Pardon The Way That I Stare

Team Radioapple Vs Team Huskerdust

Later that afternoon, Charlie gathered Lucifer, Alastor, Angel, and Husk for a special activity she'd planned just for them. Knowing how much each of them appreciated jazz, especially Alastor, she'd thought hosting a jazz-themed trivia would be a fun way to bring them together.

Charlie stood at the front of the room, beaming with excitement as she explained, "Okay! So, since I know you all love jazz, I've put together a trivia game—Team Radioapple," she pointed to Lucifer and Alastor with a grin, "versus Team Huskerdust!" She motioned toward Angel and Husk, who exchanged a look of mild confusion and amusement.

Lucifer raised an eyebrow and shot a glance at Alastor. "Radioapple?" he asked with a smirk.

Alastor chuckled. "It has a certain charm, doesn't it, Lucifer? Besides, I trust we'll win, so the name is of little consequence."

Angel rolled his eyes dramatically. "Really? You teamed me up with the boozehound? You do realize I was *born* to lose this, right?" He gestured toward Alastor with a lazy wave. "That guy probably *lived* jazz back in the day."

Husk, unfazed, shrugged and took a long swig from his flask. "I like jazz just fine."

Charlie clapped her hands, eager to start. "Alright, first question!"

The trivia kicked off with simple questions about famous jazz musicians from the 1920s and 1930s. Alastor was a powerhouse, rattling off answers with ease, his passion for jazz from that era evident in every answer.

"Who was the legendary trumpeter who revolutionized jazz in the 1920s?" Charlie asked.

Alastor didn't hesitate. "Louis Armstrong, of course."

Lucifer gave him a nod of approval. "Nice one."

Husk mumbled, "Yeah, we all knew that one, though."

The questions continued, and Angel struggled, only occasionally pulling through with a wild guess that actually landed. "What's a Benny Goodman?" he muttered, staring at the next card, trying to make sense of the question.

Husk sighed deeply. "Clarinet player, Angel. 'King of Swing,' remember?"

Angel groaned. "This is rigged."

Then came a question that made Alastor sit up a little straighter. "Which satirical songwriter, pianist, and mathematician became famous in the 1950s for his clever, often dark humor, and was a significant influence in both jazz and comedy music?"

Alastor's smile stretched wider as he responded, "Tom Lehrer, hands down."

Charlie grinned. "Correct! Team Radioapple gets the point."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "Tom Lehrer? I didn't know you were into him."

Alastor's eyes gleamed. "Oh, Lucifer, Lehrer is a genius. His songs combine wit, cynicism, and a deliciously dark sense of humor. He's one of my absolute favorites."

Lucifer smirked. "Makes sense."

As they moved forward in the game, Charlie continued with the Lehrer theme, much to Alastor's delight. "Which of Lehrer's songs famously parodies the proliferation of nuclear weapons during the Cold War?"

Alastor practically glowed as he answered, "*We Will All Go Together When We Go*."

Charlie clapped again. "Correct! Another point to Team Radioapple!"

Angel crossed his arms, pouting. "Why do all these questions feel tailored to him?"

Lucifer leaned toward Alastor, teasing him. "You really do know your stuff."

Alastor gave him a sly grin. "I've got quite the library of knowledge, dear."

Lucifer blushed slightly at the 'dear' but quickly focused on the game as Charlie fired off another question. "Which bandleader and pianist is credited with creating the 'jungle sound' and leading one of the greatest jazz orchestras in the 1930s?"

This time, Husk answered before Alastor could. "Duke Ellington."

Charlie beamed. "Yes! Team Huskerdust gets the point!"

Alastor shot Husk a mock impressed look. "I underestimated you, Husk."

Husk gave a lazy shrug. "I've had time to listen to a few records."

The questions kept coming, with Alastor shining during every round, especially when they delved into niche jazz history from the 1920s-1930s. One particularly tricky question asked about a relatively obscure saxophonist. Charlie asked, "Which saxophonist was a key figure in developing jazz in New Orleans in the early 1930s, though never quite achieved mainstream fame?"

Alastor's eyes flickered with excitement as he responded, "Sidney Bechet."

Lucifer gave him a sideways glance, impressed. "That's a deep cut."

Alastor chuckled. "It's one of the many joys of jazz—so many hidden gems."

The final question approached, and both teams were neck and neck. Charlie grinned mischievously, clearly saving a tough one for the end. "Okay, this is the tiebreaker! Which famous jazz pianist incorporated European classical influences into his compositions and was particularly known for his unconventional improvisation style?"

Alastor's eyes sparkled with the answer, but Angel cut in with a wild guess. "Uh, Thelonious Monk?"

Charlie gasped. "That's right! Team Huskerdust wins!"

Alastor blinked, taken aback, before bursting into laughter. "It seems luck was on your side, Angel!"

Angel jumped up triumphantly, "Ha! I knew I had it in me!"

Lucifer, chuckling at the turn of events, turned to Alastor with a smile. "Looks like they managed to beat us after all."

Alastor shrugged, still grinning. "It's the joy of the game that matters, Lucifer. But I must admit, that was unexpected."

As the trivia wound down, Alastor's enthusiasm didn't fade. He was still in high spirits, animated as ever as he discussed various jazz artists and songs with Lucifer. Charlie watched them with a satisfied smile, feeling like she'd brought them even closer together.