Work Text:
Author's note:
«You can't even imagine how difficult it is to hide all the pain behind a fake smile...»
Fun. Laughter. Smiles. In a word, serenity. What can overshadow this beautiful picture? An eternity spent as a doll... A naive, stupid doll whose head is stuffed with cotton wool. "Disgusting..." Serafim thought as she walked through the streets of paradise, then someone called out to her. Putting on her sweet smile, she turned around. Just a couple of winners who decided to ask how things were going. Answering, in the manner of "It couldn't be better, because we are in paradise!" She moved on. You can't tell them that things couldn't be worse. You can't say that paradise is rotten and disgusting. You can't say that her heart is filled with anger and despair. No. There can be no sorrows and sorrows in paradise. Seraphim of joy cannot be sad. Everything should be perfect in heaven... Emily went into her room. Perfectly tidy, bright, gentle... "Everything is a lie... Everyone is pretending... They play the roles that were given to them... Even I..." My heart sank. No. She can't cry. She is an angel of joy, not of sorrow. What would the others think if they saw her eyes turning golden from crying?.. The girl's gaze fell on the golden leaf. The one in which she crossed out Adam's points.
Pain. Fear. The devastation. What can I say? Chaos. You just need to get used to it, and those who can't, well... Hell will just consume them... Alastor has come to terms with his unenviable fate of living in this dump. The most important thing is not to show emotions. No. No one can know what's on his mind. The unknown is his main ally. As long as all these pitiful sinners succumb to their pitiful feelings, he continues to wear a mask. "Human emotions are the most effective weapon, knowing what a person is experiencing is easy to control... Therefore, you need to learn to be impartial and indifferent. You can't live here with a high level of compassion. People are egoists who always think only of themselves. And it doesn't matter what kind of screen they will hide behind. Your shirt is always closer to your body." The radio demon silently followed the cheerfully chirping Charlie and nodding Waggie. He was annoyed by this hotel. He was annoyed by these people. Everything annoyed him. But he has to smile. I have to keep everything under control...or at least create the illusion that he has everything under control. He hated it...
The sweet lies of paradise.
The cruel truth of hell.
Emily was sitting on the bed with her knees pressed to her chest. "I'm tired..."
Alastor ran his finger along the floor of an empty whiskey glass without interest. "I'm tired..."
"From lying..."
"From pretending..."
"I'm tired of smiling."
Such different beings were closer than kindred spirits at that moment...
***
- The portal! Charlie exclaimed, and everyone turned around. There was indeed a golden passage in the center. Vaggie grabbed the spear and was ready to attack whoever came out of it. Alastor looked at it with boredom. He wasn't really interested in who decided to visit this hole, but a girl walked through the golden light and the demon froze. Serafimka greeted everyone cheerfully and started talking nonsense, but he couldn't take his eyes off the new guest. This is the first time Alastor has seen her, but he has never known a complete stranger so intimately...
And again... She went down to hell to stop pretending, but she still continues to play the role of an eternally cheerful angel... "What were you hoping for? That you can easily take off your mask in front of them?" That's what Amy originally wanted, but... no. Can not... Then the girl felt someone's gaze on her and, looking around, she encountered the red eyes of a demon. At that moment, the world and all its problems faded into the background. Serafim, not listening and not seeing anyone, slowly approached him, trying not to make sudden movements so that he would not disappear.
Alastor stared at her intently, and his chest ached uncomfortably. This is the first time he experiences any emotion in hell. Then the stranger held out her hand and said softly.
"I'm Emily."
Oh... As a person who constantly wears masks, he easily recognizes them. Alastor had seen a lot of them... The good ones, the bad ones, the interesting ones, the boring ones, there were even those whose mask cracked a couple of seconds after they put it on. But she's..." Her mask is just perfect." The radio demon thought and carefully picked up the angel's hand, and kissed it with unusual tenderness.
- Alastor.
At that moment, it was as if a mental conversation had taken place between them. They only exchanged names, but they already understood each other's pain.
Then Charlie coughed.
- And this is the hotel manager. Come on, I'll show you everything here!
- Yes, of course. Emily replied and followed her.
Alastor sat back down on the bar stool, but now the girl was on his mind.
- How do you like this angel? Hask asked, wiping the glasses. The demon looked up from his thoughts and asked in his usual manner.
