The Dealbreaker Demon

by ALibelulaRoxa

After being forcibly dragged to Hell, new arrival Taylor must prove their usefulness to their soul contract owner, lest their afterlife be cut short permanently. When an afterlife shattering ability manifests, they must also contend with those who desire to exploit or kill them (sometimes both). Can Taylor protect their friends at the Hotel and break the status quo?

56. Chapter 56

Author note - welcome back dear readers! Thanks for your continued patronage, I hope you enjoy the next part of this story.

Chapter 56: The Deal is Off

"What the fuck are you doing here?!" Angel Dust cried in disbelief.

'Good question.' They wondered that themselves. They recalled being unexpectedly thrown into a wall between buildings by one of Carmilla's subordinates trying to protect her, then they started to fall. The ground must have been closer than they thought, because before they knew it, they became intimately acquainted with the floor. But instead of the dumpsters and trash from an alley they expected to find themselves among, they were outside the hotel, as surprised as everyone else.

"Oh, you know." They said breezily. "I was in the area, so I thought I'd drop in."

"Yeah, sure, whatever." Angel Dust replied. "Now quit flappin' yer lips and get inside already!" He waved them in urgently.

Taylor froze when a spear was pointed at their chest. "Nuh-uh, no way." Vaggie hissed, voice filled with malice as she positioned herself between them and the hotel entrance. "You're not setting foot in here. Not because I hate you or anything, but because you're dangerous."

"Vaggie..." Charlie started but the moth demoness wasn't having it.

"No, Charlie! It's one thing to let someone harmless like Sir Pentious in and I followed your lead when we let that shitlord Alastor in, but this is the Dealbreaker Demon! They're a magnet for chaos and danger! We can't risk destroying everything we've built here — especially after making some serious headway — just because we sheltered someone wanted by all the Overlords and gangs in the city!"

Taylor felt like ice water was dumped on them. They knew there was some veracity to her claims, but they had hoped the good they'd done would have somewhat swayed her opinion of them. It was with gritted teeth they realized Alastor's assertion that Vaggie would throw them out on the streets in a heartbeat if she knew about their secret rang true, and the truth stung more than their broken ribs. Hurt must have shown on their face, as Angel Dust stormed forward, shoving the spear away.

"Shut up, Vaggie!" He snapped, furious. "They don't mean no harm, stop being such a bitch!"

"Don't you tell me to to shut up— "

"It's fine." Taylor said, words clipped. Deciding they'd be better off just getting things over with, they schooled their expression. "I'll get to the reason for my visit out here and leave."

Charlie slipped in between the feuding demons and put a hand on Taylor's shoulder.

"Nonsense! Any friend of Angel's is welcome here! The Hazbin Hotel never turns away a needy soul."

"But—" Vaggie started, looking equally furious and exasperated.

"No buts," she said firmly, flashing her girlfriend a determined look before staring Taylor square in the eyes. "We'll make sure you get a once-over before you head out. So long as you're inside the hotel, you'll be safe. I promise."

Taylor looked away and nodded mutely. Vaggie huffed and sheathed her weapon but continued to eye the newcomer with suspicion. Charlie cleared her throat at the lingering tense atmosphere.

"Well, anyway… Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel!"

Giving a small smile at her enthusiasm, they took a step forward, but wobbled when the entryway of the lobby seemed to stretch unnaturally, growing longer and longer. Feeling off balance, they knocked into Angel Dust in an attempt to grab onto something for stability.

"Are you alright!?" Charlie asked with concern. Angel Dust carefully hooked an arm around their waist to steady them.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine." Taylor stuttered, still feeling out of it. "It's been a long night…"

'Damn intoxication.' They brooded as they struggled to shake off the vertigo.

"Understatement of the century." Angel said with a grin. "Charlie, go wake Husk and meet us in the dining room."

