With his stomach full from pancakes and feeling warm from the alcohol, Kevin excused himself from the bar and headed for the courtyard behind the hotel.
Intending to walk the perimeter, he pushed open the large double doors and stepped out into the warm, humid air, took a deep breath—and stopped.
In the middle of the courtyard, he saw Vaggie moving in a rhythmic dance, her angelic spear in hand, running through many of the same techniques he had seen and practiced himself with Lute’s army up in Heaven while preparing for the execution.
As the doors closed behind him with a soft thump, Vaggie glanced up.
The smile that crossed her face was mirrored back as he crossed toward the middle of the courtyard.
“Didn’t expect to find you out here,” Kevin said.
“I like to get in a small workout every morning,” Vaggie explained casually as she set the butt of her spear to the ground.
“Keep my edge, ya know.
Just in case.”
Though it was said nonchalantly, there was a hint of worry that suggested she didn’t trust that the executions were truly over.
To change the mood, Kevin reached up and drew his halo down, the shape elongating into a sword.
“Well then,” he grinned, “would you care to spar a bit?”
“Oh.” Vaggie smiled, accepting the challenge.
“I would love to!” Taking up a defensive position, holding her spear at a ten and four angle, she asked, “How’s your inspection coming along?”
Kevin cracked his neck and swished his sword down to his side, gripping the handle while gauging her feet.
“For the most part, good.
Other than a few scares with Niffty, that is.”
“Oh?”
“Never mind.” He waved it off with a laugh and switched to a more serious topic.
“But we will need to replace the cameras in Alastor’s hallway, though—they were somehow vandalized.” He finished with a barely veiled tone of sarcasm.
Vaggie nodded in understanding while tapping the end of her spear on the ground, “I will talk to Alastor and see about getting them replaced.”
Shifting his stance, Kevin acknowledged the tap.
“Already done.
I informed him that he’s not to mess with my security measures, and I sent him out to buy new ones.
He was rather amicable when I explained myself.”
“He agreed?
That easily?” The surprise on her face cost her a beat as Kevin launched forward, swinging his sword unexpectedly—she had to quickly adjust and block.
Though she managed it, the shift sent her feet scrambling, and she cursed as she found her footing.
“¡Pésimo truco, Kevin!”
“Nunca dejes una ventaja sin aprovechar, Vaggie.” Kevin jumped back and raised his sword in preparation.
“You know Spanish?” She twisted her spear to knock it aside and jumped back.
“Learned a few languages in school and the service,” he explained, then informed, “In battle, you’re going to face a lot of surprises, and if you let them distract you, you’re gonna get hurt.
You’ve got a good stance, and you’re smooth and fluid, well-trained.
But even the slightest mistake can mean the difference between life and death.”
Eye narrowing, Vaggie scoffed, “I was trained for a long time as an Exorcist Angel, Kevin, and fought in countless battles.
I know what I’m doing.” Carmilla had challenged her skills in much the same way, but from Kevin, the remarks cut deeper, bringing up old scars.
Recalling the little bit that Charlie had explained about her girlfriend’s past, Kevin pressed the point.
“Yet, you showed weakness the last time you participated in an execution of sinner souls, and you lost your wings and an eye.” He moved slowly in a semicircle, watching her match his steps.
“Mercy isn’t weakness!” Taken aback by the bluntness and fueled by the flash of anger, Vaggie twisted suddenly and swung her spear, clanging against Kevin’s sword.
He felt his wrist twist and had to work to hold the sword at the right angle.
He knew he’d struck a nerve and offered a balm.
“Mercy is a strength, Vaggie, as is love.”
He flicked his sword up and prepared for the next volley.
“But it’s a strength we have to defend at all times.
Those without it will kill us in an instant.
We cannot let our guard down for anyone or anything, or we’ll end up dead.
You are well trained—superbly trained—but even masters at their craft still learn something new every day.
Even with all my skills, intelligence, and experience, Hell has shown me I’m back on the bottom rung, and I have a great many things to learn, myself.”
