AN: We'd like to make it clear that Lincoln here and the story it is linked to is an OC, he's not the character from the Nickelodeon cartoon. It will all be explained later in Living Life in Hell. In the meantime, enjoy the One-Shot.
In The Mansion
Sitting near her mirror in the bedroom the Goetia, Stella was looking at her reflection, brushing her hair. She was wearing a white robe, having just finished a shower not too long ago. "Hm...Should I add makeup?" She asked herself in thought, looking at the reflection with her glowing red eyes. Letting a sigh, she reached for her bottle of wine for a drink, only to feel it graze her hand as it was taken away, confusing her. Feeling a presence right next to her she looked to her side to see Lincoln, her little boyfriend. He was standing there on the table of the vanity holding her wine bottle in one hand, facing her.
"I was drinking that." Stella glared at Lincoln, who placed the bottle on the side and then held her cheeks with his hands. "Stella, you promised you would stop drinking after the divorce." He reminded her with a worried look. "Also, it's Christmas Eve. I asked the housekeepers to get everything ready in the Ballroom. And I don't want you intoxicated before everyone's arrival, so, please...Just be perfect for me...For my mom..." He shook his head. "I mean your daughter."
Stella kept her eyes glued to his for a moment before sighing with an eye roll, pulling his hands away. "You may be my boyfriend, but this mansion belongs to me." She stood up, still facing him as she untied the knot of her robe. "I own it, I'll do what I want in it." She lets the robe fall to the floor and rests her hands on her hips. Seeing her body in all its glory, Lincoln's face glowed red. Immediately he looked away to give her privacy and lets out a sigh.
"I know it belongs to you...I just want you to enjoy the party later." Lincoln jumps off the vanity, facing away from Stella, seeing from her shadow that she was still bare. She watched as he made it to the bedroom door and left, staring at it for a while before turning to look at the wardrobe. Hanging from one of the doors was the white dress she wore, and with a soft sigh she grabs it and puts it on.
10 Minutes Later
In Octavia's room, Lincoln was getting help from his mothers to prepare for the Christmas party later. Octavia and Loona both were adjusting his Santa Hat, red with trimmed white fuzz. Lincoln decided for the party it would be best to wear attire equivalent to Santa's. Besides the hat, he's wearing a red silk sweater, it was white in the front center, around the collar, waist, and wrists. There was also a black belt and yellow buckle made of silk stitched around the waist of the sweater. His pants are also silk and red with white around the ankles, and for shoes he wears are black, to match what he sports.
Lincoln was currently talking to his adoptive parents about the situation going on with Stella. "It's just...I mean, she's been drinking ever since she was divorced." Octavia and Loona took notice of this after Stolas had collected his things and moved out of the mansion to another not far from here. Truthfully, they thought Stella would lighten up after that, move on and become better...But that obviously didn't become the case.
"And no matter where we went on our dates, here and in the Human World, she continues to drink. 5-Star Diners, Resorts, Lu-Lu World, the Beach, even a park!" Lincoln sighed and let his head droop with his eyes closed and a shrug. "I don't even know how or where she gets the bottles from." Hearing the sadness in his tone, Octavia looked at Loona, who looked back in return. Now looking back at their son, Loona gets his attention. "Hey Lincoln, listen." He looked at her as she used her hands to pat and smooth down and fix his hair.
"Stella is...Just going through a phase." Loona began. "She's overwhelmed by some of the changes after the divorce. She needs time to adapt to them." When she finished, Octavia joined in, sitting on one knee, facing Lincoln. "However, she can't do it alone. She needs you." Following up, Loona sat on her knee too but held Lincoln's shoulders to have him face her. "Yeah. Just, stay by her side, console her when she needs it, and help her get through this."
Octavia adds in while getting up. "Then sooner or later, she'll give up her drinking habit." Loona gets up as well and thought. "And maybe that bitchy attitude too." Lincoln looked at them both and soon took out his Hell-Phone, going toward the Photo App. Activating it he selects the category of photos that are of him and Stella on their dates. Some of the first showed them at a diner, dressed fancy, and enjoying a nicely cooked meal they shared. Others were of Lincoln and Stella at the beach or resort hugging in their swimwear. Another was of the two at the mall, shopping, and eating. What was noticeable was that some of these dates were in both Hell and Living. Easily told apart by Stella who wore a hat and face mask in some to cover her appearance. Not only that but in half current of the pics, she's seen drinking wine either out of a glass or straight from a bottle.
Lincoln's eyes glistened from the light of the screen, giving away a heavenly sigh, smiling at the pics. "You're right...I need to be there for her." Putting his phone away, he looked at Loona and Octavia with a grin. "Thanks, mom!" He kisses Loona on the lips and then faces Octavia. "You too, mom!" He kisses her on the lips as well. "You're welcome, sweetie." Said Octavia, to which Loona tells him. "Now go see her, while I get everything ready for tonight."
