Carmine stood next to Chili as they waited for Crimson by the stands, the imp was doing his best to not look nervous or worried. It wasn't so much that he feared his brother, there really wasn't anything in all their years together that would make Carmine think his brother would try to harm him. Crimson was his brother after all, and had stood up for and defended him for as long as he could remember. Sure Crimson could get a bit rough and sure he made jokes here and there at his expense, let alone the more recent laughing at his misfortune during the obstacle race. But there was never anything malicious behind any of that, it was just the usual brothers being brothers, tough love to try and help make him a bit tougher skinned.

And yet, because they had both been interested in Chili and wanted to date her there was still a lingering worry that he might have angered Crimson even if they had agreed on it being a bit of a friendly rivalry on who'd actually win her over. Maybe it was just the fact it felt like a massive betrayal, that he was being selfish for daring to try and take something that Crimson really wanted after all his brother had done for him, but could anyone really blame him for wanting and pursuing something that he wanted just once? To have something good in his life that seemed like an impossibility based on how their kind usually are when it came to the matters of the heart? At least Chili seemed to be not worried in the least, her relaxed demeanor and smile as she stood next to him evidence of that.

As Crimson neared the two after getting his trophy he showed no signs of any emotion, his face as mutual and unreadable as a stone wall. "Well then, what do we have here?" Crimson asked as he looked at the two with no change in expression, his tone just as hard to read as his focus was more on Carmine, letting a moment pass before he spoke again. "Looks like we both managed to get a victory eh Carmy?" He said happily as a big grin formed on his face. "Congrats!"

"Ah ha ha ha...thanks…" Carmine replied as he felt a wave of relief and tension leave him, did Crimson really have to pull a joke like that?

"Thank you Crimson," Chili smiled. "Good to see you're not sore over it."

Crimson blinked as he looked at Chili. "Sore, whatever do you mean?"

"Oh don't try to play coy," Chili smirked. "I know both of you had a thing for me, I just happened to like Carmine a bit more."

Crimson blinked again before laughing. "Well shit, you had us both played it seems," he admitted. "Nah, I could never be sore towards my brother, he deserves something good and a gal like you to toughen him up," Crimson smirked.

"I can try, but I can't promise miracles," Chili joked. "But I rather like him as is."

"Fair enough," Crimson remarked.

"Thanks Crim…" Carmine smiled.

"Don't mention it Carmy, you know I always got your back," Crimson said as he put his arm around his brother. "Besides, I might just have me a shot with a nice gal here, I seem to have picked up a few fans," he grinned.

"It seems so," Chili commented as she glanced over at a group of girls a bit a way that were glancing Crimson's way.

Crimson chuckled. "Never knew I could get so popular, but I'll have to sort them out and find a real promising gal. Speaking of...I'll catch up to you two in a bit, gonna get started on that, meet you to get a bite in a few minutes," he said before heading off to talk to the girls.

"We probably should get something that's more filling than cheese on a sticks." Chili said as she took Carmine's hand, causing him to blush." Come on, I still smell some good food being cooked, want to at least enjoy some festival stuff before they shut it all down."

"A-alright," Carmine complied. "What about your family though?" He asked.

"Oh, I let them know I wanted to spend some time with you and Crimson after the games and that I'd catch up with them when the festival is over." Chili explained. "Now come on, we can still squeeze some things in." She said as she started to lead Carmine away.

"O-okay," Carmine agreed as a smile that was the biggest and happiest he ever had started to form on his face.

It wasn't long before Chili had dragged him off to various stalls, trying out some great smelling food ranging from barbecue to a food that shared the female imp's name and then some. Initially it was just the two of them, although Crimson was quick to join shortly after they had started getting some food with at least one phone number that he had said was from an imp that he rather fancied after going through so many that seemed to admire him. The three went about enjoying themselves, partaking in what amusement and food they could before it was time for everything to be shut down and everyone make their way back to where they came from.

"Well, I guess I better be meeting up with my family. It was fun spending the festival with you two," Chili said with a warm smile.

"Yeah, it was a ball," Crimson smiled widely.

"Y-yeah, it was very fun," Carmine agreed. "So uh...when will I, I mean when would you like to…" He tried to ask Chili about when they would get together for a date but found himself just unsure of how to ask, much to Crimson's amusement as he tried not to snicker.

Chili smiled as she looked at Carmine. "I'll be in touch, I know you're both busy but hopefully we can work something out soon," She explained before leaning in to kiss Carmine's cheek. "Take care Carmine, I'll be looking forward to when we can have our first date," the female imp said before walking away, leaving Carmine standing as he blushed while Crimson just grinned.

"Well, looks like Sathanas has decided to smile upon you and let you get a win," Crimson said as he put his arm around his brother.

Carmine blinked as he snapped back to reality. "You're not mad?" He asked as he looked at Crimson.

