Divine Assistance

The Scare

The crowd's roar pulses through me after my last hit song. I blow kisses, hand out snacks, and refill drinks with a snap of my fingers. The energy in the room is sweet, and I soak it up like a bee with nectar. Some fans ask for autographs, and one Hellhound even drops his pants so I can sign his furry behind. I just go with it. I am their Ring Lord, after all. A queen has to mark her territory.

Once I'm off the stage, I head to the back, where one of my crew already has ice-cold water waiting for me. I might be able to drink enough alcohol to fill a truckload of livers, but water is always the best thing after a night of singing and shaking it down for everyone to later masturbate to when they are at home.

What? I'm sexy, and I know it. I have no shame.

But these days, there's really only one person I want to get down for.

Right after I finish my water, I feel a kiss on my cheek and turn to see my cherub boyfriend. Collin is sweating, which makes sense with how crowded it is. His Aion floats next to him, covered in so many holographic screens it looks like it's working overtime.

"Hard working?" I ask him as we walk out to the main floor, where the parting continues.

"Very," Collin sighs as he rubs his neck and stretches his back. "We got six birthdays, four anniversaries, two divorce parties, five engagements, seven office parties, and two baseball teams."

"Two baseball teams?" I ask with a chuckle.

"One team is here to celebrate their win, and the other is here to forget how badly they lost," Collin says, rolling his eyes. "We're going to need to double everything after tonight for a resupply. Food, drinks, toilet paper..."

"I think you need a break," I say, pulling him close and kissing him. "How about ten minutes?"

"Sorry, but I promised the chefs I'd help out with the back orders," Collin apologized with a smile, while Aion alerted him to something new, which made him sigh. "And also fix the toilets on the first floor."

I shake my head. "Send half of what Aion's got to me on my cell. I'll help you out."

"Thanks, love," Collin said with one more kiss before flying off. He looked over his shoulder. "We're still good for dinner with my parents this Friday!"

"Wouldn't miss it!" I call out before he can slip away again. After that awkward dinner a few months ago, every other meeting with Collin's parents has been great. We meet for meals at his place or at restaurants in Heaven or Purgatory. I've offered to host them safely in Hell, but they always politely decline, and I don't mind. Honestly, I can't remember the last time a family was this kind to me when I was dating their kid.

Most families in Hell aren't like that. When I dated other people, their families were usually gone, broken, or tried to use me for my power and money. Those relationships never lasted. Collin's parents treat me like family. They ask how I'm doing, give advice, and share cooking or gardening tips. I'm not much of a gardener, but I had forgotten how to make Heavenly meals until now.

Tasting Zenith Brisket Stew again after so long actually made me cry at home.

There's still some talk about me and Collin dating, but it's mostly just gossip. No one has done anything serious, except for complaining online. Collin's parents said some neighbors complained, but since all my paperwork is in order and I have permission to be there, there's not much anyone can do. I get the occasional dirty look, but that's nothing compared to what happens in Hell.

I walk through the crowd while the DJ keeps the music going. Some fans wave, cheer, and ask for food or drinks, which I hand out with a flick of my wrist. With all this energy in the club, I feel like I could build a pizza tower as tall as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Note to self: try that on National Pizza Day.