A/N:

Hi everyone! More fun adventures for the hotel and for Alastor and Angel as they start their weekend away :) Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 113:Away with You

Very early Friday morning, Angel stood in the hotel kitchen, gazing out the back door into the garden. The room was quiet and empty except for the sound of fresh coffee brewing.

He glanced at his phone and sighed. Still no reply to his text to Molly last night asking her if she could meet him down here this morning. To be fair, it was early (she was NOT a morning person) and also she hadn't left her room ever since going in there with Husk nearly two days ago. The cat demon kept sneaking out though, looking all disheveled and shy, making meals and gathering drinks and fresh blankets and stuff to bring back upstairs for her. He was a good egg. Angel still really wanted to see his sister before leaving for his weekend with Alastor, but it was okay if she needed one more morning by Husk's side. He'd talk to her once he got back.

At the very least, he knew his brother would show up…probably. Niss had reacted to his message with a thumbs up (not sending an actual reply was weird for Niss, but maybe he'd been busy with something). Yet, the usually punctual spider was now a few minutes late, and Angel was starting to have some doubts.

Suddenly a shadow passed over the hotel. Angel heard some movements outside followed by grumbled swears in Italian before there was a slight crash and then a swift knock on the back door. Angel instantly let in his brother, who looked like he had just rolled out of bed and thrown on the first pieces of clothing he'd been able to find scattered on his floor. Or maybe they were yesterday's clothes, scattered near a bed… Angel smirked.

Niss sighed and dusted himself off, straightening his hat and pulling his coat tightly around himself. "Hey, Tony! Sorry I'm late. I…just…guess I'm getting to used to Pen's schedule. He sleeps in, heh."

Angel raised an eyebrow, smiling more. "No worries. Didn't realize you were so invested in his sleeping habits."

"Yeah…well…uh…" Niss crossed his arms, looking away shyly. Then he darted across the kitchen. "Is that coffee? Great, I'm freezing and fading, heh." He nervously poured himself a cup.

Angel bit his lip in glee. Something had definitely happened. Good for them. He wanted details whenever Niss was willing to share.

Suddenly, Molly dashed into the kitchen, likewise catching her breath. For someone who had spent two days in bed with her boyfriend she actually looked pretty put together. Clean dress, brushed hair, decent makeup and everything. "Tony! Oh good, you and Alastor ain't left yet. And Archie! Mornin'!" She beamed, eyes so bright and happy.

Angel grinned and crossed his arms. "Morning to you too — feels like it's been a while since I've seen both of you."

Molly glanced away with a blush, though she held her head high. Niss looked down and to the side, blushing and shrugging.

Angel chuckled. "You two are so cute when you're getting all the loving you deserve."

"Yeah, well, it's not… I mean…we only…" Niss busied himself with a deep swig of coffee.
"Oh my god, I was just guessing with YOU, Archie, but hell yeah, congrats!" Angel beamed.

"Nothing happened!" Niss swallowed another gulp of coffee, going red, "I mean, nothing that woulda required us to have a shotgun wedding back in the old days at least…" Niss blinked then looked to his sister. "Wait, Molly, does Tony mean you and Husk have been — wait, no, I do not need to know this, I ain't good at casual conversation about these things." He polished off the last of the coffee.

Molly smiled and rolled her eyes, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "After the last two days, me and Husky definitely woulda required the shotgun wedding back on earth, let's just leave it at that." She looked right to Angel before the next smart remark could leave his lips. "But forget about all that for now cuz someone's deflectin'. Tony, you called us here to say goodbye like you're movin' in with Alastor for good instead of just headin' to his place for the weekend — what gives?"

Angel blinked and blushed. "Well, I just…I don't know, you two and me haven't…been apart much since we found each other again. And I've barely seen you the last few days, so… And… yeah, I mean, you're right, it's only a weekend at his apartment in the radio tower, no big deal." His heart raced. The radio tower — the radio tower where that man had pinned him to a door after a radio show and touched him and let himself be touched and made him feel aroused in gentle ways Angel hadn't even known were possible until now. Ways that had made Angel want to weep tears of satisfaction and drop to his knees in relief and love and desire.

