Thank you for reading so far! I got lots of things planned for this story with some twists and turns. We're starting mellow sort to say haha. Give me your thoughts in the reviews! What do you like or hope to see! Enjoy reading sweeties.
After knocking and hearing the cheerful 'come in', Cattaleya enters the office where both Charlie and Vaggie are at the moment looking through some paperwork. "Hello Catty! What can I help you with?"
Cattaleya internally cringes at the horrible shortage of her name but decides not to comment on it, knowing it is supposed to be a friendly greeting. "I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me."
"Sure sure take a seat!" Vaggie looks less enthusiastic though about being interrupted. Better make it quick then.
"First I wanted to thank you for offering me to stay in your hotel for the night and the clothes you gave me to borrow. But in all honesty, I don't want to impose on your hospitality."
"Oh it's-"
Cattaleya smiles but interrupts. "Could I perhaps come to my point before we go talking back and forth? It's more effective that way." Charlie pushes her lips together in a tight smile and nods, Vaggie narrowing her eyes at something she found rude. "Thank you. Like I said, I don't want to impose. And as I am now a resident in this afterlife I should be able to function on my own. I don't want to rely on your kindness." Even if the favor seems to come from a good heart, this is still hell. And she has been taught not to ever be in anyone's favor. It is dangerous. It can turn into a compromising situation. "So, I would like to have you teach me some basics of Hell, write everything you grant me down, and when the day comes I want to repay you every little thing you have done for me. From renting me a room to giving me food."
Neither had expected such a request as they look at each other in silent conversation. Charlie folds her hands together. "Well~ You really don't have to repay me back for a thing. It was our choice to help you and I would gladly do it further!"
"I know. And I truly appreciate it. But I have been taught not to rely on others my entire life. And I wish to continue that in my afterlife." With a new granted freedom of will I never had before. "We can discuss about payments and such later on if you are more comfortable with that but do know I do intend to repay you."
Charlie sighs a bit in defeat. "Alright. If that is what you truly want." But then a glint appears in her eyes. "I will accept. But only if you go shopping with me today!"
"Nani?"
Charlie pipes up in enthusiasm. "Shopping! You need clothes and it will be a good start to educate you on hell! What better place to start than there!"
"Anywhere literally." Vaggie interjects. "You can't be forgetting the fact that, even if she is a demon, she looks like a walking snack. Demons will clutter her to take a bite out of her."
Well, the woman does have a solid point. She is all white in a world of black and red. But it is not like she could hide those wings anywhere. Still, Cattaleya is not afraid. Never for a man. Never for a demon either. "I am aware as well. I am certain though I can hold my own. But I don't want to be a nuisance. If demons do decide to, in your words, try to take a snack out of me then it would be inconvenient to you. I am very well fine with wearing whatever you can provide me with for the time being. Or going on my own when given directions."
This reply somehow seems to gain her a bit of respect from the grayish demoness as her posture lessens in rigidness. Again, that silent conversation between the two. But then Vaggie sighs and Charlie squeals. "No can do on that! We are going. And don't worry about it. We can hold our own as well." Charlie says in pure glee as she flexes her tiny probably powerless arm.
Cattaleya suppresses a sigh but then smiles and nods. And that is how she got reeled into a shopping trip instead of an educational lesson.
Charlie is practically bouncing up and down as they walk down the stairs, talking about all the fun shops she wants them to visit. Cattaleya never truly understood the mysteries of shopping. Girls going around the mall for hours and hours on end. Looking at trinkets, clothes they probably already have, trying on stuff they are not going to purchase anyway, chemicals to smear on one's face. The whole ordeal just sounds… Tiresome. Though of course every piece of cloth she ever needed had been provided for her. Chosen for her.
But before the three of them manage to leave the hotel, its proclaimed manager manifests right in front of the door. "And where are you three darling dolls dallying off to?" He taps the microphone cane in his hand as if already knowing the answer already, which he probably does.
"We're taking Cattaleya out to get some new clothes." Charlies puts her hands on her shoulders on behind and does a happy tap tap with her feet. Cattaleya raises her eyebrow at how familiar she is being.
