It was day seven, and Angel Dust was even more on edge than usual. He had gone through withdrawal before, it was never a pleasant experience, but this was a special kind of hell. The shakes, the shivers, the nausea, the fatigue, it had been going on for two days now and he just wished it would all stop. If he were alive he would pray for death, but he knew damn well he couldn't die down here. No, he would just have to wait it out. He knew it would be over in a week or so, it always was, so at least he had that. The nice thing about going through this bullshit before was that he knew exactly what to expect. The shakes would keep up for a few days, give him vertigo, he'd probably get a fever and start sweating, sleeping was out of the question, he'd be pretty bitchy, and if he were really unlucky he'd have a seizure or two. Sure it was a bitch to go through, but it would end. That was what mattered.

He reminded himself of that as he washed his face, splashing himself with ice cold water. Anything to wake his ass up after three straight nights of restless sleep. He'd be damned if he showed Alastor a speck of weakness. He blindly reached for the towel to pat himself dry, eyes squinted shut as he rubbed the soft fabric over his fur. At least he was somewhere safe this time. The hotel was a lot of things, but dangerous wasn't one of them. Even Alastor couldn't touch him with Charlie hanging around, so as long as he didn't try anything too sneaky Angel Dust would be in the clear. Normally he'd say sneaky was definitely on the table, but ever since he loaded Alastor up with enough venom to take down a small elephant he'd been keeping his distance.

Good riddance, honestly. And to think, he used to think that guy was hot. Now at least he knew better, knew he was about as hot as a damn garbage fire.

He finished drying himself off and glanced at the mirror to assess the damage. No doubt his fur was an absolute mess with the way he'd been tossing and turning. However, what he saw made his heart stop and his fur stand on end. Behind him was a familiar moth demon, wearing his signature heart sunglasses and his fur-trimmed red coat. His pointed teeth were exposed in a venomous grin, one that sent shivers down Angel Dust's spine.

"Angie baby, you wanna explain what you're doin' here?"

Angel Dust felt panic seize him. No, no this couldn't be happening. He was in the hotel, he was safe. Or, at least, he was supposed to be. Clearly he was mistaken, and it was time to backpedal like his life depended on it.

"Val! H-heeeey there, I didn't-" He turned to face the pimp, his lips twisted in a nervous smile, but he froze when he came face to face with thin air. No one was there, no Valentino, no danger.

He was alone.

"What the fuck." He ran a hand through his hair, desperately trying to slow his ragged breathing. "What the fuck?" Valentino had just been there. He knew it, he saw him, he heard him. Was he going crazy? He sure was starting to feel like it.

A knock on his door made him jump, startling him in his panicked state. "Angel Dust, are you decent? I know it's early, but I made breakfast!" For once he was so happy to hear Charlie's voice on the other end of that door. Something he knew was real.

"Toots, I'm never decent." He could have lived without his voice wavering as badly as it did, but considering how tight his chest was he was willing to cut himself a break.

"Ha, ha ha, very funny." The sarcasm in her voice was enough to bring him a small smile, helping him relax a little. "Come down when you're ready, we already have the table set."

"Yeah, yeah be down in a sec." Angel Dust rubbed his face, taking a deep breath. Okay. There had to be an explanation for what had just happened. Valentino was there, so then where the fuck did he go? If he didn't know any better he'd say it was a withdrawal-induced hallucination, but he did know better because he had never hallucinated from withdrawal. He knew people who had, but he wasn't one of them.

Then again, he had never gone through withdrawal in this body before.

Fuck, okay, it was probably a hallucination.

With the realization came security. If it wasn't real, it meant Valentino still had no way to get ahold of him. That was probably best, Angel Dust didn't think he could handle his pimp's special "punishment" on top of everything else he was going through. If it were a hallucination, if he knew it was a hallucination, he could handle it. It was just one more thing he had to deal with to get out of that studio forever. He took one last deep breath, steeling himself against the day to come. He was Angel Dust for fuck's sake. If he could handle the real Valentino, he could definitely handle a fake-ass wannabe hallucination. Piece o' cake. Hell, if he didn't react, no one would even know what was happening.

