Charity looked up from the book cover she was perusing, overhearing exasperated voices from the aisle on the other side of the case she was by. She shifted slightly so she could glance over the edges of the books on the shelf to the other side.
"Really, it's not so bad," said one voice. "I just pop in, take care of some things, and then pop back out once things get sorted out."
"I am not letting a foul fiend gain control of me!" snapped back the male customer Charity could see from her viewpoint. She watched as he stormed off before trying to see where the source of the other voice was.
"Ugh! Mortals. They always make it sound worse than it really is," said the voice.
Although Charity couldn't see the individual, she could imagine the rolling eyes and annoyed arm gestures.
"Don't worry. I will drive you again. It'll just take a bit longer than expected."
Charity stepped out of the bookstore, glancing down the side road between the buildings hearing the voice. Once again she saw no physical form to match the voice. Nothing except for a black Bentley in perfect condition.
"Someone really cares for that car," commented Charity, finding herself drawn towards it.
"I do," replied the voice.
Charity jumped, not because of the disembodied voice. No, she had gotten used to that odd phenomenon by now. The real cause of her mild fright was how close the voice was.
"Sounds like you're in a bit of trouble," said Charity.
"Inconveniently discorporated."
"That is quite the predicament."
"Not to worry. I know where my body is. I just need to go get it."
"But you need a physical form to do this? Why can't you just pop on over and get it?"
"They put it in a spot where spiritual forms can't access. Probably think it's funny or something. Demons tend to have an odd behavior."
Charity knew she should have been off-putted by this revealed detail on who she was speaking with. After all, who wouldn't be wary of some bodiless voice who claimed to be a demon? However, there was something about this one. She sensed an aura of - should she say it? - love.
"And did I hear correctly this would only be a week long thing?"
Charity's eyes widened as she sensed someone looking at her in shock.
"Sorry," stated Charity. "I couldn't help but overhear."
"A week at the most," replied the voice. "Assuming nothing else turns up to cause problems."
"No funny business."
"No. Like I told the other guy, I just pop in, take care of what needs to be done, and then pop back out into my own body. I have no interest in causing trouble. Not at a time like this."
"Would I know what's going on during all this?"
"Yes," replied the voice. Charity looked to her other side, noticing the voice had shifted place. She smirked imagining the individual casually circling her, as if observing what might be his new temporary vessel. "You have complete say on what you are comfortable with. Anything you don't feel comfortable doing, you have the ability to stop me."
Charity's mind was filled with countless thoughts, each weighing in on whether this scenario was smart or not. She knew this wasn't something to take lightly.
"Alright," said Charity, after awhile.
"Alright?" inquired the voice, coming from in front of her again.
Charity held out her hand as if she was going to shake hands. "I am Charity and I give you permission to utilize my body as your vessel to fulfill the errands you have stated."
"Seriously? I mean... I am a demon."
"Something's different about you."
"Right then," said the voice, drawing closer. Charity's heart skipped a beat as she felt a tingling sensation around her outstretched hand. She realized he was shaking her hand. "Crowley. Demon. This might tingle."
Charity felt the tingling sensation around her hand drifted up her arm and throughout the rest of her body. She quickly closed her eyes afraid the demon - Crowley, as he called himself - would notice the new reaction overtaking her body as she felt the transition finish. Could he feel the increased heartrate? The flushed cheeks?
"There," Charity heard Crowley's voice come from her own mouth. "It wasn't so bad, now was it?"
"Does it always feel this way when a demon takes over someone's body?" asked Charity, opening her eyes again once she felt like she had control over her own emotions again.
"This way?"
"No matter," said Charity, shaking her head. "Where to?"
"Well... if you don't object, I would.... I would like a bit of a change of attire. I'm afraid this color aesthetic isn't really my thing," said Crowley.
Charity glanced down at the bright earthy tone attire she had selected for herself. She smiled. "Anything to make the ride more enjoyable."
"Please don't."
"What?"
"Don't make me feel worse about doing this than I have to."
Charity felt herself walk towards the Bentley. She wasn't sure who was in control of this movement. Maybe it was both of them. It was then she noticed the reflection in the Bentley's driver door's window. A dark red-haired man with bright yellow snake eyes stared back at her.
"Shopping spree, then?" said Charity.
Charity watched as the man smiled in delight. "Shopping spree."
