A/N:

Hey everyone! Nice big update today with lots of fluff and drama and even a new character : ) I hope you enjoy and thanks for reading!

Partners

Chapter 83:

Discretion Among Dads, Dogs, and Other Demons


Angel drifted in and out of a light sleep as Alastor read to him in that soothing voice that made him feel warm all over. He could have stayed like this forever, just letting his body heal while his head imagined the story and his heart yearned toward Alastor. He was only tempted to break the hazy spell upon him when he felt something shift around his body and Alastor's firm arm slide away the grasp of his hands.

Angel blinked a few times. "Al?" he said sleepily, vision coming into focus.

Alastor was standing at the side of the bed, buttoning up his jacket. "Darling? My apologies, I didn't mean to wake you. I wanted to let you nap while I went to take care of some affairs."

Angel smiled and sat up a little. "Eh, I wasn't really all the way asleep anyway. Just relaxing real deep. Thanks for reading to me. I feel all rested up now." He looked down at the side of the bed where Alastor had been and touched the blanket — still warm. He swallowed. "Smiles?"

Alastor, perfectly presentable again, inclined his head. "Yes, Angel?"

"I…would you wanna…" He knew he really must still be recovering if a simple request like this was making him tongue tied and lightheaded.

"Er…is there any chance you're asking if I would…be inclined to do again tonight what we did last night?" Alastor asked, glowing vividly.

Angel blushed furiously, eyes wide. "What, no?! I mean, if ya want I… I mean, it's not… not yet, no?" He pressed his knees together and pulled his feet in close. He remembered how good and how pretty Alastor had made his feet and all of him feel last night. And he thought about how safe he had felt with Alastor just now.

"Ah, I'm glad. I too, er… am not sure if I would be inclined yet." Alastor smiled sheepishly. "Oh, is it about the conversation you wanted to have? The one you asked about before the mob fight?"

"N-No…" Angel's heart raced. He could not ask Alastor right now about whether or not the deer demon loved him. Whatever the man's response ended up being, Angel wasn't sure if his nervous system could take the shock yet. "I mean, not right now." He took a deep breath. "Just, um…" He steeled himself, lifting his head high and puffing out his chest, eyes meeting Alastor's. "Would you wanna sleep over tonight?"

Alastor was still for a moment, ears twitching slightly.

Angel let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "I mean, obviously not to do anything dirty. I wouldn't push ya to go that fast, and either way I'm still healing up from the whole 'being passed out for two days' thing. My stamina ain't exactly peak right now. I just, um… Ya know, I already asked about spending nights together more often, and I'm really okay enough now to share a bed as long as I keep my leg propped up. And you make me feel better, and…" He had no idea why there were tears in his eyes right now. "And all this new stuff keeps happening and changing, and a lot of it's good but some of it's scary, and I just like having you with me so I remember that at least we're together no matter what. And fuck, I have no idea why I'm crying, it must be the pain medication and some kind of delayed hormone release from the multiple orgasms last night."

As he sniffled, Alastor sat beside him on the bed and gently patted his back. With a flick of his wrist he produced a red hanky and handed it to the spider. "There, there, my Anthony — you've been though so much; of course you need to let it out. Everything is all right though…"

Angel nodded, dabbing at his eyes. "I know. I know…" He sighed, playing with the hanky in his hands. "And listen, if you really don't want to sleep over yet cuz you're worried about me needing space to rest or even if you just need some extra space after how intense last night was, I totally get it."

"Ha…Oh mon ange…" Angel glanced up to see Alastor smiling shyly at him, "I trust your judgment about feeling well enough for company. And you make me feel better too. And amidst all the change, the two of us being together…likewise grounds me." He glowed a little extra. "I would very much like to spend the night, darling."

Angel gave one final sniff then practically beamed. "Really?" Alastor nodded.

Angel almost squealed. "Can I hug ya?"

Alastor chuckled then spread his arms wide. "Have at me, Angel!"

With a smirk Angel launched himself forward, wrapping up Alastor in a big (but not too confining) hug that sent them both falling gently onto the pillows. Angel released Alastor, towering over him, and they laughed.

Finally Alastor sighed. He considered, glowing a bit. Then he spoke. "Angel…while I have the gumption…may I ask a question…that I may regret?"

Angel climbed off to the side of him and nodded eagerly. "Oh I LOVE these, and it's been so long since you asked one. Have at me, Al, heh."

Alastor swallowed and sat up a little, looking both panicked and intrigued. "Before, regarding last night and your — our — intimate experience…did you say you had 'multiple' ones?"

Angel blushed so darkly. He nodded. "Yeah. Three."

"Ah." Alastor was frozen perfectly still for a moment, eyes wide. Then he let out a breath. "I don't think I can manage further details at the moment, but thank you for the clarification. It is very…confidence-boosting."

Angel giggled. "Glad to be of service, cutie." He let out a dreamy sigh. They would have a sleepover tonight, they would keep getting closer, Angel's divine wound would get better, and maybe then they would talk and Alastor would finally tell him that he loved him. Everything in their lives really was coming together perfectly.

Angel sat up and stretched and smiled so much, suddenly feeling full of new energy. "Well, there's still plenty of time to kill before our sleepover tonight then. If you're gonna go do some stuff, I think I might try walking around the hotel a little bit again."

