A/N:

Hi again everyone! Still trying to give updates while I have a little free time :) I hope you enjoy some cute RadioDust and Chaggie, and Angel and Cherri friendship stuff. Thank you for reading! Happy New Year!

Partners

Chapter 93:

Pour One Out for (Best) Friends and (Found) Family

"Oh no…" Vaggie stepped out of her room into the hallway and sighed as she finished reading the piece of paper in her hand.

When she had returned from taking Razzle and Dazzle for a walk, she had intended to talk to the others about dinner plans and make a snack to bring up to Charlie. However, the moment she entered the lobby, that dog demon girl Crymini had dashed down the stairs with a worried look and 'casually' suggested that maybe checking in on Charlie first would be a good idea.

Vaggie didn't know the girl well, but she knew how to take a hint. She'd gone right up stairs and entered their room…only to discover it empty…and to see that the little trapdoor in the floor by their bed was exposed; the one leading to a small collection of bottles of angelic wine (Charlie had brought them from her father's private reserve before moving out of the Mange mansion to break one against the hotel for celebrating their opening…and to have a few on hand for distracting wayward angels in case any came near the hotel on extermination day).

Vaggie found her girlfriend's note right away. She quickly down Razzle and Dazzle for a nap, headed out into the hall, and read, frowning the entire time.

'Vaggie. I needed some fresh air. But I can't go out on the streets of hell, around my people, since they probably think I'm a failure now too. So I'm spending some time on the roof, and I brought a bottle with me to toast heaven. That's where all this mess started, after all, I guess.

Sometimes I wonder if the almighty would have liked me more than my parents do. I always wanted a grandparent. Too bad they only thing heaven wants to do with demons is exterminate them, right? My entire family is such a mess… I hope I'm never a mess like that to you.

Please take care of Razzle and Dazzle and the others for the rest of the day and tell them I'm doing better. I just need some time alone without all of them worrying about me. It hurts. They need me to be myself and their princess in a way I just can't be right now.

I love you. Without you, I wouldn't be okay. Please don't worry either.

-Charlie'

Vaggie was immediately heading down the hall to get to the roof stairway. She wanted to give Charlie the space she needed, but she also had to check on her, just in case. Charlie's emotions could fluctuate — maybe while writing the note she had wanted to be alone but now that she was up there (and possibly sloshed — heaven wine was potent) she might be crying or feeling sick or singing off-key show tunes and just wishing for a friend.

Vaggie had to pause as she reached the third floor, just trying to catch her breath, her legs feeling weak beneath her. She had only slept an hour or two in the kitchen last night (Alastor had left her behind with a blanket, sweetly enough), and ever since she had been back on high alert about Charlie. Such a wave of exhaustion came over her now that she felt like she could have dropped to her knees right here and silently cried herself into a long, deep sleep.

She heard the sound of a burst of magic beside her.

"You know, Vagatha, a smile is just a frown turned upside down, ha…"

Vaggie blinked and looked up (and also finally realized that she had tears in her eyes).

There was Alastor, looking at her with a soft smile, and his brow knit in just a touch of worry.

"Alastor…uh…" She blinked a few times and steadied herself with the railing. "Hi. Sorry, were you looking for me? what time is it? Fuck, almost five, right? Everyone's probably wondering about dinner. I…I'll order some pizzas or something." She went to grab her phone, but Alastor held up a hand.

"Now, now not to worry," he assured. "Angel and I were talking to everyone, and they're each cooking a dish in the kitchen — sort of a potluck thing, ha! Dinner should be ready within the hour. Niffty will set places for you and Charlie again, or we'd be happy to send you up plates."

Vaggie sighed and nodded, leaning against the wall for a moment. "Thanks. A lot." She rubbed her eye and found she was wiping away a tear. "For…for taking care of things around here all day with Angel. And for last night, with me… The kitchen and the tea and the blanket…"

Alastor cleared his throat, quickly changing the subject with a slight glow in his features. "Oh, anytime. But, Vagatha, dear, pardon me for saying but you seem tired. If Charlie is napping and you don't wish to disturb her, I'm certain I could set you up in my office for a rest or one of the spider siblings would be happy to offer their quarters."

"I, no… I mean…" She gripped her hands, trying not to shake in frustration at her own fatigue. "Yes, I'm very tired. But Charlie's not sleeping. She's on the roof…drinking. She left me a note that says she's okay, but I don't know if I should give her space or go up there anyway… She is REALLY a mess about all of this, Alastor. She thinks not a good princess just because her fucked up parents think anyone who isn't exactly like them isn't fit to be demon royalty!" She threw her arms in the air in exasperation, scowling. "And I…" Her brief burst of anger was giving way to more tears now. "I… Maybe I'm not good enough for her because I don't have the powers or connections or reputation to fix any of this for her."

Alastor glowed for a moment, eyes darting around awkwardly. But then he steeled himself and held his head high. "Poppycock!" he announced, flicking his hand to give her a hanky. "Vagatha, come now, you know as well as I do that all these doubts are just your fatigue and stress talking. Charlie and you are just right for one another. And just because a certain king and queen made a mess of things doesn't mean the burden of fixing it all should fall to you or to Charlie or to any one person. In point of fact, this seems like an ideal time for all of us to band together and make a great cooperative show of just what this hotel is capable of doing! Ha! Speaking of…I have an idea, you know!" He couldn't help saying the last few words in a singsong voice.

