A/N:

Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing well :) Trying to keep to a schedule and give you as many updates as possible before we get too far into the new year. Thank you all for reading!

Cw / Angel and Al talking about their deaths (Angel about overdosing and Alastor about the dogs getting to him, nothing graphic, just a passing mention).

Partners

Chapter 91:

Rise and Shine, Sinners!

Angel woke up late the next morning, feeling just wonderful.

Of course he still had some lingering worries about Charlie and some lingering tiredness from staying up so late and some lingering stress about how all the people now at the hotel now and were gonna handle everything that had happened yesterday. But overall he still felt really damn wonderful because his bruised ankle was healed up, his angelic burn was gone, and his man loved him back…and had nearly come undone right in this bed last night under Angel's kisses and words of praise.

The mere memory was definitely enough to make any morning feel perfect (not to mention the memories of how much personal fun Angel had indulged in after Alastor had left to take care of himself).

The deer had radioed him just before dawn to say he was okay and wish him goodnight before they had both dozed off. Only a few hours had passed since then, but Angel already wanted to check on his beau. New experiences always flustered that sweet deer, and the spider wanted to be here to soothe him in any way he needed.

So Angel got himself up, got dressed, got cleaned up and strolled out of his room, able walk with his usual grace and confidence for the first time in days. He pressed the radio transmitter on his phone. "Angel to Smiles, Angel to Smiles, come in… Just checking if you're up and feeling okay, mio cervino."

There was a moment of soft static and then the transmitter crackled to life. "Mon ange? Hmm… Yes, I'm just splendid." Alastor sighed and yawned. "Oh my, I haven't slept so late in ages.

Angel tried not to giggle. "Glad you had a nice rest. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake ya."

"Nonsense. My growling stomach was already rousing me, ha!" Alastor assured with another yawn. "Oh, and how are you feeling today, darling?"

Angel chuckled. "Fine. Figured I'd head down to breakfast — want me to meet you at your office and we can go together?"

"No, no, let me teleport to you and help you down the stairs," Alastor quickly offered. Angel could hear shuffling as he clearly got up and started to dress. "I know you're feeling better, but we can't be too careful…"

"Al," Angel rolled his eyes with a grin as he started heading down to the lobby, "seriously, I feel great! I'm heading down the stairs right now, no problem. Hell, I think I could lift myself up entirely with my legs and hang upside down from my pole if I had it in front of me."

There was a momentary silence then Alastor shyly replied, "If you really do feel so inclined, I wouldn't mind watching that miraculous feat again sometime soon."

Angel's eyes hazed playfully. "And I wouldn't mind seeing you take a quick spin on the pole again either, handsome." They shared a low chuckle. Angel's voice quieted. "You really sure you're feeling all right? After everything last night…with Charlie and…with us?"

Alastor's voice became quieter too. "I'm still spent from Charlie, but the effort was more than worth her care, and I'll be restored soon enough with a few choice meals of meat and sinners." He sighed…it sounded a touch dreamy. "And as for you and I…perhaps there were some nerves initially, but…I am quite pleased with how the evening played out. I feel comfortable and…safe. And satisfied." He swallowed. "I hope you ended up feeling the same on all accounts. Are you certain you don't mind that I left you?"

"Never." Angel's smile warmed. "You knew you needed to leave to take care of yourself on your own terms, and that's what you did, and I'm proud of you. And you checked in to let me know you were okay — I'm extra proud of that. I love you for all of who you are" He smirked. "And as for how my night turned out…trust me, I had a good time. Several of 'em again, in fact."

Alastor snorted in nervous, giddy laughter.

Angel laughed too — he was just such a cute deer. "We trust each other and know each other and love each other. It helps make everything okay. Okay?"

"Yes…" Alastor's voice sounded so light and airy and happy…and then it sounded quite southern, "And I really do love ya powerful too, Cher. For all ya are, forevah."

Angel could have melted (and probably also become slightly aroused) right on the spot as he reached the bottom of the stairs. A deep breath calmed him down though. "I'm in the lobby now — see ya soon, my reason for being."

As he turned the corner to head down the hall to Alastor's office, he stopped and found himself face to face with Alastor who had clearly left the office to meet him half way. He Alastor in a moment of pure bliss, eyes bright and smile beaming and face glowing rose gold. "Your reason for…?"

Angel's heart fluttered as he came forward and shrugged with a shy smile. "I can't pronounce it the French way too good yet. But I'll definitely never forget what it means. And, what, did you think you were the only one feeling that way? I just never had such pretty words for it before." He winked.

A moment passed and then suddenly Alastor placed his hands gently on an amused Angel's shoulders, guided him into a shadowy corner, and proceeded to press his lips burningly into the spider's. Angel went stiff and then held tight to Alastor's shoulders too. "Smiles!" he managed to pull back with a giddy giggle, catching his breath, "What…?"

