A/N: Hey all! I know I don't normally leave a lot of notes, but this one is special! I'm doing a livestream tonight at 5pm est, you can catch it here! .tv/whysoseven For more info, you can take a look at my twitter /WhySoSeven

"Charlie, I am not here for your fuckin' bullshit today!"

It was chaos as Alastor stared at the absolute mess of a man before him. It was like the other night all over again, save this was completely unprovoked. Angel Dust's eyes were wild, his fur standing on end and teeth bared at something behind Charlie, something no one else at the table could see. The room reeked of burning sugar and decay, so much so that it made Alastor's eyes water. The source was easy enough to spot, it was once again seeping from the brightly colored spots in Angel Dust's fur. If Alastor hadn't known better, he would have said the spider demon was hallucinating.

"You just shut the fuck up!" Angel Dust screamed at no one in particular, tears welling up in his eyes.

Oh. Wait. That actually made sense. Withdrawal had no doubt begun to take hold, and that was certainly on the list of possible symptoms. Or, at least, so Alastor had heard. He of course had never experienced it himself. Angel Dust, on the other hand, seemed deep in the throws of it. The pain in his eyes was nearly as palpable as the horrid stench he was giving off.

And then, without warning, he took off. The room sat in stunned silence for a moment, each of them attempting to process what had just happened. Husker was the first to speak, pulling everyone's attention from the chair toppled over on the floor.

"What. The fuck. Was that."

"That's a really good question," Charlie said slowly, eyes examining the doorway from which Angel Dust had fled.

Vaggie stood beside her, looking somewhat shaken. "Was it just me, or was he acting psychotic?"

"In the most literal of senses," Alastor chimed. He took a sip from his mug as soft radio chatter filled the air, quickly deciding that the situation was far beneath him.

After a moment's pause Charlie pushed her chair out, determination taking over her features. "I'm going after him."

Alastor chuckled, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Oh, I wouldn't do that if I were you. He's more formidable than you realize." Of course, Angel Dust was nothing either himself or Charlie couldn't handle. Hell, even Vaggie had a decent shot. That being said, he didn't need Charlie interfering. There was a chance that, in his stupor, Angel Dust would actually leave the hotel. That was certainly against house arrest rules and, as far as Alastor was concerned, would count as an instant loss.

"I'm sure I can handle him," Charlie assured.

"I beg to differ, my dear," Alastor insisted. "He could pull out any number of surprises to best you. For instance, did you know he's venomous?" Husker raised a brow at that, which Alastor pointedly ignored.

However, despite any suspicion he may have raised, his ploy seemed to have worked. Doubt clouded Charlie's expression, her brow furrowing and lips pursing. "Well… no, no I didn't."

"Precisely my point," Alastor grinned. "Why, who knows what other deadly secrets he could be hiding."

Support for his ruse came from the most unexpected of places. Vaggie placed a hand on Charlie's arm, her expression soft. "He has a point, hun. We don't know what could happen."

Alastor's grin sharpened. Oh, how perfect. Charlie wouldn't disagree with her lover. If he snared one, then he had them both. "Exactly. Thank you, Vaggie, for-"

"That's why Alastor should go after him."

A record scratch filled the room, A;astor's eyes briefly crackling with static. "Pardon?"

Husker scrunched up his nose. "That's a fuckin' terrible idea."

"Is it though?" Vaggie put her hands on her hips. "Alastor is too powerful to just 'get hurt'. Plus, Angel Dust is his responsibility. He volunteered for this."

"You have a point," Charlie mused.

"Does she really though?" Alastor asked. "Because I don't see how this could possibly end well."

"And why not?" Charlie asked, her eyes narrowing. "The only way it would end badly was if you were planning on hurting him, and I know you're not doing that, right?"

As angry as Alastor was, he had to admit she had turned the tables on him. He couldn't have done it any better himself, though he would never admit that out loud. His smile faltered the smallest bit, his eye twitching. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it."