"Mad, why would I be mad?" Crimson asked. "We did agree that the best man would win and it's clear the cards were stacked against me from the start since she seemed to fancy you," he added.

"I suppose…" Carmine said as the two started to walk off, his brother's arm still around him.

"Suppose nothing, you finally got yourself a win," Crimson insisted. "Besides, This still helps us with our goals, just now you're more likely to have a great chance for some of that higher learning and getting that business you been wanting," he added. "As far as I see it, there's nothing to be mad about on any front. If anything, I'm proud of ya."

Carmine smiled. "Thank you...I really do like her and hope things can go great for me and her. I want to make her happy, and I want to have a life with her."

"And I'm sure you will," Crimson grinned. "Just...keep what we're doing and what we plan on the hush hush still."

Carmine blinked. "But…"

"Listen, Carmy, she's from the affluent side of our race. And while they might not be that different in personality from any other imps in terms of our nature, we still don't know what exactly her family's values are or anything," Crimson explained.

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Carmine asked. "If our relationship is to last there can't be a lie."

"I know, I know," Crimson agreed. "I'm not saying you can't ever tell her, just…get a good read of things before making any decisions. And technically, you are making a legitimate business so you aren't fully lying to her. You just might have to...omit some things you do with it or fudge what I'm doing," he explained. "It's for the best really, how many other opportunities like this are you gonna have?"

Carmine stayed silent for a moment as he looked to the ground. "I suppose you're right," he admitted, although he still planned on finding a good time to tell Chili the truth, no matter what. Despite everything his brother was telling him, he had to put faith and trust that Chili would not just appreciate it, but that things would work out. So what if this might be his one and only opportunity, he was damned if he was going to not tell Chili and lie to her.

"I know," Crimson smiled as he pat his brother on the back. "Now come on, we best be getting home before mom and dad start to worry."

"Right," Carmine nodded.

Days passed since the harvest moon festival and things seemed to have gotten back into the same old routine that Carmine and Crimson had fallen into since joining Torch's gang. The only thing that was different from the norm was Carmine's attitude, the imp having grown more, well, cheerful in his work, something that wasn't exactly unnoticeable by Torch's men or Alessio. Their curiosity to Carmine's more cheerful disposition in his work wasn't a mystery for all that long though as Crimson revealed the reason for Carmine's more exuberant than usual attitude. The revelation of which caused Carmine to be the recipient of a number of congratulations, although Alessio's was more of a nod more than anything being the often more of a strong silent type that he was.

While Carmine usually did what he could to not be too ingratiated with the gang, that didn't mean he wasn't exactly not friendly with a few, Alessio alone being evidence of that. So he was more appreciative of the support of those that were willing to give it, it was nice having others than his brother that were so encouraging and appreciated what skills he had. Especially since for most of his life that was really all he had known, just the support and encouragement of his family. And while he still wasn't planning to get too ingrained into the gang like Crimson and had his plans of going...legitimate enough, Carmine nonetheless would be remiss to say that he wouldn't consider a number of those in the gang friends, especially those that really appreciated the work he put into his work with weapons.

In fact, those in the gang had become so appreciative and liked his work so much, that word had somewhat spread to those tied to Torch's gang who would come from time to time to get work done from him. Which, in turn, gave Carmine all the more hope and belief that he really could make a big name for himself with his business if...no, when he was able to get it off the ground. With all the things that had started to go right for him since Crimson convinced him to join Torch's gang, there really wasn't much of an excuse to have any doubts about him starting a business or their plan. This could work, they really could do this, and he owed it all to his brother convincing him to give this opportunity a try. Of course, there was still the matter of Chili and what she would want if they got far enough in their relationship, Carmine just hoped Crimson would understand if at one point when they had their own families that he might have to pull out of their operation. After all, by then, if Chili was fine with things up till then, they would have at least made a comfortable living for themselves.

Speaking of Chili, despite hiding it well enough, Carmine couldn't help but be anxious and a bit nervous. Sure it hadn't been that long since the festival, but Carmine couldn't help but be on pins and needles about when she might want to go their date. Sure she said she'd be in touch, but he wondered if that meant she would call or if she'd be waiting for him to. From everything he knew and had seen, it was only right and proper for the man to call, but even if that was the case when would it be long enough and not too soon. Oh curse his ineptitude and curse his lack of experience with girls, at least if he had any he would know what to do and wouldn't be stressed about it.