Alastor gazed at him, glowing with desire and delight. "My apologies for being so forward, mon age, but you said I'm likewise your… Oh ma raison d'être, you adore me as much as I adore you, and it's a simply divine experience! We are in love!" He smirked coyly. "And we were interrupted last night first by Charlie and then by my body. Let us just take one moment to ourselves before we attend to everyone else's needs." His eyes went down shyly. "Only if you want to as well, of course…"

"Oh YES…always!" Angel couldn't have agreed more and proceeded to eagerly catch Alastor's mouth with his own again. He could hear the swish of the deer's tail wagging under his coat as they made out, holding and touching and giggling together. Alastor practically pinned to the wall with excitement, standing on his toes to match their height, and Angel couldn't help wrapping a pair of arms around his waist and nearly lifting him off of the floor to help. When Alastor's tender lips seemed about ready to consume his own, Angel finally pulled back and whispered with a smirk, "Eager today, huh? Any chance ya wanna try some tongue again?" He stuck out his tongue playfully.

A buzz of static left Alastor's ears. He swallowed, glowing so much, eyes darting around for a moment before settling on Angel again. "Not…in this open setting. But perhaps…at another time? I…do think it's in the realm of possibility that I could grow accustomed to it. I really…really do enjoy being near you."

Angel chuckled. "It's a date, hot stuff." He tapped Alastor on the chest.

Alastor beamed, and then his eyes hazed like he was ready to go right back to fooling around with Angel. Suddenly, though, his stomach grumbled loudly. He blinked. "Apologies, I started thinking about a recipe for tongue, ha…"

Angel snorted. "It's okay. You really do have to eat something asap. And we're in love, we can make out anytime, after all — and I do mean anytime." He winked. "Right now, let's go get you fed." He straightened Alastor's hair and tie, and Alastor shyly adjusted the collar of Angel's shirt around his fluff and fixed the spider's hair. Then the two shared a smile and held hands, ready to head to the dining room outside of the kitchen.

As they started forward though, Angel blinked. "Oh, uh, maybe we shouldn't hold hands. Abel and Louise brought that random demon girl here, remember?"

"Oh, yes." Alastor's smile turned down at the edges as he reluctantly relinquished his hold on Angel. "I'd almost forgotten. I really shouldn't be so careless about our security." His brow furrowed. "Do you know anything about her?"

"Nah, never seen her around. Looks young. Thought she might be a hell hound at first, but I got a closer look and it seems like she's a dog demon," Angel explained.

Alastor nearly tripped.

"Smiles?"

"Nothing!" Alastor's eyes were far too wide.

"You're terrible at lying to the man you love, ya know," Angel smirked a little.

Alastor swallowed. "Dog demons make me…on edge."

Angel blinked. "Why?"

Alastor sighed. "Do you remember, on our first date, when we were fighting Sir Pentious for sport, I told you that I'd died from a gunshot wound to the head? But that it was a mercy because just prior I'd been experiencing an incredibly painful alternative form of death?"

Angel nodded.

"That other form of death was…being attacked by a pack of hunting dogs."

Angel nearly stumbled now. He stopped, making Alastor stop too. "Smiles, that's…awful! I'm so sorry. I—"

Alastor held up a hand. "It's all right. I made peace with it long ago. As I said, the gunshot saved me from most of the pain. Honestly, the biggest wound still is to my pride." He rolled his eyes. "My skills as a killer finally started slipping enough that I attracted the attention of some people in power, got hunted down and cornered. My death was really my own ego's fault and the fault of a few bad eggs in town rather than any dog's, ha." His smile was a little pained for a moment but then grew to something a little wicked. "Not to worry, all those fellows ended up down here and I dispatched every single one in style." He bit his lip. "Dog demons and hellhounds though…I still get a bit jumpy around them, on reflex. It's more of a nuisance than a genuinely painful experiences. If a dog demon ever becomes an overlord, it'll end up making for quite interesting professional and political interactions on my end, ha…"

Angel took a deep breath and let out a relieved sigh. "I'm glad the trauma about dogs ain't too bad, and I'll be right here with you to help you not be nervous if our new dog demon friend decides to stick around. But first of all…" He came forward and wrapped Alastor up in a gentle hug. "You didn't deserve to die like that, Alastor. You didn't deserve to die at all. I'm just glad you're here now with me so I can keep you safe and we can be happy together."

Alastor froze and felt tears at the edges of his eyes. "Thank you…" left him in a sad whisper. "I am happy to be here with you too." As Angel released him, he blinked and a question popped out of his mouth. "Anthony…how did you pass?" He swallowed. "Only if you wish to tell me, I mean. I must say I haven't been able to hazard a guess. I…I don't believe I've ever caught sight of your death mark."