Vaggie blinked, her tears gone. She tilted her head as she dried her eyes with the hanky and looked at Alastor. "What…what do you mean?"

"I have a plan for how to expertly fix the hotel's reputation, politely put the king and queen in their place, and utterly dissuade future naysayers while attracting fresh guests to grow our happy home! And in the way only the Radio Demon can, ha!" He grinned proudly. Vaggie hesitated, still a bit shaky. "Alastor…you've been very decent and helpful about everything, so I don't want this to sound like a dig, but I'm too exhausted to put it any other way. You know you can't…eat Lucifer and Lilith on air as a power move right? First, I honestly don't know if you're strong enough to take on one of them, let alone both. And second Charlie does love them and it would fuck her up immensely if you hurt them in any way."

Alastor sighed and rolled his eyes. "Oh come now, Vaggie, you know I'm capable of conflict resolution without going right to cannibalism or even violence. I think I've demonstrated my abilities other persuasive abilities well over the last few months here. Besides, murder can be boring even if it's flashy sometimes." His eyes hazed in delight. "But methodical revenge…now that is eternally fun."

"Alastor…" Vaggie sighed, brow furrowed in worry.

He snapped out of the gleeful moment with an amused chuckle. Then he spoke to her seriously. "Vaggie, I have no intention of doing anything sinful or harmful to the king and queen. And I have every intention of securing Charlotte's permission and full cooperation before engaging in my plan. In fact, I'd really like our whole little group to be on board. Trust me, I think you'll be pleased." He winked.

Vaggie almost smiled. She nodded. "Okay, I trust you, Alastor." She met his eyes. "Like REALLY trust you. I wanted you gone when you first showed up here, I was on my guard for weeks afterwards, I was finally willing to relax a bit around you for weeks after that. But lately — and especially after last night — I trust you completely." She held out her hand.

Alastor's eyes widened. Vaggie had to smile — she knew being willing to shake his hand was a big deal for him. He hesitantly reached out, gripped her hand with some reverence, and they shook.
Alastor pulled back, utterly beaming. "Oh…splendid, Vaggie!" He stood tall, holding his microphone so proudly. Then he cleared his throat and tried to put on his usual causal demeanor as he added, "Now, as someone you trust, I think I must tell you that you're clearly exhausted. Charlie doesn't want that, you don't want that, and neither do I. Please, go lie down in your room and take a long nap. I'll go check on Charlie myself — I want to discuss my plan with her anyway. I'll bring her down when she's ready to rest with you as well, and when you two wake up later there'll be piping hot plates ready and waiting for you."

"Oh, Alastor…" Vaggie smiled, some tears in her eyes again. "Honestly that sounds…incredible. And I trust you with her, it's just…" Vaggie bit her lip. "Remember how I said she's up there drinking? She…usually doesn't like to be seen like that. She's a lot less, uh…perky. Kinda grumpy, and she sings but for some reason it's all completely off-key — she says it's embarrassing."

Alastor shrugged. "Ha! Not to worry, I'll only poke my head out there to check on her, say hi if she seems amenable, let her know about dinner, and leave if she asks me to. Perhaps I'll even have a drink as well, so she doesn't feel alone. A glass of mild wine actually sounds delightful after everything we've been through," he mused.

Vaggie grinned a little and crossed her arms. "Well, she does have wine up there, but you may want to avoid it. Regular alcohol doesn't really effect her considering her angel and demon heritage, so she needs something special — divine wine. Fair warning, it's good but don't have more than a sip because it will get a human soul plastered immediately."

"Ha!" Alastor put on a laugh track. "Well, I'll admit I'm no Husker, but I can manage a stiff drink in a pinch! Challenge accepted." He snapped his fingers — a blanket appeared around Vaggie's shoulders, fuzzy slippers appeared on her feet, and a cup of tea appeared in her hands. "Now, off to bed with you — my mother always said a good rest cures all!" He shooed her in the direction of her room.

She smiled and followed his lead. "Thanks, Alastor. But if you need me, please me come get me. Charlie being okay is most important to me…like how Angel being okay is most important for you. All right?" She met his eyes.

Alastor looked back at her. "You have my word."

They shared a nod of understanding. Then Alastor gave her a confident smile and held up his hand. "Ta ta!" He disappeared with a snap of his fingers.

Vaggie watched the spot where he had been a moment longer before slowly heading back down the stairs, sipping her tea. She made her way to their room, eyes already heavy. By the time she shuffled inside, the teacup was empty. She set it on their nightstand and crawled into their bed with the blanket, cuddling near Razzle and Dazzle. Almost immediately her body went slack and her head swam with peaceful sleep. Alastor would help. She had seen him in action, and she really did trust him now more than ever.

For the last hour, Angel had been standing over the hotel stove, using his six arms to cook on four burners, while Alastor had fussed with slicing and dicing vegetables and venison, and everyone else took up their own stations around the kitchen, making side dishes and main courses and cleaning as they all went along.

Soon, almost all the food for dinner was prepared, and the others drifted away to take care of errands or chores. Alastor and Angel had been left to cook alone again in peace. But then the deer's ears had flicked — Vaggie was home. With an apology for leaving him to finish making dessert on his own (and a kiss for good measure), Alastor had explained that he wanted to head upstairs to check if Vaggie and Charlie would be joining them. Angel had kissed him back and told him he was sweet and a good man — and that after checking on Charlie he should just stay upstairs and take a nap before dinner. Besides, there wasn't much left to do. With one final kiss shared between them, the Radio Demon had departed and Angel had gone back to whipping up some chocolate ganache to dip the biscotti in that Niss had left cooling on a pan.

