THE BLESSING
"So, where are you dragging me off to?"
Vaggie stared down at the creamy white hand wrapped tightly around hers as Charlie pulled her toward the door, away from the bar. The rest watched them leave, and the fallen angel was feeling a bit self-conscious about the quick departure. Very little was said after Charlie decided it was time for them to leave. Everyone had stood, and there were smiles and hugs all around for the happy couple and heartfelt thank you's for everyone else.
It hadn't lasted long, but it had been meaningful and comforting to feel the arms of all of her friends wrapping her into a warm embrace. More than half a year ago, she might have turned her spear on them in defense if they had tried to do the same. But back then, they likely would have reacted with a similar vehemence as she would have.
She had to smile as she watched her girlfriend leading her to the door. It was fucking amazing what this crazy chica had managed to show them all in such a short amount of time. She had made her dream of the Happy Hotel a reality. With a little help from the "strays" she had brought in off the street, she had managed to take the hotel and mold it into a home. Vaggie couldn't be more proud.
Charlie pushed open the door with one arm, leading her outside into the large, open patio, where before them rose a tall golden statue of a fearsome dragon. The nameplate below said "Dazzle", one of the two dear friends lost during the battle six months prior. Immediately outside, she released Vaggie's hand and started to rummage through her handbag. She pulled out her phone, which she pushed quickly into Vaggie's hands.
"Here. First name in the recent messages list. Edwin or Edmund or something like that. Tell him we'll be there in five minutes and he can set up for dinner."
Vaggie gave her a curious look, but shrugged and began to do what Charlie asked. It was unusual for the princess to hand over her phone to do such a mundane task but Vaggie understood why a moment later when she realized that Charlie had also pulled her keycard out of the handbag. She had an even more curious look on her face as she followed Charlie over to a nearby emergency exit, swiped the keycard, and led her into the stairwell inside.
"The roof?" Vaggie asked as she returned Charlie's phone.
It wasn't exactly an unusual date spot for them, but she had to admit, she had thought Charlie had intended something a bit more extravagant for their anniversary. Not that she was at all disappointed. Vaggie wasn't much of a socialite and Charlie had never intentionally dragged her anywhere she wasn't entirely comfortable.
Not entirely true, Vaggie thought upon reflection, but that one time in particular had been a special case. Heaven hadn't been a date by any stretch, and as far as Vaggie was concerned, she had no desire to even consider a repeat experience.
Charlie stood just inside the door after it clicked shut, and Vaggie was about to take the lead up the stairs when she felt a hand on her wrist. Before she knew it, strong but gentle hands had pushed her up against the wall, and she immediately felt Charlie's hot lips pressed to her own. It wasn't one of those typically gentle kisses the two had shared in front of their friends, but a hot, wet, open-mouthed kiss with more than a little tongue involved. Deep and passionate and, of course, breath-stealing. Vaggie thought for sure she could feel the blood to her brain being cut off at the neck, to the point that she didn't even have the capability of panic when she felt Charlie's demanding fingers begin a vigorous exploration of the contours hidden just beneath her dress. Her hips, her belly, her chest. The destiny was clear, and Vaggie probably wouldn't have argued if Charlie had decided then and there to find out just exactly what the dress might be trying to hide.
But then it was over and Charlie stepped back. Vaggie's chest heaved as she fought to catch her breath. She found that she didn't really want Charlie to stop. Her emotions were firing on all cylinders, and she desperately wanted to feel those hands continue their invasive probe. She was feeling particularly hot and almost uncomfortable in her dress.
It was the lack of blood and oxygen to the brain, she knew. And as she slowly began to come to her senses, she was more than relieved that Charlie hadn't pulled her dress down right then and there. Maybe deep down a little disappointed, but given the glass door right next to them, leading back out onto the patio, she knew it was better that they stop now before they gave some unsuspecting and lucky sinner a delightful view that they could share with any and everyone who might care to listen.
"Whew," Vaggie said, brushing the hair back over her good eye and averting her gaze. "That… that was unexpected."
But then she saw the look on Charlie's face, and realized that something was wrong. The princess wasn't smiling. There was a frown on her usually joyful lips. She was staring at Vaggie, as if trying to decide whether or not to ruin the moment with the thoughts she was withholding. But Vaggie knew immediately that the moment would already be ruined if she didn't air her grievances. Vaggie had done something to upset her.
"Okay, I know that look. And I know there's only one thing I did that might make you feel the way you do right now." She reached out and cupped a hand to Charlie's cheek. "So let it out babe. I was too hard on Angel. I don't blame you for being mad at me."