Charlie dashed on ahead before they heard Vaggie sigh and sling their arm around her shoulder. As the three of them shuffled their way through the lobby, Taylor softly winced in pain as the adrenaline started wearing off and everything began hurting.

"You're crazy, ya know that? Taking on three Overlords at once is insane." Angel remarked.

Taylor's brows furrowed. "How do you know about Carmilla?"

"Who's talking about Carmilla Carmine? I meant Alastor."

"The Radio Demon isn't here?" Taylor asked, feigning ignorance of their familiarity.

Realization hit him. "Wait, you ran into Carmine too? Fucking Christ, no wonder you're on your last legs!" Angel brought out his phone with one of his hands. "Shit, still no reception. The buddy I told you about isn't around, but I'll keep trying to get ahold of them."

Taylor hummed in response. At some point during the journey, Pentagram City lit up as the power came back online.

Taylor sat at the dining room table, feeling awkward as hell. Despite the late hour, word had somehow spread that an infamous celebrity was in the hotel, and as a result, all the residents had come to gawk at them, with Vaggie burning a hole in the back of their head from the intensity of her gaze from the doorway. Taylor kept to themselves to pretend they weren't already acquainted with the hotel residents, and after Angel Dust shooed them back, no one dared approach. Husk ignored the audience as he worked in tandem with Razzle and Dazzle to tend to their injuries, tugging on their limbs as they stitched up their shoulder and the deeper lacerations and sanitized the minor cuts. Taylor thanked the two dragon-goat butlers when they gave them some pain medicine before applying ice packs to their side, face, and hands to reduce the swelling. Husk flashed a penlight in their eyes and hummed.

"I'd say the dizziness is from a concussion, so don't go to sleep for a few hours." He instructed before pocketing the light and gingerly examining their crushed hands. Taylor recoiled in pain when he poked a sore spot before he reapplied the ice packs. "Yeesh… yer hands are mangled pretty bad. I can try and reset the bones, but it'll be a while 'fore you go about doing what you do again."

"No thanks, I'll manage." Taylor said calmly, feeling a little less out of sorts and hoping their intoxication wore off soon so they could speed their recovery along.

Angel Dust ran back into the room after dashing upstairs to grab something.

"Here, Husk, try this on for size." He handed the winged cat demon a vial. "Fuoco gave me a top-quality healing potion, and it's the real deal. Trust me, it'll soothe whatever aches you."

Taylor pulled a face, knowing that particular medication had no effect on them.

"I appreciate it, but I need to get moving soon before someone spots me here." They insisted, carefully removing the ice packs. Closing their eyes for a moment, they then focused their compound eyes on the spider demon. Within moments, red billowing smoke appeared, stretching out into space before it lingered around his neck.

"Dammit." They swore to themselves. "Figures Valentino's favorite would be held at the core of his control." Straightening in their chair, they faced the spider demon. "Angel, have a seat."

"Wha...?" He looked at them, fear evident in his eyes.

Sensing his rising trepidation, they turned to Charlie.

"Princess, would you mind sitting with him? The process can be harrowing, but a familiar face can help." They asked kindly.

Charlie gave a solemn nod before taking the now shaking Angel's hand and with a grateful smile, the two sat down across from Taylor. Suppressing a quirk of their eyebrow, Husk came around and stood on Angel's other side, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder in solidarity.

Taylor could tell that some of Angel's fear diminish when his posture relaxed, but the bulk of their attention was on feeling along the smoky miasma between them. It seemed to shy away from their touch, as if it somehow knew what was coming, but Taylor was obstinate and with a slight grimace, they turned over their wrist and held the chain lightly in their palm. Prepared, they looked up at the others watching them expectantly, not yet seeing what had caught Taylor's interest.

"Ready?" They asked with conviction, golden eyes glowing.

Angel Dust long ago learned to not put his trust in just any person off the street to shield his heart from hurt and sorrow but looking into the eyes of the dragonfly demoness again, he saw something that he was too afraid to completely hold onto: hope.