He was considering whipping up a little something extra for dessert, and just as he pulled some cream and eggs out of the fridge, Cherri came in through the back door from the garden. She saw Angel's arms full and came forward, grabbing a few things for him. "Whoa, hun, what's all this stuff for? I thought the cooking was finished."

"Gonna whip up some fresh gelato to go with the biscotti Niss made — and the apple pie Vaggie made that's finishing up in the oven." Angel grinned and put everything on the counter and set a pot on the stove. "Cherry swirl, your favorite." He winked.

Cherri smiled and set down her ingredients by his on the counter. "Angie, it's sweet that you and Alastor want to make sure we have a great spread tonight just like for breakfast, but I don't want you to push yourself. This is only your first day feeling better." She took his place at the stove. "Here, just chill — sit and put chocolate on Niss's cookies. I'll take care of the gelato. You taught he how to make it anyway." She poured the cream and sugar into the pot and started stirring.

Angel sighed, suddenly feeling his fatigue catching up with him. He popped himself onto the counter and started dunking cookies into the ganache again. "Thanks, hun, I appreciate it."

Cherri nodded. She bit her lip, eyeing him. "Angel, is that burn really is all better now?"

He nodded and rolled down the calf of his boot and his sock to show her the little pock marks in his fur. "Yeah, and the fur should grow back in soon. But no more pain or burning." He rolled everything back up and went back to tending to the biscotti. "I didn't mean to take on so much today. I guess I just want to prove to Al and everyone that they don't have to worry about me anymore. Especially Charlie. She's got enough on her plate."

Cherri nodded. "I get it, and that's nice of you. But…it's okay to still take some time for yourself. To let yourself process. You went through a lot." She put a hand on his arm. "If you need to talk ever, I'm here."

Angel smiled and put his hand over hers, giving it a squeeze. "I do know. And thanks. I'll probably take you up on that offer once things settle down and I finish accepting Pops is out of our lives forever…after making a whole scene across hell first." He rolled his eyes.

She chuckled. "Okay." Cherri looked at him with worry for another moment but then grinned. "So…if I remember right, Alastor's divine wound only healed up after you two spent a whole night in his office being sappy with each other. What made yours heal up exactly?"

Angel grinned, eyes hazed. "Another sappy night together. Plus he…told me he loved me."

"Angie! That's amazing!" Cherri wrapped her arms around him and hugged tight. She pulled back. "See, I knew he'd get around to it. Rosie and Mimzy said he would soon."

"Heh, yeah." Angel smiled. "You been having fun staying with those two?"

"Yeah. They're nice. They've been helping me a little." Her smile softened as she went back to stirring the pot.

"Cherri…everything been okay?" Angel tilted his head. "Niss said…well, he said that I should check in with you. But I've been so busy dealing with this angelic wound thing. Sorry."

"You don't have to be sorry. It's okay. I wanted you to take some time and heal. Just like how I want you to take some time and rest now," Cherri assured.

Angel nodded with a smile. Then he gave her a dry look. "Hun, I appreciate that, but you're still not answering my question. What's up exactly?"

Cherri sighed. "I just…realized I needed my own break. I mean…I love being there for you and now the hotel and all the new people here, but…I've been tired." She shrugged. "I feel like I keep myself so distracted with looking out for everyone else and blasting away overlords that my own afterlife is sort of passing me by. And…I guess I'm not unhappy with where I am, but I'm not sure if I'm happy or what exactly will make me happy going forward." She glanced at Angel with a small smile. "Kind of a mid-afterlife crisis, I guess."

"I didn't know." Angel frowned. "Cherri…I appreciate your help so much, but if you need help too, I want to be here for you. And if you want to change anything in your life, I support you all the way. Seriously." He turned to her and put his hands on her shoulders. "You always put people first. But you deserve to come first too."

Cherri blinked and smiled more, suddenly having to wipe a tear from her eye. "Thanks. That's…that's exactly what Rosie and Mimzy have been saying. But it means so much hearing those words from you too." She gave him a tight hug then pulled back. "I guess I just need a new normal for myself and some time to figure out what I want that new normal to be." She sighed. "Right now, I'm okay just living in Cannibal Colony and taking a break from turf wars and drama while I consider my options. The 'me time' has helped."

"I'm glad." Angel smiled. "And, hey, if or whenever you decide to leave, if you don't feel like crashing alone at your hideout, you could always move in here with us. Me and Molly and Niss are officially living her now, after all — might as well complete the family with you." He winked.

Cherri blushed. "Angie, come on, I'm not—"

"Oh fuck that — you are the badass cousin we always deserved and never had, and you know it. You are adopted, so get used to it, sister." He gave her a nudge

Cherri laughed with a snort. "Okay, okay, I get it. Does this mean I have to start making my own sauce and cutting my own pasta along with cooking up my own gelato?"

"Baby steps." Angel winked.

She rolled her eye. Cherri glanced at the pot. "I think this is thick enough. You planning to churn this the old-fashioned way?"

"Well, I do have six arms." Angel shrugged with a smirk.

"Yeah, and you're also taking a break. Besides, you've got six arms…but I've got two pythons." She flexed one of her arms. "Just keep putting chocolate on the biscotti, I'll take care of this." She set the pot side and grabbed two bowls and some ice from the fridge and salt. She smiled as she set everything on the counter. "Alastor must be happy about you feeling better…and about all the love stuff. He's been stuck by your side all day except for right now."

