One Week Later...
Eric didn't always work around the clock at I.M.P., as shown today with Eliza walking silently towards her dad's bed. The demon that was fast asleep had no idea his daughter had snuck into his room, unannounced and, with an air horn in hand. Since it was Snow's day off from work. He felt he could finally get some sleep and relax a little. If only he remembered who he was the father to.
Air Horn Blares
THUD
Rubbing the back of his head. The male glares softly at his gleefully smiling daughter that, now, was hugging him tightly around the neck before speaking.
"Good Morning, daddy."
Snow's look of annoyance soon changed the minute Eliza smiled at him happily. It was days like this the father of one could live for now they both resided in Hell. Deciding to finally get out of bed to go feed himself and his daughter once he was changed into the clothes he couldn't wash. He headed into the kitchen area to begin his new morning routine.
Kitchen
Noting the cupboards and fridge was nearly empty since he added his daughter to the lease on his motel room. Eric grabs a mug from the cupboard that was at his height whilst Eliza grabbed a bowl from the sink to wash and use again. Growing up as Snow's daughter, Eliza had learned to appreciate the smaller things in life. So, upon seeing her dad hesitating at what to make himself for his morning breakfast. She spoke up.
"Why don't we just go shopping, dad? You've got your paycheck from yesterday's job with Blitzo and Loona, right?"
Eric facepalms. How could he forget he had gotten paid yesterday? Remembering his wallet was in the living room. He asks.
"Can you be a sweetheart and grab daddy his wallet please, Eliza?"
"Sure."
Eliza says with a smile. Upon leaving her seat at the table to scurry into the living room and retrieve Snow's wallet. She noticed something sticking out of the leather money holder she learned her dad had stolen off said demon he'd stolen the clothes from. In it, was a family photo Snow had from when he was just plain Eric Snow. But, the minute her eyes clapped onto her mother. She quietly tore the image apart. Leaving only the smiling faces of Eric and Eliza looking back at the smiling little demon.
"What's taking you so long sweetie? Did you find my wallet?"
"Yeah. I've got it, dad."
Stuffing the image of herself and her dad back into her dad's wallet. Eliza lit the piece of the photo with Penelope on fire with a single flame from her index finger. She knew how much of a scumbag her mother was. So, ridding herself of the piece of paper was one way to help herself, and her father, to heal the wounds this monster had inflicted on the two of them.
Mall (Montage Time)
"Okay, Liz. We're here to buy ourselves some new clothes. Make sure you stay by my side at all times. Okay, sweetheart?"
"Okay, Dad."
Food and Clothes shopping. It was the first thing on Snow's list for him to do today. Having a day off work allowed him to do this since he didn't exactly land with a suitcase full of clothes for him to change into.
Eliza loved being in the company of her father while they made their way around the mall. Starting with making a food run at the store that was indoors. Hell, Eliza was helping Snow pick out the right foods they would need to make a meal for the coming days. With the odd frozen foods and fresh produce in the basket. Eric's fatherly instinct was to make sure there was a fresh meal every day for himself and Eliza was reassuring.
The next stop was for new clothes. Trying on different clothes and laughing at the goofy ones that were considered fashionable nowadays. Eliza commented.
"If someone thinks this is a trend for girls my age to wear. They need to consider giving their heads a shake. Only single mothers who don't give a shit about their kids would wear this shite."
To this day, for the dad of Eliza, that is, hearing his little girl swearing. It surprised Snow to no end.
Once purchases were made. The two walked out with more items of clothing between them than they had had originally. Eric had walked out with six pairs of jeans, five t-shirts and, some new boxer shorts that were in sets of five. while Eliza had chosen similar items. She had settled for some t-shirts, jeans and her own underwear set.
Cinema
Standing in line for a movie was something Snow had done a thousand times with Eliza on Earth. Unfortunately, this wasn't Earth. As we are soon to learn when the demon refused to play ball with Snow.
Telling Eliza to go get some sweets from the shop while he dealt with the rude demon behind the counter who had given Eliza shit. It was a big mistake on the demon's part. As shown when Eliza returned with a big paper bag filled with all sorts of sweets, chocolate and other assortments. She saw the demon behind the counter visibly shaken and more cooperative now.
"That's a little big for you, Liz. Don't eat them all at once okay."
