A/N:

Hi everyone! One more chapter for this round of updates :) And Charlie finally confronts her parents about the news show! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy it 3

Partners

Chapter 94:

The Burden of Barriers and Boundaries

Dawn had just broken over the pentagram, filling the hotel with dim light through the windows. A certain short, dark-haired spider was currently the only one awake in the building. Niss yawned as he stepped out of the kitchen, wrapped up in a blue robe and holding two mugs of fresh coffee. He quietly headed up the stairs to the second floor landing then down the hallway to his room. He pushed the door open with his hip and let it gently click shut behind him.

"Oh Nissy, that smells heavenly!"

Niss turned around and smiled as Pentious took a big sniff of the air and grinned. The snake was curled up on Niss's small but sturdy bed, wearing a yellow nightgown and an eager smile.

Niss approached and set the mugs down on the nightstand. "Fresh ground beans and pour over brewed — only the best for my guy." He shrugged out of his robe (revealing boxers and an undershirt) and sat himself on a pile of bedding and pillows set up on the floor. "Thanks for sticking extra close to the hotel for now. Having you here helping me keep an eye on things means a lot, and I appreciate it." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I'm just sorry this room is kind of cramped for the two of us — guess we're better off having sleepovers at your place, huh?"

"Oh, I'm perfectly fine having them here in your cozy room." Sir Pentious frowned a little. "But I do wish you wouldn't insist on sleeping on the floor while I take the bed. I'm certain we could negotiate space for both of us up here." He patted the blanket and shifted back a little.

Niss blushed but smiled more. "I just don't want you to be uncomfortable. You like to stretch out, and you're a lot taller than me, and anyway I'm used to sleeping in random places. The floor is kind of a treat actually compared to Pops' rock-hard cots."

"Hmm, well, we'll just have to keep getting you used to refinery." Sir Pentious grinned down at him. "Now, either you're coming up here onto the bed with me for coffee or I'm coming down there onto the floor with you."

Niss raised an eyebrow. "But then we'll both be on the floor!"

"I'm cozy anywhere I can cuddle with you," Pen assured with a teasing wink.

Niss blushed and rolled his eyes but finally stood up. "Okay, maybe we can make it work together on my bed. I'm small, and you're flexible, after all."

"Thank you for noticing," Pen giggled as Niss grinned and climbed onto the edge of the bed.

They managed to squeeze in together, all cozy and close. They smiled at each other.

"This is kind of nice…" Niss admitted. He bit his lip and glanced behind him at the edge of the bed…which his hips were precariously hanging off of. "But maybe I should be on the side against the wall, so there's no chance I'll fall out of the bed, especially for sleeping. Hold on…" He pushed himself up and started shifting. "Let me see if I can just hop over your tail and—oh!"

He had started to climb over Sir Pentious just as the snake had started to shift his body to accommodate him. The result was both of them toppling back down to the mattress.

Now Sir Pentious was flat on his back and Niss was seated over his hips, straddling him.

Sir Pentious smiled, eyes hazed. "Now THIS sleeping position I could get used to."

"Pen…" Niss chided shyly. Yet he found himself gazing down at the snake with a dreamy look. "I can snooze almost anywhere, but even I couldn't get much sleep like this."

"Yes, I suppose it is more conducive to PRE-bedtime activities," Pen mused with a giggle.

Niss blushed…but didn't move off of him.

Sir Pentious took his hand. "Penny for your thoughts, Archie?"

"Just…" Niss blinked, blushing even more. "I…um… Never mind. I don't want to be forward."

Sir Pentious grinned. "You never are. And I don't think you ever would be. You can talk to me, remember? I'm here for you…"

Niss swallowed. Then he finally nodded and said (voice only cracking twice), "Is this…a position you'd prefer if we did…intimate things?" He looked down, stammering. "I-I don't think I'm ready yet, but I've really been trying to figure out the physics between our height differences and our demon species differences and the, uh… 'anatomical' differences. It took me long enough to mentally work out hugging and kissing you when we first got together. I talked to Tony a bit, but…this is stuff only you can help me figure out since it's about us. I guess I just…don't want to wait til something's about to happen and ruin the moment by having both of us be confused."

When he finally felt brave enough to meet Pen's gaze again, the snake was blushing but also beaming with a warm look in his eyes. "Archie, darling…why are you embarrassed about simply caring so much for my comfort?"

Niss shrugged so shyly and found himself blinking back some tears. "Because you're so big and beautiful and sexy, and I'm just—"

The end of Pen's tail was instantly over his mouth to silence him. The snake looked at Niss sternly. "You are stunning. Chiseled and lean and elegant. And with hair that's the most delightful shade of onyx I've ever seen, and cheeks that are flecked with your charming freckle eyes, and hands that are graceful yet so strong, and…wait…are those pink freckles on your thigh? And is that large one shaped like a heart?" His eyes widened, focused on the sight.

