The sunless red sky of Hell cast its eternal glow over the Hazbin Hotel, but inside, the atmosphere was unusually lively. Charlie stood in the lobby, her golden eyes bright with anticipation as she glanced at the growing group of residents gathering around her. The air hummed with a mix of curiosity, confusion, and mild annoyance, depending on who you asked.
"Alright, everyone!" Charlie called cheerfully, clapping her hands together as the last few stragglers trickled in. "Thank you for meeting me here so early! I promise, this is going to be fun!"
Emily stood near the front of the group, her silver-like skin gleaming faintly as her halo tilted slightly with curiosity. Her wings fluttered as she glanced around at the collection of demons. "She's hyped," Emily whispered to Vaggie, who stood beside her with her arms crossed. "That means this is either going to be really fun or a total disaster."
"Knowing this place?" Vaggie replied dryly, her magenta eye scanning the group, "Probably both."
In the back corner of the room, Husk leaned against the wall, watching as the others walked in. "If this is some team-building crap, I'm out," he muttered, stretching his wings lazily.
Angel Dust, perched on the arm of a nearby couch, rolled his eyes but smirked. "Relax, birdbrain. Charlie probably just wants us to bake cookies or braid each other's hair or some crap like that. Besides—" he winked at Husk, "—you look like you could use some bonding time."
Husk grumbled something incomprehensible into his glass.
Sera stood stiffly near the center of the room, her molten hair glowing faintly like embers as her brilliant white eyes fixed on Charlie. Her charred wings twitched with irritation. "I hope this is more than frivolity," she said quietly, glancing at Emily.
Emily shot her sister a warm smile. "Come on, Sera, loosen up! Charlie's ideas are always fun, even if they're... a little chaotic. You might even enjoy yourself!"
Sera's expression didn't waver, but her wings drooped slightly, betraying a flicker of resignation.
Amara stood near the edge of the group, her glowing teal eyes darting between the other residents. She stayed quiet, her molten skin pulsing faintly as if reflecting her unease. She wasn't one to join in large gatherings, but Charlie's enthusiasm had a way of pulling everyone in.
Elira leaned casually against a pillar, her glossy black feathers twitching as she surveyed the room with a sharp, predatory gaze. "This better not be a waste of time," she muttered, her talons clicking softly against the stone floor.
"Lighten up, Elira," Gorrik rumbled from nearby, his deep cerulean frame towering over most of the group. He adjusted the patches on his vest, his glowing yellow scars faintly pulsing. "It's not like we've got anything better to do."
Nyssa, ever poised, stood near the back, their lavender skin glowing faintly under the dim light. They observed the group with a faint smile, their mercury-like hair catching the glow as it rippled softly. "I suppose a little 'fun' won't hurt," they said smoothly, their voice lilting with amusement. "Though I do hope there's some... elegance to this endeavor."
Charlie clasped her hands together, her wings fluttering with excitement as she stepped forward. "Before we start," she said, glancing around at each of them, "I just want to say how glad I am to have all of you here. This hotel is more than just a building—it's a chance for all of us to grow, to connect, and to work toward something better. And today? Well, today's all about having a little fun together!"
The group exchanged skeptical looks, but Emily was already beaming, her wings fluttering with excitement. "Fun? I'm in!"
"Don't volunteer too fast, Emily," Vaggie muttered, though her lips twitched in amusement.
Charlie's golden eyes lit up as she continued. "Now, I know you're all wondering what's going on. Don't worry—I'll explain everything in just a minute." She glanced over the group again, her smile softening. "But first, let's all take a moment to appreciate how far we've come together. You're not just residents here—you're a part of something special."
Angel Dust smirked, blowing a strand of pink hair out of his face. "Aw, Charlie, you're gonna make me cry."
"Good," Charlie replied brightly. "You've got great eyeliner—it'd be a waste not to use it."
Angel laughed, while the others settled into a mix of curiosity and cautious interest.
Charlie's enthusiasm was infectious, and despite their usual wariness, most of the residents found themselves relaxing—if only slightly. Even Sera's rigid posture softened, her glowing eyes narrowing thoughtfully as she watched Charlie.
Emily leaned closer to Vaggie, whispering, "I think she's got them hooked. Classic Charlie—give a heartfelt speech, and everyone forgets they're in Hell for a minute."
Vaggie rolled her eye but smirked faintly. "Yeah, that's Charlie for you."
Charlie clapped her hands together, her excitement radiating through the room as the residents looked on with varying degrees of curiosity and skepticism. Her golden eyes sparkled as she addressed the group.
"Alright, everyone! I've got something fun planned for us today," she began, her wings fluttering slightly. "Alastor has been very hard at work this morning hiding some special items around the hotel and the grounds. And the best part?" She spread her arms with a bright smile. "Not even I know where they are!"
The residents exchanged glances.
Angel Dust raised a brow, crossing his arms. "Wait, so you let Mr. Creepy Radio Guy go wild hiding stuff, and now we're supposed to find it? Sounds rigged."
Alastor, who had conveniently appeared in the doorway, let out a delighted laugh, his static-laced voice filling the room. "Oh, Angel, my dear, where's the fun in rigging the game? I assure you, the challenge will be quite fair... but only for those who are clever enough to rise to it."
Angel rolled his eyes, muttering, "Yeah, sure, whatever you say, walking AM station."
Charlie ignored the exchange, her enthusiasm undeterred. "So, here's the deal! Alastor has hidden three Golden KeeKee statues somewhere in the hotel and on the grounds. Your job is to find them! Each statue looks just like KeeKee—gold, shiny, and impossible to miss once you've spotted it."
Emily's eyes lit up, and her wings fluttered eagerly. "Like treasure hunting but with demon cats! I'm in!"
Vaggie, on the other hand, raised a skeptical brow. "A scavenger hunt? Seriously, Charlie?"
Charlie beamed at her. "Yes, seriously! Come on, Vaggie, it'll be fun. It was Emily's idea! Besides, it's a great way for us all to spend time together and blow off some steam."
Vaggie sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Fine. But if Angel cheats, I'm calling it."
"I never cheat," Angel said, grinning mischievously. When Vaggie just stared at him, he rephrased his response. "I never get caught cheating."
Charlie continued, stepping forward with her hands clasped. "We're going to split into pairs to search! I'll be teaming up with Emily, Vaggie will go with Angel, Husk and Gorrik, Sera and Amara, Elira and Nyssa, Cherri and Nifty will pair up."
At this, the group reacted in varying ways.
Emily immediately threw her arms up in excitement. "Yes! Team Charlie and Emily! Let's go!"
Vaggie groaned audibly, muttering, "Of course I get stuck with Angel."
Angel winked at her. "Oh, relax, sweetheart. We'll be the best team here. I've got great instincts."
Vaggie gave him a flat look. "Your instincts will probably lead us straight to the nearest cock."
Husk let out a low grumble, adjusting his hat as he glanced at Gorrik. "So, big guy, you good with wandering around aimlessly?"
Gorrik shrugged, his glowing yellow scars faintly pulsing. "Not my first scavenger hunt. Let's just find the thing and get it over with."
Sera and Amara exchanged a glance, the tension between them palpable. Sera's molten wings flickered faintly as she folded her arms. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone sharp. "I'll take this seriously if you do."
Amara nodded, her teal eyes steady but guarded. "I always do."
Elira raised a brow at Nyssa, her talons clicking softly against the floor. "Well, aren't we an odd pair?" she said with a faint smirk.
Nyssa offered her a serene smile, their mercury-like hair rippling faintly. "Odd, perhaps, but potentially effective. Let's not waste time."
