Cupiō

Itap the microphone, so ready to wrap up this part of the event so I can actually enjoy myself with Ladybird and Gloom. But this is part of my duties as Head Cupid.

I sigh, looking out at the crowd filled with different beings in the veil and wonder how much longer I can go on like this. Finding Gloom and realizing my feelings for Ladybird aren't one-sided has made life better, but I still dread going to work some days.

It's something I keep to myself. Ladybird is the only reason I've been able to go on as long as I have. Without her, I would have begged to be decommissioned years ago. But the cupids are depending on me, and there's no one else vying for the job.

I take a deep breath, put on a smile, and speak into the microphone. "Welcome to Cupidale. We're so pleased to have you here for the first ever Love in the Veil event. Before we begin, I would like to take a moment to thank Love, Ladybird, and Gloom. Without them, this event wouldn't be taking place. Love started a chain reaction when she brought a reaper to the Love New Year last year, and I couldn't be more grateful."

I look around the space, finding Ladybird and Gloom, who are both smiling and hanging on every word. It gives me more confidence as I look out at the swarm of black and pink.

"Life in the veil can be lonely, no matter what realm you're in. This event is an effort to bridge that gap and create inter-veil friendships and more. We hope you enjoy the hospitality of Cupidale and find what you are looking for. Drink, eat, and may your heart always lead you in the right direction."

The crowd claps and the DJ automatically plays some Earth pop song. I get offstage and hand over a pink ticket, grabbing a drink and then starting my beeline to my dates. But I'm stopped by an entity who matches my size.

His looming presence is familiar, yet foreign with how long it's been. He's slightly taller than me, his suit an inky black shade. His dark hair tied into a bun as he looks at me.

"Long time, Cupiō," he says, his voice deep and almost eerie.

We're the oldest beings in this entire park.

"Mortem. It's been a while."

"Yes, well. Times have changed," he says, waving his hand around the park. "I'm not sure if I should judge the ingenuity or despise it."

"Maybe you should take that ancient stick out of your ass and actually have a good time," I joke, and the first grim reaper to exist gives me a smile.

"It's good to see you again, old friend," he says, and I nod my head.

"He has fucking horns, Doe. Did you see them?" I hear another familiar female voice say before she abruptly bumps into Mortem.

Candy stumbles as Mortem stabilizes her by grabbing her arm. "Who has horns, little cupid?" he asks in his deep timbre, and Candy just blinks at him.

"We will catch up another time," I tell Mortem as he eyes Candy as if she's a piece of her literal name, waving me off.

Alright then.

I make my way through the crowd and finally find Ladybird and Gloom. There are two women next to them, along with Love and Death.

"There you are," Ladybird says, tugging me close, clearly uncomfortable with all the peopling that this type of event comes along with.

I wrap an arm around her waist and grab Gloom's hand; he gives me a reassuring squeeze as I introduce myself to Gloom's friends. Mors being the only one I haven't had a real interaction with.

"So you're Head Cupid, huh?" Mors asks, looking me up and down. I know without a doubt she's judging me for my son, Eros', actions towards her girlfriend, Juliet.

"That I am," I say confidentially.

There's only so much I can do with people's perception. If they don't like me, or judge me because of his actions, then I'll just have to deal with it. I just hope it doesn't bother Gloom.

I'm nearly ancient, still caring what people think about me—I've just gotten better at hiding it.

"Well, it's nice to meet the guy who might be able to handle our little Gloom here," she says, taking me off guard.

"I'll have you know that I'm not little, and I'm not something to be handled Morose," he says, making the woman glare at him.

"Say my full name again, I dare you," she says, narrowing her eyes at him, and it's clear that they're particularly close.

"Your full name is Morose?" Love interrupts, her jaw nearly on the floor. "I thought we were best friends?"

"Look what you did," Mors says to Gloom, and he just gives her a wide smile.

"You started it," Gloom chimes back and Ladybird sighs.

"Gloom, be a doll and get me a refill," she says, downing her glass and handing it to him.

He's on the go immediately, heading over to the bar and getting her a refill, leaving me and Ladybird alone with his friends and I wonder what the hell she has up her sleeve.

Mors studies Ladybird, who only studies her back.

"I don't plan on stealing your friend, but I think it's best you prepare yourself for the inevitable that he will be spending more time in Cupidale," Ladybird says, cutting the bullshit, as always.

"You're really into him?" Mors says, and I can feel the tension in Ladybird.

"What isn't there to like? Yes, we're really into him," Ladybird says, more defensively than necessary.

