'. Hating herself for being so cold but hating it more that she could never stand to hurt anyone for very long. No matter what pain they brought her; she never deliberately made anyone hurt. The fact that Aby had done nothing but speak the truth, somehow, made it all the worse.

Damn it all!

Hitting the ground harder as she picked up the pace. Chasing after her knowing things could only get worse from here.

It's not her fault…or yours. She'll still love you. Just love her back.

Charlie slammed the door as hard as she could without breaking it. Locking it with the key before removing it from the hole and dropping it to the floor. Sobbing softly, she buried her face in her hands. After a moment there, she ran to her bed where she flung herself eagle spread over the comforter as she closed her arms around as many of the pillows as she could grab. Bringing her arms closer to her like a plush claw machine, she hugged whatever pillows remained, crying lowly into the soft fabrics and tassels. Aby came rushing down the hall, sprinting to Charlie's door full speed. Almost at her limit for how little breaths she could take. All while practically slamming into it as a means of stopping herself. Reaching straight for the handle. Shimmying it harshly a couple times to verify it had been locked. The adrenaline of having to get so far so fast left her body shaking as it fought to return to its normal state. Her lungs felt like they were on fire. Angry with her for depriving them. Despite knowing this, Aby prioritized getting into the room to speak with Charlie above all else. Aby then knocked so hard it could have come across more like banging.

"Go away!" Charlie yelled to the door before quickly returning her face into the pillows as she cried.

"Charlie! Open the door. We need to talk about this", Aby projected her voice to be audible through the door. She tried her best to make sure she didn't come across as yelling. Whatever good that did...

"There's nothing to talk about!"

"That's where you're wrong Charlie", Aby continued the try the handle, knowing that Charlie couldn't stay in the room forever. Her perky personality would never let her.

Despite this, she reached out stating, "Listen. I'm hard on you because we are so much alike. I keep pushing you because I know how stories like this one end. I know how you feel!"

"What do you know?! You've done nothing but sound like my father since you got here! Then I catch you- like that with Angel Dust! You haven't even told me anything about you! Or about what it's like in the other worlds! You know what it means for me to understand them- but you say nothing! You've gotten to experience Hell firsthand, yet you don't so much as bat an eye. You go on like nothing about this place bothers you. Knowing what's happening. Knowing about my dream. You- you will never understand how it feels!" Saying those words hurt Charlie more than Aby.

Having to tell her aunt- the one person who she had been so sure would take her under her wing and guide Charlie- what a complete failure Charlie was up 'til now had been… mortifying. She was so caught up in the emotions that rampaged in her heart, she had to fight back her horns from showing.

Oh, noooow I can find my flame! She angrily thought.

Aby starred at the door. Letting her hands drop down to her sides, dangling there. Though she knew Charlie couldn't see it, she couldn't stop the expression of sadness slipping over her face. Sad because she knew Charlie was wrong. So very wrong. Aby had never meant for their relationship to become this rocky. Truth be told, Aby was thrilled when she realized that Charlie had gone through so much trouble to bring her here. Though afraid she wouldn't be able to love Charlie the way the demon princess wanted or needed, Aby had been willing to set it aside if it meant being able to fix herself. The only other thing that could take her back to who she used to be, to that happier version, was slipping through her grasp. She took a moment to think as she concluded that there was one thing, she could do to get through to her. To let her know she was wrong- about everything. The lone thing the two girls had in common. Glancing silently at the goat boys who stayed more than a couple feet away. Looking at her with tilted heads. Silently asking what she planned to do. Aby took in a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for a minute or two before she started to sing. Altering some of the song to better fit her message.

"You're invisible when you're sad. Clocks tick and phones still ring." Inside the room, Charlie gave a couple smaller sobs. She heard the first couple of lines, perking up at the musical approach. Sniffling and wiping her eyes.

"The world carries on like maaad. But nobody sees a thing. Whispering behind their haaaands. Lost for kind words to saaay. Nobody understands." Aby pressed her hand to the door, leaning into it. Shutting her eyes tight as memories started to creep up.