"Good." Charlie sat back in her seat, keeping her eyes on him. Her suspicion was quickly getting old. "Now, go bring him back. Calmly."

"But of course." Alastor stood, sending a glare towards Vaggie the second Charlie wasn't looking. If that little trouble maker had just kept her mouth shut, none of this would have happened.

Well, no use dwelling on that now. He was really only left with one option, as irritating as it was, and the sooner he got to it the sooner it would be over with. He stepped out of the dining room, eyes immediately drawn to Angel Dust darting away from the front doors and down a hallway near the staircase.. Alastor felt his ear flick in annoyance. Well, so much for that idea. "Angel Dust? Angel Dust where do you think you're going?"

He moved to follow him down the hallway, raising a brow as he glanced at the decor. Odd, he'd never been down this way before. His brows arched when he saw Angel Dust jamming his finger into what looked like an elevator call button as if he were in one of his cheap, tasteless, lewd films. "And just what do you think you're doing?"

Angel Dust turned to face him, his voice filled with fear and panic. "Fuck off ya strawberry freak!"

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

Alastor could not have possibly predicted the reaction those words would incite. Angel Dust pupils dilated to barely visible pinpoints, his fur standing on end. He peeled back his lips, baring his teeth with a hiss. Alastor could clearly see the venom dripping from his fangs, and the wild look in his eyes told him that Angel Dust was not afraid to unleash absolute hell if need be. Alastor felt his ears give the slightest flick, felt his nose twitch, felt the unfamiliar sensation of fear grip his very soul for the briefest of moments. It was then that he was no longer Alastor, was no longer the feared radio demon, but a prey animal facing a predator primed to attack. "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, snapping him from his stupor and pulling his attention towards the sound. Angel Dust darted inside the second the doors opened, smacking the button to the top floor before pressing himself against the back wall of the car. Alastor stood gobsmacked for a moment, floored by the events that had just taken place. What was that? What had just happened? He didn't feel fear, he hadn't in decades, not since his death. The sensation was quickly replaced with fury, his eyes turning to dials. Oh, oh no, Angel Dust was going to pay for that and pay dearly. The doors of the elevator began to close, but Alastor wasn't about to let his ward slip away that easily. He grabbed the door with a red gloved hand and forced it back open, his eyes narrowed and voice crackling with static.

"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 and letting out a furious shriek. Now it was his turn to be terrified. "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 filling with static. Angel Dust's eyes widened in terror, his body trembling. Good, he should be scared. He'd certainly earned it. However, in the blink of an eye, his demeanor changed. His eyes narrowed and he snarled, lunging forward with clear intentions of delivering a toxic bite. Alastor didn't even think, his only motivation a driving fear of that venom when he thrusted the end of his microphone forward. His aim was impeccable, the end of the microphone going straight into Angel Dust's maw and driving him backwards.

"Oh no, I'm not falling for that again," Alastor growled. Angel Dust gagged and pulled away with a violent cough, looking up at Alastor with tears welled up in his eyes. Alastor stepped forward to loom over him, tilting his head to the side with a murderous grin. This was more like it, this was the dynamic he was used to. "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 respond, but only a raspy squeak came out. Not that Alastor wanted a response out of him. However the silence made way for a new sound, the sound of elevator doors closing behind him. His ear flicked at the soft thump as he spun around with wide eyes. Well wasn't that just inconvenient.

Alastor turned back to Angel Dust, his smile forced 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. It would seem he had no intention of explaining himself. 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." Maybe Alastor would get lucky and it would kill him. That would be nice.

Just then, 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 echoing in the space around them.

Oh dear.

Okay, so they were no longer moving. It wasn't ideal, but it wasn't the end of the world, either. Alastor was sure that if he just gave it a little thought, they would be out in absolutely no time at all. Yes, then he could sit Angel Dust down at the table, Charlie could stop her complaining, and all would be well. He rubbed his chin, glancing at the walls of the car as he muttered under his breath. "Let's see… if it's powered down, I could-"

His musings were interrupted, quite rudely might he add, by a sharp cry. Angel Dust was frantic, 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. His body trembled as if he were struggling to breathe, his fur standing on end.