Nifty jumped in place, clapping excitedly as she darted forward, climbing up Cherri's body to sit on her shoulder. "I'm good at cleaning, I can look under the small stuff real easy!"
Charlie clapped her hands again, drawing their attention back to her. "Alright! Everyone ready? The hunt starts... now! Good luck!"
The room erupted into a flurry of motion as the teams began strategizing, some with more enthusiasm than others. Charlie grabbed Emily's hand, leading her toward the nearest hallway with a bright laugh. "Come on, Emily! Let's find a KeeKee!"
As the residents scattered throughout the hotel and grounds, the atmosphere buzzed with energy and anticipation. Though the Golden KeeKee statues were just a game, the spirit of competition—and the chance to prove themselves—was enough to ignite a spark in even the most reluctant participants.
Charlie walked briskly down the hallway with Emily fluttering just a few steps ahead, her golden eyes bright as she turned to her excitable partner. "Alright, Emily," she began, clapping her hands together. "What's the game plan? Do we want to search room by room, or should we—"
Before Charlie could finish, Emily was already darting from one spot to the next, her wings flaring as she zipped down the corridor.
"Ooh, what about in here?" Emily exclaimed, yanking open a decorative vase and peering inside. "Nope, just dust. Ew." She wiped her hands on her dress before dashing toward a nearby window.
"Emily!" Charlie called after her, laughing despite herself. "We should probably come up with a system, you know!"
"System shmystem!" Emily called back, already throwing open a curtain and peering behind it. "The best way to find treasure is to go where no one expects! Like... this drawer!" She yanked open a nearby cabinet, rifling through its contents with zero regard for order.
Charlie shook her head fondly, jogging after her. "You're going to wear yourself out at this rate," she said, watching as Emily flitted from one hiding spot to another.
Emily turned to her with a cheeky grin, her halo tilting playfully. "Charlie, have you met me? I've got endless energy! And besides, I'm covering so much ground! " She zipped into a side alcove, lifting a decorative throw pillow and tossing it aside when it yielded nothing. "Nope. Next!"
"Wait! Don't just toss things everywhere—someone's going to have to clean that up later!" Charlie scolded lightly, though her tone held more amusement than exasperation.
Emily floated back into the hallway, her hands on her hips as she hovered a few feet off the ground. "Charlie," she said seriously, though her grin betrayed her playful tone. "This is a scavenger hunt. It's war. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices for the cause."
Charlie crossed her arms, tilting her head as she tried to suppress a laugh. "I think you're being a little dramatic, don't you?"
"Am I?" Emily retorted, swooping toward a nearby painting. She tilted it forward, checking behind the frame. "Nope. But maybe Alastor wants us to be dramatic. You know how much he loves chaos."
Charlie sighed, shaking her head with a smile as she jogged after Emily again. "Okay, fine. You check all the random spots, and I'll stick to a system. That way, we don't miss anything."
"Deal!" Emily declared, already poking her head inside a nearby cabinet. "But when I find the first KeeKee, you have to admit my method is genius. "
Charlie laughed, her wings fluttering softly as she opened the door to the next room. "If you find the first KeeKee, I'll admit you're genius. Deal?"
"Deal!" Emily grinned, darting to the next hiding spot like a blur of silver and periwinkle.
The two had been searching for a while, their footsteps echoing faintly through the halls of the hotel as they moved from room to room. Charlie, ever methodical, opened closet doors, peeked under furniture, and scanned the spaces with her usual precision. Emily, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of energy, flitting from one spot to another like a hummingbird, her halo tilted at a jaunty angle as she poked her head into the most random hiding places.
"No KeeKee yet!" Emily announced dramatically, her voice echoing down the corridor as she leaned into a tall, decorative vase. "Come on, Alastor, you could've at least made this a little easier." She huffed and fluttered over to a curtain, pulling it aside with an exaggerated flourish. "Nope! Nothing here, either!"
Charlie couldn't help but smile as she watched her. Emily's energy was infectious, her enthusiasm so genuine that it made even the most mundane moments feel exciting. But today, that smile carried something else—something warmer, deeper, and laced with uncertainty.
"She's waiting for you to make a move, you know." Vaggie's voice echoed in Charlie's mind, her partner's teasing yet serious words from earlier in the week replaying on a loop. "And honestly, Charlie? You need to get your butt in gear before she starts thinking you're not interested."
Charlie's wings twitched slightly as her cheeks flushed. It wasn't that she didn't want to show Emily how much she cared—she did. More than anything. But how? She wasn't as bold as Vaggie or as naturally affectionate as Emily. Whenever she tried to think of a gesture or the right words, her mind seemed to freeze, her nerves tangling into knots.
"Charlie?"
Emily's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and Charlie blinked, realizing she'd been staring at a bookcase for far too long. She turned to see Emily hovering a few feet away, her head tilted curiously.
"Everything okay?" Emily asked, her periwinkle hair glowing faintly in the soft light as she smiled. "You've been staring at that shelf like it owes you money."
Charlie let out a nervous laugh, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "Sorry! I was just... thinking. About where Alastor might've hidden one of the KeeKees."
Emily floated closer, her eyes bright and full of playful suspicion. "Uh-huh. You sure you weren't just lost in thought about something else? "
Charlie's cheeks flushed deeper, and she quickly turned back to the bookcase, pretending to search the shelves. "Nope! Just focused on the hunt. That's all."
Emily grinned, her wings fluttering as she landed softly beside Charlie. "Well, if you're worried about being the last team to find one, don't stress. I've got a feeling we're gonna win. We just need to think outside the box!" She leaned against the edge of the bookcase, her halo tilting slightly as she added with a playful wink, "Or in it. Maybe it's behind the books?"
Charlie smiled nervously, pulling a book off the shelf just to keep her hands busy. "You've got such a good attitude about this, Emily," she said softly. "It's... one of the things I really admire about you."
Emily blinked, surprised by the sincerity in Charlie's tone. "Aw, thanks, Charlie! That means a lot coming from you. You're, like, the queen of positivity."
Charlie's smile faltered slightly as her heart began to race. This is your chance, she thought, her fingers tightening around the book in her hand. Just tell her. Say something.
But what? How could she put everything she felt into words? How could she explain how much Emily meant to her—how much she wanted to show her, to make her feel as loved as Charlie knew she deserved?
Before she could say anything, Emily was already floating to the next spot, her wings fluttering as she peeked under a nearby table. "Come on, KeeKee," she muttered, lifting the edge of a tablecloth. "You've gotta be somewhere. "
Charlie exhaled quietly, watching her with a mix of affection and frustration. She wanted so badly to speak up, to say something —but the words just wouldn't come.
Instead, she turned back to the shelves, her fingers brushing over the spines of the books as her thoughts continued to churn. You've got to find the right moment, she told herself. And when it comes, don't let it pass you by.
For now, though, she followed Emily into the next room, her golden eyes softening as she watched her partner's boundless enthusiasm light up the space around her.
Vaggie walked steadily down the dimly lit hallway, her boots clicking softly against the floor as her magenta eye scanned every nook and cranny. She was methodical, opening cabinets, peering behind furniture, and occasionally crouching to look under tables. Her focus was razor-sharp—until Angel Dust's loud voice broke her concentration yet again.
"Oh, come on , Vaggie," Angel whined from a few steps behind her, his arms flung out dramatically. "We've been at this forever, and I haven't even seen so much as a glimmer of that shiny little cat. I'm starting to think Alastor just made the whole thing up to mess with us."
