After a long day of killing people, the crew of IMP was spending the last few hours of the work day relaxing and catching their breaths. Blitzo was in his office finishing up some paperwork. Millie and Moxxie were chit-chatting by the coffee machine, Loona was chilling on the couch, while Dante was sitting at Loona's desk staring intently at Loona's computer. Millie looked up from her coffee and noticed how focused Dante was, not sure what he was looking at she called out;
"Hey, Dante what ya lookin at?" Dante did not reply; it didn't seem he even heard her; he just continued to stare at the screen as if it was the most amazing thing in Hell.
"Betcha he's watchin porn," Millie said with a sly smile, Moxxie spat out his coffee in surprise, clearing his throat he turned towards his wife.
"Seriously Millie Dante's not Blitz, he's got way more class than that," he said wiping his mouth.
"Yeah, and why would he be looking at porn when he can look at these whenever he wants," Loona said, sitting up and gesturing to her tits.
Rolling his eyes Moxxie walked over to the desk and peaking over Dante's shoulder he saw what he was looking at, Moxxie let out a laugh which startled Dante out of his trance.
"Oh, he's not watching porn, he's watching Princess Charlotte's stupid commercial," Moxxie said, Dante blushed at having been exposed to everyone.
"Wait seriously, Dante, why are you watching that crap?" Loona asked not sure why someone as cool as Dante would watch something so lame.
"What it's an interesting idea, alright," Dante said defensively, his cheeks turning bright red, as the others laughed.
"Don't tell me you actually believe the crock of bullshit do ya?" Millie asked, holding her sides in laughter.
"Oh, come on you have to admit the idea of a soul getting into Heaven is pretty cool," he said only to get annoyed when they started laughing harder.
"Yeah right, Dante, anyone who agrees with the Princesses stupid idea is a is complete-" before Moxxie could finish his sentence Dante turned around and punched a hole through the wall. Pulling his hand out Dante turned to face the others who all stopped laughing.
"Got anything else to say, no? Good," Dante sat back down and continued to watch the video while the other looked on in silence.
What the fuck was that?! Why the fuck did he get so upset over the Princesses stupid hotel? Loona thought to herself completely taken aback by this sudden outburst from Dante.
At that moment Blitzo stormed out of his office to investigate that loud noise and saw Dante sitting by a large hole in the wall.
"What the fuck Dante!?" Blitzo asked, annoyed at having another hole needing patching. Dante shrugged apologetically.
"Sorry Blitz, withdrawal effects still lingering I guess," he said nervously, Blitzo rolled his eyes.
"Look Dante you're lucky I'm keeping you around after your heroin fiasco but if you can't get your shit together then I'm firing your ass and sending you on the next train to rehab do I make myself clear?" he asked, putting his hands on his hips.
Dante glared at Blitzo and looked like he was about to say something when he stopped himself and instead said;
"Yes sir," in a begrudging tone.
Blitzo smiled glad that he was able to use his authority as boss to keep Dante in line. He was about to head back into his office when he heard a knock at the door.
"What the hell, we don't have any other clients today?" Blitzo said, looking at the door.
"Dante answer the door," Blitzo said, pushing Dante towards the door. Dante glared but walked towards the door, opening it Dante was suddenly Knocked to the floor by a black and pink blur.
"Ow fucking dammit," Dante muttered as he opened his eyes and saw a pair of pink eyes looking back at him.
"Octavia?" Dante looked up at the smiling owl girl sitting on his lap.
"Hey Sugarpie, how's it going?" she asked in a happy tone, looking down at him with a bright smile.
"Fine, can't complain, uh can you get off me please?" Dante asked when it was clear she wasn't gonna get up.
"Why? I'm pretty comfortable right here," she said with a coy smile, Dante heard Loona growl.
"Octavia remember the talk we had about boundaries," Dante said in a nice yet somewhat stern tone of voice.
"Ohh yeah right sorry," Octavia said embarrassed as she offered Dante a hand. Dante accepted it and upon getting to his feet he dusted himself off.
"So, what brings you and your daughter here, your majesty?" Dante asked, hoping to get whatever was going on over with as soon as possible; he did not want to see Loona and Octavia get into another catfight.
"Ahh yes well as you may not know this Friday is Queen Lilith's birthday, and as usual Lucifer is throwing her a huge party, and I would like to bring you all as my… security," Stolas started looking at Blitzo with a perverted grin, Octavia groaned.
"Ahh yes, security, another word for a date,"Moxxie said in air quotes.
"Shut up Moxxie," Blitzo said in annoyance.
"Look Stolas, I've told you before we're not bodyguards, we're assassins, this isn't our usual thing," Blitzo explained, sounding annoyed he had to explain this for the third time.
'Oh no it is completely legitimate know while I trust his most unholy of majesties security it's nice to have some extra security, especially one with an ass as nice as,"
"DAD! Stop being gross!" Octavia interrupted, glaring at her father who looked sheepish.
"Like you're one to talk," Loona muttered under her breath just loud enough for Octavia to hear. Octavia scowled at the Hellhound and began marching towards her but was stopped by Dante.
"I think we should take it, it's not every day you get to go to a royal party!" Millie exclaimed excitedly.
"I agree with Millie, this could be fun," Moxxie stated with a shy smile, Blitzo rubbed the back of his head.
"I don't know, Dante, what about you?" he asked, turning to face his younger employee.
Dante wanted to say he would rather die than hang around noble trash like Stolas and the royal family but then he saw Octavia looking at him expectantly with a big smile on her face, Dante sighed.
"I'm in I guess," he said annoyed Octavia squealed in glee, and Loona gave him a look that said what the fuck! Dante turned to face Blitzo and stolas.
"Hey can Loona come too?" he asked much to Octavia's surprise.
"Uhh, sure I guess if she wants," Blitzo said normally he wouldn't want Her going somewhere potentially dangerous but even he had to admit the Queen's birthday party was probably one of the safest places in Hell.
Loona got up and walked over to Dante draping her arms on his shoulders and kissing him on the cheek.
"I'll gladly be your date to the party Dante, we can even have some fun afterward," Loona stated sending Octavia, whose feathers bristled, a smug look.
