Mall

The mall was loud. Not in the chaotic, Hellfire way most of Pentagram City was—but still loud enough that Y/N walked a little closer to Charlie, fingers fiddling with the sleeve of his hoodie as his eyes darted around at all the neon signs, blaring music, and bustling demons.

Charlie noticed instantly. She gently took his hand without a word, her grip warm and grounding.

Charlie (softly, smiling): Too much?

Y/N hesitated, then gave a small nod.

Y/N (quietly): Just... a lot of colors and sounds. But I'm okay. I like being with you guys...

Vaggie, walking slightly ahead with a shopping bag over her shoulder, glanced back. Her expression softened as she saw him clinging just slightly to Charlie.

Vaggie: We can take it slow. Want to stop for something quiet? The bookstore should be mostly empty this time of day.

Y/N's eyes lit up just a little. The bookstore. That sounded nice.

Y/N (nodding): Yes please.

Charlie leaned down, pressing a kiss to his cheek that made him go bright pink. He blinked, flustered, then buried his face slightly into his hoodie sleeve as she giggled.

Charlie (teasing): You're so cute when you blush. It should be illegal.

Vaggie (dryly, but with affection): It's already illegal. In at least three circles of Hell. Lust being one of them. Fucking hypocritical sin and clown...

Y/N let out a soft, nervous giggle, quietly grateful that their teasing always felt like warm sun instead of sharp edges.

As they strolled toward the bookstore, Vaggie fell into step beside him, adjusting her bag and giving his other hand a small squeeze.

Vaggie: We've got your back, okay? You don't ever have to pretend you're not overwhelmed. We like the real you.

Y/N (softly): Even if I'm... weird?

Charlie gasped, spinning to walk backward in front of him, arms wide like she was addressing an audience.

Charlie: Sir! You are not weird! You are unique, brilliant, sweet and impossibly huggable!

Y/N stopped in his tracks, blinking like a startled bunny.

Y/N (small voice): Huggable?

Charlie turned fully and gave him the biggest, most gentle hug possible—one of those soft, grounding ones he always appreciated. Vaggie rolled her eye but smiled, watching them from the side.

Vaggie: You're more than huggable. You're ours.

And with that, they led him into the quiet bookstore, where the world slowed down just enough for Y/N to breathe easy—tucked between rows of fantasy novels, surrounded by the two girls who saw all of him, and adored every piece.

The hushed atmosphere of the bookstore was a welcome contrast to the chaos of the mall. The soft hum of overhead lights and the occasional clink of a teacup from the attached café soothed Y/N's nerves. Surrounded by shelves and the scent of old pages, he visibly relaxed.

Charlie let him roam a little ahead, watching with a soft smile as he scanned the spines of books, his fingers brushing gently over titles like they were sacred. Vaggie stood beside her, sipping an overpriced matcha and carrying the bags they'd collected from earlier shops.

Charlie (whispering to Vaggie): He looks so happy here...

Vaggie (nodding, smiling slightly): This place is his version of Heaven, isn't it?

Y/N (from a few feet away, eyes lighting up):
They have the new Star Seer volume! And Night Shift!

He gently tugged it off the shelf and clutched both to his chest like it was a treasure. His eyes flicked up toward the girls.

Y/N (nervously): Um... c-can I get these? If it's not too much? Please?

Charlie: Of course! You don't even have to ask, sweetpea.

Vaggie: We're spoiling you today, remember? Now gimme that so I can carry it for you.

Y/N hesitated, then shyly handed over the book, his fingers trailing just a bit too long on the cover. They spent a few more minutes browsing. Charlie found a section of whimsical storybooks and tried to convince Y/N that they had to get the one about a talking duck detective. Vaggie found a horror anthology and teased Y/N about reading it together—"You'll be hiding under a blanket, won't you?"

He blushed furiously and mumbled, "M-maybe..."

With a new book tucked under his arm and Charlie humming a cheerful tune beside him, Y/N felt safe. Comfortable. Until—

He stopped in his tracks just outside the store.

Right across the walkway was a storefront glowing in soft pink and gold light, with mannequins in lacy things and elegant displays.