Nodding, Lincoln ran toward the bedroom door and exited. He skids a bit across the marble ground, making a sharp turn before going down a hall in the direction of the bedroom he and Stella share. Looking at the door he went through, Loona glanced over at Octavia and smiled. Using both her arm and her tail she wrapped them around the Goetia and held her close. This made a deep red blush appear on Octavia's face, being very familiar with Loona's hold on her.
Meanwhile
Approaching the bedroom he shares with his girlfriend, Lincoln slows down and stops right at the door before giving a knock. "Stella? Are you in there?" Getting no response from the other side, open quietly opens the door and peaks inside, looking until he spotted the Goetia. She was laying in bed, wearing her dress, and facing away from the door. "Are you awake?" He waited, but still no answer from her, making a sigh of sadness escape his breath.
"She must have been drinking a..." He ceased his sentence hearing sniffling coming from her. Concerned he ran over to the other side of the bed. Lincoln gasped upon seeing a few empty bottles of wine on the floor and Stella crying. Her tears were running down her face, some of which have been absorbed in the chest of her dress and caused some of her makeup to run down her cheeks.
"S-Stella!?" Lincoln asked, but soon remembers what Loona and Octavia had told him to do. Getting into bed, he gently holds her head. "What's wrong!?" Instead of answering, Stella applied her face onto his chest and sobs. Looking at her he begins to rub her hair with ease, comforting her as much as he could. He's never seen her like this before, not even before her drinking habit. Lincoln let her cry in his chest while his fingers graze her hair he thought to himself. "I need to keep this a secret from my mothers." He didn't want Octavia and Loona to worry about Stella, and he wanted to help her as much as he can.
6 Hours Later
"Ugh..." With all of it let out, Stella opened her eyes and sat up from the bed gradually. Touching her cheek she noticed it was covered in her tears and eyeliner. Realizing this, she looked down to see that the chest of her dress was slightly wet from her tears. "Oh, great..." She muttered only to hear. "Feeling any better?" She jumped slightly and turned to see Lincoln right beside her. Anger started to fill her eyes. "What the Fuck are you doing here?!" She demanded before pointing toward the door. "Get out!"
"No." Lincoln applied and held Stella's cheeks before she could yell at him, leaving her confused, and lowering her anger as well. "Stella, please let me help you...No matter how many times you throw stuff at me, tell me to go, or call me names, I'm going to be here for you, to support you." Stella remained silent, uncertain of what to say except to listen and look. "Talk to me about this, tell me about what's going on...Please?"
He kept his eyes locked on her red glowing ones until she let out a sigh. "Fine..." Pulling away from him, Stella sat up on the bed with Lincoln doing the same, sitting beside her, keeping his concerned expression. "Ok..." He started before looking up at her. "What's wrong, why were you crying? I know it's not because of the wine." Taking in his question and pointing out the obvious, Stella looked at the floor, taking a deep breath. "Everything that's happened since the divorce...Mostly everything."
After specifying, she looked at Lincoln. "I wasn't expecting anything to change after the divorce was finalized...But of course, I had to be fucking wrong about it." Bitterness was hinted at the end of her sentence. She despised being wrong, especially when she admits to it. "Half of what belonged in the mansion is gone. Books, antiques, furniture, priceless jewelry, and even plants, most of what I read, wore, and admired were taken away, all because of that prenup I signed with that...That embarrassment I never asked for!"
"Prenup?" Lincoln thought, understandably clueless about what that is as Stella huffed from bringing up her ex. After calming herself, she continues on. "Besides that, I'm not even sure whether or not my reputation in the Goetia family is vandalized by this. I haven't been ridiculed or scolded...But I also haven't received any calls either. And I can't remove the vision in my mind of how either of those will turn out. And..." She paused for a moment, pinching the bridge between her eyes and above her beak, feeling her emotions getting the better of her.
"And with Octavia in the middle of the divorce...It's making it difficult for me to reconcile with her." Lincoln began to notice her expression turn into that of sorrow. "Whenever I was around her before the divorce, I'd always concentrate on tormenting Stolas. It didn't even matter if it was here or anywhere else, I hardly supported her...Fuck what am I saying?! I didn't support her at all, I wasn't even a great mother, to begin with!" She shut her eyes tightly with tears forming in them again. "Over and over again I had time, I could've talked to her, comforted her, helped her, but I wasted it all just to make a life for her father a misery...I let my hatred get the best of me and now with us having to share custody of her I...He...It's just too much for me to handle at once!"
Burying her face in her hands Stella began to break down in tears, crying as droplets began to form tiny puddles on the solid marble floor. Seeing her like this and admitting to her mistakes, Lincoln felt bad for her even more now. Without hesitation and knowing what was best, he hugged her again, comforting her. "Don't cry Stella, everything will be okay." He started to rub Stella's back as she cried over his shoulder and back. After a few minutes with the crying dying down, he told her. "I'll help you get through this. Like how my mom did for me when I first arrived in hell."