"He wanted to check on Charlie." Angel frowned in worry as he finished up with the last of the biscotti. "After whatever he saw with her last night, he's almost as worried about her now as he was about me after the mob battle. I really hope she's okay…and him too. Rosie and Mimzy even had me help make him some venison parm to help restore his energy and magic. And Vaggie made the apple pie to make Charlie happy. I just hope it's all enough."

Cherri grinned as she started churning. "You've become a badass leader around here, you know. And an ace boyfriend."

"Takes one to know one about being a badass leader." Angel grinned as he covered the finished biscotti and went to place the pan in the fridge for the chocolate to harden. "And speaking of the other thing, you ever think about showing off your ability to be an ace girlfriend? Ya know, as a way of relaxing and trying new things." He smiled softly. "You're a catch, Cherri. You deserve all the support and love in the world. If you're looking for dates, I could set you up with some people."

Cherri smiled but sighed. "I appreciate it, Angie. But I'm just trying to focus on me right now. Either way, you know how hard it is for me to find people who actually match my stylish yet cutthroat energy, heh." "Very fair. No one is good enough for you, babe. And I'm proud of you for having your standards," he assured, sitting beside her. "And I appreciate you wanting to do the hard work with the gelato, but let's take turns. My arms aren't what got shot after all, so you shouldn't have to take on the heavy lifting yourself. We're here for each other."

Cherri met his gaze and smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Angie. I love you."

"Love you too, Cherri."

They gave each other a little hug over the gelato then Angel took a turn churning while Cherri grabbed them some water and stretched her arms.

Angel smiled. They were all growing up and getting better — there were so many good changes. And this talk between himself and Cherri had been a good one. His best friend had helped him survive hell the last few years, which had also included some of the roughest moments of his life. And now it was time to find some happy endings.

While Angel and Cherri continued talking and putting the finishing touches on tonight's meal, a very important conversation proceeded to take place on the hotel roof above them.

After leaving Vaggie behind, Alastor appeared on the hotel roof in a burst of magic and heard…humming.

Of course he heard humming — this was Charlie after all, whether depressed and buzzed or right as rain. And Vaggie had said she did have a tendency to sing (off key) when inebriated.

He headed forward and found her resting on a lounge chair with a bottle of spirits in hand, the glowing a pearly white color of which left no doubts about its heavenly origins.

He cleared his throat, tone chipper. "Pardon! Is this a private party or may I join you?"

"Oh…Alastor." Charlie sighed deeply, not turning to face him, her voice sounding weary. "How long have I been up here? Fu-uck…" A hiccup interrupted the swear.

Alastor let out a sigh of his own. However Charlie might be when drunk, he had dealt with Husker's sauced shenanigans often enough to know how to manage even the most ornery of demons in such a state. She could rant about her problems, curse the heavens, or even insult him, and he wouldn't be at all dissuaded. Even if she burst into a tune, he would just take it in stride. She needed help, and he was not at the end of help he could provide.

Alastor laughed. "Ha, Charlie, who's to say how long you've been up here? But, as long as we're both here now, I would like to have a word with you — and perhaps share a drink!" He sauntered over and leaned down toward her. "And after our chat, I'll either be happy to escort you downstairs or to leave you up here I'll be on my merry way. What do you say? Do we have a deal?" He played a laugh track.

Charlie finally pushed herself up and looked at him. Her blond hair was tousled, her dark eyes were weary, her shirt was wrinkled, and instead of her normal chipper tone or one of her engaging laughs, a belch left her before she took a deep breath and finally spoke. "Alastor…I value and app-hic-reciate you as one of my citizens and as a supporter and guest of this hotel…"

Alastor held up a finger with an awkward shrug. "Er, still not a guest technically—"

Charlie put a hand to her head, mumbling to herself. "Oh, for the love of hell, we're still doing the whole 'pride and ego in denial' thing at being a guest, huh?" She let out a sigh and addressed him again. "Anyway, I appreciate you, but you can't fix this. This problem is…it's the biggest one of -hic- all the problems. It's about me, and how I'm maybe terrible at my job! My whooooole identity!" She threw her arms in the air and nearly fell backward off the lounge chair, the weight of the bottle in her hand dragging her along.

"Ah, hold on there!" Alastor moved his cane behind her back to keep her upright. He took a seat on a lounge chair across from her. "Very well, you're correct — I'm a guest by all accounts except my own admission. Still processing the matter, I'm afraid. But more importantly you are not terrible at your job, and you know it."

Charlie took another deep drink from the white bottle then gave him a dry look. "I'm a smiling, singing, dancing princess who wants to share love and happiness with everyone. And I'm supposed to be in charge of the people who have done the worst things in the world. I don't fit here, Alastor." Her gaze went up, where the bright ball of heaven glowed in the sky. "Come on — my parents hinted at it on the news, but it's obvious. Must have been obvious to you and everyone else for ages. I've got a spirit more like an angel than a demon. But I've got demon powers. Hic! I'm wired wrong. And I don't belong. I don't fit in any-hic-where."

