Sorry this took a while. I had an unfixable issue with my laptop, forcing me to buy and wait for a new one. Well, good thing I keep notebooks to write in the meantime.

Title Song: "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from "The Little Mermaid" (I'd recommend listening to the Jonathan Young metal version on YouTube)

The sight of the Porn Studio building never ceased to cause Tina's stomach to churn.

"I do not like creepy moth man," Hildegard said as they approached the entrance.

"We'll be fine," Tina said. "Valentino learned his lesson 'bout messin' with me. And even if he hasn't, that's why you're here."

"That not why I worry." The hellhound shook her head. "I like not what he make you do."

The Songbat tugged on her gloves to straighten them out. "Ya know as well as anyone that sometimes, for the greater good, a woman has to give up her dignity."

"It not right. Even if to save the spider man." Hildegard touched her boss's shoulder. "It humiliate you."

Tina gently lifted Hildegard's paw. "You only worry 'bout me if Val tries to do more than what's agreed."

Hildegard sighed as she pushed open the doors to the studio.

"Been a while since we've paid dear old Val a visit," Tina said. "Think anyone here remembers us?"

The receptionist, a succubus wearing very revealing business attire, squealed as she covered her earholes and ducked behind the front desk. Two scantily dressed girls making out on a nearby divan turned at the screaming, only to scream themselves and rush out of the lobby.

"I say they do," Hildegard said.

"Howdy there. Beebe, was it?" Tina peered over the desk at the shaking receptionist. "Your boss in? We don't have an appointment, but I'm sure if ya tell him the Songbat is here, he'll be very accommodating."

The succubus nodded, not leaving her hiding spot as she reached for the intercom button. "M-Mr. Valentino?"

"Damn it, Beebe!" Valentino's voice hollered over the intercom. "How many times have I told you not to call me during studio hours?! This better be an emergency, or I'll be seeing you in my office at lunch!"

Beebe shook. "B-B-But the S-Songbat is here to s-see you."

There was silence on the other end. "Send her up to my office. I'll be there in ten."

"We know way." Hildegard headed for elevator.

Before Tina followed the hellhound, she dug into her purse, pulled out a card and placed it on the desk. "If ya ever get sick of that sicko, hon, gimme a call."

Tina took Beebe's whimper to mean she'd think about it.

Valentino's office could best be described as a penthouse of pornography. Pin-ups and posters of past pornos plagued the walls. Plush couches and shelves of sex toys took the place of desks and filing cabinets. There was even a bed in the corner.

While Tina wasn't as much of a prude as her husband, she was just as likely to barf at this overload of sexual stimuli.

The two ladies waited on one of the loveseats, trying to find a non-suggestive part of the room to focus on. Even the coffee table was littered with porn magazines. A crystal bowl of what looked like heart-shaped candies sat in the middle of the table, though neither woman dared to try one. In a place like this, one had to be careful what they tasted.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, ladies."

Tina and Hildegard jumped in their seats and turned around. Despite them both having advanced ears, none of them heard him come in.

Valentino chuckled as he circled the loveseat. "Tina Twinkle. Haven't seen you since you took the Dicto twins from me." He sat on the couch across from them. "Real shame to let them go. My audience is crazy about twins."

"Yeah." Tina put on her fakest smile. "Should've thought about that before ya forced Dinah to make out with ya while Dana gave ya a blowjob."

Hildegard growled at the pimp. She was just as protective over the former employees of The Reckoning as Tina was.

"Must you always be so blunt?" Valentino said as he pulled a pack of cigarettes from his coat. "Either you ladies care for a smoke?"

Tina glared at the box. Hildegard crossed her arms.

"Oh, that's right. You're sober now." Valentino took a cigarette out and lit it. "Wouldn't look good if one of the managers at that rehabilitative shithole started smoking, now, would it?"

He shamelessly blew a smoke ring in Tina's direction. Hildegard waved it away before it could reach her boss.

"Actually, that rehabilitative shithole's why I'm here," Tina said, crossing one leg over the other. "Specifically, I'm here on behalf of one of our patrons who is under your employment."

Valentino sighed. "Always here for one of my little darlings. And here I thought, for once, you came just to see me."

"Watch it, Val. I'm a married woman."