Alastor stood up and bowed low, holding out his hand. "May I escort you to the door?"

"Anytime, babe." Angel winked and took his hand to stand. They hooked elbows, and Angel followed at Alastor's side with a light limp as they entered the hall.

They blinked at the sight of the door across the hall wide open. Molly stood in the doorway with her hair tied back holding some dust clothes and a broom while Husk walked up the hall with a tool box and a scarf tied over his ears.

Everyone froze for a moment then Angel grinned. "Aww, Molls, Husk — we gettin' a new guest, or are you two finally building your dream home in the room across the hall from us?"

Husk rolled his eyes. "We're not moving in together…unlike some people." He smirked.

Alastor and Angel blushed.

Molly tilted her head. "Don't they got separate rooms even if they're right next door to each other?"

Husk smiled more as he passed by Molly to put the tools in her room. He replied to her in a low whisper. "I was talking about that little door they've got connecting their rooms, the one hidden in the corner in the shadows. They're basically sharing a joint suite with one extra bed." Molly's eyes lit up. Husk blinked. "Wait, you didn't notice it yet?"

Molly giggled. "No I hadn't." She turned back to Angel and Alastor.

Alastor looked anywhere to avoid eye contact with anyone and Angel just blushed with a sheepish shrug. "Yeah, well…it's more convenient this way."

"But still separate!" Alastor insisted shyly. "It's all very proper, I assure you!" He gave Husk a dry look. "My you're glib today - does anyone else know about our door, Husker?"

"It's one of my days off - I'm more than glib, I'm fantastic." He smiled sheepishly. "Sorry though, I won't say anything to anyone else, promise."

Alastor rolled his eyes but gave him a small smile of gratitude in return.

Molly just gazed at the Radio Demon and her brother. "You two are sweet." She gave Angel a kiss on the forehead and she gave Alastor a warm smile and a nod. "Anyway, while you were gettin' cozy in your room — or, rooms — I was talkin' ta Charlie and Vaggie, and well…I actually am movin' in. It's all official, this is gonna be my new place!" She beamed. "Needs a bit of work, but I just wanted to be near my brother." Suddenly she blinked, glancing back and forth between the two rooms, biting her lip. "If you two don't mind, of course. Aw, I should've asked first, or maybe just taken a room down the hall. I don't wanna intrude on your privacy."

"It's okay, I soundproof our rooms!" Alastor announced perhaps a touch too proudly.

Husk blinked and then sighed, bringing a hand to his forehead and trying not to smile too much. Molly brought a hand to her mouth to hide her grin. Angel blushed and barely managed not to burst with giggles.

Alastor raised an eyebrow at all of them at first but then considered and suddenly glowed brightly. "I-I did not mean to imply—"

"It's okay, Alastor, it's okay," Molly assured. "I know what ya meant. Maybe ya could do that for me too? I kind of like the idea of a little extra privacy." She barley snuck a glance at Husk who noticed and blushed immediately.

Alastor was the one resisting a good laugh now. "Of course, happy to help. Why don't I head downstairs and whip up some sweet tea and shortbread for everyone, and then I can come back here and start weaving my magic? In fact, I'll make enough treats for the whole hotel including—" He paused, eyes wide. "Niffty, Baxter… I almost forgot! Is she—"

"They're fine, they're not here," Husk answered in a reassuring voice.

Molly held up her phone. "She texted me. They made up, and now they're out on a little date going to the cafe."

Such a smile of relief came to Alastor's face.

Angel grinned and leaned close. "Maybe leave a little few cookies and some tea for them when they get back, hmm?"

Alastor nodded. "Yes, of course." He had to quickly wipe at one of his eyes. "I'm delighted to hear that she's well and he's well, and they're well together…"

"Aww, Smiles." Angel patted his shoulder.

"Ha! What? I'm not getting emotional!" Yet he manifested a fresh hanky for himself and quickly dabbed his eyes. "Alastor, don't be shy — Husky had a little cry too," Molly whispered playfully.

"Just for like a minute!" The cat blustered, hiding a smile.

Alastor took a deep breath and clapped his hands together. "Yes, well, I'll be tending to the snacks and magic then." He gave a slight bow to Angel. "I'll return shortly, dear. Here — to support you in my stead." He pressed his microphone into Angel's hands then teleported away with a laugh and a wink.

Angel used the cane to balance as he walked into Molly's room, a giddy grin on his lips.

Molly giggled and followed him. "Come on, Tony, I'll set ya up on the one clean chair in here. You can help with sorting all the linens and stuff Charlie gave me. And your microphone can rest right against the wall next to ya."

"Heh, very funny…it's HIS microphone…" Angel mumbled, gazing at it shyly. "Or maybe our microphone…?" He blushed a lot and went quiet as he sat down. "Heh, nah, for real, it's still his, he just…ya know, lends it to me now. Whatever, no big deal."

Husk just smirked as he passed by Angel to head over to the nearly fixed window. "Keep telling yourself that kid."

Angel rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue. But his heart swelled deep down. With so many signs pointing to Alastor loving him, how could it not be true? He looked at the microphone and felt the love and longed for Alastor to be here to finally say the words.

