Chapter Text
A company party, something quite new to all the sinners, after all a year ago they were at each other’s necks within the bus and still trying to figure out ways to leave if the company collapses. Yet one year on and they were all, dressed up to the nines in a back corridor shaped to be a ballroom . Tables of plates with food stacked high and a live band screamed that the directors of the company were here to watch and celebrate.
From the LCE to the LCD, the sinners were the least prepared and the most underdressed; still wearing their work coats over suits and dresses.
“How much of the budget do you think was wasted on this party.” Ishmael complained, pointing at all the executives in suits as she grabbed a glass of champagne.
“I would have thought you’d be all for this kind of deal. Cosying up with them to get away from us.” Heathcliff retorted, arms crossed and glaring at everyone around him
“Well, I want to try and invest in my future, we’re not going to be collecting the boughs for the rest of our lives and I need to start paying into my retirement plan.”
“Okay old lady, already thinking of your funeral.” As if on cue, the two started glaring at each other while poking the other’s arm. Still their actions were the least of concern as the other sinners were busy drinking away and awkwardly conversing with the higher ups (with the exception of Faust who was translating the conversations between the executive manager with the LCD)
Still, only eleven of the thirteen were present as an indescribable dread was felt in the room, as if a key warmth or event was missing.
“Hey, where’s Rodya and Gregor?” Ishmael asked out loud. Silence followed as the sinners each realised that the comedy duo didn’t show up.
Instead the duo were still on the bus, nestling like a pair of birds under a mountain of blankets. Towers of pillows covered their bodies as they slept in a deep embrace. The warmth from their fort of blankets calmed down their worries about the outside world or the future within the company, for the time being snuggling together was their dearest need.
“So you didn’t want to go to that party then, huh?” Gregor asked, tightening his one armed hug against his partner while placing his unlit cigarette back into his mouth.
“We you didn’t want to, plus I’d probably end up eating everything so why not cheer you up.”
“But don’t you want to talk to all those higher ups in the company, plus didn’t you buy that dress.”
“Nah, I can wait for all that. I need to cheer you up first so that we can go and insult Heathcliff about his manners.” She giggled, the same method she used whenever she was lying or hiding something important. Never mind that Gregor thought as she yet again fell asleep on his chest, seemingly returning to whatever happy dream she was experiencing.
Even in intoxicating warmth, they could not escape the future cold. So still in those moments, falling asleep to a happier dream is what city dwellers need.