if you're having girl problems, i feel bad for you, son [closed/complete]
Characters: (in order of appearance) Samael (andaclatter), Agrat Bat Mahlat (bawdystrumpet), Eisheth Zenunim (isheth), Na'amah (hellionqueen); Angrboda (heraldofgrief)
Date/Time: 13.10.2011/afternoon
Location: Hospital
Rating: PG13
Warnings: Swearing. SAMAEL. Four in a bed romp.
Summary: Samael's concubines are ministering angels of mercy and come see their man in his hour of need.
Samael was close to being discharged from the hospital. He was sure of it. His kidneys were almost back to normal, hopefully with no lasting damage, his hair was growing slowly and his cast might come in useful as a blunt weapon. Either way, he was quite chipper. He was still far too weak and he was under no illusions; he’d be going back to Angrboda’s house for his immediate convalescence. For now, he was hanging out at the nurses’ station again, having been bored out of his mind in his own room.
There was revenge to be planned, of course, but Skadi and Daphne were bound to have that under control. For once, Samael was content to be a passenger. Vengeance would be had and, right now, he could content himself with raiding the box of chocolates at the nurses’ station and flirting with the charmed ward clerk.
§
Agrat had done exactly what she’d said she would do. As soon as receiving confirmation as to which hospital Samael was at (because the city was full of them) she alerted her sisters. Then, after making sure that she looked appropriate, she rushed out the door. Once she arrived at the hospital she made her way to the desk so she could ask what room she needed to go to, intending to wait for the others there. She almost couldn’t believe that Samael, who seemed nigh invincible, was in the hospital and had been for around two weeks. It was crazy.
The sheer amount of things that he had missed out on - shenanigans from all corners of the forums had been alternately cracking her up and raising her eyebrows - would take far too long for just her to recount on her own, plus having her sisters there would insure that nothing was forgotten. Personally, Agrat couldn’t wait to see the look on Samael’s face when the actions of Gabriel and Eve, in particular, were brought up.
§
Eisheth Zenunim had taken her time once she had been told what was going on from Agrat and sending a text to Na’amah. She was sure Samael would be fine ten more minutes without her presence and she would make sure it was worth it. Dressed enough to stand out and get attention (in the most classy way, of course), she was on her way with a box under one arm as she entered the hospital.
Approaching the desk, she caught sight of one of her sisters and smiled warmly, reaching out. “Dearest sister, Na’amah is on her way. I hope our Samael is still holding up?”
§
Na’amah had made a petty decision to show up fashionably later than the girls. Both of them. What a silly idea. But she had heard news from Agrat that Samael was in the hospital. Better ideas for why he was there hadn’t occurred to her until she was halfway across the lobby. And she thought: Ooh, but had Samael been attacked by a wiley double? She had to wonder. And if he was, she was curious to know what he’d have looked like. (Like himself, but what if he was a Cuban variety flowerbud? Heehee.) Gravity, Na’amah. Gravity.
Nonetheless, the flaxen blonde did make a dutiful show of attending. And albeit a little time did pass, the neuro ward was eventually disturbed by a clever, cynically doll-like woman with an effortless, trifling walk. Her signature expression hidden today underneath a more peculiar attitude, she’d approached the aforementioned women with a long, astute gaze.
First, she took in the box dear Eisi held under her arm. “Oh, peachpieces,” she sighed, “that’s--” severely “tacky.” As she ignored the gift bag held in her own slender fingers. Perhaps she meant the box itself?
But without settling on this detail for too long, she beckoned them both. “Come.” Na’amah pointed with a whimsical finger. “The queen of spades is here, and the king shall not be kept waiting.” Her lips gathered together in a perfectly heartshaped smile (a perfectly cat-like smile), and, looping her arm through Agrat’s, she finished. “Lead the way, mon ange.”
§
The arrival of three beautiful women onto the neuro ward created quite the stir, all the more so given that Queens of Hell were so seldom seen about town and they did have a certain presence. Samael heard the murmurs before he heard the sound of heels clicking on the hard floor. Everyone around him looked towards the source of the sound, even Mrs Davison, who’d apparently been suffering from the most dreadful ennui since her stroke.
Samael just smiled. Stepped away from the nurses’ station so that he was standing in the middle of the corridor, head and shoulders above everyone else. Agrat, of course he knew, and he reserved a certain knowing smile for her. The other two, he had not met in this life. His eyes widened in surprise when he realised that he recognised Na’amah - or, at least, Jesse Trentini. Perhaps he was a little cooler in his expression; he was in no fit state to punish her for what had been done to Gabriel but he could never forgive it. He could wait.
