Chapter Text
I'm on my third loaded chili-topped hotdog, courtesy of Lady. She knows how to feed a half-demon right. Trish is here too, sipping a martini with a certain poise and grace that is borderline seductive. Zorro, the bartender, probably slipped it to her without a word. Could be from the gentleman eyeing Trish from the far end. He's been staring like he just discovered the sun.
What I appreciate about Lady and Trish is their silence about my food frenzy. They get it. A gluttony demon needs fuel, and I'm not one to disappoint my appetite. They don't see me as a monster or a sideshow freak. Unlike most folks, they're not disgusted or running for the hills. With Lady she is the only human I've ever met who didn't regard me with any hostility or fear. I mean, her closest associates are demons. As for Trish who is a demon herself, I'm sure she's seen enough to know that demons come in all flavors.
I'm not big on mingling with female devil hunters, or any devil hunters. Or people in general truth-be-told. Most of them have this aura of judgment or fear around me. Can't blame them. I'm more or less a monster, but I try not to look too imposing. However, I don't see how a short and chubby woman wearing pigtail braids can appear intimidating... But Lady and Trish, they're different. They don't see me as a threat or a curiosity. We're not super close, but if they are around they always greet me, and occasionally, like now sit with me. I was surprised however when Lady was offering to buy me dinner, and kept buying. I mean, I know she's got the money to blow, being considered the highest paid devil hunter around these parts.
I take another massive bite of my hotdog, relishing in the mix of flavors. Spicy, savory, and a hint of something devilishly delicious. It's the perfect combo.
Lady catches my eye, "You drinkin?" She asks me.
Trish finished her martini, yanking the olive from the pick with her teeth. "Do you drink?" she asked curiously.
I shrug. I usually don't go out of my way to. Living with someone like Felix who spends most days smoking, drinking, and f*cking turned me off to all three of those things. Though, I didn't see any harm in trying something new with the ladies.
That's when I spot it—a rugged mug slamming down, dark liquid splashing on the bar as its drinker bursts into laughter over some wild tale.
"What's that?" I nod towards the intriguing drink.
Zorro, with his usual flair, introduces me to the "Demon's Dogma Delight." "A special brew for the adventurous," he chuckles. "Created by yours truly."
"What's in it?" Trish asked.
"A dark rum base infused with cloves, allspice, and a splash of honey mead."
For a winter's night there is something perfectly warm and inviting about that sort of beverage. I can already taste the flavors on my tongue.
---
Throughout the night I ended up downing three more of those potent co*cktails.
"You good, Corky?" Lady asked, after her turn during out pool game.
Trish, who was leaning against her cue stick scoffed, "Lady, how many times do I have to tell you. It's going to take way more than that to get a demon drunk."
There was a look exchanged between them that I couldn't help but notice, as Lady briefly narrowed her eyes at her. In a playful but competitive manner, which she has been doing throughout our pool game. "You sure you are okay, Corky?" She asked again and Trish dramatically threw her hands up and rolled her eyes.
"I'm great," I reply with a grin, feeling the warmth of the alcohol coursing through me.
Trish crosses her arms smugly and puts her palm out to Lady, clearing her throat. "You heard her, she says she's fine. Now pay up."
"My God, Trish," with an exasperated roll of her eyes, Lady began to dig into her pouch for her wallet. "You could have at least waited until the night is over!" She then slaps a few bills in Trish's palm.
"You're the one who's always up for a wager," Trish retorts, taking the bills with a smirk.
"Were you two betting on me?" I ask.
Lady smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, Corky, it wasn't at your expense," Lady reassured me. "Trish and I just like to make random friendly bets here and there. It's a little silly."
Trish rolls her eyes again at Lady. "Lady, she's not a little girl. Besides, most of our wagers are about Dante, it's about time we switched it up. Things were getting a little stale."
I laughed. That explained why Lady was paying for my indulgences. Though I should have been offended, I was quite pleased that I was part of their little wager. Most likely if they can get me drunk. And Trish, more understanding how demonic biology worked knew she was going win.
Just then the door to the bar opened, and the stalwart Lucia entered. She rarely was seen around here, since she is not from Red Grave City. At least every several months if not once a year. Lady wrinkled her nose at her presence. Do they not like each other? Trish only just noticed where I attention was and laughed. She turned to face us, "Next wager. I bet that she is here for Dante."
Lady crossed her arms at this, "If she is here for Dante she would have came to the shop."
"That was her first stop. She comes here when she can't find him at the shop."
"And how would you know that?"
"I've always had a good read on people." Trish then smirked, turning her attention to me. "Corky, what do you think?"
"You want me to place a bet?" I asked, trying not to show that I was fangirling a little at being invited to their thing.
"Doesn't have to be money." Trish looked me up and down, "What's your bet?"
I knew next to nothing about Lucia. But based on the rumors she only comes here to see Dante specifically. Why Lady would think otherwise is another question. "Oh, yeah, she's totally here for him."
"Thatta' girl, hope your brought enough cash on you, Lady. That's a double pay-out."
Lady scoffed, "Whatever."
So it came to everyone's surprise when Lucia's eyes landed on me, and she began to approach. We stopped out game to see what this usually stoic Protector needed. "She's going to ask if we've seen him," Trish muttered under her breath.
"Are you Corky?"
Or...
I blinked, and I saw from my peripheral both Trish and Lady swivel their heads to me. "Yeah."
"Good, I did not waste a trip. I ran into your friend Felix and he told me you would be here."
"Wait!" Trish blurted, which I have never thought to see her look so baffled, "You are here for her?"
"Yes. I came with sensitive information. It's about your brother, Cronk."
At the mention of his name I suddenly felt a drop in my stomach. I almost didn't here the rest of what she said, as it is what I had figured all along.
"...are you... listening?"
Suddenly I vomited all over Lucia's shoes.
The entire bar fell silent. It was deafening.
I almost didn't want to get back up as I felt the gentle pat on the back from Lady as she tried to ease me back up.
And that was how I found out my brother was alive and working for Beelzebub... and Trish lost $200.