Angel stiffened a little. But then he swallowed and told Alastor the story. "That's cuz my mark is kinda low on my hip — I make sure my outfits cover it usually. Val…always said it was distracting." He lifted up the edge of his jacket and slightly pulled down his shorts, revealing the pink X low on one side.

Alastor glared. "HE is the only distraction, and he should be eliminated with extreme prejudice." He took a deep breath, calming himself, then gazed at the mark again, nearly wearing a frown. "What…What happened to…" "Overdose," Angel explained, fixing his clothes to hide mark again. "After my Pops ruined my eye and kicked me out for being gay, I did my best to make it on my own. But no one would give me a job anywhere — they knew Pops would be pissed if they did. So I lived on the streets… Did a lot of things to get by…and doing them hurt." He held himself with his arms, looking down, still feeling a wave of shame that he had never been quite able to shake about those memories. "Alcohol stopped being enough to help real quick. Drugs were the only thing that made that life bearable. One night I treated myself to a hotel room, around my birthday. I kept missing Molly and even Niss so bad, and I just…didn't want to feel anything, just for one night. So I took a major dose. And then I stopped feeling all the way. Liver gave out."

Suddenly he gasped as Alastor hugged him like a vice grip, tears burning off at the edges of the Radio Demon's eyes. "You didn't deserve to die in squalor and alone, my love. You never ever should have died… Yet I'm happy you're here so I can keep you safe as well as we can be happy together."

Angel blinked back some tears as Alastor released him.

They just stood close, foreheads lightly pressed together, sharing a quiet moment.

Then they slowly separated. Angel wiped at his own eyes as the remains of Alastor's tears burned off into steam. "Wow, we are really getting into some heavy stuff lately, huh?"

"Is that another byproduct of physical intimacy?" Alastor asked shyly, hugging his cane close.

"Yeah and of being in love now," Angel replied with a blush. "All this sharing okay with you?"

Alastor nodded. "I want you to know everything about me, and I want to know everything about you. The idea is happiness to me."

Angel smiled softly and could have started crying all over again. "Well, we'll have plenty of time if you're still into the whole idea of 'dating forever', heh."

Alastor's eyes hazed, and Angel's heart raced at the twinkle in the deer's eye. Why was Alastor looking at him like, like… Instantly memories of all the times Angel had thought Alastor was about to propose for some reason came flooding back.

His racing heart made him wonder if maybe they should talk about this topic directly soon.

Suddenly they heard the noise of people talking nearby and the kitchen door swinging open and closed. Angel snapped out of his silly thought and gestured in that direction. "Uh, sounds like a lot of commotion. Makes sense, we basically doubled the capacity of this place last night, heh. Let's see what we're dealing with. Maybe whip up some breakfast and show everyone how it's done, huh?"

Alastor beamed and nodded. "Yes, breakfast — I do love a chance to show off in the kitchen!" He bowed and gestured for Angel to go first. The spider strolled forward with an appreciative smile and the deer quickly followed after him.

They found the dining area empty but heard many voices resounding from just behind the kitchen doors.

They entered together to find quite a bustling sight.

Almost everyone from last night was either chatting in small groups or going through cupboards or gathering things from the fridge. All of them, up and active…though Charlie and Vaggie were notably absent.

Angel glanced at Alastor. "Wanna bring some order to the chaos?"

Alastor grinned. "We might as well — we do make a charming power couple, in my opinion. You handle the rallying, I'll handle the orders?"

Angel chuckled. "Sounds like a plan." Then he turned to the crowd, put two fingers into his mouth, and gave a loud whistle that made the whole room stop in their tracks and stare at them. "Hey! Uh, morning, everyone! Glad to have you all here — I know last night was kind of chaotic. I'm guessing Charlie and Vaggie still need rest, but I think it'd be nice if we could have breakfast ready to go for 'em by the time they come down. Nothing boosts morale like a hot meal, right? What do you say?"

Everyone smiled and nodded in full support.

"Great!" Angel grinned then gestured to Alastor. "In that case, let me turn things over to Al. Smiles?"