But that's the thing about Ladybird. When you're someone she cares about, she cares with her whole being.

Mors' lips twitch and she nods her head. "Something tells me Gloom will fit in more in Cupidale than he ever did in Purgatory. As long as he doesn't start missing poker nights or gods forbid start wearing pink. No offense," she says, looking at my pink suit.

I tug on the black tie he bought me. "None taken."

Gloom comes back to the table, a big smile on his face. "Holy shit, I just met Krampus. He has fucking hooves for feet. Kinda hot though." I blink at him and he laughs. "Nowhere near as hot as you."

"Thanks?" I reply.

"You're welcome," Gloom says with a smirk.

"How much longer do we need to stay, Love?" Death asks his girlfriend and she sighs.

"I know it's not as fun as the Love New Year, considering no one is fucking in the middle of the park. But just look at all the possible matches! I mean, some of the cupids aren't mingling as much as I'd like. But we've got to see it play out," Love tells him.

Death sighs, and leans against the table, probably disassociating from the life he found himself in and his eyes widen.

"Fucking Mortem is here?" he asks Love.

"Why wouldn't I invite your boss? He's really kind of nice."

"Mortem is not nice, Love," Death hisses.

"Oh, ignore him. Mortem is a decent boss. He just used to be a bit of a hard ass back in the day," Gloom says.

"I think hard ass is too nice of a term," I say, and Death looks at me like we finally have something in common.

"There's no fucking way he falls for a cupid," Death says and Gloom clicks his tongue.

"Wanna bet on it?"

"Terms?" Death says.

"Mortem dates a cupid and you have to wear a pink outfit. Mortem doesn't date a cupid and I won't bother Love for an entire week and you can have her all to yourself," Gloom suggests.

Death ponders it, looking down at his cupid and back over to his boss.

"Deal," the large reaper agrees and they shake hands.

Gloom grins. "If you'll all excuse me, I've got a little cupid I need to speak to," he says and Death glares at him.

Immediately I know which cupid he has in mind.

"Stupid bet, honey. You're gonna look cute in pink," she tells him.

Ladybird tugs on my sleeve, and I bend down so my ear is pressed against her lips.

"This has been great and all, but if I have to sit through one more casual conversation, I might just implode," she says softly.

"Excuse us, we're going to hit the dance floor," I tell our guests and they nod, while Gloom tracks down Candy to plot his matchmaking.

"Gloom's a better cupid than me," Ladybird says as I hold her hips while we dance.

"I don't know, I think you're a pretty spectacular cupid," I tell her.

"You just want to get laid tonight," she jests, and I smile down at her.

"I am a man. But being a cupid isn't one thing. No one could do your job as good as you, Birdie."

"You're just saying that."

I grab her chin and shake my head. "No, I'm not. Before you came to work for me, I wasn't in a good place. You're the best part of my day and the only reason I'm able to stay sane running this place."

She licks her lips and suddenly jolts forward, bumping into me.

"Apologies," the heavily accented voice says, the horns a dead giveaway.

Krampus.

Ladybird bites her tongue as the horned man walks away, searching the crowd for someone in particular.

"Can we please get the fuck out of here?" Ladybird asks.

"I have already made my speech."

"There are no babies to kiss, everything is handled. Make Love take care of it," she says and I smile.

"You're always making sure I'm taken care of."

"Is that so bad?" she asks, dragging her hands along my chest and I grab her wrists.

"I'd like to take care of you too," I say and she swallows thickly, looking away. "I know that's difficult for you, giving up control, letting someone take care of you. But I want to, Birdie. I want to make sure you feel spoiled and precious, because that's what you are to me."

Her pink cheeks darken a shade and she laces her fingers into my tie.

"Go get our reaper and let's go the fuck home."

I smirk, leaning down and placing a soft kiss against her lips. She sighs with contentment as I pull away, but I don't move.

"If I take you home, will you let me take care of you?"

"What does that even mean?" she asks, and I can tell she isn't being difficult. She genuinely just doesn't understand.

I slide my hands on the back of her neck, loving the feel of her soft hair.

"It means you'll let me make sure that you're happy. That I'll cook you pancakes in the morning and wash your hair in the shower. It means you'll be my girl and you'll want for nothing."

"That doesn't sound too bad," she says, and I can't help but laugh.

"I want you. I want him. I was stupid for thinking we could slow down this speeding train. I'm all in, Birdie."

She tugs my tie, kissing me again.

"Then let's get the hell out of here."