She went to take another swig, but Alastor deftly pulled the bottle away. "Charlie, no one worth knowing is wired RIGHT. 'Being perfect' and 'fitting in' and 'meeting all expectations' is for people who have no agency — people who simply do what they're told because they're afraid to be who they are and make a stir. That is not you, and I for one think it's splendid! Who needs an EVIL princess running hell? We already have plenty of evil to go around! No, no — your nature and how true you are to it drives the heart of hell and makes sinners realize that an interesting life is still attainable even after they've been condemned here for eternity! I wouldn't change a thing about you, and that's coming from one of the most vile overlords in hell, ha!"

Charlie's eyes were wide as they stared into his, so full of doubt. Yet she was listening intently.

Alastor's voice softened as he went on. "Do you recall how much you helped Angel after his divine injury? And how you helped me weeks ago after my own? You took us in, cared for us, stayed by our sides. Giving your all for both a sinner and an overlord. Charlie…you sacrifice for your citizens — all kinds of demons, not just the strongest and cruelest. And most of the sinners here aren't terribly strong or cruel, which means you represent your people in full effect. You stand for all of us in a way no one else could, in a situation no one asked for but to which fate has condemned us anyway just for being flawed — the exterminations. We feel safer under your guidance, Princess Charlie. Please don't ever forget that." He bowed his head. Then, feeling awkward as she watched him with eyes even wider and more shining, Alastor cleared his throat and held up the bottle. "Er, in fact, a toast to you, my dear!" And then he took a swig.

Charlie momentarily sobered up. "Wait, no, Alastor, that's—"

Alastor immediately swallowed hard and nearly flung the bottle away, eyes glowing red and ears twitching with static and body shaking with slight tremors of surprise. "Egad!" He coughed. "Were you trying to forget your WORRIES or your NAME? What is IN that?"

Charlie took the bottle and shook her head with a grin. "Regular alcohol doesn't affect me much…because of being part angel and part demon. I have to drink heavenly wine. It's…really not meant for sinners." She took another deep swig, finishing off the last of the bottle, then she set it down, blushed as she belched, and bit her lip. "Are you okay?" "Ha…y-yes…" Alastor fanned himself, the red in his eyes draining though his cheeks flushed now as his ears flicked in various directions. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his coat. "Perfectly, fine, I'm made of quite strong stuff, ha! But my dear, how…ohhh…how are you?" He brought a hand to his head and winced. "Feeling better?"

Charlie watched him for a moment. Then her eyes shimmered as her lip wobbled. Then she burst into tears.

Alastor really felt like he had been getting better at managing others having emotional moments around him. But his head was swimming slightly now, and she really was bawling quite hard, and he found himself wondering and worrying if something in his previous speech had set her off. "I…did I do this wrong?" he asked, unable to comprehend a wittier way to put the question in this moment.

He heard something akin to a laugh — a good, hearty laugh — and felt immense relief.

She was still crying as she looked at him, but she was smiling too. "No, you were perfect. Really. You… I'm sorry, I just… This is what I always wanted from my dad or even my mom growing up — for them to sit down and tell me I mattered and that I was more than enough whenever I doubted myself. You'd make a really good dad, Alastor. Is that okay to say?"

Alastor blinked, frozen in place, and then suddenly realized that his own eyes were leaking hot tears now. "I…oh applesauce, what's going on here?" His shoulders shook as emotions ran haywire through his head and heart. "Good heavens…" He just wanted to sob at the slightest provocation.

He tried to snap his fingers a few times to get himself a hanky but missed the mark, his reflexes already sluggish from his one sip of that wine.

Charlie smiled a little more and pulled out hankies for them from her jacket. "I'm sorry, Alastor! It's the heavenly wine. It makes me a little emotional too. I didn't mean to make you cry."

"I…it's…I suppose I started it." He clutched the hanky close. "It's just, erm…er…my own father was…not good? No one's ever said to me that I might be a good one myself — that I could be better than him. That's all I've ever wanted to prove to myself…" He rested his head in his hands. "Oh blast, I did not intend to share that truth with ANYONE save my Angel…"

"Anything you tell me stays between us, Alastor," Charlie said softly, her smile warm. "And I really -hic- do think you'd make an amazing dad. I wish mine had talked to me like you just did. Heh…or I even wish I had a big brother like you." The tears were heavy in her eyes again.

"Deal! Happy to obl-hic-ige!" Alastor announced. "You may come to me for all your supportive older sibling needs — I'll take lessons from Niss if I have -hic- to!" He held out a hand for her to shake.

Charlie took his hand in both her own and hugged it close.

Alastor felt good and lighthearted despite the heady feeling still working its way through his system.

Her smile fell again though. "Alastor? Being close means…telling the truth. So, even if it should be okay for me to be me…you can tell me if hell might be better off if I acted differently about some things sometimes." She squeezed his hand. "Kindness…makes me vulnerable and sensitive and weak. A target. A crueler person could defend hell better. A person who can make the tough decisions without mercy." Her teary eyes met his. "My parents really would have loved having you as a son, you know."

Alastor sighed (and tried to ignore a sudden compulsion to hum a tune and dance around on the roof with her as he spoke his reassuring words). "Charlie, however much I'd love to use that comment to assert some kind of claim to extra power as an overlord — frankly my dear, to hell with what your blasted parents would have loved or preferred in offspring. Hic!" He looked into her eyes, clinging to some of his final wits. "They got you — mine got me — Angel's father got him and his delightful siblings. If our parents cannot appreciate us as we are, it's their -hic- problem, and they don't deserve to distress us!" His smile grew. "Your differences make you unpredictable and powerful in different ways than overlords or sinners or even the king and queen. Perhaps…oh dear…" he brought a hand to his throbbing head, trying to stay focused, "perhaps your nature has something heavenly in it ,but in that case who better to understand heaven and keep us safe from its wrath? You are our leader for a reason…and I'm going to shelp you hoe it… I mean, help you show it! Do you trust me?"