Vaggie didn't bother looking back, keeping her attention on a decorative shelf she was currently rummaging through. "It's been twenty minutes, Angel. And you haven't exactly been helping."
Angel gasped, placing a hand over his fluffy chest in mock offense. "Excuse me, princess . I've been looking plenty. Just not in the boring, obvious spots like you ." He sauntered past her, flipping his long white hair dramatically as he went. "I'm thinking outside the box. Y'know, using my spider sense. "
Vaggie finally turned to glare at him, her brow twitching. "Spider sense? Really?"
Angel smirked, wiggling his fingers dramatically. "Yeah! Don't question my process, babe. Genius works in mysterious ways."
"Uh-huh," Vaggie deadpanned, crossing her arms. "Your 'process' so far has been opening random doors, spinning around in circles, and sticking your face in a potted plant."
Angel grinned wider. "And yet, I still look fabulous while doing it." He gestured to himself with both pairs of arms, his thigh-high boots clicking as he struck a pose. "You're welcome."
Vaggie rolled her eye, muttering something under her breath in Spanish as she turned back to her search.
Angel, undeterred, strutted to a nearby dresser and opened one of the drawers, rifling through it with exaggerated flair. "So, what's the deal with this KeeKee thing anyway?" he asked, pulling out a bundle of scarves and tossing them over his shoulder carelessly. "Is it, like, a lucky charm or something? Does it grant wishes? Or is it just another one of Charlie's 'let's all have fun and bond' things?"
Vaggie sighed, standing up straight and wiping her hands on her skirt. "It's just a scavenger hunt, Angel. The statues are a symbol of KeeKee, the hotel's mascot, and it's supposed to be fun. "
" Supposed to be fun," Angel repeated, flicking one of the scarves off his arm and onto the floor. "So far, it's been mostly me doing all the work while you glare at every piece of furniture like it owes you rent."
"I'm not glaring!" Vaggie snapped, her tone sharp.
Angel tilted his head, giving her a playful grin. "Oh, honey. You're always glaring. It's your default setting."
Vaggie opened her mouth to retort but stopped herself, instead letting out a deep breath through her nose. "Let's just focus, okay? The faster we find one of these statues, the faster we're done."
"Fine, fine," Angel said, waving a hand dismissively as he wandered further down the hallway. "But if I find it first, you owe me a drink. And not the cheap stuff, either. I'm talkin' top shelf."
Vaggie snorted softly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips despite herself. "If you find it first, I'll buy you whatever drink you want."
Angel paused, glancing back at her with a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Ooh, is that a challenge? Careful, Vaggie—I'm very competitive."
"Good," she replied, her smirk growing slightly. "Maybe it'll actually get you to focus for once."
With that, the two fell into an odd rhythm, searching side by side as they bickered lightly. Though Angel's dramatic antics and constant chatter grated on Vaggie's nerves, she couldn't deny that he had a way of keeping things... interesting. And despite his flamboyant distractions, she knew he was sharper than he let on.
Angel crouched by a large potted plant, lifting it up effortlessly with one set of arms while peeking underneath. "Nope. Just dirt," he said with a sigh, setting the pot back down. He glanced up at Vaggie, who was carefully examining a nearby cabinet. "You know, you're not as bad as I thought."
Vaggie froze for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected comment. She turned to him, her magenta eye narrowing suspiciously. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Angel shrugged, smirking. "Just that you're not as much of a stick in the mud as you look. You've got a little fire under all that grumpiness."
Vaggie stared at him for a moment before shaking her head, a faint chuckle escaping her. "You're unbelievable."
"And you love it," Angel shot back with a wink.
Angel and Vaggie made their way to the third floor, the soft hum of their footsteps broken only by the occasional quip from Angel or the sound of Vaggie opening doors and scanning corners. The hallway stretched ahead of them, dimly lit by the soft glow of the wall sconces that lined the corridor.
As they passed one of the vacant rooms, they spotted Husk and Gorrik inside, the door slightly ajar.
Husk was crouched near a nightstand, his wings drooping slightly as he muttered under his breath. "This is stupid. Why am I even doing this?" He pulled open the drawer, revealing nothing but a layer of dust and an old pen, which he tossed aside with a grumble.
Gorrik stood by the bed, his broad frame nearly filling the small space as he lifted the mattress with ease. "Stop complaining, old man," he said, his glowing yellow eyes flickering faintly as he examined the bed frame. "You'll get through this hunt faster if you actually look instead of whining."
"Hey, I'm looking, " Husk snapped, standing up and dusting off his hands. "I just think it's a waste of time. What's the prize for this thing anyway? A pat on the back?"
Angel couldn't resist butting in. He leaned casually against the doorframe, one set of arms crossed while the other gestured dramatically. "Aw, c'mon, Husk. Where's your sense of adventure? The thrill of the hunt? The chance to win eternal glory?" He paused, smirking. "Or, y'know, a shiny little cat statue."
Husk shot him a deadpan glare. "Don't you have a floor to search, webhead?"
"Don't you have a personality to find, featherbrain?" Angel shot back, grinning.
Vaggie rolled her eye, stepping past Angel and glancing at Gorrik, who was now checking behind the headboard of the bed. "Any luck so far?" she asked, her tone more genuine than Angel's playful jabs.
"Not yet," Gorrik replied, his deep voice steady. "This room's pretty clean, but Alastor's sneaky. If there's something here, it's probably well hidden."
Vaggie nodded, scanning the room quickly from the doorway. "I wouldn't put it past him to hide something in plain sight. He's got a thing for irony."
"Great," Husk grumbled, moving toward the closet. "So we're looking for a shiny cat statue that's probably staring us in the face while we dig through junk. Fantastic."
Angel grinned, stepping into the room and spinning around dramatically. "You know what? Husk might be onto something. Maybe KeeKee's hiding in plain sight right now." He leaned in close, squinting at Husk's grumpy face. "Hmm. Nope. Definitely not here. Just a whole lotta grump. "
Husk shoved him lightly with a wing, his expression unamused. "Get lost, Angel."
Angel laughed, sauntering back toward the hallway. "Fine, fine. Good luck with your scavenger room-service adventure, boys."
Vaggie lingered a moment longer, giving Gorrik a small nod before following Angel. "Keep us posted if you find anything."
"Same to you," Gorrik replied, pulling open a dresser drawer as the two continued on their way.
As Angel and Vaggie made their way further down the third-floor hallway, Angel glanced at her with a smirk. "You know, we're totally gonna find that statue before they do. Husk is too busy being grouchy to look properly."
"Maybe," Vaggie said, shrugging. "But don't get cocky. We still haven't found anything either."
Angel wiggled his fingers, his grin widening. "Oh, don't you worry, babe. My spider sense is tingling. Fourth floor's our lucky spot—I can feel it."
Vaggie sighed but smirked faintly despite herself. "You'd better hope you're right. Otherwise, I'm never letting you hear the end of it."
Angel laughed, throwing an arm over her shoulder as they continued down the hallway. "Don't worry, Vaggie. With me on your team, we're golden. "
"Ugh," Vaggie muttered, shrugging off his arm. "You're impossible."
"And you love it," Angel teased, his laughter echoing softly as they moved on to their next search.
Charlie and Emily walked side by side down the hallway of the fourth floor, the quiet stillness of the hotel broken only by the faint echo of their footsteps. Charlie kept her hands clasped tightly in front of her, her golden eyes scanning each room carefully as she checked behind furniture and opened cabinets with deliberate precision. Emily was still darting from one corner to another, her wings fluttering excitedly as she poked her head into the most random hiding spots she could find.