With a sigh, Angel managed to come out of his daydreams and pick up the basket of linens. Then the three of them got to work on their different projects while they waited for the deer demon to return, Angel always keeping the cane right by his side and looking forward to tonight when he would have Alastor himself right by his side too. XXX

"Ahh look at them! Ain't they just the sweetest?" Louise's little lamb tail wagged as she peeked through the back window of the cafe out into the courtyard.

Abel stepped away from the stove to glance outside, smiling. "They're nice together. And a lot less nervous than you or me or Alastor and Angel ever were on our dates here." He laughed.

Indeed, out in the courtyard Niffty and Baxter sat at a little table together, chatting animatedly as they shared a few plates and sometimes shared with the ravens. The birds, usually so keen on Alastor, liked to land in Niffty's lap where she would pet them and give them a little snack. One landed on the stalk of Baxter's lantern now. He went still, watching it curiously. Niffty held out a bread crust, and the raven jumped off of Baxter and scooped up the snack before flying away. The two demons laughed and went back to their chatting, happily gazing at one another.

Louise turned away from the window to give them privacy. "I'm just glad things are working out for them. Whatever happened that had them both upset, they must have worked it out."

Abel nodded. "I'm sure Alastor and Husk are relieved too — they worry about Niffty a lot. The three of them go back such a long away…" Something dinged in the kitchen. He went to the oven and pulled out a hot tray of biscuits. He quickly scooped them up and set them into baskets. "Louise, sorry, could you take these to the tables up front? I'll try to get the rest of these orders filled and handle the courtyard so you can stay up there in case any new customers come in."

Louise nodded and quickly grabbed a tray, setting the bread baskets on them. Her brow furrowed. "The owner's been so good about taking our suggestions and even paying us more. I don't know why he hasn't hired anyone new to help us now that this place is so much more popular." She smiled a little. "At least I'll get a chance to talk to him about it at the wedding." She considered. "Or maybe I should just ask Alastor to ask him about it now?"

Abel blinked and smiled awkwardly. "Yeah, uh…maybe. But, uh…Alastor's still so wrapped up in making sure Angel's okay. Maybe we should wait and ask him about it later."

Louise considered. "Yeah…I suppose he still needs time right now." She hesitated then looked at Abel again. "Abel…I know he always has good reasons for doing what he does even if we don't always understand them. But do you think Alastor doesn't want to tell us who the owner is cuz it's someone we won't like? And he doesn't want us to be stressed or upset about it and risk our jobs?" She scowled. "I love this place and working with you, but if it turned out that Vox or Velvet or Valentino had bought the cafe, I'd walk out right now. I won't work with people who hurt Alastor! Or Angel! Or anyone in our hotel family!"

Abel held up his hands. "No, no, it's nothing like that!" He quickly assured.

"But how can we be sure without talking to Alastor?"

Abel stayed quiet, biting his lip.

Louise's eyes widened, and she zipped up close to him. "You did talk to him, didn't you? Do you know who the owner is?"

Abel groaned. "I…I promised I wouldn't say. It's…supposed to be a surprise." He broke out into a sweat and looked everywhere but at her then he sighed deeply and brought a hand to his head. "Louise, the only hint I can give you is that I can't give you a hint without giving the whole thing away."

Louise tilted her head and considered. "Okay. I won't push ya. Please don't worry about it, Abel, I…" Her brow furrowed in thought. "Can't give me a hint without… That means I already know the person so well that any hint would…" Her eyes lit up in realization. "Oh my, it's Alastor, isn't it!?" She squealed, holding on to Abel's arms, her little tail wagging again while half the customers nearly jumped in their seats.

Abel tried to give them all reassuring smiles. He turned back to Louise, whispering with a frown. "No! Yes! I mean… oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep it from you or to spoil the surprise. And I only knew because I kind of figured it out on my own and he kind of confirmed it but asked me not to say anything until after our wedding. Please don't tell him you know, I think it's important to him."

Louise nodded, releasing Abel, hands clasped together in excitement. "Oh he's such a smart scamp, buying this place and then being so nice and giving us extra hours and raises and taking our suggestions about improving things…" She sniffled and wiped away some tears of gratitude. "I won't say a word. And I won't talk to him about hiring new people til the wedding. But I'm sure he already has a plan all worked out for getting us extra help."

"Probably — he likes to be about six steps ahead so everyone's surprised whenever he reveals something," Abel laughed and nodded. "Anyway, I'm sure once he tells you at the wedding, he'll appreciate all the thanks and praise you want to give him, just as long as no one else hears and thinks he's gone soft."

"Of course. That big inspiring sweetheart." She wiped away a final happy tear and picked up the tray again. "Hey, let's put together something nice for Niffty and Baxter for dessert before they go? Maybe some of that chocolate pudding but in those little heart shaped bowls?"

"And a little heart of whipped cream at the center and a cherry on top?" Abel asked, grinning.

"You're so romantic and creative — and that's why you're in charge of our wedding cake." Louise leaned up and kissed him. When she pulled back they were both blushing and smiling. She gave him a little wave then headed up to the front of the cafe.

Abel finished making a few more plates then put together the special dessert too. He brought out his tray and served the others in the courtyard first before finally going to Niffty and Baxter and presenting them with their little surprise. The two demons blushed and giggled and thanked Abel and said to say thanks to Louse.