Thursday evening, Dante's apartment
Dante and Loona were chilling on the couch drinking milkshakes. Both had a craving for sweets so they decided to grab some from an ice cream shop down the road from Dante's apartment. Loona had peanut butter while Dante had cookies and cream.
"So, you looking forward to the party tomorrow?" Loona asked, taking a sip from her shake.
"Fuck no," Dante groaned leaning back into the couch and taking a drink.
"Then why did you agree to go then?" She asked not sure why the hell an anti-aristocracy guy like Dante would want to attend the Queen's birthday.
"I was gonna decline but Octavia kept giving me these puppy dog eyes and I didn't want to hurt her feelings," Dante explained, Loona glared at him not liking his answer.
"Why do you give a shit about her feelings so much, you should have just told that bitch no?" Loona asked, her voice filled with suspicion.
"Hey she helped me kick heroin I just felt I kinda owed her ok," Dante said defensively, Loona rolled her eyes and continued to drink her milkshake.
Dante sighed for the past few weeks. She has been so suspicious lately, always worried he was still using and being more and more suspicious of Octavia, he needed to do something to reassure her.
"Tomorrow should give me a good chance to let Via down, you know we can get her alone and talk with her let her know that I and her are just friends," Dante explained hoping this would set his girlfriend at ease.
"You better be just friends," she growled under her breath, she was not at ease. Sighing, Dante put down his shake and got up to go to the bathroom.
Loona sat there alone with her thoughts, which were filled with her fears about Dante and his relationship with Octavia. Now while Loona loves Dante his relationship with Octavia always worried her, she always found it troubling that Dante kept putting off telling the feathery bitch he wasn't interested. Dante has had plenty of opportunities to tell her to end her stupid fantasy, but he would never do it again and again, always coming up with the excuse that it was a bad time or he just didn't get the chance. Sometimes she worried Dante didn't tell her because he did have feelings for her. Normally Loona wouldn't let thoughts like these trouble her but ever since they confronted him about his heroin use and Octavia mentioned that Dante lost his parents something he never told her, well that gave her pause.
Why would he tell her that, but not me? Loona thought to herself, letting out a loud sigh Loona reached for her shake but as she took a sip, she realized she had grabbed Dante's by mistake.
"Huh not bad actually," she said to herself as she took another drink. Suddenly the bathroom door opened and Dante walked out panicking Loona put the shake down and grabbed her own. Before Dante could even sit down there was a knock at the door.
"Who the hell could that be?" Dante asked as he headed for the door. Upon opening the door Dante saw an Imp in a fancy suit holding a box standing in front of him.
"Are you Mr. Dante?" the Imp asked in a stuffy tone.
"It's just Dante but yes, what do you want?" Dante asked curtly making it clear he was ready if this guy wanted to start any trouble.
"This is a gift from mistress Octavia, she asks that you wear it to the celebration tomorrow," the Imp butler said handing Dante the package and then walking away.
Dante walked back into his apartment box in hand, Loona looked up from her phone and noticed what he had.
"The fuck is that, you order something?" she asked, looking at the box.
"No Octavia gave this to me, she wants me to wear it to the party," Dante explained, putting the box down on the coffee table and opening it.
Inside the box was a very expensive black three-piece suit. First was a pair of jet-black pants tailored to Dante's size. The second was a crimson undershirt and a black tie, both made out of silk. Finally, a black tailcoat jacket with blood-red trimming around the cuffs, lapel, and base. Loona let out a low whistle when she saw the whole thing.
"Wow, kinda gody don't you think?" Loona asked Dante who let out a laugh.
"I Know right god I can't believe she wants me to wear this," he said motioning to the suit lying on the coffee table.
"Holy shit you totally should," Loona said excitedly, Dante looked at her as if she was high.
"What why?" he asked, not sure why she would want him to wear such a thing.
"Because it will be hilarious to see you decked out in all this fancy shit," Loona said laughing, eventually Dante joined in the laughter.
Smiling, Dante pulled Loona close and kissed her which she returned in full. Scooping her up Dante carried her to his bedroom.
"Tomorrow we should fuck in the king's bed," he said as he placed Loona Down and began to get naked.
Friday Morning
Dante awoke when the first red light of Hell's morning poured through his window sitting up Dante stretched and yawned, last night's sleep was actually…decent he had only 4 nightmares. Looking to his left he noticed that Loona wasn't in bed, that was weird. Loona was never a morning bird, whenever they didn't have work, she'd sleep till 4 pm. Walking out of the bedroom Dante heard a noise coming from the bathroom.
"Yo Loona you in there?" he asked knocking, which was followed by what to Dante sounded like puking.
"Yeah, I'm in here," Loona replied meekly.
"You feeling, ok?" Dante asked sounding concerned.
"Do I sound ok to you!" Loona snapped once again puking. Dante opened the door and walked in to see Loona sitting on the floor, hugging the toilet.
"Stupid question, sorry," Dante replied, kneeling to pat Loona's back. Loona smiled at the gesture.
"Sorry it's just I feel like crap right now," she moaned as she leaned into Dante, who continued to gently rub her back.
"You think you'll feel better by tonight, cause I wasn't joking about wanting to fuck in Lucifer's bed?" Dante asked pulling Loona closer, his hand moving down to squeeze her ass. Loona yelped and smiled at Dante.
"Yeah, this should pass in a couple of-" before Loona could finish her sentence she quickly rushed for the toilet and puked one more time.
Later that evening
Loona lay in her bed clutching her stomach in distress, Blitzo walked up to her bed with a hot bowl of soup in his hands.
"Here you go Loony this should help you feel better," he said in a fatherly voice as he placed the soup on her nightstand. Loona didn't respond she just continued to groan and clutch her stomach.
Stepping out of Loona's room he looked at the rest of IMP who like himself were all dressed in their fancy shit, all except Dante who was still wearing his casual clothes.
"She feeling any better?" Dante asked sounding concerned, Blitzo shook his head.
"No, she's still pretty sick, this sucks I should be here with her to nurse her back to health, not go to some rich prick party," Blitzo said frustrated.
"Sir we've been over this Loona's 22 she can take care of herself and besides Stolas is paying us triple our usual fee to go and we could all use the cash," Moxxie explained.