"Which one?" They're both grumpy, the only difference is that Lucifer annoys me a little more than Vaggie, as it is...
- I'm not talking about them.
- And about whom, then? Alastor drawled, still smiling.
- About the Seraphim you were just talking to.
"And this lovely lady...- the sinner got into a bit of a stupor. He didn't notice that there was a seraph in front of him... "I was distracted by looking at her mask." Yes... The moment Emily appeared in the hotel's living room, the first thing Alastor noticed was a smile. Everyone would say that she's sincere, but no. That smile was forced and fake. At the same time, it was perfectly honed. Normally, Alastor thought his mask was incomparable, but now he doubted it.
Hask continued to stare at him, waiting for an answer. The radio demon grinned and drained a glass of whiskey and got up from behind the bar.
"she's very pretty... He finished his sentence and walked away, leaving the bartender wondering what exactly he meant...
***
Emily looked around the room she was brought to and sighed. It was not much different from paradise. "When will I finally stop pretending?" This question had been bothering her for a long time. At first, angel held back because it was for the sake of the winners and the balance of heaven, but after the trial, where she learned about the exterminations, it became harder to continue playing the role of a joyful dummy. It's too hard. Because she pretended to be happy herself, it seemed to her that she was no different from the rest of the hypocrites in paradise. People like Sera... "I'm also a bit of a hypocrite..."
***
Alastor was calmly talking about various events that had happened in hell recently. The only place where he was at least a little sincere was on the radio. Lies and pretense were so deeply intertwined in his life that he sometimes did not notice where the truth was. He is a great and powerful radio demon. Is this true or false? He's at the hotel for fun. True or false? He cares about his life. Really? A lie? He was so sick of it all...
***
About a year ago...
"You have to teach Charlie important lessons.- the woman whispered softly.
"Why don't you do it yourself?" Alastor asked without interest. He was already so tired of following all her stupid orders. He was forcefully pulled by the chains that were attached to his neck, legs, arms, and even waist. When he fell to the ground, he didn't react in any way, after so many years he could get used to it. A shoe-clad foot pressed against his head.
"If I do it, why the hell would I want a dog like you?"
- I'm sorry... So what is my mission?
"That's better.- the first woman grinned and took her foot away."Charlie got involved in some stupid redemption project. Make sure she doesn't mess up or create problems.
- OK...
He's already used to running errands. Whether it's destroying old overlords, spying on powerful people, or helping to strip one of the Goetia of his title. He carries out every task of this woman with elegance. "A pathetic puppet in her hands." And each time her assignments become more and more difficult, it took seven years to complete the past, when he eradicated the gang unnecessary to the queen, who took refuge in the circle of envy. It's on you now... Keep an eye on the princess so she doesn't get into trouble. Alastor, of course, knew it would be hard, but not that hard... Now he can honestly say. I hate the Morningstar family. The first one made him her slave after a couple of minutes of going to hell. The second one is just a dim-witted buffoon and doesn't notice what's going on under his nose. And here's the third one... Alastor somehow restrained himself from hitting her. What kind of moron goes to negotiate with paradise without really preparing anything?! He also asked if he needed help. Should I go with her? Prepare a speech? "No, no, thanks, Alastor, I can handle it on my own..." And where did "on my own" lead her in the end? To hell with the war!!! This princess of Hell doomed the hotel to destruction, but instead of doing something, she came up with something. She sits in her room and whines about how terrible her life is and she has no idea what to do. By God, when she fell out of bed, it was like a balm to her soul. And what can an ordinary sinner, even an overlord, do compared to the princess of Hell? Hm... Find people for the war, a good supplier of weapons, and briefly restrain the powerful first man with his demonic power. He escaped when the situation was critical and it was impossible to continue the battle. But what does he get instead of gratitude? The beatings that left her beloved daughter in trouble and the loss of strength. Lilith never fixed the microphone, although Alastor did even more than he could. Ridicule from the king that he ran away with his tail between his legs. And when the demon responds in the same manner, reminding him of his wife and fall, everyone looks at him with condemnation, and Charlie says.
"Alastor! You can't say such nasty things. That's low!
