Author's Note: Thought I'd try a little of Crowley's perspective. What do you think? Kind of experimenting here.
Crowley reappeared in his mansion accompanied by a flicker of lights. His most loyal follower, a demon named Riley, was waiting for him in a new skin. This time Riley was a gangly nerdy boy, and Crowley had to hide his amusement at his choice of vessels.
"Can I help you, Riley?" he asked.
"You gave up the title?" Riley asked.
"Yeah, well, I can do better than just barely passing." Crowley shrugged.
"That's funny, because that was not what you seemed to be feeling yesterday." Riley was annoyed. "Dammit, Crowley, we could have had half of Hell bowing to our power."
"We're going to have all of it bowing to us one day."
"When? I mean, I might have eternity, but I don't fancy spending much more of it cowing to those bastards."
"I know," Crowley sighed. "But it's not very impressive if I only just pass."
"Well you'd better think of something gold. Because if you don't Priscilla is gonna eat your ass with a side of eternal torment."
"I know that! I've got an idea, and I think the right person to help me. Trust me, this will work."
"You sure about it?"
"Dead sure. The humans will eat this up." he promised.
"Fine, then, genius, what is this big plan?"
"It's called, Facebook."
"Facebook?"
"Yes. It's social networking via the internet."
"Why would anyone want that?"
"Because humans love that kind of thing. Being able to project themselves to everyone else and pretending that other people are keeping up with their daily lives. I mean, look at Myspace. Facebook will be a hit like no other."
"Right, well, I suppose it's worth a shot. Who's the boy you're thinking of?"
"Mark Zuckerberg. It's the creator. I think with a little guidance from me, he can become a formidable force indeed."
"And you'll be King of the Crossroads?"
"Yup, and then one day, I'll be King of Hell."
They both laughed at the thought.
"Provided old Lucifer is out of the picture." Crowley sighed.
"Yeah, well, rumors say there are those who would have him sprung from his cage...and jump start the apocalypse." Riley said.
"Let's just hope they're just rumors." Crowley said. "I for one, would prefer to keep things quiet while swindling the humans periodically."
Riley laughed. "Always a businessman. And what is a businessman without his clientele?"
"Exactly." Crowley wandered over to pour himself a drink of his favorite scotch.
"So...there's another issue."
"And what would that be?" He raised his eyebrows.
"That girl of yours."
"What about her? She's just a toy." He tried to keep all concern out of his voice.
"You sure? I mean, I'm not judging you mate; Heaven knows I've had a few more serious flings myself."
"What about her?"
"Well, they might try to use her against you, mate." Riley said. "I'm just looking out for you. I mean, that's what we do. I help you climb to stardom and you give me a nice position when you're there."
"Yeah. Thanks for the warning, mate." Crowley clapped Riley on the shoulder, trying not to think of what Priscilla and her goons might try to do to Harley. He couldn't explain his attachment to the girl, but he'd be damned if anyone else laid a damn finger on her.
"So this toy of yours, she have a name?"
"Yeah it's-" Riley put up his hand.
"No, the correct answer is no. Why should she? She's just a toy." Riley said sternly.
"Right, right." Crowley realized his mistake.
"Man, she's got you good." Riley laughed.
"Oh shut it." Crowley smiled in spite of himself.
"But still, you gotta pretend you're just using her for sex...or better yet, own her. Make sure her soul is yours and yours alone. That's the only way to keep her safe." Riley said.
"Not a bad idea. I'll talk to her." Crowley said and disappeared.