A/N:

Hi everyone! Nice to see you all again! More demon and RadioDust shenanigans are here, along with lots of sweet friendship talks among lots of friends. I hope you enjoy and thanks for reading!

Partners

Chapter 62:

Beside Every Demon is a Rainbow of Friends

The early evening air in the Emporium kitchen was warm and smelled of sugar and butter and honey. A large platter of fried beignets sat on the counter, and a few smaller plates of the pastries, half-eaten, were on the kitchen table. In one of the chairs before an empty plate, Mimzy snoozed with a smile, her head resting on her arms and her face covered in sugar.

At the sink, Rosie was washing the last of the pans as Alastor dried alongside her, his apron splattered with flour and sugar but his shirtsleeves still clean.

Rosie watched him out of the corner of her eye. She could see that his brow was furrowed slightly. She sighed as she handed him the next pan. "Penny for your thoughts?"

"Hmm?" Alastor's ears twitched and he glanced over at her. "Oh! Just…wondering if I made enough beignets. Angel ate quite a few when I first prepared them for him… His siblings might do the same. Unless they don't care for them… which is why I didn't want to go too overboard. Having a bunch of pastry left over would be rather awkward, ha…"

Rosie sighed, washing the next pan. "It's not just that; there's something else troubling you. Alastor, please talk to me. You get yourself so worried over so many things… and it worries me too. I promise, life isn't so very dire. And you are such a good boy deep inside."

Alastor glowed a little. His eyes focused on the pan he was drying. "I'm…not sure what I am inside sometimes, actually." His brow furrowed more. "What I mean to say is, I've come to realize I don't know myself as well as I thought…but I am starting to understand better. Angel has helped me put recognition and words to aspects of me I'd always ignored or dismissed as…weak. Or troubled, rather. Because I'M troubled. Then again, perhaps we're ALL troubled here. Though I freely admit that when the cosmos made me, something was rather off in the recipe, ha…" There were tears at the edges of his eyes. He let them burn off.

Rosie frowned. "Alastor, you know I don't like when you talk so poorly of yourself, and I especially don't like when you believe it. You are good. You use your powers to disrupt the madness of the strong and cruel dominating those of fairer means." She set the final pan aside. "Where is this coming from, my dear? Truly?"

Alastor took a deep breath and released it almost as a shudder. "Angel says he loves me. He is in love with me. And I can tell it's true by everything he does around me — how he speaks and acts…even how he kisses me." His face turned rosy. "And I…I care for him unfathomably. I genuinely thought beginning our relationship would calm the surge of strange feelings to something manageable and easily defined, but they've only escalated. It's not…bad. Just…rather big. But different somehow than how Angel feels…more of a melancholy comfort than a delighted infatuation. And yet there are other things in this afterlife that do briefly give me a delighted infatuation… None of it makes sense." He steeled himself and looked right at her. "Rosie, I can accept that I am not keen on sexual affection. Angel accepts it too, most gladly. But I'm not sure I can be okay if I never…love him like he loves me. I want to give him everything he deserves in a partner because frankly as long as he'll have me I have no intention of ever leaving his side." The tears were building at the edges of his eyes again, and his lower lip quivered but he held strong.

Rosie watched him in a touch of wonder. Then her smile softened. She dried her hands and placed them on his shoulders, looking into his eyes. "My dear Alastor…all the answers are right there, but as usual you're too hard on yourself to see them. I prefer to let you find your own way — you seem to learn better than you do by having things told to you flat out. But I will say this — your pure concern for Angel's happiness alone is more than proof that you are good enough for him and that you two are good for each other. You both have what each other needs." Some tears left the edges of her eyes as well. "Don't always look for ways to punish yourself, Alastor. The universe took care of that task by sending us all down here. But everything down here doesn't have to be a punishment — that's the loophole in the deal." She winked and wiped away her tears with the end of her apron. "You are going to make a fine partner in eternity for that sweet boy — whether husband, beau, or anything else."

Static passed over Alastor's ears and his eyes flipped to radio dials for a moment before returning to normal, upon which he turned away with a too big smile and started frantically drying a pan that was already dry. "Now now, so sentimental, dear! All our teasing about weddings and whatnot… Let's get through Abel and Louise's first, shall we? Ha!" He paused in his drying and let out a breath. His eyes were still down, his voice quieter. "Thank you, Rosie. I feel better."

