beelze

“Really?”

“Isn’t it?”

“I can’t please everybody, buddy. I can barely do it when I try super hard at it...”

“There’s no easy end all, be all way to wash out that taste. Trust me.”

“It didn’t sound like overthinking. Sounds like your thinking the right amount, actually.” The demon prince gave a hearty laugh, shrugging a shoulder in resignation. “My entire existence changed after the Fall. When the world was created, I knew things were never going to be the same. I didn’t know I’d lose everything I ever knew -- that I’d be split down the middle.” Despite the conversation, Beelzebub wore a soft expression, eyes shining. “I get it, Alex, and I’m here to say that one day... you’re going to wake up and it’s not going to be so tough anymore. I’m old as balls, so it took me a little longer than I think it’ll take you, but I’m not worried. You’ll get there in no time.”

“Of course, of course!  I didn’t mean to pry.”

A part of him regretted asking, watching sympathetically as Alex tried to continue with an answer. He hadn’t realized it was going to bring up anything uncomfortable.. but at the same time, he appreciated the honesty. He’d noticed the others hands, their placement, but thought nothing of it until the word baby was uttered -- which left his gaze lingering a moment longer. Beelze understood having a plan, and then it all changing one day, without a single outlet. No one to turn to, lost in your own head. “You got to tell me,” he tried to offer, a small smile accompanying his positive tone. “And there’ll be more people. Baby included.”

“I don’t know if I’d say it’d be better... I feel like I might be better, but that’s hopeful thinking on my part. I’m just, tired of the same old song and dance. My brothers and sisters have been playing the victim against our father for too long. It’s time to put it to rest. I want to be something now that I know I have the opportunity to try.” The fallen angel sighed. “Enough about me -- what about you?  What’s your next year looking like?”

“That really does mean a lot to hear someone say that.” The demon wore a warm smile. “Life on earth is.. it’s just incredible. I get to worry about the little things like identity and purpose, and it’s all thanks to this amazing city.” He chuckled. “You said this has always been your home. I like to think it can be mine, too.”

“Beelzebub is more of a title than a name, technically. But it’s all I’ve ever known, so instead of changing it completely, I just started going by Be’elze to save a syllable. But remember it’s bub, never zul -- not since the promotion. Or demotion. Depends on who you ask, I suppose,” the demon added with a laugh. “Bee or Zee could work, too. Truth this.. I don’t know what I’m even the lord of anymore. I don’t know if I care enough to figure it out.”

“probably. i’m a fan, though, so as long as you don’t insult me or something stupid like that.. i got your back.” he extended a hand to her, but not to shake. no, she was a lady, and he was offering to kiss her knuckles. “i’m beelzebub.”

he sucked his teeth in resignation. dead was the wrong word to use. “well, when humans can obtain immortality, it’s a pretty big deal to us real immortals. i can’t imagine a single soul in heaven or hell who doesn’t know the name petrova.”

“Honestly, I’m feeling a little.. antsy. I’m all pent up.”

“you asked for me to stop. not politely, or nicely in any way, but.. i have ears.”

“metaphorical balls don’t shouldn’t count.”