As Abel headed away to give them privacy again, he watched Niffty and Baxter each shyly take a bite. Then he watched Niffty offer the bite with the cherry from her own spoon to Baxter. Baxter's lantern glowed and he managed to shift forward to try and take it…but a crow swooped down and snagged the cherry, splashing pudding onto Baxter's nose. Niffty giggled and held out a napkin. The shy fish demon nodded and let her dab away the mess. They went back to eating from their own dishes and returned to their easy conversation and smiles.

Abel's heart felt light and there was a spring in his step as he headed back inside and found Louise seating some new customers, so bright-eyed and happy looking. Everyone was moving forward, and they were all together and had people who were special to them. And he was getting married soon to the kindest and most caring person he had ever met on earth or in hell. What a perfect afterlife.

As he went back into the kitchen, another thought occurred to Abel too. Sure Alastor was going to surprise Louise with the news about owning the cafe at the wedding, but maybe they could have a surprise for him too. Just a little something to show how much they liked working for him. Abel was already mulling over ideas to share with Louise as he approached his next table, ready to take their order.


During the little time he had alone today without Velvet or Vox around, Valentino did his best walk around and stretch and use Vark to help keep balanced and steady. And he tried not to think too much about the fight he'd had with Vox…which of course made the fight the only thing he was able to think about.

Slowly shuffling his way across the living room, Valentino spoke to Vark who kept his head pushed up under the moth's hand for support. "Somehow this has all gotta be Alastor's fault…and Angel's too." He sighed, pouting. "Look, it's not like I'd be 'happy' if Alastor still wanted to kill Vox. I'm glad he's at least safe from that bullshit, especially since I'm in no condition or mood to try storming that radio tower again. And it's not like I really think Vox is still crushing on that Radio Freak. If he was really still horny for Alastor, he would have been glitching and stomping and throwing out lame insults during that mob fight instead of just giving him a subtle head nod. So they're friends now? Big deal! I'm Vox's friend too! I was Vox's friend first! And I'm better at being Vox's frie—whoa!" He nearly stumbled on the carpet. Vark came in front of him and caught him, standing up on his back legs to prop up the moth.

"Thanks, buddy." Valentino righted himself and caught his breath. He patted the shark's head. Vark smiled and cuddled up around his legs. The little guy supported him no matter what blustery nonsense he spouted, which meant Val had no one here to prove anything to… And realizing that fact made him realize that deeper things were bothering him than Alastor.

His pout fell to a frown. "I'm a shit friend, aren't I? And that whole shit fight wasn't really about Alastor, was it?" He rubbed his temple and sighed. "Maybe…we take a break." Val sat back down on the couch.

Vark hopped up and cuddled close to him. Val kept patting his head. "I know Vox and Vel are right, you know. I'm a shit person who does shit things to other people so I can feel a little less shitty for a moment. I just usually don't care about it. But I don't know, maybe a near death experience and the humiliation of a public ass-kicking can make a guy remember that somewhere deep down he probably had a heart once." The little shark met his gaze like he was listening intently. So Val kept talking. "The worst part is I can't even say I regret the stuff I've done. I did it all on purpose, and I liked it, and I never cared about who I hurt. I know who — what — I am. Even if I suddenly reworked my entire life and attitude, it wouldn't change my legacy." His breaths were shallow, his eyes glowing. "So, yeah, fuck, really, what guy would ever want to be with a pervert who forces himself on people just to feed his own fucking ego? Even Alastor's got standards, that uppity bitch." He wanted to slam a fist onto the end table but resisted — he knew it would scare Vark.

And then Val wasn't moving to do it for another reason as well — his eyes were wet.

He blinked and started wiping away the tears so fast that his claws scraped his face lightly. One claw caught his neck, opening up the end of the wound over his throat. He held his hand there to stop the trickle of blood falling down. "I mean, not that I want to be with him! Cuz I don't want to be with…with anyone! I just…uh… FUCK, what is happening to me!?" He glared, shaking a little. "I don't want to care about the shit I've done, I can't deal with that. And I don't want to care about Vox — I am NOT dealing with that. And I don't want to care about me… I don't know why you care about me…" He glanced down.

Vark was resting his head on the armrest, looking up at Val with devotion.

Valentino swallowed, voice quiet. "I can't stay here. But I don't want to go back to the studio… I'll be alone there. I won't even have you."

Vark gave his hand a lick, and Valentino didn't pull away or grumble.

Then he heard the sounds of someone approaching the front door.

Valentino's eyes widened. "Quick, Vark! Act casual!" He slumped against his pillows and grabbed a discarded magazine as Vark hopped off the couch and rolled upside down on the floor, gnawing a leg of the coffee table.

The front door opened, and in skipped Velvet with a couple of boxes from one of her bakeries. Behind her came Vox with a couple of pizza boxes and a grocery bag.

The television sighed, not even looking over at the couch, tone a little cold. "Hi Val. Didn't feel like cooking tonight. Got some pizzas and Vel made dessert. You wanted better food, right?"

Valentino pouted and tried to think of something equally disinterested and unbothered to say back when suddenly Velvet interrupted him by skipping over.

"Hey Val!" Velvet grinned. "What have you been up to while we were gone?"

"Nothing!"

"Oh, then why are you bleeding?"

Valentino instantly brought his hand back to his neck again just as Vox turned around, all the usual sincerity and concern back in his features.

