How It All Began (cuphead OC story)(devilxoc)

Plans and Places

Dice seemed to fall into casino life pretty well. He did well with customers and the rest of the employees. He quickly had people coming in just to see him as he ran around doing whatever task he was given by ruby or wheezy or even the devil, rare as his orders were.

Ruby was proud of her boy. He was a hard worker, he did such a good job too. She felt a pride only a mother who had given raising a child her everything could feel. She had to admit she was a little proud of herself too. She had raised a brave, strong and clever young man all on her own and now, dispite his immortal soul in the grip of the devil, she never had to lose him.

She stepped into the devil office and stepped up to his desk. "You wanted to see me boss?"
"It's just us ruby. Luci. Please?"
She couldn't help but smile a little and nodded. It was nice to see little bits of her old friend peak through this demon facade every now and again.
"What did you need luci?" She asked again, her posture relaxing.
He smiled as he watched her relax. "Your boy is doing well. Don't think I haven't noticed." He said, giving her a smirk.
"He's a hard worker. I'm very proud."
"You should be... ruby why did you not tell me about him until that night?"
Her smile fell. "I didn't trust you not to take him from me... that was wrong of me." She admitted and he shook his head.
"No. It wasn't. If you hadn't broken down... I would have and not given it a second thought. I forget sometimes that immortality still hasn't claimed you. You still love the mortals. Maybe because you were born one? I don't know." He said as he stood and lit up a cigar.
"You're getting off topic luci." She said gently, moving to stand behind him as the two looked down over the casino floor below his office window.
He chuckled. "Right as usual. Ruby I want dice. I want to have him take over your position as manager. I know you're tired and would rather focus on the stage again. That's where you're happiest, not cooped up in an office doing paperwork."
She looked up at him as he puffed away on his cigar and she bit her lip.
"Why do you want dice? Wheezy would.."
"Dice is young. Moldable. Your son to boot. He would make a great manager... of course I won't do it if you don't agree." He assured, his eyes following the young and handsome die around the floor as he ran around waiting tables.
She watched his face and followed his gaze and blushed. "Luci...he's too young."
"How old is he again?"
"15 now... I'll train him after he turns 18 if he wants the position. Ok?" She said, placing a gentle hand on his back and he smiled, nodding.
"Deal. Thank you ruby... you really are my beloved little jewel."
She chuckled. "Shush. Get back to work luci. You've got papers that need your signature." She said as she turned for the door and he chuckled but stayed there watching the die still.

That night was a show night for ruby but something was different for her. There was a new face in the crowd and it caught her attention but she couldn't understand why. All she could see of his face were his eyes and boy were they some eyes because She was used to new comers but the way those bright purple eyes stared up at her as she sang sent chills down her spine in the most pleasent way. It invigorated her and made her performance that much more exciting for both her and the patrons.

After the show she sat on the edge of the stage and greeted fans and signed autographs when the new commer approached her and handed her a single rose. "For you ma'am." He said, his voice was soft as velvet and warm and she wanted to swim in it.
She blushed as she took the rose and smiled as she smelled it. "Well thank you sir. It's lovely... wish I could see the face of my gift giver." She said, leaving forward on her crossed knee to try and see under the hat he wore and through the coat collar he had pulled up around his face.
"Ah you don't wanna see me ma'am. Trust me." He said, reaching out and taking her hand, leaning down and kissing the top of it. "But thank you for the wonderful serenade. I felt like you were singing just for me. I'll have to catch your next show." He said as he let her hand go and took a step back and she could just make out a smirk on his lips before he turned to walk away, leaving her a blushing flustered mess.