"Whatever!" Stella pulled away from him, looking down at her dress with sadness. Expecting him to leave, he instead held her cheeks with care and turns her head towards him, making her face him. Seeing he was an inch away from her, she tells him sternly through her gloom. "Just leave me b-" Unable to finish her sentence she looked at her beak to see Lincoln was kissing her. Shocked she tried to protest through her muffles, glaring at him, and gripping his sides, wanting to throw him out of the room, but she didn't. Slowly, her muffles started to die down and both her glare and grip began to soften.
Closing her eyes and giving off a satisfied moan, Stella started to kiss Lincoln back, pulling him as close to her as she could. It felt as if all the weight of stress was being lifted off her shoulders, giving her a breath of relief. Pulling away and opening their eyes to look at each other, Stella started to blush. "Th...Thank you." She smiled and shyly looked away from Lincoln. He smiled back and began rubbing her cheek. "You're welcome."
The moment then came to a halt when they heard what sounded like Christmas music playing down in the ballroom. This was a sign that the Christmas Party is starting, meaning guests are beginning to arrive. "You should go down there and enjoy the party." Stella looked at Lincoln, who then held her hand. "No...I'm not going to the party...Not without my hot girlfriend." Stella jumped a bit in shock after hearing him call her hot. Getting up from the bed, Lincoln held her hand, looking at her with a smile. "Come on!" With a sigh and a blush, Stella stood up from the bed, holding onto his hand by her fingers due to her height. "Fine." With that, they walked out of the bedroom and made their way to the ballroom.
Later
Downstairs in the mansion foyer, Loona and Octavia were near the opened entrance. The former was holding a clipboard with a paper that contained the names of the guests invited. Speaking of guests, a limousine had arrived, stopping down in front. "Huh, looks like everyone at the Hotel is first to arrive." Loona stated to Octavia as the limo drivers, two small demonic goats with wings, scrambled to the back door. Grabbing the handle at once they pulled it open, revealing Morningstar and a few of the others that were visible.
"This is it!" Charlie announced merrily to those in the limo, exiting the long vehicle before looking at the two small demons. "Thank you, Razzle and Dazzle." After thanking them, she lends a hand to the love of her life, Vaggie, out of the limo. Exiting next from the limo was their daughter and spitting image of Charlie, Charlotte. She gasped in amazement at the sight of the mansion and its Christmas decorations such as the fake snow, lights, and props.
"It's beautiful." As Charlotte followed her mothers, Angel Dust came out next, using two of his arms to hold his pet, Nugget, who was dressed in a red Christmas Sweater. "You said it." He agreed with a chuckle. "It's been a stretch since I came to a party as a guest. Ain't that right Nugget?" He pets the top of Nugget's head, while walking Husker pulls himself out of the limo, finishing up a bottle of cheap booze.
"Remind me again why we're here." Husker was facing the door before Niffty ran out and looked back at him full of excitement. "Because it's Christmas Eve and we were invited to a party to celebrate!" Unable to wait for a response she speeds off toward the entrance. At the same time, Alastor leaves the limo with his cane and unchangeable smile. "There was also a mention of tantalizing appetizers and beverages...Costly beverages I might add."
Husker's ears perked at the reminder of free high-priced booze being here and mumbled to himself as he heads in. Even though he's not showing it, Husker wanted to try out whatever drinks they had available. As Alastor follows from behind he chuckled to himself. "Oh, how I've missed such a decorative Holiday." While the 8 entered the mansion, Loona and Octavia noticed that they were each wearing their usual clothes, however, their clothing was slightly...Different.
Charlie's suit remained red but the pants she wore are green, and on the top left side of her suit she had a small "Merry Christmas!" button. Vaggie's dress remained white, however, her black waistband was now golden and her bow was red instead of pink. Charlotte wore similar attire to her mom, Charlie but in reverse with the suit green and the pants red. Besides Nugget's sweater, the pink stripes on Angel's suit blazer are red, making it resemble a candy cane, he also wore a Santa hat. Surprisingly and unsurprisingly Husk added a red flower pin to his hat. Niffty's blouse was green with red splotches and a yellow Christmas bow around her waist, giving it the portrayal of a tree with a gift below. And Alastor, however, was ready from the get-go evidenced by the red and black clothes and Deer-like features he has.
"It's nice to see you all again." Octavia greeted the 8 as they came in, observing the trees and decorations in the foyer as Charlie faced the duo. "Nice to see you two again. How's everything going?" She asked with a grin, which Loona answered. "Smooth and steady, just waiting for the others...How about you?" Morningstar then answered her. "Oh, the same. Some of our guests are celebrating with family or at the Hotel." After telling them, Angel and Charlotte approached them looking rather concerned. "Excuse me, Loona, Octavia?" Getting their attention, Charlotte asked. "Did Cherri Bomb make it by any chance? She said she'd be here by the time we arrived."