Niss blinked and realized his boxers had ridden up a little sitting in this position, showing a dusting of pink dots surrounding a small pink heart low on his hip. He quickly pulled down his shorts (though the fabric just sprang away to show the marks again). "That's, um…yeah. I usually try and 'em. Pink and hearts definitely look better on Tony and Molly than me."

"Hmm…I beg to differ." Pen rested a hand on Niss's knee, just below his thigh. "You are exquisite. Pink and hearts suit a man as passionate as yourself."

Niss's cheeks warmed so much, and his smile went wobbly. He stopped trying to hide the freckles. "Thanks…"

Sir Pentious grinned more and went on, voice tender. "Now as for the other subject we were discussing…it's okay to be nervous about intimacy. I'm nervous too — but don't be so hard on yourself, dear Archie. And to answer your question about positioning…" He lowered his voice. "I don't really fancy being on top much — propping myself above another demon can be daunting. Lying on my back is quite comfortable. And all of my 'anatomy' is on the front side of my body anyway…" He swallowed.

Niss listened so attentively, eyes perfectly wide.

Pen continued, looking shy. "I know that such an anatomical arrangement is…unusual. Just like other features about me. But it does make things more convenient…"

Niss put a finger to Pen's lips. "Not unusual. Everything about ya is spectacular."

When he removed his finger, Pen sighed dreamily. "Thank you." The snake chuckled and came out of some of his daze. Yes, well…so you see, you seated like this upon me would work out just fine, no matter which 'role' you were inclined to take in the activity." His voice became a low, heady whisper as he squeezed Niss's knee, fingertips inching higher on his thigh. "You could even take both roles at once, darling, considering my unique situation of having multiple parts…We BOTH could, mio ragno…—mmm…"

He stopped talking when Niss suddenly leaned over and kissed him passionately, pushing his hips against Pen's warm and wiggling form. The snake held around his spider's waist with one hand while his other hand squeezed Niss's thigh. Pen's little tongue flickered out and was quickly taken into Niss's eager mouth.

The heat of the moment was almost unbearable for both of them.

Niss eventually pulled back, breathing heavily, still leaning down over Sir Pentious. "Sorry, I just…it feels so good to be near you, and everything you were talking about was such a turn on, and you SPOKE ITALIAN and called me your spider. Oh, I want it Pendleton — I'm not ready for it yet, but I WANT IT." He pressed their chests together, squeezing his knees around Pen's body lovingly.

The snake's tail curled in delight as his chest heaved with deep breaths. He nodded and gently rubbed Niss's back. "I know, darling. I want it too. But we have time, Archie. It's okay. When you're ready, I'm here. And I'm all yours." He let out a final deep breath and hugged his spider close.

Niss was shaking under his touch as they embraced. Tears were trying to come to his eyes. "I'm not even sure which…'role' I want to do…" he whispered. "Never tried the bottom… had bad experiences as the top… And I've never done other stuff with a guy. Ya know…like using my hands…or my mouth…" He cuddled against Pen in utter shyness.

"Shh, we'll sort it out when the time comes…" The snake ran his fingers though Niss's hair as his tail slowly unwound and curled to frame both of them. "Believe me, I'll be quite satisfied either way…and I intend to make sure you're quite satisfied as well," he assured. "I just want to be with you."

"I want to be with you too." Niss was settling in, relaxing against him — calmer now and almost drowsy. "Sorry, I'm…I'm okay now." He sighed. "Fuck, I am very attracted to you."

Pen chuckled, relaxing completely now too. "Likewise." He kissed Niss's cheek.

Niss giggled then yawned, gently carding his fingers over one of Pen's hood flaps, still a bit soft from his recent shedding. "The coffee…it's gonna get cold. We should drink it."

"Why don't we do so side by side right up here on your cozy, warm bed, hmm? Maybe finding a sleeping position is hard, but a position for relaxing together is certainly easy enough."

Niss nodded. He eased himself up and carefully climbed off of his boyfriend to sit beside him. He handed the coffee over to Pen and took his own mug as well.

Niss held up his cup. "To…really wonderful boyfriends."

Sir Pentious raised his as well. "And to love and all the fun that goes with it."

They clinked mugs then sipped and sighed peacefully as they cuddled close. They were just so happy to be together to start their days.

Alastor let out a groggy groan and woke up — the sunlight coming through a window was hitting his eyes. He blinked then tried to sit up but immediately brought a hand to his head and winced. "Oh…that blasted heavenly wine. I have never felt more mortal." "Yeah, but you're the cutest mortal soul I know. Now come on, I've got the coffee all ready for ya. And venison sausage with pancakes!"

Alastor opened his eyes fully to find Angel standing near the bed, already dressed and ready for the day. The spider opened a thermos of coffee, and instantly the rich scent permeated the air. On the end table next to him was a mug and a covered plate that Alastor's aching stomach could already sense contained the promised food." He managed to slowly prop himself up against the pillows to address Angel. "Oh, darling…how did I ever get by without you?"