Between trying to figure that out and going on the occasional hit or job with his brother, Carmine wasn't sure what was worse in terms of stress. Of course given his skills with a gun and the fact he had grown accustomed to it and even liking it the answer would seem to be the later, but even those could be stressful at times. Although if he had to really pick after thinking about it, at least the figuring out if he should be the one to call or not and then Chili finally getting in contact carried the least likely chance of injury or death...he hoped. At least his brother seemed to not have any real fear or issues in that regard, Crimson already had a date with the girl he got the number of lined up for later in the week, his confidence and sureness in himself something Carmine wished he could have as much as his brother. Then again, considering why Chili was interested in him, Carmine felt that while it wouldn't hurt to work on himself some more, he wouldn't necessarily need to overhaul himself completely to not screw things up.

All Carmine had to really worry about it seemed, was just on how long he should wait till he reached out to Chili in case she was the one waiting on him. That worry though seemed to be one that resolved itself as some time later in the day Carmine's phone started to ring, causing the imp to panic a bit as he never got a call while he was on the clock, so to speak, before. "Oh crumbs!" Carmine exclaimed as he saw it was Chili only to get a bit embarrassed, rubbing the back of his head with a smile as he looked at the few gang members that were nearby who looked at him. "S-sorry, important call, I'll be a few minutes…" he explained before quickly rushing where he could get enough privacy. "C-chili, hi…" Carmine greeted.

"Hello Carmine," Chili greeted back warmly. "I know you're still at work so I hope I'm not interrupting anything important. I would have tried to get in touch sooner but things have been busy for me and my family," the female imp added.

"Interrupting anything important? N-no, you're not interrupting anything. And it's fine, no need to apologize. It's kind of a slow day," Carmine replied as he assured Chili. "What can I do for you?" He asked.

"That's good," Chili said, her tone of voice clear she was smiling. "Anyway, I was just reaching out to see when you might want to go out on our first date."

Carmine felt his cheeks heat up as he flustered. "O-oh, r-right, our f-first...d-date…" he said as he tried to not be too nervous. "W-well, I'm f-free on weekends. S-so...j-just whenever w-works f-for you," he replied.

"How about next Saturday then?" Chili asked.

"Next Saturday?" Carmine echoed, only taking a second to think. "Y-yeah, next Saturday can work."

"Great, I'll see you then," Chili said warmly. "I won't keep you so you won't get in too much trouble, see you then."

"Y-yeah. S-see you then," Carmine said before he and Chili hung up.

Despite his hopes, Carmine had to deal with curious inquiries when he got back to work about who he was talking to, especially since he was not one to be known to have calls or take call breaks. It was both the blessing and curse of a diligent hard worker like himself, you gain the reputation for staying focused on work and doing great at it but when you do something like answer a personal call it becomes the curiosity of those that know you. Still, there could be worse fates to have in that regard, at least when he sated those curiosities he was met with congratulations instead of jokes and teases. Carmine had to admit, despite the fact gangs were made up of hardened criminals, those like Torches that were tied to more respectable enterprises were more close knit and like family in spite of the means one would have to take to rise in the ranks. That was something Carmine actually liked and respected more than anything else even if he was never planning to stay for the long term. Speaking of long term, he had to figure out between now and then what to do on his date with Chili and how to go about it so they could be long term.

As the days went by Carmine did everything he could to come up with an ideal date to take Chili on for their very first, doing the best he could to think of what she might like to do or enjoy. And while that in itself was a task that made him nervous he was grateful that, like his brother, he had quite the memory and had paid quite the amount of attention to her likes and interests when they hung out. It was just a simple matter of going over what would produce the optimum first date that focused around things that Chili would enjoy while not overdoing it. Ironic, for all his proclivity to be a perfectionist, a worry wort prone to nervousness, and lack of experience with girls, Carmine found himself thinking up something that seemed perfect for the both of them. The only thing that gave him pause and concern, was if she would expect anything of what her family was use to.

What helped alleviate some of that worry though was the fact that he had noticed that whenever they had hung out Chili never seemed to mind the simple stuff or go out of her way to go to places that were normally the usually for imps of her status, even at the harvest moon festival she seemed to quite enjoy just simple fair food. Granted, not every imp that was better off had to strictly enjoy the things that allowed alone, but Chili never really seemed to care all that much. Not that imps that were better off like her had the means to live like the better off of other demon races or even nobility, they were still imps after all, but it still surprised Carmine nonetheless. Even then, it wasn't like he couldn't exactly afford such given his line of work especially due to others now seeking his expertise, he just wasn't really one to want to flaunt anything. Which might seem hypocritical given his dreams of being a proper respectable businessman, of bettering himself to where he was essentially a new imp, but that didn't mean he'd change anything about who he was at his core or forget where he came from,

At least Crimson wasn't having that much of an issue when it came to worrying about dating, his first date with the girl he chose at the festival seemed to have gone well, he was in such a great mood and was talking about how he was already looking forward to the next, that he managed to get a kiss on the first date. It was just another thing that Crimson had that Carmine couldn't help but want in some capacity, the confidence and charisma. At least Crimson was willing to help him with being ready for his date, helping to not only alleviate the nerves but also help with feeling confident. Even going so far as to say if a gal as fierce and scary as Chili liked him enough to want to date him, then there wasn't really anything to worry about as she liked him for him and if he kept being him then there was nothing to worry about. Unless he screwed up his one year bad enough, Carmine really wished Crimson didn't joke about things like that, even if it showed his brother's confidence in him and Chili lasting.