Alastor cleared his throat, chest puffed out commandingly. "Thank you, Angel! Yes, if we all take on some assignments I'm certain we'll have breakfast prepared for the ladies of the house in no time." He eyed the crowd closely, sorting out chores in his head. "Now then, let's see… Abel, Louise, would you be kind enough to set the table?" The couple nodded and headed to the cupboard for the dishes and utensils. "Niffty, Baxter, perhaps you could give the lobby a good once-over cleaning?" Holding hands, Niffty and Baxter nodded and dashed out the kitchen door with dish towels to get started. "Steve! Hah, pleasure to see you again — maybe pull out the phonograph and put on a nice cheerful recording, hmm? You'll find it in the hall leading to my office." Steve winked and ran off in that direction. "Rosie, Mimzy, could you both be dears and run down to the meat freezer in the basement? I'm afraid we're out of venison but there's some lovely steak and sausage that should do in a pinch." The ladies nodded and dashed to the cellar together. "Husker, Molly, perhaps you could head out to the garden and pick some produce for cooking? I'll need ten peppers, three onions, and plenty of potatoes of course. Angel, you?"

"An eggplant, six peppers, and four tomatoes, and potatoes for me too," Angel added.

Alastor nodded. "Perfect, ha! There's a basket for the vegetables on the patio." Husk and Molly nodded, though Husk paused for a moment, glancing to the corner where the strange dog demon girl sat, playing with her tail and clearly trying not to act bothered by being the only one not assigned anything to do.

Husk cleared his throat. "Uh, Alastor, mind if Crymini comes with us?"

"Crymini?" Alastor blinked and then his eyes fell to the demon girl.

She froze but then narrowed her eyes and tried to put on a tough face as she looked his way.

Alastor's eye twitched and Angel saw his tail stick up straight beneath his coat. He gave the deer the gentlest nudge with his elbow. Alastor blinked and came back online, quickly nodding. "Yes, ha! Why not! Crymini…" He turned his eyes to her and gave a slight bow of his head, "Pleasure to meet you and welcome to our happy hotel. You've certainly caught us at a frantic moment, but we hope you'll enjoy your stay — and your breakfast! It'll be sort of an Italian-Creole fusion, ha!"

She softened her demeanor a little but only shrugged. "As long as it's hot and it's food, I'm fine with anything." She added casually. "And yeah, whatever, I'll go in the garden. Digging up stuff in the dirt is easy for dog demons." She turned quickly caught up to Husk and Molly. Husk gave her a smile, and she gave a faint smile back as they all headed outside together.

"I'll text Niss about breakfast — last night he said he and Pen might step out early to check on the ship and the Egg Bois." Angel He shot off a quick message then looked to Alastor. "There, looks like we're all set!"

"Yes indeed!" Alastor swung a fist through the air but then hesitated had to sigh deeply. "Was my interaction with the dog demon a disaster, dearest?"

Angel smiled. "Nah, you did okay. Teenagers make anyone on edge."

"Do you really think she's so young?" Alastor's ears fell.

Angel nodded, looking solemn. "That or close to it. And if ya ask me it's pretty fucked up that the cosmos or god or whatever would judge and send anyone that young here."

Alastor nodded then held his head high. "Well, we'll just have to make her time a pleasant one, and I'll just have to work on my moments of anxiety. If two cat demons like Husker and Steve can manage fine around this dog demon girl then so can I!" He smiled confidently.

Angel beamed. "That's my brave beau." He kissed him on the cheek. "Come on, let's preheat the oven and coordinate the menu. I was thinking sausage and peppers with eggs and some fried potatoes from me. How about you?"

"Eggs and steak with grits," Alastor replied. "And spiced home fries on the side."

"Sounds delish!" They headed over to the stove together to get started.

As the burner preheated, Angel glanced at Alastor. "Hey, Smiles…when Charlie and Vaggie do come down…besides breakfast, what are we gonna do? I mean…I know we're gonna offer support and help her however she needs right now. But, long term — do we ignore what her parents did or do we try to do something to promote the hotel or…should we maybe just go egg the royal mansion? Cuz I'd honestly be down for it after what they did…" he finished dryly.

Eyes down on the stove top, a smile both wicked and satisfied came to Alastor's features. "Oh, I've had all night to think on that subject, cher. And I have a most exquisite plan. I must get Charlie's consent first — there's been far too much going behind her back lately from certain parties. But once I have it, I do believe we'll throw the king and queen for the greatest loop hell has ever seen!"

Angel smirked. "Damn, it's hot when you talk all sinisterly."

Alastor beamed. "Glad to know it, darling."

They shared a giggle and got to work.

Angel trying not to get distracted by the beautiful sight of Alastor glancing around to make sure they were alone then rolling up his sleeves and snapping up an apron as he sent away his jacket, letting his pretty little tail bob free as well. It made Angel flashback and remember cooking together for the first time, back months ago when they had just started trying to be friends. He'd caught sight of Alastor's tail, and the deer had been shy and wary, but Angel had reassured him it would stay their little secret.

So much had happened since then. And he wouldn't have changed a thing.

"Angel, darling? Something on your mind?" Alastor glanced at him with a curiously smile.