Hm. It would seem as if the situation just got a little more precarious. That being said, there was a fairly easy solution. "Alright, I see this isn't going to work out with us both in here." Alastor turned to the doors, sigils dancing around his head as he contemplated his next move. "I'll go first, and we'll come back and figure out a way to get you out as well. Sound fair?"

The smell hit him before anything else. If he thought the stench of Angel Dust's distress was unbearable before, it was nothing compared to now. It hit him like a brick to the face, making his eyes water and his head spin. This was somehow worse than the venom, at least the bite didn't make him choke for air. Next he heard Angel Dust's voice, pleading and softer than he ever thought possible.

"You're… you're just gonna leave me in here? Alone?"

Alastor looked back at him, startled to find two pleading, pink, tear-filled irises staring up at him. Angel Dust looked betrayed of all things. Alastor straightened his lapel, doing his best to ignore the fog that began to fill his head. "Are you saying you would rather be trapped here with me?"

"I don't, fuck I don't know." Angel Dust buried his face in his knees, taking a shaky breath that turned to a broken sob. Alastor's chest tightened at the sound, much to his annoyance. "Just, please, God please don't leave me in here alone, please I don't think I can take it."

Alastor covered his nose, his smile twitching. Pleading or no, he didn't think staying much longer was in his best interest. "I understand your concerns, but I really must be going." He turned back to the doors, doing his best to breathe through the smell.

"Wait, wait Alastor hold on!" Alastor heard Angel Dust stand, heard his heels tapping against the floor. "You don't gotta leave, please, I'll behave, I'll do whatever ya want, just please don't leave me!"

"I'm afraid I can't stay, my dear." Alastor took a deep breath, only to end up coughing violently. His vision blurred as his head swam, making concentration impossible. Despite his attempts to summon the sigils back, to command his shadow, to do anything, nothing happened. After a moment his eyes widened in realization, his undead heart stopping in his chest. His abilities were paralyzed.

He was trapped.

"Now, okay, see I get where you're comin' from, but consider, okay, what if ya didn't leave?" Angel Dust slid between Alastor and the doors, his thin frame hunched over and his smile both shaky and unconvincing. He was running his hands along the walls as if to feel his way forward, as if the darkness had rendered him blind. "See, cause, if ya stay, I'll do somethin' for ya, right? Something sexy- wait, no, you don't like sexy. Scratch that, somethin' not sexy, somethin' super super not sexy like, um, okay hold on I gotta think, uh…"

Alastor's eyes narrowed, his ear flicking in annoyance. This was so far beneath him, not even worth a second of his time. And, yet, he didn't really have any other options. After a moment he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yes, okay, fine. You've convinced me, now stop your begging and go sit down."

Angel Dust's eyes practically lit up, his smile turning just a touch more genuine. "Wait, really? You'll stay? You're not gonna leave me in here?"

"Yes, now go sit before I change my mind." Alastor growled, his grin tight. Much to his surprise his order was followed without question, with Angel Dust scrambling back to his corner and taking a seat. "Well aren't you feeling compliant all of a sudden."

"Yeah, well, hangin' precariously over a pit'o'death will do that to a guy," Angel Dust said, watching Alastor as he moved to take a seat in the opposite corner.

"Yes, I suppose that is quite the motivator," Alastor mused. He glanced around the car, looking for a way to air it out. "Of course, you can't actually die, so there's always that. Are there vents in here? Do you see any?"

"Uh, I think there's one in the ceiling." Angel Dust stood, easily reaching the ceiling of the car with his long, nimble arms. "Feels like it's closed, can't really see it too good though. What with it bein' dark an' all."

Alastor raised a brow. It looked as if his earlier assessment may have been correct. "I was under the impression most demons could see in the dark."