Her shoulders dropped.
She saw what he did, and respected it—grudgingly, that is, because it still stung, what had happened to her—being ripped apart by Lute and left to die.
Charlie had saved her in more ways than she could ever repay, and now she saw that Kevin planned to do the same.
She gave him a slight bow of her head, eyes still on him.
“I mistook your challenge as playful.
Something anyone could do and have hidden intentions.
Lesson learned.”
Changing his sword back into his halo, he set it on his head.
“I’m sorry for what I said, but I needed to poke you.
See how you’d react.
To show you that rushing in with emotion can get you killed.
Cassie taught that to Charlie before she faced Rygen, and it was the only thing that saved her life.
And mine.”
“I remember the story.” She rubbed her arm, a soft smile finding her lips.
“And it’s okay.
I’m learning that you’re not going to let up, not even with me, and I appreciate it.”
“Good, cause we have those around us with masks on all the time, Vaggie.
I don’t want us to be tense and untrusting to a point of endless contention, but we can’t get complacent, either.”
She planted her spear in the ground and let go of it, stepping up to face him.
“You didn’t expect to see me out here, and yet immediately, you turned this into a lesson.” Looking up at his eyes, she asked, “Is this going to be your thing with me?
Keeping me on my toes?”
His fingers found a few strands of Vaggie’s hair and tucked them back behind her ear.
He chose to fluster her with a tease.
“Precisely as we agreed.
On your toes, not on your back.”
Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she shared a glance that said this would be a recurring theme.
She bit her lip and mentally gave him a point.
Two-to-one, her favor.
She stepped back and shook her head with a playful scoff.
“I see you’re becoming comfortable quickly.” Letting a breath out past her lips, her shoulders slumped as she relaxed.
“And I honestly can’t tell you how glad I am of that.
I was worried.”
“I know, but I promised you, no hesitation, no fear.
And that’s going to include teasing you sometimes.
Besides, you started it this morning.”
“I did,” Vaggie agreed with a light laugh, “And the look on your face was worth it.”
Kevin nodded, then shrugged, “I bet.” Then his tone shifted, becoming tentative and curious, “I was wondering, though?”
“Yeah?”
“This morning was more intimate than I’d expected, and I can’t lie, Vaggie, the trust you’re showing me is more than I can grasp.
I said I wouldn’t hold back with Charlie, and that’s true.” He licked his lips, “But…I’d like a chance to get to know you better.
So, I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me, just the two of us, in a few days’ time?”
Her eye widened as a soft blush swam over her cheeks, but she caught herself and stood straighter, her gaze going serious.
“Are you asking me out on a date, Mr.
Collins?”
“Yes,” Kevin said bluntly.
“I…” She ran her fingers through her hair.
“I mean…well, yes.
Of course.
I actually think that’s a good idea.” A wisp of a smile formed at the edge of her lips.
“And, knowing Charlie, she would probably insist on it, anyway.
That is, if she didn’t already have an exercise planned out for us.”
“Trust exercises?” The memory surfaced of what Charlie had said about the day she’d insisted Vaggie take charge of activities.
She huffed a laugh.
“Something like that.” The smile held at the corner of her lips.
“But yes, Kevin, a date sounds wonderful.”
“You pick the day and place, but I’d love to get a tour of the Pride Ring, if that would be okay?”
“That works, but don’t wait on me for that.
Charlie may want to take you out before then, and she has easier access to all the realms than I do.”
“I’m intrigued, but sinners are resigned to the Pride Ring, and I want to get a feel for the city.
The more I know, the more I can help.”
“That strategic mind never shuts down, does it?” Vaggie folded her arms and gave what passed for a wink.
“No, never.” Kevin laughed lightly.
“And on top of that, I’d love for us to talk more about this power dynamic you think the three of us could have.”
“Deal.” Vaggie nodded, then a teasing smile of her own crossed her face.