"Y-yeah, go for it." Angel Dust answered, trying, and failing to keep the tremor in his voice from showing.

With a snap, Taylor forced the red misty chain and collar to solidify into view, and Angel cried out in terror as everyone else gave an uncontrolled gasp at the scene. Pushing through the pain, Taylor called forth the silver flames as Angel's memories rushed past them. One of being tricked into believing he loved the possessive moth demon. Each time after a show when he was taken to his dressing room and forced to sleep with the slimy bastard that held his soul in an iron hold. Another of being gaslit to think he was responsible for the punishments Valentino inflicted upon him.

Taylor clenched their jaw in fury and when they glanced over, they surmised that Charlie and Husk were seeing the memory flashes as well. Husk's fur and feathers were bristled up, wings splayed wide as he bared his sharp teeth and a low growl escaped from his throat. Charlie was equally as enraged-looking, hair flailing wildly in the air as her horns had emerged and her eyes gleamed red in outrage.

Hearing Angel's strangled, pain-filled screams almost made them stop. The surfaced agony that he was enduring broke their heart, but to spare him grief now would be to allow Valentino to win. No, this they could not, would not, allow.

With another squeeze, the chains started to buckle under the pressure. A portion of the smoky chain reared up, forming into the outline of the moth Overlord, a devilish smirk plastered on its face as drool dripped down the sides of its sharp teeth.

"Angel Cakes~," it spoke out, bringing forth a familiar sense of terror to the spider demon. "I thought I told you addict trash like you doesn't change. Are you defying me?" It asked with mock sadness, but Angel knew there was an undercurrent of anger that petrified him on the spot. The smoke Valentino raised its hand, threatening to backhand him, and the Angel Dust closed his eyes and braced for the burning sting of the hit. Charlie squeezed his hand and Husk started to lunge forward protectively in response.

"Angel!" he heard the Dealbreaker Demon call out to him, startling him. He opened his eyes and was shocked.

The red smoky Valentino thrashed and contorted itself as the chain continued to crack from the demon's grip. Suddenly, the misty being curled in on itself and a glowing yellow contract with the names Valentino and Anthony written on it poofed into existence in front of him.

"Angel," He heard the Dealmaker Demon say again, gentler this time. The demoness stared back at him and gave a daring smile. "Would you like to do the honors?"

"Eh?" He asked, utterly baffled at the question. The Dealbreaker Demon chuckled before clarifying.

"I'm asking if you'd like to rip up the contract yourself."

Angel Dust's eyes widened at the implication. With trembling hands, he reached out to grasp the binding document he had signed what felt like forever ago and looked beside him to Charlie and Husk, who gave him encouraging smiles or grins.

"You got this, Legs." Husk said.

Getting a sudden bolt of confidence, he gripped the paper and tore it in two with a satisfying rip. Emboldened, he grinned wildly as he continued to tear into the contract until he had a pile of gold confetti. With an echoing clang, the smoky chain splintered before it, the collar, and the contract pieces dissolved into red mist that spread across the tabletop. Angel took a deep breath as a familiar warmth spread within his very being, like he had re-found a part of himself that had been lost for so long.

Angel felt arms embrace him warmly, and he looked at Charlie, now back in her normal state and giving him a ecstatic smile.

"Congratulations, Angel!"

He hadn't felt this sensation of security and happiness since he hugged his sister Molly and his mother when he was alive, and tears prickled the sides of his eyes.

Angel Dust noticed the red mist draw back and gather in the Dealbreaker Demon's palm. Clenching their fist for a moment, the mist was gone when they opened their hand. The demon's body glowed briefly before he saw the Dealbreaker Demon tense up in their seat and take short, shallowed breaths, looking distinctly pained and green behind the gills.

There was a moment of stunned silence as everyone in the room was either shocked, confused, or in awe of what they just witnessed.

"Are you… okay?" Charlie asked with a worried expression.

"Just. Peachy." The Dealbreaker Demon gritted out with a strained smile.

