Chapter #8: The Sleepover

                                    

                                          
"Holy shit! Al, don't just pop up like that!" Lucifer takes a little hop backwards and looks up at me with his big, annoyingly yellow eyes. He's wearing light blue pajamas with little ducks all over it. 
"My deepest apologies, your majesty, I had no intent to surprise you! I didn't know you were so jumpy." I bend down, widening my smile at him.
"Well, you little—I can't be with you—ugh, just go away!" Lucifer adjusts his grip on his bright white pillow. 
"Wow, poetry! Unfortunately, that's going to be a bit difficult, as we are seated right next to each other." I widen my smile, and turn around and make my way over to my sleeping bag.
I carefully place my pillow down at the head of my sleeping bag, and steal a glance at Lucifer. He's tucking Charlie and Vaggie into their double sleeping bag. That's kind of...sweet? I have no idea what I'm thinking about at this point, the pain of my wound is increasing the longer I stand. Though I have to be the last to lie down, or else I'll look weak. Just have to stand for...one more...minute...
As my eyes start to shut, and I fall to my knees. I slump down, placing my head on my pillow. 
"Bambi?" Lucifer jerks up right. "Are you okay?" He turns toward me, his face scrunched up in confusion, and...is that concern?
I quickly flip around and pull the blanket up to my nose.
"Yes, just ever so tired..." I say, as I wait for the pain to subside. I lower one of my arms to clutch my chest and try not to stop smiling.
"Okay weirdo..." he says, and I hear him turn back toward Charlie and Vaggie.
I'm not sure how long I lay there, eyes open staring at the wall, clutching my chest, nails digging into my wound. But at some point, Charlie shoots up and announces that we're going to start the movie. I barely hear this, it's almost like I'm underwater. Everyone's voices are so far away. I can hear the sound of the movie starting, and I can see the flicker of light against the wall. I hear Charlie and Vaggie fussing around with the video projected.
"Okay, are you guys ready? Come on, guys, wake up! It's only 9:00! Movie is starting, Angel and Al, get up!" Charlie shouts excitedly.
I carefully pull one arm out of the blanket, and push my fragile body up. The effects of blood loss are really starting to set in now. I just need to look focused on the movie for 2 hours, and then I can go to sleep. Hopefully it'll fade in the morning.
Charlie clicks a button, and the movie starts. I'm not familiar with the movie, but Angel Dust says it is called 'Willy Wonka' and is about a man who has a factory full of chocolate. Interesting...perhaps I will pay attention to it.
About halfway through the movie, I take a glance around the room. Everyone seems fixated on the movie. Angel lays his head in Husker's lap, and Husk gently plays with his hair. Angel looks so calm. He needs this. Val has been particularly abusive to him recently, and having Husk there for him is good for him. Charlie and Vaggie hug each other, whispering quietly and giggling. Niffty is tucked right into her sleeping bag, snoring lightly. Poor little thing, must be so tired after everything that has happened recently. Pentious keeps trying to wrap an arm Cherri without her noticing, but she keeps giving him a little side eye. But I can see that look in her eye, the one that says she likes his attention. I could see them as a couple. I turn to my side, glancing at Lucifer, who is sitting up, clutching his pillow, slowly dozing off. He looks so peaceful. Strange how such a annoying little king could look peaceful...
I feel something roll towards me, and I look down at my hand. A tiny rubber duck, with a purple top hat and happy little smile. I move my hand slowly and pick up the little thing. So tiny, just like Lucifer. I give it a little squeeze, and a high-pitched squeak comes out. I flinch, and as I do, I accidentally pull at the wound. I jerk forward, clutching my chest. Lucifer's eyes shoot open, and he turns his head quickly over to me.