"Aw, that old line won't work on me. Everyone knows you and Radio Boy had a falling out." The pimp leaned back, draping his upper arm over the head of the couch. "Although, rumor has it the two of you are all cozy again. Both working with the Princess on her pretty little pipedream." He tilted his head as he examined her from head to toe. "Though if you were really back together, you'd be wearing that expensive ring again. Whatever happened to that little old thing? You sell it? Throw it in the river?"

Tina resisted the urge to touch her brooch. "We're not here to talk about my relationship with Al. Though I'm sure you understand, whether we're speakin' to each other or not, he does still check up on my from time to time."

Valentino's focus shifted to everyone's shadows. Tina smirked.

To be in the pimp's presence was always unnerving, as he was at least two feet taller than Alastor. Not to mention their little tryst fifteen years ago flashed through her mind.

But Tina wasn't afraid of Valentino anymore. He couldn't do anything to her without pissing off Alastor. There was no telling where his shadows might be lurking.

Although, honestly, Tina wished her husband wasn't spying on her in this situation. If he knew she was making deals with the partner of his sworn enemy, the pimp who had once attempted to rape her, Alastor would lose his shit.

"You're bluffing," Valentino said.

"Maybe." Tina shrugged. "How's your tongue, by the way?"

He scowled through his heart-shaped glasses. "Enough games. What do ya want from me this time, doll?"

She placed her hands on her lap. "As I'm sure you know by now, Angel Dust has been staying at the Hazbin Hotel for several weeks now."

"I'm aware." Valentino released a puff of smoke. "He's been shirking his duties at the studio. Only reason I ain't dragged him back is his assurance that he's only in it for the free rent." He leaned his cheek onto his fist. "You're a businesswoman. You understand I can't have my employees flaking on me. And I've got a strict schedule and deadlines to meet. Perhaps you can persuade Angel Cakes that honoring his commitments is a," he paused to chuckle, "redeeming quality."

Tina clenched her fists to prevent herself from clawing the guy's eyes out. "You're right. Angel should honor his commitments. But he can't do that if another commitment is interfering."

"So glad you agree."

"Which is why," she said, squaring her shoulders, "I've come for Angel Dust's soul."

Valentino frowned, not saying anything for a long time. Then he took a drag from his cigarette and blew a heart-shaped smoke ring at the ceiling.

"My Angel Cakes ain't so easily replaceable. Not like the other souls you've swindled from me."

Tina raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem so surprised."

He rolled his upper wrist. "The minute I heard you were involved in the Princess's hotel, I figured it was only a matter of time before you'd come to me about Angel. Every time one of my dolls wanders your way, you try and bargain 'em from me. So no, I ain't surprised."

Valentino's creepy grin returned. "But you see, Angel's my pride and joy. Makes more money than any other star I have. I can't part with him just like that." He twirled his cigarette. "At least, not without proper compensation."

The Songbat took a deep breath. "Fifty shots, but you do not stand more than five feet away from me, and Hildegard keeps watch the whole time."

The pimp laughed and shook his head. "Oh, no, no, no, no, Twinkle Toes. I'm afraid Angel Cakes is worth much more than a few tawdry nudes. Besides, already got plenty of those from you. If you want my best star, you're gonna have to do better than that."

Tina narrowed her eyes. "I ain't fucking you, or any one of your pals."

"Well, why not? Infidelity never bothered you before, if I recall."

Hildegard stood up. "You will not talk to my boss like that!"

"Down, girl." Valentino held up a hand. "I can get a good time from anybody. I actually had something else in mind for payment, if you'll hear me out."

Tina put a hand on the hellhound's arm and sat her back down, still warily eyeing the moth.

"Word on the street is that you're throwing a Valentine's Day bash at your hotel." Valentino pretended to examine his fingernails. "I do so love that holiday, though I do think Valentino's Day would roll off the tongue better."

"Yeah, we're throwin' a party." Tina crossed her arms. "What's it to ya?"

"Well, I hear you're inviting Overlords and even royalty as VIP guests. Some of them were even crazy enough to RSVP that they'll attend."

"Where ya goin' with this?"

The pimp held up three fingers. "I want three of those VIP invitations."

Tina blinked. "What?"

"Three invitations. One for me, one for Vox, one for Velvet."

The ladies shared a confused look.

"I thought ya said the hotel was nothing more than a pipedream," Tina said. "Why would ya wanna waste your time there even for just one night?"

He shrugged. "I just wanna see what all the fuss is about. More importantly, I'm curious as to why smart, powerful beings like you and Radio Boy are so interested in it. And why big names like Prince Stolas are accepting your invitation."