Rosie nodded, removing her apron. "You always should in my opinion."

Alastor managed a glance over at her as he set the final pan aside and removed his apron as well. "You and Mimzy seem quite happy together. I'm glad. I've never seen you both smile so much."

"You can see even more of our smiles if you bring Angel over here for dinner one evening — just a nice family affair with you two and Mimzy. Whenever you're ready."

"…Family affair?"

Rosie looked at him dryly. "Oh hush, you know you're family around here. You're the only one in denial about it."

Alastor cracked a genuine smile. Then his eyes hazed. "Yes…family affair. I would like that."

Rosie headed across the kitchen. "I'm going to carry Mimzy to bed and tuck her in."

Alastor nodded. "I'll teleport to the hotel while the beignets are still warm. Thank you both again for your kitchen assistance."

"Anytime." Rosie winked and then gently scooped up Mimzy who cuddled into her instantly. With a giggle Rosie carried her down the hall.

Alastor watched them go. Then he looked at the large platter of beignets. He sighed. "Well…here goes nothing, I suppose. Time to make the acquaintance of some rather significant spiders." He snapped his jacket back on, smoothed back his hair, took a deep breath, then snapped himself and the beignets away.

Cherri took Niffty through some abandoned buildings in her territory and across a few rooftops. Having the little demon along was incredibly helpful for not losing the Egg Bois. Niffty made them all hold hands and walk single file, and the entire time she kept fixing their imp costumes and complimenting their henchman skills and eagerly asking them questions. The doting was kind of adorable. Then at one point a passing demon scared one of the Eggs by flashing his fangs, and Niffty hissed and pulled a pair of sharp pinking shears out of her dress, sending the offending demon running. That move had just been badass, in Cherri's opinion.

Finally they were at the wastelands of the Pentagram, out of sight of other demons. Cherri stopped and turned to the eggs. "Okay, from here you've gotta let us know how to get you back to Pen, fellas."

The three of them shared confused, ditzy smiles for a moment but then one blinked and rummaged in the pocket of his costume. "Oh, I remember!" He pulled out a control with a red button. "Boss Man said to press this!" He hit the button with his fist.

"Good job!" Niffty encouraged and gave him a hug.

Cherri looked to the sky, and a moment later Sir Pentious's airship descended out of the cloud cover with a rope ladder lowered. Cherri looked to the Eggs. "Imp Boys, go first so I can spot you. Niffty, wanna ride?" She bent down and gestured for Niffty to climb on her back.

The little demon nodded eagerly and quickly wrapped her arms around Cherri's shoulders. "I love rides! Husk and Alastor both let me have them too, but only sometimes and never in public." She rolled her eye.

Cherri chuckled. "Eh they're just grumpy and shy about their reputations." She got standing and followed the Egg Bois up the ladder. Of course, all three got distracted at various points and nearly flung themselves off to the ground but Cherri and Niffty managed to keep them going until they finally reached the top. The ladies climbed into the airship.

"Boss, Boss! We delivered the trunk to Miss Molly!"

"And don't forget the other thing!"

"Oh yeah! And we helped deliver a suitcase to Niss!"

They burst into giggles and started making kissy faces.

"Niss!" Came Sir Pentious's frazzled yet giddy voice instantly. "How in the world did you end up delivering anything to him? Also is he all right? Also did he ask for me?"

Cherri bit her lip at the lovesick tone and the twittering Egg Bois, and quickly called out. "Hey, Pen! It's Cherri! And I brought my friend Niffty from the hotel! I ran into the Egg Bois there while I was dropping off Niss's suitcase, and we figured we'd help get them back to you."

"Oh!" Sir Pentious sounded startled but then came into view, clearing his throat. "Yes, of course! Thank you both!" He tipped his hat. "Niffty, a pleasure to make your acquaintance again. I believe we met briefly at the hotel open house."

Niffty tilted her head at first, watching him closely, but then smiled and nodded. "Yes, we did! You got the Shirley Temples!"

He laughed. "Yes, quite right! A gentleman's drink!" He replaced his hat and turned to Cherri. "Well, er, as I said, I hope Niss and everyone else is doing well. Would you ladies like to stay for tea?"

The Egg Bois turned to Cherri, looking ecstatic.