Eliza nods before putting the bag on the counter. The demon was seen about to charge full price for the king-sized bag of confections and the popcorn Snow had ordered. Only for the male to once again scare the demon shitless with a glare. Making him charge for it all at the price of a small hot dog at Pentagram Movies.
"That'll be two dollars and sixteen cents."
Eliza couldn't believe the price her dad had gotten it to. She concluded that she must have gotten the cheaper deal. Completely oblivious to what her dad had done to get his daughter said price drop.
Later
Once the movie was finished. And, Eliza was tiring herself out. Eric knew it was time to get his daughter home so she could have a sleep. He loved it when his daughter would crash out from all the sugar she'd consumed. It allowed her to sleep and recharge her batteries for the day ahead.
End montage
Back at The Motel Room
Gently placing Eliza down on the bed so she could sleep off her sugar crash. Eric walked back into the kitchen to unpack the groceries. Opening up the wallet. He noticed the family photo had a piece missing from the picture. Looking in all of the hidden compartments in the wallet. He remembered he'd sent Eliza to get his wallet earlier before they'd gone shopping. With a smirk on his face at what his daughter had done to the picture. And, remembering who was on the side that was destroyed. He decided to just shake his head with a smile before putting away the bagged vegetables. He wasn't going to confront his daughter about the destroyed image. He was going to think of a way to make her first birthday in Hell special for when she would turn thirteen this year.
Ping
Catching the sound of his company-issued phone buzzing with a text message on the kitchen counter. Eric grabs the phone whilst chopping some vegetables for dinner tonight. Reading the message that was from Loona.
To: Snow
From: Goth Hound
'Hey. There's a party tonight if you're interested. Sure, you'd have to find a babysitter for your daughter. But, I'm sure she'll understand if you wanted to go out tonight. Hit me up if you are interested.'
He smirked. This was probably Loona's way of finding out if Snow was bluffing about being a party animal when he was alive. But, he couldn't read subliminal messages as his daughter could. Something that made him jump out of his skin when his daughter, stood in the doorway and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, says to her dad.
"She's down bad for you, dad."
That statement caused Snow to blush and go on the defensive when he replies to his, now seated at the table, daughter.
"Don't be ridiculous, Eliza. Loona's just a really good friend. There is nothing between us."
Eliza raised a questioning eyebrow while her dad's back was turned to reply to the text. He had no idea his daughter had climbed on top of the fridge until he heard her say.
"So, you going to that party then?"
"ELIZA!"
The pre-teen laughed as her dad got her down from the fridge and began tickling her. Causing her to burst out laughing from the assault. Once the laughter had died down. Eliza finally spoke once she calmed down.
"I don't mind if you go, dad. I can watch the room for you until you get back."
This was where Snow drew the line.
"Absolutely not. Out of the question, Eliza. I'm not leaving a vulnerable, pretty young girl alone in the motel room by herself. DO YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF FREAKS PREY ON KIDS THAT WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE LIKE YOU'RE SUGGESTING?"
Eliza raised a questioning eyebrow before responding.
"I'll be fine dad. I still have some of the cooking skills you taught me when we lived on Earth whilst alive. Plus, Blitzo taught me how to fire a gun. So, I think I'm covered."
This still didn't convince Snow to allow his daughter to stay by herself. Seeing she hadn't convinced her dad. She says with a defeated sigh leaving her.
"Fine! Just drop me off at Moxxie and Millie's then. There, are you happy now?"
Eric nods whilst saying 'Yes, very happy. Kissing his daughter on the cheek. The pre-teen rolls her eyes and smiles warmly towards her dad. who, now, was texting back to Loona about how he was available to go tonight with the Hellhound. Though she was a little disappointed she couldn't spend more time with her dad. She was just happy he could go and enjoy himself without worrying about her. They'd been in Hell for a full week now. Maybe it was time to pursue other hobbies and interests.
Later
Standing outside the motel room awaiting his ride. Eric is seen to be standing in his new jeans, red and white button-up shirt, and brand-new red sneakers. Stood on his phone. His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a car horn blaring to get his attention from where he stood. Looking up, he sees Blitzo in the driver's seat before he calls out.
"Hurry up, Snow. I'm not waiting around!"
"Coming, sir."