She sniffed but nodded. "I do, Alastor. I trust you. But…I can't ask you to get involved. And maybe you shouldn't. My parents…this is very complicated politically…and cosmically. I'll protect you as much as I can, but it would still be…a lot. Hic!"

He just shrugged, somehow nearly losing his balance in his seat, but righting himself by clinging to Charlie's hand. "Oh, I've never been one for playing it safe! How boring, ha! So while I'm still -hic- lucid, I've had two thoughts recently, and I should like to ask your consent to each of them."

"Okay, let's hear them…" Charlie related his hand, sat back, and focused on him as intently as she could.

"First…" Alastor swirled a finger in the air, nearly made himself dizzy, but managed to keep steady, "I would like your permission to use one of the vacant third floor rooms to construct a small addition to the hotel. A little radio tower, ha! I should like to host codbrasts…broadcasts sometimes directly from the -hic- hotel!"

She bit her lip. "Alastor…I…It's just, your shows usually have a lot…murder."

He sighed dramatically and threw his arms in the air. "Oh, I'm not going to peep eeple - to EAT PEOPLE in the hotel! Land sakes, you and Vagatha, always with your heads in the cannibalistic gutter, ha!" He shook his head then held back a belch. "Er, I'd merely like to hosts shows from time to time, announce upcoming overlord plans, perhaps do some hotel promotion -hic- all from the comfort of my new happy home away from home. No one gets hurt here, my…my dear! Ha!" He could feel his words slurring already, and glowed in some embarrassment.

Charlie's expression relaxed then she nodded eagerly. "I think a tower might give you a nice space here to call your own! You can build it, Alastor. I want this place to feel like a home for you as much as possible."

"Excellent!" He beamed, accidentally flinging his microphone into the air then fumbling to quickly catch it. "Now, for my sec -hic- my second thought…" He smirked. "Your parents felt the need to go on television to share their commentary about our little hotel… How would you feel about a little revenge by sharing our own tommencary…commentary on the radio?"

Charlie blinked, eyes wide.

Alastor explained. "A full day marathon — myself as host, our supporters as special guests, all of us speaking on our own behalves and on yours! We'll drum -hic- up the best press imaginable! And we'll do it the right way!" His smile wobbled and his eyes hazed. Was the roof spinning? Oh, that was nice. But anyway, back to Charlie. "Imagine the utter fit your parents will have at seeing us turn the -hic- tide of hell to our views so swiftly. You won't need their endorsement to be our sinpress…suspress…princess — you'll endorse yourself and so will we, ha!" He blinked, beaming again. "-Hic- Well?" She bit her lip, brow furrowed in thought. "Alastor…I…I mean… we can't really do something like that…can we?" She gave him a hesitant look, eyes weary and cheeks flushed now.

He smirked. "We can and we shall. They're not the only ones who can pull a clever appeal to the -hic- masses. You can sleep on it if you'd like, consider it with a clearer head in the morning, even run it by Vaggie. But do let yourself have this, Charlie. Let me make swuch seet… such sweet revenge a reality." He suddenly considered sprawling out on the lounge chair, his head was swimming so much, but couldn't figure out how to get himself lying longways on the blasted piece of furniture.

Charlie's eyes darted around at his words…then a small smile settled on her lips. "Maybe."

"Ha! Anything but a flat out no is fine with me." Alastor winked…and then he felt his head dipping to one side, the weight of his microphone slowly making him fall over.

"Whoa!" Charlie caught his cane to steady him. "Alastor, uh, maybe we've both had enough and should go inside. There's a lot to think about." She did her best to stand and to pull him up with her, but they were both instantly wobbling on their feet and had to sit again.

"Uh oh." Alastor giggled. "I'm surprised that didn't work. There are two of you after all." Now he was seeing double — two princesses, side by side. "Hmm, how are there two of you, Charlie? Is that a magic trick? Will you teach me?" She really was just so swell and full of surprises.

Charlie smiled sheepishly and shook her head. "Maybe later. Alastor could you teleport us downstairs?"

He shook his head. "Not when I'm inebru…inebibri…inebrioo…Not when I'm -hic- drunk. It never goes well. Ended up half stuffed into two dresses on the rack at the emporium last time I tried." He blinked. "Er, don't tell anyone that please. Ugh, right now I have no capacity for deception or even the preservation of my own personal -hic- preputation…reputation! It's just awful." He felt teary again for now reason.

Charlie nodded…and then was nodding so much that she nearly fell forward and face-planted on the roof. She sighed. "Maybe we should just lay down here until the wine wears off? Or I could text Vaggie and Angel…"

"Ha, no, please…" Alastor brought a hand to his head, already pulling in his knees as he let himself drop like a stone onto the lounge chair. "Last I saw, Vagatha was taking a nap and Angel was helping cook dinner. Precious Angel… I don't want to bother them."

"Oh good, Vaggie's sleeping!" Charlie laid down as well and breathed out a sigh of relief. "I really wanted her to rest. " feel so bad that she was up almost all night with me. And then you were too." She sniffled. "Alastor you really are like some kind of great big brother!"