Angel Dust couldn't take it anymore. He suddenly stood up, hands slamming on the table.

"What the FUCK were you thinking?!" He yelled, losing his composure to give them an earful. "I never asked you to deal with Val!"

"I know…. I don't regret it." He heard the demon across from him say with no hesitation.

Angel Dust was taken aback, but before he could respond, the other demon sat back and folded their lower arms before continuing.

"I remember the first time we met, back at the club. When we made eye contact, even from that brief glimpse, I saw someone who wanted to be free, to be happy, to maybe even do better if given a second chance. I had an inkling, but when you found me later, I knew that you were a good person who just needed a helping hand to pull you from the despair and shame you had grown so used to down here." They gestured to Charlie with their head. "No doubt that the Princess also saw that want and desire, and that's why she took a chance on you. So no, Angel Dust, I won't apologize for tonight, I'd happily do it again for your sake."

Angel couldn't believe it. He stared back at Charlie, who gave an enthusiastic nod of confirmation, and his lips began to quiver as tears threatened to spill.

"You're free."

"What?" He had waited so long to hear those words, but now that it was actually happening, he couldn't think to say anything else.

"You heard me. Your contract with Valentino was successfully broken. You are no longer under his control." The Dealbreaker Demon said with an ear-to-ear grin and a bit misty-eyed.

That was all it took to break down his walls. Charlie embraced him to comfort him as tears flowed freely.

"W-Why? Why go this far? Look at you, you're hurt! And for what? A broken fuck up like me?"

The dragonfly demoness wiped their eyes as they chose their words.

"Because I care about you, Angel. Just like everyone at the hotel here. And for the record, aren't we all a little broken? I can tell that this family you have here is just what you needed. It's a bit dysfunctional and broken, but still good." They glanced around the room at the other residents fondly and nodded. "Yeah, still good."

"…Thank you." Angel said gratefully.

"You're more than welcome. I'm just sorry it took so long."

Before more could be said, everyone heard the front doors of the hotel slam open and the radio in the dining room turned on. The Dealbreaker Demon got to their feet a bit unsteadily.

"Got to go." They said quickly, moving towards the doors to the balcony.

"Wait!" Angel pleaded through his sniffles. "There's gotta be something I can do to repay you!"

They paused before looking over their shoulder.

"Live." They spoke. "Live how you want to, Angel Dust. Doesn't matter how, so long as it's your choice." Opening the doors, they added cheekily. "But I suppose for the immediate short-term, stall the Radio Demon for as long as you can, I'm gonna need the head start."

"Anthony."

"What's that?"

"Call me Anthony, only my trusted friends and family call me that. That way, I'll know it's you next time I see ya."

They gave a salute. "Roger that!" The Dealbreaker Demon turned their gaze to the winged cat demon. "Husk, right? Don't think I passed you over. You're on my radar too, if you're interested."

Husk flinched, mouth agape as the dragonfly demoness waved.

"Bye everyone, it was a pleasure!" They said before taking off and disappearing out of view.

There was a beat of silence as all stared at the doors before Alastor waltzed into the room, bemused at the late night gathering. In unison, the hotel residents surrounded Alastor to get his attention and he was forced to peevishly remind everyone of his "five-foot rule."

Taylor slumped bonelessly to the floor of their room after carefully shimmying through the window. They had tried to make their way to the office to tell Antonio and their contacts the good news, but they couldn't get off the hotel premises without becoming out of breath and seeing spots. Not wanting to risk passing out in unfamiliar territory, they decided to turn back and take a quick rest in their room before sneaking out again.

Uttering an exhausted but satisfied exhalation, they summoned the blue fire and reverted to their normal appearance, with their wings and extra set of arms shifting into flames. Extinguishing the wings, they used the flaming tendrils as substitute hands to pull themselves upright and keep them steady as they quietly changed into something they could go to work in. Laying down in bed, their injuries chastising them.