"And when he mocks me, it's high." Alastor snorts, but falls silent, because he knows what will happen to him if Charlotte finds out that she can control every soul in hell without using a contract. The realization sent shivers down my spine.
***
The demon ended the broadcast and opened the window as the room became stuffy. A tall tower, a lonely man with dreams of freedom, an evil woman holding him down because he's a good puppet. "If only I had long hair and that was it! The oil painting "Rapunzel in captivity" is ready..." he chuckled to himself.
"But no one's coming to save me.".. Sinner muttered thoughtfully. Then his gaze fell on the neighboring balcony and his heart skipped a beat. Emily was standing there in the same position, looking at hell. Realizing that someone was watching her, she turned around, and then their exhausted gazes met.
"Good night." Can't you sleep either? Serafimka asked.
- Yes, that's it... Heavy thoughts are overwhelming. The demon replied calmly.
"Me too."..
"And what are they?"
"When you're tired as hell, but you keep playing your part." You help everyone, give advice, stay close, and when you need to talk, you don't know who to turn to... You know that too, don't you?
Alastor wanted to grin or even laugh and say that no, he doesn't have such thoughts, but a quiet word escaped his lips.
- yes... Too much, actually... But the most annoying thing is that you are already torn apart from the inside, but no one cares about it, because no one notices it. If you continue to behave as usual, then everything is fine... It's just easier for them to ignore than to ask...
The sinner fell silent, unwilling to continue. He's already told me too much about himself.
- We have a lot in common... You and I both wear masks...
"So you've figured it out too.".. The demon chuckled.
- yes...
"Your mask is perfect.
"But you recognized her easily."
- I've had my eye on this for a long time...
- And if you have the opportunity to take it off even for a moment, then...
- I would make the most of it...
Silence. Amazing for hell. Then, a determination unknown to her appeared in Emily's heart. This guy is her chance to forget about the mask. The angel spread her wings and faced him.
"Alastor, I want you to make a campaign for me tonight.
"Are you sure?" We have very different social statuses...
"To hell with the status! Today I want to be sincere for once!
Alastor thought about it and was in no hurry to accept Serafim's invitation, if he agreed, there would be no turning back. And then who knows what consequences will await... Emily already wanted to take her hand away, as she began to doubt that he would support her idea. But the sinner forcefully squeezed her.
"I accept your offer, Emily.
***
"That looks great." Try it on. Angel handed him the clothes on hangers.
"I understand perfectly, but are you sure?" I like my costume.
- Me too, but I plan to be extraordinary. Emily replied with a shrug and snapped her fingers. Her long blonde hair gently fell to the floor of the studio.
"Your curls."
- yes. A lot of people like them, but it's a real hassle for me to keep track of them, so today I want to be without them.
Alastor didn't say anything, but just took his clothes and went to change. Today he's a simple sinner who wants to have fun, not rot in that miserable hotel...
Emily went through hanger after hanger, everything that was hanging there was wrong. After a while, one dress caught her eye. If she saw him, Seraph would definitely exclaim, "What kind of lawlessness is this?!"
- That's what you need.- Serafimka grinned and took it and went to the fitting room. She's not an angel today.
Alastor looked at himself in the mirror once more. A loose cherry-colored shirt with a V-neck and black straight trousers. An unusual image for him, but still beautiful.
- I'm not rushing you in any way, but...- the sinner began to turn to Emily, who was just changing clothes, the curtain gently parted and he was speechless. A black dress that was held up by ties attached to the neck, the same neckline as his, and two more on the hips.
"I'm done." What do you think?
"You look good.".. Alastor tried to find a suitable compliment, but all decent words flew out of his head.
- Be honest.
"Sexy."..
A smile touched Emily's lips. A sincere smile.
- Thanks for what I wanted... You look attractive too, just the finishing touch is needed. Angel waved her hand and his hair gathered in a ponytail.- Perfect. So what would you like to do?
- I had a couple of wishes...
***
"A brutal killer obsessed with his idea of creating the perfect fragrance that will stop at nothing for his goal..."
His desire to go to the cinema, to see this particular movie, was spontaneous and a little reckless, but he wanted it. "However, it is unclear how the bright angel will react to such a genre..." Alastor squinted to the right, where serafimka was sitting and expected to see horror or dislike, but no... She followed the development of events with passion.