The moth swallowed and quickly turned his head away, though the action couldn't help making him wince. "Nothing — it's nothing! I…the cut on my neck opened up a little. No big deal." He pulled his hand away to see how bad it really was. "Fuck…" His fingers were covered in dark red blood.

Vox was already near him, the grocery bag in hand. He sat on the edge of the couch (making Val press against the back of the couch as much as possible to avoid contact). "Here, I picked up some new first aid stuff for you. Let me see—"

"I can do it!" Val weakly managed not to snap. The idea of Vox getting that close was making him jumpy. "Just…just give me the stuff…"

Vox sighed. "Val, you can't even see it. We'll do it together, okay? That piano wire went deep and looked rusty. If that cut is getting infected who knows how long you'll be laid up. Talking might even start hurting again."

Valentino hesitated, trying to find another excuse, but finally he sighed. He couldn't bleed all over the place, and he had to get better so he could get out of here when he was ready. He was only making things worse by staying. He lifted his chin a little to show his neck. "Fine. We do it together. I can take care of myself."

"I know. And I can take care of you too. We have that in common." Vox almost smiled a little as he leaned in closer to examine the wound.

Valentino blushed and imagined how his swiftly beating heart was probably making even more blood pump out of the cut.

"Hmm…" Vox pulled back. "Looks like the end that opened up is deeper than the rest of the wound. I don't think you need stitches — maybe just some of these bandages specifically for holding deep cuts together. And some disinfectant first." He pulled out a clean white towel and dabbed some liquid on it. "It's gonna sting…" "And what am I, a little bitch? I can take it!" Valentino snatched the towel, swallowed like he was perfectly confident and brave, then pressed the cloth to his neck. His jaw instantly clenched and he hissed. "Not that this is bothering me, but maybe a fucking infection would hurt less."

Vox rolled his eyes as prepared the bandage. "Okay now I'll just press this on."

"Ugh…fine, just hurry." Val tossed aside the towel and scowled, heart in his stomach, trying not to think about anything that was happening right now…like Vox moving closer, Vox tucking his head under his chin, Vox gently pressing the bandage to his sensitive throat with a light touch, fingertips brushing over Val's skin and making heat.

"All done." Vox pulled back, admiring his handiwork. "You should be all set for now."

Val managed a shaky breath and mumbled, "Thanks."

Vox smiled a little. "Are you hungry? I'll get the plates and bring you your pizza — three slices like usual?"

"Depends — what did you get?"

"One cheese with mushrooms, one sausage with peppers and olives, and one spinach and meatball."

"Vegetables on ALL of them?"

"Just because I wasn't in the mood to cook tonight doesn't mean you don't have to eat a balanced meal." Vox grinned.

Valentino tried desperately not to grin in return.

Vox was about to stand up but then hesitated and took a deep breath, his voice low. "Hey, Val…I'm sorry if the fight before got too intense. It was…stuff we needed to talk about, but you're not well right now and I didn't mean to stress you out. So why don't we just all do our best to keep having a nice time together now, and later we can discuss…whatever's needed."

"I…" Val's usual glare softened and he nodded. "Sure, whatever."

Vox smiled again — then he reached out, took one of Val's hands, and shook with him.

Valentino insanely felt his palms go sweaty and his antennas stand up tall.

Thankfully Vox got up and left before he could notice and headed into the kitchen.

Valentino relaxed against his pillows, fully in need of a rest after that little exchange.

Unfortunately Velvet was not about to give him one.

She skipped over in an instant, eyeing him with such delight.

Vark smiled and wagged his tail at her, and then he smiled and wagged his tail at Val, and then he smelled the air and dashed off to wag his tail by the pizzas before heading into the kitchen to join Vox.

Valentino held out a hand as he left, suddenly feeling very vulnerable without the shark's support…especially now as Velvet leaned in close.

He swallowed and tried to look and sound tough. "What?"

"You're hot for Vox."

Valentino tried to keep it together as his insides seethed with panicked rage. He shrugged. "I'm hot for anything with a tight ass and a decent dick or chest. What's your point?"

"No… I mean, your HEART is hot for Vox." Her eyes narrowed. "You went and fell in love, Val. And it's the neatest thing to watch."

He shook all over imperceptibly, breaking out in a cold sweat. "What the fuck are you talking about—"

"Let's see, you blushed at the idea of getting a picture taken for him the other day, you got super emotional and jealous earlier when you thought was finally getting some from Alastor, oh and just now when he touched you your eyes rolled back in your head and you crossed your legs and almost swooned."

Vox went perfectly still, gripping his hands hard enough to leave marks on his palms. His voice was low as he replied, "I am not in love with fucking Vox or anyone fucking ever. And you are going to shut the fuck up right now or—"

She laughed. "Oh please, you think I'd spread it around town or something?" She waved him off. "I'm a lunatic not a bitch. Besides it's more fun to watch you squirm through this on your own. I actually think it's having a weirdly good affect on you — you're all humbled and soft and kind of a riot right now. I'm just happy to sit here and see where this goes. I mean, as long as you don't try to handle it by fucking over Voxxy so you can run away from your problems instead of dealing with them." Her smile grew and her eyes narrowed. "You do that, I'll come find you. Bake you into something sour and overdone and send it to Alastor with frosting."