With that he stepped out of his room, feeling much more prepared despite the fact nothing had changed. It was amazing what a little pep talk could do to raise his confidence, even while he suffered the worst of the withdrawal symptoms. When he strolled into the dining room, everyone else was already seated. Even Niffty had joined them rather than running around the kitchen like a chicken with her head cut off. If he had to guess, he'd say Charlie probably did all the clean up work to give the little monster a break. She was nice like that. The table was set like some kind of fancy, not practically empty hotel, with pancakes stacked high on serving platters and all the toppings he could ever want. It looked like absolute heaven.

Too bad he was feeling too queasy to eat it.

But, hey, no one had to know that. He'd put some food on his plate, push it around a bit, and they'd be none the wiser. He took a seat next to Husker, placing his elbow on the table and resting his cheek in his palm. He gave the cat demon a suggestive smile and waggled his brows with a wink. "Hey there, hot stuff, you come here often?"

"Go die in a dumpster fire," Husker growled. Though, unlike usual, his fur didn't puff up and there was less malice in his tone than there had been before. Hey, would you look at that, making friends with Husker really did have benefits.

"Well aren't you just a charmer today." Angel Dust glanced at the various beverages laid out before him. "Hey, I'm cravin' hot chocolate something awful. We got any?"

"Oh, I didn't even think to make it!" Charlie stood from her seat, giving him an apologetic smile. "I'll go fix some for you, okay?"

"Oh I hardly think that's necessary." Of course Alastor had to butt in with his useless-ass opinions. Angel Dust shot him a glare, only to be met with a malicious smile. "I think he'll survive without it. There's hardly any need for you to inconvenience yourself to spoil the likes of him."

Much to Angel Dust's surprise, Charlie shot him a pretty nasty look of her own. Well, as nasty as Charlie got, anyway. In reality it was more of slightly disapproving, like a disappointed mom with a particularly moody toddler. "It's just hot chocolate, Alastor, it's not spoiling him."

Angel Dust sighed, waving her off. "No, no. As much as I hate to agree with Al, I really don't need it. I'll just have like, coffee or some shit."

"Are you sure?" Charlie eyed Alastor a moment before looking to Angel Dust. Was that suspicion he saw? "Because it's really no trouble."

"Yeah, yeah I'm sure." Angel Dust grabbed the coffee pot and poured some into his mug. "Coffee is just as good. Fuck, with the caffine it's even better."

"Well, okay, if you're sure." Charlie sat back down, taking a few pancakes with her fork and putting them on her plate.

"Wow, you passin' up somethin' bein' handed ta ya? Never saw that comin'."

Angel Dust froze, his eyes going wide. He knew that voice. He glanced over Charlie's shoulder, shocked to find his brother standing there behind her. Angel Dust had only seen him a couple of times since coming to hell, but apparently that had been enough. He was much shorter than Angel Dust, his grey fur and red eyes a sharp contrast to his own soft appearance. He narrowed his many eyes and sneered, his words sounding far too real for Angel Dust's liking. "What? Ya look like you just seen a ghost. Quit gawkin' ya fuckin' limp wrist."

No, no it wasn't real. He had to remind himself of that. Archie, Arackniss, he wasn't there. No one else reacted to him speaking, so he couldn't be. Angel Dust just had to remember that and ignore him. The last thing he needed was anyone else noticing. He cleared his throat before grabbing his fork and grabbing a pancake, doing his best to keep his breathing even.

Arackniss glared at him, putting all six hands on his hips. "Oh, what, so now you're just gonna ignore me? Your own flesh an' blood?"

"So, Charlie!" Angel Dust prayed the panic in his voice wasn't too obvious. He wasn't sure who he was praying to, but he sure as fuck hoped they were listening. "These pancakes smell pretty good. Gotta say, havin' breakfast like this is a real treat."

"Oh, thank you, Angel Dust!" She gave him the sweetest little smile. "I just thought everyone could use a nice morning. I know things have been a bit tense lately, but they'll get better and this is where it starts!"

"Oh God, is she always this optimistic?" Arackness twirled his finger by his forehead. "Sounds like this one is fuckin' bonkers if ya ask me. I don't know how ya put up with it."

"Yeah, well, it's definitely appreciated." Angel Dust cut his pancake into little squares, his hands shaking the entire time. All he had to do was ignore it. It wasn't real, it didn't matter, it would pass.

"I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that," Charlie said. "Especially with the day we have planned! I was thinking we could try some new activities today, something to act as a healthy outlet for you."

"Ya know, if you keep ignorin' me, I'm gonna have'ta tell pops and he is not gonna like that, let me tell ya." Arackniss crossed his arms, glaring at Angel Dust. "Honestly, how fuckin' rude do ya gotta be? Maybe I need to go on over there and put ya in your place."