"Vaggie, I told you already. Angel didn't do anything wrong."
"He gave us a dildo as an anniversary gift."
Charlie flushed a little. "Yeah, well. Maybe that was a bit unexpected. But you don't know the whole story."
"Wait… honey, hold up. What do you mean, 'the whole story'? You knew about this?"
"Well, sorta. It was kinda my idea." Charlie cringed at the look of confusion on Vaggie's face. She reached out and put a hand on the angel's cheek. "Look, babe. I've been talking with Angel for a long time. About… us. And I love this, what we have. I love us. I adore us. And nothing will ever change that. But sometimes I just can't help but think there are some other things about us that I want to explore."
"And… you what? Want to see what it might be like if I had a dick?"
Charlie almost burst out laughing at the mental imagery, but she drew a breath and ran her hand over her mouth as she attempted slowly to recover her senses. "Well, that's not exactly where my mind was in this. But I know your history. You're more than a bit sheltered in all this. You died young and Heaven wasn't exactly a place where you had a chance to explore your sexuality."
"Not for a lack of trying on Adam's part," Vaggie growled, staring at the ground.
"Well, he was the original dickhead."
The pair had a much needed moment of laughter, and Charlie leaned into her again for a much more tender kiss than the one they had shared when they had entered the stairwell. "Okay. This is all that I ask, Vaggie. I want you to keep your mind open. Unlike you, I have had a little dick in my past. You might be a bit surprised how much you like it if it's the right person."
"I really wish you didn't put it like that," Vaggie said. "Now I'm imagining what it would look like if you had a dick."
Charlie flushed. "Uh… okay…" She gave her messy braid a squeeze and averted her gaze. "Yeah. No dicks. Not on you, not on me. We're just your average happy lesbian couple. Just good ole, normal pussy. Right? Right." Vaggie stared at her girlfriend and couldn't help but grin as she seemed to struggle putting her thoughts together. It was beyond adorable. "But… a dildo isn't necessarily about liking dick, okay? We're just gonna explore this, you and me. That's all I really want. Something new for us to discover. And if you don't like it, that's fine. We don't have to do anything you decide you don't like. Fair?"
"First off, you already know I could never say no to you, hun." Vaggie leaned in for a kiss. "And you put it that way, and fine. I'm curious now. We can do this. But did you seriously tell Angel you wanted him to give us a dildo for our anniversary?"
"Well… not in so many words, no."
Vaggie rolled her eyes. "That's what I thought."
"But… I asked him for a lot of advice and he promised to help however he could. You know how spontaneous he is. It's really kinda cute that he would do something like this for us. He's bold and daring, and that's what I want our relationship to be. Not that it hasn't been bold and daring. But I for one never thought, hey, I'm going to give my friends a sex toy in front of everyone. I think it was just his way of giving us a not-so-subtle hint to be spontaneous."
"A not-so-subtle hint to everyone in the room that we are going to fuck later, maybe."
"Oh, poo on you, Vaggie. They already know we're gonna fuck later."
"Fair point." The pair giggled and kissed, a little bit more deeply than their previous kiss but nowhere near so hot-and-heavy as the first kiss in the stairwell. "Okay. So Alden's waiting upstairs. And I don't know about you, but I'm famished."
"Well, I personally am going to have to stop by the restroom on the top floor so I can pee. Otherwise there really will be a golden shower all the way down my leg."
Vaggie smirked. "You might be missing the point of what a golden shower is." The pair started up the stairs, but she could see Charlie working the puzzle in her head as they ascended.
"I don't know," the princess said slowly, almost whining as she considered it. "But we're talking about what Niffty said. So I'm gonna have to guess… is it…" Vaggie thought it was absolutely adorable how Charlie's face twisted uncomfortably as she seemed to be making the connection. "…sex…ual?"
Vaggie looked over, and then she laughed. "Well, I can tell you this much. It's not something I'm going to do to you, and it's definitely not something I'm going to let you do to me. So I highly recommend going potty at the very first opportunity you get. If you really want details, fine. But only after I eat. Got it?"
Charlie frowned. A much more adorable frown than her previous when she had been upset with Vaggie. "Okay. But maybe I already know more than I really want to."
"You definitely know more than I wanted to share, that's for damn sure."
The pair shared a look, and Charlie quickly averted her gaze as she let out a small, amused giggle.
At the top of the stairs, Charlie broke away to go to the bathroom, and Vaggie went on up to the roof in order to let the caterer know that they were about ready for dinner. She froze when she saw someone unexpected standing there, observing the fully set table on the rooftop.
