Max was up early cooking breakfast for Charlie, Vaggie, and Angel. The kitchen smelled amazing already: sizzling bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh waffles, and squeezed orange juice. Angel was lounging across one of the chairs while Charlie and Vaggie sat together at the counter watching Max cook.
"Sorry about our last date," Charlie said softly. "I'm not really experienced with this kind of relationship."
Max flipped the bacon before shrugging slightly. "It's fine. I understand. Honestly, if it helps, just pretend I'm not there during dates. Focus on each other."
Vaggie immediately frowned at that.
"That doesn't seem fair," she said. "We agreed to do this with you."
Max chuckled quietly while plating the eggs.
"As I said, it's fine. I don't think any of you originally wanted this relationship that badly," he admitted honestly. "You and Charlie mostly agreed because of that stupid drunken deal, and Angel…" He glanced toward her. "Well, I think Angel mostly wanted the freedom to become her true self. I never expected anything serious to actually come from any of this."
Angel stretched dramatically in her chair before speaking.
"Well, to be honest, yeah. At first I did it mostly because I hoped it would help stop Valentino from controlling every little part of my life." She crossed one leg over the other. "But now? It's more like an open relationship I actually enjoy."
She smirked slightly.
"Sure, I might like you the most outta everyone here, but I'll never know for sure because you refuse to sleep with me."
Charlie nearly choked on her drink while Vaggie looked away awkwardly.
Angel ignored them and continued.
"Still, you treat me way better than most people in Hell ever have. I'm not just an object to you. Honestly? This is probably the healthiest relationship I've ever had."
That actually caught Max off guard for a second.
Charlie smiled warmly. "And it's not like we signed the contracts with zero feelings involved either. You've been incredibly helpful and nice to us. We were obviously going to start liking you at least a little."
Vaggie nodded in agreement.
"And you're way too nice for a sinner," Charlie added teasingly.
Max laughed quietly while pouring fresh orange juice.
"Well… I guess the contracts probably helped a little," he admitted. "They don't force feelings or anything, but they do slightly strengthen emotions already there."
Angel waved a hand dismissively.
"So what? Magic and soul contracts are normal in Hell anyway," she said. "Besides, your contract actually follows its own rules. That already makes it more trustworthy than most deals down here."
She leaned forward with a mischievous grin.
"But seriously, play dirty once in a while. Grab one of my tits or something. I'm not used to the whole 'respectful nice guy' act."
"Angel!" Charlie yelled, blushing hard.
"What? I'm trying to help him!"
Max just shook his head while placing plates down in front of them.
"Never really been the aggressive type," he admitted. "I didn't exactly have romantic relationships when I was alive. Guess I'm more afraid of messing things up."
Angel immediately pointed at him with a strip of bacon.
"See? That's your problem right there. Confidence. You're hot, powerful, cook amazing food, and somehow still act like a nervous virgin."
Vaggie snorted into her drink trying not to laugh.
Charlie looked embarrassed but also clearly amused.
"Damn, this food is amazing," Angel said after taking a bite of waffles. "Seriously though, you should try being a little bolder sometimes. I can give you lessons."
"Maybe another time," Max said quickly.
Angel grinned. "Looking forward to it~"
Max ignored the comment and started washing dishes.
"Anyway, I've got plans today," he said. "Apparently Poppi and Cherri want to meet me for something."
"That sounds dangerous," Vaggie immediately said.
"It's Cherri," Angel added. "If explosions don't happen, something probably went wrong."
Max laughed lightly.
"I made extra food if anyone wants seconds," he said while drying his hands.
As he headed toward the exit, Charlie spoke up again.
"Hey, Max?"
He stopped and looked back.
"Thanks," she said softly.
Not for the food.
Not for the hotel repairs.
Not even for helping with the extermination.
Just… thanks.
Max smiled faintly before waving and heading out the door, leaving the three behind to finish breakfast together.