"Shopping?" The spider at the bar perks up. "And you were about to leave without me?" He stands and struts over. "Leave it to this star to give some guidance in the newest fashions of town. Who knows what you have gotten back with-"
"No can do~" Alastor interrupts with a sing-song tune, actually putting the end of his cane against Angel's chest to stop him in his tracks. "Do you really think it is wise, Charlotte? To go out with-" Now the cane points at Cattaleya, inches away from her nose though she does not flinch. "- such an eye-catching creature! Certainly she will attract the salivitations of more than a few hungry souls. They'll gobble her right up!" He laughs a few Ha's and audience laughter is heard as if he had just told an hilarious joke.
"I know how gobble-ble I look." Alastor's eyes squint in amusement, but then Cattaleya moves the cane out of her face with one finger, not breaking eye contact. "But I do believe I actually managed to send you flying into a wall." The amusement in his eyes flickers off. "And Charlotte and I have discussed this matter already. So if you so kindly could get out of the way and let us mind our own affairs."
Alastor's predatory smile widens, showing off his razor sharp teeth as he narrows his eyes. Earning not even a shiver from the insignificant demonness. Not even a blink. Again, no deceit. No smell of hidden terror. Utterly brave. Or foolish. Something lurches in his own stomach.
The tension could be cut with a knife, no one willing to get in between the stand off when Alastor suddenly smiles widely, the aggressive gleam gone and swings one arm around Cattaleya's shoulder. "It appears you have give me no other choice than to accompany you on your trip!"
"Excuse me?"
"A lady like yourself can't go walk these horrific demon ridden streets without a proper chaperone which will be-" He puts a hand on his heart and actually connects his cheek with hers. "- yours truly. No other is remotely fit for the job! And I am not fond of seeing something I took the time to actually save and feed torn to shreds by anything other than my own claws." He grabs her arm and wraps it around his own before pulling her along. "Now, off we go!"
And that is how they got stuck with an Overlord chaperone.
Cattaleya gave up trying to claim her arm back like 5 streets ago. Each time she tried wiggle it out he shot her a tensed lipped smile and tightened the hold. Alright, fine then. Let him have her arm for the day. Figuratively speaking.
Surprisingly though, the streets are rather… emptier than expected. She had thought there would be demons crawling over one another but each time she sees a shadow in the distance it scatters away. "What is this part of town?" She wonders out loud.
"Outskirts where the lower demons dwell and die. Don't worry dear, soon we will be reaching the more bustling parts of town where you can indulge yourself in whatever frilly things you like to buy." The radio demon announces as if advertising in some sort of program.
"I don't truly plan on buying… Frillies. Just what is necessary. Pants. Shirts. Shoes. Underwear. Don't need anything special. Just functional."
Alastor wiggles his finger in front of her as if tutting some child. "Now darling that just won't do. A lady deserves the wardrobe of one. A few finer dresses and a pair of heels at the least! Perhaps some small pieces of jewelry to accompany."
She grimaces a bit and shakes her head. "I don't have the need for it honestly. It has no purpose."
"Dear-" The softening of his tone actually has Cattaleya whipping her head towards the demon, whose smile isn't as plastered as a few moments before. "- there is always a purpose for treating yourself to something nice."
Cattaleya can't help but smile a tad bit and chuckle. "I wouldn't even know what I would consider something nice."
Once she had seen something nice. A necklace. Her eye fell on the jade pendant like a magnetic pull. The shopkeepster nothing more than an elderly woman with a blanket in the middle of the bustling black market place. The place turned bloody before she ever had the chance for a second glance. It had been perhaps the first time she had actually wanted something silly. Something insignificant. And she wonders how she would have felt if she had gotten it for herself.
His signature static laugh cuts through the memory. "My my, one would almost assume you have never gone shopping before!" What was supposed to be a funny jest followed by denial, got instead answered by silence. "Hmm?" Alastor looks down at the woman, who is avoiding eye contact. Lips set in a forced line. "Have you… Never been shopping before?" He asks, voice carrying a slight tone of uneasiness.
Cattaleya takes a deep breath before putting a rehearsed smile on. "No. Everything I needed was provided."