"About the same way I did — real lousy." Angel poured some of the coffee into a mug and brought it over along with the food tray, setting everything on Alastor's lap. Then he sat down beside him on the bed. "You sure you're okay? Last time you got drunk you were real out of it the next day. But I talked to Charlie, and she says the effects of the heaven wine on mortal souls usually fade as quickly as they come on."

Alastor tilted back his head and drank deeply from his mug. He put it down with a grateful sigh and managed to sit himself up completely. "I believe she's correct. After my little bender leading up to our courtship, I didn't even want to lift my head from my pillow for the entire next day. Right now, however, I'm coherent and the coffee is already working wonders. I just have a dull headache and no desire to deal with another soul except for your charming self of course." Angel giggled as Alastor removed the lid from his tray, grabbed his knife and fork, and started in on his breakfast. "And I have the energy to keep my table manners under control too. No carnage — how marvelous. Also this feast is fantastic, darling." He swallowed half a sausage with a satisfied grin.

"Glad you like it, and glad to hear it." Angel topped off Alastor's coffee from the thermos then set it aside again. "Charlie was fine first thing today — like, no hangover but also just…better in general about stuff. She got out of bed and helped make breakfast and said hi to people, and then she talked to Vaggie and me about last night and how excited she is that you wanna do a radio show here to promote the hotel and help make people forget about the news program." Angel's smile grew. "It's real sweet of you, Smiles. I knew she'd love the plan, and Vaggie too."

"Oh, Charlie still likes the idea even in the cold light of day? And Vaggie too? Splendid!" Alastor beamed in pride. "Yes, well, I did think it was a marvelous notion."

"It's a doozy, babe." Angel kissed his cheek.

Alastor chuckled. "And you'll be helping me host of course," he added, starting in on his eggs.

Angel blinked. "Really?"

The deer nodded. "I told you, I've been considering the notion of a co-host. I want various people to come on the air and speak to the hotel's good qualities as guests, of course. But you…I'd like you on air with me the longest you're available. The entire show! As long as you're up for it. We do exchange the most charming banter together," he mused. "And you could help me handle any cheeky sinners who might dare call in to dismiss the hotel. Oh what a formidable duo we'll be."

Angel smiled so much, blushing and beaming. "I'd love that, Smiles. I…I don't know if I'll definitely be good at it though,. I've never tried to perform on the air, just on stages. I—"

Alastor took his hand. "It's just talking, darling — lighting up a room with words. And you already do so divinely each and every day. And I will be there to support you on the air for every instant. Just follow my lead, mon ange." He kissed the back of Angel's hand.

Angel giggled and nodded. "It's a date on the air then, Smiles."

Alastor released his hand and chuckled.

Angel's phone buzzed. The spider blinked and glanced at the screen sticking out of his pocket. "Sorry, looks like a text from Molly. Do you mind if I—"

"Always see to your family first and foremost," Alastor assured, returning to his food.

"You're my family too ya know, Al." Smirking, Angel kissed his cheek, making Alastor glow brightly as Angel checked his phone. "Hmm…Molly's downstairs with Husk talking with Abel and Louise about their wedding plans. Says she wants to set a time for our triple date soon so that we can do our little siblings shopping trip first and pick up outfits for the date and the wedding all at once. She's thinking Thursday night for the big triple date? We'll probably go shopping that morning. She says Niss texted her back already, and he and Pen are on board."

"Hmm… I'm inclined to agree with her plans." Alastor finished more coffee and nodded. "It's about time we all got better acquainted as couples. And waiting until later next week will still give us plenty of time to attend to Charlie in case she needs further immediate support.' Finished with his meal, he settled back against his pillows with a happy sigh.

Angel nodded with a smile and sent a message back. "Perfect, just told her we're on. We have some plans for what we want to do, but the main thing is Molly, Niss and I are gonna cook for our three fellas — we insist. It's how we show affection for the people we love the most. So prepare for a glorious Italian feast, Al." Angel winked.

"I'm already datin' one, cher," Alastor replied smoothly, and in his southern lilt no less.

Angel immediately straightened up and squeezed his knees together in a fluster. "Alastor!"

"The final fading effects of the liquor are making me daring, ha!" Alastor chuckled then sighed deeply as he rubbed the side of his head. "Speaking of which…would you mind calling Vox on your phone. I want to confirm a date and time for him to meet with us here."

"Really? You sure you don't want to wait til your hangover passes?" Angel asked hesitantly.

Alastor shook his head. "No, now is better. I'm just loose-lipped enough from the lingering effects of that liquor to say what I mean clearly and without hesitation. And I'm just cowed enough by this dull headache that I won't be inclined to any egotistical displays of pride and wrath." He considered. "Honestly, how I am right now is probably the most lucid and reasonable I could be, and I'll need that for speaking with him."

Angel nodded. "I get it. I'll start the call. You just jump in whenever you're ready, Smiles." He dialed the number then put the phone on speaker.

