Abel: *adjusts the baby gently against his shoulder, rocking her slightly* She’s finally asleep
Alastor: *smiles warmly, voice smooth with quiet amusement* A rare and precious broadcast of silence
Abel: *huffs softly, careful not to jostle the baby* Don’t jinx it
Abel steps outside the radio tower, the door creaking slightly as it opens. He hears the low buzz of voices outside dips almost instantly. Heads turn. Conversations falter.
Abel: *blinks, caught off guard, offering a small uncertain smile* Oh—uh… hi
The crowd hesitates. No one moves at first. Then a smaller Hellborn demon steps forward, clutching a notebook tightly.
Hellborn #1: *nervously fidgeting* H-Hello… Y-Your Highness—
Abel: *quickly shakes his head, shifting the baby protectively* You can just call me Abel, it’s okay!
That seems to ripple through the group—nervous murmurs, unsure glances.
Hellborn #1: *swallows, voice soft* We… didn’t want to bother you
Abel: *gentle, reassuring* You’re not bothering me, I promise. Is there anything I can help you all with?
Hellborn #2: *from the crowd, a little louder* We listen every night!
Abel: *face lighting up slightly* You do?
Hellborn #3: *stepping closer, gaining confidence* You actually talk to us. Not… at us!
More murmurs of agreement ripple through the group.
Hellborn #4: *blurting out, a little too fast* You helped my brother get a job
Abel: *blinks, surprised, shifting his weight* I did?
Hellborn #4: *nods quickly* He used to live in Greed. Was in a bunch of debt. —he called in and you told him where to go. He got out!
Abel: *expression softens immediately* Oh right! His name was… Marcus right? I’m really glad it worked out!
Hellborn #4: Yes! It is! *turns to a random Hellborn* He remembers his name!
Abel: Please tell him I said “hi” for me!
The tension shifts. Shoulders relax. A few more step forward, closer now.
Hellborn #1: *holding out a small notebook with shaky hands* C-can you sign this?
Abel: *startled* You want my autograph?
Hellborn #1: O-only if you want to! I don’t want to force you to do anything you wouldn’t like.
Abel: *then smiling softly* Oh—yeah, of course! *takes the notebook and pen* And who am I making this out to?
Hellborn #1: Dennis!
Abel: *signs* “Hi Dennis! Thank you for your support! — Abel”
Abel: *hands it back with a smile* Here you go Dennis!
Dennis: OH MY SATAN HE SIGNED IT!!! *gushing and faints from fanboying*
That’s all it takes. The crowd suddenly surges—not aggressively, but eagerly.
Hellborn #2: *excited, overlapping voices* Can I get one too—
Hellborn #3: *lifting a camera* Could we take a picture—
Abel: laughs softly, overwhelmed but warm Okay—okay, one at a time
He carefully adjusts Audrey, making sure her head is supported before taking the pen.
Abel: *looking up at the second demon* What’s your name?
Abel starts signing random pages of notebooks and even saw a few photos of him mixed into the autographs.
📸 Camera flash.
Hellborn #3: *startled* S-sorry—was that okay?
Abel: *gentle smile* Oh uh… sure. We can take a group photo!
The group gathers carefully, giving him space, waiting for his cue before stepping closer.
Hellborn #2: *softly, in awe* With the baby… please
Abel: *hesitates briefly, then nods* Okay
He shifts her so she’s visible but still tucked safely against him.
📸 Flash.
For a moment, everything feels warm. Easy. Safe.
From the doorway, Alastor watches.
Alastor: *leans lightly against the frame, smile sharp but quiet, eyes observing*
One demon near the edge of the group notices him.
Hellborn #6: *goes pale, grabbing the sleeve of the one beside them, whispering urgently* That’s—
The shift is immediate. Subtle, but unmistakable. Postures stiffen. Voices lower. Eyes flick toward the doorway.
Toward him.
Alastor: *tilts his head slightly, smile widening just a fraction* notices the change, glancing over his shoulder*. He sees his husband and brightens, completely at ease* Oh—hi honey! *lifts a hand slightly, careful not to disturb the baby* cone look! We’ve got visitors!
The crowd freezes for half a second—caught between two very different reactions.
Toward Abel: warmth, admiration, trust.
Toward Alastor: fear.
Abel: *turns back to them, smiling as he hands back another signed page* Alright—who’s next?