"Nothing here!" Emily announced as she leaned into an old vase. "Or here!" she added, pulling open a side table drawer and rifling through it. "Come on, KeeKee! Where are you hiding?"
Charlie laughed softly, her smile warm but faint. She loved Emily's enthusiasm, her boundless energy lighting up even the quietest parts of the hotel. But no matter how much she tried to focus on the scavenger hunt, her thoughts kept drifting back to something else entirely.
"She's waiting for you to make a move," Vaggie's voice rang in her head, the memory of her girlfriend's teasing tone from earlier in the week still fresh. "She needs to know how much you love her—and want her."
Charlie's cheeks warmed, and her wings twitched slightly as she adjusted her grip on the cabinet handle she was holding. With Vaggie, things had been different. She had been nervous at first, unsure of whether Vaggie wanted her in the same way she wanted Vaggie. But after their first night together, something had clicked—Charlie had found a new confidence, a certainty in their relationship that she hadn't known she was capable of. With Vaggie, she had become the dominant one, the sure one, able to show her love without hesitation.
But Emily... Emily was still so new to their lives, to their relationship. Charlie felt like she was constantly second-guessing herself, worried about doing too much, or not enough. She wanted Emily to feel loved and wanted, to know how much she meant to both her and Vaggie—but how could she be sure she was going about it the right way?
"Hey, Charlie!" Emily's voice broke through her thoughts, and Charlie turned just in time to see Emily grinning at her from the other end of the hallway.
"Yeah?" Charlie asked, her voice a little higher-pitched than usual as she tried to hide her nervousness.
Emily leaned casually against a doorframe, her silver-like skin glowing faintly under the dim light. "You've been pretty quiet," she said, her halo tilting slightly. "Everything okay? Or are you just trying to figure out how to keep up with my incredible scavenger hunting skills?"
Charlie let out a small laugh, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, I'm just... focused. Trying to think like Alastor, you know?"
Emily smirked, stepping closer with a playful bounce in her step. "Focused, huh? Or are you just distracted by me?"
Charlie froze, her cheeks flushing bright red as her wings twitched again. "What? N-no, I'm not distracted!" she stammered, looking away quickly. "I'm just—uh—thinking about the game!"
Emily's grin widened as she moved even closer, her wings fluttering. "Uh-huh, sure. You've got that look, Charlie. The 'I'm overthinking everything but don't wanna admit it' look."
Charlie swallowed hard, her heart pounding as she tried to laugh it off. "I-I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just... focused."
Emily tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Focused on me, maybe? I mean, it's okay if you are. I am pretty irresistible, after all."
That did it. Charlie's nerves snapped, her desire and frustration bubbling to the surface all at once. Without thinking, she grabbed Emily's wrist and pulled her toward a nearby door, opening it quickly and guiding them both inside.
"Whoa, Charlie!" Emily exclaimed, her wings fluttering in surprise as the door clicked shut behind them.
The storage room was small and dimly lit, its walls lined with shelves full of supplies. Emily blinked, looking around before her gaze settled back on Charlie, who stood just a step away, her hands clenched at her sides and her golden eyes wide with a mix of nervousness and determination.
"Charlie?" Emily asked, her voice soft but curious. "What's going on?"
Charlie took a deep breath, her wings shifting as she gathered her courage. "I can't... I can't keep second-guessing myself," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Emily, I love you. So much. And I've been so scared of messing this up, of doing something wrong, that I've been holding back. But I don't want to do that anymore."
Emily's eyes widened, her silver halo tilting as she processed Charlie's words. "You love me?" she whispered, her tone soft but filled with warmth.
Charlie nodded, her gaze steady now despite the nervous energy buzzing in her chest. "I do. And I want you to know that. I want you to feel how much you mean to me. I'm just... scared I'll get it wrong."
Emily stepped closer, her expression softening as she reached out to gently take Charlie's hands. "Charlie," she said, her voice steady but kind, "you're not getting it wrong. You're doing everything right. And you don't have to be scared. I love you, too."
Charlie's breath hitched, her heart swelling as a warm smile spread across her face. "You do?"
Emily laughed lightly, her wings fluttering as she nodded. "Of course I do. You're amazing, Charlie. And I've been waiting for you to make a move because... well, you're you. And I trust you with my heart."
Charlie's confidence grew as she stepped even closer, her wings brushing lightly against Emily's. "You mean everything to me, Emily," she said softly, her golden eyes locking onto Emily's glowing blue gaze. "And I promise, I'll always show you how much I love you. No more second-guessing."
Emily smiled, her cheeks glowing faintly. "Good," she said, her voice teasing but affectionate. "Because I was starting to think I'd have to make the first move."
Charlie chuckled, leaning in as her hands cupped Emily's face. "Not this time."
And with that, she kissed her, the moment filled with warmth and certainty. Emily melted into it, her wings wrapping around them both as her halo glowed brighter, casting a faint light in the small room.
When they finally broke apart, Emily grinned up at Charlie, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling. "So... do we get back to the scavenger hunt now? Or do you wanna keep me locked up in here a little longer?"
Charlie stared at Emily for a long moment, her golden eyes glowing softly as the words lingered in the air. Her heart raced, not with nervousness anymore, but with a certainty she hadn't felt before. Emily's flushed cheeks, her radiant smile, her glowing halo—everything about her filled Charlie with a warmth that burned away any lingering hesitation.
"Forget the scavenger hunt," Charlie said, her voice low and steady.
Before Emily could respond, Charlie pulled her down to the floor, their wings brushing against the cool tiles as she wrapped them around Emily, kissing her deeply. This time, there was no hesitation, no second-guessing—only passion and devotion as Charlie poured everything she felt into that kiss. Emily's wings wrapped tightly around them, her arms sliding up to rest on Charlie's shoulders as she kissed back with equal fervor.
The dim light of the storage room seemed to fade around them as the glow from Emily's halo brightened, casting the two of them in a warm, ethereal light. Time seemed to slow, the rest of the world melting away until there was nothing but the two of them, finally connected in a way Charlie had longed for but hadn't allowed herself to fully embrace.
She can feel every inch of Emily's slender body pressing against her own, the soft curves fitting perfectly in her embrace. Charlie's tongue dances with Emily's, exploring her mouth, tasting her essence.
Between heated kisses, Charlie's voice is a husky whisper. "God, Emily... you feel incredible. I've wanted this for so long." Her hands roam Emily's skin, caressing her sides, her back, her wings. Charlie grinds her hips against Emily's, letting her feel the growing heat between her legs.
"Than you should have made a move earlier.." Emily whispers, gripping Charlie's butt in her hands with a coy smirk.
"I wanted to.." Charlie murmurs against Emily's lips. One hand slides down to grip Emily's dress, tugging it up her thigh. Charlie's fingers dance along the smooth skin, inching closer to the apex between her legs.
Charlie's eyes darken with lust as she stares at Emily, drinking in every detail of her flushed face, her heaving chest, her parted lips. She leans in, nipping at Emily's neck, sucking at her pulse point hard enough to leave a mark.
Angel and Vaggie ascended the stairs to the fourth floor, the muffled sound of their footsteps breaking the quiet air. Vaggie walked ahead, her usual focused expression firmly in place, while Angel followed, his boots clicking loudly against the floor as he jabbered on with his usual irreverent humor.
"You know," Angel said, gesturing dramatically with his upper set of arms, "if this whole scavenger hunt thing doesn't work out, we should just make Alastor do all the cleaning. I mean, the guy's got nothing better to do with his time, right? He could start a maid service with those little shadow things of his . "
Vaggie sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she scanned the hallway for the next room to search. "Can you ever take anything seriously, Angel?"