"Yeah, and when we gonna get another chance to go to a royal fucking ball!" Millie responded Moxxie shook his head in agreement. Blitzo scowled he hated to admit it but they were right but still there had to be someone who could.
"Hey Dante, stay with Loona, look after her please!" Blitzo yelled towards his younger employee, he was Loona's boyfriend after all surely, he would stay by her side.
"Sorry Blitz I would but I can't," Dante replied sounding apologetic.
"What but she's your girlfriend doesn't that mean anything to you?" Blitzo asked confused at why he wouldn't want to stay with her.
"Trust me I would love nothing more but I need to talk to Octavia about something important tonight," he explained, Blitzo raised an eyebrow.
"What the hell does that mean?" Blitzo asked confused.
"I think I have an idea," Moxxie said coyly, Millie just shook her head at that statement and glared at Dante.
Ignoring them Dante walked past Blitzo and entered Loona's room, Loona looked up and upon seeing Dante she smiled.
"Hey gorgeous how you feeling?" he asked.
"Like shit," she replied in a joking tone. Dante smiled and sat down by the bed next to her.
"Even after puking your guts out all day, your still beautiful," Dante stated causing Loona to blush.
For the next few minutes, the two sat silently as Dante gently rubbed his hand on Loona's belly. Dante hated that this had happened, he didn't want to go to a fancy ball and be stuck around a bunch of self-centered assholes, celebrating their whore queen. He wished he could cure her that's when he remembered something very important.
Oh, right the healing spell, I never have to use it so I forgot I had it! Dante thought to himself excitedly.
Suddenly his hand began to glow dark blue he was about to place it on Loona's stomach when he suddenly the door flew open. Dante quickly jerked his hand away the glowing had stopped her looked and saw Blitzo glaring at him.
"Look Dante if you're not gonna stay then I need you to get your ass up and get dressed, Stolas is almost here and he will be a total bitch if we're even a minute late," Blitzo explained tapping his foot.
Sighing Dante got up but not before leaning down to give Loona a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Sorry sweetheart, I'll see you tomorrow," Dante said sweetly, Loona smiled at the gesture.
"Alright see you tomorrow love you," she replied.
"Uh yeah y-you too," Dante said uncomfortably as suddenly got up and headed for the door.
Loona curled up in her bed with a pained expression on her face but this time it had nothing to do with her stomach.
Five minutes later
Blitzo, Millie, and Moxxie all sat around Blitzos living room waiting for Dante to finish changing, Blitzo paced back and forth repeatedly checking the time on his phone.
"Dante, would you hurry the fuck up already!" Blitzo shouted towards the bathroom door.
"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly," Dante replied from the bathroom. Blitzo stared at the door in confusion.
"What the fuck does that mean?" he asked not understanding what Dante had just said.
"It means to be patient and shut the fuck up!" Dante yelled through the door, Blitzo scowled and turned away.
Suddenly there was a knock at Blitzo's front door, heading towards it Blitzo opened it and saw none other than Stolas and his kid at the door.
"Ahh hey Stolas what's up," Blitzos statement was interrupted when Stolas suddenly scooped him up and pulled him into a kiss. Blitzo was eventually able to break away from the kiss gasping for air.
"Dammit Stolas, warn me next time you do something like that!" Blitzo shouted squirming out of the prince's grasp.
"Sorry Blitzy it's just so hard to resist you when you're wearing such a nice suit," Stolas said blushing, Octavia groaned at her dad's gross behavior she looked around and noticed that someone was missing.
"Hey where Dante?" she asked wondering where her crush was, suddenly the bathroom door opened, and out stepped Dante, everyone's eyes went wide.
Dante was wearing the suit that Octavia had gotten for him, it was tailored specifically to his measurements, so it fit him perfectly it didn't hang off of him nor did it hug him too tightly. The darkness of the pants and jacket plus the blood-red of the shirt complimented his black and red eyes, as well as his black hair which while usually loose was instead tied back in a ponytail with a red ribbon. Everyone had to agree, Dante looked hot!
"Wow, Dante you look great!" Millie stated with a proud smile.
"Yeah, I got to admit you clean up nice," Blitzo said, Dante rolled his eyes, but when his eyes fell upon Octavia, he looked concerned.
Octavia's face was bright red, and her eyes were wide and glued to Dante. She stood perfectly still not moving a muscle.
"Yo Via you ok?" Dante asked when he noticed some blood leaking from her nose.
"H-hot," she muttered to herself, never taking her eyes off Dante.
"What?" He asked, not sure he heard her correctly.
"You look hot, like really really hot, I…" she trailed off, continuing to stare after a few awkwardly silent minutes Stolas cleared his throat.
"So shall we be off we don't want to keep his majesty waiting," he said everyone quickly made their way out of the apartment and into Stolas' limo. As they headed out the door Octavia grabbed onto Dante's arm holding it tight.
"Via we talked about this remember," he said to her annoyed, Octavia quickly let go of his arm and gave him some space.
"Right sorry," she said sounding somewhat embarrassed.
As they got in, a very important thought entered Dante's head.
"Hey Stolas, is your wife gonna be at the party?" He asked, sounding concerned.
"Oh yes of course but don't worry she's taking a separate limo and besides she knows better than to cause trouble at a party hosted by the king and queen," Stolas said confidently as he sat next to Blitzo pulling him close.
Do you though? Dante thought to himself seeing Stolas shamelessly cuddle his AP.
Dante looked to his right and saw Octavia sitting looking at him with a bright smile on her face she was excited about this party.
For her sake I hope you're right, he thought as the limo took off.
Royal palace main ballroom
To say that the royal palace was huge would be an understatement, the place was motherfucking GINORMOUS! The palace covered more than twenty city blocks and its size rivaled that of any building in Pentagram or Imp City, even Valentino's famous Porn Studios tower was dwarfed by this massive complex. The party was being held in the Palace's main ballroom, the biggest of all of them, the size and diameter of the ballroom were about that of a shopping mall. Hundreds of high-ranking demons from low-level knights to the seven princes themselves all mingled about as Imps and Hellhounds wandered about with trays full of food and drinks. Dante watched these noble demons milling about getting drunk on fine wine and stuffing their gluttonous faces with crappy fancy food, especially Belphegor, yuck. Dante who had already been mistaken for a servant six times the latest incident which earned a white peacock-looking Marquis a kick to the nuts. There was no sign of the King or Queen but Dante didn't mind he didn't want to see the smiling runt and his whore queen whatsoever as he doubted, he could have controlled himself if he did and he'd rather not piss off the king of Hell.
