Chapter Ten

The rest of the day and week passed by without much else to really talk about. That was until Friday night when I received a text from Luke saying he was outside and needed to stay the night in my room. While I still don’t have a room I couldn’t say no to Luke. So, I went outside to the front and sure enough, he was waiting by the gate.

“What are you doing here so late, Luke,” I opened the gate to let him in, “What happened?”

“I’m not speaking to Simeon,” he was very upset over whatever they fought about, “So I need to stay with you.”

“I guess you forgot, but my room is still missing a wall. I’m happy to help you but we have to get Beel’s permission first.”

He suddenly looked as though he regretted coming here, “Well, this sucks.”

“Come on. I’m sure Beel will be fine with you staying. He’s the nicest out of the brothers.”

There was hesitation before he decided that this was going back to Purgatory Hall and facing Simeon. So I brought him to Beel’s room, who was surprised.

“Why do you have the chihuahua,” he asked, wary.

“I’m not a-!”

“Calm down Luke,” I cut him off before talking to Beel, “I think he had a fight with Simeon. Just let him stay one night so everyone can calm down.”

“I don’t want an angel in my room.”

I’m sure you didn’t want a human in here either, but here we are. Just one night Beel. I promise to return the favor.”

“Fine,” he sighed, “Luke gives me snacks. I guess it would be rude to refuse him.”

Luke seemed really tired so we let him take the bed and I told Beel to take the couch.

“What about you,” he asked me, “You said for Beel to take the couch.”

“Drizzm can take the couch,” Beel suggested, “I’ll sleep on the floor.” “Yeah, no,” I shut down the idea, “I don’t sleep much so it’s better for you guys to have the good spots. I’ll just be drawing at the table anyways.”

“You don’t sleep,” Luke questioned innocently.

“No, not really. I have insomnia, which causes me to have trouble both falling and staying asleep. My chronic pain also contributes quite a bit now.”

“Pain? Are you hurt? Did the demons do this to you?”

Why did I mention my pain?

“Calm down Luke. I’ve been in pain my whole life. I’m just built like this. It’s as much a fact of life for me as being trans or having blue eyes.”

“Doesn’t that suck?”

Something about the genuineness about the question made me break my front a little. With a pained expression I explained, “I hate it. I don’t know what it’s like to grab something and not feel pain. A shower can feel like getting pelted with rocks that leave a lingering heat.”

“You live like this,” Beel was incredulous, and I recognized his look of pity.

“It’s that or die.”

“Don’t say that,” Luke exclaimed, “I’d rather you stay alive!”

“Be quiet, Luke, or do want Lucifer to know you’re here,” he covered his mouth with his hands to keep himself quiet, “I don’t plan on dying anytime soon. Now get to bed. I may not sleep but I know you both are tired.”

I ushered them off to bed and whittled the night away working on commissions that have already come in.