Alastor feels his grin threatening to drop. Something washes over him akin to… Pity? Pity on a woman who has no reason to feel pity for. He can't believe he felt pity for anyone in his life nor afterlife before. Not even when his victims were screaming, crying and begging for his mercy beneath him. But the simple fact of this dear not having had the pleasure of experiencing something as trivial as shopping before has him in light turmoil.
He decides to overscream that with his boisterous flamboyance. "Then you are in for a treat! I happen to know a fine establishment with Hell's highest quality of daytime dresses-"
As he goes into another spree of talking, Cattaleya's forced smile slowly turns into a slight real one.
Soon they arrive in what Cattaleya can only assume to be the center of town. Bright neon lights something she is used to but never been fond of. Demons going about their day, glancing at them in curiosity but never dared one come close. Though it didn't look like the lack of want was the reason why. She could feel eyes on her coming from everywhere. "They keep their distance." She ponders out loud.
"Of course! No one would dare lay a hand on you with me around, my dear." He announces proudly, shooting a glare at a demon who has been staring a second too long for his taste. The wretched thing almost pissing itself before fleeing into an alleyway.
"One would almost assume they are frightened by you." Cattaleya jokes which makes Alastor howler in laughter. The little dear had no idea how right she was. Not a single clue! How delightful!
"Ah~ Yes, one would assume indeed."
Keeping a few feet back, the trio that now looked like the tag along crew had been keeping their distance to watch the… Peculiar interaction between the Radio demon and what they could only assume his new victim toy.
"Ey Princess, is it just me or are Smile and Feathers… Acting cozy?" The tone of his voice clearly signaling the whole ordeal makes him queasy
Charlie laughs lightly. "He sure does seem to like her."
Angel leans down to get into close earshot range. "Don't you think a little bit too much? Poor thing doesn't realize what she is turning her rear into. He'll have her on his plate the second he is done hunting."
"Al wouldn't." Vaggie and Angel's faces deadpan into pure disbelief. "Well… I suppose I could have a talk with him later about… that." Charlie says, not even sure what that is supposed to be.
"I am telling ya Toots, the pimp is just smiling nicely to mold her into one of his new playables. For what I heard, fucker does nothing without intention."
Charlie feels a bit of a worry creep over her. But that is when she sees the first store she was going to take Catty to. She smiles brightly and hurries forward past the woman in question. "We are here!" She excitedly waves, standing in front of one of the most basic stores in Hell.
"The fuck?!"
"No."
Angeldust's appalled reaction in sync with Alastor's deadpan decline.
Charlie's smile wobbles. "Oh come on guys!~ She needs some basic things and this is the cheapest store to go to with actually quite a range of different stuff."
"It is an horrendous idea to let a lady shop in such a-"
"I'll go take a look." Cattaleya intercepts the possible long preach Alastor was just about to give, much to his dismay and surprise.
"Great! Let's go." Charlie grabs Cattaleya's hand and effectively pulls her out of Alastor's grasp, the assaulted woman almost tripping over her feet as she gets pulled into the store.
Alastor's fingers crack as he balls a fist and follows with a tight lipped smile. Not trying to throw a hissy fit by the rudeness of the action and the temporary loss of the demoness by his side.
Almost every item that Cattaleya decided to buy was either commented on by Angel with words like 'boring' 'grandma' or 'you are seriously deranged' or by Alastor's disapproving scrunch of his nose above his tight smile. Yet again, she needed just some basic stuff to start with so she ends up with some regular underwear, footwear, some loose fitting pants and some shirts and sweaters to match. She is particularly fond of some soft lazy oversized cozy wear she has never had the chance to wear before. Everything she bought plain but that is fine. Nothing to stand out and everything to blend in.
The next store Charlie had wanted to pull Cattaleya into actually had both Alastor and Angel pushing her past the store accompanied by multiple No's.
They wander the streets for a while till Angel brightens up. "Now this is the store we need to pull our hot momma in disguise into." The store is pink. And bright. And scandalous judging by the laces and leathers adorning the mannequins behind the windows. It actually made her nervous by merely looking at it.
"I-I don't think-"
"Oh come on Feathers~ Ya afraid to ruffle them up? Ya better have something prepared if anyone ever comes along for the ride. Every boner deflates when they see you wearing your granny panties." Angeldust taunts with a toothy grin. And for some reason, it has its desired effect.