Angel smirked, tossing his fluffy hair over his shoulder. "What? I am taking this seriously. Look, I've been very helpful so far. Who else is going to keep you entertained while we search every dusty room in this place?"
Vaggie shot him a pointed look. "You're not entertaining. You're annoying."
Angel gasped, clutching his chest as if wounded. "Ouch, babe. That one cuts deep. I'm just trying to lighten the mood. You're so wound up all the time—you've gotta let loose a little!"
"I'll let loose when we find one of those stupid statues," Vaggie muttered, stepping into the first room on the floor and starting her systematic search.
Angel shrugged, sauntering to the next door with a smug grin. "Fine, fine. I'll do all the work again. You just sit back and bask in my awesomeness."
He grabbed the handle of the next door and flung it open dramatically, his quip already forming on his lips—until he froze in place, his words dying in his throat.
Inside, the dim light of the storage room revealed a scene that made Angel's jaw drop. Charlie and Emily were on the floor nude, their wings intertwined, their flushed faces inches apart. The glow of Emily's halo illuminated the space, casting an intimate, golden light over the pair. Charlie's hands rested on Emily's waist, her golden eyes wide with surprise as they snapped to Angel. Emily, equally startled, sat up slightly, her cheeks burning as her wings twitched awkwardly.
For a moment, there was nothing but silence.
Then Angel finally found his voice. " Well, well, well. What do we have here?" His grin spread slowly across his face, equal parts amused and smug.
"Angel!" Charlie squeaked, her voice high-pitched as she tucked her wings in front of her and Emily to regain some semblance of composure and cover their forms. "What are you doing here?!"
"What am I doing here?" Angel repeated, leaning casually against the doorframe with his trademark smirk. "What are you two doing in a dark little storage room, all cuddled up like lovebirds?" He wiggled his eyebrows, his grin widening. "Looks like the scavenger hunt got real interesting."
Emily groaned, burying her face in her hands as her silver halo tilted awkwardly. "Oh, my gosh. Kill me now."
Vaggie appeared behind Angel, her magenta eye narrowing as she peered over his shoulder. "What's going—" She stopped mid-sentence, her expression shifting to a mix of surprise and exasperation as she took in the scene.
"Seriously?" Vaggie asked, crossing her arms as she gave Charlie a pointed look. "We're supposed to be hunting KeeKees, not... this."
"It's not what it looks like!" Charlie blurted, her wings twitching as she tried to stand up, though her face was as red as the crimson sky outside.
Angel burst out laughing, doubling over as he slapped one of his knees. "Oh, honey, it looks like your fuckin' . And honestly? Good for you, Charlie! I didn't think you had it in you!"
"Angel!" Charlie whined, her face somehow growing even redder.
Vaggie groaned, rubbing her temples. "Can we please move on? You two can... deal with whatever this is after we find the statues."
Charlie nodded quickly, taking Emily's hand to help her to her feet. "Y-yeah, of course! Let's just... get back to the scavenger hunt!"
Emily, still flustered but trying to recover, shot Angel a weak glare. "You didn't see anything, okay?"
Angel grinned, his sharp teeth flashing as he straightened up. "Oh, sweetie, I saw everything. And don't worry—I'm totally keeping this to myself." He winked, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he laughed. "Scout's honor."
Charlie's wings flared out instinctively as Angel's laughter filled the storage room, her cheeks burning as she turned to shield herself and Emily from view. "Alright, that's enough, Angel," she said, her tone sharper than usual, though the flush on her face betrayed her embarrassment.
She stepped forward, using her large, golden wings to wrap around both herself and Emily like a protective curtain. With a flick of her hand, she grabbed the door and shut it firmly, the sound echoing through the hallway outside.
Inside the storage room, Emily blinked up at Charlie, a mix of flustered amusement and gratitude in her glowing blue eyes. "Thanks for the save, babe," she muttered, adjusting her halo, which was still tilted awkwardly from the chaos.
Charlie let out a small, nervous laugh, her wings still wrapped around them. "I don't know if I'd call that a 'save,' but at least we have a second to, uh... regroup." Her voice wavered slightly as she glanced at Emily, the mortification still lingering in her golden gaze.
Emily, never one to stay embarrassed for long, leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "Well, that was an entrance, huh? Angel's timing is impeccable. " She laughed softly, her wings fluttering lightly.
Charlie groaned, covering her face with one hand as she tried to shake off the awkwardness. "I don't even know what to say to him next time I see him," she admitted, her voice muffled behind her fingers.
Emily reached up, gently tugging Charlie's hand away. "Hey, don't sweat it," she said warmly. "He's probably already planning some dumb joke about it, but honestly? Who cares? I had fun... before the interruption, anyway."
Charlie's lips twitched into a shy smile as she glanced away, trying to focus on smoothing out her dress. "Yeah, well, I don't want the whole hotel talking about this. Let's just... get dressed and get back out there before Angel gets any more ideas."
Emily nodded, fixing her dress and straightening her halo. "Good plan. But for the record, if this happens again, I'm totally blaming Alastor. He started this whole scavenger hunt mess."
Charlie laughed softly, the tension finally easing as she adjusted her hair and smoothed out her wings. "I'll hold him accountable later," she said with a small smirk.
Once they were both presentable again, Charlie hesitated for a moment, her wings still half-raised around them. She glanced at Emily, her golden eyes softening. "You okay?"
Emily smiled, her usual mischievous spark shining through as she reached up to lightly tap Charlie's nose. "I'm fine, Charlie. You're the one who looks ready to explode from embarrassment."
Charlie chuckled, her wings folding neatly back behind her as she reached for the door. "Let's just hope Angel hasn't already broadcast this to the entire hotel."
With one last deep breath, Charlie opened the door, stepping back into the hallway where Angel and Vaggie were still waiting.
Angel's grin was as smug as ever, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. "Well, well, well," he said, his voice practically dripping with glee. "That was fast. Everything good in there?"
Charlie straightened her posture, her wings giving a subtle flick as she shot Angel a firm look. "We're fine," she said evenly, though her cheeks were still pink.
Emily, on the other hand, couldn't resist firing back. "Glad to see you're still here, Angel. I'd hate for you to miss another private moment. " She smirked, leaning slightly against Charlie.
Vaggie, pinching the bridge of her nose, finally stepped forward. "Alright, enough," she said firmly, her magenta eye narrowing as she looked between them. "Can we get back to the scavenger hunt now? Or do I need to lock Angel in a room to keep him from being... well, Angel?"
Charlie gave Vaggie a grateful nod. "Yes, let's get back to it. Please." She leaned in and pecked a kiss against Vaggie's cheek, who rolled her eye at her with a small grin.
"No more broom closets. Got it?" Vaggie said, pointing at Charlie and Emily, who nodded quickly.
As they all started moving again, Emily leaned in close to whisper to Charlie, "Not bad for a first awkward interruption, huh?"
Charlie sighed, though the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. "Let's just focus on finding the KeeKee."
Emily laughed softly, giving Charlie's hand a reassuring squeeze as they pressed on, leaving the awkwardness—and Angel's smug laughter—behind them.
As the hours dragged on, the mood in the hotel had shifted from playful excitement to mounting frustration. The residents, having scoured every nook and cranny, were now wandering the lobby, grumbling among themselves. Husk was slouched at the bar, pouring himself another drink, while Angel sat sprawled on a couch, tapping his claws against his phone impatiently. Vaggie paced back and forth, her expression thunderous, while Emily leaned against the wall, her wings drooping slightly in exhaustion.