“But while a date later this week sounds good, that’s just us going out to chat.” She narrowed her eyes playfully and leaned in.
“So, I wanna know: Are you eager for tonight?”
Now it was Kevin’s turn to flush, but his answer came low and certain.
“Yes.
Very much yes.
I have missed her so much, Vaggie.
I swear, I will cherish her with all my heart, and I will never be able to fully express how much I appreciate you for this.”
Vaggie closed the space between them and wrapped her arms around him, a tight squeeze that pressed the air from his lungs.
“You already have.
You’re loyal, honest, and quite chivalrous.
You risked your life for Charlie more than once, and you were willing to leave without a fight if I had asked you to do so.
But I told Charlie last night that I want to give this a chance because I see something extraordinary in you.
I want her to be happy, Kevin, more than anything else in this world, and I know we can both do that for her.”
Kevin took her chin in his hand and tipped it up so her face was looking at his.
He bent and kissed her softly on the forehead before pressing his own to hers, and he heard a catch of her breath in response.
It was how Kevin showed his love for Charlie, and here he was, sharing it with her.
“And it matters more than anything to me as well, Vaggie.
Thank you.”
They held the posture a beat before she stepped back.
“You are welcome, Kevin Angelus Collins.” She straightened herself up.
“Now!
It seems I have to shoo you off yet again.
I don’t want to keep you from completing your rounds, so you can go spend some time with Charlie, one-on-one.
When I’m done here, I’m going to go see Carmilla Carmine and do some training with her.
I told Charlie I’d probably spend the night there.”
“Spend the night?” His features creased with worry.
“Are you…uncomfortable being in the hotel tonight?
Knowing Charlie and I will be together?”
“Charlie gave the impression she was thinking the same thing when I told her my plans.” She shook her head.
“I’m disappearing from the hotel on the very first night you’re going to make love to our girlfriend, and I can definitely see how it looks.
But I swear to you, I’m fine.
Carmilla told me that when time permitted, to come visit and she’d share more of her secrets with me.
I haven’t had a chance since the battle and rebuild.
I’m simply using my free time well.
Plus, I’ll get to do some personal shopping—maybe pick up something to surprise Charlie with tomorrow night.”
Vaggie saw him nod, but the doubt was still in his eyes.
“You promised me you’d be all in, remember?
No questions, right?”
“I know, I know, but I respect you too much to just say, ‘Okay, have a fun night at your friend’s while I have sex with Charlie.'” Uncharacteristically, Kevin kicked at the dirt in frustration.
Taking the word of a woman who was willingly opening up her relationship with Charlie to include him wasn’t exactly a simple task.
No matter how much she insisted.
Pursing her lips, Vaggie hummed.
“I mean, when you put it that way, I can see why you’re nervous.” She took a breath, then spoke quietly.
“But I’m not jealous.
I should be, right?
I should be fucking insane that I’m letting my girlfriend fuck someone else.
But everything I told you last night, this morning, and right now is true.
And do you know why?”
“Why?” He studied her past the bridge of his nose.
Vaggie’s grin widened at his curious eyes.
She closed the small distance between them and laid her palm against his chest.
“Because you!
Kevin Angelus Collins!” Her palm became a fist, pointer finger extended, and she poked him firmly with each clipped word.
“Saved!
Her! Visit novelping.com for the full chapter.
Life!
Twice!” She held her finger against his heart after the last.
“And you literally died so you could come back here and do it again.
You have earned my trust and my friendship.
And you have earned your right to call yourself Charlie’s boyfriend.
So, please.
Again!
Get over this, and love Charlie the way I love her.
All in, remember?”
Kevin bowed his head with a shuddering breath.
“I do, but like you said this morning, we may stumble while figuring this out.”
“Yes.
And I just caught you.”
He nodded with quiet weight.
“Thank you.”
“We’re family now, Kevin.” Vaggie lifted onto her toes and brushed her lips against his cheek.
“And I’m all in on that part.”
“Station accepted.” He blew out a breath that carried a single laugh, then asked, “When do you plan to head out?”