"Then everyone goes awaaaay. Grownups wanna fix things, when they can't it only fills them with shame. Soooo- they just look away. Is it being greedy to need somebody to see me? And saaay- myyyy- naaaame." Charlie lifted her head from the pile of pillows she had thrown herself into, brushing more tears from her face. She looked curiously to the door as she listened. Each word reaching her. Cautiously, she got up from her bed. Slowly- peeking her way to the door so not to let Aby know what she was doing.

"Seems when you lose yourself." Aby turned to lean her back against the door. Slowing the pace of the song during this act out. Her arms wrapped around her torso. Taking the opportunity to subconsciously hug herself. Her voice breaking ever so slightly as she fought to finish.

"No one reaches to heeelp. Folks carry on that's that." Aby slid down the door, taking a seat on the floor, failing to notice Charlie had just happened to mirror the action on the other side. It was at this part of the bit, Aby couldn't fight back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. Overflowing too quickly to blink away. Settling for resting her head against the door.

"You're invisible when you're sad."

She took a shaky breath while looking up at the ceiling. Inwardly cursing herself. Asking what the fuck she expected to see. It was at this point a single tear was allowed to roll over the curve of her face and drip from under her chin. Aby heard no movement coming from the room but took the silence as a sign that Charlie had been listening. While she had her attention, Aby thought it best to tell Charlie a story about a girl who failed and never recovered.

"Once, long ago, there was a girl. She was special- though she didn't know how. The girl was assigned to rule over a people who were different from her in every way. She was to protect them, guide them, and... If need... be; serve them." Aby brought her knees to her chest, resting her arms on top to perch her head on as she rambled.

"But the girl was very young. And despite her power, she had no control. She scared many of her people and they would lash out in response to her. But the girl was undeterred. She had hope and believed that if she just kept leading by example and doing her best that her work would be rewarded. She told herself that even if she could help just one of her people, it would be enough. What she did was for the sake of the vision her father wanted. A dream she also believed in. One she had to. Since it was the only one she knew. That being said, the girl's older siblings weren't so sure she could manage. It didn't help that the girl made a mistake. The kind of mistake that made the natural order fall apart entirely. It caused pain. It caused agony. It paved a never-ending path of hatred and bloodshed. That blood pooled into a deep sea of its own reddish hell. The girl tried fighting the tide only to be swept away in its midst. Over and over she relived it. The fighting, the screams, the crying, the pain. She fought, she cried, and she picked herself up and went on. Sometimes she would find someone who cared about her, but then they would leave. Sometimes they just died, other times they tried to kill her. Either way, she hurt everyone around her. Feeding off them and leaving them for nothing. It was like they were punished for loving her."

Aby took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to rest. Taking a moment to question if she was making any sense. She also questioned if it was a good idea to continue. Just when she was ready to quit and leave, she felt the ring from a bell emerge. Something inside her pulled the final part of the story from her.

"Eventually, she became a venturing tale of failure. She shamed herself. She became forgotten. She failed her people. And at the end of it all she was another lost soul fighting in the world to get through each day. Soon she stopped believing altogether. Despite the torture, despite the loneliness, and despite the stench of death- that was the hardest thing for her. She lost everything she ever loved. Everything that made her who she was. The end. The moral of the story is that you can go into the world with a dream and a smile thinking you can walk away with a constellation prize, but the truth is: you will be lucky to just walk away with your values. At least down here in Hell it's easier. No one feels the need to pretend anymore. They figure this is all there is, and it can't get worse, so they no longer try to be anything more than what they've been convinced they are. That's why I say to you: Our actions have consequences. That's also why I tell you to quit now. Take the life you've built with the friends you've made and just live with your happiness."