"Yup, everyone's good! And sorry but we should get back," Cherri replied, putting her hands up to dissuade her suddenly eager little fan club and the hundreds of extra members who she was sure would come out of the woodwork if she stayed. "Uh, good to see you, Imp Boys."

"Ha! Oh Cherri, we fooled you!" The first henchman announced.

"Yeah, look, these are just costumes!" The second one added.

"We were Egg Bois all along!" The third one shouted.

The took off their costumes and grinned proudly.

Cherri smirked. "You guys really did fool me. I'm impressed." At that compliment, the Eggs swooned and fell all over each other in excitement, rolling around. She shook her head with a snort of laughter then headed to the ladder. "See ya, Pen!" She started the climb down.

Niffty propped up each of the Egg Bois again and gave them hugs. "I'll miss you! Say hello to all of the other Eggs for me!"

"We'll miss you too, Miss Niffty!" They all chorused.

They all waved happily to her and then waddled off into the ship.

"Thank you both again for seeing them home." Sir Pentious called out with a wave. "Safe travels!" Then he headed after the Eggs as Niffty headed for the ship exit to follow Cherri down.

She paused for just a moment though when she overheard the snake overlord loudly and passionately talking to the Egg Bois. "Is Niss really okay after having to be near those hoodlums watching the hotel last night?"

"Yeah, Boss! He promised us he's okay!"

"He told us he misses you!"

"And he's gonna make sure you can have a date as soon as possible!"

"Oh…" Sir Pentious sighed dreamily. "That's all lovely to hear. Hmm…you three get settled, I'll be in the solarium on a fainting couch thinking of messages to send him later." He giggled then gasped. "Oooo, look at that, a message from him! I love how he doesn't play games. He says you three were excellent deliverers." The Egg Bois cheered, then Niffty heard the sound of Sir Pentious humming and slithering off as the Egg Bois tottered away.

Niffty's eye widened. "Niss…is a boy…and Sir Pentious is a boy. Niss likes boys…and Niss likes Sir Pentious. Oh!" She almost squealed. "Your secret is safe me me, Niss and Mister Pentious! Oooo I'm gonna write so many stories about you!" She started her climb down, beaming. "Wow, Angel's family is really good at getting pretty boyfriends." She giggled to herself as she neared the ground where Cherri was waiting to take her back home.

Back at the hotel, meanwhile, Niss had gone to the roof stairwell for a 'smoke' (his excuse to be alone so he could text Sir Pentious and thank him for the special delivery), and Angel had taken Nuggets up to his room for a nap. Husk and Molly were alone at the bar. Husk hoped he could use this chance to maybe sit and talk with Molly for a little bit in private. He was worried about how upset she'd gotten after finding out about their father and Valentino. But he couldn't get her to sit, let alone actually talk. For the last ten minutes, she had been pacing around the lobby, wringing her hands and tugging at various loose curls of her hair, clearly preoccupied even though she was (very specifically, it seemed) not bringing up the mob situation.

"I hate being stuck inside, ya know," she mused. "Being on the airship was one thing — it's huge and I could go out onto the balconies, and the windows showed the whole city! But bein' in here…" She rubbed her arms. "I like this place, but I never liked feeling like I have ta stay put."

Husk scowled in worry. "Maybe we could play cards or something?" Conversation could happen over cards.

She smiled too brightly, the rate of pacing increasing. "Sorry, I can't sit still for cards, heh! Never could, even on the best of days…Games are hard for me." She furrowed her brow, biting her lip. "Hmm…maybe someone needs me for somethin'? But Niffty's out…Angel said Nuggets needs quiet for his nap…Niss is smoking and probably texting his squeeze… Oh, the princess!" She clapped her hands together. "She's been a little down lately, right? I can go cheer her up!" Her eye twitched a little but she kept up her happy expression.

Husk held up a hand, keeping his voice steady and calming. "Maybe another day? Vaggie says Charlie needs some downtime and not a lot of excitement right now. She's dealing with some stuff…" He swallowed and stepped closer to her. "But…I kind of need you. I mean, not for something for me. For something for you, if you want." He frowned. "I know finding out about your dad was… a lot to take in. So we can talk if you're having a lot of feelings right now or whatever." His eyes met hers. "We don't have to sit still though! We could walk around the ballroom…or I could show you how to do some magic tricks…or we could mess around behind the bar — mess around MAKING DRINKS, I mean!" He blushed a lot and crossed his arms. "Sorry, I'm not great at…comfort. I just want to help if I can."

