@SheMakesIBreak *Those words warm me in ways that are still fresh and exciting in their own way. I gesture vaguely back toward the door.* I thought I heard the hellhounds and figured you were looking for me for something. Or did I misread that and they were just baying to make noise?
@SheMakesIBreak *Stepping into the office I've always found to be far warmer and welcoming than most of Hell, I offer you a bright smile. You look tired, careworn, and grayed out; and I don't like that.* I don't want to interrupt anything important... *I want to see you shimmer in your glory.*
--I wonder what would happen if Mother found out. She might be more amenable to ...whatever this is. But now is for time with Father. Perhaps he'll play his guitar for me. It's been a while. Stopping outside @SheMakesIBreak's office, I knock gently.* Father? Are you free?
@AnAscendedDemon *A tiny smile curls up my lips as I wander away. It was so brazen of me to kiss your cheek like that, no matter how innocent. Father mustn't learn of this, nor Mother really. I'm not sure either would react favorably to me befriending the being that guards his chains. And yet,--
@AnAscendedDemon --a tiny peck on your cheek.* Thank you again, Abaddon. I'll see you soon. *And I force myself to turn and walk away before I'm tempted to stay longer, just to talk with you.*
@AnAscendedDemon *Sighing softly at the sound of that damned hellhound, I nod. I don't want to leave, but I will.* I /will/ be back, you know, but I'll do my best not to be a pest to you or distract you from your duties. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble with my father. *I lean up to press--
@AnAscendedDemon and for letting me see the chains that bind my father. I don't like what they symbolize, but I suddenly feel better knowing that you are the one keeping them safe. I don't care what the other demons think, you are a better being than most demons, angels, or humans.
@AnAscendedDemon *The more you speak, the more I find myself almost preening, but then I realize how much like Father I am.* You have a way with words, Abaddon. I like that. You don't understand what it means to have someone's respect like that. Thank you for reminding me of what's important,--
@AnAscendedDemon You're definitely different from what I've come to accept as the general vibe down here in Hell. You don't treat me like they do, like an extension of my parents. You treat me like I'm normal... Thank you for that.
@AnAscendedDemon or not. *And then the words are out of my mouth before I can stop them ...or do I really want to?* I wouldn't want to be involved in anything with someone who can't hold their own.
@AnAscendedDemon That may be true, but where the Princess of Hell is concerned, my parents might become a bit more ...difficult. *A soft chuckle escapes me when I imagine you putting them in their place.* And yet, I would have to defer to your better judgment on your assessment of being afraid--
@AnAscendedDemon my father, and they're useless to me, or my parents themselves, and that could be tricky to navigate. *A small smirk curls up my lips.* But I think I can handle anything they throw my way. The question is... Can you?
@AnAscendedDemon I-- *I find myself at a loss for words suddenly. You are fascinating to behold up close and personal like this. What would Mother think? What would /Father/ think?* I think the only ones to worry about what I do and who I spend my time with are either trying to use me to get to--
"Slumming with the Ascended has become my new favorite pastime."
What in hellfire is wrong with me? If either of my parents find out I'm so friendly with .../anyone/ really, but especially /him/, that might cause some issues...
But I'm not flirting. Nope, I'm not.
@AnAscendedDemon *The heat building on my cheeks is mortifying, especially if you can see it, which you likely can, thanks to my pale complexion.* Who knows? Maybe slumming with the Ascended has just become my new favorite pastime.
@AnAscendedDemon I should head over to say hello to Father before I head back up to Earth. *Without hesitation, I hold out my hand toward you.* It was lovely to meet you finally, Abaddon. I hope to run into you again soon.
@AnAscendedDemon I-- *The mention of Mother pulls me up short. She is so protective of me, and for good reason. Father is, too, but it's different with him. I don't even think he knows I'm down here right now.* No, we wouldn't want that. Her temper is ...formidable when aimed at you. I suppose--
@AnAscendedDemon I will be there as witness to Mother's vengeance. *The words are out, and in a firm, serious tone, before I realize that I've even accepted the /thought/ of them. But I won't take it back. I would never disrespect my mother or my siblings in such a way. And more words escape--
@AnAscendedDemon *The giggle that bursts past my lips has me blushing even harder, but I shake a finger at you.* You are good. I'm keeping my eye on you, Abaddon.