“My dears,” he said, to the surprise of the nearby staff, who’d probably thought they’d seen it all, between the steady stream of visitors he got (police officer, security guard, beautiful relations). “Welcome to my humble, if temporary, abode.”
§
Aware of the type of reaction others might have to their presence (awe, jealousy), Agrat had no problem standing around waiting for the others. When Eisheth arrived she was greeted with a small hug and kiss, and the same tokens of affection were bestowed upon Na’amah as well. This could have been a solemn occasion; Samael was near and dear to her heart; but having her sisters there made any burdens easier to bear. Not that she couldn’t have done it alone, just it was better knowing that three of the foursome was around.
Leading the way to Samael’s room, Agrat made sure to catch the eye of those passing by every now and then, her slight smirk promising things she had no intent on delivering to strangers. Not when Samael deserved (and would get) every ounce of compassion and empathy that she had. Spotting him easily (and how could they not?) she allowed a pout to dance upon her lips as she approached him. He looked so different; still formidable but leaner, possibly hungrier; and her first thought was that the look suited him. She missed his longer hair, though.
“Darling, look at you,” she exclaimed softly, tilting her head up to give him a gentle kiss on the cheek. The stares of the staff didn’t faze her, she was used to being watched regardless of what she was doing. Taking his hand, she cooed, “We’re here now, let us take care of you.”
§
Eisheth was more than comfortable with the attention they were getting, in fact to her it was as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She greeted Na’amah with the sweetest of smiles, despite the other’s comment and looked the other Queen up and down for a moment before responding, “And I suppose you would know what would be tacky, wouldn’t you, dear sister?” she said as sweetly as could be, looking at the gift bag her sister held for a moment.
She didn’t kept her attention on Na’amah for long as they went to go find Samael, looking the man over before approaching. He was so different than when she had (or so she had thought at least) met him before but there was certainly the same presence. “You poor darling, how fortunate we are here then,” she said matter-of-factly with a smile on her lips.
§
It was sharp, discerning blue eyes that pried apart a small cooling expression carried, with uncanny precision, just for her. Her own expression was broken briefly by the surprise (and denial) that she was looking at a familiar face. But this cryptic aside was tucked away with no small amount of grace; the colder part of her nature was already descending hell on a demon who couldn’t assuage her fear -- yes, fear, of what someone knew that she didn’t know.
Spidery fingers clutched the threads of the gift bag a little tighter. “Oh? Well point us to your room, stranger.” She said with a soothing lilt to her tone.
§
Samael looked between his concubines, still with that faint smile. “By all means.” He nodded down the corridor. “They have me shoved down the back so I don’t cause any mischief.” A little louder, he said, “It doesn’t work.”
Taking Agrat’s hand in his unbroken hand, he kissed her forehead. It was not favouritism so much as an acknowledgement that they had already found their equilibrium in this life. Once they reached his room, Samael sat down on the bed. “Eisheth, Na’amah, let me look at you.”
Oh, he knew Na’amah’s face well enough but now that he knew she was Na’amah, he was curious to examine any subtleties that made her so. Eisheth was granted a long and appreciative gaze and finally Samael nodded, well pleased. He was glad to have them here, he thought, though he did not want for visitors. Still, his concubines were precious to him. Three of the four queens of Hell and they were certainly his (a most gratifiying Get Well Soon gift).
§
A rather smug little smirk came to Agrat's lips as Samael took her hand, though the smugness was directed at the strangers around them and not at her sisters. She would never presume to think herself better than them, as in her eyes they were all equals. Once inside the room, she moved to fluff the pillow on the bed before stepping aside to allow her sisters to see Samael better.
"Shall I give you three time alone, or would you like to get caught up on what you've missed, first?" she asked, not having a preference either way. She understood well that it might be the first time (in this life) that he was laying eyes on Na'amah and Eisheth, and wanted to show she respected that need to bond.
§
“I assume you are troublesome as always, at least I would hope so,” Eisheth teased as she followed Samael and Agrat, only sparing a glance for Na’amah. She only looked mildly surprised by Samael’s request, having thought that he had gotten a good look at her before. “Miss me that much, dear?” she laughed softly as she sat on the edge of the bed once he was all settled in, the box resting on her lap.
§
Na’amah immediately left her gift bag on a seat before making her way to perch on the bed just next to Eisheth. Her arm wound over the other woman’s back as she braced her hand nonchalantly against the guardrail at the foot of the bed. “Stay unless you’re busy, Agrat.” She spoke plainly, crossing one leg over the other, before regarding Samael with a speculative smile. Not at all crossed by the non sequitur way of handling a campy situation, she read his curiosity for what it was.