"Fine." Cattaleya says to everyone's surprise, and to Alastor's hidden horror. "But just so you know-" She walks towards Angel and pats him on the cheek. "- I can get a man on his knees with even just the thought of having me. One does not need to wear something tempting when one is temptation itself." With the flick of her hair she saunters into the store.
Angel wolf whistles before chackling a laugh. "That woman has some dirt inside of her~" The rest follows inside, Alastor with a redder neck than usual.
Again, Cattaleya is out of her comfort zone in actually trying to find something for herself to wear or try on. Luckily, Angel is doing a good job filling her arms with scandalous items for her to try on. Some things even have more straps than actually fabric, wondering if it is actually lingerie or some complex torture device. Perhaps both.
"I think that is enough for now!"
"I think this is the entire store." Cattaleya mumbles before she is shushed and pushed into one of the dressing rooms.
"Go get changed and show us something good~" Angeldust practically moans as he takes a, way too close seat, on the cushioned pink couch next to Alastor. Vaggie and Charlie having gone exploring for themselves for a bit.
"Five feet rule." Alastor's static bites as he materializes his cane just to push Angel to the other side of the couch, earning no more than a huff from the spider demon.
Quickly though, Angel becomes impatient. "What are you doing in there?! You should have been showing us at least 5 sets already!"
"Do you honestly think I am coming out with me wearing less fabric than is legally permitted on the streets?"
"Don't be such a prudish spoil sport! It are just me, your famous gay pornstar, and the asexual strawberry pimp."
"Say what now?"
"You're a pornstar?"
Alastor undignified scratch of his voice not heard thanks to Cattaleya's louder question.
"The most famous one around. Hundreds of fellows would love to get a bite out of this." Angel says while fluffing up his chest. "Only when they pay good though, this shit ain't for free."
The curtain suddenly opens, leaving both men with wide eyes and hollow openmouthed gapes. "I figured that much." Thigh high black boots with killer high heels lengthen her already long legs as the leather dress hugs every curve off her body and amplifies it by ten. The dress is no longer than a mini skirt and because of her wings the back is entirely open but held together by straps going left and right. The neckline is a halter but with a diamond shape opening to show off her cleavage. To top it off, long leather gloves all the way up her arms. Black and white never looked so sinful together.
"Hoochy mommy! That's what I am talking about! You'll have all the demons: Eating. You. U-"
In a flash, Alastor has pulled the curtain closed, his claws actually tearing through the fabric where he is holding it. Entire body posture rigid and uncomposed. His breathing is heavy as he tries to calm down the bloodlust pounding of his chest. A gentleman should not see a lady in such… compromising wear. Scandalous even for the bedroom between wedded husband and wife! And here she just flamboyantly exposed herself seemingly without a care in the world. Outrageous! As if she wants to be eaten alive!
"I think I might buy this one!"
Alastor's eyes widen as his tight smile wobbles in nerves. "Are you certain, dear? I am sure we can-"
"I like it."
And with those three words he is shut up. Forced to swallow his tongue. But not stopped to turn a painful menacing accusing grin that says I will tear a few of your limbs out grin to the arachnid on the couch.
"Is this something you wear when going out to a club?"
In reaction to that simple innocent question, his eyes turn into radial dials and he emits green luminescent light as the static sounds in the room become painfully vivid. And as the curtain open, just like that it is gone with a snap.
Cattaleya blissfully unaware of the circuits in Alastor's head going haywire looks slightly confused at Angel, pushed into fear into the corner of the couch, before looking over at Alastor, who looks like he has seen a ghost and is trying to frightening it away with his own plastered grin. Instead of reading anything in it she simply shrugs and smiles as she walks to Angel. "I actually have quite a few items I do enjoy. They looked prettier than expected and even if it is just for my own sight to see, they feel very comfortable as well."
Angel laughs nervously, trying to avoid the intense unblinking staring Alastor is doing over her shoulder. "Y-You're welcome Feathers."
"I'm going to find Charlie."
"I'm coming with you!" Angel hurries after Cattaleya, knowing it was probably for the best not to be alone with the Radio Demon right now.