Before Carmine knew it it was Saturday and nearing time for his date with Chili, time has seemed to just fly by without him even noticing. Carmine had quickly gotten ready, doing his best to look properly presentable for the evening, he still wasn't quite sure he had gotten his hair quite right or his clothes properly tidy, to which Crimson assured with slight annoyance. One thing that helped his nerves calm was seeing just how happy and proud his parents were, they were already asking when they might get to meet Chili as though she was already part of the family. That...that detail was going to be something that hung in the balance based on how well his being honest with Chili went. Carmine knew that if anything lasting was going to happen, she'd have to know, there was no hiding it for too long as meeting family was crucial for lasting relationships. And while Crimson had never outright lied or said anything technically wrong, he hadn't been up front with her and had kept Carmine himself from saying anything.

Hopefully her could find the right opportunity to tell her the full truth, every last detail no matter how potentially bad, she deserved such. Hopefully the opportunity would arise soon, because he was not about to reveal everything when he let Chili meet his parents. Carmine was sure Crimson had already thought of how to handle that detail no matter who wound up dating Chili, but he was not about to play the same game as his brother. No matter what came of it, no matter how his brother might feel, Chili would know the exact details sooner rather than later. Honesty was always the best policy, it's what their parents lived by and it's what he would live by and instill in his kid or kids to live by when it came to relationships.

"Hey Carmine," Crimson said as he walked up to his brother after he had stepped out of the house and was a few feet away.

"Yeah Crim?" Carmine asked.

"Best of luck on your date. I'm rooting for ya," Crimson said as he placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.

Carmine smiled. "Thanks Crim."

"No problem," Crimson remarked with a smile back. "By the way, got your gun with ya?"

Carmine blinked. "...No, why would I need it?"

"For protection," Crimson said simply. "If you're going on a date you at least have to have your gun in case anything happens," he said as if it was the most basic information there was to know. "Sure Chili's tough and not one to mess with, but you never know what might happen. Besides, she'd probably like the fact you're prepared and appreciate it if anything does."

"...You do have a point," Carmine admitted.

"Which is why I have it with me," Crimson said as he pulled out and handed Carmine his gun with a smirk.

Carmine smiled as he took his gun and concealed it. "Thanks Crim, you always look out for me."

Crimson grinned. "Hey, it's what I do, and always will. Now go on, show Chili a good time."

Carmine nodded. "Will do," he said before continuing on his way to meet up with Chili.

When Carmine got to where he and Chili arranged to meet up his nerves had calmed more and he was feeling more confident aboutthings going well. After all, Crimson had a point, if Chili chose to date him out of any other imp AND his brother, then he had to be doing something right, so being himself had to be more than enough. At least, he was feeling confident, until he laid eyes on Chili after spotting her. She was wearing an outfit relatively similar to what she had worn at the harvest moon festival, only this time the shoulder areas weren't puffy and the accent stitching across the top was either a forest or grayish green with a tied bow like tied shoelaces at the center of the top where the stitches were.

And where there was once green to accent the white there was now black, the bands around the shoulders not making little bows like the prior aforementioned outfit. The red remained the same and the red band around her waist was far more prominent along with the ruffled skirt being longer. Black lipstick and eye shadow accentuated her long hair and gold looped earrings. Elbow length silver gloves and a string necklace with what Carmine could only assume was seven or so gold beads going around her neck with a large gold jewel at the center of it all were the finishing touches of her attire. Carmine couldn't help but stand there transfixed at the sight of her, she was simply...breathtakingly stunning...to die for, the sheer sight of her almost making him drop a bouquet he had gotten for her on the way to meet her.

"C-c-chili, h-hi…" Carmine greeted as he felt like he was in front of a stampede of cattle. Crimson swore that he might have turned a whole new shade of red. "Y-y-you look...w-wow…"

Chili giggled as she looked at Carmine. "You look handsome yourself Carmine," she said as she walked up to him, pecking his cheek and then looking at the bouquet in his trembling hand. "For me?" She asked.

Carmine blinked as he came to his senses. "Oh, uh. Y-yes," he replied as he offered her the bouquet.

Chili smiled as she took the bouquet. "Awe, how sweet, very thoughtful too. Then again, that's just the kind of imp you are and what I like about you," Chili said before sniffing the bouquet. "They're wonderful, thank you. I think this calls for another kiss," she smiled as she pecked him on the cheek once more.