“This is a little awkward.” She began, with brutal forwardness. “Half of us are strangers now, hm? And you’re lying in the shadow of your glory. I wonder what forces bowed you to your knees.” Although, she was careful to follow with -- “But you are most loved, bedbound and all.”
§
“Do not leave, Agrat,” said Samael. He reached out, then, and touched Eisheth’s face lightly, with the barest graze of fingertips before doing the same to Na’amah. Curiosity, perhaps even affection, but certainly possession. “I need you closer,” he said. His tone was deceptively mild. “All of you.”
When his mortal family visited (his magnificent mortal family), boundaries were virtually non-existent (certainly when it came to Azazel and Daphne, and Angrboda had been a great comfort, too). He expected nothing less and nothing more from his concubines. He wanted to learn them again and figure them out. Ensure that they knew him for who he was, even though he was physically weakened. He’d grow strong again and no mistake.
§
“If that is your wish then I can certainly stay,” Agrat demurred, finding a place to put down her pocketbook before moving closer. She agreed with Na’amah’s assessment of the situation, but would never voice such thoughts out loud considering that none of the feelings of awkwardness laid with her. At least, not as far as she knew. She could be wrong though, she wasn’t omniscient.
She blinked at the mild tone he employed, unaware that Samael had it in him to be anything but passionate in everything he did. It wasn’t her place to question him though, at least not in front of anyone else. “Do you have any idea how long they intend to keep you here? This can’t be pleasant for you, especially with the fun you’ve missed out on.” Well, other people had been having fun, from what she saw, though her doppelganger was quite the little annoyance. Giving away her stuff, how dare she do that to her?
§
Eisheth leaned against her cousin and fellow queen’s arm casually. She placed one hand over Samael’s hand when he touched her face, she certainly could play the good, dutiful wife when it came down to it.
She glanced at Agrat, nodding in agreement with her fellow queen. “They can’t keep you in that much longer, can they? I have to say things are more exciting though with you around though you have missed out on a great deal,” she remarked. “Though I missed out much of it, so I’m sure Agrat and Na’amah could fill you in better than I could.”
§
Na’amah let out a silent sigh and decided, at last, to go with the flow. Releasing Eisheth from her little half-cage, she walked around the bed and instead, perched on the other side, making more room for Agrat and Samael. Leaning back until she was comfortably gazing at the atrociously sterile ceiling, she laced her fingers together against her stomach. Samael wanted closer. Obviously, she was obliged to comply.
“You didn’t miss out on much.” She answered. “Horses running wild, doves falling out of the sky, puppets crawling through the city.” And demons scratching wounds. What else was new? She blinked indifferently.
§
Samael watched all three women, rather savouring the dynamic in the room. These three were powerful, in their own right. In this tight space, their presence and their effect on him was unavoidable and so he wallowed in the proximity. He sat up a little more, fluffing up the pillows behind him and folded his arms. His size hadn’t diminished overly and the faded t-shirt that doubled as a pyjama top still fit snugly enough.
“Horses and doves and fucking puppets? My, it sounds quite eventful.” He bit his lip and his eyes fluttered closed. He looked up at the ceiling, the long line of his throat bared to the room. “I’ve heard of all manners of violence and I was privy to none of it. It seems that there has been mayhem and I’ve been fucking cooped up in here, without so much as an over-friendly orderly to brighten my day.” Not strictly true, perhaps. The Blackwells brightened his day physically and the angels brightened it spiritually. His concubines fulfilled a different role. He reached out and touched Na’amah’s pale hair, something he wouldn’t have done when they were strangers in North Africa.
§
Agrat laughed softly at Na’amah’s description what had been going on, the idle thought that she would have preferred that over what certain doubles did and said bringing a slight frown to her face. It wasn’t that she’d been attached to some of the items her double chose to liberate her of, but some of the outfits were one of a kind. Much like her, now that she considered it. “It was most assuredly unlike anything I’d seen before,” she chimed in, doing her best to banish any annoying thoughts to the back of her mind.
“I don’t remember seeing much by way of violence myself, more like people acting somewhat out of character. Archangels other than you flirting, and the like.” Some of it was downright scandalous, like those people who openly commented or posted about their apparent ‘true’ thoughts on others. She nearly gained a new respect for Lancelot and Merlin after reading what they’d had to say, but now she suspected it wasn’t truly them in the first place. “It’s a pity that the orderlies haven’t seen fit to give you proper attention. If you like I’d be happy to find a candy striper or two that could visit you later.” Every hospital worth their salt had to have at least a few silly little teenage bimbos doing their community service, it was all a matter of finding them.
