Hell is us chapter 7
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Lea opened her eyes to a dark room illuminated only by the small screen of the console on top the table. She blinked, getting her eyes used to this low amount of light. She tried to move around on top of the couch, but found herself unable to do so as she found a sleeping Noara resting on top of her. She decided to stay put so as to not disturb her friend, and moved her head back, rested on the couch, and looked at the ceiling. Her mind, still a bit foggy from all the alcohol from last night, started wondering about her future. About how she could possibly avoid getting sent back to her father while at the same time helping Noara get the money she needed and that, honestly, her father owed her.

She could feel the frustration of an unwinnable situation setting in. She felt trapped between two bad options and couldn’t find out a third. She tried to breathe calmly, as to not disturb the sleep of her companion. Lea looked down to see her. She seemed so peaceful, so relaxed. Lea couldn’t help but notice how pretty she was. And couldn’t help but wishfully think of the future possibilities if she stayed in hell. More nights of videogames, more time getting to know Noara’s friends. More time living as herself outside of her father’s shadow. It was clear that, no matter what happened, she would stay here, in hell. No matter the cost.

Lea moved her arm and placed her hand onto Noara’s side and started caressing it, feeling her breathing. The rhythm became soothing for her as she started to close her eyes again, hoping to get some more sleep.

When she opened her eyes again, it was already day time, the red light of the morning in hell entering through the window. She looked at her side, seeing that Noara was not there anymore. Then, a very inviting smell of food covered her senses as she directed her eyes towards the kitchen. The demon was cooking food on a pan, wearing an apron while doing so. Lea felt both the need to laugh and squee at the same time. She couldn’t have imagined her friend in a cute apron, but now that she had she couldn’t help but find herself thinking about how adorable she looked in it. She just smiled, covered her mouth with her hands and let out a small chuckle.

Noara turned around to see her guest was up. She smiled and was going to say something until she realized how Lea was looking at her and her apron. She couldn’t help but blush for a second, but she regained her composure quickly.

- Hi! – She exclaimed happily – I was going to wake you up soon. I’m making fried eggs and some toasts – She moved the eggs from the pan over the toasts on two different plates. There were four in total. She grabbed the plates and started moving towards Lea.

- Oh, ehm – Lea tried to organize her thoughts again, still feeling tired from just waking up – Thank you – She yawned.

Both of them sat down to eat. Lea rubbed her eyes, seeing that her vision was still kind of hazy after waking up. They eat in a calm silence. Lea thought it would be an awkward one but, somehow, she enjoyed her friend’s company, even if she didn’t have to say anything. She could only hope that Noara felt the same way. After finishing breakfast, the demon turned towards her guest, resting her elbow on the back of the couch.

- Honestly, I’ve been thinking and, we don’t even need to see your dad – She started explaining, to Lea’s surprise – I mean, technically I was allowed to take you due to the contract, so it’s not like he can complain, right? – She smiled, thinking of herself as the victor. Lea, on the other hand, could only look down, thinking about whether or not what she said might be true.

- I don’t think it’s that easy, Noara – She replied – I mean, you left a note promising that you would give me back to him. That you would set me free. I don’t think he’s going to let us off the hook that easy. And even if he did, what about you? What about the money you need? – The demon kept her smile, but Lea could see a little bit of sadness in it in the way her eyes looked down for a second.

- That doesn’t matter. I will get the money any other way, I’m sure. It will take a while, but – She paused, looking back at Lea – It’s more important now that you’re able to stay here.

- I’ll still look for other solutions. There has to be a way to make this right – Noara could see a glimpse in her eyes. As if there was a fire set inside of her. She opened her mouth, surprised, then smiled warmly at her and placed her hand on her back.

- However things go, it will be ok. Whatever happens, happens – Lea looked back and smiled, closing her eyes and nodding.

- Thank you. Here, let me take these for you.

Lea grabbed the plates and got up, putting them on the sink and washing them. She always had a rule with her friends: those who don’t cook, clean. She felt it was the least she could do.

Hours passed in the house. Lea took a shower and grabbed some casual clothes from Noara. A hoodie and some leggings. Both of them tried to spend some calm time together, even though Lea was constantly thinking about what to do about her father. Noara tried to take her mind off things. It was proving difficult, but Lea thanked the demon trying to cheer her up. Her mind got to the conclusion that she should, at the very least, try to relax a bit to not have her friend worry about her constantly. They were both having lunch, a pair of precooked pizzas from the fridge, when Lea spoke up, remembering that Noara told her about the club she works some nights as a bouncer.

- Hey, do you mind if I go to your club tonight? You mentioned that you work there with Lys – Noara had a big bite of pizza in her mouth, yet spoke without hesitation.

- Oh yeah, for sure! Didn’t know you liked those kinds of places though. I would have taken you for the quiet night with a book kind of person.

- I don’t like them that much, but I honestly want to talk with Lys again. Let them know I’m ok and good.

- Yeah, Lys was worried about you as well. It kind of shocked them – Noara saw that Lea’s face turned grim for a second, realizing that she still felt awkward and bad about that - Hope there aren’t any idiots that I have to throw away today – She said trying to change topic – And if you see anyone bothering you, you tell me. They don’t want to mess with a demon of wrath like me.

Lea just smiled back at her, letting her know she was ok. If anything, drinking and being able to spend time knowing Noara’s friend would let her distract herself from the awfulness that might come soon. She even thought, wishfully, that perhaps Lys had an idea of what to do. Whatever the case might have been, Lea went back to eating her pizza and trying to shut her mind off for a little while.

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