Hazbin and Helluva Shorts III

Date with a News Reporter

Tom Trench pulled into the parking lot of Hell Garden. He stepped out and looked around. His girlfriend wasn't here yet. He sighed. Katie Killjoy was usually punctual. Which meant something was wrong. Tom waited another five minutes before texting her. She had stumbled upon something interesting and stopped to snap some pictures. But she was on her way. Tom sighed and went in to inform the greeter about their reservation. He didn't have to wait long. Five minutes later, Katie strode in and joined him. The greeter took them to their table in the VIP section right away, and a waiter came to ask what drinks they wanted a minute later. While waiting for food, Katie spilled her scoop. Tom scrolled through the pictures on her phone while she talked. And he had to admit. She had caught something interesting. Whatever was going down warranted an investigation. Tom grinned from behind his mask as his eyes glowed. Katie knew that look. She had him hooked. But this wasn't a business dinner. It was a date.

Dinner arrived promptly. Tom lifted his mask, and a cloud of green smoke covered his head. This always happened, which was extremely rare. Only his glowing eyes were faintly visible through the toxic haze. Katie didn't mind. She was used to this. Only two people had seen his face. And the other one was dead. But she did ask if he was alright. Tom merely nodded as he ate. With that, she helped herself to shrimp scampi and white wine. He quietly moved on to his meaty penne pasta and thick-cut fries with barbecue sauce. For dessert, they ordered strawberry gelato. Since neither had been in a cooking mood for the past two days, they also got take-home meals. And a concord grape granita and frozen chocolate-chip marginata for dessert.

After dinner, Tom stopped Katie in the parking lot. He had a few questions regarding their relationship. He was serious. But he didn't know about her. And given her history, he was right to question her. After some hesitation and pressure, Katie sold herself out. Tom had his answers. They weren't exactly the answers he had been hoping for. But they were the answers he expected. He wasn't too pleased. However, at least he knew whatever was between them had a chance to last. It was slim. But it was a chance he was willing to fight for if she agreed to one thing. Tom had one last word for Katie. Then he drove off into the night.