Black Coffee

Chapter 7: Dad Bleat Dad

        You awoke to soft jazz and a nose snuffling into your hair, just below the ear.

       "Mmm, morning dearest," you giggled and arms tightened around you as lips trailed the curve of your neck.

       "Good morning, my darling," Alastor replied groggily.

        You turned to face your lover, heart melting at his love struck expression. A soft watery smile, ears flopping over messy bed head, and glowing eyes met yours before your lips connected. You sighed in contentment and wrapped your arms around his neck as he carded his claws through your hair. You brought a hand to rub at his ear and he gave a happy bleat against your lips, a soft blush rising in his cheeks.

       "That feels lovely," he sighed and leaned in to your touch. Your heart swelled and you scraped your claws gently through his hair, rubbing his ears as you went. You stayed there for a moment, soaking in each other's presence as you snuggled close.

       "Ready to start the day?" You asked, a soft smile playing on your lips. You knew the answer as soon as the question left your mouth- it was a resounding no, but yes.

        You laughed when his brows knit and pressed your fingers to the crease, rubbing small circles as he relaxed under your touch.

       "As much as I'd like to stay in bed all day, I suppose we do have responsibilities." He sighed at the inconvenience and kissed you once more, rubbing his nose against yours. "Would you like breakfast?" You smiled and nodded at his offer before you both got up to get ready.

       When you entered the lobby, there was a huge commotion. Alastor looked over the railing and his eyes hardened for a moment before he continued on his way. You looked over the rail and saw the residents getting ready for what looked to be a... well, you weren't really sure what kind of party they were preparing for.

      A large 'It's a boy!?!' banner hung on one wall and you saw two little dragons working together to hang up a 'Wellcum Daddy' on another wall. Maybe someone was expecting? You would feel terrible for whoever was- hellborn, be they from sinners or sins, demon or angel, were killed far too easily in the pride ring. Cannibal Town was the only place you could regularly see children, and even then, you still lost many to exterminations.

       When you reached the foot of the stairs you noticed Nifty popping out of an oven with some fresh cookies. She really did enjoy pain; you giggled and accepted one of her treats when she zoomed over to you. Alastor also accepted one, but discreetly handed it to you- could he ever refuse something from the adorable little demon? Probably not. You shoved the whole thing in your mouth before she had a chance to notice.

      "Who's having a baby?" Your question seemed to confuse the group, but Charlie clarified the situation for you. You learned that the young woman was running the hotel by herself with no help from her parents or other family. Everyone was preparing for King Morningstar to arrive and hear her out to get a meeting with Heaven.

      "So, you've been running this hotel completely on your own? This whole time?" You were shocked, to say the least. You knew the Morningstar family were reclusive, but you hadn't expected such a sweet woman to come from such a neglectful home. 'You know better than anyone what kind of a person can come from a painful background. Some of the most beautiful art passes through a crucible,' you thought.  But so many break under that pressure- you hardly thought it a good parenting strategy.