All in due time, Dante thought to himself as for now, he sates himself with free red wine.
Dante took a large gulp from his glass, a satisfied smile on his lips as he finished the wine. This was good quality wine, most of the wine he normally bought was cheap shitty stuff that tastes like someone made it in a toilet, this stuff thought was the real deal. Dante tossed the glass away and snatched another from a passing servant, he raised it to his lips ready to take a sip when suddenly a black fingered hand placed itself on his arm. He looked to see Octavia giving him a concerned look, he hadn't been paying much attention to her tonight as he had asked her to give him space something which she agreed to do, instead he spent most of his time drinking as much free wine as he could.
"Dante sweetheart I think you've had enough wine," Octavia stated concerned, Dante rolled his eyes and pulled his arm away.
"Hey I know how much I can handle alright, and besides I haven't had that much," Dante replied taking a drink.
"You've had eight glasses already and this one makes nine," she exclaimed, Dante rolled his eyes.
"Hey, that's barely enough to get me tipsy relax, Gufetto" Dante explained taking another drink, Octavia tilted her head raising an eyebrow.
"What?" he asked upon noticing her confused expression.
"What the fuck is a Gufetto?" she asked, Dante sighed.
"It's Italian for little owl," Dante explained taking another sip, the glass was now nearly empty.
"Aww what a cute nickname I was wondering when you were going to give me one Sugarpie," Octavia stated happily hugging Dante, planting a kiss on his cheek.
"Cazzo diamine" Dante muttered to himself here he was hoping to get her to stop liking him, but here he was just getting her to like him more.
Why the fuck do I keep doing that, I mean seriously the shit with Amelia should have taught me how not to do that yet here I am making the same mistake over and over again, Dante groaned and downed what was left of the wine before taking two more and drinking them within a second.
"Ok, seriously Dante that's enough!" Octavia demanded glaring at Dante.
"Alright, alright, Christ on his cross woman what is your deal with me and drinking you never made a big deal before?" Dante asked confused by this sudden concern.
"That was before your… accident and the doctor brought up how messed up your liver is, I'm just worried ok, I don't want to see you in a hospital bed again," Octavia stated her voice filled with concern. Looking into her eyes Dante could tell her concern was genuine.
Huh wow, it's been a while since I've had people give a damn about me, Dante thought to himself moved by her compassion. Sighing Dante placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Alright I'll lay off the sauce for now," he stated Octavia smiled and nodded.
The two continued to wander the large ballroom Dante looked around but he could not spot anyone he knew, not Stolas, or Blitzo, not Millie or Moxxie, it was just too crowded for him to make anyone out.
"Hey, Via?" Dante called over the music getting the owl demon's attention.
"Yeah, what is it Sugarpie?" she replied with a sweet smile.
"Do you think we could go somewhere more private I need to talk to you about something?" he asked his tone seriously.
"We can talk later how about we dance a little?" Octavia responded, gesturing to the many other demons dancing.
"Yeah, this is kinda important," Dante replied rubbing the back of his head.
"It can wait, let's dance!" she yelled enthusiastically pulling Dante towards the Dance floor.
Octavia pulled Dante close putting one hand on his shoulder while grabbing and holding his hand with the other.
"Via I'm not a big fan of dancing," Dante said apprehensively clearly uncomfortable with the level of contact that was going on.
"Ohh do you not know how to dance, don't worry Sugarpie, I'll show you what to do, don't worry-," Octavia suddenly found herself being pulled into a waltz by Dante.
The Imp moved perfectly to the music never once missing a step, Octavia was in awe at his skill, she never expected him to be this good.
"Wow for someone who supposedly doesn't know how to dance, your pretty damn good," Octavia said in astonishment as continued to dance in step to the music.
"I never said I couldn't dance Via, I said I don't like to dance," Dante explained, as he continued to lead her through the steps.
"I have to ask how'd you learn to dance so well?"
"My adoptive father used to get invited to a lot of fancy parties so me, Rose, and Francesco had to learn all these stupid dances," Dante explained sounding annoyed about the fact he had to learn and participate in fancy events.
As they Danced Dante noticed that a lot of the nobles were giving them strange looks, somewhere shocked to see the daughter of Prince Stolas Dancing with a mere Imp, others looked angry as if the sight was offending them in some way.
They're ones to talk I'm certain half of them are probably sleeping with their Imp staff, hell I'm pretty Asmodeus's date is an Imp in a gestures outfit! Dante thought to himself frustrated by their judgments.
"Uhh Via maybe we should stop, everyone is staring," Dante suggested normally he didn't give a damn what others thought but he didn't want her to suffer from a scandal, she had enough problems.
"Let them stare," she said with conviction, Dante looked at her in surprise, he was about to say something but stopped when he noticed the way she was looking at him.
It was not the way you looked at someone who one has a crush or an infatuation with, it was not a look of lust or desire. No, her eyes were filled with love and he should know as Rose gave him the same look when they were together. Feeling very uncomfortable Dante looked away that's when he noticed a young Avian demon watching them, more specifically Octavia from the other side of the ballroom.
The demon was a parrot by the look of things, probably around Octavia's age, he had very bright vibrant feathers in an assortment of colors, his eyes were bright blue, and while small Dante could make out white pupils similar to Stolas and other demons nobles. The boy's eyes continued to follow Octavia as they danced it was clear the kid was interested in her.
Now's my chance, Dante thought to himself.
"Hey Via who's that?" Dante asked gesturing to the parrot, Octavia looked over and saw the parrot who upon realizing that Octavia was looking looked away blushing.
"Oh, that Marco, he's the son of a Duke I think, nice guy, kinda shy," she stated turning away from him.
"Are you two close?" Dante asked trying to keep the conversation focused on the young noble.