Carmine could swear his heart was about to either stop or burst right of his stomach, those soft wonderful lips of hers could kill but at the same time her beauty could make an imp's heart race like a bullet. Sins forgive him, but he doubt that there could be anyone as beautiful as her, not even the sin of envy Leviathan herself that was said to be the most beautiful in all of hell, a fact that caused a heated rivalry with the queen of all of hell herself. Carmine wondered if it was due to Lucifer that Lilith and Leviathan hadn't tried to kill each other.

"Y-y-you're w-w-welcome," Carmine replied.

Chili smiled as she took his arm. "Shall we then? I'm sure you'll give me a wonderful time," She said as she made sure to be nice and close to him.

Carmine gulped as he felt her press a bit closer to him, doing his best to stay composed despite the fact that he was pretty sure the way she took his arm was done to where the side of her chest was just brushing against it. "Y-y-yeah," Carmine said with a nod.

With that, their date started as Carmine escorted Chili to the first part of their date which was a nice dinner at a nice enough restaurant. It wasn't anything too fancy or inexpensive, but a nice above middle grown. Sure with the amount he was making and saving he could probably afford a bit of a nicer place if he wanted, but that wasn't really his speed. Crimson though, Crimson had seemed to like getting into the things that they thought they couldn't ever get, he had even recently started getting some very nice suits. Not that it wasn't necessarily a bad thing, it just wasn't HIS thing.

As they enjoyed their dinner Chili and Carmine talked about how their week had been and what they had done during it. Whereas Chili was forthcoming and honest, talking about how she was helping out with her family's work and so forth with family things, Carmine was finding himself still keeping thing technically correct without there being a lie. It burned him up not being as upfront with her, but it just didn't feel like the time to tell her, or the setting. One thing was certain though, when the right opportunity presented itself, he was going to damn well make sure to not just be earnestly truthful, but as apologetic as...well, as much as it'd be blasphemous to say in hell...a saint and make it up to her ten fold.

After their dinner Carmine escorted Chili to the next part of their date, a nice movie that he had subtly gotten the knowledge of her wanting to see. This date was going to be perfect in every way, he was going to make sure of it, and so far it seemed like it would be just that; perfect, with nothing to ruin it. Although Carmine could not help but wonder if Chili knew how she was making him feel as she yet again held his arm close to her bust, and if she was getting some enjoyment out of it.

When the movie was over the two walked out of the theater, starting to make their way through the city and towards the park, the walk to the park and subsequent time spent there and stroll through it serving as the capstone of the whole date. As they made their way through the city a group of male imps approached them, coming from the opposite direction and stopping in front of them. "Wow, look at her. she's quite the looker," the seemingly lead imp remarked.

"Can we help you?" Carmine asked, although Chili seemed to already displeased.

"Tell me beautiful, what's a gal like you doing with a scrawny runt like him?" The lead imp asked, completely ignoring Carmine. "Why don't you ditch em and come with us, I can show you a swell time," the imp grinned.

Chili scowled as she glared at the imp and his friends. "Why don't you fuck off," she countered.

The lead imp laughed. "Oh we got a spicy one here fellas, a real bitch."

Carmine felt a bit of rage start to stir in him as he heard the imp call Chili a bitch. "Sir, I'd appreciate you'd not call her a bitch. We don't want any trouble but would you kindly apologize? I'm sure you're either drunk or having a rough night, we don't have to start anything and can just be on our way."

The lead imp and his friends laughed before he looked at Carmine. "Or what? Scrawny wimps like you are only good as punching bags or things beneath the common imp. Seriously, imps like you are nothing more than a freak genetic defect. So why don't you do yourself and this lady friend a favor and kindly fuck o-" before he could finish Tilly punched the lead imp, sending him on his back.

"I said. FUCK. OFF…" Chili snarled.

The lead imp laughed as he got up. "Oh, OK, the type to play rough huh?" He asked with a dark grin. "Alright, let's teach her some manner boys."

Carmine blinked as Chili was now in a fight with the imp and his gang of friends and surprisingly holding her own despite the numbers advantage. It wasn't anything like the incident with the hellshark. At least, not quite, but it was still pretty much more in Chili's favor. Carmine himself felt guilty though, here he was yet again in a situation where Chili was taking it on her to keep him safe. No, it was worse than that.

Because this was a situation where HE should be the one defending her, whether she actually needed it or not. It was his role as her boyfriend, his duty, to be a gentleman and not have his lady have to fight his battles, something his father instilled in him and his brother from an early age as well as setting the example of things being even in every aspect of a relationship with how he and their mother did things. But what could he do? Sure he had the gun, but things hadn't quite escalated to where it felt needed, plus he hadn't exactly had it been known he used one. Still, he had to do something, he couldn't just helplessly watch yet again.