'Hopefully the celebrations will keep everyone downstairs for a while.' They mused as they shifted to find a position that hurt the least. As much as they wanted to stay and toast to Angel's newly acquired freedom, they still looked like they went a few rounds with a professional boxer, and they couldn't chance the more astute residents putting the pieces together.

Taylor had nearly drifted off when they heard scratching at the door. Staying quiet, they hoped whatever it was would pass on by, but the scratching just became louder and more insistent. Worrying that it would attract unwanted attention, Taylor got up and cracked the door open. They didn't see anyone until they felt something furry slip by their legs to get into the room.

"KeeKee, not now." They whispered, trying to catch the one-eyed feline, and put her outside. After she leapt away and jumped on the bed, Taylor gave up and sat down, feeling too tired to keep up the chase. "Fine, you can stay for a little while." They conceded before the cat came in close and sat on their lap. Closing their eyes, they took a shallow breath, their ribs protesting a full inhalation. "What a night, eh KeeKee? It got a bit dicey in the middle, but mission accomplished, all in all."

When they got no response, they gently swung their legs over to lay back down, but when KeeKee jumped off their lap, they heard the rustling of paper. Opening their eyes, they felt around and found a thin rectangular object. Turning on the light, it was a golden envelope that seemed to shimmer in the lamplight like it was woven with actual gold.

'Where did this come from?' They pondered, admiring the curio for a minute.

Turning it around, there was no writing to be found but for a wax seal with an elaborate insignia featuring what looked like a snake, a crown, and an apple. They considered saving it for later inspection, but their curiosity got the better of them and they carefully broke the seal, removing a gilded card from within. Vision still a bit blurred, they squinted and read the elegant writing aloud.

"His Majesty King Lucifer Morningstar Requests Your Presence for Afternoon Tea. RSVP Yes or—"

They heard a bell chime and a portal opened from underneath them. With a startled yelp, Taylor fell through before it closed. KeeKee watched the card flutter to the ground before she curled up and began dozing on the bed.

Taylor landed on something soft and squishy as a chorus of high-pitched squeaks filled their ears. Gasping, they saw a white-rimmed portal with a view of their room's ceiling close over them with another bell chime and they looked around warily. They were in some sort of dark spooky room lit by a single circus tent-themed lamp on a table and some shelves with knick-knacks. Turning their head, they saw an elevated area with a workbench, if the saws hanging on the wall above and measuring tools on the desk were any indication. But the glaring thing they noticed was the sheer multitude of rubber ducks. Buckets, tubs, and piles of rubber ducks everywhere, some plain, but others adorned with hats, clothing, or extra eyes. Noticing the portraits on the wall, all featured a smiling and happy family that they immediately recognized as the Morningstars.

'What could Lucifer possibly want?' They thought before a surge of panic hit them. 'Oh no, does he remember me repeatedly insulting him?' Taylor shuddered at the fact that Lucifer despised Sinners and could quite easily erase them in an instant. Charlie wouldn't even know until it was too late. 'Gotta find a way out of here.'

Pushing themselves up, they discovered they had landed in a tub of rubber waterfowls, and they were thankful for a soft landing for once. Deciding to search the workbench first, they looked around for something useful, and their eyes were drawn to a lone rubber duck with a purple top hat and red bow tie. Wondering if it had some sort of magical properties, they picked it up and were surprised when it began backflipping in their hand. Deciding it was just a toy after all, they went to put it back, but it suddenly began spitting fire like a flamethrower.

"Not what I expected." They admired, finding it charming in its own way. Gazing around and seeing no one else around, they lifted a finger into the flames and changed the color of the blaze one after the other just for fun.

"Huh. That's an interesting idea." A sudden weight on their shoulder mused aloud in their ear.

Taylor screamed as they quickly grasped something scaly and chucked it across the room. With a small poof, a white and red-striped snake in a tiny top hat changed into a laughing Lucifer.