"Oh my god, Archie, look at him, he's a blushing shy wreck." Molly beamed. "Tony, are you about to be staring down the barrel of a theoretical shotgun wedding too?"
Angel blinked, coming out of the memories. "I…we don't…I mean… You know, Al, he's not…And I'm more into…" He squirmed under the eyes of his brother and sister. "Uh, hey, coffee does sound good!" He grabbed the pot and poured himself some.

When he turned back around, Niss was watching him now with a little curious smile. "Tony, is that why you two are going away this weekend? Cuz you're thinking of having your first time?"

Angel almost dropped the mug. "I…How should I know? Al's the one who invited me over!" He shrugged and pouted.

Molly came beside her brother. "Tony — are you nervous about the possibility?"

"Nervous? Heh! Come on, Molls, I was a sex worker down here for decades. Nervous about sex. Pfft!" Angel waved her off.

"Ya know, it's okay if you are." Niss was at his other side. "Even if you're experienced, when you're with someone you love for the first time, it's all kinda new."

Angel blinked, surprised to feel himself tremble a little. He swallowed. "He's just so beautiful when he figures out what he likes and lets himself have it with me." Ange felt warm all over and sighed. "I…I really can't say anymore, we promised intimate things between us would always be private. But, yeah, I know there's a chance this weekend that we're gonna do something new together, intimately. The idea of doing even more makes me feel like my whole heart's gonna burst in the best way." He flushed pink, looking down shyly. "I didn't know being with someone could feel like this — so special and tender and complete. I mean, I guess I knew, I just…didn't think it was something someone like me could deserve? The hooker stuff made it feel so distant… like a silly dream. But now it's real and so much."

Molly and Niss each had a hand on his shoulder now. Molly caught her brother's eye. "Tony, it's so much because there's so much between the two of you. Alastor loves ya. Whatever happens, I know it'll be intense like nothin' else was ever intense before…" She blushed modestly, "but it'll be good, for both of ya."

Niss nodded, catching Angel's eye too. "It'll be worth all the nerves. A good memory, a good experience. And it'll prepare ya for the next ones." He gave a shrug with a little sheepish grin.

Angel nodded smiled more but it wobbled. "Speaking of sex, I…I think this weekend I'm gonna talk to Al about me maybe doing sex work again soon. Not Val's kind of sex work — MY kind of sex work. Me and Al talked about it before but…more about the theory of me going back than the practice."

Molly and Niss didn't react, just watched and waited for him to go on.

Angel continued. "I gotta start making some money again — I know we all do. Vox offered to let me walk Vark each week for extra cash, but it's not enough. I won't wanna go back to what I was doing before of course — standing on street corners, letting high-paying assholes do whatever they want to me, acting in…films." His look hardened. "It was degrading. And dangerous. And shit pay too." His look softened again. "But there were certain things I liked from the business as a whole. Sharing intimacy tips and helping ease sexual hangups and talking with people who needed someone to listen more than someone to lay." He smiled a little. "I miss performing live too, ya know. I'd love to find a way to do it again. Chatting on Al's radio show made me remember how fun it is to have an audience. But I'll dance only on my own terms too — no crowd members copping feels or yelling catcalls, and no stripping unless I want to." He sighed. "So I wanna be a dancer again. But I also wanna be sort of a sex work advisor — help new sex workers learn the ropes down here and stay safe, give advice when they need it, help out clients who are good people. And now I'm also wondering if maybe I could even do a late night sex advice talk show on the radio." He blushed and glanced shyly to his brother and sister. "Does that all sound like it makes sense? I'm worried it's ridiculous in some way I'm not seeing."

"Tony." Molly took his shoulders. "That all sounds brilliant. Do it. And tell Alastor. I think he'd love ta help you figure out how ta make it happen."

Niss moved closer to his brother. "I know I would have appreciated someone to help me through my own hang-ups about sex in the past, Tony. If you can do that for other people and teach other people to do that for other people, I think it's wonderful."