Carmine soon saw one of the imps starting to sneak up on her with a knife, going to try and get her in the back so she'd likely yield. Before he could think or even hesitate Carmine sprung into action, charging the imp at full speed. "Oh no you don't!"

As Carmine reached the other imp the assailant quickly backhanded him, sending him into the wall of a building. "Good for nothing runt. You should know your place," the imp said as he then plunged his knife into Carmine's shoulder, causing him to cry out.

"Carmine!" Chili exclaimed as she turned her attention to Carmine, only to be sucker punched by the lead imp.

"Fucking bitch," The lead imp snarled. "Ya should have just listened the first time," he added before back handing her, sending Chili to the ground and kicking her.

Time seemed to slow down as Carmine watched as the lead imp strike Chili and then proceed to start to hit her more. Red seemed to start covering his vision as the rage and resentment that he kept locked away started to build. No, it started to boil over. He struck Chili, was hurting Chili, the one girl to ever show him interest and care, let alone kindness or genuinely liked him for him. The darkness in him that he didn't want to show started to break through as his expression changed, no one was going to hurt his chili, no one was going to DARE lay a finger on her.

"That aught to teach ya," the imp that had stabbed him said as he pulled the knife out. "Although maybe a few extra scars might be-" before he could finish a bullet went through his skull, causing him to fall over.

"What the?!" The lead imp said as he and the others turned to see what had happened, only to have no time to react Crimson fired off precise shots into their heads, all of them falling dead.

Chili blinked as she looked at Carmine, seeing the pure anger on his face. "Carmine?"

Carmine looked over at her, his expression softening into one of guilt as he then looked away. He tried to say something, anything, but was unsure of what to say as the same gentle look he had always had returned. What could he even say, where could or should he start? Chili must have a thousand questions running through her head and surely this might not end well.

Chili blinked, finding herself blushing a bit before standing up and warmly smiling as she placed a hand on Carmine. "Thank you."

Carmine blinked as he looked at Chili. "Thank you?" He asked. "But because of me not being strong enough you had to defend yourself. Because of me trying to help you got-" Carmine blinked as Chili cut him off with a firm kiss, tail sticking straight up as he froze up and he turned a dark red.

"That doesn't matter," Chili smiled. "What matters is that you showed me what I always knew. That deep down, you have so much more to you that makes you special and that you're more of a man than-" Chili looked around. "They ever were."

Carmine was still dark red as he looked at Chili, his tail slowly starting to relax. "I-I-I...well…I just couldn't not get upset when I saw you hurt. I couldn't let anyone hurt you."

Chili smiled more as she caressed his cheek. "And that's exactly why I chose you Carmine, despite how you are I could tell the kind of man you were and that was the kind of man I wanted to have."

Carmine blinked. "R-really?"

Chili nodded. "Mm-hmm. Although I do like that confident sure side of you, you should try to let it show a bit more."

"I-I'll try," Carmine blushed.

Chili giggled. "I'm sure you will. By the way, I didn't know you were so good with a gun, or that you owned one."

"I, uh, well…" Carmine sighed, it was now or never it seemed. "I...have some things I need to tell you Chili. Not here though, at the park?"

"Sure," Chili smiled.

With that the two continued on their way to the park, Chili unable to not notice that Carmine looked rather nervous and apprehensive. Whatever it was though she knew what kind of man he not only was, but could be. So Chili wasn't really all that concerned with whatever it was going to be, she trusted him, and what he just did proved that he would never hurt her in any way.

When they got to the park Carmine led Chili through until they were at a spot where they could have some privacy, taking a moment to gather himself as he thought of where to start. When he was certain where to begin he let out a sigh and began to tell her everything, starting with what he knew was most important, that being the fact that his and Crimson's parents were nothing more than simple farmers that were just getting by and nothing more. He didn't stop there though, he told her about the childhood dream he and Crimson shared, their plan, how he and Crimson actually worked for a gang that was tied to the mafia, everything. Carmine held nothing back as he spilled his heart out to her, including his own personal dream. When he finished he apologized profusely, even though he had done so intermittently throughout his apology, lowering his head and closing his eyes as he waited for what he feared would happen.

Chili looked at Carmine, seeing how scared he was of how she'd react. It was a lot to take in and her expression remained neutral yet clearly attentive during the entirety of Carmine explaining everything as she soaked in the information. Her expression remained neutral for but a moment, maybe two, before she warmly smiled. "Is that all?" Chili asked, her voice soft and caring.

Carmine blinked as he looked up at her. "Is...that...all?" He asked in near disbelief.

"Yes," Chili replied as she continued to smile. "Is that all?"

Carmine blinked once more as he kept looking at her. "Y-yes," he admitted. "You're not…"

"Not what? Mad, upset, enraged, feel betrayed, hurt?" Chili rhetorically asked before smiling more. "Oh Carmine, I always kind of knew you and Crimson weren't exactly what I was told."