"Well if they can I'm not one of 'em," Angel Dust snorted. "What, you claimin' you can see right now?"

"Clear as day." Alastor looked up at the vent, disappointed to see that it was, in fact, closed. "There's a little lever to your right, perhaps that opens it."

"Hold on, lemme try." Angel Dust felt for it before grabbing the small protrusion and pushing it down, opening the folds of the vent with a soft creak. "There, did I get it?"

"Indeed you did, you can sit back down now." Hopefully that would air out the car enough for Alastor to escape soon, before Angel Dust got the chance to work himself up again.

Angel Dust reclaimed his seat, pulling his knees up to his chest and hugging them close. Alastor could still see the fear in his eyes, could still see the way he trembled in the darkness. Vent or no, he was well aware that the car wouldn't air out if Angel Dust didn't calm down. This was quite the predicament, given that Alastor didn't want to be there any longer than he had to. After a moment Alastor sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. So it was coming down to this, was it? "I can't help but notice that you seem stressed."

Angel Dust snorted, rolling his eyes. "Gee, ya think? What gave you that idea, Sherlock?" Despite his attitude his voice wavered. His breathing was slightly more ragged, his eyes darting around the darkness of the cabin and the fumes getting worse despite the vent. This wasn't good, he was starting to panic again.

"Let me finish," Alastor said, eye twitching ever so slightly. "Is there anything we can do to, I don't know, calm you down perhaps?"

"Calm me down?" Angel Dust scrunched up his face a bit, then took a second to think. "Hm. Ya know, I don't know, I didn't think about it. Didn't think you'd be willing to try."

"Oh I don't see what harm it could do," Alastor said. "What about a game? Would that help?"

"A game?" Alastor watched as he stopped to consider it, the action seeming to calm him the slightest bit. "Uh, yeah, sure, I guess. What did you have in mind? 'Cause I'm pretty sure you wouldn't like the types of games I usually play."

"What in the world is that supposed to mean?" Alastor asked.

Angel Dust shrugged. "Well, see, there's this version of Twister you can play, but you-"

"No, no, I've changed my mind," Alastor said, putting a hand up to stop him. "I've decided I don't want to know. Why don't we play something simple? Are you familiar with 20 questions?"

"What, you mean the world's worst road trip game?" Angel Dust snorted. "Yeah, I know how to play."

"Fantastic," Alastor said. "Why don't we just play that then? I'll even let you choose the item."

"Oh gee, how generous of you," Angel Dust said, his voice deadpanned. After a moment he considered, humming a bit. "Okay, I got somethin'. I'm thinkin' of an object, ya got 20 questions."

"An object you say?" Alastor thought for a moment. He doubted Angel Dust would be clever enough to come up with something he couldn't guess, but even so this could be a good way to pass the time. "Alright. Does it exist outside of fiction?"

"Oh yeah, definitely." Angel Dust leaned back against the corner, fiddling with the carpet under his fingers. "Hey, can I ask ya somethin'?"

"I don't see why not, though I can't promise an answer," Alastor said. "Is it a common item?"

"Yeah, it's pretty common." Angel Dust picked a bit of lint off, rolling it between his thumb and forefinger before flicking it off. "What's your deal? You're spendin' all this time pickin' on me, don't you got anything betta ta do?"

"Simple, I revel in the misery of others," Alastor said, tilting his head a bit. That was an interesting question for him to ask. "Is it something used in daily life?"

"Nah. I mean, I've never used it." Angel Dust let his legs down a bit. Not completely sprawled out, but not pulled to his chest nearly as tight, either. He was starting to relax, the scent thinning out the slightest bit. "Okay, that makes sense I guess, but why? I mean, I get that I'm annoyin' and all, but it's not like the hotel is actually gonna make me better or anythin'. I'm gonna fail either way, so why bother? Unless the sex shit really bother ya that much."