Sometimes Velvet genuinely reminded Valentino of Alastor with how she could deliver ridiculous but lethal threats with a smile. Honestly, she loved knives and cooking and stabbing so much that she might have fallen in with the Cannibal Colony if she hadn't joined up with him and Vox. He didn't have the courage to reply to her. His head was spinning, and his heart had dropped into his stomach.

Velvet just shrugged and went on. "Point is, I know what's going on. But Vox doesn't, if you're worried. If you want to try filling him in though, I could give you advice."

Valentino needed to take a few shallow breaths before he finally found his voice again. "I am not…I do not want Vox…with my heart or whatever." Maybe he could still deny it, maybe… She sighed and added in a low whisper. "You were whispering his name this morning while you were asleep. 'Vox, I fucking love you too…' You old softie."

Val blushed hotly. "V-Vark?" managed to pop out of him. "Vark!"

The little shark bounded into the room and gave Vel a big lick then jumped onto the couch with Val again, cuddling close. Valentino petted his head a few times and felt calmer. He took a deep breath and spoke quietly. He was screwed, and now he just had to salvage what he could before it was too late. "Velvet…do not say ANYTHING to him." He swallowed and made himself push out one final word. "Please."

She leaned a little closer, still with that manic smile of hers. "You said please. You really are getting better at being a friend. Okay, I won't let him find out no matter what." She winked. "But I might bring this up again so we can chat if I see you acting like a jerk or tanking things."

Valentino wanted to pull the covers over his head and hide.

Of course Vox came back into the living room now with the napkins and dishes and started making a plate for Valentino. He bustled over with three slices and a bottled water. "Here you go — one of each kind. And if you don't pick off all the veggies, Vel made Devil's Food cake for dessert — no drugs or knives."

"Drugs and knives on the side actually," Velvet corrected, "so you can take however much or little you want. The drugs are just some edibles tonight — I figured we were all a little too tired still for the hard stuff."

Vox grinned and shook his head then looked to Val. "You really are getting better, so it's your choice if you want some. But maybe no more than one edible? They are Vel's after all, and she always makes them strong."

Valentino sighed and slumped on the sofa. "Just the pizza is good for now. Maybe cake." When Vox raised an eyebrow, looking curious but pleased, Val quickly turned away and added, "And yeah, yeah, I'll eat the damn vegetables on the pizza. But I need a shit ton of garlic powder and red pepper flakes first."

Vox grabbed them off the table and handed them to Val, chuckling a little.

Valentino almost smiled at making him laugh. And he tried not to notice Velvet watching them both and holding back a wicked giggle.

He settled in with his food while Vark watched them eat with rapt attention until Val gave him a pizza crust. Strangely, even though he'd been craving take out, part of him missed Vox's homemade little meals right now. But still, Vox had picked out and brought this pizza home for him, so this was nice too. And the cake would probably be all right. And maybe Velvet knowing about his feelings for Vox wouldn't turn out to be the end of the world (or at least that's what he had to tell himself to stave off the gut-wrenching panic). He just ate and petted Vark and tried to breath — and he skipped the drugs if only so he wouldn't run the risk of gushing all of these thoughts out loud and really making a jackass of himself.


"Ugh…" Katie Killjoy groaned as she looked at her hair in her dressing room mirror in the television studio, "Hell is fun, but I'll never forgive damnation for all of this fucking humidity." She glanced around her vanity then scowled. "Tom?!" She screeched her co-host's name and stood up. "Tom! Where are you? You better not have taken my fucking hairspray!"

Her dressing room door opened slightly, and Tom Trench hesitantly peeked in. "Did…did you try looking in the drawer?"

"Why the fuck would it be in the drawer?" She narrowed her eyes. "I don't put it on the drawer, I put it on the vanity." She slammed a hand down on the vanity top, smile sharpening. "Unless it was moved by some bitchy little ingrate trying to use it to style that cheap rug of his?"

Tom backed up a step but scowled and sighed. "It's not a rug!"

Katie eyed him.

He rolled his eyes, behind his gas mask. "Okay, it's not a CHEAP rug! Either way I didn't take your hairspray. Just get more, you keep the green room stocked with it."

"Ugh, I have to do everything myself!" She rolled her eyes and leaned toward her mirror to apply some lipstick quickly. "Tell me you at least talked to the crew and got that upgraded set ready for Saturday. Little piss-ants just cower whenever I try to get anything done with them."

"Yeah, I took care of it." He scratched his head. "Now can I know who the special guest is?"

"Special GUESTS…" Katie corrected, putting away her lipstick and turning back to him. "The two biggest we've ever had — the two biggest we could ever get. But as for details? Ugh, no, you'll spill to someone and ruin the scoop." She sneered. "But I will say that this interview will put us back on top as a serious news show."

"Uh, we're still a serious news—" Tom started to reply.

He was cut off as Katie loomed closer. "We were a laughingstock for weeks after we aired that pathetic musical number organized by that privileged little royal brat about her putrid little Happy Hotel!" She took a breath and smiled again, barely regaining her pose. "It gave us a brief ratings boost but then we got dragged on every social media platform. We haven't gotten a serious guest ever since! I didn't work to become head anchor of this station just to deliver the weather and make small talk with you — I'm here to be in charge of information and to make headlines in hell!" She grinned. "Hmm…but this weekend's show will fix Princess Charlie's wagon. And that's the only clue you get." She started to head toward the door.