§
Eisheth gave a light laugh at Agrat and Na’amah’s summaries, amused. “You must feel all left out,” she reached out to lay a hand on his leg lightly. “I am sure you must be bored to tears, poor Samael,” she moved to settle on his other side, making herself comfortable as can be beside him.
“Doves and demons, it was all rather interesting to watch, but I am sure there will be lots more for you once you are out and about once more,” she assured him cheerfully. “Though at least for now, you have us to entertain you. And it seems Na’amah even brought you something,” she prompted, glancing at her cousin.
§
Na’amah tilted her face. Looking across her shoulder at the fingers grazing across her hair, she did two things: she tensed, and then she settled. Her blue eyes lingered on Samael’s with unhidden curiosity, and then she fluttered them closed and laughed at nothing. Substance seemed to have flown out the window. Nonetheless, Na’amah played fair.
“Of course, Agrat also had her own little episode. And I tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldn’t be swayed.” A pause as Na’amah regarded Eisheth’s catty little comment. Her lips quirked slightly. “Oh, you know. I never go anywhere without a present. Survival packs are useful after an accident.”
§
“I’m not sure I’d call it an accident,” said Samael, rubbing his chin. His eyes were fixed on Na’amah. “A relatively unprovoked attack is hardly a fucking accident.” He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “But vengeance will be mine and all of that good fucking stuff.”
Without brooking any opposition, he slung an arm around Eisheth, pulling her closer before burying his nose in her hair and taking a deep breath. He let out a low hum of satisfaction. “And as much as I do so fucking love getting presents, having you three here is a pretty good gift.” His eyes drifted closed and there was a small smile on his lips as he recalled the beginning and the acquisition of his concubines and the role they’d played in the shaping of this world of flawed humanity.
§
At the mention of her having an episode of her own, as Na’amah so kindly put it, Agrat shot her sister a rather pointed look. She might have said something if Samael had chosen to acknowledge it, but he glossed right over that statement and focus on the other thing Na’amah said, so the urge to defend herself was squelched. She smiled thinly. “Let’s hope whoever chose to mess with you know how creative you can get, then.”
It was almost nice to see the way having her sisters around affected Samael. He seemed more content knowing that the three of them were there, and while her thoughts couldn’t help but fly to Lilith and wondering where she was she wouldn’t deny being just a smidge proud that she was the first of his concubines to show her face. She could only wish that they’d known sooner that he’d been hospitalized, since now that she knew he’d been there two weeks it made her feel badly that he was without their company during that time.
§
There were no protests from Eisheth as Samael pulled her closer but her eyes were on her sisters and she certainly caught that pointed look. “Oh yes, I remember that as well! Oh, Agrat, I was concerned for you for a moment,” she said lightly.
“And I am sure you will make whoever did this regret it,” she said to Samael, always the supportive concubine...in her own way. “I would say we are the best gift, certainly the most attractive gift you could get.”
§
“I’m sure there wasn’t a prize in it for the demon kings.” Na’amah spoke calmly, opening her eyes and staring through the lined wall. She mentally peeled it back to reveal the blue, blue sky. Her focus faltered as she made a certain and deliberate effort to roll to her side. A hand balanced against the shirt fabric just under his neck, she leaned forward and left a lip brush to the corner of his own.
§
Her timing was something she would be pleased about but it wouldn't be clearly reflected at all after she walked in. The once-giantess was ready to make a scene for everyone to talk about.
The latte she had brought in for herself was set down and a finger was pointed at her cousin before she made a show of counting all three concubines silently. "Dear God, you have more women. On our bed. Dante, you only have one mouth and one dick. Unless you have really skillful hands, you don't need three." And if the people in the hallway and next door didn't hear that, then they were surely deaf and were perfectly capable of minding their own business. "Seriously, this is a hospital, you gigantic whore. I can't even be near you right now. I don't even know what you've been doing. You need to be cleaned." Hello, idea.
"I am getting a spray bottle. If the ladies do not want to be soaked with a mystery substance, they need to flee before I get back." Samael was not going to flee, that much she knew and trusted. And he would be spritzed until she was satisfied.
I can't remember if he can get up much yet. Bet I can still run faster, though.
§
Samael blinked as Angrboda turned on her heel before he threw back his head and laughed. He kissed his concubines, each on the cheek and then on the lips. "My darlings, perhaps you had best move back from the bed? I fully expect to get soaked and not in the good way." His eyes were fixed on his concubines and there was something vibrant in their depths. Perhaps it was the recognition that if Angrboda was being anything other than gentle with him, he must be getting better and if he was getting better? Well, the sooner he could show his women just what they meant to him. The road to recovery was certainly beginning.