Walking over to the sliding door that opens up to the back passenger seats. Eric jumps into the middle seat in the back of the van. Once inside, Blitzo tears away from the motel Snow were staying in.
With Eliza, Millie and Moxxie
Setting foot into the cosy home for the first time with Moxxie behind her, carrying her duffel bag in for her. The pre-teen's thoughts are on one thing the moment she walked into the living area.
'This is cosy.'
"It sure is nice of you to come visit us for the night, Eliza. Ah, 'm sure we can make you feel at home in no time."
Millie says whilst greeting Eliza with a warm hug. Something the little girl was not used to the minute she froze up in the imp's embrace. Luckily, Moxxie could sense how tense the girl was in his wife's embrace by speaking up.
"Don't worry, Eliza. Unlike your mother. Millie and I won't try to harm you whilst you are under our roof."
Eliza nods. She was sceptical about staying the night at Moxxie and Millie's at first. But, because her dad trusted them. She felt she could trust them too. Don't get her wrong. She couldn't trust other females with how badly her mother treated her while she was alive on Earth. But, the genuine warmth she felt from the married couple she was being watched by tonight. Her walls crumbled a little with how genuine they were to her.
"Now, Snow didn't give us any instructions on how to look after you. So, we were thinking. Do you possibly want to help me bake some cookies?"
"Yes please!"
Moxxie chuckles at the quick and excited response from the little girl. Before he'd even had the chance to think. Eliza had sped off to the kitchen before Moxxie could even process what had happened. Causing him to just shake his head at the excitable child they were watching for the night.
With Snow, Loona and Blitzo
Vortex's Hellhound Party
The sounds of music could be heard faintly blaring from the speakers the minute the van pulled up outside of the house hosting the party Loona had been invited to by the hound who worked for Verosika Mayday. Parking the van outside on the sidewalk closest to the house. Blitzo turned to face Snow and sat in the back seat before speaking.
"Okay, Snow, remember this one thing. Though I don't like the idea of the new guy taking my daughter to a party she is capable of attending by herself. You were the only one available to keep her safe. That, and my Looney trusts you."
Loona just rolls her eyes. But, it was Snow's response that made her freeze up a little.
"I understand sir. But, don't you think Loona can watch out for herself? She is twenty-two."
Blitzo didn't like the male's answer. But, while the imp was ranting about the dangers his impressionable daughter could face while amongst sleaze bags. Loona smirked before mouthing to Snow thanks'. Causing the male to wink at the hound with his own smile. Once Blitzo had done ranting to the male who wasn't listening. He allowed the two to exit the van with no more issues to address.
The moment the two stood outside of the van. Blitzo calls out.
"Have fun you two."
Once again. Loona rolled her eyes while Snow just gave a small two-finger salute to see Blitzo off. Once the two were sure the van had gone. They sigh in relief before looking at each other and laughing about Blitzo's overbearing nature as they walked into the yard through the gate.
Hound Party
Song Playing On The Speakers: I'm A Freak by Enrique Iglesias ft. Pitbull
The sight that greeted Snow the minute he walked into the yard was one of amazement. He'd never seen so many hellhounds in one place before. Let alone the ones he was watching having a good time. Booze, recreational drugs, and party games like beer pong and quarters. It was reminding of his days as a college frat house boy when he was nineteen on Earth. His thoughts are interrupted the minute a red cup was handed to him from out of the blue by Loona speaking up beside him.
"Time to show me if you were bluffing about being a party animal, Snow."
The male nods. Oh, he was planning on showing off his wild side to Loona. He just had to get a feel for his surroundings first. Since he was only a week removed from coming to Hell after his death. He didn't want to make a fool of himself in front of Loona. His thoughts are interrupted by the host of the party noticing him acting like a wallflower against the wall of the house closest to where the pool was. Seeing the tall hound walking over to his spot by the wall. The hound speaks to Snow directly.
"You must be the new guy Loona mentioned she was bringing with her. Your names Snow, right?"
Eric nods to confirm the hound's question is correct. While Snow took a sip of his drink. The hound introduced himself to the demon and stood with his foot against the brick wall.
"Name's Vortex."
Eric nods before responding after taking another sip of his drink.
"Cool party you've got going, Vortex."
Vortex smirks before responding.