He smiled but groaned, pressing his face against the fabric of the chair. "Shh don't tell anyone… If people know I'm nice it'll cause sheer anarchy."

Charlie laughed, eyes drifting closed. "It might make you powerful in a special way…like me."

"It would tercainly…certainly…toss all the politicians for a -hic- loop, ha…" he mumbled, eyes easing closed as well. "We'll just…rest a few minutes… On the nice spinning roof."

"Mmm hmm…we'll feel better soon. I love this roof." Charlie yawned.
Curled up facing each other on their respective chairs, the two of them dozed off under hell's sunset.

"Do you think they're still up here?" Vaggie asked Angel as she opened the door to the roof, revealing the twilight sky of hell.

"They must be." Angel shrugged. "They weren't at dinner, and we checked all the rooms. And they wouldn't have gone out without saying something." He bit his lip. "I knew I should have checked when Al didn't come down to eat, but I just figured he was resting and I didn't want to wake him."

"I'm the one who overslept and didn't come up here soon." Vaggie hesitated in the roof doorway. "Maybe Alastor needed more time with Charlie than he thought to help her. She can have a lot of emotions to manage when she's been drinking. I hope they're both okay…" She furrowed her brow in worry.

Angel put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, no matter what, we'll help them keep feeling better — together." He winked.

Vaggie smiled a little. But as Angel started to walk forward she held up a hand. "Angel… did you ever talk to Charlie about the fact that…you're not interested in going to heaven anymore?"

Angel blinked then shook his head. "No. There just…hasn't been a good time. Between everything with the hotel and Alastor and Val and my pops and my brother and sister…" He furrowed his brow. "And now there's all the stuff with her parents. I don't want to upset her even more, make her think she did something wrong to make me not want heaven. She's going through enough."

Vaggie swallowed. "Maybe…when this stuff about her parents is better, you should think about finally telling her. She'll understand, but she might need time." She looked out over the ledge. "The next extermination will be here again before we know it. What happens over the next few months leading up to it will decide a lot of things for this hotel. We don't have to redeem someone by then, but…we do have to survive and grow. It's better if Charlie knows the truth so we can start finding and seriously working with people who want to go to heaven."

Angel nodded. "I get it. I'll talk to her once we get through this mess. And I'll scour the streets to help you two find a bunch of new heaven candidates if you want." He assured with a grin.

Vaggie smiled back. "I don't think 'scouring' is necessary, but if you could hand out fliers advertising us from time to time, that would be great."

"You got it," Angel winked.

Vaggie sighed. "All right, let's figure out where those two—Oh!" She had started walking across the roof but paused immediately, causing Angel to do the same.

There Charlie and Alastor were, each fast asleep on a lounge chair. They were turned on their sides, cuddled up and facing each other with flushed faces and happy smiles.

Vaggie brought a hand to her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Oh this is too cute," she whispered. "We should take pics…"

Angel barely stifled a giggle. "Eh, maybe not. Al isn't too big on photos. Let's just enjoy how sweet they look." He tilted his head. "I wonder what conked them both out though?"

Vaggie's eyes fell on a certain bottle and she pointed. "Heaven wine. That's what Charlie was drinking up here. It packs a punch…she can handle it okay, but mortal sinners really aren't supposed to drink it. Just a sip of that would be enough to knock out even Alastor for a bit."

Angel's eyes hazed lovingly as he looked at Alastor for another moment, but then he looked to the darkening sky and back to Vaggie. "I don't want to disturb them, but it's gonna get cold out here. We should bring 'em inside." "Yeah, and put them straight to bed." She nodded. "Come on…"

They headed over.

Vaggie knelt down beside Charlie and brushed the hair away from her eyes. "Babe? It's me. You fell asleep on the roof."

Charlie yawned and blinked open her eyes. She smiled. "Vaggie? Oh…I'm sorry. Did I worry you?"

Vaggie smiled too. "No. Everything's okay. Let's just get you inside."

Vaggie helped a drowsy Charlie to sit up then stand. Charlie leaned against her and looked to their other two guests up here. "Oh, Angel — hi! Aww…look, Alastor smiles when he sleeps. That's nice." She yawned, resting against her girlfriend.

Angel knelt down besides Alastor with a chuckle. "Hey, Smiles — psst. Wakey wakey, time to go inside."

"Mmm…" Alastor hummed, snuggling close to Angel but not opening his eyes. "Angel…"

Angel laughed. "Come on, you don't even have to walk." He got one arm under Alastor's knees and one around his back. Alastor settled comfortably in his grasp, and then Angel lifted him up to carry him.

Alastor opened his eyes slightly. "Oh -hic- you're holding me. Am I dreaming?"

Vaggie snorted through her nose.

Angel gazed down at Alastor. "Nah, this is real." He kissed Alastor's forehead. "I'm gonna put you to bed though, and then you can dream about me all you want, okay?"

"Isn't it sweet that they dream about each other?" Charlie cooed, getting teary. She hugged Vaggie. "I dream about you all the time, Vaggie!"

"Shh, I know, babe. I dream about you too." She patted Charlie's head and started guiding her over to the door.

Angel carried Alastor, walking beside them. "You sure you got yours okay on the stairs?"

"Yeah, she's steady now, and I can piggyback her if I have to." Vaggie grinned. "You okay with sleeping beauty there?"

"Ha, yes, I AM very beautiful, thank you!" Alastor mumbled, raising a hand into the air before cuddling against Angel again and swinging his legs.