"Perhaps it does. Does it matter?" It was Alastor's turn to tense. What was this, an interrogation? "Does it fit in an average home?"

"Ya mean is it small enough? Yeah, it fits." Angel Dust squinted at him, seemingly trying to make him out in the darkness. "I mean, I guess it doesn't really matter, just curious. Wouldn't think some serial killer psycho would be such a damn prude is all."

"What I do requires strategy, skill, and class," Alastor said. "I cannot say the same for your profession, though. Is it easily mobile?"

"Fifteen left. And if ya mean can ya move it, then yeah, pretty easy." Angel Dust looked somewhat offended, something reflected in his tone. "Hey, bein' a whore ain't exactly a picnic, buster. Ya wanna talk about skill and class? I'm top o'the charts for a reason, and it ain't because I'm a slacker."

"Oh yes, because sleeping with men for money is oh so difficult," Alastor said, tone dripping with sarcasm. "Is it electronic?"

"No, it's not." Angel Dust's fur was beginning to bristle again, his eyes glowing a faint pink. "An' you know what? If it's so easy why don't you go an' do it, huh?"

"Even without my aversion I have far better things to do with my time," Alastor said, waving him off. "I don't see why this is even up for debate. You, what, show up, do as you're told, get paid, and leave? You're not in the right here, dear. Now, is it mechanical?"

"No, it's not fuckin' mechanical," Angel Dust snapped. "Ya wanna know what goes inta a job? First of all, ya gotta remember names, preferences, and you gotta be down for anything. You gotta be strong and flexible enough for whatever they ask for, ya gotta negotiate prices so ya bring home the bacon for your pimp, ya gotta practically work customer service while ya got a dick or three shoved up your ass, ya can't get pissy if a John's bein' a little bitch or callin' ya names, and you gotta make sure ya got no bad angles for the camera. Do you know how hard that is? You wouldn't last thirty seconds doin' what I do."

Alastor stopped, eyes wide for a moment. He had to admit, that was a bit more complicated than what he was expecting. He considered his next words carefully before he spoke. "I… wasn't aware there were so many moving parts."

"Yeah, most people don't." Angel Dust grumbled, running his fingers through his hair. "'Cause you fuckers never ask."

"I suppose you have a point there," Alastor said, looking him over. Stressing Angel Dust out a second time was wielding the opposite results of what he wanted. "Why don't we get back to our game, hm? Does it exist within the hotel?"

"Yeah, whatever," Angel Dust sighed. "Yeah, it's in the hotel."

"Interesting," Alastor mused. "Is it smaller than an oven?"

"Way smaller." Angel Dust's tone was sharp, frustrated. Despite them dropping the subject, he absolutely was not calming down. If anything the fumes were building up once again, burning Alastor's eyes and nose. He would have to come up with something else. Maybe this was a good opportunity to dig up some information, something he could later use to get Angel Dust out of the hotel once and for all.

"If I may, I have some questions of my own," he said. "Outside of the game, of course. Speaking of which, is it something that you can safely eat?"

"I mean, I guess it wouldn't kill ya, but it'd be gross as fuck. Ya got ten left," Angel Dust said. He thought for a moment, waving him off. "Sure, whatever, ask whatever ya want."

"How old were you when you died?" Alastor asked, tilting his head. He knew Angel Dust's father supposedly shot him, but really that was all the information he had. "And this object, is it a swiss army knife?"

"I don't know what planet you're from where eating a swiss army knife won't kill ya, but no, it's not," Angel Dust snorted. He then seemed to consider his first question a moment before shrugging. "Pretty sure I was… what, twenty-six? That sounds right."

Alastor froze, eyes widening a bit. He figured Angel Dust hadn't exactly died an elder, but that was young even by his standards. Alastor had at least made it to his mid thirties. "I will admit, that's younger than I anticipated. Is it made of multiple parts or materials?"

"It can be, yeah." Angel Dust's fur began to lie back down, his posture not quite so rigid. This tactic was working. "What can I say? Party hard, die young."