Molly had managed to stop her pacing at Husk's words. She was very still for a moment, eyes wide. Then she took a breath, and her hands relaxed and her brow smoothed. "It's a lot to talk about… You sure?"

Husk swallowed. "Bartenders are pretty good listeners…especially for their favorite customers."

Molly smiled a little. Then she took one of Husks' hands — he raised an eyebrow in surprise — and led him behind the bar. She sat them down on the floor in private, legs tucked beneath her, and hands fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "Aren't you always so sweet ta me, Husky?"

Husk blushed and his wings puffed up a little.

She laughed. Then she sighed, hands still restless but otherwise the rest of her body steady for now. "Yeah, I'm…I'm pretty angry that Pops went and teamed up with someone who's treated Angel so bad. But there's so much more too." Her gaze went down. "I watched that man turn Archie into a frustrated wreck desperate for his approval. And I watched him threaten Angel into being someone he wasn't…then send him away when my brother couldn't change. And our Mamma…" She scowled a little. "He never let her be anything else but our Mamma and his wife, and I guess…she could accept it. But she had dreams too."

Husk's ears were down. "And…what about you?"

"Me?" Molly looked up and shrugged with a strained smile. "I came last. His boys mattered most — Pops had ta mold them into his idea of 'men' to carry on his legacy. And he had ta make sure Mamma was taken care of and quiet or it wouldn't look good for the family. I fussed and fought back and disobeyed, but there was always time ta 'reign me in' later, I guess. Until…Mamma was gone." Her eyes had tears. "And then, the boys — lost them both in the same year, ya know… So that just left me and Pops." She scowled and looked into Husk's eyes. "Then it was my turn ta be made in his image. Ya know what the grand plan was then? He tried ta marry me off! To someone JUST LIKE HIM! Big mistake. Huge." She held her head high in pride. "I made life hell for Pops when he pulled that stunt. Scared off the guy too. But I knew it'd only be a matter of time before Pops found some other guy or made some other plan for my life that had nothin' to do with what I wanted. So I, uh… did what I had to do." She swallowed, looking down, pulling at her hair, lip trembling. Husk waited for her to explain, but she just blinked and shook her head. "I died before I could see it through though. Some of that stuff is probably what kept me out of heaven…along with how I died maybe. I…" She held herself close and didn't finish. "Then, uh… Pops died too, right after me. And the whole family was gone."

"Fuck…" was all that left Husk in bewilderment. "I'm…I'm sorry." He brought a hand to his head. "Does he know you're back here? And for good?"

Molly blinked like she was coming out of some deep thoughts. She shook her head. "No. And believe me, I can't wait ta see the look of surprise on his smug face." She took a deep breath. "Husky, Angel and Niss both know Pops is no good for 'em and no family to us…but deep down, they still wish he could love 'em and feel bad that he can't. When we all face each other again, they might hesitate if push comes to shove. But I won't…" Molly blushed a little. "That's why I told Angel I'm gonna go armed. If the shot needs to be taken, I'm the only one of us who'll definitely do it." She leaned back against the bar. "I should probably feel guilty or nervous or sad, but I really don't. I just want Pops gone, even if it's only for a little bit while he regenerates." She considered, looking up at the ceiling. "I probably do belong in hell if I can be this cut and dry about the whole thing — killin' a parent, and all."

Husk shifted closer to her. "Hey — blood's all well and good, but… to me, it takes a lot more than that to make someone family. They've gotta show up and care and know you. It sounds like all your Pops did was control you three until you couldn't take it anymore. And I know what it's like to be controlled…" He bristled a little — but this moment wasn't about Alastor, it was about Molly. "If you're trying to say you're a bad person, Molly, I don't believe that for a second. You've got a big and beautiful heart. But every heart that's gone through a lifetime ends up with a little wrath. Just don't let it push out the good stuff. You deserve better than having to get so upset every time that man shows up in your lives again." He blushed a lot.

Molly smiled warmly as big tears fell from her eyes. Then she blinked and quickly tried to stop them with the heel of her hand. "Oh, Marrona, I borrowed this mascara from Angel — I don't know if it's waterproof."

"Don't worry." Husk laughed a little. "You're still real beautiful."

Molly blushed and stopped wiping at her eyes. Husk watched her…and tried not to purr.