"Yeah, usually she's here earlier than that when there's a party." Angel Dust pointed out before looking again. "Where is she?" Before the two could say anything, a familiar voice answered. "Right here!" Looking at the entrance they see Cherri Bomb drop down from the top of the portico before walking in with a Santa hat on her head. "Cherri you're here!" Charlotte surprised and hugged the Sinner, who returned the gesture to her girlfriend. "Yes, I am." After they separated from the hug, she informed them. "I had a bit of a run-in with a certain snake and his little helpers. Took them down faster than it was to get here." Cherri leads Charlotte and Angel further into the foyer, giving them details of the encounter.
"Uh...I'm going to look around a little." Said Charlie before going over to Vaggie, but as she did the I.M.P. Van entered and parked in front of the mansion next to the limo. The doors each opened to reveal Blitzo, Moxxie, and Millie, with the Imp couple holding containers of what looks to be Holiday desserts. From the entrance, Loona and Octavia watched as Blitzo looked past the limo and began to cheer while M&M approached them.
When they were in hearing range, Loona asked. "Let me guess...He's celebrating because Verosika isn't here yet?" The two Imps nodded to confirm her claim. "You brought desserts for the party?" Octavia asked looking at the containers. "Yep! We brought some Pie, Cookies, oh-and some Fruitcake!" She looked over at her husband who was carrying said dessert. On their heads, they were wearing what they had on from a previous assignment, a white-trimmed red Elf hat, and Deer antlers made of mahogany.
"Hope we've brought enough for everyone." Said Moxxie, having slight trouble holding the Fruitcake. "Is there a chance we can place these in the ballroom?" He asked, looking at the halls on the first floor. "No worries, the servants we'll take care of that." After Octavia finished, two Imps walked over to Moxxie and Millie and were handed the containers from them before heading to the ballroom. At the same time, Blitzo approached the entrance and sees his daughter. "Looney!"
Suddenly, Loona was brought into a surprise hug, making her growl. She's gotten used to being affectionate toward Lincoln and Octavia whenever they are around. However, she still showed a slight state of resentment toward her adoptive father. "How's my only daughter doing?" After Blitzo asked curiously. Ceasing her growl, Loona rolled her eyes. "I'm doing...Fine." She splits from the hug. "Just keeping a look out for the other guests with Octavia." She glances over at the Goetia, who the Imp noticed. "Oh, I see." Blitzo scratched the back of his head. "So uh...How's it going with your parents' divorce?"
"Blitz!" Loona looked ready to attack Blitzo, only for Octavia to stop her. "It's ok Loona." After calming her, Octavia brings her attention to the Imp. "So far things are turning out for the better." She began. "They're not arguing as much as they use to. Dad's spending time with me during his free time. Mom's still a bit bitter, but seems to be doing better, thanks to Lincoln." The mentioning of Lincoln wasn't much of a surprise to Blitzo. "Well, kid's got a heart of gold. If anyone can melt the heart of a stone-cold bitch, it's him." He glanced over at the portico and immediately glared back at it. "Speaking of a stone-cold bitch..."
Looking over at the door, Loona and Octavia noticed it was Verosika Mayday. Rather than wearing her usual attire, she sported a green Elf outfit...but it was one that suits her taste. She was wearing a short-sleeved button-up top with a red collar exposing her belly and a short skirt that was red at the hemline. She also wore a black belt with a gold buckle, black-heeled shoes, peppermint thigh-high socks, and a hat with a red strip at the hem too.
She smiled upon seeing the Hellhound and Goetia but scowled when she saw her ex. "Blitzo..." She said with a hint of venom in her tone and arms crossed. "Verosika..." Blitzo responded with arms crossed and the same tone before walking away. While the two hated each other, they didn't want to ruin the party for themselves or the others. Facing Loona and Octavia, Verosika's returned her smile. "Thanks again for inviting me."
"The other couldn't make it?" Loona asked, seeing nobody else outside. "Tex went to celebrate with his girlfriend at her Christmas Party. As for the others, they had some personal business to take care of...Anyways, is Lincoln going to be here?" Verosika asked before getting her answer. "Eventually, he should be down soon. In the meantime, feel free to look around and talk to the others." With a shrug, Mayday walked off to do either of the suggestions.
Just then a large portal opened up at the doorway, revealing Stolas as he came through. He's wearing his deep red tunic with six-linked gold buttons, beige breeches, black gloves, and a feathery tophat with a regal gold crown. "Dad, you made it!" Octavia announced happily before hugging him. "I thought u weren't going to make it." She admitted as he returned the gesture. "I would never miss a day such as this, Via."
As they shared a father and daughter hug, the next and possibly very last guest arrived, Mrs. Mayberry. She was wearing a sky-blue long-sleeved shirt with white snowflakes on it. The upside-down teardrop jewel located on her chest remained red but the yellow tip was the color of platinum along with her glasses. Her headband was indigo, and her high-heel shoes were sky-blue too, as for her skirt, it was intact and blue with a white hemline.