"You can call me Tex, Snow. Any friend of Loona's is a friend of mine."
The demon nods. Seeing Snow looking like he wasn't enjoying himself at all. Vortex pipes up.
"Loona says you can handle your alcohol. Wanna hit the strong stuff?"
That question was like music to Snow's ears. Throwing the remnants of his cup away into the other garden. He follows Vortex into the house towards where the cooler was being kept with all the drinks Vortex's girlfriend had stored for everyone to access. Passing by the hounds that were enjoying themselves with alcohol and blunts in each hand. Eric knew he needed to find a way to get into the swing of things soon. Otherwise, Loona would have successfully called his bluff about the party aspect of his personality.
Opening the cooler. The moment Snow saw the high percentage of drinks in the cold storage. His eyes widen with a grin on his face. Something Vortex was more than happy to show off to the male impressed by the alcohol before him.
"How do you feel about a Suicidal Angel?"
Though he had no clue of the names of the drinks in Hell. He couldn't refuse to try one mixed by the host. Mixing all of the combinations he had with him before pouring the mixture into the tall glass before Snow. The male couldn't believe his eyes at what he was looking at before he was handed it by Vortex. No ice, no fancy garnishes. Just pure alcohol. Something a partygoer was quick to point out the minute Snow took the drink in his hand.
"HEY, THE NEW GUY'S ABOUT TO DRINK A SUICIDAL ANGEL!"
Eric had no idea why this drink was so popular. But, judging by the crowd gathering around him now. He felt this must have been some sort of initiation test for him to pass. Looking into the crowd and spotting Loona coming closer to him. He hears Vortex whisper to him.
"To be considered an honorary Hellhound, Snow. You must do what no hellhound has ever been able to do. Down a full suicidal angel in one go. You up for it?"
Eric nods and smirks at the challenge thrown down to him by the host. Loona could only hold her breath the minute the glass was touched by Snow's lips. With the timer being started from ten seconds. Vortex calls out.
"Start now."
10…
Snow began drinking the tall concoction in his right hand. Immediately, the drink began burning his throat from the strength it possessed.
9…
"He's already tearing up and turning red! He can't handle it!"
That shout earned the male hound a punch in the muzzle from Loona.
8…
"JUG, JUG, JUG, JUG!"
The crowd around Snow began chanting in unison the moment he got to the halfway point. Even Loona was crossing her fingers and hoping Snow could pass the test.
7…
Despite how red his face looked from not taking a breath. Eric was powering through the drink at top speed.
6…
'Come on, Snow.'
That was what Loona was thinking while Snow was starting to slow down a little from lack of breath. But, he powered on. He wasn't going to be known as a liar in front of the hounds he was trying to impress.
5...
The last five seconds on the timer in Vortex's hand was what Snow could see out of the corner of his left eye whilst nearing the end of the drink. He was so close now.
4…
The crowd held on with bated breath. Eric was reaching the last third of the drink now. Surely, he could do it?
3…
"Snow! Snow! Snow!"
"You can do it, Snow!"
2…
The demon was starting to sway unsteadily from lack of oxygen. When a party-goer tried to hold him steady, since he'd nearly finished the drink, Snow stops them by slamming his hand on the table in front of him. If he was going to pass out. He was going to go down fighting.
1…
Just as Vortex was about to stop the clock the minute the second was up. Eric slammed the empty glass down on the table. Much to the surprise of the hounds around him. Taking a second to catch his breath while Loona held him up. He smirks towards Vortex before saying.
"Give me another."
0...
The roof nearly blew off the place as everyone cheered for Snow to clear the challenge with flying colours. If he wanted to make a good impression with Loona and Vortex tonight. He'd done so easily enough. He was being given his fresh glass of Suicidal Angel. He calls out.
"WHO WANTS TO FUCKING PARTY!"
Loona couldn't help the smile on her face. Man, was she happy Snow had lived up to his bragging about his partying side. Now, she could witness the full extent of the animal in Snow. Without any barriers holding him back.
Montage Time (Song Change: Do Ya Wanna Taste It? By Wig Wam).
"Cannonball!"
SPLASH
Jumping into the pool in just his boxer shorts. Eric managed to splash everyone around him before surfacing to the top of the collection Laughing and hollering in happiness. Eric was back in his element again. Just like he was when he was human. He felt he could get used to this. But, if he looked around at the right moment. He would see a blushing Loona checking him out while he had no shirt on.