It rang a few times, then Vox answered. They heard barking in the background.

"Angel! Hi…how are you? Is everything okay? You know, uh…if you're not all right from whatever happened at that mob fight, I could have some things sent over to help you…"

"Whoa, hey, heh — no worries, Vox, I'm okay, really," Angel assured sheepishly. "I was a little banged up, yeah, but…uh, everyone took real good care of me, so I'm better now. You…okay too?"

"Yeah! Um…oh, Vark says hi!" There was more barking in the background.

"Hey, little guy! Glad you're both doing alright, Vox." Angel swallowed. "How is Val?" he spit out the words as quickly as he could.

Alastor's eyes turned to radio dials, but then he winced from his headache and managed to keep himself under control.

Vox cleared his throat. "He was…not great. But he's getting better. He's back at the studio."

Alastor's jaw clenched as he fought the urge to at least announce that Valentino could rot in that studio and Angel was never going to return there. He would not speak for his darling spider though. He would only trust his Angel to make his own choices and support him with every fiber of his being if needed.

Angel took a breath and replied to Vox in a level voice. "And does he expect ME back at the studio?"

"That's…part of what I wanted to talk to you and Alastor about. The other part is how the whole 'tv broadcast slandering the hotel' thing happened… Uh, but I promise, Val won't be in contact with you. We had a chat about it. I just want an open conversation."

Angel glanced at Alastor.

Alastor let out a sigh and gave a nod, finally speaking up. "Well, I do hope you're willing to swear to that proclamation with your life."

"Hello to you too finally, Alastor," Vox replied, almost sounding amused.

Alastor blinked. "Did you already know I was listening in?"

"I know the sound of your idling radio static way too well. Thanks for being okay with me coming over." There was barking again. "And Vark too."

Alastor sighed. "You may come Wednesday morning at 11 AM, and you may stay for one half hour unless Angel requests otherwise. Does that suit you?"

"Yeah, I can make it."

Vox sounded like he was smiling, which Alastor found infuriating but couldn't linger on or he knew his tender head would start pounding again. "Good. I'm very excited for you to try and talk your way out of certain death for letting that newscast air. I'm prepared to hear your pleas for mercy over sweet tea."

"You'd really make your sweet tea for me?" Vox asked with far too much eagerness.

Alastor blinked and his ears flattened as Angel held back a chuckle. "It's…for me…and Angel…and you as well — only because you're a guest, and I'm always a gracious host!" He crossed his arms. "Now, I have important matters to attend to, so I really must be going."

"See you Wednesday," Vox chuckled. "Angel, don't let him get all worked up. Everything'll be fine. And I'm excited for Vark to meet your pig."

Angel smiled. "Yeah, I think Nuggets will like meeting him too. See you then, Vox."

The call ended. Angel sighed, grinning. "You really let him get you all hot and bothered, huh?"

"It's not HIM per say, it's just…" Alastor took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "He's been acting differently around me lately, and it's very confusing! He used to be pushy and insulting, and every word out of my mouth would boil his blood. Now he's relaxed and amused and just chats with me, and I don't know why or what to do with that!" He huffed. "At least he was decent to you on the phone, that's something in his favor… even if it's a far cry from the usual crassness I've known from him. It's all been very odd." He raised an eyebrow, ears flicking.

Angel considered and shrugged. "Well…you said Vox kind of…fell for you, right? Maybe his feelings changed, and now he feels better and just wants to be friends."

Alastor's frustrated gaze relaxed a little, and he blinked. "Friends?" He bit his lip. "I don't…I'm not sure if I would be comfortable in that situation." He bent his knees and pulled them in. "I don't want to give him an inch and have him take a mile again with his feelings. I didn't like him caring for me." He shifted closer to Angel. "I only like YOU caring for me."

Angel wiped away a hear. He patted Alastor's shoulder. "You'll figure something out that works for both of you, Al." He grinned. "And if he ever does get fresh with ya, just tell me and I'll slug him, problem solved." He winked.

Alastor let out a snort of laughter, and Angel laughed too.

Alastor's look became somber for a moment. "Angel…whatever news Vox brings about Valentino…I…"

Angel smiled softly, a weary look in his eyes. "I know, Al. Whatever it is, I'll handle it… and I only feel safe enough to try now cuz I know you'll be with me all the way."

Alastor smiled so much, and tears burned off at the edges of his eyes. He blinked and quickly wiped them away. "Oh…blasted heavenly wine, making me emotional, ha…"

"Heh, you and me both." Angel wiped away a tear of his own, smiling as well.

They shared a tender gaze, understanding each other so much, even without words.

Finally Alastor shyly cleared his throat, looking to the window full of sunshine. "It must be late. I should get up and see to everyone, make sure our ship is being run tightly."

"It's okay," Angel assured. "I helped organize everyone for making breakfast, and now they're all cleaning up and Charlie's spending some time talking with everyone. What you and I should do is start getting stuff ready for building your radio tower." He grinned eagerly.