"Am I late?" Mayberry asked Loona, seeing as how many guests there are now. Just as Loona was about to answer Mayberry's question a familiar voice did it for her. "Actually, you and the others made it on time." Gaining the attention of everyone in the foyer, they looked up at the 2nd floor and saw Lincoln alongside Stella. "Well...Most of you." The boy corrected himself, rubbing the back of his head after noticing that a few of those who have yet to arrive didn't arrive.
"Good to see you made it in time as well." Said Octavia as Loona focused her eyes on Stella. "Both of you." The Goetia rolled her eyes but gave a little smile as Lincoln lead her down one of the stairs before gesturing to the nearby hall. "If everyone can follow us down the hall we should arrive at the ballroom where the Christmas Party's held." Lincoln and Stella then walked down the hall with others following from behind.
The Ballroom
Reaching the large room full of pillars and tables for the guests, with a single chandelier, the guests were becoming left in awe or interest. The plants that were taken away during the divorce were replaced with new ones that looked like extended miniature pine trees but white. The plants and pillars had fake gifts below and were decorated with Christmas lights, tinsel garlands, and ornaments that blend with the room. The stained glass windows were surrounded with Christmas lights as well with a green wreath in the center. As for the curtains they were changed with red and white silk curtains. Near one of the walls of the ballroom were buffet tables which the food and drinks were put on with a stack of recyclable Christmas plates. There was also some Christmas Music playing, courtesy of the servants.
At the doorway, Lincoln stands aside with Stella beside him, waiting for each guest to come through, the first of which being Charlie and Vaggie. "Thank you! I always wanted to come to a Christmas Party." The latter said cheerfully before giving him a kiss and walking off further into the ballroom. Seeing her marvel at everything, Charlie smiled a little and turns her attention toward Lincoln who was watching Vaggie too, also smiling.
Charlie chuckled silently and holds onto Lincoln's cheeks, getting him to turn to her. She kisses him as well and pulls away. "That's for making Vaggie happy." Letting go she heads over to Vaggie, at the same time Husker came in, looking around the room before speaking his thoughts. "Reminds me a little of Las Vegas." He soon spots the table holding the snacks and beverages and sees the booze they were serving. "Hey kid, is the buffet open?" He asked Lincoln, eying the bottles like a lion eying a piece of meat. "You're free to get what you want Husker, even a bottle." With a grin, Husker heads over to the table, feeling as though he won the lotto.
Coming next into the ballroom were Charlotte, Cherri Bomb, Angel Dust, and Nugget. "Eh...Not my type of party, but at least my friend's here, and I got to bring Nugget with me." Angel pets the top of Nugget's head and goes to find a table for them to sit at. All the while Charlotte and Cherri went over to Lincoln. "Nice to see you again Lincoln." Said Charlotte as she kisses him, after they pull apart from it, Cherri spoke. "Yeah, we were starting to miss you." She picks Lincoln up and kisses him on the lips too. After they pulled away too, he chuckled. "It's only been two weeks." As he said this Moxxie and Millie walked by with the latter taking her spouse over to the buffet tables.
"Two weeks is too long," Charlotte whined in a cute way for him and Cherri. "It's not the same when you're away for that much time." With a nod in agreement, Cherri Bomb adds. "Also we have a surprise for you." This brought some interest to Lincoln. "What kind of surprise?" He asked, which made Charlotte giggle and shook her head. "It wouldn't be a surprise if we told you what it was. But you'll know when we're ready to give it to you." When finished, she and Cherri Bomb went to either find a table or get a bite to eat.
"Lincoln!" Suddenly the said boy was tackled to the floor and held into a tight hug by no other than Niffty. "I was worried something may have happened to you, the others told me to relax and that you were fine, but I told them how would they know and-why are you turning blue?" She stopped, noticing a change in his skin. "Niffty...Need...Air." She gasped, loosening her grip, and helps him back up as he catches his breath. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, I-"
"I know...Niffty, it's ok." Catching enough air in his lungs Lincoln tells her with an assuring smile. "You were just worried about me, I would've been the same if I thought something happened to you or the others." Niffty smiled a bit from Lincoln's rationality and kisses him before pulling away. "I'm...Just happy you're ok." He nods to show he understands before letting her go as she looks around the ballroom. As Razzle and Dazzle flew by, having been also invited, Verosika soon came in, however, upon seeing her, Lincoln's cheeks instantly flared red.
"W-Whoa..." Was all that raced through Lincoln's mind at the sight of the Succubus. Noticing he was gawking at her from both her presence and appearance, a smile spread across her face. "What do you think Lincoln?" She asked gesturing to her attire, approaching him with the sway of her hips. "Oh-uh well, it-it's very..." Lincoln was then picked up by Verosika. "Seasonal? Immaculate? ...Amorous?" She asked, holding him close to the point that his torso was squishing her chest, making his face redden with a gulp. "A-All the above." Hearing his answer, Verosika giggled and kissed him right on the lips. As they were smooching, Stolas and Blitzo passed by them with the Imp rolling his eyes.