Scene Transition
The next thing we see Snow doing. He is passing around a joint between the hounds he is sitting in a circle with. With a few minutes passing. He was the only one who wasn't stoned amongst the others he was passing the weed around with. Causing him to mutter to himself.
"Fucking lightweights."
Scene Transition Two
Double's beer pong against a drunk hellhound couple was what Snow did next. Making sure Loona was beside him whilst he wasn't looking at his shot. He sunk the ping pong ball with little effort into his opponent's remaining cup. The crowd was cheering at the successful shot the male had made. Even lifting Loona in a hug above his head as he got crazy whilst celebrating. Causing the hound to blush bright red at the close contact the male was giving her.
Scene Transition 3
Beerbongs. Somehow, Vortex had seven jerry cans lined up beside each other connected to one funnel and pipe. By this point, Snow was the only one who wasn't tipsy by how much he'd downed. But, considering he could handle the strongest concoction that could make any normal demon smell colours and taste thin air. He could handle it without issue. More cheers and high-fives were given to the demon, who by now, was a bonafide party animal to his new friends. Not even Loona could keep up with him.
End of Montage (End Song).
Hours Later…
Spotting the food table with the pizzas that had been ordered for the party tonight. Eric knew his limits when it came to going hungry whilst he'd been drinking. So, making his way over to the table with his twenty-second drink in his hand. He made a beeline for the pepperoni pizza when Vortex's girlfriend calls out.
"It's now time for seven minutes in Hell!"
Eric knew where this was going to go. Whilst chatting to a random couple at the far end of the room. And, seen eating two slices of pizza at the same time. He wasn't expecting to see Loona pushed towards the closet by the female hounds. Causing Snow to laugh at who they were going to pair his boss's receptionist with. He almost choked on his pizza when Vortex's girlfriend sought him out in the crowd. With a tight grip on his forearm. He had no time to respond before the male hellhounds threw him into the closet with Loona.
Despite the need to protest. Vortex's girlfriend calls to the two locked in the closet.
"You've got seven minutes. Let's see if you two hook up within that time."
Closet
Slamming his fist into the door. Eric couldn't believe he'd been pushed into this by the hounds he'd been accepted by. This leads to Loona swaying drunkenly.
"Bet you never expected this to happen at the first party you attend in Hell? Huh, Snow."
Sighing bitterly. He gives Loona a soft glare. Taking a seat on the floor of the closet. It wasn't long before Loona joined him on the floor. Once she was seated beside him, Snow replied.
"No, this was not what I expected. Especially since the girl they are trying to get me together with, is intoxicated to a point that could kill a full-grown elephant."
This led to a response Snow wasn't expecting.
"So, you don't find me attractive?"
This causes Snow to respond ludicrously.
"Of course, I find you attractive. I… I just thought that it'd be another month before we confessed. Not in some hound's closet while your drunk."
Loona nods. Smiling at the situation Snow had brought forward. She says with laughter escaping her.
"I know. This blows… but."
This was where Loona got bolder in her drunken state. Leaning her head on Snow's shoulder closest to her, much to the male's flustering, she says softly.
"I'm just glad it's you they put me in here with."
That, Snow could agree to. Looking at the content hound beside him. Eric gave off a smile he only reserved for his daughter. The only good thing that came from his shitty marriage on Earth, was Eliza.
Looking at each other, and locking eyes with each other. That was when Loona made the first move. Gripping the front of Snow's button-up shirt. She pulled the shocked male in for a deep kiss on the lips. Something Snow didn't anticipate with how wide his eyes were, instead of pulling away. He deepened the kiss the Hellhound initiated with him. Even going as far as to pull her close and wrap her legs around his waist. Even if she was going to forget about this in the morning. Eric wasn't going to forget. But, he would allow Loona to process this in her own time.
Back With Millie, Moxxie and Eliza
Around nine that night. And, after the three had eaten the cookies Eliza had made. Whilst also making sure the pre-teen saved some for when her dad got home. The girl is seen looking through the drawers that contained the movies she could watch with the couple on the couch for movie night.
"Uncle Mox. Why are there a lot of live performance DVDs in here? It's all musical theatre."