- It's quite unexpected that you like something like that...- he said casually. Emily looked up from watching the movie and looked at him.
- It's amazing to me that you watch modern films. You're not supposed to be a fan of progress.
- This is my image. A smiling, conservative, lying sadist. The sinner replied with a shrug.
- And this is my role. A gentle, sensual and kind-hearted seraphim that can't experience any emotions except joy.
They continued watching the movie in silence. For the first time, each of them confessed their pretense to someone and it made them feel a little better...
***
- This film was very entertaining and interesting. Alastor said as he walked out of the hall where they were the only spectators.
- He was cool, though creepy in places... Emily touched the ends of her hair automatically.
"Yes, you're right... But now I'm wondering how to make perfume out of hair... Sinner joked, noticing her gesture. The angel twitched, and then said.
- Ha ha. If you want to make perfume, you can just ask for my hair. To do this, you should not go to such an extreme as murder.
- Unfortunately, your curls are unlikely to fit, you smell like vanilla for miles. He smiled sincerely and extended his elbow."Now it's your turn." Where would you like to go?
"Can you duck a little?" Emily muttered a little sheepishly, and the radio demon, intrigued, bent down to find out where the angel wanted to go. This shocked him.
"Where to?"
In response to this, the girl just smiled slyly.
***
It was an ordinary night for casino security, when suddenly an expensive-looking car stopped at the entrance and a young girl in a black dress got out of it with a tall man on her arm. He looked vaguely familiar to the guards, but they weren't sure about it.
- Good night, gentlemen. The sinner said coquettishly, clinging to the demon that was supporting her by the waist."Is there a problem?"
"Not at all, miss. Come on in."- the guard almost stammered, letting the couple inside.
- And why did you need to go to the casino? Alastor asked.
"Why not?" I've been wanting to beat a couple of moneybags for a long time. Angel laughed.
"Do you even know how to play?"
"Look at this.- Emily walked over to the roulette table with a businesslike gait and, after exchanging money for chips, sat down to play. Alastor had no choice but to sit next to her and watch. The waiter immediately jumped up.
"What do you want?"
- Long Island and... What do you want, darling? He asked Emily softly.
- Mm... Come on, mojito.- Serafimka replied, examining the chips.
"You heard the lady. The waiter nodded and disappeared into the dimness of the casino. The demon began to watch the angel place bets...
***
"This can't be happening!"!! A short and fat sinner with green skin, a bushy mustache and strange glasses was indignant.- It's impossible to win 5 times in a row!
"But I won." Serafimka grinned, pushing the chips towards her."Or do you want to accuse me of cheating?"
"Miss, your mojito."- the waiter served the drink.
"Thank you." Emily smiled politely.- Okay, boys, I'll skip a couple of bets so that you can catch up with me a little bit, otherwise I'm not interested in beating beggars. She flopped down gently on the sofa and smiled serenely. It felt damn good."Why aren't you playing?" Angel asked, turning to Alastor, who was slowly sipping his drink.
- I like watching their expressions more than guessing numbers... You know how to gamble... How many more surprises do you have?
- Gambling is not welcome in paradise, but who says it's always been like this? Emily asked calmly, looking at the spinning roulette wheel.- Initially, casinos were allowed in paradise, as the angels did not understand whether it was good or bad. It's a common game, but when people started raising the stakes, the Seraphim quickly shut down the shop and banned even the mention of playing cards. Gradually, many people forgot that there was a casino in paradise...
"But not you." The demon guessed.
- I only played a couple of times, after that I was forbidden to appear in such establishments until they were closed.
"Why not?"
- The fact is that no one likes it when you win all the time. Whatever a man does, I'll do it a hundred times better... That's why I've been banned from playing anything for a long time... I can only be a bystander. She said the last with great sadness and sorrow.
- So the winners didn't want you to participate in their games? Alastor's eyes widened. Then what has she been doing all these centuries? Was she really just a clown who makes sure that the kids are happy? "No wonder she got tired of all this and decided to have fun..."
"Not really... The victors did not understand this... The elders of paradise forbade me to do this.
- why?
- People may be offended by the fact that they are worse than angels and this will lead to social stratification and resentment. The winners will consider themselves worthless even then...