"Succubus..." Blitzo muttered, shaking his head as Stolas spots the buffet and decides to get his mind off of the Popstar. "Why don't we get something to eat? Perhaps an eggnog cocktail?" The Imp was going to refuse but thought for a split second and shrugged. "Eh, ok. Must be some good shit." He added, seeing Husker sitting at a table, drinking a bottle of the cocktail. After Verosika and Lincoln finished their kiss she placed him back down on his feet and went to a table. But not before giving Stella a secret wink, making the Goetia roll her eyes and blush a bit. All the while Mrs. Mayberry enters the room and spots the boy, who sees her in return.
"Lincoln, do you know how long it's been since I was invited to a Christmas Party?" Mayberry asked as she walks over to him. "I'm guessing...Too long?" After answering, he was brought into a gentle hug by the Sinner, confirming his answer was correct. "Almost a year, at least 2 weeks after I murdered my ex for cheating on me." Hearing that, he began returning a hug of his own to her, rubbing and patting her back to give her some comfort.
He was there when she told him and the others how she ended up unfairly in hell. All for having killed her ex-husband for cheating on her with a cannibalistic mother hiding behind a facade of false innocence. Pulling away while still holding his shoulders she smiled. "But don't feel bad about it. If that didn't happen that woman and her family could've claimed more lives. Also..." She leaned forward and kissed Lincoln before telling him. "I would've been missing out on this." Letting go she walks off inside the ballroom, just in time as Alastor enters with Loona and Octavia right behind.
"I offered them to go ahead, but they insisted on staying behind." The Radio Demon informed Lincoln before pausing, hearing a familiar tune fill the room. "Oh-ho, Jingle Bells? How classic! And...is that a holiday ham I smell." Smelling the aroma of the freshly cooked meat, he made his way over to the buffet to get some. "Looks like everyone that came is all here." Stated Octavia, observing the room to see most of the guests.
The guests were either sitting down, getting something from the buffet, or standing and having a conversation with one another. "Which means we don't need this anymore and can enjoy the party too." Loona smiled a little at Octavia, Stella, and Lincoln before tossing the clipboard away, which was caught by a servant who took it away. With that, the four went over to the buffet to get what they can do eat and drink. Getting the plates present they picked out their food and drinks such as ham, mashed potatoes, fruitcake, cookies, soda, juice, and alcohol.
When Lincoln was finished getting his plate full, he walked back to the table Stella, Loona, and Octavia are occupying. He raised a brow though, noticing Charlotte and Cherri Bomb talking to his two adoptive moms quietly. Even though he couldn't hear or read what they were saying, it was making them laugh a little or blush at the thought of it. Reaching the table, they stopped talking about it and smiled or grinned at Lincoln as he put his plate on the table. Before he could ask what they were talking about, or eat what he has on his plate, Cherri and Charlotte approached him until they were by his sides.
"So Lincoln," Cherri began with a grin, placing her arm around his shoulders. "Wanna have that surprise now?" Even though he was hungry and a bit thirsty, he did like surprises. "Uh...Sure! Some of the food needs to cool down anyway." He looked at his plate as steam can still be seen coming off of the meat. "Nice." Cherri Bomb holds his hand as he gets off his chair and turned her focus toward Loona. "Coming Loona?" The Hellhound gets up and holds Lincoln's other hand, making him raise a brow as they lead him off while Charlotte and Octavia stood back.
The three didn't go far as they had reached an ornamented pillar near the very corner of the ballroom. It was far from everyone else and concealed the three from view along with the plants around it. This left Lincoln even more confused, that was until Cherri spoke. "You might be wondering what the surprise is." He nodded to her as she continued. "Since Charlotte and I couldn't bring anything except food and drinks..."
Cherri Bomb looks at Loona who was keeping a short lookout. Looking at the Sinner, she nods grabbing the front waistband of her shorts as the former does the same with her torn-up leggings. "We decided to do this for you." Lincoln's eyes followed as the two pulled their shorts or leggings down, causing his face to flare a beet red. They were exposing their nether region toward him in all its glory, which left him surprised, of course. Seeing his reaction, the two couldn't help but chuckle.
"We also got most of the other girls to do the same too." Said Cherri as she and Loona let Lincoln look a little longer before pulling their shorts or leggings back up. "Just wait for them to come to you, ok?" He nodded to her as they went back to the table with Cherri taking Charlotte back to their table. It wouldn't be a good idea for her and Octavia to surprise him now, that would attract attention. So to prevent that from transpiring, they chose to do it discreetly.
15 Minutes Later
Finishing the food on his plate, Lincoln wipes his mouth with a napkin before feeling a hand on his shoulder. Looking up he sees Octavia holding her empty plate. Seeing this he beamed and got up to follow her, at the same time Charlotte had done the same too. Throwing away their plates the three went behind one of the pillars, out of sight. Seeing nobody saw them, Octavia grabbed the front of her leggings at the waist while Charlotte unbutton her pants. The two then pulled down to reveal their undies and thighs to the boy and soon bring their leggings or pants back up before leaving the pillar.