"Ohh don't worry Dante there's no need to be jealous," Octavia stated misinterpreting his intentions.
"No Via that's not-" Dante was interrupted by the sound of Stella screaming, and a bottle being smashed.
"Are you fucking serious!?" Octavia exclaimed in frustration as the sounds of her parents arguing began echoing through the ballroom.
Everyone watched as a drunken Stella began to yell and berate Stolas for being an asshole though Dante noticed she was openly mentioning the affair. It seems even drunk Stella knew to avoid saying something that might cause a serious scandal.
M&M POV
"Wow look at those two go," Millie said as she took a drink from her wine.
"I knew this was gonna happen," Moxxie said deadpanned he lifted his glass but someone bumped into him causing him to spill wine all over his suit.
"Ohh crumbs!" he cursed pulling out a handkerchief to dry it off.
Just then a Demoness standing nearby suddenly stopped and slowly turned around.
"Mr. Cuddles is that you?" the Demoness asked, Moxxie froze in horror slowly looking up at the Demoness.
Ohh fuck not her, Moxxie thought to himself in horror, but before he could turn and run away the Demoness scooped him up and pulled him into a bone-crushing hug.
"Ohh Mr. Cuddles I was so worried when you suddenly disappeared, I thought something bad had happened to you, I'm so happy I found you! Don't worry Momma's not gonna let you out of her sight again, look what I brought!" she said as she pulled out a red leash and collar, Moxxie groaned in terror.
"Ahh get the fuck off of me!" he shouted frantically trying to get out of her grip but it was no use.
"Hey, hands of my man bitch!" Millie shouted marching over to the Demoness and yanking him out of her grasp.
"Hey he's mine you little peasant!" she shouted grabbing Moxxie back, soon a tug of war started with Moxxie as the rope.
Back to Dante and Via
Dante continued to watch as Stella proceeded to rip Stolas a new one, while he tried in vain to calm his drunken wife, Dante whistled.
"Fuck I've seen failing marriages before but nothing as bad as them," Dante stated continuing to watch the exchange, that was until he heard a sniffle. Turning around he saw Octavia fighting back tears.
"Just one day is all I ask for, just one fucking day! Is that too much to ask for?" Octavia muttered a tear streaming down her cheek. Dante placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You want to go somewhere quieter?" he asked in a sympathetic tone, Octavia nodded not saying a word. The two quickly made it out of the ballroom moving through the various hallways until they could no longer hear Stella's drunken screams.
"Alright let's try to find the library of something, someplace quiet so we can-" Dante stopped when he bumped into someone knocking them both to the floor.
"Ow hey, why don't you watch where you're going you-" Dante stopped upon realizing who he had just bumped into, his face turning pale.
There on the floor in front of him, in a vibrant red dress, was none other than Princess Charlotte Morningstar. Quickly scrambling to his feet Dante offered a helping hand to the princess.
"Gesu Christo! My deepest apologies your highness it was my fault entirely," he said nervously hoping she wouldn't incinerate him where he stood.
I wouldn't mind if she did, he thought to himself as the princess took his hand, but no fire enveloped his body and he wasn't reduced to ash, Dante was a little disappointed.
"No, no it wasn't your fault I should have been more careful," Princess Charlotte said as Dante pulled her up.
"So, are you a new servant cause the servant's quarters are on the other side of the manor, I know the layout can be confusing for new staff?" the princess asked noticing that the man who bumped into her was an Imp.
"What? Oh, I get your confusion but no I am not a servant I'm someone's guest," Dante explained normally he would get pissed about being mistaken for a servant but, he didn't mind.
"Ohh really of who?" the princess asked before she noticed a slender owl girl walk up from behind Dante and wrap her arm around his.
"Mine," Octavia stated sounding somewhat possessive, Dante laughed nervously. Upon seeing Octavia, the princess's eyes widened in delight.
"Oh my god Octavia hi!" she said happily pulling the younger demon into a hug.
"Are you two friends?" Dante asked surprised by the fact that Charlotte and Octavia seem to know each other.
"Of course, I used to babysit her when she was little!" the princess explained, Octavia broke from the hug looking embarrassed.
"Really? Then Princess I'm sure you got plenty of stories about her," Dante said sounding interested.
"Oh, please call me Charlie and I sure do, hey I and my girlfriend are chilling in one of the parlors you want to join us?" she asked excitedly.
"Uhh no thanks we'll-" Octavia started but was interrupted by Dante.
"Sure, we'd love to Princess Charlie,"
"Please it's just Charlie," Charlie told him.
"Alright "just Charlie" lead the way," Dante replied earning a laugh from the princess. Octavia scowled, she wanted to protest but Dante dragged her along.
In the parlor
The four demons sat on a couch in a spacious room chatting, well Dante and Charlie were chatting with Octavia and the princess's girlfriend a sinner named Vaggie sitting next to their respective dates both looking very bored and unhappy about the situation. Dante and Charlie though on the other hand didn't seem to notice as they were both enjoying the current conversation.
"So, I walk into the kitchen and what do I see, little Octavia's butt sticking out of the cookie jar," Charlie said, with a laugh, Octavia blushed in embarrassment.
"Ha, someone sneaking sweets?" Dante asked mockingly nudging Octavia, who chuckled nervously.
"I told her to get out of there and that she'd spoil her dinner, but then I realized she was stuck," Charlie continued getting a laugh from Dante, Octavia on the other hand just looked more embarrassed.
"Wow, she seemed like a hand full then?" Dante asked after he was done laughing.
"She was but she was so cute!" Charlie squealed; Octavia buried her face in her hands.
They continued to talk as they did Octavia regularly attempted to but in and hopefully get Dante to leave with her to a different part of the palace so they could be alone, but every single time he just brushed her off or flat out ignored her to continue to talk to Charlie.
"You know I saw your interview on 666 News, and I have to say your idea for a sinner redemption center is a really interesting idea," Dante said Charlie's eyes lit up with joy at that statement.
"Do you mean that?" Charlie asked suspicion tainting her words.
"Yeah, honestly I think it would be awesome if you could redeem sinners and get them into heaven," Dante explained Charlie smiled at the statement, Vaggie, on the other hand, looked at him with disbelief.