Date/Time: 13.10.2011/afternoon
Location: Hospital
Rating: PG13
Warnings: Swearing. SAMAEL. Four in a bed romp.
Summary: Samael's concubines are ministering angels of mercy and come see their man in his hour of need.
Samael was close to being discharged from the hospital. He was sure of it. His kidneys were almost back to normal, hopefully with no lasting damage, his hair was growing slowly and his cast might come in useful as a blunt weapon. Either way, he was quite chipper. He was still far too weak and he was under no illusions; he’d be going back to Angrboda’s house for his immediate convalescence. For now, he was hanging out at the nurses’ station again, having been bored out of his mind in his own room.
There was revenge to be planned, of course, but Skadi and Daphne were bound to have that under control. For once, Samael was content to be a passenger. Vengeance would be had and, right now, he could content himself with raiding the box of chocolates at the nurses’ station and flirting with the charmed ward clerk.
§
Agrat had done exactly what she’d said she would do. As soon as receiving confirmation as to which hospital Samael was at (because the city was full of them) she alerted her sisters. Then, after making sure that she looked appropriate, she rushed out the door. Once she arrived at the hospital she made her way to the desk so she could ask what room she needed to go to, intending to wait for the others there. She almost couldn’t believe that Samael, who seemed nigh invincible, was in the hospital and had been for around two weeks. It was crazy.
The sheer amount of things that he had missed out on - shenanigans from all corners of the forums had been alternately cracking her up and raising her eyebrows - would take far too long for just her to recount on her own, plus having her sisters there would insure that nothing was forgotten. Personally, Agrat couldn’t wait to see the look on Samael’s face when the actions of Gabriel and Eve, in particular, were brought up.
§
Eisheth Zenunim had taken her time once she had been told what was going on from Agrat and sending a text to Na’amah. She was sure Samael would be fine ten more minutes without her presence and she would make sure it was worth it. Dressed enough to stand out and get attention (in the most classy way, of course), she was on her way with a box under one arm as she entered the hospital.
Approaching the desk, she caught sight of one of her sisters and smiled warmly, reaching out. “Dearest sister, Na’amah is on her way. I hope our Samael is still holding up?”
§
Na’amah had made a petty decision to show up fashionably later than the girls. Both of them. What a silly idea. But she had heard news from Agrat that Samael was in the hospital. Better ideas for why he was there hadn’t occurred to her until she was halfway across the lobby. And she thought: Ooh, but had Samael been attacked by a wiley double? She had to wonder. And if he was, she was curious to know what he’d have looked like. (Like himself, but what if he was a Cuban variety flowerbud? Heehee.) Gravity, Na’amah. Gravity.
Nonetheless, the flaxen blonde did make a dutiful show of attending. And albeit a little time did pass, the neuro ward was eventually disturbed by a clever, cynically doll-like woman with an effortless, trifling walk. Her signature expression hidden today underneath a more peculiar attitude, she’d approached the aforementioned women with a long, astute gaze.
First, she took in the box dear Eisi held under her arm. “Oh, peachpieces,” she sighed, “that’s--” severely “tacky.” As she ignored the gift bag held in her own slender fingers. Perhaps she meant the box itself?
But without settling on this detail for too long, she beckoned them both. “Come.” Na’amah pointed with a whimsical finger. “The queen of spades is here, and the king shall not be kept waiting.” Her lips gathered together in a perfectly heartshaped smile (a perfectly cat-like smile), and, looping her arm through Agrat’s, she finished. “Lead the way, mon ange.”
§
The arrival of three beautiful women onto the neuro ward created quite the stir, all the more so given that Queens of Hell were so seldom seen about town and they did have a certain presence. Samael heard the murmurs before he heard the sound of heels clicking on the hard floor. Everyone around him looked towards the source of the sound, even Mrs Davison, who’d apparently been suffering from the most dreadful ennui since her stroke.
Samael just smiled. Stepped away from the nurses’ station so that he was standing in the middle of the corridor, head and shoulders above everyone else. Agrat, of course he knew, and he reserved a certain knowing smile for her. The other two, he had not met in this life. His eyes widened in surprise when he realised that he recognised Na’amah - or, at least, Jesse Trentini. Perhaps he was a little cooler in his expression; he was in no fit state to punish her for what had been done to Gabriel but he could never forgive it. He could wait.
“My dears,” he said, to the surprise of the nearby staff, who’d probably thought they’d seen it all, between the steady stream of visitors he got (police officer, security guard, beautiful relations). “Welcome to my humble, if temporary, abode.”