Finishing her lecture, Aby waited to hear a response. She didn't know if Charlie had managed to cry herself to sleep but Aby had the feeling that she was participating. Meanwhile, Charlie sat on the other side in the same pose as Aby. She looked at the ground of her room. The last few sentences had held a lot of weight for her. If she succeeded, it would all be worth it. But if she failed- she wouldn't be able to face her friends for how much she would have hurt them. She wondered how alone she would be after the ordeal. She thought there hadn't been much of a social life before, but this would be a-whole-nother level. Charlie curled in on herself as the anxiety and doubt flooded in. Aby left the familiar feeling wash through her head. At least, she knew the dork had an attention span. Aby sighed heavily. She reached up over her head as she knocked a playful tune on the door. It managed to pull the dork out of her thoughts. Charlie blinked away the negativity. Looking towards the door from where she sat.

"Charlie?"

Aby waited for a split second, not expecting an answer as she decided to sing another song, she thought might conclude the moment just fine no matter what Charlie's response was. Part of Aby expected it to end the same way it had the first time she heard it. Again, changing the lyrics just enough to match her own emotional conveyance.

"Please, I know you're in there. People are asking how you've been." Charlie froze. Instinctively grabbing a hold of the key.

"They say, 'have courage' like it's easy to. I'm right out here for you. Just- let me innnn. We only have each other. It's just you and me. What are we gonna dooooo? Do… you wanna be…a family?"

Charlie went wide eyed at the question she had been asked. Her heart pounded as the tears in her eyes fell down her cheeks. With no warning, Charlie spun around fast unlocking the door and swinging it open. Aby fell back into the room, just barely, avoiding hitting her head on the wooden floor. Aby gave a surprised stare up at Charlie from the floor. Charlie cracked first. Failing to muffle the laughter. Aby did the same. At the same time, rolling over to sit on her hip, tucking her legs under her. Their laughter only lasted for a few seconds as Charlie took point from the last few notes Aby had sung.

"Yes, I doooo", she held the final note, bringing her lips up into a comforting smile.

The girls gave a cheery smile to one another before leaning into each other. Wrapping their arms around the other's back, they held onto each other tightly. Charlie snuggled into the space between the bone of Aby's shoulder and her neck. Charlie made a mental note on how warm it felt. Aby squeezed Charlie to where it wasn't too tight but not too soft in the wrong areas. The thing that stuck out to Charlie next, was what filled her nostrils. Charlie could make out the same sweet peach smell she knew from when she was a kid. Somewhere far below it, was another scent she didn't recognize. This struck a curiosity with the princess.

"C-can I ask you something?" Charlie asked, feeling bad for ruining the moment.

"Hm?" Aby didn't move as she gave the dork her full attention.

"What- happened…to the girl?"

Aby pulled away to look Charlie in the eye. Her face appeared more uncertain. Charlie questioned the idea of asking, but she had to be sure the story she heard wasn't made up. She also wanted to know if Aby would explain more about her life, liking the idea that she could live an experience like this on her own. Aby gave a reassuring smile to the younger one. Shrugging in a teasingly way, rolling her eyes cutely.

"Just when she was used to her new life, a dorky brat called on her and wanted to make a deal." Aby gave Charlie a small kiss on the head before giving her another tight hug. Charlie returned it in kind with a closed mouth girlish squeal.

From around the corner, Vaggie stood in the shadows. Her face was stern. Menacing even. She glared at Aby as she squeezed her spear. Silently watching the scene. Part of her wished Aby was just like everyone else so she could take her on. But, seeing the look on Charlie's face only made the desire sink. Leaving her stomach twisted. Instead, all she could do was watch with the feelings bottling up inside her.

Further down the hall, Angel Dust laid on his bed, his beloved pet pig Fat nuggets sleeping soundly on his chest floof. He was happy when Aby had been willing to help him sneak him in when he started going around the studio less and less. And right now, he was feeling sleepy. Wanting to rest to gain back some energy. Then he got it. A text on his phone. He read it before putting Fat Nuggets on the bed, letting him sleep. He grabbed his gun, fixed himself up and left the hotel.

I'm sorry, doll. Angel kept repeating it to himself. I still feel obligated to the boss. For now…

*#*

Angel wiped his mouth, cleaning to blood as he laid against the steps of his boss's office sitting space. The situation hadn't been much different from the last time Angel had come. This time Valentino got to work on his favorite star much more quickly. Forcing his legs open wider to make room for him. Taking the liberty, he clawed at the pink arachnid's inner thighs. His oversized teeth piercing into his shoulder. Angel was naked with the exception of his boots. He knew those would come off as soon as Valentino noticed them. Giving a small sigh.

