Seeing Chains
Husk sighs while washing the counter. The Hotel is quiet this evening.
Charlie and Vaggie are out for date night. Cherri Bomb and Sir Pentious are giving Emily a tour. Angel Dust said something about figuring out a career. Alastor is most likely tormenting a random demon. The Queen had rarely been seen since her date with the King. As for Niffty? The Demon Cat doesn't even want to think about what she's doing.
That just leaves the Egg Bois in the Hotel and a certain little hazbin.
Speaking of which.
"There something bothering you, Kid?" Husk turns to the edge of the bar to see Celest staring at him. "You're too young for any of these," the Sinner points at the various drink choices. "If that's what you're thinking?"
"It's not that," Celest looks away. Refusing to meet him in the eye.
Husk stares at her for a moment before rolling his eyes and reaching under his counter. "Your moms had me get this just in case you felt left out," he places a bottle in front of Celest and fills a glass. "It's apple cider. Sparkling," he scoots the glass closer to the child. "Now besides pouring drinks, one of the jobs of a bartender is to listen to people's problems. So, let's here it, Kid. What's wrong?"
The girl hops onto the stool, "I'm just curious, Mr. Husk," and grabs the glass and takes a sip. "Why are you wearing chains?"
"Chains?" the bartender looks down at himself. "What chains?"
"Those chains," Celest points at the Sinner's neck. "I've seen a lot of demons wearing them even though no one else seems to notice. You and Niffty. Mr. Angel Dust had one before the incident but not anymore. And I know that—"
"Wait! Hold on!" Husk holds up his hands. "Other than who has chains, what else can you tell me about them? About mine specifically."
"Well…" she looks away. "I know that whenever Mr. Alastor is in the room he's holding the other end of yours and Niffty's."
Husk reaches up to his neck. "You really can see them," he thought for a moment. Considering exactly what he should tell the little girl. "These chains are a sensitive subject for anyone wearing them. But it usually means that a demon had done something stupid and had to sell their soul to make up for it and they are tied to whoever owns them and have to obey them. No matter what."
"But isn't that wrong?"
"It's complicated, Kid," he tells her honestly. "Even here in Hell us Sinners are still making mistakes. All we can do is try and live up to what we've done in life and death and hope that one day, we might be free," the Cat Demon looks down. He is then surprised when Celest crawls across the counter to give him a hug.
"I'm sure you'll be free someday, Mr. Husk," she looks up at him.
The Sinner blinks a couple times before letting a faint smile appear on his face. "You sure are something, Kid," he then breaks away to look the child in the eyes. "Listen. Like I said, the chains are a sensitive topic for demons. Try not to stare and do not mention it. Ever. Very few will not be aggressive when brought up. Got it?"
The girl looks down. "Got it, Mr. Husk," she then happily finishes off her drink.
"Nice to see some bonding going on between you two," a radioed voice reaches them as Alastor walks into the room. The Radio Demon then takes notice of his Goddaughter staring. "Something the matter, dear?"
Celest looks away. "No, Mr. Alastor."
Alastor raised a brow at the child before walking away.
