Heart Of Stone

Chapter Sixteen

EMILY'S POV
I lay asleep in bed when I am awakened by her voice. Was I only dreaming? That would be the only logical explanation. She couldn't be here, could she?
I focus on the conversation happening outside my door. Charlie's talking to someone, maybe a new guest at the hotel?
"And you'll be staying in this room, and if you ever need anything I'm around or the rest of my crew is. We are so happy to have you here!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I appreciate your hospitality."
"It's no problem at all. What you've gone through is not okay, and if there's anything I can do to help, I'm more than willing."
It WAS her! But... that means... no. I hear Charlie walk off and the door to the room across the hall shut. I had to investigate.
About fifteen minutes later, I'm dressed and I put my hand on the doorknob. I leave my room and stand outside of the door opposite mine. I contemplate knocking. Taking a steadying breath, I tap gently on the door's sleek, wooden surface.
"Come in."
I enter and my gaze lands on her. My Angel is sitting cross-legged on her bed. My heart drops when I notice the lack of her wings.
"Emily? Oh my God, you're actually here. You're safe."
She gets up and wraps me up in her arms. I melt instantly, nearly forgetting how much I missed her touch.
"Lute... I missed you so much."
"I missed you too, Em."
"But... you're a fallen..."
"Yeah... Sera found out about us."
"It's my fault you're here..."
"No, babe, it's mine. I was the one who told her."
"But now you're stuck here."
"I am. But you know what?"
"What?"
"I could care less. I'm with the one person who means everything to me. I think I'll be just fine."
"Oh Lute... it was so lonely without you."
"I know... I'm sorry."
I shake my head and kiss her tenderly.
"You know what I realized when we were apart, Em?"
"What is that?"
"No matter how much in denial I can get about loving you... no matter how much I know I'm committing such a sin...  I can't be without you. I mustn't be without you.  you fulfill me in ways I never thought possible. You give me hope. You make me believe that... I don't have to be perfect all the time. That... I can be myself, love who I love, and feel what I feel. And if that means pissing people off just because we're together, then fuck them. I'm done running from it. I'm done running from my true desires. I'm done foolishly believing everything that Heaven brainwashed me into believing. I love you, and nothing can or will ever  change that."
I blink hard as I start to get emotional. These are the words I've longed to hear from her. I know she still struggles with the loss of her former commander... but I'm happy she's finally truly giving us a chance.

"Aw... that's so sweet! I love you so much. I felt empty without you by my side, my Angel."
"I love you beyond words, Emily."
"I don't know where this next chapter  of our lives will take us... I mean, we're both stuck in Hell."
"I know Em. It will be a lot to get used to."
"But you'll stay by my side for all of it, right?"
"Of course. I'd never dream of doing anything else."
"Thank you." I shut my eyes feeling completely and utterly  content for the first time in days.
"Come here. I feel like I haven't had the chance to hold you in forever."
We lay down on her bed and I snuggle into her warm embrace. For now, everything felt right in the world.
CHARLIE'S POV
I slam the door to Vaggie and I's shared room after making sure Lute was settled in. Angry tears are threatening to leave my eyes. I'm not even upset that she was with Lute... I was upset because she kept it from me. I thought we were over all of the hiding stuff after I found out Vaggie was an Exorcist. How much more was she keeping secret?
I let the tears fall silently down my cheeks as I sit on the foot of the bed. I stay like this for a while before I hear a knock on my door.
"What?!" I snap.
"Charlie? May I come in?"
I instantly recognize my mother's voice. I feel a slight sense of relief.
"I guess..."
She opens the door and closes it softly before sitting down beside me.
"What's gotten my little duck so upset?"
"Oh mom... I found out Vaggie was hiding something from me."
"What do you mean, my love?"
"Well... we had another fallen come to the Hotel and she's practically Vaggie's archenemy. We've talked about her in the past and she always talks about how much of a narcissistic bitch she is. But I overheard a conversation between them when Vaggie found her earlier today and... they used to be a couple. I understand views can change... but why would she just hide something like that? I thought we told each other everything. At least... I tell her everything."
"My love... have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, she struggles with her past?"
"Yeah, I know she does but..."
"But, she obviously still loves you. She might want to forget about her past traumas and start a fresh life with you, Princess. This place is for redemption, correct?"
"Yeah."
"Well, she could possibly be seeking redemption for all of  the bad shit she used to partake in  during her time as an Exorcist. I think she's being as open as she can with you, but that doesn't mean that everything she's been through is easy for her to open up about."
"Yeah... that makes sense. I know Heaven was rough on her."
"Exactly. So instead of being angry, maybe just try to talk to her.  It's valid that you're upset, but hear her out. I know you try to see the best in people, so keep doing what you're doing and I have no doubts that everything will work out in due time."
"You're right. Thanks mom."
"Always, my duckling."
It felt good having my mom to talk to again. I hadn't realized how much I've missed having her around just for times like these. I'm never taking my time with her for granted ever again.
"I love you, mama duck."
"I love you too, my Princess."
She kisses my head gently and I begin to smile.
"I heard you talked to dad."
"Yes, how did you hear that?"
"He may or may not have made an excited phone call to me."
Mom chuckles and nods.  "That sounds like your father. Yes, we talked everything out and I have officially moved back in with him."
"I'm so, so happy about that. I'm glad my family is back together."
"And this time, I promise you it will stay this way."
I share a smile with her and wipe the last of the tears from my face. She's right, all I need to do is talk to my fiancé. Everything will be just fine. The fun part of this will be trying to keep Vaggie and Lute from slaughtering each other.