Chapter Text
Haarlep couldn't recall the last time Raphael had been so worked up, so vicious in their playtime, so utterly demanding. It took a nice bottle of brandy and quite a few body shots to loosen his golden tongue enough to get the story out, and what a tale.
He was (though he would never say so much) extremely proud of his girl. Standing up to the devil took guts, and not backing down did even moreso.
So, once His Moodiness was buried so deep in his work that his absence wouldn't be noticed for quite some time, out he snuck.
It was a simple matter, tracing the infernal magic to a fine house in the city. It certainly beat Raphael's tastes by leagues.
He even gave her the courtesy of knocking, dressed in something slightly more appropriate for a home visit than his usual risqué attire, a breezy top and leather trousers, something that said “I know I'm handsome, and I’m toning it down because I love you.”
Additionally, he had an inkling that she might not appreciate seeing Raphael's face. He hadn't gotten a chance to try a masculine version of the lovely girl, so he wore that here. He hoped the overall look was non-threatening. As much as he was living for the drama, he was… tragically fond of the woman. Particularly given how she'd rocked his world so thoroughly.
Haarlep hadn't been expecting the vampire to answer the door, but he didn't mind. The man was beautiful, and, maybe if he was a very good incubus, he could have a taste. But he wasn't here for that. Yet.
“And what do you want, devil?”
He was bold. Exquisite.
“Just to speak with the lady. I come on my own, you-know-who doesn't even know I'm out of the House.”
The vampire looked him over appraisingly, an eyebrow raised.
“You make her so much as wince, I send you right back down. With my teeth and claws if necessary.”
Haarlep sighed and patted his chest.
“Don't threaten me with a good time, sweetling. But I really am here for her.”
“Hmph. We'll see about that, won't we?”
But he stepped aside, and Haarlep stepped in.
“Willow, darling, there's an incubus here to see you!”
The tiefling padded into the entryway, and the puffiness of her eyes revealed she had been crying, and quite a bit.
His “master” most certainly didn't deserve so much.
“Oh, Haarlep… how can I help?”
He tutted, pulling her into a soft hug.
“Now, now, this is about you, sweetheart. It seems He-Who-I'll-Not-Name has been even more of a bastard than normal, and I wanted to check on you.”
She sniffled and held him tightly, and it felt…good. Being treated with such affection. Far better than what he was used to.
“Want to talk about it? Nothing you tell me leaves my lips or this home. I swear it.”
He always loved a secret. And to keep one from Raphael himself? Oh the thought alone was delicious.
She considered, looking into his eyes (though also her own eyes, how funny).
“You don't have to say a thing, darling,” the vampire piped up, glaring at him.
“I know, Astarion. But… I trust him. Definitely more than his master.”
“If you're certain.”
She nodded, sighing wearily.
“I'm pregnant.”
Oh.
Of all the things she could have said, that was the least expected.
“Oh dear… That does explain why you aren't particularly keen on joining a bloody war, and I do see why their sire has been left in the dark, here...”
He squeezed her again, gently, pressing their foreheads together affectionately.
“Well, what the old shit doesn't know won't hurt him. I'm happy to help in this. Whatever you need.”
It would be nice to have soft a place to land between Raphael's tempestuous sessions, some smidge of affection, particularly given what the future looked like in the Hells.
She sniffled and nodded, smiling weakly.
“I appreciate it. Thank you Haarlep. Would you like to stay for tea? Or do you need to go?”
“I can spare an hour or two. You need me more, and I'd rather be here, truly.”
It was shockingly honest.
He would remain in touch, however long he was wanted, and would make certain she knew that she had his support... and that she had made the right choice.
Raphael was biting off far more than he could chew strategically, most assuredly, had royally fucked himself in his romantic endeavors, and Haarlep couldn't wait to watch the drama unfold.