She lifted her hands to his face and brought their mouths together for a kiss.

Husk closed his eyes and held around her back to pull them close. Everything was good and warm and so damn right.

Husk pulled back for a moment, catching his breath. "Okay, we…for the future, we should only do stuff like this behind closed doors. Otherwise Alastor might catch us — when he's home, he pops up at the worst times and in the worst places."

"He's not home now." Molly was flushed. "And just so ya know, I think supportive men in bowties who flirt by complimentin' a lady are sexy."

Husk was practically on fire in his face, and then he dove back in for another kiss and felt her hands starting to roam through his wings now as he let his own hands explore all the warm curves he finally had access to.

Then they heard the front door of the hotel open. "Hello! It's Niffty! Cherri dropped me off."

Molly and Husk separated, breathless.

Husk whispered to her. "The hotel is great, don't get me wrong…but there's never any privacy."

"We're gonna on a date soon, right?" Molly fixed her hair and adjusted a strap of her dress that had fallen down. "We'll figure out privacy for that." She winked.

Husks' eyes were wide and he was blushing so much. But Molly was already standing up and strolling out into the lobby. Husk sighed deeply and shook his head then resumed his trademark scowl and followed after her.

"Hiya, Niffty!" Molly waved. "Welcome back! How was visiting Penny?"

Niffty turned in their direction at the sound of her voice and then giggled at the question. "Really, really interesting! He's neat!"

Molly laughed too. "Yes, he certainly is!"

"Husk! Hi!" Niffty clasped her hands together as the cat came to stand beside Molly. "Are you two doing anything fun? I'd love to help!"

Husk swallowed nervously and pulled at his tie. "Er, well, uh…"

Molly cleared her throat. "We were, uh…trying to think of ways to cheer up Charlie! Do you have any ideas?"

Niffty beamed. "Oh, loads!" She frowned. "But I've been worried that they might be too much — I know she's been needing rest and some alone time lately."

"Are you talking up cheering up Princess Charlie!" Baxter suddenly dashed down the stairs with a big smile, eyes lit up. "Perfect timing! I have something all ready to go! Niffty, could you assist me? I need to bring down some items to set up in here. Molly, maybe you could get Angel and Niss so they can see this too? And Husk, could you get Vaggie and Charlie and the goats?"

Niffty dashed right up to him, smile eager. "Baxter, you've been in your room for days — what did you make for Charlie?"

Baxter glanced from side to side then leaned down and whispered to her.

Niffty's smile overtook her whole face. "Oh Baxter, that's brilliant! You're the best scientist ever!" She hugged him tight, pinning his arms to his sides.

Baxter's eyes widened and his smile grew and his light perked up and glowed. He noticed and quickly blushed and dimmed it by pushing it down with a nervous look as Niffty let him go. "Heh, thanks Niffty! I'll take that as a very high compliment coming from someone I admire as much as you."

Niffty blinked and blushed a little and smiled up at him. "I admire you too, Baxter. Come on, let's get the surprise!" And then she took his lab coat sleeve and dashed up the stairs with him following quickly behind.

Molly giggled at the sight of them then turned to Husk. "Well, you heard the 'best scientist ever' and the little demon he admires — let's go get our people." Her eyes hazed and she adjusted his hat and his askew bowtie. "We can have more alone time later." With a little smirk she pulled back and then skipped up the stairs while Husk watched her go, his heart fluttering, and then headed up after her.

In Angel's room, Nuggets was sleeping peacefully in his little bed, and Angel was lying on his own bed with his phone to his ear and a hand to his forehead in emotional exhaustion, speaking low to the person on the other end. "Yeah…yeah, Vox, I got the text — and thanks for sending it. Now I'M gonna give YOU a heads up. Unless it is an emergency and you are packing the big guns, don't go anywhere near that guy in that picture." Vox spoke in reply. Angel closed his eyes. "No, he's not an overlord, he's…kind of worse. Like, if an overlord kills you, it ends up on the five o'clock news and everyone knows and ya get remembered. If this guy kills you, you disappear and it's like you were never here in the first place. He's…he's the head of the damn Pentagram mob. He's my fucking father."

Some more talking from Vox.

Angel sighed, eyes open again as he scowled in annoyance. "Yeah, Val's being enough of a shit to work with my father to fuck me over, and my father's taking him up on it. I'm that worthless in the man's eyes. In both their eyes. And I'd rather not keep discussing how much my Pops hates me."