Sera stood off to the side, arms crossed as she glared at nothing in particular. "This is ridiculous," she muttered to Amara, who nodded in agreement, her glowing teal eyes narrowed. "If this is Alastor's idea of a joke, it's not funny."
Charlie burst into the room, her golden eyes blazing with frustration as she marched straight up to Alastor, who stood calmly near the fireplace, his ever-present grin fixed firmly in place. "Alright, Alastor," she snapped, her hands on her hips. "We've searched this entire hotel and the grounds! Where the fuck did you hide those statues?"
The room fell silent as everyone turned to watch the confrontation. Charlie's wings flared slightly, her chest heaving as she glared at him. "This was supposed to be a fun activity for everyone, but now they're all annoyed and upset! You owe us an explanation."
Alastor watched her rant with an amused glint in his crimson eyes, letting her words wash over him without interrupting. When she finally stopped to catch her breath, his grin widened ever so slightly.
"Why, my dear Charlie," he said smoothly, his voice crackling faintly with static. "I must say, you are positively radiant when you're angry." He chuckled softly before continuing, "But I'm afraid you've misunderstood something rather crucial."
Charlie blinked, taken aback by his calm demeanor. "What are you talking about?"
Alastor leaned forward slightly, his grin never faltering. "I didn't hide any statues."
A stunned silence filled the room as everyone processed his words. Angel shot upright, his multiple arms flailing. "Wait, what?! You're telling me we've been running around this dump for nothing? "
Vaggie's eye twitched dangerously as she stepped up beside Charlie. "You've got to be kidding me," she growled. "You mean this whole thing was a setup?"
Alastor shrugged elegantly, his grin sharp as ever. "Oh, come now. Isn't the thrill of the chase its own reward? Watching everyone work together, exploring, bonding—it was delightful!"
Husk slammed his glass down on the bar, his feathers ruffled in irritation. "Delightful, my ass! You just wasted our time!"
Emily giggled softly, nudging Charlie. "Well, I guess we found something more interesting than a statue today," she whispered, trying to lighten the mood.
Charlie groaned, rubbing her temples as she turned back to Alastor. "You can't just make up games and not tell anyone they're fake! People trusted you to play fair."
Alastor chuckled, spreading his arms wide. "But my dear, where's the fun in being predictable? A little chaos keeps things exciting!" His eyes gleamed with mischief. "And besides, you all spent hours together, didn't you? Exploring, scheming, sharing secrets..." His gaze flickered to Charlie and Emily knowingly. "Some of you more than others."
Charlie's cheeks flushed as she glanced away, mumbling, "That's not the point."
Vaggie stepped forward, her fists clenched. "This isn't a joke, Alastor. If you keep pulling stunts like this, you're going to lose everyone's trust."
Alastor's smile softened, and for a moment, something darker flashed in his eyes. "Ah, but trust is such a fragile thing, isn't it? Easily broken, easily manipulated. But I assure you, no harm was intended." He tilted his head, his expression almost sincere. "Consider it a test—a challenge of the mind and spirit. And perhaps a reminder that not everything in Hell is as it seems."
Charlie let out a heavy sigh, shaking her head. "Fine. But no more games like this without telling me first. Understood?"
Alastor bowed slightly, his smile returning to its usual unsettling brightness. "As you wish, my dear. I live to serve."
As the group dispersed, muttering under their breath and shooting annoyed glances at Alastor, Charlie felt Emily's hand slip into hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Well, that was… something," Emily said, her voice soft but amused. "Guess the real treasure was the chaos we made along the way?"
Charlie chuckled, leaning into her touch. "I guess so. Next time, I'm planning the activity."
Emily grinned, her wings fluttering. "Good idea. But hey, at least we got some excitement, right?"
Charlie smiled, squeezing her hand back. "Yeah. And maybe next time, we'll find something real."
As they passed through the lobby, they caught Vaggie's sharp gaze. She was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, her magenta eye narrowing slightly when she noticed the way Charlie and Emily were looking at each other. Charlie offered a small, sheepish smile and gave Vaggie a quick motion toward the stairs.
Vaggie sighed heavily, rolling her eye but waving them off with a flick of her hand. "Just don't make too much noise," she muttered, shaking her head with a grin as the two disappeared up the staircase.
Emily snickered as they ascended, her wings twitching playfully. "She's such a mom sometimes."
"She just worries," Charlie replied with a fond smile, squeezing Emily's hand. "But right now? I'm more focused on you."
Emily grinned, her halo tilting slightly as she leaned closer. "Good answer."
The moment they entered the bedroom, Charlie wasted no time, pulling Emily close and capturing her lips in a deep kiss. Emily responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around Charlie's waist as their halos cast a soft glow over the dim room. Their wings brushed lightly against each other, the gentle touch sending shivers through them both.
As the kiss deepened, Charlie suddenly paused, pulling back slightly and studying Emily with a curious expression. Her golden eyes narrowed as if she were trying to puzzle something out.
Emily blinked, her cheeks flushed. "What is it?" she asked, her voice breathless but warm.
Charlie tilted her head, her gaze focused intently on Emily's face. "Hold on a second," she murmured, lifting a hand to the top of her own head. She paused for a moment, then moved her hand over to Emily's head—only for it to bump into Emily's forehead.
Emily winced slightly, laughing as she rubbed her head. "Ow! What was that for?"
Charlie's brows furrowed, and she stepped back slightly, her hand hovering near Emily's head again. "Are... are you taller?" she asked, her tone laced with confusion.
Emily's laughter faltered, her glowing blue eyes widening. "Wait, what?"
"I'm serious," Charlie said, her wings fluttering as she gestured between them. "You're taller than you were when you first came down to hell… I was just a tiny bit taller than you."
Emily blinked, glancing down at herself before standing up straighter. She tilted her head, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders as she realized Charlie might be right. "Oh, my gosh," she murmured, her voice filled with surprise. "I think... I think I am taller."
Charlie crossed her arms, tilting her head as she looked Emily up and down. "How did I not notice this before?"
Emily laughed nervously, stepping back toward the mirror by the bed. She turned slightly, her glowing halo tilting as she studied her reflection. "I don't know. I didn't notice either. But now that you mention it..." She glanced down at her legs and then at her wings, which seemed to have grown just slightly larger. Her silver-like skin shimmered faintly under the light, and her posture straightened unconsciously.
Charlie tilted her head, stepping closer. "Do you think it's... because you've been here? In the hotel? Adjusting to Hell? Training with us?"
Emily's smile faltered for a moment as she stared at her reflection. Slowly, she shook her head. "No... that's not it." She bit her lip, her glowing blue eyes flickering with realization. "I should've thought about it sooner, but... this isn't random, Charlie. It's because of Sera."
Charlie blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Emily turned to face her, her wings fluttering softly. "Sera was the High Seraphim before she fell," she explained, her voice tinged with a mix of wonder and apprehension. "Her position in Heaven left a void when she... came here. I didn't think much about it before, but it makes sense that Heaven would need someone to step up and fill that role."
Charlie's golden eyes widened as the pieces started falling into place. "You think you're... becoming the next High Seraphim?"
Emily nodded slowly, her halo glowing faintly brighter. "I think so," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, it's not like there's an official ceremony or anything—it's not how it works. But it's a process. And spending so much time here, learning to navigate Hell while staying true to who I am... it's probably accelerated things."
Charlie reached out, placing her hands gently on Emily's shoulders. "Emily, that's incredible," she said, her voice filled with awe. "I mean, it's a huge responsibility, but... you're the perfect person for it."