Angel shook his head. "Just some good memories…with you." He gave Alastor's hip a gentle bump with his then set a pan onto the stovetop.

"Ah," Alastor replied with a proud little grin, setting down a pan of his own and shifting his foot to press alongside Angel's on the floor. "Well, then — here's to those and many more! Ha!"

They grabbed the butter and began to cook, side by side.

Breakfast — and the hotel — would be okay today in their careful hands.

"Pen! Sounds like everyone's up at the hotel… Oh and Alastor and Angel are making breakfast. That means expect lots of meat and lots of butter and super fluffy eggs, at least from Angel. Haven't tried Alastor's cooking yet." Niss finished texting back his brother and put away his phone then glanced across the opulent bedroom on the airship.

His lovely and rather full-figured boyfriend was currently behind his changing screen getting ready for the day. The sight didn't make Niss nervous anymore… He found it rather nice actually. The spider put on his own jacket and buttoned it up.

They had spent last night together in Niss's room at the hotel but had gotten up early to check on the Egg Bois and also so Niss could do a little recon from the sky — make sure no overlords were targeting the hotel after Lucifer had basically publicly pulled all of his support for it. Thankfully, no dangers had been sighted, and the Egg Bois were now all fed and tended to. He and Pen were free to head back to the hotel in peace for a late breakfast.

"Oh, sounds delish!" Sir Pentious remarked, putting on his hat and finally slithering out from behind the screen to join Niss. "Let's head down right away. I'm famished and I do want to check on Charlie, the poor dear." He frowned.

"You and me both." Niss shook his head solemnly. He took Pen's hand. "We'll look out for her though, all of us. That hotel is my new home with my brother and sister, and no one's shutting it down that easy."

"Oh Archie, I love when you're commanding!" Sir Pentious chuckled. The end of his tail slithered forward and wrapped lightly around Niss's waist. "Shall I carry you to the exit hatch?"

Niss blushed but nodded with a grin. "Yes, please — I like when you're strong and show it off. Let's go!"

Pen lifted him up off the floor then slithered away with him, Niss laughing the whole time.

Out in the hotel garden, Husk watched Crymini kneeling down at the edge of the garden near the gate, keeping her back to the fence while she dug around a potato plant.

Molly smiled and whispered to him from their place among the tomato plants. "Should we invite her over here ta pick tomatoes? There's more sun and the plants smell so good."

Husk gave her a small smile but shook his head. "I thinks she put herself there for a reason: back to the solid surface, stationed near an exit, full view of the area. It's just like what she said about preferring to sleep near exits last night. I…get it." He swallowed, looking down. "I think it's a…trauma thing. Like PTSD. Can happen in the army. Can happen from other things too." His eyes went down and he brought his arms around himself.

Molly frowned a little and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I bet she likes having someone around who might understand."

"Yeah." Husk nodded. "I know I would have liked that." He squeezed Molly's hand. "Do you mind if I talk to her alone for a sec? Sometimes a couple of people approaching at once can be a lot, especially since she's new here and doesn't know us well."

Molly nodded. "I'll keep going with the tomatoes and you help her grab those potatoes. We'll work on the peppers together afterward if she's ready."

Husk smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek in return then put his basket over his shoulder and slowly approached the dog demon girl.

"Hey, Crymini?" He made sure to call out her name without too much volume and to do it while he was still a bit of a distance away to give her some warning.

She blinked, hair bristling, then glanced up at him with an eyebrow raised. "Uh…hey." She relaxed a little again and tried to seem casual as she went on. "Morning's around here always like this? With the big breakfast plans and everyone scrambling around and grabbing groceries out of the garden?" "Nah, not usually." Husk came closer (but still gave her space) and knelt down to start pulling up a potato of his own. "Just if we have new people…or if Charlie wants everyone to bond…or if Alastor and Angel feel like showing off in the kitchen." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Heh, I guess things usually are like this around here. What do you think of it?"

Crymini gave a firm yank, ripping a potato from the ground. "It's okay. I mean, there's lots of food coming, so that's good. And everyone seems to like working together. And no one's threatening anyone or anything. It's a…place with nice demons, just like you said." She tossed her potato in his basket.

Husk nodded, putting a potato of his in the basket and moving to the next one. "I guess that means you felt okay about meeting Alastor just now?"

She furrowed her brow. "I guess. He's…different than what I expected. Seems kinda…dorky actually"

Husk snorted and couldn't hold back a laugh.

Crymini yanked so hard to pull out her next potato that she nearly toppled backwards into the dirt. "What?" She huffed, brushing dirt off of her hands. "If Alastor was going for intimidating back in the kitchen, he was way off the mark. But I'll tell him that he's 'scary' or whatever if it's important or something." She rolled her eyes and put the potato in the basket.