Tina didn't trust his false flattery for a second. The price was a small one to pay, considering the alternative. Which just made it even more suspicious that Valentino would give up his favorite plaything for three measly tickets to a charity event he didn't believe in.

"Consider the opportunity, Twinkle Toes. You're running a hotel meant to rehabilitate sinners." The pimp gestured to himself. "Well, if three of the most notorious inners show up at your door, people might start taking you and the Princess seriously."

The point was fair. Charlie would leap at the chance to redeem sinners as bad as the Three Vs, or at least approach them as potential sponsors. But Tina wasn't so sure Vaggie would be onboard with the idea. And Alastor, naturally, would be furious.

"You cannot invite him," Hildegard whispered in her ear. "The twins, the spider man, all he owned will be there. He will scare them."

Tina hadn't thought about that. Valentino had abused half her employees. For them to see him again would be triggering. And who was to say the Three Vs wouldn't try anything to sabotage the hotel?

"If you're worried about us making mischief," Valentino said, raising one hand and placing another over his heart, "rest assured that we would never interfere with royal affairs."

That was true. Charlie was in a rough place with her dad, but Tina was certain Lucifer would not be pleased if anyone screwed his daughter over. Without his permission, of course.

"Ya can't pick any fights," the Songbat said firmly. "Especially with Al."

"Mmm-hmm."

"Ya stay away from my girls. Don't talk to 'em, don't touch 'em, don't even look at them."

"Oh, come on. That last one is just ridiculous."

"Fine. But ya still can't touch or talk to 'em."

"Very well. But if one of 'em starts a conversation with me, it would be rude not to respond."

"No drugs on the premises, no cigarettes, no more than two alcoholic drinks from the bar each.Tina wagged a finger. "Ya don't go anywhere in the hotel other than the designated party rooms."

Valentino smirked. "What about the bathrooms?"

"Ugh, fine. But the second ya break any of these conditions, we're kickin' ya three fuckers out. And don't forget we'll have Al and the Princess there to keep the peace."

He was looking bored now. "Are you done?"

Tina tried to think of any other loophole Valentino might take advantage of.

"I still not like idea," Hildegard whispered. "It sketchy."

The hellhound wasn't wrong. Given how valuable Angel Dust was, it didn't make sense for Valentino to sell him for a few party invitations. It was too easy.

"If you're not sold on this deal," the pimp said, "there's also the other thing I asked for the first time you came to me."

Tina's reply was quick. "No."

"Come on. All I'm asking is one juicy little tidbit on the Radio Demon. A weakness my associates and I can exploit." He bared his teeth. "Other than you, of course, doll."

"Outta the question."

Valentino frowned. "I thought ya didn't care for the bastard anymore. I know divorce ain't an option, so why not let us take care of him for ya? If he were outta the way, you'd be free from his ball and chain forever."

Tina gave him a hard glare. "I don't very much like it when other people try to get involved in my marriage."

"Whatever." He waved a hand. "Do you want Angel Dust's soul or not? Because it's either the invitations, or a secret of Alastor's. Otherwise, we're done here."

A number of people would be appalled with what she was about to do, yet the first person who came to Tina's mind was Alastor. No matter which option she chose, he'd be upset. Betraying a secret of his could get him hurt. Inviting his archenemies to a party he was helping to organize, however, could lead to less trouble. So long as Tina kept a close eye on them.

Then she recalled Angel's beaten body. Though she'd only known him a short time, she didn't want that happening to him again.

"We'll see ya at the party."

"Boss!" Hildegard said.

Valentino grinned and extended his hand. "It's done then."

"Why you do that?" Hildegard asked her boss on the walk back to the hotel.

Tina kept her eyes ahead. "Would ya rather I strip myself nude for the camera again?"

"You only master who let me speak my mind. My mind say Three Vs at party spell disaster."

Hildegard's broken English was due to her first employer, a Viking king who adopted her as a pup, only speaking to her in Old Norse. But that didn't stop her from getting her point across.

"What happen when moth man come and upset twins and others? Dinah still have nightmares of him! Dana too. Will not be good!"

"I know," Tina said with a gulp. "Believe me, I know. But one night of discomfort, compared to an eternity of freedom for Angel Dust, makes the cost worth it. I had no other choice."