He was short, just slightly taller than she was, and adorn in a white showman's suit with an unmistakable matching top hat. Even so, Vaggie's heels allowed her to actually look down on the King of Hell as she slowly approached.
"Your anniversary, huh?" Lucifer said, not looking back.
Vaggie paused in surprise. She hadn't thought she had been so loud to intrude on his silence. But this was the King of Hell after all.
"Well, I'm really happy for the both of you, my little Vagpie."
That was new. Closer than Maggie, she thought, but definitely not Vaggie.
"It's Vaggie, sir," she said gently, her face a little flushed.
"It's a nickname, Vagpie. When we first met I heard Maggie, and I was just this close to calling you Magpie. Cause I thought it was cute, just like you. So that was where my mind went with that." He gave a bit of a shrug, and then he finally turned, greeting her with a broad, friendly smile. "When I found out that I misheard your name, I was actually a little happy. I don't think anyone has ever called anyone 'Vagpie' before. So get used to it, little lady. Unless you want to hurt this old fool's feelings. In which case, Vaggie it is. But I can promise you, I would feel more than a little sad about it."
He smiled thoughtfully, his eyes never once leaving hers.
She had to grin as she studied him. Here she was, thinking he had misremembered her name again, and he was actually being thoughtful and sweet. "Lucifer, I would be honored if you called me Vagpie. Now that I know you actually know my name, it would make me very happy."
He chuckled softly and took her hands in his. "Vagpie it is. And where is your lovely companion?"
"She had to freshen up. She's been a blubbering fool for the past two hours."
He grinned. "Well, I thought about joining you all for the party…"
"You would have been more than welcome."
He held up a hand. "But… that was for you two. You and your friends. I might have been welcome to join but that… that down there was something I didn't feel that I had really earned. Not yet. I love you all to pieces for everything you've done for my little girl. You in particular, Vagpie. But I'm still the big bad dad. I'm the one who went years missing from her life, and you can't just fix that with a song and dance. We've started the process, but we aren't there yet. Besides, there will be other moments I can share with all of you. Other anniversaries, celebrations, parties.
"I am a deeply wounded man, Vagpie. And I need healing. One of these days I might be able to tell you something very different. Until then, just know that I wasn't always there when she needed me. I know you know that, but I want you to know that I… I know it too. I doubt I will ever forgive myself for the time lost. But the first step toward the healing process is knowing that I will never not be there when she needs me ever again."
Vaggie stared into his eyes for a long time, trying to decide exactly what about this man struck home for her so intimately, but she could feel her heart breaking inside at his words. It wasn't just that this was Charlie's estranged father. It went so much deeper than that. But if she had ever known the source of that pain she felt deep down, it was lost to time. She might be able to recover those missing details one day, but today was not the day to begin the search.
She leaned in and for the first time since meeting Lucifer, she initiated the hug.
"So you can call me Vagpie. But I'm going to start calling you Dad. Fair?"
He laughed delightedly, lifting her up in a bearhug and spinning her around. "That would make me the happiest man in any of the three realms, Vagpie.
"Speaking of which. Eventually I want you to make sure you two make it official."
Vaggie blinked.
"You haven't asked, but I want you to know, you have my blessing." He reached inside his jacket and from one of the many concealed pockets within he produced a small, red, felt ring box. Vaggie's face flushed as he opened it to show her the massive, crystal-clear gem embedded in a band of white gold. "This was the ring I used when I proposed to Lilith. She… gave it back to me the day she took Charlie. The day they left me." He drew a slow breath and smiled wanly. "I suppose I had that day coming. In truth I was already losing what little grip I had on reality. And they were all that was left of that reality. Lilith couldn't stand that part of me. She never went into details, but I think she resented the idea that I had lost any of the resolve I'd once had, standing up to the bullies who would just as soon stomp on my throat as have any sort of a meaningful conversation."
He let out a loud, bitter groan and shook his head.
"But I digress. Happier times, Vagpie. I want this ring to represent happier times. And nothing would make me happier than for you to join this disastrous little family of mine for real. There's me… and then there's Charlie. Who knows where the fuck Lilith might be. Whether she even wants to be a part of Charlie's life. But the family here. Me and Charlie. I know that this family would die from happiness to be able to have you be a part of it. So, when you decide you're ready, and I sincerely hope that it's you, because, well, you have the ring." He had to laugh at that, shaking his head. "I suppose it wouldn't be the worst thing if that should backfire and she asked you first. You and I could laugh about it over drinks someday. But this right here, little lady. This is part of me…" He held her hand in his and tapped his fingers onto the top of the box. "I'm telling you Vagpie. Don't make her wait. She's got a lot of her father in her. Probably questioning every little thing no matter how small. I have a feeling that she already wants this. If she hasn't asked yet she's probably feeling insecure. I want you to be able to show her there's no need for that."