Husk finished laughing and shook his head. "No, no, just…he kind of is dorky once you get to know him. Guess he's been getting more comfortable letting it show lately." He put another potato in the basket. "Maybe don't call him dorky to his face though — no need to hurt his ego. But you don't have to tell him he's intimidating or kiss up to him. He'd see right through that anyway. He likes when people are honest with him — says it's entertaining."

Crymini raised an eyebrow and then went for another potato. "He sounds high-maintenance…but I guess having him here helps keep this place safe. I could get used to him."

Husk smirked a little again. "He's worth trying to get used to." He dug out another potato "Does that mean you're gonna stick around?"

"For now, at least." Crymini pulled out and tossed another two potatoes into the basket then sat back on the ground, brushing dirt from her hands. "I gotta make sure the princess is okay."

"You a big fan of hers or something?"

Husk watched as Crymini's eyes widened and her ears went down and her tail tucked in close.

Something was up.

But if she wasn't ready to talk yet, he wasn't going to push her. He spoke softly as he dropped his final potato in the basket. "Hey, I think we got enough potatoes for now. Wanna meet up with Molly and grab some peppers? Much easier to pick, and less dirty too."

Crymini nodded and slowly stood up, arms still wrapped around herself even if her ears and tail had relaxed. She glanced across the yard.

Husk turned and saw Molly wave to them from the pepper plot with a bright smile.

"Your girlfriend's pretty and nice."

Husk blinked at the comment and smiled. "Thanks. Yeah, Molly's the best. Sweet and fierce all at once. She likes you too."

Crymini swallowed, looking down. "When we go inside, at the table for eating…is it okay if I sit near you and her and Abel and Louise? And is it okay if I sit near a door?"

Husk nodded. "Leave it to me, I'll make sure it happens."

"Thanks." She spared him a small smile that made Husk feel good inside. Then she dashed over to the peppers, Molly meeting her there.

Husk watched as Molly greeted Crymini but gave her space (like he had done) then showed her how to twist off the peppers from the stalks. The two of them got to work. And Husk smiled. He was just grateful to watch them in this moment, being happy and safe and together. This hotel gave them and other demons that chance — the chance for a better life — and he was going to protect this place for Charlie's sake for for theirs.

He headed over to join them, and felt good when they both smiled and welcomed him as he approached.

"Charlie…hun… You wanna go downstairs maybe? It smells like they're cooking breakfast."

Charlie heard her girlfriend's words but didn't turn around. She remained curled up on her side on the bed, hair tousled and knees pulled in as she cuddled with Razzle and Dazzle. They had been her favorite toys once, and one year for her birthday her father had enchanted them to be real, to be alive, to be her friends.

The same father who had broadcast himself to their whole kingdom questioning her ideas and her strength and her very hellish-ness…

She flinched and hugged closer to the little goats.

She heard Vaggie come closer. "I can make you a plate and bring it up here for you, if you want? Just…try to eat something. I know how…draining these times are to you, and last night especially…" She sighed in worry. "Or maybe you should just sleep? I'm sorry, I…"

Charlie let out a tired sigh. "It's okay, Vaggie. I know you're trying. I love you for it. I…maybe I can try too." She braced herself then slowly pushed herself to sit up. She still wore her wrinkled slacks and shirt and jacket from last night. She felt awful.

Vaggie came around her side of the bed now, trying to smile as she quickly wiped away some tears. "Here, uh, I already grabbed some clothes." She took a few folded items off of a chair and set them on the bed.

Razzle and Dazzle smiled and held up the clothes.

Trying to smile too, or at least not to cry, Charlie took one piece at a time and began to change.

Vaggie was over by their dresser now, grabbing shoes and a hair brush and make up. "I bet a nice breakfast together will make everyone feel better. They're all here to support you, Charlie. Especially Alastor. He really cares about how you're doing, you know."

Charlie nodded. She had managed to put on her black slacks and was now doing her best to button the white dress shirt that Razzle and Dazzle had handed her.

Vaggie came over and sat on the edge of the bed. She set down the shoes and socks (the goats were already putting them on Charlie's feet) and started gently brushing Charlie's hair. "Oh, and we've got a new person here now too. Someone who Abel and Louise know, I guess? She's a young demon…maybe a new guest? She seemed really excited about making sure you were okay." She finished brushing and tied up the end of Charlie's hair just as the goats finished tying her shoes. Vaggie grabbed some mascara and started doing Charlie's eyes. "Everyone showed up here last night as soon as they thought you needed help. You've brought all these demons together, Charlie. It's beautiful." The goats were slipping Charlie's red jacket over her shoulders now as Vaggie opened up some lipstick and gently set it to Charlie's mouth. "And today's gonna be a lot better. Just do whatever you need to do, and we'll be here to help you. Okay?"