The sign above read: Victoria's Secret.

Y/N (tilting his head): Um... What's... Victoria's secret?

Both Charlie and Vaggie froze.

Charlie blinked, then burst out laughing, nearly doubling over.

Charlie (giggling): Oh my gosh, that's adorable—

Y/N: What is it?

Vaggie (deadpan): It's not a real secret. It's a lingerie store.

Y/N turned red.

Y/N (stammering): L-lingerie?! Like—like the stuff in movies?! B-but why would someone name a store after a secret? That's—that's confusing!

Charlie put a hand over her mouth, still giggling, while Vaggie smirked and gently took his arm.

Vaggie: Because marketing's weird, sweetheart. Come on, we'll explain later.

Charlie (still teasing): Unless... you want to go inside and learn the secret?

Y/N (practically panicking): N-no thank you!!

He buried his face in his hoodie as both girls laughed, not cruelly, but with genuine affection.

Vaggie leaned closer and whispered, "You're lucky you're cute."

The trio wandered through the mall, arms full of shopping bags and the occasional snack. Charlie had convinced Y/N to try bubble tea (he was still suspicious of the tapioca pearls), and Vaggie picked up a cute hat she claimed was absolutely not for her but looked suspiciously like her style.

They stopped at a quirky novelty shop filled with plushies, lava lamps, and strange keychains that sang when pressed. The sounds, the bright lights, the overlapping chatter of other shoppers—it was a sensory storm.

Y/N stood near the display of fuzzy slippers, his fingers absentmindedly running across the texture of a bunny-shaped one. His eyes were fixed on it, but his shoulders were stiff, his breathing slow and shallow.

Charlie noticed first.

Charlie (gently): Y/N? Sweetpea?

He didn't answer.

Vaggie immediately stepped beside him, her voice low and steady.

Vaggie: It's too loud, huh? Too much.

Y/N nodded, just once. His hands were fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve, eyes darting, a soft whimper caught in his throat.

Charlie didn't hesitate—she stepped behind him and lightly wrapped her arms around his shoulders, careful not to hold too tightly.

Charlie (softly, near his ear): It's okay. You're safe. We'll find somewhere quiet, alright?

Y/N nodded again, closing his eyes, trying to ground himself in her voice.

Vaggie stepped forward and took his hand, her grip firm and reassuring.

Vaggie: Let's get out of here. There's a little sitting area by the fountains. Hardly anyone ever goes there.

They guided him out of the store and toward the quieter part of the mall, Vaggie shielding him from the crowd and Charlie keeping her voice low and soothing. When they reached the calm, tiled space with the trickling sound of water, Y/N collapsed gently onto a bench, burying his face in his sleeves.

Charlie knelt in front of him, placing a hand over his.

Charlie: You didn't do anything wrong. I'm really proud of you for telling us— even just by body language.

Vaggie (sitting beside him): You don't ever have to push yourself for us. We've got you, okay?

Y/N sniffled softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N: I... I didn't wanna ruin the day.

Charlie: You didn't. Not even close.

Vaggie: You're the reason this day is special.

He peeked out from his sleeves, cheeks flushed but eyes glassy with emotion. Charlie gently leaned in and kissed his forehead.

Charlie: How about we just sit here a while? We don't have to do anything else today.

Y/N (quietly): ...Can I still hold your hands?

Both girls immediately offered their hands to him, and he took them with trembling fingers.

They sat together like that—Y/N in the middle, breathing slowly, holding the two people who loved him most—while the rest of Hell's mall buzzed on around them, forgotten.

Y/N's breathing had evened out, and his shoulders had relaxed. He still looked a little tired—overstimulated and drained—but he was trying. He always tried.

Charlie gave his hand a squeeze.

Charlie: Feeling a little better, sweetheart?

Y/N (softly): Yeah... thank you. Both of you.

Vaggie smiled gently, brushing a bit of hair from his face.

Vaggie: You're doing great. But I think we know something that'll help even more.

Y/N blinked, curious. Charlie's grin widened, a playful sparkle in her eyes.

Charlie: Come on. Just one more stop. Promise.

