Things can just never be easy.
I frowned as I walked down the street, groaning with my annoyance as the house finally came into view. Just as I was hoping JInx would allow me to have the rest of the afternoon to myself, the witch seemed to insist that I pay for the annoyance by forcing me to go with her to the bank to settle both payments and help her prepare for the Inbetween. While I appreciated having money in my account, it was easily something she could do herself without me. Jinx knew how annoying it was for me to keep my wings pressed against my body for long periods of time, and it took all my effort not to slam the door open as I finally arrived.
"I'm fucking home!" I called out, closing the door quickly and removing my jacket as soon as the wooden portal protected me from the outside. I heard the buzzing long before the pixie came into view and I hunched over, letting my wings stretch as I groaned.
"Didn't expect Drac would take up your whole afternoon."
"He didn't, that was Jinx." I growled, finally standing up as I stretched my back. "Is Luc…?"
"Requiem came and collected him." Lee frowned and I groaned even more. Great, I didn't even get to say goodbye. "Said he'll bring him back with appropriate attire. Didn't say when."
"Appropriate…?" I wondered aloud, dropping into one of the kitchen chairs as I sighed. I guess the date was with Luc after all, but that didn't sit with me any better. Either Requiem knew Jinx would be gone until Monday, planning to drop him off just as the witch returns, or he didn't know and was still hoping to gain something else out of this date. Either way I didn't like the idea.
Lee sat on the table next to me, and I noticed the pixie was dressed up more than he usually was. He was wearing a dark red business suit, complete with vest and tie. Lee was absolutely not the type to dress up and I made a soft sound as I took in his outfit.
"Going out?"
"I mean, my sis is coming by to get me soon. We're heading to the Hive." I moaned softly again, hitting my head on the table as my chest sank. Great, completely alone for the weekend. "I usually wouldn't go, you know I hate it there."
"But?"
"My mum… may not make it much longer." I glanced up as Lee's voice broke, and I could see the concern in his sea-green eyes. He even cut his wild red hair, looking more professional than he had even when we worked for the LPD. The Hive was very big on presentation and I knew that's why Lee hated it there. In that way, Heaven and the Hive were more similar than they were different. Lee wasn't banned from the Hive however, more he chose to stay away to keep his freedom. The Queen didn't care much, since his career had been good for the Hive's reputation and his mother was one of the Queen's favorites.
"I'm… sorry Lee. Do what you need to." I finally offered, unable to help the sigh in my voice. I felt as Lee's hand rested on my hair and I closed my eyes as he spoke again.
"I'll only be there till Sunday morning, can't stay for two days without giving my freedom." Lee reassured me and I simply took a deep breath, opting not to say anything. "I know it'll suck, but I-"
"I'm not a child, Lee, you don't have to pacify me." I cut him off, trying to keep my voice neutral. I didn't want to sound harsh, but at the same time I didn't want his pity. I had enough of that. "Your family needs you, and I've been here alone before. I won't like it, but I'll be okay."
"...Alright." A gentle knock came to the door and I watched as Lee lifted himself up from the table, and a cute plump pixie was hovering in the doorway. Lee hugged her tightly, and my chest ached slightly as I watched.
"Hey Eli, Mum will be glad to see you."
"I know, I'm eager to see her too." The pixie glanced back at me one last time and I nodded, waving him off as he gave me a sad smile. "Take care, Lin."
"Always." I affirmed, watching as the pair disappeared back outside and I heard Lee lock the door. I took a moment to listen for the portal, but just like its appearance, I heard nothing as they returned to the Hive.
Officially alone, I stood up, stretching as I took in the silence of the house. In a lot of ways, I found comfort in the silence in the same way it frightened me. In Heaven, silence was impossible as eternal daylight meant there was always something happening. Sleep was more of a choice, a way to relax and recharge than necessary. It was always an adjustment for new Angels to get used to the night on Earth and I shook my head as I climbed the stairs. Maybe there was something to be said about how much it didn't bother me.
"Maybe not." I sighed as I opened my room door, surprised to see the ornate coffin still in the corner. I couldn't help my smirk as I scoffed, walking up to the black case. Of course Luc had left it here; it would be an easy way to escape his father if he felt like it. It would likely take Requiem a while to realize the coffin was missing, as the Demon King preferred to ignore the vampiric side of his son, even though it was the side Luc was more in tune with.
"You have two new messages. Shall I proceed?" I jumped slightly as my computer spoke, the sound startling me as it broke the silence. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself before answering the device.
"Proceed."
"Demons. Requiem." I frowned. "Evangela, I'm sure your pixie has told you, but I have collected Lucien to prepare him for the outing. You will be walking around with a prince of the Underworld; I expect you both to be dressed accordingly. I will assess your outfit upon his return."
I groaned as the message continued on, the Demon King expounding on his "expectations" of me. It seems his game was to make the date uncomfortable for both of us, as if that somehow would make us stop wanting to hang out. As if that would work.
'I'll dance, Requiem, and show you how it's done.' I grinned, my focus returning to the computer as Requiem's message finally ended.
"Demons. Azger." I raised my eyebrow in surprise. Azger was one of Requiem's oldest children, and expected to take his place when the Demon King finally died. Of course, this meant Azger had some issues with how much attention Requiem poured into Luc, but they were also known for spoiling their little brother. It seemed Azger was in a female mood, as their melodic voice came through the speakers.
"Hello Lin, I am aware of the deal my father forced you into to see my brother." They started and I leaned against the coffin as I continued listening. "It seems Father is as cruel as ever to dear Lucien, but I would like this 'date' to be the opposite of his desires. If you would allow, I would come with an object of clothing that meets Father's expectations, and will make him absolutely livid."
"And the catch?" I asked out loud, waiting for the other hammer to fall. I was not disappointed.
"In return, all I ask is that you do not hide your wings on this date. Father expects you to fail or turn down the venture, breaking the deal and giving him more control over Lucien in the future. Stand up to him and show him you are not afraid." Azger chuckled and I groaned. Not hiding my wings was dangerous, as many angels hated the Fallen. The Council didn't incite violence against fallen angels, but they did also tend to turn a blind eye when we were attacked. Add in that I would be walking around with a demon prince, I would be asking to be attacked by a fellow angel, something else Requiem could use against me. Unless.
"Reply." I smirked again, crossing my arms as I faced the device. "Thank you for the generous offer Azger and I accept your terms, on one condition of my own. We can discuss it when you come by, which you are free to do at your leisure."
I was barely surprised by the shaking that followed my message and the intense feeling of hate and anger that welled within me as the floor of my room turned black. Dark maroon hair slowly lifted from the spot and I watched as Azger rose to tower over me, their smile eager and bright. Azger was absolutely delighted I had accepted their deal, and I noticed the large bag they gripped in front of them.
"Azger." I offered, grinning brightly at the tall demon, and watched as they leaned down to meet my gaze, their bright green eyes absolutely filled with delight and hunger as their tail twitched behind them.
"What a delight, Evangela."