"You did have other choice." The hellhound stepped into her path. "Each time, moth man give you other choice. You say you hate deer man, but still no betray him. Why?"

The Songbat lowered her head. "Cuz he could've told people what happened between us for a long time, yet he never did. And I'm not gonna be like that Wilbur Adelman and publicly slander him outta pettiness."

Hildegard's scowl softened. "Then you mean it. You love the deer man."

Tina moved past her. "It wouldn't matter if I did."

"Why?" Hildegard followed. "What stop you?"

Tina sighed. "We want different things outta our relationship. We can't be together, if we can't make each other happy."

Across town, the Radio Demon was engaging in a business deal of his own. Only his proposition was to a much higher power.

"I was told you had gone sober," Lucifer said as he watched Alastor sip his wine.

The Radio Demon raised an eyebrow. "Who told you that?"

"My wife." The Devil sipped his own appletini. "Charlotte continues to leave messages on her phone."

"Hmm. Interesting that either of you listens to those messages."

"Just because I'm not currently on speaking terms with my daughter, doesn't mean I don't still keep tabs on her." Lucifer smirked. "How's Tina, by the way? I hear the both of you are assisting my daughter in her…folly. Does this mean you two lovebirds have finally made amends?"

Alastor set down his glass. "I didn't come here to make small talk, Luci."

"Oh, I expected nothing less from you. Quite frankly, I was surprised to receive your request for an audience, considering the last time that happened was, what, ten years ago?" Lucifer traced the rim of his glass. "I'm still waiting for my end of that bargain to be fulfilled."

"I'm working on it." Alastor leaned back in his seat. "Actually, I've come as a representative of the Hazbin Hotel."

"Don't think I don't know what your game is, Al. An obedient servant of darkness like you doesn't believe in the concept of redemption. Although, your wife being involved is no coincidence, is it?" The Devil tsked and wagged a finger. "Naughty, naughty, Alastor. Joining a good cause under false pretenses. It's quite…delicious. I knew you were my favorite sinner."

"We're getting off the subject." Alastor was losing patience, but knew better than to show it in front of the King of Hell. "If you've been keeping tabs on your daughter, surely you've heard of the Valentine's Day event she's hosting next week."

"Ah, yes. The only arbitrary saint day I actually tolerate." Lucifer raised his glass. "What of it?"

"Your daughter would appreciate it very much if you and Lilith would attend as special guests."

The Devil spat out his drink. After a brief coughing fit, he stared at the sinner across the table.

"Well done, Al." Lucifer dabbed his face with a napkin. "That is the second time you've gotten a spit take out of me. I think only Charlotte might beat your record."

"I assume you are reluctant to accept the invitation?" Alastor asked.

"Why should I? My daughter needs to learn that her endeavor is nothing but a foolish flight of fancy. I will not stop her, of course, if she intends to learn that lesson the hard way. Eventually, she'll be worn down by her failure and realize the best thing for her is to stay with her family. You understand, I'm sure."

The Radio Demon narrowed his gaze, but kept his cool. "If you really supported your daughter, you would humor her flights of fancy, no matter how foolish."

"Are you saying I should be dishonest? Contrary to popular belief, honesty is one of the few virtues I uphold."

"You needn't declare to all of Hell that redemption is possible when it isn't. All you have to do is show up to one party."

Lucifer leaned his chin onto his fist. "And why does this matter to you? What do you get out of this proposition?"

Alastor saw no point in lying to the Devil when he already knew the reason. "This is as important to my wife as it is to your daughter. I don't believe in the cause either, but I want Tina to succeed. She has no desire to go to Heaven, but does want to run a solid business, and your appearance at the hotel will increase our business."

Lucifer nodded. "And if you help her to succeed, at least somewhat, she might consider moving back in with you, is that correct?"

The Radio Demon shrugged. "Quite possibly, yes."

"I thought so." The Devil summoned his apple cane. "Alright, Al, I'll make you a deal. I'll attend my daughter's Valentine's Day party, that you've so graciously assisted her in…"

He paused to twirl his cane for dramatic effect. Alastor waited for whatever obscure price he had in mind. It didn't matter. Tina was worth it.

"If," Lucifer said, tapping his apple scepter, "you promise to invite me to the baby shower."

Static crackled. "Pardon me?"

"That seems fair, don't you think? An invitation for an invitation?"

Alastor blinked in bewilderment.