"Ha hah! — I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist!" He said, shoulders shaking in delight. "Hoo hoo, that was too good!" He wiped tears from his eyes as he began settling down. "You should've seen your face!"

"Heh, yeah, good one." Taylor said a bit uncomfortably as their heart rate settled.

"Whoa!" He cried, pointing his cane at them. "What in the unholy hell happened to you?"

Taylor quickly covered their bruised jaw.

"It's nothing."

Lucifer's brow quirked up in amusement. "You should know better than to try to bullshit the Prince of Lies."

"It doesn't matter. You'd find it stupid —" They were cut off when Lucifer gripped their arms, pinning them to their sides.

"Who's messing with my Char-Char?" He snarled in a deep ominous tone, eyes wild and a deranged smile on his face.

Taylor recoiled. "What!? No, Charlie's fine! This has nothing to do with her!"

Lucifer's expression relaxed and he released them.

"Oh, good! I mean, uh, of course she would be!" He said with a pompous air as he brushed some lint off his coat. "I just assumed with how quick you were to jump down my throat when we last met, somebody was giving Charlie some problems and you took exception to it. Hence, your unkempt state."

"You should see the other guy." Taylor muttered.

"Regardless!" He said with a soft laugh. "I'm sure you have questions, but first, how about some refreshments?"

He snapped his fingers, and the table was set with an elephant-themed china set, the sweet smell of cinnamon and apples drifting into the air. Lucifer took his seat and Taylor numbly followed, shifting slightly to avoid the rubber ducks shoved underneath the table.

Taylor was hesitant to eat anything served, believing that the King would possibly stoop to poisoning them for their previous offenses, but when he gave them a pointed look of disapproval, they took a cautious sip out of politeness. When they tasted a complex mixture of crispness, sweet and tart, and a hint of carbonation, they paused, puzzled.

"Cider?"

"Yep! Best apple cider in Hell, I guarantee it!" Lucifer grinned, eyes glittering with pride. "This particular vintage was one where the apples were hand-picked by Charlie when she was but a tyke! Lilli used to…" he trailed off as he looked down and his once excited smile dimmed.

There was an uncomfortable pause, and feeling compelled to dispel the gloom, they took another taste and sighed contentedly. "Well, I think it's delicious. And it's no wonder if Charlie had a hand in it. Thank you for sharing something so special."

Taylor saw Lucifer's eyes perk up at the mention of his daughter before the air of haughtiness returned. Seeing no point in delaying the inevitable, they addressed the King.

"Not that I'm not honored by your hospitality tonight, I am wondering why I'm here."

"Because you caught my interest!" He said brightly, taking a sip of his drink. "While most down here treat with me fear or reverence, you, however, saw me as some sort of threat to my darling daughter. You knew who I was, my power and reputation even, and you still spoke out as though I was your equal! You, a lowly Sinner! It's hilarious, really!" He chuckled before he put down his teacup and leaned forward, eyes flashing red despite his easy smile.

Taylor felt a bead of sweat travel down their back as they fought the urge to shrink under his intense gaze.

"And not only did you not cow to my threats, but you were also bold enough to challenge me, even comparing me to those hoity-toity pricks up in Heaven!" He spat, tone dripping in venom. "I suppose I can't blame you for doing it in the name of defending Charlie, but I think a little lesson in humility is in order." He threatened, cracking his neck as he rose from his seat.

Taylor shook, not from fear but frustration. They'd gone through so much, finally managed to get Angel freed, only to be smited for a petty slight to help his daughter? Their indignation quickly boiled over into rage as they kept a fixed look on Lucifer.

"Were you lying then when you said you'd get Charlie the meeting? Is that why we haven't heard back from you? Prince of Lies? More like Prince of Cowards." Taylor said curtly before a wave of heat blasted through the room, rattling the china set on the table as Lucifer's skin turned yellow from the light their flames cast.