He's pent up, Angel noted.

"You're gonna pay double for how it went down last time, Angie baby. I'm gonna fuck you harder than I ever have. Prepare yourself." He was talking more to himself than to Angel. Displaying his dominance for his own kink.

Angel was starting to regret coming back here. Even more so since he didn't tell Aby.

Why am I thinking about her right now? He cursed. Over and over, he cursed his decision.

Valentino offered Angel one of his kisses. Angel was about to drink from his boss's wet mouth when the image of Aby crying over him came back into his mind. He remembered how worried she had been. How she had stopped everything to come get him. The first thing he thought about after, was her humming as she would hug him. All the things she would say. The stupid little things she constantly repeated every chance she could.

"'Friends don't let friends do mean things…alone.'"

He heard her voice say in that way that let him know she was ready to go anywhere he wanted.

"'I don't want you to have a bad day. Friends don't let friends have bad days'." All those times she would wave him off when he left to go somewhere, hurt that he didn't want her tagging along.

"I'm here if you need me. Just call. I don't care what's happening- you need me, you call", she would scold every time he came back from doing Cherri a solid with controlling her turf. Dressing his wounds and cleaning the scrapes and cuts with the most burning anti-bacterial she could use. Say what you want, it made him laugh every time.

"Ow", he would say, "That's not very nice of you."

"Friends don't let friends get away with stupid shit." She starred deadpan, daggers in her eyes. Silently wishing for him to make it easier to smack him.

Angel lost his composure. In that moment, turning his head to keep Valentino from giving him the liquid. He closed his eyes tight, even when Valentino started losing his patience with him. Vox even grabbed him, holding him down as the two lords tag-teamed him. Wrestling with the stubborn spider demon who started to fight back. Val was more than shocked. He was pissed. Angel has refused before, but never like this.

"Never seen this much fire in you, Angie baby. Keep it up. I like breaking you." It was the last thing Valentino said before another repeat of last time took place.

This time, Angel was able to identify the shiny objects as chains. Thick, large, solid metal chains glowing green before cooling into a glossy silver. Angel looked back to see Aby standing with her hands on her hips. She looked straight at him with a displeased, unamused look. The kind you gave a kid after telling them they were gonna get hurt before they ultimately fell and scraped their knee then came to you crying. Angel felt himself retract in. Clearly more petrified of Aby than Val in this moment.

Now I know how Simba felt, he thought hopelessly.

"Seriously?"

It was all she said. It was all she had to say. Angel made a grab for his clothes, shuffling around the room to get back behind Aby. He could have fought the way he was, but he had the nagging assumption she wanted to go this one solo. Especially when she shouted, "You don't learn, do you?" The room echoed from how loudly she had asked the rhetorical question.

Aby gave a mean stare at the bosses who were currently being held down at her mercy. Valentino muffling through the metal that clamped to his mouth. Cursing and vowing vengeance- no doubt- to the duo of outcasts standing at the door. Aby snapped her fingers releasing them. The two reacted in their own ways. Vox stepped back watching her and questioning the decision. Val had stood breathing hard, wanting to riot but instead remained in place. Aby let him speak. Moving the chains so that it was all he could do.

"Who the fuck are you?" If Val was in a bad mood before, this side of him was one Angel had yet to see. He had never seen anyone look so disturbed while bleeding from the mouth. Though it seemed Aby was in no mood herself. Humoring him with a reply. "Who the fuck are you", she repeated back. "I asked you first", he challenged. "I don't give a flying fuck. Ladies First!" She paused for a minute. "Unless you got lady bits under that dress robe. Hard to tell. You look like one big pussy to me."