"Why are you so interested in the Hotel anyway, you're an Imp it's not like you can get into heaven so why do you care?" Vaggie asked Dante not understanding why an Imp cares about the Hotel.
"Well actually I'm a" Dante was interrupted by Charlie who was ecstatic to hear there are people who support her cause.
"Who gives a shit, I'm just happy to see there are those out there who believe in the idea of redemption and want to see others become better and finally put an end to these horrible exterminations," Charlie said with a sweet smile gently placing a hand on Dante's, Dante blushed at the contact though it only lasted a moment. This did not go unnoticed as both Octavia and Vaggie glared at Dante, but Dante couldn't have cared less.
She's amazing, a noble who cares about her subjects and who wants to help the people instead of just lording over them, Dante thought to himself smiling.
"Honestly being in heaven is probably way better than being in this shit hole," Dante said gesturing to everything around him.
"Oh, come on it's not that bad, I mean some of the people are cool," Charlie replied grabbing Vaggies hand and squeezing it.
"Hah, you kidding me everyone here in Hell is utter shit! I mean your cool but everyone else, is utterly worthless," Dante said callously Octavia looked hurt but Dante didn't seem to notice.
"But isn't there anyone you'd miss if you per se got into heaven?" Charlie asked, surely even here in Hell he had to have people he cared about.
"Nope no one and good riddance honestly," Dante didn't hesitate to say, suddenly Octavia bolted up from her seat and rushed out of the room. Dante, Charlie, and Vaggie all watched as she ran out of the room tears streaming behind her.
"Dammit," Dante muttered to himself as he got up to look for Octavia, Charlie, and a begrudging Vaggie following suit.
An hour later
The three demons moved down the halls going from room to room checking for any sign of the missing owl. Most of the rooms they had checked so far were empty or were being used for weird sex stuff, some of it was so weird that Dante was certain he was going to have nightmares about them.
I mean I get this is hell but buon Dio, some of this shit is just horrific, and I've been to a Borgia orgy, he thought to himself with a shudder, as he checked another room and nothing.
Closing the door Dante looked to his right and saw Charlie checking the room ahead of him, she leaned into the room to get a better look, and Dante's eyes lowered down to her ass which while in a frilly ball gown Dante could tell was a nice ass. Dante was taken out of his trance by the sound of someone clearing their throat, turning around he saw Vaggie glaring at him.
"Excuse me but shouldn't you be looking for your little girlfriend?" Vaggie asked sarcastically Dante glared.
"She's not my girlfriend," Dante said as he checked another room and found nothing.
"Dammit, why won't she just come out!?" Dante shouted in frustration.
"Well, I don't blame her for not wanting to see you what you said was very hurtful," Charlie stated giving Dante a look of disapproval.
Dante was about to reply but then he stopped he remembered what he had said, sighing Dante looked to the ground.
"Yeah, I guess that was a bit harsh," he said regretfully.
"Did you mean it?" Charlie asked.
"What?" Dante replied.
"Did you mean what you said about not caring about anyone here in Hell?" Charlie asked, her tone implicating that he had better tell the truth.
"Well… I… honestly yeah, I did mean it, if I was allowed into Heaven then I probably wouldn't miss anybody here," Charlie looked at him in shock, and so did Vaggie, hell even Dante looked surprised at his statement.
"Seriously no one, there is no one here you'd miss don't you have any friends, a girlfriend?" Charlie asked seeming unable to believe that there isn't anyone Dante cares for enough to miss.
"Well, I do have a girlfriend, and she's great don't get me wrong but, well, we're, uh it's complicated and I don't feel like getting into it right now," Dante said defensively.
"Alright but what about friends, you have a job right aren't any of your coworkers your friends?" she asked curiously.
"Honestly not really, I mean I have coworkers but there just that coworkers I don't consider them to be anything else," he explained, Charlie looked bewildered.
"Why not you spend time with these people, you have plenty of opportunities to bond so why don't you consider them friends are they mean or something?" she asked still refusing to believe he had no friends.
"I mean I hate my boss he's a fucking idiot who I think will lead the company to ruin, Millie and Moxxie my two main coworkers are cool, pretty nice, and friendly but I honestly just don't see them as my friends," he explained rubbing the back of his head nervously.
"Why not!?" Charlie demanded to know.
"Because I don't alright! That's why, I'm not purposefully choosing to see them as mere acquaintances no matter how hard I try I can't see them as anything other than coworkers, this isn't a new occurrence I've always had a hard time making friends and making connections with others, and this situation is no different," Dante stated, he sounded angry but underneath it, Charlie thought she could detect some sadness as well.
"What about Octavia then what is she to you?" Vaggie chimed in, Dante was about to say something when suddenly they heard the sound of sniffling.
Moving down the hall Charlie placed her ear up to the door and was able to make out the sound of Octavia crying.
"Octavia it's me Charlie please open up," Charlie asked in a gentle tone, knocking lightly on the door.
"Go away!" Octavia yelled, before going back to crying. Charlie looked at the door with an empathetic expression.
"Hold on I'm gonna see if I can find a servant to open the-" but before she could do that Dante pushed her out of the way, got down on one knee, stuck one of his talons into the lock and after five seconds they heard a click and the door opened. Charlie and Vaggie stared in stunned surprise as Dante walked in, Charlie and Vaggie tried to follow but were stopped by Dante.
"You two wait out here ok, I caused this I need to do this myself," he said as he closed the door and locked it. Charlie and Vaggie were about to leave when they suddenly put their ears up to the door.
In the room
The room was dark the only light was coming from underneath the door which was mostly being blocked by Charlie and Vaggie who were not too discreetly listening in on them, Dante rolled his eyes.
Amateurs, he thought to himself as he moved towards via who was sitting on a couch, her legs pulled up against her chest crying into her knees.
Dante walked up and sat down on the couch; Octavia didn't even pull her head out of her knees to acknowledge him. The two sat in silence for a few a full minute before Dante finally spoke up;
"I'm sorry for what I said, that was pretty rude of me," he stated Octavia looked out at him in the dim light Dante could see the mascara running down her face.
"Do you hate me?" Octavia asked.
"What?" Dante replied not sure if he heard her correctly.