They led him around the corner, and then there it was: The Disney Store. Bright, colorful, filled with plushies, princess dresses, and familiar songs playing softly over the speakers.

Y/N's eyes widened a little as the warmth of the store wrapped around him. It wasn't harsh or overwhelming—it was comforting. Familiar.

Y/N: ...They have Goofy.

He shuffled forward, zeroing in on a display of plushies. He gently picked up a Goofy plushie, hugging it to his chest. It was soft. Safe.

Charlie stood nearby, watching him with a look of pure adoration.

Charlie (quietly to Vaggie): He looks so happy...

Vaggie: I knew it would work. He's got a thing for cute lovable goofballs. Kind of like you.

Charlie giggled and gave her a playful shove. Meanwhile, Y/N wandered a bit, gently examining a Buzz Lightyear figure, then a stack of Pixar books. Every so often he'd make a soft little hum or quietly mutter the name of a character he recognized.

Y/N (holding up a Tiana plush): She was always... really nice in the movie.

Charlie: She's amazing. Just like you.

Y/N: ...I dunno about that.

Vaggie: We do.

After a bit of gentle browsing and soft smiles, Y/N ended up with small plushies of Goofy and Stitch, and dvds of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad, The Three Caballeros, and Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, and some Disney Candy. At the counter, he offered to pay, but Charlie and Vaggie exchanged a glance.

Charlie: We got it. Consider it a little surprise.

Y/N (bashfully): ...You didn't have to.

Vaggie (with a smirk): We wanted to.

As they left the store, Y/N tucked the Goofy and Stitch plushies into his hoodie, only the ears sticking out. He looked cozy. Calm.

Y/N (quietly): This was... really nice. Even with the hard part.

Charlie slipped an arm around his waist.

Charlie: We'll always make room for the hard parts, honey. That's what love is.

Y/N smiled for real this time—a soft, tired, but genuine smile.

And in that moment, surrounded by warm lights, the scent of popcorn from a nearby stand, and the arms of two people who truly loved him, Y/N didn't feel overwhelmed.

The mall lights had dimmed with the setting of Hell's artificial sky. The escalators hummed lowly, and the muffled sounds of distant chatter had faded as most of the crowd cleared out. It was quiet now. Peaceful.

Y/N was curled up in a bench seat near the entrance, the Stitch plush clutched to his chest like a small child's comfort toy. His eyes were fluttering shut, exhaustion weighing on his features. His hoodie was slightly bunched around his neck, and he gave a sleepy little hum as Charlie knelt beside him.

Charlie (softly): Hey, hon... time to head to the car, okay?

Y/N (murmuring): M'tired...

Vaggie: We know, babe. You did so well today. Let us take care of you now.

Y/N didn't argue. He just nodded, barely conscious. Charlie gently scooped him up under his knees while Vaggie supported his upper back. He instinctively snuggled into Charlie's chest, arms still hugging Stitch tightly, his face pressed against her jacket.

Charlie (cooing): There we go... I got you. You're safe.

Vaggie walked ahead to unlock the car, opening the back seat and spreading out his hoodie like a blanket.

They gently set him down, tucking him in as he blinked slowly up at them, eyes glassy with sleep.

Y/N (quiet, almost a whisper): ...You two are the best...

Charlie smiled softly, brushing a lock of hair from his face.

Charlie: And you're everything we could ever want.

Vaggie (kissing his temple): Rest, cariño. We've got you.

As the car pulled away from the mall, Y/N was already asleep in the back seat, Stitch cuddled against his chest, the soft sound of a lullaby playlist playing from the speakers. Charlie glanced back at him through the rearview mirror and smiled.

Charlie: He's so sweet. Makes me wanna have a baby!

Whatever Hell threw at them next—it could wait.

Tonight, they had peace.

And each other.

———-

Sexy

Charlie stood in front of the full-length mirror, holding up a silky red negligee that looked like it belonged in one of those "forbidden" shops downtown. Her golden eyes scanned her reflection, then flicked over to the stack of rejected outfits on her bed—lace, leather, fishnets... a whole arsenal she never thought she'd touch.

