Page 64 of Mortal Sins

accusing, “There’s alcohol in this.”

“Just a little,” Frankie teased, sitting down beside him. “You need to relax. You’re tense.”

“You did too much today,” Snod said, taking a big swallow and making a face. “I don’t think I could

ever repay you in this lifetime.”

“It really wasn’t that much,” Frankie insisted. “Besides, I do very well for myself, thank you. You

don’t need to worry about what I decide to spend on you. It was just some clothing and some food,

vital necessities.”

“Just,” Snod echoed.

“It makes me feel good,” Frankie said with a shrug. “I like to help people.” He picked up a remote

from the coffee table and turned on the small television, flipping through a selection of cartoon films.

“Thank you,” Snod said sincerely. “Your generosity is admirable.”

Frankie shrugged again, smiling bashfully as he replied, “It’s nothing, really.” He kept scrolling

through the television menu, asking brightly, “So! Favorite Disney movie?”

“Favorite what?”

“Disney?” Frankie stared at him. “Walt Disney? Come on. Please tell me you’ve seen at least one

Disney movie.”

“They’re forbidden,” Snod replied awkwardly, taking another big sip of his drink. “Walt Disney

promotes homosexuality and paganism.”

“You’re serious.”

“Yes,” Snod said flatly.

“Well, even if they did, which they don’t, you’re no longer in the damn Order, and you’re going to

watchBeauty and the Beastwith me,” Frankie said defiantly. “In fact, I’m going to make sure we

watch every single Disney animated classic there is!”

Snod felt his face heat up immediately from the scandalous notion. “I’m going to need more to drink.”

The bottle of vodka magically appeared on the coffee table, Frankie winking slyly as he teased, “You

just sit right there, and enjoy Walt Disney’s thirtieth animated feature film.”

Snod grumbled lightly as he nursed his glass, not sure how to prepare himself. Even if it did have vile

subliminal content, it was a cartoon for children. He wasn’t expecting much.

Before he knew it, he was completely enthralled. He was yelling at Gaston and cheering for the

Beast, nearly in tears at the end when he was restored to human form and lived happily ever after