10 Minutes Later
Lincoln couldn't help but smile as he and the others watched lovebirds Moxxie and Millie slowly dance in the middle of the ballroom. They were singing: All I want for Christmas is you, to each other while the tune played in the background. While others were touched by the sight of the couple or not that interested, some saw this as an opportunity. When Lincoln went to get a drink over at the buffet, he was stopped by Charlie. Looking at her she pointed her thumb over to a pillar, which they soon head to, finding Vaggie waiting from behind it. Once there, Morningstar pulled her pants down with a giggle while her spouse grasped the hemline of her dress and pulls up, looking a tad sheepish. They flashed him their undies along with the exposed legs from above the knees.
20 Minutes Later
"So that's why they couldn't show up?" Lincoln was currently talking to the Popstar herself while the others did their own things, common stuff during a Christmas Party. "Yeah, but I understand." Verosika shrugged. "They have lives, just like us and everyone else here. They gotta do something to make it interesting." Just then she started to smirk. "Speaking of interesting, I think it's time I give you my surprise." She winked at him, holding his hand before leading him to the back of a pillar.
Unlike the others, Verosika decided to make this surprise special. Letting go of Lincoln's hand, she applied her hands at her ankles and slowly raised them. She brushed her fingertips up her legs until she reached her thighs, right where the hemline of her skirt was. Grabbing it she slowly pulled it up, teasing him a little until it was up to her abdomen, giving him a good view of her undergarment.
25 Minutes Later
Having finished up a cup of soda, Lincoln got up from his chair to go and get a refill. While getting the refill he noticed Stella behind one of the pillars out of sight from others, talking to Verosika. "So...You think I could get an autograph?" She hands the Succubus a picture of them and Lincoln when they were doing something together a couple weeks ago. Verosika gladly took the pic and used her pen to write her signature on the back, much to Stella's joy. "Anything for a fan, especially the ones I'm close with." Said Mayday as she gives her back the picture. Lincoln smiled and soon noticed the Goetia was holding the Popstar's tail. She was giving it a good gentle squeeze making the Succubus blush with enjoyment while the boy watched them getting along again.
"Lincoln..." Hearing his name being whispered toward him, he turns and sees Mayberry at a pillar with a cheerful Niffty. The former rested the back of her hand on her hip, gesturing her finger for him to come to them. Lincoln does so and stands facing them, standing out of view of the other guests. After they made sure nobody could see them, Niffty and Mayberry lifted the hem of their skirt simultaneously, giving him a nice look at what they wore underneath. "We hope you liked the surprises." Niffty grinned as they were the last ones to give him a surprise.
10 Minutes Later
After an hour and a half of talking, eating, drinking, or dancing, the guests along with the hosts were enjoying the Christmas Party. Loona and Octavia were talking with Charlie and Vaggie about their kids. Cherri and Charlotte were sitting with Angel who'd let the latter hold Nugget, telling them of how he came across and took in the piglet. Stolas and Blitzo were in a discussion about what's going on lately with work. Moxxie and Millie were feeding each other romantically. Husker was lying on his table with a bottle in hand, listening to Alastor's praise of the party for its tunes, feast, and adornment. And Mayberry was listening to Niffty who told her of how she ended up in hell.
Seeing they were enjoying their time during this party, Lincoln smiled at this sight. Sure this is Hell, full of murderers and monsters, but at least some of the Sinners and Demons here show a form of humanity. Just then he noticed Stella was nowhere to be seen after she got Verosika to sign that photo. He looked around before spotting her at a table, downing a bottle of red wine before taking a break to breathe.
"There's gotta be a way to stop her from drinking." Lincoln thought to himself hearing the music change again, it was Christmas-esque, but it sounds perfect for a slow dance. This gave him an idea as he looks back at Stella and ran to her table. Before she could take another sip of her wine, she spotted Lincoln make his way to her before holding out a hand. "Would you like to dance?" After he asked Stella, she sighed and told him. "I don't want to dance right now..."
"Please?" He asked, giving her an adorable look, begging for her to dance with him. Unable to resist, Stella sighed and put her bottle on the table. "Ok, I'll dance with you." Standing up she holds his hand and follows him to the middle of the ballroom. When they got there, Lincoln stopped, seeing he was too short to dance with her as his hands can't fully hold hers. "Luckily I had this ready." Looking over at Alastor he nodded to him.
Alastor grinned grew as he grips his cane. "It's time to level the odds!" He taps the bottom of his staff on the ground twice, causing two Stilts to materialize beneath his feet. This gave him the near exact height as Stella who didn't look too amused by this as she and Lincoln started to slow dance together. They held one another's hand, having the other hand rest on the shoulder or hip as they dance slowly. Stella didn't show happiness about this dance as they started. During this dance, she started to follow Lincoln's steps, keeping their hands locked together while others watched.
