The Devil Within

Death is an Occupational Hazard

A/N: Just a quick heads-up: this chapter contains depictions and references to graphic child sexual assault. There is also violence and torture starting halfway through the chapter. If you would like to skip this chapter, I will have a short synopsis at the end with the context you will need to know for the next chapter.

If you see these ~ ~ ~

That is when the topics above start to come in.

~ ~ ~

"Group training sessions?" Don asked, raising a brow.

"Well, the Apocalypse is a thing," you said, shrugging. "I guess the reality of it finally hit me along with the whole if-we-don't-fight-we'll-die thing. Training together won't only help us get to know each other more, but also prepare us for what's to come." You fiddled with the ends of your sleeves as you walked next to Don. "We need to know each other's preferential fighting style and who works best with who if we need to split into teams."

"I suppose you have the logistics thought through..." Don said, holding open the door to his office for you. "But what about your humanity? Why do you want us to train together."

It was Monday and you were finally able to talk to Don privately. He was one of the Blessed that you weren't able to interact with that much. Sure, there were the weekly dinners that Diogenes organized. You all talk and eat together when everyone's schedule lines up. It was always nice but you had never gotten to talk to Don aside from those dinners. It wasn't until the other night that Don invited you to accompany him to his company's headquarters. He wanted to talk to you more and found a way for you to talk. Of course, with Don's meeting schedules and your Hunting, your little rendévous was in the evening. Don did also mention that he wanted to not only speak about each other but he believed that you could help him with a small decision that's been eating at him.

"You're my family," you answered, stepping into Don's office. "I can't lose another one after last time."

"Well, I'm honoured you feel that way," Don chuckled, walking past you to his desk. "Family is important, especially to the Angels who've bonded themselves to us."

"That it is," you said, taking a seat in one of the chairs across from Don's desk. "Speaking of, how are your wife and daughter?"

"Wonderful," Don said, beaming. Ashley and Kate, his daughter and wife, were Don's pride and joy. You met Kate only twice during your weekly dinners (Diogenes wanted everyone including the Blessed's immediate family to join) and you could just see how much Kate and Don adored each other and their daughter. As for Ashley, you got to know her a little more through babysitting her when Don and Kate needed some time to themselves and couldn't hire one. Well, Don insisted on paying you the rate they normally pay their babysitters so you did get some cash out of babysitting. But, in all honesty, you had a lot of fun with Ashley when you babysat her. You and her would draw together and watch Little Einsteins before she had to go to be or before her parents came home. "Kate is actually bringing Ashley here in a little bit. Poor thing has been having a hard time at school this week and today seemed particularly difficult. You should have heard her over the phone when I mentioned that you would also visit." 

"Aw," you said, slightly gushing. "I'd be happy to talk to her if it will make her day better."

"I'm sure it will," Don hummed, smile growing. "She adores you and I think this visit will put that spring back in her step."

"Alright!" you exclaimed, already excited to see Ashley. "Now, what was the business thing you needed to ask me about?"

"I wanted to know if I should expand Sucre Corp to Canada," Don said. "I believe it will create job opportunities and possibly aid in your country's economy."