Alastor beamed. Then he grabbed the spider's face and kissed him squarely on the mouth before pulling back. "You and a radio tower — what more could a man ask for?"

Angel giggled. "That tower's making ya frisky, I like it."

Alastor giggled too and hugged Angel. Then he manifested his cane and managed to get out of bed. Angel cleared away the dishes as Alastor snapped himself into fresh clothes. Finally the two of them strolled out of the room and up to the third floor to examine Alastor's blueprints and figure out where to start on the hotel's own radio tower.

"Well…has she replied yet?"

"No, dearest. It doesn't even look like she's read the latest messages we've sent yet."

"She's not going to. And I don't blame her. I raised her to have more self respect than that at least." Frowning, Lucifer stood up and paced his bedroom.

Lilith sighed, holding the phone to her heart and rubbing her temple. "She has to contact us eventually. We are still her parents."

"Are we?" He froze and glared at her. "Are we really behaving like parents, or are we behaving just like my father?"

Lilith stood up, eyes wide, and came over to him. She took his hands in her own. "You are not like the almighty. You don't try to manipulate everyone's free will with shameless guilt and impossible expectations. You changed everything so that somewhere in the middle of all this cosmic mess souls truly could be free to fall if they chose. And you care." Tears were in her eyes as she frowned. "You care so much and have such a beautiful heart, my light bringer."

Lucifer had tears in his eyes too. He rested his forehead on her shoulder. "I don't want to wait for her to come to us — that's what my father did. And now…" He sighed. "I want to go to her."

Lilith considered. "She might not be ready to see us…"

"We need to do this before it's too late." He pulled back, looking up into Lilith's eyes. "She's rebelling against us just like I rebelled, and I don't think we can stop her. And I can't…" He blinked back tears. "I have to try."

She hesitated then nodded. "We'll go. Should we tell her first?"

He shook his head. "She's not even looking our messages. And I don't want her to leave before we get there." He stepped back and headed across the room. "I'll have the car brought around. You get your coat. We leave in five minutes."

Lilith could only nod as he left the room.

She tugged her hands through her hair and sighed deeply. As she grabbed her coat, she just tried to wipe away the dark lines of mascara-stained tears on her face and to hold in more tears that were ready to fall. If this meeting went poorly, her Lucifer's heart would break, and her Charlie's heart would break (if it wasn't perhaps already broken), and her own heart would break as well. Their whole family might break apart. And she knew from personal experience how nearly impossible it could be to fix such bonds once shattered. She would try to keep them together. But she also knew the limits of what little else she could do at this point.

And she also knew that Lucifer might be right…about their efforts going to far and about it being too late to right the course of their family's fate.

Her heart was heavy with doubt as she went downstairs to meet her husband.

Down in the hotel lobby today, Charlie was smiling genuinely once again as she watched their happy hotel family getting along. Louise had brought home a platter of different wedding cake samples for everyone to try, Molly and Husk were helping Abel pick out a champagne for the wedding reception, Niss and Pen were checking in with the Egg Bois on the airship via a two way radio, Niffty was doing some cleaning while Cherri helped (and Crymini tried her best to lend a hand as well), and Baxter was behind the bar making drinks with his mixology machine for a delighted Rosie and Mimzy. And Vaggie had just come in from the kitchen with a tray of lemonade and cookies for everyone.

Charlie felt such love in this room. She only hoped Alastor and Angel would come down here soon to help complete the picture and so she could officially take up Alastor on his radio show offer. She had a really good feeling about doing it…even though a small part of her was a little nervous. Even if the radio show was professional and focused on support for the hotel, she was still worried her parents could take it as a slight. Maybe she would mull over the radio show idea for a couple hours more, just to be sure it was definitely the right thing to do.

Either way, she didn't want to think about her parents for any longer than necessary. This morning, finally not feeling like a failure anymore, the first thing she had done was turn off her phone. She didn't want any more messages from her mom and dad, she didn't want to risk seeing anything about the news show online, she didn't want anything at all to distract her from just enjoying her time with these people, right here and right now.

Vaggie set down the tray and grabbed two glasses while everyone else helped themselves. She came over to Charlie. "Want to anything special for lunch, babe?"

Charlie took her lemonade. "Why don't we order in? Everyone cooked dinner last night and breakfast this morning — I want to give them all a break and thank them for helping out." Her eyes lit up. "Oh, what about that place your brought me to on our second date — with all the yummy Salvadorian food! I'm sure everyone would love it, and I know it's your favorite."

Vaggie smiled and blushed. "Really?"

Charlie nodded. "Of course." She came forward and rested her forehead against Vaggie's. "Everyone can try something new and learn more about you, and you can have your favorite meal for being the best partner I could ever ask for."

Vaggie brushed away a tear in her eye. She hugged Charlie, and Charlie hugged her too.