"To be fair, even if she is, maybe I am too."
He grinned. "Aren't we all, Vagpie? Aren't we all." He leaned forward and surprised her with a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Whatever happens, happens. When the time comes, you'll know it. You'll be ready. I have faith in you, same as the faith I have in Charlie. You two set out to change the world. And I know now that nothing is going to stop you from doing just that. Because me, this is my whole world. If you've changed this one lonely old fool, you can change anything. Believe it, because I do."
Vaggie stared at him as he stepped away.
"Tell my baby girl I love her. And you two have the best anniversary you've ever had. I'm so proud of the both of you Vagpie. Just take care of each other."
"We will, Dad," she said, wiping a tear from her eye.
With that, he vanished in a swirl of fire, his eyes never once leaving Vaggie until that moment he was gone. She couldn't help smiling. Not far away, she noticed Alden, a short imp with horns that wound into tight coils at the sides of his head. The caterer. He stood at attention beside the table with a bottle of wine, already uncorked and ready to serve.
"Oh, you can go ahead and pour the wine," Vaggie said. "And if you want to leave the bottle, you are free to go. This doesn't have to be some elaborate dinner or anything. We don't need you at our beck and call. So long as the food is ready, I think we can manage everything else."
The imp looked at her for a long time. "I am a servant of the palace, madam," he said calmly. As if he was prepared to argue. "So if you don't mind, I would actually rather be dismissed by the lady of the hotel."
"Well tonight that isn't necessary."
He stared back at her. "For me it most certainly is. This isn't about protocol."
Vaggie frowned. "You knew her, didn't you?"
"Knew her? Madam, I wiped her bottom. You might say that I knew her a great deal more intimately than any imp should know the Princess of Hell."
Vaggie smiled. "Okay. You can wait."
Alden gave her a curt nod. "Thank you."
Then, behind her the door opened and Charlie came out onto the rooftop. She was looking a bit flustered, breathing heavily, as if she had found herself alone and dashed up the stairs in order to catch up. Now she wore a look of relief as she rushed up to join Vaggie by the table.
"Okay, you're gonna have to answer a question for me," she said as she caught her breath, holding up her smartphone as if it explained everything going through her mind in that moment. "How the fuck is it you never played around with a dildo before but you somehow know exactly what a golden shower is?"
"Uh, Charlie…" Vaggie's face was a deep shade of purple as she gestured over to Alden with a turn of her head and eyes. "Mixed company…"
"Oh? Oh!" For the first time she noticed Alden standing there.
"Oh, don't look at me like that," he said flatly as he stared up at the two of them. He was only about a foot shorter than Vaggie, but Charlie seemed to tower over him, as if she might step on him if she wasn't paying attention. "It's not as though I never experienced a golden shower before."
"Ew, no, why would we want to know that?" Charlie asked.
"Babies pee, Your Highness," he said. "You tended to pee a lot, usually right after I took off your diaper."
"Wuh… huh…. Uh…" Charlie gave him a closer look. "Is that you? Uncle Aldie?"
"That is what you used to call me, Miss."
"No way!" She dropped down to her knees beside the old imp and buried him in a hug. Vaggie had to smile as she shook her head. "But… Dad said he was going to connect me with the best caterer in the business. I didn't know you left the palace…"
"Well, you are mistaken. I didn't leave the palace. I don't exactly run a reputable catering service, Miss, but I can tell you this. The food will still meet all your expectations."
Charlie grinned. "You know, I think you're right." She looked up at Vaggie, grinning. "Uncle Aldie used to make all my meals for me when I was a kid. At least the meals that I had to eat alone. When your parents are the king and queen, you tend to spend quite a few of your meals alone. Despite all that, Aldie somehow managed to make sure I was a relatively happy baby."
"It wasn't difficult. You were an easy enough child to please." He gestured to the table. "Sit! Your dinner is ready. I don't plan on sticking around, Your Highness. I believe you both fully capable to manage without me. But, I do appreciate the opportunity to see you again, and I would like to encourage you both to come to the palace to visit, whenever you might have time."