Carmine looked at her, feeling utterly dumbfounded. "Y-you did?"

"Mm-hmm," Chili nodded. "Don't get me wrong, Crimson is smooth and knows how to work his words, but I could tell by how you looked and your reactions that he wasn't being honest. At least, not in the sense of what matters and only sticking to the technically true now that I know the truth. To be honest, if it wasn't for how good a man you are, I might have never had my suspicions."

Carmine could only look at her in amazement. "So even though you suspected from the very beginning you still…"

"I still wanted to be around you two," Chili replied.

"Why?" Carmine asked.

"Why?" Chili echoed as though it was already obvious. "Because you two were nice, fun, and not once did you even give off the vibe that you were after anything. I had fun, you two making little mistakes that lead to my further suspicions of you not being from a prominent or up and coming family made things fun and exciting. And…" She said as she walked up closer to Carmine, gently cupping his cheeks as she dimmed her eyes, getting close to him. "Because I knew from the moment that we interacted that you were someone special, someone I liked, someone I could see myself loving." Chili explained before placing a tender and loving kiss on Carmine's lips, causing the imp to once more stiffen completely as he flustered.

"Ah heh...heh heh…" Carmine stammered before shaking his head as he came to his senses. "But what about what me and my brother do? Doesn't it bother you that-"

"How do you think a lot of the more prominent families became what they were?" Chili smirked, placing a hand on her hip. "While a lot of them did indeed get their foothold through the up and up just as many owe their success to the underworld," Chili explained as she continued to smirk.

Carmine blinked. "Oh…but what about-"

"Mine?" Chili asked for him. "While my dad is more of an investor in enterprises and we also do provide supplies, we do have a bit of a history before we became what we are. At least, from what I'm told. Apparently before we started to make it big we were in league with a Wrathian cartel," She elaborated.

Carmine blinked again, that would explain some of Chili's deadliness. Although now that just made him have the mental image of her doing gang activities and armed. "That's hot," he thought out loud before flustering. "I mean-"

Chili giggled. "It's alright Carmine," she assured him. "To be fair…" She added before placing her fingers under his chin and looking at him with half lidded eyes. "I think it's hot that you're a gentleman gangster from what I've seen."

Carmine gulped, his tail sticking straight up. "R-really?"

"Yeah," Chili smiled. "Plus, I admire your dream to have as legitimate a business as possible and work the system."

Carmine smiled. "So...what now?"

"Hmmm," Chili thought for a moment. "Well, if you're wanting to go to a university and start your own business I can see what my family can do. From there we can see how things go as you continue to court me."

Carmine blushed. "C-court?"

"Oh yes," Chili smiled. "I know you don't have any experience with girls, and while a lot might date to just see how things go, I don't. I'm part of the other half that when they see someone they like, it's to go all the way, so you best be ready to treat this seriously as I don't pick just anybody."

"…I'd die for you," Carmine said without thought, enraptured by Chili in all of what she was.

Chili giggled. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that, I'd rather have a relationship where we grow old together."

"I can do that," Carmine remarked.

"As can I Mi apuesto caballero de gran habilidad,"Chili almost cooed, causing Carmine to feel a prickly tingling feeling to coarse through him. "Other than that, you're going to teach me how to shoot and I want to meet your parents. I think we still got time to squeeze the former in," she smiled.

Carmine blinked. "Right now?" He asked. "But it's getting pretty late and-"

"And my family trusts you," Chili interrupted.

Carmine blinked again. "They do?"

"Yes they do," Chili nodded. "They also trust the fact that if you actually ever tried anything that I'd snap your spine in two and make sure the body was never found," she remarked, causing Carmine to stare at her in trepidation. "Joking," Chili assured. "I know you'd never try anything that'd make me have to do that. Now anyone that tries to hurt you on the other hand..."

Carmine looked at Chili a moment before his expression changed to absolute adoration. "You're wonderful…"

"As are you mi maravilloso tirador," Chili smiled as she kissed Carmine. "And don't worry, I'll help you with that confidence and self-esteem issue. Now then, I do believe our date hasn't ended yet."

Carmine blinked. "Oh, right, parents…" he said as he snapped to his senses. "Well, I suppose it is long overdue."

A bit later Carmine and Chili arrived at his family's farm, something that despite feeling more confident in his relationship with Chili, still had Carmine a bit nervous of what she'd think. Thankfully she found it rather quaint and modest, even appreciating that his family managed to keep up and maintain it despite being at a disadvantage. When they got to the door Carmine quickly announced that he had someone for his parents to finally meet as he and Chili walked in, much to the excitement of his parents and horrified shock of Crimson.

As Chili and his parents talked and got to know each other Carmine was dragged away by his brother "so Chili and them could have privacy and time to know each other". "What the FUCK?!" Crimson exclaimed when they got outside. "The plan was to-"

"I know, I know. But something happened during our date and I couldn't hide it anymore," Carmine explained.

