(Stygian's POV)
My whole body aches.
Like, really aches. Muscles I didn't even know I had are sore. Charlie and Vaggie absolutely wrecked me last night—not in a bad way, I guess, but still... I'm starting to dread Sunday nights.
I love them both, but I'm not a chew toy.
The morning sun slips through the curtains and lands right on my face. I squint, groaning a little, and carefully sit up so I don't wake them. They look peaceful, cuddled up and completely knocked out. Lucky them.
I stretch my back (ouch), then tiptoe across the room to the closet. I pull out some clean clothes, but something at the bottom catches my eye—my old vest and those dumb blue shorts from when I was a kid.
I hold them up, scoffing softly.
"Man... I used to think I looked cool in this."
I toss them back in the closet and grab my regular outfit, heading to the bathroom to clean up.
---
The shower feels good, at least. Hot water. Steam. Silence.
But halfway through, I get this weird feeling—like someone's watching me.
I pause, wiping the water out of my eyes. Look around.
Nothing. Just fog and tile.
I sigh. Probably just me being paranoid... or maybe whatever's left of my dignity slipping down the drain.
---
After washing up and getting dressed, I kiss Charlie and Vaggie on the forehead and quietly teleport to the kitchen.
Breakfast time.
I toss some fruit in a bowl, then boil up some worms to make noodles. Yeah, it's gross. But I grew up on this kind of stuff. Besides, spicing it up with chili powder, sriracha, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes turns it into something halfway decent.
Also, Stolas won't touch anything spicy, so—bonus.
I finish up, wash the dishes, and grab six cans of white Monster from the fridge. Not the healthiest breakfast, I know. Charlie would scold me if she saw.
Too late now.
---
I teleport into the lobby and freeze for a second.
Summer and Dia are cleaning the place in maid outfits. And I don't mean the modest kind.
"Morning, Stygian!" they both chime in.
I blink.
"Uh… morning. Can I ask... why the maid outfits? And why are you cleaning?"
Summer looks proud. "We wanted to show our appreciation. You let us stay here for free after everything, so we figured helping out was the least we could do."
"Well, I've got staff for that, but... if you think it's part of your redemption, go ahead."
They nod, smiling.
"Oh, also, why are you wearing Charlie's old cosplay outfits? She made those like... years ago."
"We found them in a box labeled 'Shame,'" Dia says innocently.
Of course.
I sigh. "Just... put them back when you're done."
Seriously, I wore those when I was seven. How do they even fit?
I try not to think about it as I head to the reception desk.
---
Angel Dust is already there, leaning against the counter like he owns the place.
"Morning, Angel."
"Morning, toots. Got a weird one for ya."
He holds up his hand. There's a tiny heart-shaped tattoo on the back.
"That little cow gave me this after I patted her on the head. Thing is... I actually felt better afterward. What gives?"
I study it, curious.
"Beth's never done that to anyone else. If I had to guess... maybe some kind of emotional magic? Honestly, no clue. Only she knows and she's not very talkative."
"Great. Guess I'll have to ask the little doll myself."
"You do that. Oh—have you seen Summer and Dia yet?"
His eyes widen.
"They're here?!"
"Yeah. Found them after they took out Valentino."
He blinks. "Valentino's dead?!"
"Yup. Anyway, I've got work."
I leave him standing there, jaw on the floor.
---
A few hours pass. No new tenants, but a few idiots tried sneaking in to kill some of the sinners we're housing.
Geri handled it. Brutally.
Heads ripped off. Bones shattered. The usual. He even tried reading their memories through the blood, but all he saw was the same thing every time: a shadowy figure hiring them. No identity. No name.
I told him not to worry about it. As long as I'm here, this place is safe.
He handed me a crudely made business card and asked if he could join the group it was advertising. Apparently, his friend's dad runs it.
I said sure.I then gave him a gift—Beowulf: a set of boots and gauntlets forged from a powerful demon that went rogue. This was meant for protection so that if he gets into a fight against someone particularly powerful he'll have a better chance at winning.
He hugged me like I just gave him a Christmas gift.
---
The rest of the day was quiet. Paperwork. Desk duty. A few surprise meals from Charlie and Vaggie, who kept popping in to tell me to drink actual water for once.
They care. Loudly.
After work, I went to visit Stolas. He was stretched out on his couch, watching his favorite soap opera, looking... happier than usual.
He lit up when I walked in.
"Stygian! You'll never believe this—I've got news!"
"What kind of news?"
He grinned like a teenager.
"My first friend... we're more than friends now."
I blinked. "Wait. Who?"
He just chuckled.
"Let's just say... someone who makes me feel young again."
I didn't pry. If he's happy, I'm happy.
We hung out for a while, laughed about some ridiculous party Stella threw—one of her classic "I want a divorce" tantrums that she always takes back the next day.
Eventually, I said goodbye and headed home.
I don't know who his mystery friend is.
But honestly... I'm glad he's smiling again.