Helluva Boss: ''Helluva Human Kid''

The Big Surprise

On their way back to her apartment, Loona was cradling Balin in her arms like a baby as he was trying to stay awake after their milkshakes and sunset cuddle at the mall in No-Name Town before leaving. If she was being honest, Loona had the most amazing day. She couldn't recall having that much fun, especially with somebody else, since a big party she was invited to in the Gluttony Ring. Or... maybe ever, considering her isolated nature with other people.

Speaking of the devil, it was then her phone started buzzing in her pocket. She wanted to pick it up right away, but then noticed Balin in both of her arms, so she quickly went over to a bench on the curb nearby and gently rested him to her side.

"Here you go Balin." she said, wrapping her tail around him. "Now keep this wrapped around you just in case, I gotta take this real quick."

"Okay..." the boy yawned. He kept on going in and out a little, as today's adventures really took a lot out of him. He hadn't had that much fun in town for a little while and with Loona, she made this one better for him.

Loona then picked up her still-ringing phone from her phone to see that it was her first friend, Vortex, who was calling her. She then widened her eyes seeing this and quickly took it before it could go straight to voicemail.

"Yeah? It's Loona? Go for it." she answered the call trying to sound more flat, before nervously giggling.

"Loona? Is now a good time or...?" Tex asked answering the phone. "Of course it is! I mean, (clears her throat) I don't see a reason I can't talk right now. So... w'sup?" she showed a nervous smile.

"Well, me and Bee were wondering, since we haven't seen you for a while since the last party we invited you to, maybe if you wanted to party with us again tonight." Tex said, as he was standing out front of his mansion in the Gluttony Ring. "We've got some of your favourites this time."

"Oh, uh... sure. Yeah, I'm down for a night of..." Loona was about to finish but then stopped for a moment to think about Balin, as he started to wake up a little.

Admittedly, she still had her feelings with the bulkier but gentle giant of a hellhound since they met during a Spring Break bet held between Blitzø and his ex, Verosika Mayday. But she knew he still had a girlfriend that he introduced her to at the last hound party she recently attended, and having Balin in her life all of a sudden became a priority to her. So with a deep breath, Loona ultimately made her decision.

"Actually Tex, I would love to, but I can't tonight. I'm watching over a kid right now." Loona said in a calm tone.

"Oh, what? A kid? You a babysitter now?" Tex asked her in surprise. He was not expecting an answer from his strongly independent friend.

"No, no, it's not like that!" Loona said in defence. "Well, it's something like that. You see, his parents were sent away, and he's pretty upset about it, so..."

"Oh my goodness." Tex gasped quietly. "That sounds terrible. Hope he's going strong so far."

"Yeah. He is. I found him after one of our targets a couple days ago." "Oh. I see."

She then showed a smile looking at the boy. "But my colleagues really like him a great deal. And so do I." 

"So are you like, taking care of him or anything?" her friend asked through the phone. "Yep, until they get out or something like that, that is. He's a really cute kid and his name's Balin." Loona began gently and slowly ruffling his head.

"Balin, eh? Wow, cool name." Tex replied with an impression. "Um... is okay if you put him on the phone for me?"

"Oh yeah, absolutely. I'll ask him." Loona put her hand over the phone and then looked at Balin. "Hey little bud, my friend wants to introduce himself to you. Is that okay?"