"You sure are, cutie." Angel hugged him close and nodded to Vaggie. "Yeah — I got good upper body strength, and he's a lightweight."

They headed down carefully and paused on the third floor to say their goodbyes.

"Goodnight, Angel, Alastor. I love you," Charlie sighed. Then she looked to Vaggie. "Can I have a snack before bed? I'm hungry."

Vaggie nodded. "I've got a warm plate for you on the nightstand with dinner and big piece of apple pie."

"Apple pie!" Charlie beamed. "Did you make it?" Vaggie nodded. "Yay! You make the best apple pie!" Giggling, Charlie pulled Vaggie toward the room. "Vaggie, Alastor and I talked about so many things, it was great. There's gonna be a radio show! I'm so happy we're together."

Raising an eyebrow, Vaggie just gave a quick wave to Angel and Alastor, then followed along and closed the door behind them.

Shaking his head in amusement, Angel turned and headed down the stairs to the lower floor. "You really got sloshed, huh, Smiles? But at least you're not cracking wise and crying like the last time I saw you drunk. I'm glad."

Alastor's eyes fluttered open again. "Yes, I've gone right to passed out drunk. Oh, the headache I shall have tomorrow. I'll need coffee. And venison. I'm hungry." His eyes flickered black before returning to normal.

"Well, fortunately for you, I saved an entire pan of venison parm for you from dinner, and I've got it in my room."

Alastor gazed at him with such delight and desire. "You are so good at feeding me." He tapped Angel's lips and laughed.

Angel chuckled. "Oh, Smiles, you big charmer."
They had reached the door, and Angel pushed it open with his hip. He set Alastor in a chair. On the table in front of him was a huge pan of venison with a bottle of sarsaparilla.

Alastor's eyes flickered dark again, and his fangs flashed. "Angel…can I eat impollu…impuli…impolitle? With no manners? Hic!"

Angel nodded. "Go to town on it, Smiles."

Alastor tilted back his head, unhinged his jaw, lifted the platter, and slid the entire contents into his gaping maw, and dumped in the full bottle of sarsaparilla too. He swallowed as his ears flickered in pleasure. "Oh divine! C'est magnifique! My Angel, you set my heart ablaze the most when my stomach is full, especially by your hand."

"Smiles!" Angel blushed and waved him off. "Come on, time for bed now. Can you snap up pajamas for yourself?"

"Er…maybe?" One of Alastor's ears went down in thought. "Will you turn around. I think I'm just sober enough to sacsess…to access my magic, but I might miss the mark a few times, ha!"

Angel blushed but nodded. "Take all the tries you need." He turned around.

There were some snaps, some giggles and sighs, then finally the deer demon cleared his throat. "I think this might be the best I can do. Could you -hic- could help me with the rest?"

Angel turned around. Alastor hadn't done bad. He had on red silk pants (mostly straight on his body), black socks (inside out but good enough), and a red shirt…but one of his arms was sticking out of the collar along with his head as he wriggled, trying to free himself.

Angel came over. "Can I undo a couple buttons so we can untangle ya?" Alastor nodded, and Angel deftly did so, shifting the shirt to help Alastor finally slide his free arm into the sleeve. Angel's eyes couldn't help glancing at the pale white scar over Alastor's chest where his angelic burn had been. And now Angel had a similar scar on his body too, like they matched and had always been meant to match. Those marks were proof that they had saved each other with love.

"Angel?" Alastor asked drowsily, catching the spider's gaze.

Angel blinked and looked up. "Huh? Oh, sorry, I think I'm tired too. Here…" He buttoned him back up. "Now come on, let's get you in bed."

"Will you come to bed too?" Alastor asked, instantly sounding concerned.

Angel blinked. "Yeah, eventually. It's still kinda early though, I should try to check on everyone again first and—"

Alastor's eyes were so wide and sad, and his ears dropped gloomily.

Angel's look softened. "Eh…it can probably wait til tomorrow. I'm kinda tired too considering how little sleep we got last night."

Alastor brightened then nearly tripped over his feet as he eagerly scrambled for the bed and finally fell against the pillows and blankets. Angel tried not to laugh as he helped Alastor get covered then kicked off his boots and took off his tie and jacket, leaving on his t-shirt and shorts and socks. He climbed in beside the deer. "Wanna hold hands while we fall asleep?"

"I want to hug!" Burst out Alastor very suddenly, cheeks glowing brightly.

Angel smiled more and nodded then opened his arms. "Go for it. I want to hug too."

And Alastor did indeed. He launched forward and instantly wrapped his arms and legs around Angel, cuddling close. "His this -hic- too much?" He asked in a muffled voice, face pressed against Angel's fluffy chest.

Angel blushed but shook his head. "Nah, this is nice. You okay with this much touching?"

Alastor nodded into the fluff. "When it's with you, yes. You're familiar and nice and safe. I like you."

Some tears came to Angel's eyes. He brushed them away as he gently hugged Alastor back. "I like you too… I love you."

"I love you too." Alastor's eyes closed but he remained clinging to Angel tightly with a big beaming smile. Eventually he fell asleep, and the spider fell asleep right along with him, the two of them safe in each other's embrace.

A/N:

That's all for today! I should have one more update coming this week. Thank you all for your support and for reading. There was a lot of fluff in this chapter, but next time Charlie finally confronts her parents and stands up for herself. I hope you like it!

Take care!

-Azure129