"Do you hate me?" she repeated choking back tears.
"Why would you ask that?" Dante questioned not sure what was bringing this up.
"Because everything for the past few weeks has been absolute shit! my mom and dad are still fighting, then you almost die from an overdose, then when I try to hang out with you, you ignore me constantly saying you don't have time, then when I finally get a chance to spend time with you, my folks start fighting because my dad had to bring his boyfriend along and you would rather spend time with princess sunshine and act like I don't even exist. Then oh the cherry on top is that you claim you wouldn't even miss me if I was gone and that just," Octavia once again devolves into a weeping blubbering mess, Dante looks down on the floor in shame.
Dante didn't say anything, he looked to the floor as he pondered the question. Yes, part of him did hate her, he hated all nobles and those of privilege. Those who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, those who never had to worry about never having enough to eat, those who never had to sleep in the gutter, those who were never looked down upon for being poor as if their very existence was a crime, and worst of all he hated those who were never overlooked, those who people never just looked straight past those who pretended that you didn't exist that you were just a part of the scenery. So yes, he did hate her because of that he hated how Octavia never had to eat stale rotting food from the trash or had to sleep in a dirty alleyway, never had to go months without a bath. But despite all this hatred, he remembered the sad girl who was crying about her broken home, the girl who when she found out he was injured sought to take care of him, the girl who helped him fight his addiction to Heroin despite how cruel he was to her, the girl who comforted him when she saw he was being plagued by nightmares.
"No, I don't hate you, I couldn't hate you even if I tried. Dante said placing a hand on her shoulder.
"You really mean that?" she asked looking up at him.
"Yes Of course I do, and you know what if I ever was allowed into Heaven I probably
would miss you," he stated causing Octavia to smile and try to wipe away her tears. Dante pulled out a handkerchief and began wiping away the smeared makeup.
"Id miss Loona as well, Millie and Moxxie too, hell I'd probably miss Blitz as well," Dante stated, Octavia sent him a surprised look.
"You'd miss that stupid dickhead?" Octavia asked in genuine curiosity.
"Yeah, that little shit grows on you," Dante said.
"Really?" Octavia asked.
"Yeah, he's like that stain on your rug that never comes out no matter how hard you try you eventually get used to it," Dante stated causing Octavia to laugh.
"God Dante, you help me stay sane," Octavia said softly, Dante's eyes went wide upon hearing that statement.
His mind flashed back to days long past, back when he was still a kid when Giovanni still lived and he still had a home, a family. He remembers sitting on the floor weeping his painful memories overwhelming him, pushing him past the brink, then suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around him. He remembers looking up to see Roses' beautiful face, her eyes filled with sympathy and love. She pulled him into a hug burying his head into her chest, he remembers the sweet smell of her perfume, the calming rhythm of her heartbeat, he cried and cried, Rose, let him, she let him cry into her dress she comforted him telling him he would be ok that she would always be there for him, he remembers looking up into her beautiful brown eyes and saying;
"You help me stay sane,"
Returning to the present Dante reached forward and grabbed Octavia pulling her into a tight embrace. Octavia let out a startled hoot as her face was suddenly buried in Dante's chest but she didn't resist instead she smiled as Dante placed a hand gently on the back of her head.
"I'm sorry I've been such a bad friend, I didn't realize how much our friendship meant to you, and I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me," he said gently petting her hair, Octavia smiled leaning deeper into the embrace.
"I forgive you," Octavia said, Dante smiled, he could hear muffled "awws" coming from the other side of the door.
The two sat in that position for another hour neither one saying anything, just enjoying the silence and each other's company, suddenly there was a knock at the door.
"Uhh guys not to interrupt this little bonding session but the party is gonna be ending soon and the guests are gonna have to leave," Charlie said through the door, her tone sounding impatient.
"Ready to go?" Dante asked looking down at Octavia.
"Yeah, I'm done with this party," she said but as she stood up, she nearly fell over, having to be steadied by Dante.
"You ok girl?" Dante asked, noticing her sudden loss of balance.
"Yeah, my legs are just asleep, just give me a minute while I Woah!" she said when Dante suddenly scooped her up and carried her out of the room.
The two made their way through the mansion until they made it to the front entrance where Stola's limo was waiting to take them back to their respective homes. Walking up to the limo he noticed that he and Octavia were the only ones there.
"Where's everyone else?" Dante asked wondering where Stolas and the others were.
Back of the manor
In the middle of a lavish courtyard was a set of benches on one of those benches sat Stolas and Queen Lilith. The two were having a conversation during which Lilith was increasing etching towards Stolas as he complained about his wife.
"It's just all she ever talks about is status and prestige and not sullying the family name, it's like all she cares about is being a princess, like would it kill her to say 'hi how are you honey' it's just ugh," Stolas stopped and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"Aww you poor thing it's a shame a sweet, kind, gentle, and sexy thing like you has to be stuck with a whiney bitch like Stella," Lilith replied placing a hand on his knee. Stolas looked at her startled.
"You know what you should do?" she asked him leaning closer, moving her hand up to his leg, Stolas gulped.
"Uhh what your Highness?" he asked nervously trying to back away but she was keeping him pinned in place by the hand on his leg.
"You should cheat on her just fuck the first girl you see maybe like the gorgeous, big titted queen sitting in front of you right now, hmm," she said leaning in closer seductively presenting her tits.
Stolas wanted to tell her that he wasn't interested in her, but he quickly decided against it as the Queen of Hell was notorious for not taking rejection well, ever since her breakup with Adam all those years ago. Stolas panicked not knowing what to do as Lilith placed a hand on his face and was about to bring him into a kiss when suddenly there was a loud crash. Looking in the direction of the disturbance they saw none other than Blitzo come riding in on a gigantic horse.
"You'll never guess where I've been bitches!" Blitzo shouted from atop the horse.
"You little shit get off of him immediate-" Lilith stopped when Stolas suddenly jumped onto the horse and grabbed onto the Imp's waist.
"Hurry move!" Stolas shouted to Blitzo.
"Wha?" Blitzo asked confused.
"Just shut up and go!" he shouted kicking the horse causing it to run off into the night leaving the Queen behind.