"You make it sound as if that's how you died," Alastor said. "Is it something you wear?"

"Nah, you don't wear it," Angel Dust said. "And, I mean, I did overdose, so that's kind of how I died, I guess."

Now that was puzzling. That directly conflicted with the information Alastor already had. Which was correct? "I suppose that makes some sense, given your, well, afflictions. Was that the only thing in play?" He hoped the question, though prying, wasn't too revealing. "Is the item involved in a game."

"Not any games that I know of," Angel Dust snorted. He stopped a moment, considering his answer carefully. "I guess technically not, no. Gunshot probably helped it along. Or, ya know, freezin' damn near ta death. Guess it coulda been any one of those, but pretty sure it was the overdose that really did me in."

"Sounds like your death was an eventful one," Alastor said. He had to admit, it sounded pretty terrible. And he thought his was painful. Still, that was one mystery solved. Drugs and a gunshot at the same time was bound to put someone six feet under. Or, in Angel Dust's case, a shallow grave in the woods. He briefly wondered if he knew about that. "Is it a useful item?"

"If it's got a use I haven't heard of it," Angel Dust said. His expression fell a bit and he looked to the ground. Alastor wondered if Angel Dust forgot Alastor could see him. "And yeah, I guess it was a pretty wild night." His tone was sad, forlorn even. Alastor felt his heart tighten in his chest, an unfamiliar and most unwelcome sensation. This was the second time today, why did it keep doing that?

"I doubt you're alone in that," Alastor assured in a weak attempt at providing comfort. "Is it something naturally occurring, or otherwise not intentionally made by humans?"

"It's definitely that last one. Ya got 5 left," Angel Dust said. He looked to Alastor, or, rather, at the wall beside Alastor. Despite not being able to see, he was clearly making his best guess. "What about you, smiles? How'd you kick the bucket?"

"That, my dear, is privileged information," Alastor said, his smile tightening. "Is it a skull?"

"It's not a skull, ya sick bastard." Angel Dust tilted his head, squinting a bit. "Why so secretive, huh? Come on, I don't need details."

"Let's just leave it at sometimes, when a killer goes on a rampage, they get caught," Alastor sighed. "Is it a hard object?"

"No, it's not hard." Angel Dust snorted. "So, death by pigs, got it. Hey, if it's any consolation, I hate those badge weildin' bastards too."

"Oh, of that I have no doubt," Alastor said. He considered a moment, thinking his options over carefully. He was running out of questions, and no objects jumped to mind. "Is it smaller than an apple?"

"Yeah, way smaller." Angel Dust shifted a bit, rubbing his arms with his hands. "Gotta say, that doesn't sound like a fun way ta go. Then again, I guess none of them are." He was starting to look upset again, something Alastor was finding frustratingly difficult to avoid.

"Why don't we talk about something less serious, hm?" Alastor said, glancing up towards the air vent. The sooner that damned contraption actually did its job and aired out the room, the sooner he could leave. "Is it smaller than a pea?"

"Can be. More or less the same size, it varies kinda. Ya got one left." Angel Dust raised a brow. "Less serious? Like what?"

"Oh I don't know. I'd ask your favorite color, but it's so obviously pink," Alastor mused. "What about your least favorite color?"

"Oh, red, hands down." There was no hesitation in his answer, so much so that Alastor couldn't help but feel just a little offended. Given Alastor's color scheme of choice, it was clear where the answer came from. How rude. "You gonna ask your last question or what?"

"I'm thinking," Alastor growled. "If it's my last question, I want to choose it wisely."

"If you say so." Angel Dust spread out his legs, his feet just a few inches shy of Alastor's shin. "Fuck, they're really takin' their time, aren't they?"

"There's no guarantee that they're even aware we're trapped yet," Alastor pointed out. He scrunched his nose at Angel Dust's sprawl, pressing himself a little further into the corner. "Are you intent on taking up the entire elevator?"