Angel Dust slammed his fork down on the table, glaring at the apparition before him. "And just what the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"Wha- nothing!" Charlie put her hands up in defense, looking confused as hell. But she wasn't the one Angel Dust was focused on. No, his eyes were trained on the asshole behind her.

"Oh I think you know exactly what it means," Arackniss snarled. "We killed your ass once, we both know we can do it again. You wanna take that chance?"

Angel Dust felt his blood run cold. No, no he did not want to take that chance. He stood so fast his chair clattered backwards, everyone else looking at him in confusion, but they didn't matter. Not now. "You can't do that! I'm stronger now, we're immortal! If you think I'm goin' down without a fight you're dead wrong!" He hoped his words would mask his fear, but he knew they wouldn't.

Charlie stood, blocking his view of Arackniss. "Angel Dust, what's happening? Who are you talking to?"

"Charlie, I am not here for your fuckin' bullshit today!" Angel Dust snarled. His fur was standing on end, the scent of rancid, burning sugar filling the air. Rationally he knew he had to calm down, knew he shouldn't let them see him like this, but for the moment he didn't care. For the moment all he knew was fear and pain.

"Oh, so now you're bein' rude ta her, too? I know ma didn't raise ya like that," Arackniss snorted, leaning to peek at Angel Dust from behind Charlie's shoulder. "Then again, guess she didn't have much of a chance to do much with ya before she kicked it, so I guess ya get a pass this time."

"You just shut the fuck up!" Angel Dust screamed.

"Oh like you can make me," Arackniss sneered. "You've always been such a fuckin pansy. No wonder the family kicked ya out. Fuck, I'm sorry I didn't shoot'ya myself."

Angel Dust felt tears sting at his eyes. Between his brother and everyone at the table watching him, he felt cornered. No, no he couldn't do this, he needed out. He needed air. He took off running, out of the dining room and towards the lobby doors. If he could just get outside, if he could breathe, it would give him a chance to think.

"That's right, Angel cakes, run outside." Valentino was waiting for him beside the door, leaning against the frame with a smirk. "The sooner you break your little deal, the sooner we can get back to business."

Angel Dust stopped and scrambled back, eyes widening. Fuck, that was right, he couldn't leave the hotel. Not without risking breaking his end, and he couldn't do that. Not when there was so much at stake. But he couldn't stay here, couldn't stay trapped like this, or he was going to fucking lose it. Hell, he was starting to already.

Wait, the roof. The roof was still part of the hotel, right? He couldn't get in trouble for that. He took to the stairs, making it about halfway up one flight before a wave of nausea and dizziness hit him like a brick to the face. Fuck, fuck, okay, no stairs. No stairs, but he still needed to get to the roof. And, from the sound of arguing coming from the dining room, he needed to do it quick. From what he could hear someone was telling someone else to come get him, and he sure as fuck didn't need that.

Hold the fuck up, didn't this hotel have an elevator? He distinctly remembered Charlie showing him an elevator, said it was for accessibility or some shit. It was nothing he had cared about before, but he sure as fuck was glad he knew about it now. He made a beeline for the center corridor, hoping that he was right and it was where he remembered. His heart leapt as he saw the sleek silver doors, relief washing over him. Okay, he found the elevator, now all he had to do was get in and go. He stopped at the doors, pressing the "up" button.

"Angel Dust? Angel Dust where do you think you're going?"

Oh fuck, oh no. That was definitely Alastor. Angel Dust wasn't sure if the voice was real or not, but he decided it didn't really matter. He jammed his finger into the button over and over again, as if that would make the doors open faster. What the fuck was making the damn thing take so long? He felt his panic overwhelm him when he heard the telltale radio static coming towards him, getting louder with each footstep. Did the bastard always have to walk so damn loud? Angel Dust swore he wore tap shoes or some shit.

"And just what do you think you're doing?"

Angel Dust glanced towards the end of the hall, spotting Alastor as he made his way over. "Fuck off ya strawberry freak!" He could taste the venom filling his mouth, could taste the sickly sweet liquid on his tongue.

Alastor narrowed his eyes. "Now, Angel Dust, there's no need to be so rude."

"Honestly, how fuckin' rude do ya gotta be? Maybe I need to go on over there and put ya in your place."