"Of course, Aldie! I think we might be able to make that happen sooner rather than later. But oh my goodness, it is so good to see you! I… haven't seen you since Mom and I left the palace… It's been far too long!"
Alden lowered his head in a respectful bow. "Just remember, your father wasn't the only person left behind when Lilith took you from the palace. There are other servants there that you knew, many intimately. It would do them all a world of good to see you and to know you're doing well."
Charlie grinned. "In that case I'll call Dad as soon as possible to make plans. I would love to see everyone! And it would be nice to show Vaggie where I grew up."
"I'd like that," Vaggie acknowledge, letting her small frame lean up against Charlie as she gazed at Alden. "It really is so good to meet you, sir. And I'm sorry about how I treated you."
"How you treated me? Seemed more respectful than most if you ask me."
"I've seen how imps are treated. It's not fair that I dismissed you without a thought earlier."
The old imp smiled, gazing thoughtfully up at her. "Madam," he said after a long moment. "I'm made of sterner stuff. Trust me, there is no insult in what happened earlier. You might have been a touch distracted. It is your anniversary. But you were also respectful and that is a rare thing in this world we live in. So apologize one more time and I might have to call IMP and put a hit out on you."
Vaggie frowned. Charlie beside her tilted her head a bit to one side, brow furrowed.
"Is… that a joke?" Vaggie asked.
"Tonight, we pretend it is." Alden winked and turned to pour two glasses of wine while the couple watched. He set the bottle down on the table, and then, with a snap of his finger, the wick on the tall, unlit candle in the center of the table burst into flame. Then he turned back and slowly approached them. He held out a hand to the princess, and Charlie hesitantly reached out so he could take it. "It is a pleasure, princess… I don't think I can call you bubble butt anymore. It was cute when you were just a sprout. But not so much for the grown woman you've become. I am so proud. Princess Charlie." He then reached out and took Vaggie's hand, and smiled up to her. "If you don't mind, I think I may have to call you Vagpie too."
"'Too'?" Charlie asked. "What was going on up here while I was in the bathroom?"
"Not my place to say, Your Highness." He then placed Vaggie's hand into Charlie's. "What I can say is that I like this girl here. She's a match for you. I approve."
Vaggie smiled gratefully, and wiped a tear from her good eye. "Thank you, Uncle Aldie."
"Now… I suppose it is time for me to go. It was my sincere pleasure to meet you, Vagpie. And to see you again, Your Highness. Hopefully it won't be such a long time between chats."
"Never again, Aldie," Charlie said quietly. "It was wrong of me not to try to contact anyone in the palace before. I'm sorry."
"None necessary."
The ladies surprised him by going to a knee to give him a big hug. He held them with a smile and looked them both over. "A match indeed. I should go." He lifted his wrist and twisted the little yellow gem on the bracelet there, and behind him a portal appeared. "Good night, Your Highness. Vagpie. Enjoy the meal."
As he walked through the portal, Vaggie and Charlie helped one another to their feet. "Vagpie?" Charlie had a small smirk on her lips as she studied her lover with a raised eyebrow. "What exactly did I miss?"
Vaggie grinned back. "Maybe I'll tell you about it someday, honey." She rose up onto her tiptoes and leaned into a tender kiss. Charlie wrapped her arms around her and held her close, and before they knew it the kiss evolved into something more. Mouths parted, tongues merged, and a battle of hearts ensued as they leaned desperately into one another.
Without the risk of wandering eyes they found themselves with more freedom to explore. Vaggie let herself melt into Charlie's touch. Ever the brazen huntress of the sheets, Charlie's fingers danced with reckless abandon across every inch of the angel trembling at her touch. She was not so bold as to pluck her bare, but not for lack of desire.
As they feasted greedily upon one another's lips, Vaggie felt Charlie slowly press herself deeper into the embrace they shared, her arms encircling her waist in order to draw her close. Suddenly Vaggie noticed the skirt of her dress being lifted ever so slightly, and Charlie's fingers gave her ass a firm squeeze, beneath the dress but over her panties. Vaggie let out a squeak mixed with delight and panic, and crushed the princess in a tight embrace.
Despite the thrill of it, however, Vaggie murmured breathlessly into Charlie's ear. "Woah, woah, woah there, Casanova. I'm not exactly against this but… uh… maybe we should have some dinner before dessert, don't you think?"
"Okay, maybe you're right. I am pretty hungry."
"I really can't wait for dessert though," Vaggie said, reaching up to gently pinch Charlie's cheek. "If there's anything I learned about dessert since I fell from Heaven… it's that I have one hell of a sweet tooth."