You know how they say there's a first time for everything. Taking that to heart, today must have been a day for first times. Because at that insult, Val said nothing. His face told Angel he had grown angrier, but the position of his body told him he wasn't going to try anything. Angel felt his fists go numb. Not realizing he had been clenching them so hard. Not realizing just how far things could have gone this go around. And it's all my fault, he thought. Over and over.

"Let's go troublemaker", Aby turned to take Angel by the arm as she ushered him towards the door. Releasing her magic on the other two while her back was turned. "I'm not wasting another fast exit on your ass", she explained to him. Val seemed to recover fast. Pulling out one of his handguns, taking his aim and shooting at the girl. Angel saw it first. His primary instinct was trying to warn her. Only to arrive too late. What happened next, was thought to be impossible by everyone who saw it. The bullet slowed, stopping just shy of a couple inches from her back. Aby looked at the pimp boss, angered by the ungrateful display to her kindness of leaving him.

"That tears it. I have a bone to settle with you anyway." More chains popped up from the ground, covered in spikes and dripping poison as they webbed around Val. Angel knew exactly what kind of move she was going for. He knew because it was the same move he had seen used by Lucifer.

"No! Wait", Angel grabbed Aby by the boobs with all his hands at once. She ceased he attack as her focus had to shift to making a grab for his hands to pry them from her. Startled by the gesture. She starred him down ready to slap him. His hands being up in a surrendering motion was his only saving grace.

"Leave him. He's a fucker. But- he's my boss", Angel didn't know why he was saving this jackoff but here he was. Aby looked him in the eyes for a moment.

Come on. Come on. He kept thinking it.

"Fine. But in exchange, YOU don't come back here…ever. And YOU- don't come looking for him. Cuz I'll get to you loooong before you get to him." The last line was addressed to Val as she grabbed Angel by the arm again. This time a little more roughly than she intended. Angel smirked. Here, he could really start to see the resemblance between Aby and Lucifer. The impression he had left on her. How Molly had been the same way when they were kids.

She really is cute.

Val wasn't given the option to respond before Aby retracted her chains, cutting up the furniture as a show of power. The unlikely duo started making their way out, Aby securing her hold on the slutty pink man child before pulling her hand away entirely once they made it just past the large door. Angel looked at her questioningly. Her face was bright pink. Expressing guilt dosed with embarrassment. Angel had rarely seen her use that face, even after their latest session.

"How much to hold you, A.D.," she asked. Her blush ever growing.

Angel's stare turned wide. His lips curled, trying to stop any noise from escaping. He knew she was being serious. But, to get that worked up over their petty exchanges after what she was just about to do to two of the most powerful demon lords; at the same time! He couldn't stop the laugh the busted out from his core. Needing to hold his sides, due to feeling it start to hurt to carry on with the action. It didn't help that her face, magically, was able to turn an even darker shade of red. At that point, she looked like an old white lady who needed to clutch her pearls from the level of offense she took.

He brought his two left arms around her. Responding, "Are you kidding? Doll, you got the official punch card for my services at this point. And now you get a free one! Besides-." He scratched the back of his head nervously trying to look cool.

"Friends don't let friends pay."

Aby reached around to hold Angel's waist, leaning hard into the floof of chest. Angel looked down the see her smile against him. Her lashes combed through the small strands of hair, while her face was tickled by the thick locks that brushed over her cheek. Adding to the natural glow of her neutral skin tone. It was one of those simple things that just seemed so beautiful. Angel didn't want it to disappear.

She looks like she could be dreaming.

It sucked that such a nice moment was ruined by the deep, controlling voice from behind.

"Who the fuck do you think you are!?" Vox now stood next to his companion Valentino as he demanded Aby's full attention. The TV demon was holding the door open with cable wires. Allowing his partner to speak. Val was holding the arm he had used to shoot at her. Angel noticed the blood dripping through his finger, over his hand, and onto the floor. Aby turned her head just enough to see the two demon lords out the corner of her eye. If looks could kill, she had more than enough of "the look".

"I'm the only Angel that ever mattered enough for God, himself, to fear. The only fucking one to get dropped from the story. In the hopes that someday no one would remember her wrath. I'm the true fallen one. I. Am. Labyrinth."