Angel Dust peeled back his lips, baring his fangs with a hiss. No chucklefuck hallucination was gonna get the best of him. In that moment he was sure Alastor was indeed a hallucination, why else would he actually stop at the threat? Why else would his ears twitch, the barest hint of fear taking over his expression? "I swear to everything un-fuckin'-holy if you don't back off I'm gonna-"

Ding.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft squeak, pulling his attention away from the radio demon. He darted in, smacking the button to the top floor before pressing himself against the back wall of the car. Finally, finally he could get away. Finally he could go up and get some damn air, and no one was going to stop him. He waited, slowly letting himself relax the smallest bit as he watched the door close. However, his ease was shattered when a red gloved hand grabbed one of the doors, forcing it back open. Alastor stepped into view, his eyes narrowed and his grin as murderous as the look in his eyes.

"Now Angel Dust," he said, his words dripping with malice, "I'm going to count to three, and by the end of it you are going to get off this elevator, and you are going to get back to the dining room to appease our fellow residents. Do you understand me?"

Angel Dust hissed again, pressing himself into the corner in desperation and letting out a furious shriek. "YOU GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME YOU SUNNOVAH BITCH!"

"Oh, I see, so we're doing this the hard way are we." Alastor stepped into the elevator, smile wavering the slightest bit. "Fine. If you won't come willingly, then I'll just drag you." His voice dropped an octave at the end, his eyes turning to radio dials. Oh no, oh fuck no, Angel Dust knew that look. That was the "time for murder and mayhem" look. Well fuck that shit, he sure as hell wasn't getting murdered today. He lunged for Alastor, ready to bite him and pump him so full of venom that he would be out for the next week, but he was forced back as Alastor shoved his microphone into his maw and pushed him back into the corner.

"Oh no, I'm not falling for that again," Alastor growled. Angel Dust gagged as the microphone hit the back of his throat, making him pull away with a violent cough. He fell back against the wall as he gasped for air, tears stinging his eyes as Alastor stood over him. "Better. Now, are you going to go back like a good little hellion, or am I going to have to carry you?"

Angel Dust opened his mouth to tell him to go fuck himself, but only a raspy squeak came out. Not that his answer mattered anyway, not when he saw the doors slide close. Alastor's ear flicked when he heard them shut, spinning around with wide eyes. Angel Dust couldn't help but smirk with a feeling of accomplishment. Ha! Despite it all, he still got to go up to the roof. Look at him go.

Alastor turned back to him, his smile strained and twitching. "Is there a reason we're going to the top floor?" Angel Dust simply flipped him off, offering a strained grin of his own. He didn't have to explain himself to this clown. Alastor sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, setting his microphone stand on the ground. "Fine. I suppose we're stuck in here. But we are going right back down, and you are going to go to the table and eat your breakfast even if it kills you."

That's what Alastor thought. Little did he know, Angel Dust was making a break for it the second those doors opened. He wanted the roof, so damn it he was going to the roof and nothing was stopping him. Not Alastor, not Charlie, not hallucinations, nothing. Just as he was planning his escape route, however, he felt the elevator shudder and stop. He glanced up, excepting the doors to open, but they stayed closed. The lights flickered briefly before going out, the sound of the car powering down making his fur stand on end.

Fuck, okay, maybe one thing could stop him. If the car stopped moving, he sure as fuck wasn't getting up to the roof. He wouldn't be going anywhere. Then a thought occurred to him, if he couldn't get out, neither could Alastor. They were both trapped, alone, in the dark, hovering in a little box who knew how high off the ground. He could try to stay calm all he wanted, but he already felt himself begin to panic. He felt as if he couldn't breathe, as if the car were somehow getting smaller, the walls closing in on him.

He barely registered the sound of Alastor muttering to himself, strategizing how they were going to escape. Angel Dust shattered his musing with a cry, banging his fists against the wall. "Hey! Hey, help, someone help! Charlie, Husker, Niffty, Vaggie, someone get your ass over here and get me out!"

"Angel Dust!" Alastor scolded. "Now is hardly the time for-"

"YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Angel Dust screamed. He turned and pressed his back to the wall, sinking down to the floor with a sob. He couldn't take this, not now. His body trembled as he struggled and failed to take a deep breath, his unease making his heart pound. It was too much, he couldn't calm down. He just prayed that someone came and got him soon, rescued him before he snapped. Otherwise, one of them might not walk away from this breathing.