Charlie (muttering to herself): Okay... okay. You can do this. You're the princess of Hell. You've faced Overlords. You can totally... seduce your boyfriend...

She tried to strike a pose in the mirror. It looked more like she was bracing for impact.

Charlie: Ugh! Why is this so hard?!

She flopped dramatically onto the bed with a groan, grabbing a pillow and smooshing it to her face.

Lately, she'd been feeling... off. Y/N was still so sweet to her—gentle, affectionate, doting in his own quiet way. But every time Cherri flirted with him in that chaotic, shameless way of hers, or Carmilla gave him those slow, sultry smiles, or Velvette teased him with her "little innocent" act... Charlie felt a sharp little pang of jealousy in her heart.

What if he wanted someone spicier? Someone who didn't pep talk and just tried on lingerie?

Still, she wasn't one to back down from a challenge. And she really wanted Y/N to feel special... to see her that way.

In Y/N's room.

The lights were dimmed. A soft playlist played in the background—romantic jazz that Charlie had definitely overthought selecting.

Y/N sat on the edge of the bed, hugging a plushie, blinking curiously at the trail of rose petals leading from the door. His cheeks were already pink. That was usually a sign something dramatic was about to happen.

Then the door creaked open.

Charlie stepped in slowly, dressed in a sheer crimson robe with delicate lace and very little else. Her hair was tousled just right, and she held a long-stem rose between her teeth like she was in some kind of soap opera. She placed one hand on her hip and let the robe slip off one shoulder.

Charlie (with a sultry purr—or at least trying to):
Hey there, big boy~

Y/N immediately squeaked. His ears went red. His brain blue-screened.

Y/N: W-W-Wha—Charlie?!

He covered his face with both hands.

Y/N: I–I–you look—! I mean you're—!!!

Charlie tried to strut forward, aiming for a sexy sway of the hips... but ended up tripping slightly over the edge of the carpet.

Charlie: I'm okay! Sexy is okay! Still sexy!

She straightened up quickly, trying to pretend that didn't just happen.

She approached Y/N again, biting her lip, attempting what she imagined was a smoldering look.

Charlie: I've been a very... bad princess~

Y/N made a small, high-pitched noise, nearly sliding backward off the bed.

Y/N: T-Too much!! It's too much!! You're already beautiful, you don't need to—! I'm gonna combust—!!

Charlie froze. Her sexy persona cracked like a dropped teacup. She quickly knelt in front of him, face full of concern.

Charlie: Oh gosh! I—I didn't mean to overwhelm you! I thought... I just... I see the way the others tease and flirt with you and I thought maybe you'd want me to—[Her voice faltered.]—be more like that sometimes.

Y/N peeked at her through his fingers, still flushed but now more focused.

Y/N (softly): Charlie... I love you. Not a version of you. Not an act. You don't have to try to be... anyone else.

She blinked, eyes starting to shimmer.

Charlie: Even when I fall on my face while trying to seduce you?

Y/N (smiling shyly): Especially then.

Charlie (trying to play it cool but clearly flustered): I, uh, just thought maybe you'd like this? I know I'm not as flashy as Cherri or Carmilla or Velvette, but... I wanted to try.

Y/N tilted his head. His expression softened, the nervousness in his own body giving way to something deeply sincere.

Y/N (gently): Charlie, you don't have to be like anyone else. I love you because you're you.

He reached out his hand. She took it.

Y/N (quiet, earnest): You're warm. Kind. You make me feel safe... and understood. That's way more attractive to me than... anything else."

Charlie's heart melted.

Charlie (softly): So... the outfit wasn't too much?

Y/N (smiling shyly): It was. But It's really pretty. And... it's okay if you want to dress like that sometimes. But you don't need to compete with anyone.

He tugged her gently down beside him on the bed, wrapping his arms around her waist as she leaned into his chest.

Charlie (resting her head on his shoulder): You always know just what to say.

They both laughed—a warm, relieved kind of laugh. Charlie climbed into his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. He held her close, plushie squished between them.

Charlie (murmuring): Maybe I'll leave the sexy roleplaying to Velvette and Cherri...

Y/N (blushing, whispering): You're the only one who makes my heart feel like this.