Some more talking from Vox.

Angel laid back on his bed, calmer again. "The rest of my family down here and I are gonna deal with it pronto. We'll keep the showdown away from the studio…" Some hurried talking from Vox now. "I know, I know you're done with Val! But I also know that doesn't mean you want him dead. So I'm gonna try to respect that."

Some more talking, calmer again this time.

Angel almost smiled a little. "Say hey to Velvet for me. Oh and give Vark a hug."

Suddenly there was the yipping sounds of an excited baby shark.

Angel laughed. "Aww, he heard me! Hey, Vark! Miss you too, buddy! Maybe I'll see you again soon when you're out on a walk, huh?"

The shark barked again, then Vox managed to get back on the phone.

"Have a good one, Vox. I know you don't owe it to me, but if you see anything else weird and wanna let me know, I'd appreciate it. I just want all the fucked up stuff to be over with so we can all take a break." More talking, then Angel smiled and nodded. "Yeah. G'night." As he hung up the phone there was a knock on his door. He sat up and crawled across his bed, secretly hoping it would be Alastor.

"Tony!" whispered Molly loudly. "It's me and Niss! There's a surprise downstairs! Something Baxter's doing for the princess. Wanna see?"

Angel tilted his head but smiled and got up, opening the door to the sight of Molly beaming and Niss looking at her in amusement. "Sure — I'd like that. Princess could use a pick me up."

"I agree." Molly nodded. "Let's go."

She was about to turn toward the stairs when Angel raised an eyebrow. "Molly, is your mascara running a little…and is your lipstick smudged?" He smirked.

"That's what I asked her," Niss added playfully.

"Ladies don't kiss and tell." She winked and stuck out her tongue then headed down the hall.

Angel and Niss rolled his eyes and shared a laugh, then followed after her.

Downstairs, Husk had just managed to coax a curious Vaggie and a barely smiling Charlie to the lobby, helped by Razzle and Dazzle enthusiastically guiding them down the stairs.

"So…" Charlie tried to smile more as she looked at Husk, "there's something you wanted to show me? But it's not dangerous, right? I mean, nothing bad's happening?" She looked nervous.

"Nothing dangerous, nothing bad." Husk shook his head. "It's actually something Baxter wants to show you. He'll be down soon, with Niffty. We're just waiting on…"

"Here we are!" Molly pranced down the stairs with a curious Angel and Niss still following behind her.

Angel smiled, arms crossed. "Can't wait to see this surprise."

Niss shrugged. "Surprises with the mob usually meant someone was gettin' capped, so this'll be a nice change of pace for me, heh…"

Baxter suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs and cleared his throat, Niffty waiting just behind him. "Attention everyone, could you all turn to face the front door but close your eyes?"

"You got it!" Angel laughed and closed his eyes, followed by Molly and Niss.

"Yeah, yeah…" Husk grumbled and closed his eyes as well.

Vaggie looked to Charlie and shrugged them closed hers. Razzle and Dazzle already had hooves over each other's eyes.

Charlie took a breath, pushed back some of her loose hair, and closed her eyes too.

There were sounds of footsteps running over the stairs, then whirring sounds like some kind of machine, followed Baxter and Niffty whispering to each other, then there were gears moving and paper rustling, and finally there was a sigh of relief from Baxter and a giggle from Niffty.

Baxter cleared his throat. "Okay, everyone — you can open your eyes! Charlie, this is for you."

Everyone looked and gasped.

Across the front wall above the door and windows was a banner stretched out that read 'The Happiest Hotel in Hell!' The lettering was done in stunning glittery gold, and there were rainbows and hearts and wings drawn all around the writing in various colors. The banner was currently suspended by Baxter holding it to the wall on one end and Niffty doing the same on the other, each of them standing on a little flying drone. Baxter hit a button and a third drone rose up and released a scattering of shiny rainbow confetti.

Baxter smiled. "I wanted to make this to thank you for giving us all a space to live and grow and just be happy together! I know running this hotel must be so much work, and I know there are other demons who have doubts. But we're here and we believe in you and your cause, Princess Charlie. I'm certain I speak for many here and many to come when I say I'm honored to be one of your guests."

Charlie was just staring at the banner, eyes wide, jaw open, little tears forming.