Yet as she finished Vaggie encouraging speech, Charlie just clenched her hands at her sides, eyes looking so weary. "None of you should have to do anything for me though. I'm your princess. And it was your king and queen who caused this problem. So now I need to fix it." She stood up, stomach twisted and hot with emotion.

"Charlie…" Vaggie frowned and stood up too, "we WANT to help. We're in this together — one big hotel family. They all love you, and so do I."

"They shouldn't have to love me through something like this. And neither should you. I could have hurt someone last night. I'm…" She hung her head then took a deep breath, her look softening as her gaze managed to meet Vaggie's again. "I'm fine. Let's…let's go get breakfast." She slowly turned and headed out of the room, Razzle and Dazzle silently following while Vaggie frowned and followed after her too.

Breakfast was finally ready and everyone was seated at the dining table. Immediately, Alastor and Angel were filling plates and trying to lead the group in small talk and witty banter. And, in Alastor's opinion, they were doing fantastically. The two of them were so in sync — they could command any room, impress on any stage, outwit any foe. It was a lovely way to be.

The couple did it all while sharing their own repast side by side…knees perhaps lightly touching under the table. The food smelled good and tasted good, and everyone was here and okay and refreshed. Their whole complete family, just waiting for their matriarchs to join them from upstairs.

And then there came a disturbance to the peace when Alastor sensed Angel's phone vibrating and saw the spider glance down at the screen…and promptly freeze.

All of Alastor's protective instincts came online. If that despicable moth was contacting his beau again AND interrupting breakfast AND daring to still exist at all in this realm, he had a feeling he had just found a prime candidate for the next guest on his radio show.

Angel noticed Alastor eyeing him keenly. The spider sighed and whispered under his breath. "Don't freak out…." He showed the phone to Alastor, who was thoroughly prepared to 'freak out' regardless, albeit in a subtle way for now.

Alastor blinked at what he saw the screen. Not a text from Valentino…but one from Vox?

'Angel. I need to talk to you and to Alastor about some things. Soon, please. Nothing bad, just…I don't want to let anything spiral out of control by avoiding it. Normally I'd suggest meeting at some neutral public place, but if people see me and Alastor talking and NOT trying to kill each other, it'll end up in every gossip rag in this town. I'm hoping maybe we can meet at the hotel? I'll bring Vark to play with Nuggets — sort of a show of good faith. I'm guessing Alastor's gonna hate this idea, that's why I'm reaching out to you first. Maybe you could talk him down a bit?

I hope you're doing okay after everything. I'm sorry Val showed up and made your family stuff more complicated. He's…not gonna be doing anything like that to you for a good long time. Promise.

-Vox (and Vark)'

When Alastor looked up and saw Angel biting his lip with a sheepish smile, the deer sighed deeply and whispered back to him. "Darling, you don't really expect me to agree to—"

"If he's bringing his pet baby, it means he's serious about a truce," Angel assured. "Plus…I don't know, it might be nice to get some info about what's going on with Val from him — just to know what's going on with him and the studio without actually having to talk to him or go to the studio. And Vox did get Val away from the mob fight for us so we could focus on dealing with my ass of a father…"

Alastor sighed very deeply now. "This is our sanctuary, the one place we can be ourselves and together. Our home. I do not like the idea of him inviting himself over like some chum of yours… The familiarity is appalling."

"Are you jealous?" Angel smirked a little.

Alastor's eyes flashed to radio dials then he swallowed. "No…"

"I mean, he is sorta becoming a friend of mine, but…nothing like the friend you are, mio cervino…" Angel cooed.

Alastor tried not to glow immensely as he played with the eggs and steak on his plate.

Angel's voice grew more playful. "Besides, I'M the one who should be jealous about having some guy who had a big crush on you come over to 'our home'." He said the last two words teasingly, and Alastor glowed immensely and knew Angel wouldn't be letting him live down that title for the hotel any time soon. "Except, see, I know you only got eyes for me, and I know that I'd clock anyone who made a pass at you with all six of my fists, so I'm really okay with this visit."

Alastor sighed very, very deeply now and just tried not to smile too much. "Very well. He can come over. In a few days. In broad daylight. Alone…except for the shark."

Angel grinned. "You're a peach. Thanks, Smiles." He sent back a quick text under the table then went back to eating. "It'll really be okay, promise. And hey, you'll get to meet Vark — you're gonna like him, he's full of teeth and loves knocking down Vox."

Alastor almost snorted in laughter and did his best to cover it up by sipping coffee. "Indeed, I'm quite eager to make his acquaintance now."