Settling back on her heels, Vaggie folded her arms and made a show of sniffing the air.
“After lunch.
I can smell Cherri’s cooking from here.
No way I’m passing up whatever it is she’s got planned.”
“I got a quick bite in the kitchen while she was cooking; I agree, it’s going to be interesting.”
Vaggie cracked her neck.
“Be a nice change from having food brought in by Gore-Dash every day during the rebuild.” Sizing him up, she asked, “Now, is there anything else you need before I send you on your way?”
“Actually, yes.” Kevin set aside the subject of Alastor’s offer for now and turned instead to something lighter—a thought he’d had earlier in the morning.
He closed his eyes and drew out his large white wings, feeling them unfold from behind his back.
When he opened his eyes, he brought one wing around and gripped the bony top, wrapped in white feathers.
“Is there any way to dye angel wings?
They stand out being this bright, and I’d like to be a little less conspicuous when I have them out.
I know your wings are more grey with black compared to most angels in Heaven.”
“Exorcist wings are a bit of a different design for the express purpose of fighting.
Our feathers are smaller and less likely to be dislodged.
I’m not certain why our color tones differ, but I believe it’s possible.
You could also armor them.
I’ve seen some high angels do that before.”
A jab of regret hit him at the thought of Eryn.
She was a heaven-born given life to judge false prophets, and they had become fast friends after his arrival in Heaven.
It was Eryn who had infused a piece of her soul into Kevin’s halo so that he could create weapons and shields by thought alone.
It had touched him that she put such trust and faith in him, despite the fact that he’d had to hide his reasons for leading the exorcist army to Hell.
He viewed her as kin—a bond like the one he had with Cassie.
And he knew he had been judged by her and excommunicated to Hell, probably at the forced command of Sera.
He could tell by the change in his powers—still present, but no longer blessed by Heaven’s grace.
Subtle, but emotionally raw.
It meant retraining himself and showing no weakness, especially not to Alastor.
“Kevin?” Vaggie’s voice pulled him back.
“Sorry.” He shook his head and returned to the present.
“I was remembering a friend up in Heaven.
She adorned her wings in armor, took on the grace of a raven, and was beautiful.
Eryn was one of the few, along with Emily, with whom I had any real time outside of my duties and meditation.”
“I knew Eryn.” She answered, something quiet in her voice.
“She was my mentor when I joined the exorcist army.
More attuned to proper training, firm but fair.
A far step above Lute.
I have missed her at times, myself.”
“Many steps.” He shared a half-smile.
“A worthy angel if there ever was one.
But to answer you?
I don’t know if I want to armor my wings.
I am one of the fastest fliers I’ve ever seen in Heaven and need to stay streamlined.
Even dye will change things a little, but I need to blend in more here.”
“Let’s try a spa night for our date night, then.
We’ll dye your wings, get our nails done, the whole shebang.” She grinned and gave a teasing wink.
“Dear lord!” He shook his head, folded his wings, and turned toward his next destination.
“I’ve opened the floodgates.
I’m out of here!”
Vaggie burst out laughing and called after him.
“Kevin?”
He turned, eyebrows raised.
“Yes?”
Her smile was warm.
“I’m fond of you.”
Kevin bowed his head, acknowledging what it meant and the promises it held, and answered in the same tone.
“And I’m fond of you, too, Vaggie.” He had to add, a playful edge creeping in, “Looking forward to that night you mentioned this morning, too.”
Her face went purple at that, and knowing he’d evened the score, he turned and moved out of sight—catching her frustrated laugh drifting after him.
“¡Estás demasiado ansioso!”
Two-Two, already?
She was going to have to step up her game.
****************************************************************************************
* Pésimo truco, Kevin.
– Terrible trick, Kevin.
* Nunca dejes una ventaja sin aprovechar, Vaggie.
– Never leave an advantage untapped, Vaggie.
* Estás demasiado ansioso – You’re too eager!