"Woo, yeah ladies! Always nice to see the sapphics getting some quality time!" Angel's voice suddenly sounded from the stairs. "Aww Smiles, you don't have to look away, no one's actually doing anything."

Charlie and Vaggie blushed and smiled sheepishly as they separated and glanced up the stairs to see Angel and Alastor strolling down together (Alastor holding Angel's arm at first but then immediately removing his touch at the sight of Crymini down below). The deer demon was glowing and glancing off to the side, but now he cleared his throat and turned to the ladies in question. "Yes, well…always good to see the two of you in high spirits."

"A lot of it's thanks to you, Alastor." Charlie came forward as he reached the lobby and hugged his cane (like she'd seen Niffty do sometimes).

She watched Alastor smile in pleasant surprise. "Always at your service, ha! And I hear you've decided to take me up on my little proposal?"

Charlie swallowed. "Well, I think—"

There was a knock on the door.

Everyone froze.

Charlie raised an eyebrow and looked around the room. "Everyone is already here right now, right? Is anyone expecting any guests?"

The occupants of the room glanced at each other then shook their heads.

"Maybe it's a new guest — a fresh demon interested in the hotel?" Molly offered hopefully.

"Or another overlord looking to get his kicks here," Husk offered with a little grin.

"Angel?" Alastor glanced at Angel who was now holding himself with his arms over his chest.

"Val's not supposed to call… So he definitely wouldn't stop by, right?" The spider whispered.

Charlie was close enough to hear his words and to hear Alastor's soft but serious reply. "Even if he did, he wouldn't survive the welcome." Angel let out a deep sigh of relief.

Charlie wasn't up to date on whatever was going on right now with Angel and the studio and his boss. She just knew that Valentino wasn't a very nice demon. But, with the way Angel had just reacted to the idea of seeing him, she made a mental note that if Valentino did ever come by, he would be escorted from the premises with all the power at her disposal. Her guests deserved a hostility-free…and abuse-free…environment.

"I'll see who it is." Vaggie put down her lemonade and walked over to the door, spear in hand, opening it slightly.

There was a very long moment of silence.

Then Vaggie slammed the door with such force that her lemonade on the end table fell to the floor with a crash.

"Vaggie?" Charlie frowned, her dark eyes wide.

Vaggie turned around, her face a mixture of rage and pain. The entire room watched her. She took a deep breath and said quietly. "It's…your parents."

Silence again…except for Alastor. "Ha! And you slammed the door in their face? Kudos, Vagatha! I approve!"

Vaggie rolled her eyes, finally snapping out of her shock. She approached Charlie. "You do not have to talk to them. They'll leave eventually."

Charlie considered. "No. They took the time to come here. I want to talk to them. Or…I at least want to hear what they have to say."

Vaggie hesitated but then finally nodded and stepped aside.

Charlie took a deep breath, gave a reassuring look to everyone in the room, then approached the door and opened it up.

There her parents stood, her mother looking a little flushed at Vaggie's door slam, and her father holding an apple pie and trying to smile…or maybe trying not to cry. She was too tired to guess which. She made herself stand tall though and be diplomatic — she answered the door the way she would have for any demon on the street. "Hello. How can I help you?"

They both seemed a bit taken aback by the formal greeting. Her father looked wounded…and Charlie couldn't help but feel an unfortunate mix of pity but also satisfaction.

Lilith cleared her throat. "Charlotte, dear. We came to talk to you. Perhaps you could invite us in?"

"Talk to me about what?" she said levelly…and she didn't move away from the door.

Lilith narrowed her eyes slightly. "About how we handled discussing your work with the pentagram…and about how you're handling your response to it now."

Charlie hesitated. She swallowed and gripped her hands to keep herself steady as she spoke again. "You went on the air with footage from a private family matter of one of my guests and told everyone that me and my hotel are destined failures. And my response is being here right now with my guests and their friends, planning our lunch and our future. I'm not sure what else there is to discuss."

"Charlie," her father stepped forward, "Please, just listen. We…maybe we went too far."

Charlie frowned, looking into his eyes. "Is that really all you can say to me?"

He swallowed and tried to smile, pushing the pie forward. "I-I brought one of our special apple pies — the secret is to put in one pear, remember?"

She didn't reach fo the pie. She shook her head. "It's not enough, Dad."

Lucifer looked stricken.

Lilith frowned. "Charlie, do not speak to your father like that."

"Mom, there's no other way I can speak to either of you that you'll actually listen to. I'm out of options." Her brow furrowed, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. "I know you think the way I live my life and the way I rule our people are all big dangerous mistakes waiting to end in disappointment. But being worried about who I am and what I do does not give you the right to hurt everything I care about until I have nothing left but whatever you want for me."

Lucifer and Lilith stared back at her with wide eyes.

Charlie swallowed, brushing away a tear that managed to escape. "And if there are consequences to the path I've chosen, fine! I'll handle them! I'll do anything for these people — they aren't just anonymous mortals. They have names and lives and dreams. And I value keeping all of that safe so much more than I value just keeping myself safe. You can disagree…but you can't try to hurt me or them any more just because you think you're in the right."