"That's bullshit.- the sinner was indignant. Right now, he was filled with sincere anger at such an injustice.- Because some people have low self-esteem, do you have to look weaker and worthless than them?! Do you have to restrain yourself from being better than them in some ways in order to amuse their ego? It's outrageous!
"But that's the truth... Angel sighed and put the empty glass on the table."And you're Alastor?" You have a lot of potential, but you're wasting it on Charlie's hotel... What is the reason?
- Isn't the atonement of sinners a noble cause and blah blah blah...
- To be completely honest... I don't want them to go to heaven. Emily said coldly, and Alastor looked at her curiously.
"That's a confession. And Charlie's been buzzing around the whole hotel about how good you are and how you want to help the demons.
- Alastor. You and I are adults and reasonable people. Let's look at the world with realism, not with cute dogs. Yes, I want to help sinful souls, and by no means agree with heaven about extermination, but I'm also not entirely on Charlie's side... The angel's gaze slid over the men who were currently cursing at the roulette wheel.- Many demons in hell deserve this punishment, but there are those who don't belong here, but they also won't have a place in heaven. You know, in the time that I've been watching Pentius, I've realized one thing. Paradise is a prison for him. And it really is. He doesn't like him, but when I asked him about hell, Pentius replied that hell wasn't the right place for him either, it was just that he was somehow more or less used to it... Do you understand what I'm getting at?
"Some people don't belong in heaven or hell... The sinner understood her, listening attentively.
- yes. And if Charlie continues to operate the hotel, she will simply transplant them from one cage to another. I can't count how many times Pentius wanted to die. He almost succeeded once.
"Then what should I do?"
"I don't know... I've been puzzling over this for several days now, but I still can't find the answer. Heaven is too strict for such souls and will break them psychologically, while hell is cruel and breaks you morally... He broke you like that... Am I right?
The demon stared thoughtfully at one point, and then quietly replied.
- When you're in hell, the word morality means almost nothing to you, because it's either too vague or it doesn't exist at all. My pretense and falsity is a well-thought-out and elaborated image that was invented even when I went to hell. Now I'm firmly attached to him because if I make even one mistake, everything will collapse. If I show weakness, there will be a thousand demons ready to destroy me. You can say that my life depends on my reputation, but I'm so tired of it...
- Your image... They forced it on you, didn't they? Emily asked carefully, and the radio interference sounded sharply."I'm sorry. I won't ask who because it's personal, but I can tell you that you're not the only one... Emily poured herself another glass of mojito and decided to return to the roulette table.- I'm glad that I can discuss this with someone...
Alastor thought about it, and then closed his eyes.
- I'm glad too...
***
- So my winnings are... Emily began in a solemn tone.- 1,789,000 dollars!
Angel laughed loudly and reached for her mojito glass again. The sinners were gloomier than clouds, glaring at her.
- Oh, you slut... A demon with cheetah elements in his guise hissed. He grabbed her arm roughly.- How dare you cheat in my casino?!
- And how do you prove it? Serafimka smiled coldly.- This is a roulette game in which it is impossible to predict which number the ball falls on. So how could I cheat? And now I advise you to take your hands off.
"You.".. The sinner did not have time to finish, as he flew away at the same second.
"Didn't you hear what they said?" Alastor asked indifferently, glancing at the cheetah with a bored gaze."Did he hurt you, my dear?"
- No, he just annoys me a little with his attention. She replied nonchalantly, getting up from the sofa and straightening her dress."I'm bored here. This casino does not treat the guests very warmly.
- I understand.- the radio demon snapped his fingers and the stack of money on the table that Serafimka had won caught fire and turned into ashes in a second.- Is it better now?
"Yes," angel smiled, looking at the long faces of the sinners.- Okay, let's not stay here. You might have some other wishes for the night.
- I'd be glad if you could make up a campaign for me. Bowing jokingly and offering her his elbow.
The couple went outside and began to walk slowly.
- What a pleasant feeling of superiority over someone.- Serafimka took a deep breath and laughed.- Thank you for helping me in that situation.
- You're welcome. Although you would have handled it fine on your own. Al replied, looking at the names of the buildings.
- But being saved by a charming gentleman is much more pleasant than brushing off a bunch of ignoramuses on your own. Don't you think so? Emily whispered sweetly.
"Maybe."- the sinner shrugged his shoulders and thought about it."By the way, how are you feeling?"