As time passes Stella started to enjoy the slow dance with Lincoln, becoming happy as a smile spreads from her beak. She then looked into his eyes and brought him near her, surprising Lincoln as the stilts beneath his legs came off and fell. But this didn't stop them from dancing as Stella held him closer, laughing happily as he joined in. As they danced, Octavia began to smile, seeing her mom happy again, Loona even started to smile as well.
A Few Hours Later
With it getting late, the guests began to leave, taking some leftovers with them. The first to go out were Stolas, Blitzo, Moxxie, Millie, Alastor, Husker, Razzle, and Dazzle. Angel who held Nugget and was leaving next stopped and kissed Lincoln on his head, confusing and concerning him until the Sinner chuckled. "You're too young for me kid." With that, he went through the exit back to the limo. After he left, Charlie, Vaggie, Charlotte, and Cherri walked toward Lincoln, Loona, and Octavia, giving them each a kiss on the lips in that order. "We had a good time." Admitted Charlie in her upbeat tone as Vaggie nodded before following her outside along with Charlotte.
"Get home safe Cherri." Charlotte kisses Cherri Bomb who returned it and nodded before whispering to her. "I'll see you back at the hotel." With that, Cherri made her exit, leaving Charlotte blushing with a giggle as she heads back to the limo with her moms. Niffty comes from the hall and kisses Lincoln before climbing both Octavia and Loona to kiss them too. "I enjoyed the party and got to make a new friend!" She happily announced to them before heading to the limo just as Mayberry came and kissed the boy. "We had a lot in common." She then kisses the Hellhound and Goetia before going back to her car.
"You know, despite none of my friends showing up, I still enjoyed this Christmas Party with you guys." They hear and saw Verosika walking beside Stella. "Me too." She answered happily, squeezing Mayday's tail and making her moan a little, which Lincoln noticed and smiled at. After Stella lets go of her tail, Verosika kissed her on the cheek and then heads toward Lincoln, Octavia, and Loona. She then picks up the boy and kisses him before pulling away with a grin. "Good luck." After putting the now confused Lincoln down she then kissed Loona and Octavia before going to her car. With all the guests leaving, Lincoln snapped out of the confusion and begins waving at her and the others.
"Bye, everyone! We hope you have a nice Christmas!" Lincoln exclaimed with a grin as their guests either drive, run, or teleport back home or somewhere else. After they were gone, Loona looked and noticed it was almost reaching midnight. "Well, it's getting late. Time for all of us to go and take a nap." She closes the double door and looks over at Octavia and Lincoln, giving a smile, leaving the former very confused. "But I thought we were going to have fun tonight? You were going to use the str-" Loona quickly covered Octavia's beak, shushing her before glancing at their son.
It didn't take long for Octavia to realize and blush heavily, having forgotten her son was standing right there in front of them. After Loona let go of her beak she went along with it. "Oh, I mean...Yes! I am getting a bit tired after today...So let's-eek!" She let out after being picked up by Loona bridal style who took her upstairs to her room with speed, slamming the door shut once inside. "Huh...I wonder what mom was about to say?" Lincoln shrugged. "It doesn't really matter, let's get ready to go to..." He turned only to see Stella was gone.
"Bed?" He finished, looking around to see her nowhere in the foyer now. "Stella? Hello...Stella!?" He called but received no response. Knowing the possible chance of where she could be, Lincoln run upstairs and toward their bedroom, hoping she wasn't back to drinking again. However, when he got there, he found the room empty. "Where is-whoa!" Suddenly he was lifted from the ground by magic and placed on the bed sitting and facing the bathroom.
It left him confused until the door opened, revealing Stella, not in the dress she wore seconds ago, but instead a female version of Santa's outfit. She wore a white fur-trimmed red hat, a matching jacket that exposes her chest a bit, and a short skirt that shows off her long white legs. She also had on a black belt with a gold buckle and black boots. Seeing her in this attire left Lincoln red and flabbergasted, which didn't go unnoticed as Stella smiled.
"Like it?" She asked posing a bit before seeing some blood come out of his nose and sweat down his forehead. With a giggle, she walked over to him and gently pushed him down on their bed. Lincoln watched as she got on above him with her knees on both sides of his body, giving him a good view of her undies from under the skirt. After that, Stella went down and kissed him right on the lips, which he returned. The two started to remove their clothes, beginning to make love to each other.
4 Hours Later
Laying back on her pillow and lighting a cigarette, Stella began smoking while looking at the ceiling as she exhales. She then looks at Lincoln who was asleep, lying on her chest like a pillow with the sheets covering their bare bodies. She smiled at him and lightly patted his head, taking one more puff of the cigarette before turning it to stone with her powers. After throwing it in the trashcan near their bed, Stella holds Lincoln in her arms and falls asleep with him. Unbeknownst to the egg that was beginning to form inside her womb.