Tom blinked and flung out his arms. "Katie, come on, she didn't do anything! She's barely more than a kid! And I don't think we should risk pissing off the king and que— Ow!"

Katie had just ripped the toupee from his head. She paused in the door frame. "She's grown enough to run a hotel. She called me a BITCH." She lowered her voice, sneering. "And as for the King and Queen, we don't have to worry about them…trust me." She shoved the toupee into his hands and sauntered out with a wicked sneer.

Tom frowned and shook his head then put the toupee back on as straight as he could and headed to the door.

Something fell in the room. He turned quickly at the sound. Nothing moved…though he did notice the missing bottle of hairspray roll out from under Katie's vanity. He opened his mouth, considered letting Katie know, but then decided she really was a bitch and left the room.


It took the young demon hiding under Katie's vanity several minutes to not be frozen in fear. Katie was gone but Tom had definitely heard the hairspray bottle drop. Fuck, why had she accidentally held onto that when ducking under the vanity after Katie had come back here early after today's show? She was supposed to be snooping to figure out how far Katie was going to take her news special this weekend, not getting busted all because she had panicked like some rookie kid.

She wasn't due to meet with the guy who had hired her for this job until after five, so she waited until the lights in the studio went low before sneaking out of Katie's dressing room and then out the broken window in Tom's dressing room that no one cared to fix. Thankfully the keen vision of her dog demon form made it easy to navigate the dim halls quickly and quietly.

The demon tumbled into an alley. She gasped, catching sight of a cat demon down the street — a purple guy she had seen around here before and who had been in the audience for today's live news segment along with her. Before he could notice her, she and ran down two blocks to another alley, finally a safe distance from the studio and the cat guy, just in case he was spying on her the way she was spying on Katie and Tom.

She rounded a corner and finally found herself at her usual meeting place with the guy who had hired her.

Calling him 'guy' was ridiculous though. And so was calling him 'Mister Star' like he'd asked her to do when they had first met. Maybe she was a young sinner but she was still smart. She'd pieced his identity together two meetings she couldn't figure out was why him? He didn't seem like a jerk, so why was he here letting a jerk thing happen? It made her uneasy — even more uneasy than she usually was around older guys.

The clocktower chimed five, and then in a flash of light the guy appeared — black trench coat, gold cane, white top hat, face nearly covered except for a pair of glowing golden eyes. "My dear Crymini. Right on time as usual. Anything fresh to report?"

Crymini crossed her arms. "Just that they're gonna make the set real fancy for this weekend. And Tom seems like he has a heart and doesn't want things to go too far. But Katie, she's out for blood — she's ready to hang the princess out to dry."

The pupils in his eyes narrowed and reddened for a moment but then returned to normal. "I see. And she leads; I can tell by watching the show. So they won't be neutral hosts."

"Nah, it'll be a disaster. She's like a viper or something."

"She's not worthy to be any sort of snake," the mystery demon grumbled.
Crymini rolled her eyes. "Point is, whatever goods she's got on the princess, she's gonna make them sting. Maybe people thought the hotel was 'weird' before, they're gonna completely HATE IT after that show if Katie gets her way. And they're gonna hate Princess Charlie too. Like, she's lucky she was born into money and position and probably immortality or whatever cuz there's no coming back from certain levels of public humiliation. Take it from someone who's technically stuck as a freaking teenager for eternity… Dying two days before my twentieth birthday." She could have growled.

The man in the coat considered, head hanging low. "Yes…I understand," he finally replied in a defeated tone. "Thank you, Crymini. Er, here's your payment." He flicked his wrist and produced a large stack of bills. He sighed and flicked it again — a few more bills fluttered down. "And some extra. I'm having a long day."

Crymini pocketed the money. There wasn't much a young demon like her could do in hell to survive that would let her avoid the rougher trades down here, so she got by however she could. And when this guy had appeared in front of her last week, saying she seemed like a scrappy and smart sinner and reminded him of his daughter and offering big cash for a little spy work, she had taken the job instantly (after barring her teeth a few times and seeing the cash and making sure he wasn't trying to pull a fast one on a young 'vulnerable' girl).

Even though she knew the financially savvy thing to do now would be to take this final payment and turn tail, she just couldn't bear to see this guy all worked up and not even trying to get out of his own way. She'd never known her own dad, but this guy seemed like one who cared deep down. She had to try. "Look…Mister 'Star'… Can I level with you?"

He hesitated, watching her. She figured that was close enough to a yes, so Crymini went on. "It's pretty clear you don't want this news thing to happen. And it's pretty clear you're pretty powerful. So why don't you just stop it from happening? I'll even help if you want, free of charge."

He rolled a hand through the hair. "As I explained, certain situations are in motion—"

"Oh bull." Crymini crossed her arms. "Nothing's in motion that can't be put out of motion. Especially by someone as powerful as you…King Lucifer."