- It couldn't be better!- the girl answered fervently, and to prove her strength, she spun around and elegantly fell into the hands of the demon that caught her at the last moment."See? Everything is just wonderful! I feel great for the first time in millennia. I really want to sing!
- Have you ever drunk alcohol before? Alastor suddenly asked, causing the serafim's eyebrows to rise.
- No, but why this question? Do you want to have a drink at some bar? Emily asked slyly, still in the sinner's embrace.
- I'm just trying to understand the degree of your sobriety, I think the mojito was on alcohol at the casino.
Angel frowned and stood up straight.
- Alastor. I'm a centuries-old being who doesn't even take a disease. Do you think I can get drunk on a couple of mojitos?
- It's just that your slightly cheeky behavior puts me in a stupor. He muttered, looking away.
- I said that tonight I want to be sincere, real, without a mask. I'm not holding back just because I don't want to. I'm going to sing, have fun, shout, get violent, get angry, because I can't pretend forever. I felt something close to you... When I saw you, it seemed to me that I was looking in the mirror and seeing myself... At that moment, my heart fluttered with the realization that there was someone who looked like me and was in the same situation... Alastor, I'm ready to open up to you completely and entrust you with a side of myself that no one has ever seen before, but if you don't want to open up to me, then I won't blame you. It's hard... Although maybe you didn't feel the same way I did at that moment...
- no. I felt it. The moment we met, it felt like we'd known each other forever...
"Really?"
- yes. And I'm glad that I see this side of you. She's so bright, independent, and freedom-loving... When mine is not much different from the darkness.
"So what?" We have barter. A mutually beneficial exchange. I am ready to see the part of you that is hidden in the depths of your soul.
Alastor continued to stand and stare into her sky-blue eyes. "I want to dive into them... I want them to always be there for me and look at me..." He was embarrassed by these thoughts and was able to look away.
- OK... The demon cleared his throat, and then asked cheerfully.- You said you wanted to sing there. So I remembered another old wish of mine.
- Karaoke!- They said at the same time.
***
- I'm not very sure about this idea. Alastor backed down a bit, looking at the club.
"Come on!" Karaoke won't sing itself! Emily pulled him inside. It was very lively there, and the couple went to the bar and sat down on the chairs."I want to try a Bloody Mary!"
"Right now." The bartender quickly prepared a glass and handed it to Angel."Please."
"Thank you." She turned to face the sinner."Why are you so tense?" Relax!
- OK... I think Manhattan is for me. The demon handed it to the bartender. Emily was looking at some guy who was currently singing on stage."I thought you wanted to sing." What happened?
- Nothing, I was just thinking about which song to choose... I think I know the right one... Will you sing with me?
— well... Maybe...- the demon still hesitantly stretched out, but the girl had already asked for the microphone and, having tuned the song, began to sing.
Emily:
"When he comes in
Everyone is looking only at him..."
Her flirtatious tone did not leave anyone indifferent, and everyone turned their gaze to her.
"He's one of those men
With whom, as behind a stone wall
It's like something out of a movie."
Serafimka gracefully approached Alastor and smiled.
"A resolute cold look
Who's your Madeleine, Bond?"
She asked feigningly, and then, as if remembering something important, she grinned.
"Wait, it's me."
Angel pulled on his hand, urging him to stand up, the microphone disappeared from her hands, but the voice was still clearly audible even without it.
"Everyone is always talking"
Her arms gently wrapped around his neck.
"That happiness loves silence
And I want that, on us
Watching Hollywood cry"
Now their slow rocking has developed into something passionate and spicy.
"Everyone is always talking
That happiness loves silence"
Emily looked at him with her piercing eyes, which revealed genuine passion and desire, which made Alastor's heart skip a beat.
"And I want that, on us
Hollywood was crying as he looked..."
Serafimka was about to finish the song on this, because she thought that he did not want to sing, when suddenly he grabbed her hand and continued.
Alastor:
"I have a lot of broken hearts in my piggy bank
And everyone wanted a happy ending."
He stroked her hair gently and cupped her chin.
"And everyone was hoping for something more.
And I don't need anyone else but you..."
I can't tell you how Emily's eyes lit up at that moment.