§
Aware of the type of reaction others might have to their presence (awe, jealousy), Agrat had no problem standing around waiting for the others. When Eisheth arrived she was greeted with a small hug and kiss, and the same tokens of affection were bestowed upon Na’amah as well. This could have been a solemn occasion; Samael was near and dear to her heart; but having her sisters there made any burdens easier to bear. Not that she couldn’t have done it alone, just it was better knowing that three of the foursome was around.
Leading the way to Samael’s room, Agrat made sure to catch the eye of those passing by every now and then, her slight smirk promising things she had no intent on delivering to strangers. Not when Samael deserved (and would get) every ounce of compassion and empathy that she had. Spotting him easily (and how could they not?) she allowed a pout to dance upon her lips as she approached him. He looked so different; still formidable but leaner, possibly hungrier; and her first thought was that the look suited him. She missed his longer hair, though.
“Darling, look at you,” she exclaimed softly, tilting her head up to give him a gentle kiss on the cheek. The stares of the staff didn’t faze her, she was used to being watched regardless of what she was doing. Taking his hand, she cooed, “We’re here now, let us take care of you.”
§
Eisheth was more than comfortable with the attention they were getting, in fact to her it was as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She greeted Na’amah with the sweetest of smiles, despite the other’s comment and looked the other Queen up and down for a moment before responding, “And I suppose you would know what would be tacky, wouldn’t you, dear sister?” she said as sweetly as could be, looking at the gift bag her sister held for a moment.
She didn’t kept her attention on Na’amah for long as they went to go find Samael, looking the man over before approaching. He was so different than when she had (or so she had thought at least) met him before but there was certainly the same presence. “You poor darling, how fortunate we are here then,” she said matter-of-factly with a smile on her lips.
§
It was sharp, discerning blue eyes that pried apart a small cooling expression carried, with uncanny precision, just for her. Her own expression was broken briefly by the surprise (and denial) that she was looking at a familiar face. But this cryptic aside was tucked away with no small amount of grace; the colder part of her nature was already descending hell on a demon who couldn’t assuage her fear -- yes, fear, of what someone knew that she didn’t know.
Spidery fingers clutched the threads of the gift bag a little tighter. “Oh? Well point us to your room, stranger.” She said with a soothing lilt to her tone.
§
Samael looked between his concubines, still with that faint smile. “By all means.” He nodded down the corridor. “They have me shoved down the back so I don’t cause any mischief.” A little louder, he said, “It doesn’t work.”
Taking Agrat’s hand in his unbroken hand, he kissed her forehead. It was not favouritism so much as an acknowledgement that they had already found their equilibrium in this life. Once they reached his room, Samael sat down on the bed. “Eisheth, Na’amah, let me look at you.”
Oh, he knew Na’amah’s face well enough but now that he knew she was Na’amah, he was curious to examine any subtleties that made her so. Eisheth was granted a long and appreciative gaze and finally Samael nodded, well pleased. He was glad to have them here, he thought, though he did not want for visitors. Still, his concubines were precious to him. Three of the four queens of Hell and they were certainly his (a most gratifiying Get Well Soon gift).
§
A rather smug little smirk came to Agrat's lips as Samael took her hand, though the smugness was directed at the strangers around them and not at her sisters. She would never presume to think herself better than them, as in her eyes they were all equals. Once inside the room, she moved to fluff the pillow on the bed before stepping aside to allow her sisters to see Samael better.
"Shall I give you three time alone, or would you like to get caught up on what you've missed, first?" she asked, not having a preference either way. She understood well that it might be the first time (in this life) that he was laying eyes on Na'amah and Eisheth, and wanted to show she respected that need to bond.
§
“I assume you are troublesome as always, at least I would hope so,” Eisheth teased as she followed Samael and Agrat, only sparing a glance for Na’amah. She only looked mildly surprised by Samael’s request, having thought that he had gotten a good look at her before. “Miss me that much, dear?” she laughed softly as she sat on the edge of the bed once he was all settled in, the box resting on her lap.
§
Na’amah immediately left her gift bag on a seat before making her way to perch on the bed just next to Eisheth. Her arm wound over the other woman’s back as she braced her hand nonchalantly against the guardrail at the foot of the bed. “Stay unless you’re busy, Agrat.” She spoke plainly, crossing one leg over the other, before regarding Samael with a speculative smile. Not at all crossed by the non sequitur way of handling a campy situation, she read his curiosity for what it was.