Charlie's face lit up like fireworks in July.

Even if she couldn't always be the "sexy" one... she was his. And that meant more than any act could ever say.

Charlie was curled up in Y/N's arms now, her sexy robe slightly wrinkled and her earlier attempt at seduction totally forgotten—well, mostly. Her head was tucked under Y/N's chin, giggling softly while he shyly stroked her hair, both still flushed from the whole awkward situation.

The moment was quiet. Sweet. Intimate.

And then...

CLICK.

The door opened without warning.

Vaggie stepped in, arms full of shopping bags.
She froze halfway through the threshold, eyes narrowing at the scene before her.

Vaggie: ...What the hell is this?

Charlie jerked upright like a startled deer, knocking Y/N's plushie to the floor.

Charlie (startled, flustered): V-Vaggie! It's not what it looks like—!

Vaggie's eyes swept over the scene: the rose petals, the music, the lacey robe slipping off Charlie's shoulder, and a red-faced Y/N clutching a pillow to his chest like a life preserver.

Vaggie (deadpan): You tried to seduce him again, didn't you.

Charlie (nervously): ...Maybe?

Vaggie marched in and dropped the bags with a loud thud. She crossed her arms, unimpressed.

Vaggie: Charlie, babe. We've talked about this. He's a cinnamon roll. Not a creepy sinner. You can't just throw lace at him and expect him not to short-circuit.

Y/N (from behind the pillow, still tomato-red): T-Thank you, Vaggie...

Vaggie smirked and walked over to ruffle his hair gently.

Vaggie: Don't worry, sunshine. You're safe now. No more accidental thirst traps.

Charlie let out a dramatic sigh and fell backward onto the bed.

Charlie: I tried, okay?! Cherri makes it look so easy. Velvette flirts like it's breathing. Carmilla just walks into a room and Y/N melts.

Vaggie (softening): Yeah, but you're you. And you're the one he trusts enough to fall asleep with in his arms.

That quieted Charlie. She glanced at Y/N, who peeked out from behind the pillow, giving her the gentlest, sweetest smile that made her heart flutter.

Y/N (softly): You're the one I feel safest with.

Charlie's face turned bright red again.

Vaggie rolled her eye, muttering under her breath as she went to unpack the bags.

Vaggie: Great. Now I'm third-wheeling my own girlfriend and our cinnamon roll boyfriend.

———

Snuggle

The lace robe was long forgotten, rose petals now squished under pillows and feet. The playlist had moved on to some gentle Disney instrumental, and the once-steamy seduction attempt had transformed into a soft blanket cocoon of affection and giggles.

Charlie lay on one side of the bed, her arms wrapped gently around Y/N's waist, her cheek resting against his chest. Her crown was a little crooked from all the movement, and her smile was soft—genuine.

Y/N was in the middle, snuggled between them like the world's coziest teddy bear. His head nestled under Charlie's chin, a fuzzy blanket tucked around his shoulders, one hand still holding the plushie he dropped earlier. His breathing was calm now. Safe. Warm.

And on the other side, Vaggie had finally given in.

Though she'd insisted she wasn't joining the cuddle pile—"I don't do mushy stuff"—she now had her arms wrapped snugly around Y/N's back, resting her head against him from behind. Her thumb gently traced small circles over his spine.

Vaggie (softly, almost a whisper): ...You're warm, you know that?

Y/N: (quietly, eyes fluttering closed) So are you.

Charlie giggled, squeezing him tighter.

Charlie: You're like a little heat lamp with a heart. We should've been snuggling like this way sooner.

Vaggie: Yeah, yeah. Just don't tell anyone I said this is nice.

Y/N (mumbling sleepily): I won't... promise...

His voice was getting drowsy, each word slower than the last. Charlie reached over and laced her fingers with Vaggie's behind his back.

Charlie (smiling at her): Hey.

Vaggie: Hey.

They both leaned in and kissed either side of Y/N's head at the same time.

He let out the tiniest, happiest hum—and then drifted right off to sleep in their arms.

All three of them, tangled together in warmth and love, with the soft hum of music and the steady heartbeat of someone they all adored.