Chapter Text
“Angel?”
Angel turns from staring out across the hellscape. Seeing Charlie approaching across the distance across the rooftop, he opens his mouth, then shuts it and turns away.
“About earlier…” Charlie begins, then trails off. She reaches for him, letting her hand drop before she touches him.
Angel stubs his cigarette out on the wall that encircles the roof. “What?”
“Well...You know…”
“About how ya put Husk in danger, forced me ta speedrun a deeply emotional journey, oh and how ya did it front of the Vees? Who then outed me as a fucking murdered? Yeah, I know.”
“I didn’t mean it to end like that. I hoped…” Again, Charlie trails off when Angel turns to glare. She breaks eye contact first, shuffling to stand a little distance away, facing the red view without seeming to see it.
Angel watches her for a moment, then turns back to face the same way. “What did ya hope?” he asks after a moment. “Because you can’t have thought it’d actually work.”
“I hoped it would work.”
“Yeah, well, sorry to disappoint.”
Charlie turns to him. “Angel you could never disappoint me! And I’m sorry I put you through all that. It was stupid.”
“It was. Really stupid.”
“I deserve that.”
“I mean, that bullshit never would have worked, Charlie! Fuck, I can’t believe I let you talk me into it.” Angel steps away from the wall putting a hand to his forehead.
“Angel! Please don’t cry.”
“I’m not! I just got a headache. Probably all the chasing redemption I’ve been doin’ all day.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know.” Angel runs his hand through his hair, then steps back to the wall, draping himself against it and staring down at the lights of Hell. “That’s your third time sayin’. I said what I think about that the first time.”
“I know.”
They say nothing for a moment. Angel looks blankly across the city. Charlie watches him, then glances sadly up at the pale orb of Heaven, then back at Angel.
Angel says, “I’m sorry too, for the record. Ya probably thought I was just some slut who got sent down here for havin’ a good time. Probably wouldn’t have bothered if you knew I’m a father-murdering mafioso.”
“Wait, you were in the mafia?”
“Charlie, do ya think maybe this is the sort of shit we should have talked about before today?”
“Well I do now!”
“Yeah, well, I guess it could have saved the whole speedrun thing. I hate to say it, toots, but you ain’t exactly thinking straight right now.”
“What?” Charlie laughs nervously. “I’m totally thinking straight! I mean, sure, the last couple of months have been tough, but I’m ready to spread the word about redemption around Hell!” She sighs. “Or I would be if Vox would let me.”
“It ain’t him stopping ya.”
“Oh, it so is!”
“No, it’s...fuck it. You gotta snap outta this, Charlie.” Angel turns to her. “We miss you.”
Charlie blinks. “I’m right here.”
“Uh huh.” Angel turns away, massaging his head.
Charlie reaches out, tentatively, and strokes his back. “You’ve had headaches a lot lately.”
“Yeah, well, a lot of shit has happened.”
“Do you...want to talk about your dad?”
“No.” Angels shrugs, dislodging her hand. “Look, Charlie, I just want to be on my own for a bit, okay?”
“Okay.” Charlie’s voice is very small. “I’ll give you some space.” She turns and heads towards the door, pausing when Angel says, “I wasn’t high.”
Charlie turns. “What?”
Angel doesn’t look at her, addressing the view. “I wasn’t high when I killed him. I was stone cold sober. And he didn’t hit me. I mean, he was a controlling bastard and a fucking nightmare to live with but he didn’t hit me. So don’t go thinkin’ this is just a poor misunderstood Angel situation. It ain’t that simple. I ain’t misunderstood. Vox has always understood just how worthless I am and I guess now you do too.”
“Angel, what I said to Vox was true. I believe anyone can be redeemed.”
Angel shrugs again.
Charlie marches back over. “Angel, I know you can do this! You’re a good person now and we’re going to find a way to redeem you and you’re going to get up there!” She points at Heaven. “We can do this! You can do this! I’ll find a way to help you. Trust me.”
Angel sighs. “It’s funny. I know someone else who says that.”