“This is a little awkward.” She began, with brutal forwardness. “Half of us are strangers now, hm? And you’re lying in the shadow of your glory. I wonder what forces bowed you to your knees.” Although, she was careful to follow with -- “But you are most loved, bedbound and all.”
§
“Do not leave, Agrat,” said Samael. He reached out, then, and touched Eisheth’s face lightly, with the barest graze of fingertips before doing the same to Na’amah. Curiosity, perhaps even affection, but certainly possession. “I need you closer,” he said. His tone was deceptively mild. “All of you.”
When his mortal family visited (his magnificent mortal family), boundaries were virtually non-existent (certainly when it came to Azazel and Daphne, and Angrboda had been a great comfort, too). He expected nothing less and nothing more from his concubines. He wanted to learn them again and figure them out. Ensure that they knew him for who he was, even though he was physically weakened. He’d grow strong again and no mistake.
§
“If that is your wish then I can certainly stay,” Agrat demurred, finding a place to put down her pocketbook before moving closer. She agreed with Na’amah’s assessment of the situation, but would never voice such thoughts out loud considering that none of the feelings of awkwardness laid with her. At least, not as far as she knew. She could be wrong though, she wasn’t omniscient.
She blinked at the mild tone he employed, unaware that Samael had it in him to be anything but passionate in everything he did. It wasn’t her place to question him though, at least not in front of anyone else. “Do you have any idea how long they intend to keep you here? This can’t be pleasant for you, especially with the fun you’ve missed out on.” Well, other people had been having fun, from what she saw, though her doppelganger was quite the little annoyance. Giving away her stuff, how dare she do that to her?
§
Eisheth leaned against her cousin and fellow queen’s arm casually. She placed one hand over Samael’s hand when he touched her face, she certainly could play the good, dutiful wife when it came down to it.
She glanced at Agrat, nodding in agreement with her fellow queen. “They can’t keep you in that much longer, can they? I have to say things are more exciting though with you around though you have missed out on a great deal,” she remarked. “Though I missed out much of it, so I’m sure Agrat and Na’amah could fill you in better than I could.”
§
Na’amah let out a silent sigh and decided, at last, to go with the flow. Releasing Eisheth from her little half-cage, she walked around the bed and instead, perched on the other side, making more room for Agrat and Samael. Leaning back until she was comfortably gazing at the atrociously sterile ceiling, she laced her fingers together against her stomach. Samael wanted closer. Obviously, she was obliged to comply.
“You didn’t miss out on much.” She answered. “Horses running wild, doves falling out of the sky, puppets crawling through the city.” And demons scratching wounds. What else was new? She blinked indifferently.
§
Samael watched all three women, rather savouring the dynamic in the room. These three were powerful, in their own right. In this tight space, their presence and their effect on him was unavoidable and so he wallowed in the proximity. He sat up a little more, fluffing up the pillows behind him and folded his arms. His size hadn’t diminished overly and the faded t-shirt that doubled as a pyjama top still fit snugly enough.
“Horses and doves and fucking puppets? My, it sounds quite eventful.” He bit his lip and his eyes fluttered closed. He looked up at the ceiling, the long line of his throat bared to the room. “I’ve heard of all manners of violence and I was privy to none of it. It seems that there has been mayhem and I’ve been fucking cooped up in here, without so much as an over-friendly orderly to brighten my day.” Not strictly true, perhaps. The Blackwells brightened his day physically and the angels brightened it spiritually. His concubines fulfilled a different role. He reached out and touched Na’amah’s pale hair, something he wouldn’t have done when they were strangers in North Africa.
§
Agrat laughed softly at Na’amah’s description what had been going on, the idle thought that she would have preferred that over what certain doubles did and said bringing a slight frown to her face. It wasn’t that she’d been attached to some of the items her double chose to liberate her of, but some of the outfits were one of a kind. Much like her, now that she considered it. “It was most assuredly unlike anything I’d seen before,” she chimed in, doing her best to banish any annoying thoughts to the back of her mind.
“I don’t remember seeing much by way of violence myself, more like people acting somewhat out of character. Archangels other than you flirting, and the like.” Some of it was downright scandalous, like those people who openly commented or posted about their apparent ‘true’ thoughts on others. She nearly gained a new respect for Lancelot and Merlin after reading what they’d had to say, but now she suspected it wasn’t truly them in the first place. “It’s a pity that the orderlies haven’t seen fit to give you proper attention. If you like I’d be happy to find a candy striper or two that could visit you later.” Every hospital worth their salt had to have at least a few silly little teenage bimbos doing their community service, it was all a matter of finding them.