"Is that so?" He sneered, unfazed at Taylor's display as his horns came forth and an orange flame appeared between them. "Even now, you still square up to me, despite knowing the outcome. Such arrogance." He got right up in their face, crimson eyes boring into their golden ones. "You know what? I think…"

Taylor's anger drifted into confusion when Lucifer straightened up and smiled mischievously.

"… I like the cut of your jib!" He said chipperly as his demonic features receded in an instant.

Taylor felt like their brain short circuited for a moment as they tried to process the mood whiplash. Their flames extinguished with a hiss.

"You… what now?" They said, dumbfounded and unsure if they understood correctly.

"You've earned my respect, kiddo!" He said blithely as he turned and made his way back to his seat like he didn't just menace them with erasure a moment before. "I wanted to test your mettle, and you passed with flying colors!" They must have still looked shocked, as Lucifer gave a light laugh. "Oh, come on, what kind of dad would I be if I didn't suss out the intentions of the company my daughter keeps? They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and I didn't see any ulterior motives in yours. Charlie is lucky to have such a stalwart friend at her side. Now!" he said with a loud clap, shaking them from their stupor, "How is she? Is the hotel doing well?"

Taylor couldn't stop grinning at the adorable story Lucifer was telling about a young Charlie.

"We came into the room, the piano in pieces, and Charlie pouting in the corner. She declared that she couldn't play because it sounded all wrong, like it was the piano's fault."

"Oh, that's precious." They chuckled as the image of a little scowling Charlie popped into their head.

Lucifer leaned in and spoke in a stage-whisper.

"But Lilli came up with the grand idea to get a couple of Charlie's plushies and with a little magic on my end, have them play for her so she could focus instead on her singing and dancing. Worked like a charm!"

"Wait, are you talking about Razzle and Dazzle?" They asked, thinking back at their musical abilities.

"The very same! Though later I added bodyguards to their list of duties." He said with a twinkle in his eye.

For every story that Taylor talked about their time at the hotel, Lucifer would match it with two about his family. His smile was infectious as he spoke fondly about the times they all shared together, although there was pain in his eyes whenever Lilith was brought up.

Taylor stifled a yawn, feeling lulled by the cider and relaxed atmosphere.

"Sorry. It's not you, I swear, it's just — "

"Late." Lucifer finished. "I've kept you prisoner long enough, I suppose." He said with some resignation.

"Hey, we could do this again. Either here or the hotel. Charlie would love to see you."

"No, I'd just mess it up. It's better I wait until she asks me to come over again."

Taylor shrugged.

"It's a definite possibility." They put their hands up at his askance look to let them finish. "The way I figure it, you two are like a pianist that's out of practice. You'll start out uncoordinated, hitting some sour notes or being off tempo along the way, but the more you practice, eventually the melody and harmony will come together into a lovely song."

His smile perked up before his nervousness won over and he gazed about the room sadly.

"Maybe you're right. I'll try, but I'm just busy at the moment."

"Well, then how about this? Got some paper and a pen around here?" They asked. Lucifer gave them a quizzical look before he snapped his fingers and a card much like the kind that got them there appeared. Taylor summoned a tendril before writing something down with a flourish. Handing it to the King of Hell, he read it silently before laughing.

"Taylor, lowly Sinner of Hell, Requests on behalf of Her Highness Princess Charlotte Morningstar your Presence for Meals, Hotel Activities, or Whenever you damn well please. No need to RSVP, just come as you are."

"There, now it's official. I won't push you, but maybe wait a few days."

"And why is that?"

Taylor nonchalantly gestured to their bruises with a grimace.

"I'll be in a more presentable state in that time. Gotta wait until that demon regeneration kicks in, after all."

At that, Lucifer shot them a sly grin and inched over to them, playful excitement in his eyes.

"I suppose you did defend a Morningstar estate, and I don't like owing favors, sooo…" he opened his arms wide, "… Bring it in!"