Emily smiled, her cheeks glowing faintly as she leaned into Charlie's touch. "You really think so?"
"I know so," Charlie said firmly, her wings shifting slightly as she leaned closer. "You're kind, strong, and so full of light. Plus, the first friend the Speaker of God has! If anyone's meant to carry that title, it's you."
Emily's wings fluttered again, and she laughed softly, her voice tinged with both excitement and nervousness. "I guess being taller is part of the package, huh? High Seraphim have to look... well, high. " She smirked, tilting her head playfully. "Maybe in a few years, I'll actually be taller than her. That'd be something."
Charlie laughed, brushing a strand of hair from Emily's face. "I don't think she'd take that well, but I'd love to see it. For now, though..." Her hands moved to cup Emily's face, her golden gaze soft and steady. "I think it's amazing. You're amazing."
Emily flushed, her smile turning shy for just a moment before she leaned forward, their foreheads touching gently. "You always know how to make me feel better, you know that?"
Charlie chuckled, wrapping her arms around Emily's waist. "It's easy when it's you," she murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Emily's forehead.
Emily grinned, her confidence returning as she looped her arms around Charlie's neck. "Well, I guess being the High Seraphim-in-training has its perks. You're dating someone who's literally glowing up."
Charlie's golden eyes widened, her arms still loosely wrapped around Emily's waist as she processed the revelation. "So... what's the difference between High Seraphim and.. Low Seraphim..?" she asked softly, her curiosity and concern both evident in her tone.
"Low Seraphim?" Emily said, giggling. "It's just Seraphim, and high Seraphim."
Emily chuckled softly, her halo tilting slightly as she thought for a moment. "Well, it's a lot more responsibility," she began, her glowing blue eyes meeting Charlie's. "Right now, as a Seraphim, I've mostly been responsible for preserving joy and happiness for the souls in Heaven. It's pretty straightforward—making sure everyone's at peace, helping keep things running smoothly, that sort of thing. Not that.. I've been doing much of that lately..." She admitted, looking slightly embarrassed.
Charlie tilted her head, her hands moving to gently rest on Emily's shoulders. "And High Seraphim? What will that be doing?"
Emily took a deep breath, her halo dimming slightly as she found the words. "It's... everything. The High Seraphim is basically the leader of Heaven. It's not just about enforcing rules—it's about creating them. I'll be responsible for bringing plans, policies, and problems before Heaven's court to make decisions. I'll be the one who sets the agenda, who ensures the court is functioning, and who makes the tough calls on a lot of Heaven's day-to-day issues."
Charlie blinked, her golden eyes wide with both awe and concern. "That's... huge," she murmured.
Emily nodded, her smile faint and a little nervous. "Yeah, it is. I'll be the final arbiter for a lot of Heaven's more common issues—disputes between souls, resource management for new arrivals, even deciding who gets assigned to what roles. I'd be the one who has to weigh all the options, figure out what's best, and bring it to the other Seraphim for approval or action. Basically, I'd be the final arbiter for a lot of Heaven's more... common issues."
Charlie frowned slightly, her brow furrowing. "That sounds like a lot for one person to handle."
"It is," Emily admitted, her wings drooping slightly. "But it's part of the job. And, well, I won't be completely alone. There are councils and advisors to help. But ultimately, it'll all come back to me."
Charlie's hands tightened on Emily's shoulders, her golden gaze steady and warm. "What about the Speaker? Wouldn't they take on some of the bigger responsibilities?"
Emily let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "The Speaker? Not likely. They're... different. They're above everything—above the High Seraphim, above the court. The Speaker only gets involved when something huge happens."
"Like what?" Charlie asked, her curiosity piqued.
Emily tilted her head, her smile turning wry. "Oh, you know... stuff. Like the Great Flood. The death of Jesus Christ. The Exterminations. The creation of cryptocurrency."
Charlie blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, what? Cryptocurrency?"
Emily giggled, her halo tilting playfully. "Yeah, apparently Heaven wasn't thrilled about that one. It caused all kinds of chaos—angels arguing about the morality of digital currency, humans ruining themselves with bad investments. It was a mess."
Charlie laughed softly, shaking her head. "That's... honestly not what I expected to hear."
"Yeah, the Speaker doesn't show up often," Emily continued, her tone growing more serious again. "Most of the time, it's just the High Seraphim running things. The Speaker is more like... the ultimate safety net. If something is so big it could shatter the balance of Heaven and Earth, they step in. But it's rare. Like, really rare."
Charlie nodded slowly, her golden gaze thoughtful. "So that means most of the responsibility falls on you."
"Pretty much," Emily said with a small shrug. "And I won't lie—it's a little overwhelming. But it's also... kind of exciting? I mean, I get to help shape Heaven. To make it better, fairer, more compassionate. That's... huge."
Charlie smiled softly, brushing a strand of Emily's periwinkle hair behind her ear. "You'll be amazing at it," she said gently. "I believe in you, Emily. And whatever happens, I'll be here for you every step of the way."
Emily's cheeks flushed, her smile growing brighter as she leaned into Charlie's touch. "Thanks, Charlie. That means more than you know."
Charlie pulled her into a warm embrace, her wings folding protectively around them. "You're going to do great," she whispered. "And if the Speaker ever does show up again... well, you can tell them you've got this."
Emily laughed softly, her arms tightening around Charlie. "I think they already know."
Charlie sighed softly, her golden eyes lingering on Emily as she leaned back against the wall. "You know," she said quietly, her voice tinged with vulnerability, "I get it. The responsibility, the pressure... the future." She glanced down, her wings folding close around her. "One day, my mom and dad will step down, and Hell will be mine. All of it. And honestly?" She looked back up at Emily, her expression filled with worry. "I'm terrified of it."
Emily tilted her head, her glowing blue eyes softening as she reached out to take Charlie's hand. "Terrified?" she asked gently, giving Charlie's fingers a comforting squeeze. "Why? You've been working so hard to change Hell for the better. You're already leading in so many ways."
Charlie gave a weak laugh, shaking her head. "It's not the same. Right now, I can dream big and fight for what I believe in, but... it's still my dad's throne. His kingdom. Once it's mine, all of Hell's problems— all of them —are going to fall on me. The rebellions, the rivalries, the Overlords... everything." She glanced away, her voice trembling slightly. "What if I'm not strong enough to handle it? What if I fail?"
Emily frowned, her silver wings twitching as she stepped closer. "Charlie, you're one of the strongest people I've ever met. You care so deeply about everyone, even when they don't deserve it. That's not a weakness—that's your greatest strength."
Charlie smiled faintly, but her worry didn't fade. "It doesn't feel that way sometimes. I don't know how you can be excited about becoming the High Seraphim. How can you look at all that responsibility and not feel... crushed by it?"
Emily chuckled softly, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face as her halo tilted slightly. "Oh, trust me, I do feel the weight of it. It's a lot to think about, and sometimes it freaks me out. But the thing is..." She paused, her glowing eyes meeting Charlie's. "I believe in what I'm doing. I believe in Heaven, and I believe in the people around me. Knowing I'll have help—knowing I'm not alone—that's what makes it exciting."
Charlie looked at her, her golden eyes searching Emily's face. "You really believe that? That you're not alone?"
Emily smiled warmly, her wings brushing lightly against Charlie's as she stepped closer. "Of course. And you're not alone either, Charlie. You've got me, and Vaggie, and the whole hotel behind you. And your dad might be terrifying, but he loves you. He wouldn't give you Hell if he didn't think you were ready for it."