She took a deep breath in and out as her parents continued to watch her. Then Charlie stepped back. "Now please, leave me alone. I need some time away from you."

She went to turn around and close the door, but Lucifer stepped forward, keeping it ajar. "Wait, Charlie, come now — h-how about the three of us just sit down here and eat the pie and talk all this over?" Charlie turned back around, frowning. "The three of us? Do you even see the other people in this room? Do you even see my girlfriend — Vaggie? The wonderful person who's been comforting me and taking care for…years now despite everything you've put me through." Vaggie blushed a little as Charlie went on. "You still don't get it, do you?" She shook her head.

"Charlotte," Lilith stepped forward. "You may sympathize with our subjects, but you cannot deny that your origins are something greater—"

"Lineage doesn't make a person great — actions do. And right now I'm ashamed of your actions." Some tears escaped, but Charlie kept her gaze and voice firm. "I belong at this hotel, with these people. More than I belong with you. That's what you said to me dad, before I left to open the hotel, remember? 'You don't belong here, Charlie.' Well, you're right — I don't belong at the mansion, I don't belong with leaders like you two, and I don't belong with other hellborn beings. I admit it, and I'm proud of it. Now please LEAVE before you make things worse." She sniffed, her lip wobbling, her tenacity starting to give way to emotional exhaustion again. "You don't even care…"

"That's not true!" Lucifer cried out. "I spent a week checking up on those anchors and that news station, trying to find ways to keep the segment under control. And I wanted someone to come check on you here too, but I couldn't reach them. I hired a little demon girl who reminded me so much of you with her spunk and fire. I…YOU!" His wide eyes suddenly fell on Crymini who had been doing her best to hide behind the couch. He pointed in her direction, desperation in his voice. "You, Crymini, yes… Why didn't you answer my messages? You were right here and you couldn't let me how how Charlotte was?"

Crymini had tears in her eyes, but she glared and wiped them away. "You didn't deserve to know how she was! You made all this happen even when I told you not to!"

"Tell her I cared!"

"No! That's just a lie you told yourself!" She growled back at him.

Lucifer's eyes flashed gold, like snake eyes. Then he blinked back tears and began to stride forward. "That is not true!" Crymini hugged her tail, frozen on the spot, but Husk immediately shielded her with his wing while Molly came beside her, eyes flashing deadly pink in Lucifer's direction.

"STOP!"

Lucifer froze in place as Charlie suddenly stepped right in front of him, her dark eyes now red, her horns fully grown, her hair fanning out behind her like golden flames. Her voice was shaking, filled with barely-restrained anger. "You leave her alone…or you'll have to go through me. And I will not be gentle, Dad. She's a kid, she's my guest, and she's our subject. She doesn't deserve to deal with your problems just because you don't want to deal with them yourself."

All of Lucifer's desperation and animosity disappeared. He was trembling.

"Charlotte." Lilith's eyes flashed with her own magic, and she came to Lucifer and held him close. "How dare you…to your father…and in front of all these…"

"Oh, so now you notice them, mom? Now that you're embarrassed?" Charlie glared, still in her demonic form. "Please, I am asking you again to leave — at least do that much for me. I don't deserve your unkindness, and our subjects don't either. Besides…" she swallowed, her voice low and cold, "…we all know that even though you tried to imply being part angel makes me weak…it actually maybe makes me stronger than dad or you. I don't want to test that theory out, but I will if I have to. I'll make you go. You can't hurt me anymore without consequences." She took a deep breath, and slowly returned to her normal form. The tears started to fall freely now. "You betrayed heaven once. And now you've betrayed me. And I've outgrown the cycle." Then she held her head high, turned around, and strode toward the stairs as steadily as she could, Vaggie immediately at her side.

"Charlie?" Lucifer was crying now. "I…fine, we'll go. But perhaps I could come back in a few days and we can talk then? When you're feeling better…"

"A few days?" Charlie paused on the stairs and turned around, looking so much like her father in her sadness. "Dad…King Lucifer…you really don't understand how much work it would take to fix this, do you? It's not just the news show, it's so many other things too. I hope you'll understand one day. Then maybe when you finally do, we can try again."

Lilith watched her husband crumbling and her daughter receding. As her own tears fell, she guided Lucifer to the door. "Charlotte…we love you, and this conversation is not over. We will try again." Her gaze met Charlie's…and for a moment Charlie saw something tender there that she hadn't seen in a while. Before another reply could be made though, Lilith turned away and led her husband outside. The door closed behind them.

Charlie let out a shuddery sigh and nearly collapsed on the stairs, suddenly sobbing. Vaggie held her close, patting her on the back. "Shh, it's okay, it's okay. They're gone, and you did…so good. I'm so proud of you, Charlie."