"Hey, I'm just tryin' ta get comfy," Angel Dust said. "It hurts stayin' curled up like that, I get cramps. What about you, what's your least favorite color?"

"Fair enough, I suppose," Alastor sighed. "And I guess if I had to choose, it'd be green."

"Green? Really?" Angel Dust looked curious, tilting his head. "Why?"

Images flashed through Alastor's mind all at once. A green, cloth armchair, the cuff of a green work shirt with little black buttons resting on his father's wrist, the back of a hand flying towards his face. He stopped and blinked, willing his mind clear. Now was not the time. "I have my reasons. Why is yours red?"

"Oh, that's easy. It's that stupid ass coat," Angel Dust said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Alastor couldn't help the way his smile twitched. Venom or no, that was a bold insult. "Excuse you, I happen to think my coat is-"

"What?" Angel Dust interrupted him, looking confused for a moment before rolling his eyes. "Oh for fuck's sake, not everything's about you, ya freak."

Alastor stopped, tilting his head in confusion. "If not me, then who?"

"Look, if you can't figure that out, then I ain't tellin' ya," Angel Dust said. "Now do ya got your last question or not?"

"Oh fine, give me a moment." Alastor considered, going through everything he'd already asked in his mind. Nothing was coming to mind. "Does it have a set color?"

"Nah, it can be pretty much any color." Angel Dust tapped his foot against the air, folding his arms over his torso. "Alright, that's in. Give me your best guesses."

"It can't be a marble, it's not hard," Alastor mumbled. "Is it cotton?"

"What, like a cotton ball?" Angel Dust asked. "No, it's not cotton."

Alastor tilted his head. "Is it a small tassel?"

"Nope, not a tassel." Angel Dust smiled a bit, seemingly enjoying himself. "You're pretty shit at guessing, ya know that?"

"I don't recall asking you," Alastor huffed. "Is it one of those little pom poms, the ones Charlie is so fond of using in arts and crafts?"

Angel Dust chuckled. "No, it's not a pom pom. That one was actually pretty good though."

"I see you pulled out all the stops in making this difficult," Alastor sighed. Despite the fact that he wasn't winning, and oh did he enjoy winning, he actually found he was beginning to enjoy himself. Angel Dust was proving better company than he expected, even if the circumstances were ultimately forced.

"Always do, that's why no one ever plays this game with me," Angel Dust snickered. "Last time I tried, Cherri threatened ta send me ta double hell." He stopped, his expression falling. "Fuck I miss her…"

There it was again, the uncomfortable tightness in his chest. Alastor shifted uncomfortably, taking a deep breath. Perhaps this was some side effect of the venom? Regardless, he felt the strange yet incredibly strong urge to console the spider demon. It was an urge he didn't appreciate. "Oh you'll see her soon enough."

Angel Dust rolled his eyes. "Why, 'cause you're gonna make me lose the bet? Yeah, not happenin', buster."

"Well," Alastor began. He chose his words slowly, carefully. "Even if you were to win, which you will not, that still leaves only, what, twenty three days until the terms of our agreement are over? That certainly isn't too much to endure."

Angel Dust stopped, looking at him with heavy suspicion. "What, you're not gonna try ta convince me ta just go out an' see her so I lose?"

Alastor froze. Oh, that would have been a much better response. He wondered for a moment why he didn't think of that. "I suppose that's also an option, yes."

"Oh, right, like it wasn't the first thing ya thought of," Angel Dust huffed.

Alastor wasn't sure why, but he did not at all appreciate those implications. Even more odd, he didn't feel any feelings of malice and ill intent at this moment. He was genuinely enjoying this harlot's company, much to his concern. Best to ignore that. "You know, I'm tired of guessing. Why don't you just tell me what the object is."

"Oh like I'm gonna do that," Angel Dust said. "Nah, you don't get the satisfaction."

"Now that's not how you play," Alastor said. "Unless, of course, you don't actually have an item in mind, which must I point out would be cheating."