§
Eisheth gave a light laugh at Agrat and Na’amah’s summaries, amused. “You must feel all left out,” she reached out to lay a hand on his leg lightly. “I am sure you must be bored to tears, poor Samael,” she moved to settle on his other side, making herself comfortable as can be beside him.
“Doves and demons, it was all rather interesting to watch, but I am sure there will be lots more for you once you are out and about once more,” she assured him cheerfully. “Though at least for now, you have us to entertain you. And it seems Na’amah even brought you something,” she prompted, glancing at her cousin.
§
Na’amah tilted her face. Looking across her shoulder at the fingers grazing across her hair, she did two things: she tensed, and then she settled. Her blue eyes lingered on Samael’s with unhidden curiosity, and then she fluttered them closed and laughed at nothing. Substance seemed to have flown out the window. Nonetheless, Na’amah played fair.
“Of course, Agrat also had her own little episode. And I tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldn’t be swayed.” A pause as Na’amah regarded Eisheth’s catty little comment. Her lips quirked slightly. “Oh, you know. I never go anywhere without a present. Survival packs are useful after an accident.”
§
“I’m not sure I’d call it an accident,” said Samael, rubbing his chin. His eyes were fixed on Na’amah. “A relatively unprovoked attack is hardly a fucking accident.” He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “But vengeance will be mine and all of that good fucking stuff.”
Without brooking any opposition, he slung an arm around Eisheth, pulling her closer before burying his nose in her hair and taking a deep breath. He let out a low hum of satisfaction. “And as much as I do so fucking love getting presents, having you three here is a pretty good gift.” His eyes drifted closed and there was a small smile on his lips as he recalled the beginning and the acquisition of his concubines and the role they’d played in the shaping of this world of flawed humanity.
§
At the mention of her having an episode of her own, as Na’amah so kindly put it, Agrat shot her sister a rather pointed look. She might have said something if Samael had chosen to acknowledge it, but he glossed right over that statement and focus on the other thing Na’amah said, so the urge to defend herself was squelched. She smiled thinly. “Let’s hope whoever chose to mess with you know how creative you can get, then.”
It was almost nice to see the way having her sisters around affected Samael. He seemed more content knowing that the three of them were there, and while her thoughts couldn’t help but fly to Lilith and wondering where she was she wouldn’t deny being just a smidge proud that she was the first of his concubines to show her face. She could only wish that they’d known sooner that he’d been hospitalized, since now that she knew he’d been there two weeks it made her feel badly that he was without their company during that time.
§
There were no protests from Eisheth as Samael pulled her closer but her eyes were on her sisters and she certainly caught that pointed look. “Oh yes, I remember that as well! Oh, Agrat, I was concerned for you for a moment,” she said lightly.
“And I am sure you will make whoever did this regret it,” she said to Samael, always the supportive concubine...in her own way. “I would say we are the best gift, certainly the most attractive gift you could get.”
§
“I’m sure there wasn’t a prize in it for the demon kings.” Na’amah spoke calmly, opening her eyes and staring through the lined wall. She mentally peeled it back to reveal the blue, blue sky. Her focus faltered as she made a certain and deliberate effort to roll to her side. A hand balanced against the shirt fabric just under his neck, she leaned forward and left a lip brush to the corner of his own.
§
Her timing was something she would be pleased about but it wouldn't be clearly reflected at all after she walked in. The once-giantess was ready to make a scene for everyone to talk about.
The latte she had brought in for herself was set down and a finger was pointed at her cousin before she made a show of counting all three concubines silently. "Dear God, you have more women. On our bed. Dante, you only have one mouth and one dick. Unless you have really skillful hands, you don't need three." And if the people in the hallway and next door didn't hear that, then they were surely deaf and were perfectly capable of minding their own business. "Seriously, this is a hospital, you gigantic whore. I can't even be near you right now. I don't even know what you've been doing. You need to be cleaned." Hello, idea.
"I am getting a spray bottle. If the ladies do not want to be soaked with a mystery substance, they need to flee before I get back." Samael was not going to flee, that much she knew and trusted. And he would be spritzed until she was satisfied.
I can't remember if he can get up much yet. Bet I can still run faster, though.
§
Samael blinked as Angrboda turned on her heel before he threw back his head and laughed. He kissed his concubines, each on the cheek and then on the lips. "My darlings, perhaps you had best move back from the bed? I fully expect to get soaked and not in the good way." His eyes were fixed on his concubines and there was something vibrant in their depths. Perhaps it was the recognition that if Angrboda was being anything other than gentle with him, he must be getting better and if he was getting better? Well, the sooner he could show his women just what they meant to him. The road to recovery was certainly beginning.