Lilith sat on the bench one eye-twitching not sure what the fuck just happened. She continued to sit there staring off into the spot where Stolas and the Imp had been before she was taken out of her trance by the sound of two newcomers.
"You think we lost her?" a high-pitched masculine voice asked nervously.
"I think we lost her," a feminine voice with a wrath ring accent replied. Turning her head, she saw two Imps a female and a male. Upon seeing the male Lilith immediately bolted up from her seat.
"YOU!" Lilith shouted, rushing over to the two Imps.
Millie and Moxxie turned their heads and were shocked to see the Queen of Hell herself heading straight towards them.
"Ohh shit your Majesty are we not supposed to be here we're sorry we'll just-" Moxxie couldn't finish as he was suddenly, he was surrounded by a dark purplish-blue aura. Suddenly he was thrust into the air and brought face to face with Lilith. Moxxie closed his eyes preparing for the inevitable doom that was sure to come.
"Am I ugly!?" Lilith asked sounding desperate, Moxxie opened his eyes and looked at the Queen confused.
"Umm, what?" Moxxie asked not sure he heard correctly.
"Am I ugly, are my wrinkles showing, do I have crow's feet?!" she said gesturing to her flawless face, Moxxie tried to respond but she continued.
"Are my grey hairs showing?!" she asked lifting a lock of her beautiful blonde hair.
"Are my tits sagging!?" she asked frantically cupping her large firm breasts, Moxxie gulped.
"Please your Highness this is all really unnecessary," suddenly Lilith grabbed Moxxie by the face and pulled him in so close their faces were touching.
"TELL ME I'M PRETTY!" Lilith shouted looking frantic.
"Uh your pretty," Moxxie said terror coursing through him, suddenly Lilith's expression softened, and her frantic crazed look was replaced by a look of delight.
"Really?" she asked giving Moxxie a warm look.
"Yes of course you are the prettiest woman in all of Hell," Moxxie said before looking over at Millie who had her arms crossed.
"Sorry honey," he said under his breath, suddenly Lilith pulled Moxxie into a tight embrace burying his face between her massive tits.
"Ohh thank you, thank you, thank you! You have no idea how happy that makes me feel, I was just rejected out of the blue by some sexy Prince and it just made me feel so bad about myself it was like my breakup with Adam all over again," Lilith explained as she continued to hold Moxxie in an iron grip.
Moxxie struggled to break free of the Queen's tight grip as he did his hand accidentally landed on the Queen's breast, who let out a little yelp of surprise upon feeling the sudden contact. Moxxie froze in horror believing Lilith was going to kill him for accidentally fondling her, but instead of looking mad she just gave him a sultry smile.
"Ohh feeling bold are we well lucky for your pretty cute," she said as she placed Moxxie down on one of the benches that lined the courtyard and began undoing his belt and pants.
"Now wait a minute your Majesty, while I'm flattered that you'd take an interest I must protest as I have a wife," Moxxie said frantically pointing towards Millie.
"No, it's cool," Millie said casually, Moxxie stared at her dumbfounded not sure he had heard her.
"You two keep going while I get comfortable here," she said sitting down on a bench adjacent to them giving her a good view.
"See she's cool with it so why don't you relax," Lilith said as she yanked off Moxxies pants and tossed them aside.
"And enjoy," Lilith reached behind her and unzipped her dress.
"Oh…cru-" Moxxie couldn't finish his sentence as Lilith's dress fell down showing him her breasts.
Back to Dante and Octavia
"You good to walk?" Dante asked Octavia who nodded her head.
"Yeah, the feelings come back now," she said, Dante put her down she staggered a little but was able to regain her balance. Climbing into the Limo she turned and saw Dante going in a different direction.
"Dante where are you going dude?" she yelled after him.
"I'm gonna see if I can find the others," he said turning around to face her.
"Why?" she asked getting out of the limo and giving Dante a confused look.
"Do you want your dad and Blitz wandering around the Royal Palace doing God knows what?" he asked sarcastically raising an eyebrow.
"Good point," Octavia said looking kinda worried now about the idea of her dad doing stupid shit in the Palace, like having sex in Lucifer's bed.
"So do you think I can see you again this weekend?" Octavia asked sending him a smile. Dante thought it over for a minute.
"Uhh yeah, I need to talk to you about something, how about this Sunday does that work for you?" Dante asked Octavia nodded her head hugging Dante.
Dante was about to break away from the embrace when Octavia suddenly grabbed him by the head and pulled him into a kiss. Dante's eyes went wide, he was so surprised by the sudden kiss that he just stood there frozen in place unable to move a muscle. After a couple of seconds, Octavia broke the kiss still holding Dante, she gave him a loving smile.
"I love you," she stated breaking away from Dante she moved towards the limo.
Climbing inside she blew Dante a kiss before closing the door the limo drove off leaving Dante standing in front of the Palace utterly dumbstruck. After 20 minutes Dante shook his head and wiped his mouth seeing smears of black lipstick on his hand.
"Fuck it those idiots can get their own ride I'm going home," Dante stated looking around he saw there was still one limo still parked out front with a tall blue and white feathered Goetia standing in front of it, this just happened to be the Marquis from earlier.
Marching over to it he grabbed a broom out of the hand of an Imp, who was sweeping up. Whistling he got the Godetia's attention, the Marquis turned around only to find himself getting hit in the knee with the broom handle, then a quick punch to the gut, followed by a blow to the head with the broom breaking it in half. The final strike knocked the Marquis unconscious, Dante was about to climb into the limo but stopped and went through the Marquis's pockets taking his wallet. Climbing inside he tapped on the window blocking the rear area off from the driver, the driver lowered the window and looked in surprise when he saw an imp instead of his master.
"Where's master Andrealphus?" the Imp asked curiously.
"Don't worry about it just take me home," Dante said in a tone that told the driver shut up and do as I say or else.
Putting the car in drive the limo took off leaving the Palace in the rear-view mirror as it left Dante could have sworn, he heard Moxxie shout the word "CRUMBS".
END
Alright, another chapter down sorry this took so long I had a lot of stuff on my plate. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and thanks again for reading, don't be afraid to leave a review. Thanks again. :)