Charlie laughed softly, though her voice wavered with emotion. "I guess... I've just been so scared of letting everyone down. I want to make things better, but Hell isn't like Heaven. It's chaos. Everyone's so divided."
"Then you'll bring them together," Emily said firmly, her voice filled with quiet confidence. "You already are, Charlie. The hotel is proof of that. You're showing everyone that there's another way, even if it's hard to see sometimes."
Charlie felt her chest tighten, her heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and affection. She wrapped her arms around Emily, holding her close as her wings folded protectively around them both. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't say it enough, but... I'm so glad you're here. I don't know how I'd do this without you."
Emily hugged her back, her halo glowing softly as she rested her chin on Charlie's shoulder. "You don't have to do it without me. Or Vaggie. Or anyone else who believes in you. You're going to be amazing, Charlie. And when the time comes, you won't just rule Hell—you'll change it."
Charlie pulled back slightly, a soft, teary laugh escaping her as she wiped at her eyes. "You make it sound so easy."
Emily grinned, tilting her head playfully. "Hey, I never said it'd be easy. But nothing worth doing ever is, right?"
Charlie smiled, her golden eyes shining as she nodded. "Right."
They stood there for a moment, their halos casting a warm, shared glow in the quiet room. For the first time in a long while, Charlie felt the weight on her shoulders lighten—just a little. With Emily by her side, the future didn't feel quite as terrifying anymore.
Emily's wings fluttered softly as she floated forward, her glowing blue eyes locking onto Charlie's golden ones. Her lips curled into a sly, seductive smile, and she reached out, her delicate fingers hooking onto Charlie's bowtie. With a gentle tug, she pulled Charlie closer.
"So..." Emily whispered, her voice teasing and low, "we were interrupted earlier."
Charlie felt her breath hitch as Emily's playful energy sent a shiver down her spine. "I guess we were," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as Emily leaned in, their noses nearly touching.
Without hesitation, Emily pressed her lips to Charlie's, the kiss starting slow but quickly deepening as Charlie wrapped her arms around Emily's waist. Emily's wings fluttered again, pulling them closer together as her fingers traced the edges of Charlie's bowtie before sliding up to cup her jaw.
Charlie's hands moved instinctively to Emily's back, holding her firmly as their wings brushed, the soft glow of her halos lighting up the dim room. The heat between them rose quickly, their kiss growing more fervent as Charlie tilted her head to deepen it.
Emily broke the kiss just long enough to breathe, her cheeks flushed and her voice breathless. "You're so... amazing," she whispered, her lips brushing against Charlie's.
Charlie smiled, her golden eyes half-lidded as she pressed another kiss to Emily's lips. "Not as amazing as you," she murmured, her tone full of affection.
Just as their passion started to escalate, the door to the room swung open, and Vaggie's voice cut through the moment like a sharp blade.
" Seriously? " Vaggie deadpanned, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe. Her magenta eye glinted with exasperation as she looked at them. "You two aren't finished yet?"
Charlie froze, her wings twitching in surprise as she quickly pulled back from Emily. She glanced at Vaggie, her cheeks flushed a deep red. "Vaggie! I—uh—we—"
Emily, however, recovered quickly, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Hi, Vaggie," she said casually, brushing a strand of periwinkle hair behind her ear. "We were just... catching up."
Vaggie stepped further into the room, her magenta eye narrowing slightly but not in anger—more in surprise. "Catching up?" she repeated, her tone disbelieving. "You've been up here for this long, and you're still talking? "
Charlie blinked, taken aback. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Vaggie sighed, crossing her arms but smiling faintly. "Charlie, you finally let Emily know how you feel. I was starting to think you were going to second-guess yourself forever. I'm glad you two are getting close—I just figured... well, that you'd be doing something a little more... physical by now."
Charlie's cheeks flushed even darker as she stammered, "W-we were just—um—talking about responsibilities and futures and... stuff!"
Emily giggled, her halo tilting playfully as she leaned against Charlie. "See? Very important conversations," she teased, her wings twitching with amusement.
Vaggie rolled her eye, shaking her head with a chuckle. "You two are unbelievable. I'm happy for you—really—but I'm also very surprised that I walked in on talking instead of... well, something else."
Charlie rubbed the back of her neck, still flustered. "I mean, we were going to get back to where we left off, but then we started talking about... everything. It just kind of happened."
Emily smirked, crossing her arms as she glanced at Vaggie. "What can I say? Charlie's got a way of making me want to open up."
"Clearly," Vaggie said with a smirk of her own, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe. Her magenta eye lingered on Charlie and Emily for a moment, and then her teasing expression softened. "But really, I'm glad. You've been holding back for too long, Charlie. It's nice to see you two finally connecting the way I always knew you could."
Charlie's face turned a deeper shade of pink, her golden eyes darting between Vaggie and Emily. "Yeah, well..." she mumbled, rubbing the back of her neck. "I just wanted to make sure it was... the right time."
Emily chuckled, stepping closer to Charlie and nudging her playfully. "Charlie, every moment with you is the right time. I mean, look at me—I've been practically waiting with a neon sign that says, 'Let's go.'"
Vaggie snorted, her smirk returning. "She's not wrong. I had to give her a pep talk when we left Cannibal Town... But, you know, better late than never." She said, earning a laugh from Emily
Charlie groaned softly, burying her face in her hands. "You two are impossible."
Emily leaned against Charlie, grinning as she looped her arm around Charlie's waist. "And you love it," she said, her voice playful but warm.
Charlie peeked out from behind her hands, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I do," she admitted softly, her wings twitching slightly.
Vaggie pushed off the doorframe, stepping into the room. She placed a hand on Charlie's shoulder, her expression soft but serious. "For what it's worth, I'm really proud of you, Charlie," she said quietly. "You've had so much on your plate lately, and I know you worry so much about doing things the right way. But sometimes, you just have to let go and trust yourself. You're not going to mess this up—you're amazing, and Emily knows it."
Charlie blinked, her golden eyes glistening slightly as she looked at Vaggie. "Thanks, Vaggie," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Emily stepped in, resting her chin on Charlie's shoulder as her silver wings brushed lightly against Charlie's golden ones. "See? We're both on your side. And we both love you. So, maybe... stop worrying so much?"
Charlie laughed softly, the sound a mix of relief and affection. "You two make it sound so easy," she said, shaking her head.
"It is easy," Vaggie said, her tone teasing but affectionate. "Just stop overthinking everything. You've got nothing to prove, Charlie. We're already here—we're yours."
Emily grinned, pressing a quick kiss to Charlie's cheek. "And we're not going anywhere."
Charlie's smile grew as she looked between them, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. "You two are incredible, you know that?"
Vaggie smirked, crossing her arms again. "We know."
Emily laughed, tugging Charlie toward the bed. "So, what do you say, Charlie? Ready to stop talking and pick up where we left off?"
Charlie's cheeks flushed again, but this time, she didn't look away. "Yeah," she said softly, her golden eyes glowing with warmth. "I think I'm ready."
Vaggie smiled knowingly, stepping back toward the door. "I'll leave you two alone," she said, glancing back with a playful smirk. "But don't take too long, okay? I expect to be included next time."
Emily snickered as Vaggie exited the room, and Charlie's laugh followed, soft and full of affection. As the door clicked shut behind Vaggie, Emily turned back to Charlie, her glowing blue eyes locking onto her golden ones.
"So," Emily said, her voice low and teasing as she leaned in close. "No more interruptions. Just us."
Charlie smiled, pulling Emily closer as their halos brushed. "Just us," she murmured before pressing her lips to Emily's, finally letting herself let go.
And this time, there was no hesitation.