Angel chuckled in return, and Alastor was ready to focus again on his food and the din of the conversation around them when suddenly silence fell over the table as Charlie slowly entered the room, followed by her eager goats and then a reluctant Vaggie.

Alastor figured he had better take the lead on this one. "Charlie! There you are — just in time, everything is still piping hot, ha! Come, we've saved you a seat and Vaggie too of course. And how about some stools for your charming goat friends?" He snapped and made a little set of stools appear between the ladies' chairs.

Vaggie pulled out Charlie's chair and took her own seat as the goats sat too. Charlie remained standing for a moment though and cleared her throat. "Thank you, Alastor…for the chairs and…for last night." She took a deep breath, trying so hard to smile as she looked to the table and began to address everyone. "Thank you ALL for…last night. I appreciate your presence. I…I appreciate YOU." Her smile grew a little. "I'm so happy to see you all together at this table. It's…very beautiful. And we even have a new person." She nodded to Crymini who blushed, wide eyed. "Thank you for coming — whether you choose to be a visitor or a guest I hope you'll have a nice stay at our happy hotel…" Lip trembling she finally made herself sit down. "This…all looks delicious. Alastor and Angel's doing, I'm guessing? Thank you for cooking." She reached out for a ladle and put some eggs on her plate.

But then Alastor watched her pause, her gaze on the others who were all looking back at her, clearly eager to know more about how she was and to observe her current condition. The attention was offered out of love, but the princess could only handle so much right now.
A shuddery sigh suddenly left Charlie, and she stood up again. "I'm sorry, I'm not feeling too well from last night. Please, enjoy breakfast. Thank you all again." She nearly knocked over her chair as she dashed back across the lobby and up the stairs.

"Charlie!" Vaggie frowned. She grabbed Charlie's plate, added a few more things to it, then glanced at the table, her eyes finally landing on Alastor. "Sorry…She…she's tired."

Alastor gave a small nod of understanding and Vaggie instantly left, the goats dashing after her.

The table shared concerned looks.

Alastor sighed and addressed the others. "She needs time. Not to worry though, I do have a plan in mind to improve her spirits. Everyone eat, and leave it to me." He flashed his dazzling smile at the table and eventually everyone's concerned expressions relaxed as they resumed breakfast, though perhaps with a bit less levity than before.

Alastor heard another phone vibration and glanced to Angel but saw no reaction from the spider. If his phone wasn't the one that had vibrated then… He looked across the table and saw the little dog demon glancing at her phone. Her eyes went wide and she paled. Then she scowled and shook her head, pressed some buttons, tucked away the device, and proceeded to chomp down onto a large piece of steak.

Alastor had to look away, feeling lightheaded somehow at the sight. He filed away the memory of her concerning phone message for later. Despite his discomfort, he wanted to learn more about her and her sudden interest in the princess as quickly as possible. Things were delicate right now for Charlie, and he had to be sure that anyone seeking her presence was a kind soul deserving of the privilege.

From far across the pentagram, in a dim bedroom room of a certain grand mansion, the king of hell continued typing on his phone and mumbling to himself. "Crymini, please — answer me. I have a new job for you, I'll pay double, triple. Go to the hotel, check in on Charlie, report back to me… That's all I ask." He sent the message…he saw it be read. Then there was no reply.

Biting his lip in impatience, he tried to send another message…only to receive an alert that his number had been blocked.

He blinked, staggering back. He brought a hand to his head. "No, no, no…she's the only way I can have eyes and ears on what's happening. I don't want to involve any other sinners, not after this public spectacle. Damn it!" He threw his phone into the fire place, where it cracked and sizzled.

He sat down on his bed, head down, eyes closed.

Lilith was still sleeping, though she turned over at the sound of the phone being destroyed. Her eyes were closed, mascara trails still staining her face. She had passed out in silent tears last night. Lucifer caught sight of her slumbering form and then suddenly realized then he was crying too.

He gripped his head, curling in on himself.

He had never felt more evil, more irredeemable, more worthy of falling from grace in his entire life.

With a swallow he glanced upward. His voice was a whisper. "If you still hear me…if you still feel anything for me… Help me make this right for her. Please." He hadn't cowered before the almighty in millennia. But Charlie was worth cowering for.

There was only silence as a response though — of course. No one heard prayers from here.

Finally the king curled up in bed beside his saddened, sleeping wife and just tried to rest and think of a way he could manage a miracle for his family, no help from heaven required.

His heart was heavy and eventually pulled him back into a fitful sleep as the morning went on.

A/N:

That's all for now! I'll try to have another chapter up soon. We'll be diving more into Alastor's plans for the hotel and Charlie dealing with her parents. Thank you all for your support!

Take care!

-Azure129