"What? Fuck that, I picked somethin', you're just shit at guessin'," Angel Dust snapped. "Not my fault you can't figure it out."

Alastor rolled his eyes. "Oh calm down, will you? I was joking."

Angel Dust stopped, curling back up a bit and lowering the volume of his voice. "Oh. Sorry."

"Oh don't apologize," Alastor said, waving him off. "And don't look so pathetic, either."

Angel Dust sighed. "Oh like you don't already think-"

He was interrupted by the sound of the car powering up, by the lights flickering back on. Alastor looked up, his ear flicking. "Well would you look at that. Seems they found us." The car began to move, seemingly in a descent. Had they redirected them as well?

"Holy shit, holy shit!" Angel Dust jumped up in excitement, bouncing over to the doors. In just a few moments they opened with a soft ding, revealing the entirety of the hotel's residents grouped together. Charlie was at the forefront, concern flooding her features. She opened her mouth to speak, but was unable to let out more than a startled squeal when Angel Dust wrapped his four arms around her in a tight hug and lifted her off the ground. "Thank fuck! Charlie, you saved us!"

"Hey, hey!" Vaggie summoned her spear and growled, pointing it at him. "You put her down!"

Angel Dust seemed unconcerned with the threat, rubbing his cheek to Charlie's. "Thank you thank you thank you!"

Charlie gave a light laugh, putting a hand on his face and gently pressing in an attempt to give herself some room. "Thank Husker! He's the one who got the elevator to work again, who knew he was so good at wiring?"

Husker shrugged, looking unenthused. "It's one of my many hidden talents."

Angel Dust dropped Charlie before patting Husker's cheek. "Have I ever told you you're my favorite kitty, you beautiful bastard you?"

Husker snarled and snapped at his fingers, fangs bared. "Touch me again and see what happens." Curiously, the usual edge to his tone was gone. It was if the aggression was a front rather than genuine.

Alastor stood, brushing off his coat. "I would also like to thank you. I didn't want to be in there any longer than I had to."

Husker raised a brow at him in a silent question, one Alastor understood all too well. If you didn't want to be there, then why didn't you just leave? Well. It wasn't a question that needed answering, especially since it was none of Husker's business.

"Come on, let's go finish breakfast. I'll even make you some hot chocolate," Charlie said, giving Angel Dust a sickeningly kind smile. She gently patted his arm before turning to walk away, the rest of the group following.

"Don't you try anything this time, ya got it?" Vaggie said, giving Angel Dust a threatening glare. "Charlie worked hard on this."

"Wouldn't dream of it, scouts honor," Angel Dust said, putting a hand up.

She stopped, raising a brow. "Wait, you were a boy scout?"

"Sure wasn't!"

She rolled her eyes, shaking her head but otherwise satisfied with the oath. "Whatever, weirdo." She turned and followed her significant other, the ribbons of her bow swishing behind her.

Angel Dust moved to follow them, Alastor trailing behind. However, he stopped at the edge of the car, forcing Alastor to stop behind him. He once again reached into his pocket, pulling something out. "Hey, hold out your hand."

Alastor, too puzzled to consider not following the direction, held out his hand. Angel Dust dropped something into his palm before he started walking towards the dining room, his heels clicking against the floor. Alastor looked at the object, a little wad of pocket lint. He scrunched up his nose in confusion before looking at Angel Dust. "And just what is this?"

Angel Dust glanced over his shoulder with a smug little smirk. "Ya said ya wanted ta know, right? The object? Thought I'd tell ya so ya don't lose your goddamn mind over it."

Alastor could only stare in shock after Angel Dust's retreating form. Pocket lint? The object had been pocket lint? He wanted to be outraged, but even he had to admit that was clever. He never would have guessed, no matter how many questions he had been allotted.

One thing Had been made clear after today's little misadventure. He didn't know Angel Dust nearly as well as he previously thought.