"You stood up for all of us and yourself," Angel assured from the bottom of the stairs. "Ya did great. I wish I could have been half as good at setting boundaries with my Pops."

Alastor climbed a few steps closer up to her. "Charlie, that was a tour de force, truly. I was ready to intervene if they tried to overwhelm you, but you were an utter sensation. And everything you said was spot on."

Charlie took a deep breath and got standing. She actually had a small smile on her face. She looked back at Alastor. "Alastor…just to make it official…I definitely accept your offer to do a radio show for the hotel. And we're going to keep it classy and positive and only talk about us — my parents don't deserve any satisfaction from seeing us make it all about them."

Alastor beamed…then gave her a bow.

"That's it, Charlie." Vaggie smiled. "We'll fight all their negativity with all your positivity, and it'll all turn out okay."

They held hands as Charlie nodded and smiled. Then she blinked. "There's just one thing though… What was my dad talking about with spying on the news station and Crymini?" She blinked and looked around. "Crymini?"

Husk sighed. "She took off into the backyard." He scratched his head. "I thought she was keeping a secret of some kind… Definitely didn't know it was about getting mixed up with Lucifer though."

"Poor girl, Lucifer using her like that." Molly frowned.

Charlie took a deep breath. "I'll go talk to her."

"Babe, are you sure you don't want to lie down?" Vaggie asked.

Charlie shook her head. "It's okay. She's my subject, and I want to help her. I'll be back soon. Order lunch in the meantime, okay?"

Vaggie nodded. They shared a quick kiss, then Charlie headed through the lobby to the yard.
She found Crymini hiding underneath the patio table. She cleared her throat. "Crymini?"

"I'm sorry." Crymini pulled in her knees, her ears down and her tail tucked around her legs. "I know I should have told you about working with your dad, but you seemed so sad when I got here, and I didn't want to make anything even sadder and I didn't want you to be mad at me. But then you got even sadder anyway, and I didn't know what to do…" She sighed heavily. "Your dad found me and paid me to spy on the news studio to get an idea of what doing the show with Katie and Tom would be like. I think…he thought he was doing a good thing. But after I figured out who he was and what was going on, I told him that the best thing would be to cancel it all! And he didn't fucking listen. So I just…ran here to try and warn you because I couldn't think of anything else to do." She glared at the ground. "Then he texted me to keep an eye on you here, but I ignored him because he…he doesn't deserve access to you if he's not going to treat you right. Shitty parents get away with too much… I should know." She closed her eyes, letting some tears fall. "If you want me to leave, I will…"

Charlie knelt down, smiling gently. "Crymini, I don't want you to leave. And I'm so sorry my dad put you in this difficult position. He's…He's loving, but he can be selfish about it." She shrugged sheepishly and added, "I'm also sorry that I haven't been able to greet you properly yet. I'm Princess Charlie, and it's nice to meet you. I hope everyone's been showing you a good time and taking care of you."

Crymini sniffed and glanced at her. "It's…nice to meet you too. And yeah, everyone's…great. Even Alastor isn't so bad."

Charlie laughed. "I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that."

Crymini rolled her eyes. Then she shrugged. "And I like Husk. He gets me."

Charlie beamed. "Now I KNOW Husk would be very, very happy to hear that."

Crymini laughed a little too.

Charlie held out her hand. "Anyway, I hope you'll stay with us for as long as you'd like — as a guest or a visitor. Welcome to our happy hotel."

Crymini's taił gave a few subtle wags as she reached out and gently shook with Charlie. Then she let Charlie help her stand up.

"So," Charlie shrugged. "Want to head inside now? We're ordering lunch — Salvadorian food, Vaggie's favorite."

Crymini's eyes brightened, and she nodded. "There's SO MUCH good food here — I love it!"

"I'm happy to hear it." Charlie smiled. "Even if you decide to leave here, you can come by for a meal anytime. Promise."

"I'd like that a lot." Crymini nodded, then she crossed her arms and gave a shrug. "Also, if it helps to know, I'm not sure how seriously anyone took that mess of a news show. Seemed kind of desperate. You're still cool to people, Charlie. And they'll definitely think you're even cooler the more they keep getting to know you… Uh, Charlie?"

Charlie was beaming so brightly that there were stars in her eyes. "Oh thank you, Crymini!" She rubbed her cheeks and then held open her arms for a hug.
Crymini held up her hands. "Oh, uh, I don't really do hugs but…you're welcome." She bit her lip then gave Charlie's arm a small, quick hug before dashing inside.

Charlie laughed, watching her go. Her heart felt so much lighter again. Despite all of the difficulties that had come to pass lately, there was still so much to look forward to…especially a very entertaining radio show to come.

A/N:

That's all for now! The radio show and a lot of other fun things are going to happen soon. Thank you all for your support and for reading, I appreciate it 3 I need to take another break now to work on some personal things and rest and get more chapters drafted. More updates will come later in the winter. Thank you for understanding!

Take care!

-Azure129