Emily:
"And if the whole world is against us"
Alastor:
"I won't stop loving you"
Emily:
"And even if we're being chased."
Alastor:
"You're going to shoot, I'm going to feed the bullets."
Together:
"Everyone is always talking
That happiness loves silence
And I want that, on us
Watching Hollywood cry"
They swayed gently to the beat of the music. Emily could clearly hear the sinner's heartbeat. It had been an extraordinary night, but she didn't want it to end...
"Everyone is always talking
That happiness loves silence
And I want that, on us
Watching Hollywood cry"
His arms gently wrapped around the girl's waist. Not wanting to let go of his embrace. Serafimka lifted her head and he was faced with a relaxed gaze of blue eyes.
"Everyone is always talking
That happiness loves silence
And I want that, on us
Hollywood was crying as he watched."
His arms gently wrapped around the girl's waist. Not wanting to let go of his embrace. Serafimka lifted her head and he was faced with a relaxed gaze of blue eyes.
"Everyone is always talking
That happiness loves silence
And I want that, on us
Hollywood was crying as he watched."
The demon touched his cheek with his hand. So soft and velvety, not understanding what he was doing, Alastor leaned forward and kissed her. Emily responded in kind. They stood in the middle of the stage, not noticing anyone or anything... When the kiss ended, all the audience applauded, looking at such a performance. The sinner was confused and went to the exit.
- I think it's too late to go back to the hotel...
- Yes, you're right. Angel agreed softly. The couple left the club and breathed in the fresh morning air. Noticing that the girl was staggering, Al decided to call a taxi, as it was difficult for him to use his own strength. A purple car with red elements stopped, and it was very fortunate that there was a wall between the driver and the passengers, which made it impossible for him to know who he was driving. "It's good for me." The radio demon thought as he helped Serafima into the car. After saying the address, they sat in silence, each thinking about his own. Alastor was the first to break the silence.
- About what happened at the karaoke...
"It doesn't matter. Emily interrupted him and leaned forward slightly.- Everything that happens tonight stays tonight.
- you mean?"What is it?" the demon asked, fighting the strong urge to kiss her again. She seemed to realize this, because the next second she pulled on his collar. He restrained himself as much as he could, but next to her, the word control lost both meaning and significance.
- No one will owe anyone anything. Serafimka whispered softly.- No obligations to each other.
- A night without obligations...- the radio demon agreed, and before merging with her again in a kiss, he gave the driver a different address.- It would be bad if we were seen in this state...
- And who was rushing back to the hotel a few minutes ago? She smiled slyly.
"That was before you kissed me.".. Sinner whispered, nuzzling her neck and kissing her gently.
"We're here."- the driver said dully, and so that they would not be seen, Alastor turned into a shadow and transported himself and Emily directly into the house.
"Do you live here?" Angel asked, looking at the house with interest.
- yes. However, I spend most of my time doing business, so I rarely come here.
"How sad.".. You're so rarely in your house... A look of sadness crossed Emily's face, which Alastor tried to quickly banish. They should be having fun today, not sad. He turned her to face him and kissed her.
- But such moments are the brightest and most colorful in my life...
A faint smile touched Emily's lips.
- OK. May you remember this night for a long time...
- If this night was spent with you, then it will remain in my heart forever...- the demon suddenly confessed to himself.
- As well as for me...- serafimka whispered, merging with him in a kiss. Her legs gave out slightly from euphoria, but the radio demon held her so that she would not fall.
My head was pounding, and a soft warmth enveloped my body, but no. It was literally burning. Alastor didn't understand what was going on. But his intuition told him that everything was fine. Emily almost fell, but he picked her up in his arms and carried her into the room without breaking the passionate kiss. He could feel her hands in his hair, and his own were gently stroking her thighs. My heart was pounding. Alastor gently pushed her onto the bed and continued to kiss Emily. Lips, cheeks, forehead, chin, until it reached the neck and back to the lips. She drove him crazy with her scent... His kind... With my own eyes... With my body... With my soul... His hand slipped under her dress. You'll taste the forbidden fruit once and you'll never forget it... Suddenly, Emily either muttered or growled. Alastor pulled away from his lips and looked at her uncertainly.
"Did I do something wrong?"
- No, nothing.- Serafimka shook her head.
