Winter's Embrace (FrostedApple Nanny AU)

Meeting Charlie

Gloria took a deep breath as she finished her latest job, her mind wandering to thoughts of the future. She had never enjoyed this line of work, but it was all she had ever known. Sighing heavily, she began the grim task of disposing of the body.

Suddenly, a cheerful voice called out, "Hi, I'm Charlie!"

Startled, Gloria's eyes snapped over to see a small blonde girl, around Eira's age, standing nearby. The girl wore red overalls, a white bowtie, white socks, and black shoes, her bright blue eyes shining with innocence.

In her surprise, Gloria dropped her gun, her thoughts racing. 'Why is there a little girl here?!' She couldn't bring herself to harm the child; it was one of the few moral lines she refused to cross, a standard ironically instilled by her own father despite his lack of ethics.

Forcing a friendly smile, Gloria said, "It's nice to meet you too, Charlie! Can you please step away from the puddle?" She gently tried to push the body bag out of the girl's sight.

"I love puddles!" Charlie exclaimed, and to Gloria's horror, the little girl began rolling in the pool of blood. Gloria quickly scooped her up, but it was too late - Charlie was already covered in crimson.

"What did I just say?!" Gloria scolded, her voice more distressed than angry.

"It's okay! Daddy lets me play with puddles!" Charlie explained innocently.

Exasperated, Gloria asked, "Where are your parents? They can't be far! Who lets a child wander off alone in a city full of dangers?"

Charlie pointed to Gloria's fallen gun. "You dropped your thing." Then, seeming to finally notice her blood-soaked state, she giggled, "This puddle is red! My favorite color!"

Moments later, Gloria and Charlie sat on a bench in the thankfully deserted park. Charlie, perched on Gloria's lap to avoid staining the bench, swung her little feet. Gloria, meanwhile, made a phone call.

"Niffty, dear, I need a favor," she said, keeping a watchful eye on the energetic girl in her lap. Her mind raced with questions about the child's identity and how to proceed. One thing was certain - she couldn't leave Charlie alone and covered in blood.

[Later]

Gloria arrived at Niffty's place, holding Charlie's hand. She knocked on the door, and a petite Asian woman with vibrant red hair answered.

"Gloria! Oh my, who do we have here?" Niffty asked, eyeing the blood-covered child.

"This is Charlie. She had a little accident with a... puddle," Gloria explained, giving Niffty a meaningful look. "Could you help get her cleaned up?" she asked.

Niffty nodded, understanding the situation. "Of course! Come on in, sweetie. Let's get you all sparkly clean!"

Charlie skipped inside, excited by the prospect of a bath. Niffty led her to the bathroom while Gloria waited in the living room.

As Niffty filled the tub with warm water and bubble bath, Charlie chattered away. "I like your hair! It's so red and pretty!"

Niffty smiled. "Thank you, Charlie! I like your hair too. Now, let's get you out of these dirty clothes."

In the living room, Gloria paced, her mind racing. What was she going to do with Charlie? She couldn't just leave her, but she also couldn't keep her. She needed to find the girl's father.

A while later, Niffty emerged with Charlie wrapped in a fluffy towel. "All clean! Her clothes are in the wash. They were quite a mess," Niffty reported.

Gloria nodded gratefully. "Thanks, Niffty. I owe you one."

Niffty waved her off. "Don't mention it. I'll go check on the laundry."

Left alone with Gloria, Charlie climbed onto the couch next to her. "I like your friend. She's nice," she said.

Gloria smiled softly. "Niffty is great. I'm lucky to have her." she said.

Charlie studied Gloria's face. "You're nice too. I like you."

Gloria felt a warmth spread in her chest at the child's words. "I like you too, Charlie."

The little girl's face lit up. "You should meet my daddy! He's nice like you. He would like you!"

Gloria chuckled. "I'm sure he would." She tried to imagine what kind of father would let his daughter wander off alone, but she pushed the judgmental thoughts aside. "How about we focus on getting you back to your daddy first?"

Charlie nodded, then let out a big yawn. The excitement of the day was catching up with her. She curled into Gloria's side, resting her head on the woman's lap.

Hesitantly, Gloria stroked Charlie's damp hair, marveling at the trust this little girl placed in her, a virtual stranger. It stirred something in her heart, a fierce protectiveness and a longing for a different kind of life.

When Niffty returned with Charlie's clean clothes, she found the unlikely pair fast asleep on the couch, Gloria's arm wrapped securely around the slumbering child. Niffty smiled at the sight. Perhaps this little girl was exactly what Gloria needed.

Finished with the second chapter. Gloria finally meets little Charlie and taking her to meet. Next chapter they'll reunite and Gloria finally meets Lucifer.