"Charlie?" Vaggie hesitated.

Razzle and Dazzle each came to her side.

Charlie blinked and looked down at her goats to see them smiling up at her. She looked to Vaggie who smiled encouragingly at her. She looked to Angel who smiled and gave a wave, and then to Molly who beamed and held up her arm high to wave too and to Niss who grinned and waved as well. She looked to Husk who crossed his arms…but gave her a little shrug and smile.

Charlie turned back to the banner, Baxter and Niffty smiling down at her. Then she burst into happy tears. "I love it so much! And I love all of you! Thank you!" She was trying to get the tears to stop but they kept coming. Vaggie put her hands on Charlie's shoulders. Niffty and Baxter shared a glance and then pinned the banner ends to the wall so the drone could fly them down to the floor. They approached Charlie too.

"Charlie, do you want to go back upstairs?" Vaggie asked gently.

Charlie sniffed but shook her head. "No, no… I want to say something actually." She took a deep breath and wiped away the tears. "Everyone…I've been a little down lately because my parents are very unhappy that I'm still running the hotel. And they're probably going to do something soon to try and make me close it. And I'm afraid because I don't want anything to disrupt your personal journeys here. I'm sorry if I've been worrying any of you." She bit her lip. "If any of you ever feel like you need to leave this place, I'll understand. But I hope it won't be because of anything bad that happens here. I just want to support you in any way you need and any way that I can, no matter what you choose."

"Charlie, come on," Angel held out his arms. "We're not going anywhere. For real. And we're gonna get through all of our shitty parent stuff together. And you are the queen of support and we know we can rely on you. We love ya too."

A bigger smile and more tears started to come again.

Vaggie got Charlie in a big hug along with Razzle and Dazzle just as the waterworks commenced in full force. Husk and Molly stood beside each other to watch the sweet moment, Husk with a hand on Molly's shoulder. Niffty and Baxter stood together, Niffty sniffling with a smile until Baxter produced a tissue for her. Niss had just noticed how much of the rainbow confetti had landed on his dark fur and bright shirt, and at first he tried to brush it off but now he was laughing, almost like he enjoyed the rainbows everywhere.

Angel watched them all, but then his eye was caught by a quick shadow moving over the ceiling and to the hall leading out of the lobby. He turned, an eyebrow raised. His breath caught in his throat.

Alastor's office door was open and Alastor stood there, biting his lip, looking back at him. He raised a hand, ears flicking nervously, and gestured for Angel to follow him.

Angel quietly slipped from the group then headed down the hall and dashed into the office, closing the door behind him.

There stood his beautiful deer beau, arms behind his back, hesitant but present. "Good evening, Angel. I'm back…ha…"

Angel took a deep breath. He came forward and paused before Alastor. "I get that you need alone time after you're spooked. But it also worries the hell out of me when you're suddenly gone. I appreciate the little check in your shadow gave me earlier, but we need some kind of way to be in touch. Just so I can know you're okay. Okay?" He sniffed and wiped at one eye.

Alastor nodded. "We can work out something." He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for—"

Angel held his shoulders tight in a hug. "I'm just glad you're back. I'm sorry too."

Alastor gently held around Angel's back. "I'm ready to properly greet your siblings, and I even have a small welcome present for them. But first…I would like us to talk, if you wish."

Angel pulled back, smiling, tears almost gone. "Oh Alastor…haven't we already established that talking with you is one of my favorite things in heaven or hell?"

Alastor beamed a little. "Mine too."

Angel giggled. "Couch or desk? Or your room?"

Alastor glanced at the couch…where they had spent their first night together necking. Then he looked to his desk where Angel had perched one day and made him think of how enticingly scandalous it would be to fraternize in his place of business. And as for going to his room upstairs, with his wide and waiting bed, it felt out of the question. He very much wanted to avoid the risk of intimacy right now. "Er…ah, perhaps we can go to the back room here? My old quarters before I got a room of my own upstairs. It might be a little dim and untidy, but it's private and should do."

He strolled in that direction, and Angel followed behind him. Both boys already felt more at ease by just being together again and knowing they were okay, even if they had much to discuss and manage.

A/N:

That's all for now! Alastor and Angel are finally together again and ready to talk, and they are going to have a lot of sweet time in his office ^w^ Thank you so much for reading and for your support!

Take care!

-Azure129