- no. I did something wrong. The radio demon took his hand off his hip and saw drops of blood on his fingers. He scratched her... Hurt her...
"It's nothing.
Alastor shook his head."I hurt you."
"Oh, come on. It's a small scratch that will heal in a second. Emily tried to cheer him up, but it didn't work out. The demon took it too personally.
"I hurt you...- then he felt a pain in his neck. It was the angel who pounced on him and bit into him.- Ouch! What are you doing?!
- I am engaged in sexual cannibalism. Have you heard about mantises?- she had to unclench her teeth for a second, thanks to which the sinner gained an advantage and grabbed her by the arms and threw her onto the bed, fixing them above her head.
"You won't get me alive." The demon chuckled, looking at her.
- We'll see about that...- Serafimka said conspiratorially, and a sly twinkle appeared in her eyes."Don't forget that even though I'm a girl, I'm an immortal being. You can't hurt me... Don't worry about it, Alastor...
She said the last words softly and so tenderly that the demon lost his concentration and loosened his grip. Taking advantage of this, Emily leaned forward and kissed him. Alastor replied to this. His hands slid behind his back, searching for the fastener of his dress. He could never hurt her...
***
Emily smiled at the sleeping face of the demon. He was relaxed and peaceful, without his fake, strained smile... Angel couldn't help but kiss him on the cheek.
"Okay, go back to sleep...- the girl got out of bed and picked up her shirt from the floor and decided to go down to the kitchen. Now she felt as good as she could, she had at least one person who saw her without a mask, and it pleases. I'm glad that at least someone knows the real her...
Alastor opened his eyes with difficulty. My head was buzzing uncomfortably, and some of yesterday's episodes surfaced in my mind. Picking up his trousers from the floor and putting them on, the demon decided to go down to the kitchen to drink coffee to cheer up, along the way, the sinner tried to remember where and on what note he broke up with Emily. Then the nose smelled the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sinner looked inside. Serafimka was sitting at the table in his shirt (which he had not been able to find before) and sipping a hot drink from a mug.
"Good morning."
- Morning...- the demon drawled uncertainly, sitting down at the table. Angel handed him another cup of coffee.
- How did you sleep? I hope there are no bruises, otherwise I kick at night. Emily chuckled.
- No, I don't think so... listen about yesterday...
- No one will know about it and it was without any obligations. We just had a good time together, that's all. You can even call it a one-time action. Me and you just wanted to relax and unwind. Is this formulation appropriate?
The sinner thought about it, and then smiled.
"That's good. I'm more than happy with that.
"That's great. Emily was smiling out the window, relaxed.
- By the way, an exhibition of underwater creatures from the circle of envy will be held in the neighboring city of Imp City in a week. Won't you make me a campaign?
- Animals from the circle of envy?! The angel's eyes lit up.- Of course! Still asking?!
"It's just that these creatures are so disgusting that I didn't think such a fragile and pampered creature would like them." Aw! - the girl pinched his shoulder."Okay, okay... I've already realized that you're full of surprises.
"Just like you.".. She smiled softly, laying her head on his shoulder. She has a man in front of whom she can forget about her mask for a while and be herself...
Alastor inhaled the delicate scent of vanilla. This is the first night in hell that he has spent as he wanted. Not pretending, not running stupid errands, not lying... Then he was free and sincere. He didn't have to maintain his stupid and unnecessary overlord status. It's hard to even remember the last time he had so much fun... "It was probably the last time I was alive, because I wasn't up to it in hell..." The sinner looked at Emily. Thanks to her, he was able to briefly remember what real freedom is...
Serafimka sipped her hot coffee slowly, wanting to make this moment last longer. Now her mask seemed disgusting and disgusting. "But I'll have to put it back on..." Emily thought sadly, and then looked at Alastor, who was smiling at some thoughts of his own. The sight of his sincere smile made me feel better and more comfortable. And from the realization that after a week they would go for a walk together again, the negative emotions receded.
"As long as he's around..."
"As long as she's around..."
"Wearing a mask is much easier..."
Alastor and Emily looked into each other's eyes and smiled, realizing that they were thinking the same thing.
"It's a pity that even though we're still attached to our roles..."
An angel and a demon thought with sadness, whose freedom is illusory, emotions are fake, and the desire to be themselves is too great...