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“...How about 'Charlie's Candy Cafe'?” I suggested.
“But candy is not all that you are going to be selling.” Vaggie reminded me, bursting my bubble somewhat in the process.
But I was not to be deterred. “Well, what name would encapsulate everything that we are going to be providing?” I asked.
“Randy Refreshments And Seductive Sweets?” Angel Dust suggested.
“Hell no!” I objected. “This is not going to be some kind of sordid establishment.”
“Awww, what a shame.”
“How about 'Demonic Delights'?” Alastor spoke up, thankfully before we descended into a squabbling session. “In this particular scenario, 'delights' can be used as an umbrella term for all sorts of produce. And 'demonic' fits since we are currently in Hell and us demons will be doing all of the work.”
“That is...perfect!” I squeaked with excitement, trying my very best to keep my flailing arms under control. “You are the best, Alastor! Do you know that?” I could not help but shower praise upon him.
“Wow, he came up with a title, big whoop.” Lucifer – my father – grumbled. “The brand name is not all that matters, you know? There is far more to it than that. Like the actual menu on offer, for example.”
“Well, there should be items on there that will appeal to all sorts of demonic audiences.” I replied, unsure where I was going with this.
It had been my idea initially but I clearly had not thought it through enough. Fortunately, I had friends and family to assist me in my decisions.
“How about choux bun fingers glazed with strawberry, decorated to look like the real deal for the cannibals? Yes, I am aware that appearance is not everything and that taste has to factor in also but it will be something different for them and who does not want to differ from the norm on occasion?” Alastor asked.
I could not help but full on beam in Alastor's direction. Yet again he had made a spectacular suggestion and I was grateful and would be eternally. Others may judge the man harshly but they had not seen the side to him that I had, nor had they made any effort to. More fool them.
“Brilliant suggestion!” I exclaimed, truly meaning every word. “Is there anything else that you believe would be a worthy contribution?” I had been staring at Alastor as I said it but I was in fact addressing the entire group.
“Well, as you all know, I could be considered an expert when it comes down to boozy beverages.” Angel Dust spoke up this time around. I just hoped that his suggestion would not be as inappropriate as the last one. “Why not concoct various cocktails and include a hell of a lot of ice chunks for good measure? I am certain that Husk and I working together could make some brilliant creations. They could be all sorts of colours; red to represent blood, yellow to represent bile? After all, who knows what kind of kinks our customers may or may not possess?”
“That is...a surprisingly good idea.” I confessed, despite wanting to squirm at the bile suggestion.
But he was completely correct in his assumptions. As much as I adored Hell, there were definitely some strange characters residing here. One would have to be delusional to think otherwise. I did not wish to reform beings simply for fun, after all. Some people truly needed guidance and my Hazbin Hotel could provide that.
Plus, if we were selling delicious goodies there, that might encourage more demons to visit, if not stay permanently. This whole idea was perfect, I had to admit to myself. I mean, we already had a bar full of booze and if we expanded our inventory, that would only change things for the positive. Speaking of which...
“How about some non-alcoholic beverages, Angel? Could you two possibly provide those?”
“As heart breaking as that would be, I am completely sure that we can manage it.” Angel Dust said before he and Husk chuckled in unison. “We will just increase our fruit levels and decrease the vodka, amongst other things. Simple.”
“Thank you.” I said.
“How about iced coffee?” Vaggie suggested, taking us all by surprise.
“Iced coffee? Is that a thing?” I gasped. Obviously I was aware of the warm stuff but this had transcended my level of knowledge.
“Well, back when I was still a....you know what....”
“An angel?” Angel Dust interrupted, eyebrow raised.
“Yes, thank you for reminding us all of that as though we had forgotten.” Vaggie glowered at him. “Anyway, back up in Heaven, they had iced coffee, for people who were averse to heat of any kind.”
“How pathetic.” Angel snorted.
“Will you shut the hell up?” She replied, moving a step or two closer towards him as she said it.
“Calm down, Vaggie.” I intervened before any violence ensued. “Please. Continue your story.”
“So, basically, you still get that fix of glorious caffeine, a fix that is better than any other substance, especially the illegal kind---shut up, Angel!---whilst still feeling cool and refreshed whilst consuming it.”
“Okay, so we have classic cocktails – the alcoholic and non-alcoholic kinds – and iced coffee – something which I am eager to try out – and choux pastry fingers. What other sweet treats should we sell?”
“How about the staple sweet treat?” My father asked. “The treat that people quite literally line up for. The treat that caters to all kinds of dietary needs. The treat that comes in various flavours and forms---”
“Out with it, already!” Angel exclaimed impatiently. “...Your highness.” He quickly amended.
“I am referring to none other than the crème de la crème – ice cream!”
“Ice cream, of course!” I answered, feeling foolish for not thinking of it myself. “As aforementioned, that could cater to all kinds of customers and we could have a great deal of fun making the different types for them. And I definitely want rainbow sprinkles to be one of the optional extras! Oh oh!” I added, having a sudden brainwave. “How about cupcakes? Just like ice cream, they can consist of all kinds of fillings and their sweetness levels can absolutely skyrocket...if we want them to.”
“Is your secret intention to give all of Hell's residents a sugar high?” Vaggie asked me, amusement in her tone.
“Well, if it helps with the atmosphere around here then I would not be averse to it.” I answered honestly, mischief lacing my smile.
“I see.” Vaggie replied, her grin matching my own. “In that case, I think that we should go ahead with this grand scheme. Not only is it great in theory but I truly believe the reality will be similar, if not identical. Besides, I believe in you, Charlie, and everything that you do. Everything that you wish to do.”
“Thank you.” I said, unable to refrain from blushing. “That means a great deal to me. You know---”
“Sorry to interrupt.” My father said, although he did not look sorry in the slightest. “But if we want to start selling, shouldn't we start creating? And not only the items on the menu. What about the stall, kiosk, whatever you want to call it itself? We need to construct some sort of hub where our inventory can be both perused and purchased.
Luckily for you all, I have the precise powers to do this with ease, I simply need some decorating tips. Charlie, what aesthetic do you want this to permeate?”
“Well, I would like it to be in style with the hotel itself but besides that, you have free rein. This is all of our projects, after all, not just mine.”
“I see.” He mused, clearly pleased by the prospect of adding his own touch to the place. “Well then, step back and let the master go to work.”
And so we did. We all stood there, gathered together, watching Lucifer zoom from section to section, smiling when he got the design on point to scowling when it was not quite right.
The whole process only lasted around thirty minutes at most and when he was done, he descended back to the ground and addressed us. “So, what do you think?” He asked, looking a touch nervous. Clearly he was vulnerable regarding his work.
“It looks magnificent!” I could not help but gasp in both pure pleasure and serious surprise. “It exceeds expectations, in fact!”
“You are right, there.” Alastor murmured, but he too looked rather impressed.
“Now that we know exactly what we are doing and where, let us gather ingredients. The grand unveiling shall take place on the morrow, giving us the night to bake and mix.” I told them, practically rushing for the door as I did so.
“Charlie, wait!” Lucifer called, reaching out his arm towards me.
“Yes?” I paused, unsure of what he wanted to say.
“I am proud as hell of you. We all are.”
“And I am proud of all of you present, also.” I said, oozing sincerity. “Now then, I must dash. Sorry!” I said before racing down the street.
Demonic Delights would be opening soon and I was absolutely ecstatic about this fact! Hopefully, the whole of Hell would appreciate our monumental efforts in bringing this seedling of an idea to fruition!