The demon paused. "How did you—"

Criminal put her hands on her hips. "For the king of hell you're not a very good liar. I was lied to by the best in life, so I should know. 'I'm Mr. Star, a new rival news anchor who just sprung up out of nowhere! And I need someone to spy on Katie and Tom for me!' Oh please! Just…" She glared at him and gestured back to the studio. "This lady's gonna hurt your kid! You're the king of hell, but instead of using everything you have to stop it you're just using me to try and convince yourself it won't be that bad. Even though it's DEFINITELY gonna be bad. Kid's deserve better! Or…they deserve nothing if the only thing you can give them is making them feel like they're not enough." She glared more, holding back tears. "I don't understand the princess — frankly, I think Katie's right that she's probably pretty spoiled and privileged and doesn't get what it means to be a sinner stuck here. But…fuck! If you love her but still betray her like this, prepare to lose her!" She was shaking a little in rage while Lucifer just watched her. She let out a breath and managed to speak calmly again. "Anyway, take my advice or don't, whatever. We're done. And the only reason I'm keeping the money you gave me is so I don't have to get felt up or sell myself to an overlord just to eat tonight…which you'd known is the way things are for some people down here if you actually spent time with your subjects. At least Charlie's doing that part of ruling right with her ritzy sinner hotel."

And then before a stunned Lucifer could speak further, she stormed away.

Crymini had no idea if her words would make a difference. But she did know one thing — this whole situation had pissed her off. So she was going to be in that studio during this weekend's broadcast. And if things got out of hand because Lucifer was too pathetic of a man to do anything about it, maybe she would do something about it herself. She was a homeless teenager in hell, she didn't exactly have much to lose. And he deserved a wake up call. And Katie deserved to get taken down a peg. Winning plan all around.

Her stomach growled. She hadn't eaten a full good meal in ages. She was always rationing her cash and living off of candy bars and cheap burgers. She'd just stood up to the king of hell though so maybe she deserved a treat. She glanced around and noticed a quiet little cafe on a corner. A fish demon with a lantern walked out now with some little red haired demon beside him. They were smiling and happy.

Crymini wouldn't have minded the chance to be smiling and happy too. So she went toward the place and stepped carefully inside. "Hello?"

"Hiya!" A sheep demon in an apron waved to her. "I'm Louise! Would ya like a table inside or outside?"

"I, uh… Inside, I guess." She so rarely got to be inside of places, and she wanted to savor the safety and quiet.

"You got it!" The chipper sheep led her to a cozy table in the corner and handed her a menu. "What are ya in the mood for? We've got some specials."

"Uh, I, just…whatever's cheapest is fine. Maybe a cup of soup or…" And then Crymini's stomach chose to let out a severely loud growl.

Louise frowned a little. "Oh, soup won't be enough to fix that."

Crymini scowled. "Look, I'm on a budget so—"

"Not to worry." Louise winked. "Why don't I bring ya some things to sample — on the house?"

"I don't need charity!" She pouted.

"Louise? Everything okay?" Some fish water guy popped his head out of the kitchen.

Crymini's ears went on end and she had to hold back a growl. Men — she didn't hate them, she just…had no blueprint for trusting them. No male roles models in life or death to learn to relate to. They could make her antsy, especially new ones, and especially new ones popping up out of nowhere.

"Yup, everything's fine, Abel," Louise assured, still smiling. When he smiled and nodded to her then popped back into the kitchen, she turned to Crymini like nothing had happened and explained simply, "What I'm offering you ain't charity — it's decency. Our boss cares more about customer experience than money. Who knows, maybe after you eat, you tell some of your friends this place is nice and we get more business that way." She shrugged, and her smile softened. "Besides, one day a few months ago when I needed help someone dropped what they were doing and gave it to me. Least I can do is return the favor." She smirked a little. "We got biscuits with grits and gravy…meatball parm sandwiches… deviled eggs… Waffles with fried chicken and ice cream…"

Crymini's eyes widened and her stomach gave a big growl again.

"Ah, that last one sounds like a favorite. We'll start with waffles and fried chicken and ice cream then! And while it's cooking I'll bring you some sweet tea and dish of our fresh fruit salad — it comes with extra strawberries." She winked and then dashed off.

Crymini's instincts usually would have told her to run — she hated charity, and besides anything that seemed too good to be true probably was. But…she didn't feel fear here. There was none of that usual undercurrent in hell that something was looming and ready to strike. And she was finally off her feet. And someone was taking care of her — a nice lady. And she was so tired and so hungry. And the adrenaline rush from telling off Lucifer was wearing thin.

When the big bowl of fruit and the tall glass ice cold tea was set in front of her, she was almost afraid to touch them, like they would turn out not to be real.

When the chicken and waffles and ice cream came, all golden and sweet and savory, she could have cried.

Crymini ate everything they brought her and seconds helpings too, and they even wrapped up thirds for her to take with her for later. Louise didn't bring her a bill. Still a bit overwhelmed, the dog demon waited until the sheep wasn't looking and then left her a huge tip under the menu and headed to the door. Crymini almost didn't want to leave and go back out in to the humid and rough streets of hell. But she wouldn't impose any longer or show any weakness.

She stepped outside and dashed down the block. She would find her way to one of the nearby abandoned buildings and try to settle in for a nap. She felt so drowsy from being full. Everything was just content inside of her in this moment… As she walked on, she tried not to cry as she thought about how rare that experience was for her to have in hell and how for all she knew she might never have it again.

Crymini hugged the extra chicken and waffles to her heart and kept moving.


A/N:

Yay, Crymini is here! And the news broadcast is getting closer. And now Velvet knows how Val feels :33 Lots of fluff and drama to come! Thanks for the support!

Take care!

-Azure129