After a quick assessment of the current trip, Cattaleya can conclude that she actually in some way enjoys it. Not in particular the fact that she had to try on more than a hundred articles of clothes. But that can be overlooked. Overall, it is not as bad as she had expected. And she did find surprising things she liked.
They were already on their way back to the Hotel when her eyes fall on a shop. If not only because of the very clever name and logo: A woman with a lovely dress hammered to a holy cross with the words Pinup Doll beneath it. Half expecting some weird voodoo shop she is pleasantly surprised to see it being a dress shop. Vintage? That is the word for old fashion right? Even old, the dresses and hats she could see through the window look strange but lovely.
"Ah~ I see class has finally captured your bright eyes, my Dear." Alastor chimes in approvingly as he wraps an arm around her shoulder, pulling her flush against him as he begins guiding, well, forcing her to the shop.
"I think I have already bought quite enough." That much is true. She has bought enough clothes to, in her mind, last a year.
"Yes, if you decide to follow a career path whoring on the streets you have quite enough choice of wardrobe." The disapproving of the items in her bags clear as fire in Hell. One would wonder how her bags did not spontaneously combust as Alastor's fixes a glare at them.
"I could hook ya up with a fellow or two if you want to make some hard quick-Oof!" Angel's teasing interrupted by all the bags Cattaleya had been holding a second ago being pushed into his arms by Alastor.
"Be somewhat useful and bring these to the hotel. I'll accompany Cattaleya to one more shop and then we'll be returning as well." The hidden undertone of scram not going unnoticed.
"We're going back as well. We still have some work we need to finish up." Vaggie joins the conversation and puts a hand on her waist, judging that nothing had happened yet it was safe enough for Cattaleya for now. "You'll be okay?" She still asks, looking between her and the Radio Demon, who's smile simply widens in faked innocence.
"Of course." We'll return soon." Cattaleya waves them off before Alastor's arm returns to its previous position around her shoulder.
"Let us enter then!"
Once inside, her expectations are overblown as she stares at all the finer fabrics, formed and sown into classy lovely dresses, skirts and blouses. All accompanied by glistering jewelry, hats, heels and gloves. It felt expensive even walking and looking around. Though Alastor seemed well enough in his element to go pull a variety of items from the racks.
"I suppose this means I do not get to choose something myself?" Cattaleya asks, actually quite amused by the humming and examinationing Alastor is doing, deliberately picking only what he deemed the best.
"You can choose whatever you want from the selection I make especially for you!" He pats her on the head as if the idea of her picking her own stuff is silly. That does make her smile drop slightly. Well, that was belittling. She hopes that is not going to become a habit or she would have to correct him on that.
She takes one of the dresses of the rack and looks at it, spotting an immediate problem. "Alastor?" He turns his attention to her with a Hmm? "I think we might have some… Technical problems."
"And what might those be, dear?"
She shows him the back of the dress. Where there is no space for her wings to be freed of fabric. "How am I-" She looks at her own wings, fluttering them slightly. "- going to comfortable fit these. I mean-"
With a simple snap of his finger the dress in her hands is suddenly altered. A long zipper on the back going all the way down to sewn in opening exactly where her wings would be. It would give her wings freedom and the fabric would close nicely to hide her modesty. "That fixes it." She says pleasantly surprised.
Alastor clearly smug with himself snaps his fingers once more and all the items in his arms disappear to hell knows where. "Let us see what would look the loveliest on you!" He pushes her towards a very spacious dressing room, where everything was hanging neatly waiting to be tried on.
Cattaleya can't help but giggle lightly as she is now left alone. She fingers one of the red silk fabrics. She has never had such nice things for herself before. Not to keep anyway. A tightness in her chest has her taking a steadying breath. Strange. Her past has never affected her before. Now that she thinks about it, since dying she is more open to smiling. Not huge laughter and such but just a smile here and there. Strange that death gives the freedom to do so. And that is when it truly kicks in.
There is no one to correct her. Demand anything from her. Order her around. There is no punishment. No disciplining. Nothing.