"Oh, come now, old chap." Lucifer chuckled. "You didn't come to me ten years ago requesting drops of my Lilith's blood for nothing, did you? That is not a privilege I grant to just any pair of sinners." He frowned. "Or did you somehow misplace the very rare, very crucial vial I gave you?"

"No, I," Alastor said, twiddling his fingers, "still have it. However, I…I'm not so certain that's what Tina wants anymore."

"You mean you never told her?"

"I was going to, but then…" He shook his head. "I have to patch things up with her first before even considering something like that. Which is why I'm here."

Lucifer's grin returned. "Well, in that case, I'll be happy to help the process along in any way. You and Tina always were my favorite couple. And Lilith and I have been waiting for a devil-child to spoil."

"Are we in agreement, then?"

The Devil held out his hand and the room darkened. "As always, pleasure doing business with you."

Usually, the Radio Demon wouldn't hesitate to strike a deal, especially one with such a meager price. But when his hands remained folded on the table, Lucifer retracted his own with a raised eyebrow.

"Is there something else?"

"I need one more eensy, weensy, little favor." Alastor pinched his pointer and thumb together. "If you can possibly manage it."

Lucifer chuckled. "You're awfully greedy today, old chap."

"I need you to find someone for me."

"Hmm." He leaned back in his chair and stroked his chin. "I already informed you of your father's location decades ago. And you said there was no doubt your mother was in Heaven, and I'm inclined to agree with you. Ooh, perhaps this is a soul who wronged you in the past, and you're out for revenge? How delightful."

"Sorry to disappoint you, Luci, but I have no intention of harming this particular soul." Alastor glanced down at his fists. "Anyway, it's not for me, it's for my wife."

"Aw, how sweet." Lucifer put a hand over his heart. "You come to the Devil for not one, but two favors, all to help your beloved wife." He wagged a finger. "I'm not one to oppose love, Al, but you better be careful, otherwise demons will say you've gone too soft."

"Oh, shut up. I just need to know if this person is still alive or in Heaven or Hell. Can you find her or not?"

"Do you have a name?"

The Radio Demon recited the information as if he'd done it a hundred times before. "Nancy Aretha Davis. Born November 15th, 1992, New York City, USA. Mother—"

"I know who her mother is." The King waved his hand. "I did wonder when one of you was going to inquire me about her. I just didn't think it would be you. But if I were to give you such confidential information, do you have anything left to offer me?"

Alastor drummed his fingers on the table. "I can see to the safety of your daughter."

Lucifer laughed. "Bold of you to offer a service you're already providing."

"Ah, but I could easily stop."

That wiped the grin off the Devil's face. "Is that a threat?"

"So, you do still care for your daughter." Alastor smirked. "Well, since you're not watching over her anymore, I will gladly do it for you, as well as inform you of her wellbeing. Because, knowing the Princess, any news you get from her will be deathly sugarcoated. That seems fair, don't you think? You look for my wife's child, I look out for yours?" He examined his fingers. "Of course, with how many demons are opposed to this hotel, it would be a shame if I were to fail to protect her."

The room darkened once again, the snake in Lucifer's hat hissing. "It's dangerous to try and blackmail the Devil, Alastor—" He addressed the Radio Demon by his full name. "I don't think even Orpheus would've been this daring."

Alastor shrugged. "Like him, I'm willing to do anything for my wife."

Lucifer relaxed in his seat, his teeth glowing. "You do realize if this girl ends up being in Heaven, there is nothing more I can do for you."

"I'm aware. I simply need to know the child's whereabouts."

Honestly, no matter where Nancy was, it would be a win for the Radio Demon. If Nancy was still alive, then Tina would no longer hold the guilt of possibly causing her death. If Nancy was in Heaven, then Tina would be relieved that her daughter was in a better place. If Nancy were in Hell, then Tina would at last get the chance to be a mother.

Alastor supposed that meant he would be a father. If that was the case, she'd be fully grown by now. Children rarely ended up in Hell, unless they did something truly horrid like murder. Any child of Tina's, he was sure to love. Would Nancy like him though?

Well, if she did end up in Hell, surely there was a reason. Her sins could be just as dastardly that she might not mind having a cannibalistic serial killer for a stepfather.

Whatever the outcome, Tina would be so grateful and happy that she would love Alastor again. Then he could finally give her the family she always wanted.

Nancy or no Nancy.

Confused? You should be!

But oh my gosh is it hard to write characters who don't even have official voices yet!