"Bring what — GAH!" Taylor was pulled into the strongest bear hug they'd yet experienced, and their injuries screamed in protest. Lucifer nuzzled their chest briefly before he whirled them around like a top. Taylor spun wildly before catching themselves on the table.

"Alakazam!" Lucifer proclaimed with a sassy smile.

Taylor caught their breath after the sudden release when they realized they could breathe without it hurting. In fact, their face didn't ache either. They brought up their hands to their face and the mottled black and blue bruises that marred their hands were gone, leaving yellow claws in its place. They felt good as new! Lucifer stared back at them with an amused grin.

"That was amazing! Thank you!" They said in awe.

"This time was free, but next time I'll charge my usual rate." He said with a click of his tongue and a wink. "Now, let's get you back to the hotel." He summoned a portal with a bell chime.

The chime triggered something in their mind.

"It was you!"

"Eh?" Lucifer asked.

"You summoned the portal that got me away earlier this evening! That's how I got back, it was you!"

Lucifer blinked, one eye at a time with a bewildered look.

"'Fraid I don't know what you're on about. I haven't done anything since you accepted the invitation."

'Then who did?' Taylor pondered before setting it aside for later contemplation.

"Well anyway, thanks for everything and keep us in the loop about the Heaven meeting. And seriously, I heard once that the path from inner turmoil begins with a friendly ear. Mine are always open if you need it."

Lucifer chuckled but nodded.

"Where did you hear that one?"

"Would you believe me if I said from a giant rat with four turtle sons?" Taylor couldn't help but laugh at Lucifer's baffled expression. "Actually, could you put me somewhere else instead of my room?"

Taylor passed through the front doors and was greeted to a lobby that was awash with activity. Everyone was sharing drinks, talking, and laughing with one another. A tipsy Angel Dust noticed them and shouted from the bar space.

"Well finally! We were starting to wonder where you ran off to, Fuoco!"

Taylor wandered over with a curious expression, waving to the others along the way.

"Sorry I'm late. While I'm all for a party, what's the occasion? Did we get word about the meeting with Heaven?" They asked innocently.

Angel grinned excitedly.

"Nope, not that~" He drawled, clearly wanting to keep them in suspense.

Taylor glanced over to Husk for a hint, but the smirking winged cat demon wasn't being charitable. Taylor placed a hand on their chin, feigning ignorance.

"You win another 'Sex-x-xi' award?"

He shook his head before slinging two arms around their shoulders and speaking in a hushed secretive tone.

"Even better." He shot a glance over to Alastor, who gave them a sidelong look before returning to his drink and humming along to his own music. "The Dealbreaker Demon made a house call during the blackout."

Taylor leaned back, looking Angel Dust square in the eyes.

"No." They breathed incredulously.

Angel Dust's smile became electric as he puffed out his chest in victory.

"Ohhh, yeahhh, baby! I'm free as a bird!"

Taylor practically tackled him before pulling him into an ecstatic hug. They were so exuberant that they lifted him off the ground and spun him around in their arms.

"Oh, hell yeah!" They beamed. "I couldn't be happier for you! That's amazing, Angel!" They put him back on the ground when they heard Husk's barking laugh and the sound of glasses being moved across the counter. Quickly grabbing two drinks, they handed one to Angel and raised theirs.

"Cheers to Angel Dust!" They cried, clinking their glass to Angel's and Husk's before downing it in one go.

"Jeez, Fuoco, take it easy." Angel Dust said good-naturedly.

"No way! if you won't, I'll get absolutely shitfaced in your honor!" Taylor said with a grin.

The celebrations continued, with Charlie gathering all to the roof to shoot off fireworks with her fingers and lots of well wishes to Angel Dust. Taylor snuck away at one point to leave a drunken message to Antonio to say that they were safe and probably not coming into the office tomorrow. And for once, Taylor didn't need to break a contract to feel euphoria, they were so pleased with themselves and for Angel Dust that they let loose until the sun peeked over the horizon.