Hearing Eliza speaking about the discs that had been recorded of performances of musical theatre. He elaborates for the girl.
"You see, Liz. I have a love for musical theatre. So, naturally, I will have disc copies of classic theatre in my collection."
Eliza nods. She was aware of what the arts were. But, she'd only seen one stage production on Broadway. The stage show in question? It was The Greatest Showman. She'd gone to see it with her dad during the messy divorce he'd gone through. This month before he was shot dead, Eliza was swinging by her neck on the light of the lamp post. So, it amazed Eliza how she remembered how much she loved that one production before she died.
Scouring the drawer for the DVD she wanted. And, once she had it in her hand. She walked over towards the TV/DVD combi in the living room. Putting the disc on the side of the TV. Eliza got comfortable beside Millie. Moxxie held the remote in his hand and, prepared to start the movie for the three. Moxxie and Millie couldn't help but smile at the girl getting excited about the movie she was about to watch with the imps she was being looked after for the night. Though she wished she could have done this with her dad instead.
Her plan to get the receptionist and her dad was in full swing. Soon, she would learn of what happened between her dad and Loona when her dad would come home later. That was if he hadn't caught wise to what she had planned. She even made a convincing act to sound disappointed she couldn't spend more time with Snow. Even sounding jealous about her dad wanting to spend some time with Loona. Deep down, she knew the two were going to be together. It wasn't a case of it to Eliza. It was a case of when.
Hours Later
"Liz… Lizzy. Come on baby. It's time to go home."
The sounds of Snow's daughter waking up whilst groaning made the male chuckle. Looking around to see who disturbed her peace by being asleep on Millie's lap. She smiled sleepily before holding her arms out for her dad to hug her. Once Eliza was held tightly in his arms. He asks Moxxie.
"How was she for you guys?"
"She's been good as gold for us, Snow. We just watched movies and ate cookies with her."
Eric smiles warmly at the girl he held snugly in his arms. But, when he noticed her phone was open. He saw something that made his eyes widen a little when he read what was on the screen.
'Operation Snow Hound. Phase 1.'
It didn't take Snow long to realise what his daughter had planned. Smiling warmly, he says in his mind.
'You devious little shit.'
Making sure he had everything for his daughter that she had brought with her. He hailed a cab from outside Moxxie and Millie's home. Bading goodnight to the imps he worked with. The father and daughter duo headed home. It had been a long night for the two. But, if Snow knew Eliza. The girl would have some questions for her dad when they got home.
Snow and Eliza's Motel Room
Tucking his daughter into bed. And, kissing her on the forehead before bading her goodnight. Eliza piped up.
"How did your night go, dad?"
Eric looks back at Eliza with a smirk on his face. He should've known he'd get some questions from his little girl the minute they got back. So, deciding to play along. He answers her.
"It went as well as I expected it to. Just your normal debauchery of drugs, alcohol and pizza."
Eliza nods. Sensing something was wrong, Snow pried gently whilst sitting on the edge of his daughter's bed.
"Something wrong?"
Eliza nods. Knowing it was okay to continue with her thoughts after Snow indicated it was okay to do so. She continues.
"I don't want you doing drugs at parties anymore dad. You do remember what happened on Earth right? During my tenth birthday?"
Eric nods sadly. He was lucky to have been alive that night. But, he wished he'd died from that overdose after seeing his daughter's heartbroken and tear-streaked face clinging to him for dear life. So, he swore to only do soft drugs like weed when he was at a party in future. Something Snow was quick to point out.
"And, I kept my promise sweetie. I didn't chase the dragon or snort cocaine. I only smoked weed. You know, to help me relax."
Eliza nods. Technically, Snow had broken his promise. But, at the same time, he hadn't. But, the question he was dreading soon came to light when Eliza asks.
"Did you and Miss Loona get together?"
Deciding one little white lie wasn't going to hurt. He responded.
"No, sweetie. Loona and I only kissed and cuddled in the host's closet. We aren't together."
"That's a shame. I like Miss Loona, daddy. She's awesome."
Nodding to acknowledge his daughter. He kisses her one more time on the forehead before allowing her to sleep. It would be another peaceful night for the two. But, little did Snow know. The past he had forgotten he had had. Was soon about to catch up to him.