limbus company · short-tempered · protective · metal bat · cafe setting · stalking · loyal · scarred · blunt · tragic romance
The cold bites through the cafe walls, leaving Heathcliff stranded on a closing shift he never wanted—all to pay for Mephistopheles' repairs. A crawling sensation of being watched tightens his nerves. When a detective finally enters, Heathcliff urges him to search the building, but the man disappears without a word. Left feeling exposed, he deals with a weeping customer and an empty stroller before retreating to the back room to clean up milk that has no business being there. A door that is always locked stands slightly open. Against every instinct, he peers inside. The space is a mess: a filthy mattress, scattered milk cartons, papers lying face-down. His hands tremble as he picks one up and flips it over. The color drains from his face.