"And just what the fuck happened that made you have to tell her and bring her here?!" Crimson almost seethed as he cornered Carmine against the family barn.

"We got jumped, a fight broke out, she was doing well until…" Carmine sighed. "She got hit and I...I got...you know…"

"Oh...shit…" Crimson remarked. "You went full hit man."

"Yeah," Carmine nodded. "Good news is that she took it VERY well and still likes me...if not likes me even more now."

Crimson blinked. "No shitting?"

"Yeah. She's willing to even help me out...help us out," Carmine replied. "Apparently her family may have once been tied to a cartel before they became prominent."

Crimson blinked. "Well shit, that couldn't have worked out better than if I dreamed it. How into you is she?" Crimson asked.

Carmine rubbed the back of his head as he flustered a bit. "Well, as much as I am into her. So...long haul or bust."

Crimson laughed as he firmly slapped Carmine on the back. "Well look at you, looks like you got yourself a ride or die. Gotta say, I'm a little jealous, but I'm happy to see that you finally got yourself something goin for ya. Looks like fortune's a smiling on us," H grinned. "With this kind of good luck, we'll practically be runnin things."

Carmine slightly laughed with a bit of awkward nervousness. "Yeah."

"Sorry for getting a bit rough there with my anger," Crimson apologized. "It's just that so much is riding on this and I want us to have a better life ya know?"

Carmine nodded. "Yeah, I know."

Crimson smiled. "Now come on, can't keep your gal waitin if you still need to take her home."

"Right," Carmine nodded before the two headed back to the house.

It seemed things were going as greatly as they possibly could, his parents seemed to absolutely adore Chili, treating her like she was already family, and she was getting along great with them in return. A few hours passed as they talked and got to know each other before Chili absolutely needed to start heading back to her family's home. With a few fond farewells and promises of seeing more of each other Chili walked out with Carmine as he made sure to escort her back to her house. After all, it was the proper thing to do and what any true gentleman would do. That, and if he didn't, Carmine's parents would very well likely kill him. Not that he would never offer to do so, especially when it came to Chili.

When they got to her home Chili and Carmine shared another kiss with each other before starting to say goodnight to each other. Before he could leave though, her parents stepped outside to greet him, thanking Carmine for being a gentleman for bringing her back and even telling him how proud they were that Chili found a man like him that not only she trusted, but they did as well. That alone made Carmine smile and feel accepted, but also ashamed because of the fact they only knew what Chili had learned via Crimson before tonight. As though sensing this, Chili in a hushed whisper assured that she'd make sure she'd tell them everything in a way that they couldn't ever be mad at, especially after hearing how Carmine had so valiantly protected her from the gang of thugs.

Carmine blinked as he looked at Chili a moment and then to her parents. No, if they were going to know, then it had to be from his mouth and right now, not later. Because the longer they dated and whether they knew later or she told them after he left, the more it would not look right...not be right. So, he told her not to, that he'd tell them and now rather than later. Before Chili could ask if he thought it was the right choice Carmine started to apologize to them first before going into the truth, something they had every right to know. Despite her concerns, Chili couldn't be prouder of Carmine, even finding herself loving him all the more for how upright and honest a man he was, she just hoped her parents felt the same way.

A few tense moments passed after Carmine finished, the imp even going so far as to get on his hands and knees as he had once again apologized for not being able to be truthful to their daughter before and that because he wasn't all they knew was the most technical of truths. but that he was sincerely earnest in not just loving their daughter, but would protect her and do ANYTHING for her, even if it meant giving his life, something Chili attested to by bringing up how he dealt with the gang of imps to protect her...with a slight embellishment. Chili's father and mother looked at him more as it seemed like they were in deep thought before in a surprisingly kind and gentle voice Chili's father told him that he should get up.

Before Carmine knew it Chili's father and mother were embracing him, showing him that there was no judgment or animosity, that now more than ever they felt he was the right man for their daughter. They seemed to not even mind the fact of what he and his brother actually did to some level and even respected their drive to see their dream become reality. But more specifically, they admired HIS dream, the wanting of honest hard work and stability. And to that end, Chili's father assured him that when it was time, he would help Carmine get what he needed, the education...all of it. And that he would trust Carmine that no matter how he went about his business, that he would always do the right thing that was best for him and Chili.

Carmine felt himself start to tear up, profusely thanking Chili's father as he hugged her parents in return. And, when all was said and done, and he was on his way back home after what felt like an hour of just bonding with what was already family, Carmine looked up at hell's night sky and smiled. Maybe this really could work, the plan, all of it. But most importantly, no matter what, he would always do what was best for him, for Chili, for whatever family they might have, and only if it was something she wanted as well or brought up first.