What a strange concept…
Noticing how long she must have been pondering, she quickly puts on the first dress. When she turns towards the mirror, she is taken back by what she sees. A blood red swing dress with a full circle skirt hugs her curves just perfectly. A gentle sweetheart neckline caresses her color bones as the sleeves go down to her elbows. It screams elegance and class. She looks like she stepped out of a history novel. She also slips on some red heels before stepping out.
Apparently, a good dress to start with as she sees Alastor's eyes light up in approval. "How does it look?" She asks, twirling a bit around, feeling silly doing so but with a dress like that you have to.
"Not quite finished."
Her smile drops a bit as she looks down to see what she had missed. Luckily, Alastor knows exactly what. "Slip these on." He holds out a pair of lacy red short gloves and with a slight smile she does as told. "A hat can also not be missed." He magics up a big frilly hat with a few feathers. "And ofcourse-" Suddenly he is behind her, claws running over her neck behind her hair, the feeling of something cold settling. "Perfect." He puts his hands on her shoulders and turns her towards the mirror.
For a moment she can't believe it is her. Her fingers softly run over the white pears adorning her neck. She sadly misses the way Alastor's eyes had softened while staring at her through the mirror. He leans down, his hot breath tickles the feathers covering her ears. "Now smile, you are never fully dressed without one."
Cattaleya's lips break into a smile she could not stop as a breathy laugh escapes her. That strange lurch he had felt before clenches in Alastor's stomach. "It's lovely, Alastor."
His hand ghosts over the small of her back before giving her a slight push back to the dressing room. "Fly along, you have lots more to try on!"
Cattaleya actually feels a bit giddy, eager for the first time to try on more. But when she takes off the hat she catches the price tag. By the ancestors. This hat alone is like worth three times the amount of everything she has just bought. With a ruefull sigh she puts it down. Oh well. Trying it on is at least somewhat fun.
And it was fun. Every Time she walked out with a new dress, or a fancy blouse pencil skirt combination, Alastor used his microphone to have an audience clapping while joining in as well. Smiling and grinning and complimenting her. After a while she even began twirling out of the dressing room to put a bit on a show. Time went by quickly and soon she has ran through all the outfits he had picked out for her.
Her black shirt and pants now feel awfully dull. "Tell me darling, what has caught your fancy the most to purchase?"
He seemed eager to know so she kinda felt bad to disappoint him. "None."
His smile ticks down a few notches as he eyes her with confusion. "Pardon, my dear? None? Was I wrong to assume you liked them?"
"I loved them. But Alastor, everything is way too expensive. That hat alone is the same amount of money as everything I have bought today. I made an arrangement to pay everything back to Charlie and I am not going to be in such huge debts for clothes. And besides that, I don't think I would be wearing it often so it would be a waste."
"You can wear them around the hotel! It is more than fine to indulge yourself in the fineries of death. Especially when you look so lovely doing so!"
Alastor tries to convince her but it doesn't change her mind. But to meet him sort of half way she says. "Maybe one day, but not now."
"How about I purchase them for you instead! See it as a welcome gift to celebrate your arrival in Hell."
Cattaleya can't help but laugh. Welcome gift in Hell. Never had she ever expected to hear that sentence. For a second he thinks he has won her stubbornness over but then she shakes her head. "I appreciate it but I decline. It wouldn't feel right accepting such a grand gift." Gifts are ways to get attached. Decline. She shakes that invisible thought away. "But in all honesty, this experience has been a gift enough. I truly enjoyed myself."
Seeing the genuine joy in her expression makes him somehow drop the subject, accepting it. For now. She is going to learn to let herself get spoiled. Even if he is not quite sure why he is making such a point out of it.
What happens then makes him wonder if this fallen woman is deranged or if she just likes playing with her afterlife. Alastor blinks twice at the arm she had so casually wrapped around his own. Cattaleya not seeing the harm as he would probably grab her arm anyway and hold it just like he had done the previous times. But that was different. That was him touching her. Now it was her touching him. Willingly. He hated it when people touched him, disgusted him, hence his five foot rule. But he did not feel the usual recoilition of disgust in his body.
"Should we head back?"
Her question snaps him out of his musing of wonder before he clears the scratch forming in his throat. "Yes, let us head back to the hotel." He readjusts her arm around his, faking himself into believing it was now him touching her.