Angel smiled, eyes teary. He hugged both of them close. "Thank you!" When he released them, they all had tears in their eyes that needed to be wiped away. Angel finished his coffee and held his head high. "Well, on that sappy sibling note, I should probably get going. Al was just getting himself ready when I snuck down here, and I still gotta drop off Nuggets to Niffty and Baxter before we head out. I'll see you both in a couple days." He gave them each a kiss on the cheek then left his brother and sister to find his beau and start three blissful days in their home away from home.

As the morning progressed, the time for breakfast at the hotel commenced. Charlie and Vaggie had prepared the table while Molly and Niss (aided by Sir Pentious who had come down from his airship) had insisted on cooking. Soon the food was laid out and everyone began to take their seats…though everyone hesitated for a moment when the King and Queen showed up unexpectedly and took seats at the table too. There was no hostility among the hotel guests but definitely a sense of caution that only began to be relieved when they saw Charlie engaging happily with her parents.
Abel was the last to come down to breakfast, gently leading Louise while Crymini trailed hesitantly behind them. Abel had an encouraging smile on his face while Louise's eyes remained downcast. They both only bore only a few bandages now. Crymini looked after them with care, but when her eyes found the table — and the king and queen accompanied by the lack of Alastor — she flattened her ears, swished her tail, and bared her teeth just a little.

Lucifer blushed and gave a small wave. "Greetings, Crymini…"

She rolled her eyes and dropped some of the defensiveness, choosing instead to ignore him in a distinctly teenage way. "Hey, everyone," was all she said to the table as she pulled out Abel and Louise's chairs and helped them sit.

Lucifer sunk a bit lower in his seat, and Lilith blushed in some embarrassment. Charlie's brow furrowed in concern. The king cleared his throat and turned to Abel and Louise instead. "And, er…we haven't had the pleasure, I think. You two are more of Charlie's guests, yes? The two that were injured…"

Abel nodded, smiling politely, but Louise was the one who spoke up, gripping the sides of her chair a little. "Yes. The two that almost died during the radio show we had to put on to help the hotel after your news show. And the two who Alastor and Angel saved."

Lucifer bit his lip, tapping his fingers on the table. Lilith frowned. None of the guests seemed keen on looking his way, and Charlie was the only one to offer an encouraging smile.

This tension couldn't stand. And Lucifer knew now that it was his job to put it right. He sighed and finally addressed the table. "Would it help if I just directly apologized to everyone, here and now? Lilith and I were trying to keep the forgiveness requests in the family but…the point was made to me recently that our actions really did hurt everyone here. So I am more than willing to say sorry…"

"About time…" Crymini grumbled, arms crossed.

Charlie tugged at her hair, clearly not sure if she should say something. Vaggie took her hand and gave it a squeeze. They communicated with a look then nodded. Charlie looked back to her parents, waiting for them to continue. They really did need to try on their own if they wanted to earn back the trust of everyone in the extended hotel family.

Lilith caught her daughter's look and stood up. She took Lucifer's hand, and he blinked and stood up as well. She gave a small bow and addressed the table. "You have our sincere apologies as King and Queen and as Charlie's parents. Our actions were a misguided attempt to care for our daughter's future. But even if our plan had been successful, we had no right to hurt her and all of you in the process. We don't expect your trust right away. We merely ask that you give us a chance… from one sinner to another. I was human once even if I'm now a demon queen. And I want to be friends." She lifted her head and gave a small smile.

Lucifer bowed his head to the crowd now. "I'm sorry for behaving like a know-it-all jackass on a power trip. I promise. Basically I acted like my creator, and that was NEVER my goal or intent. And it won't happen again — ever. Because everyone in my life deserves better from me, and that includes all of you lovely souls under my domain." He straightened up. "Now, can we try to enjoy breakfast and perhaps…take it one day at a time?"

Charlie smiled, Vaggie smiled and nodded, and the others did too to varying degrees. Crymini gave a shrug, which was the teenage equivalent of agreeing.

Lucifer smiled but then blinked and frowned. "Oh dear, Alastor and Angel weren't down here yet. We'll have to remember to say the whole thing to them when they join us."

Everyone else at the table glanced at each other with some hesitation.

Molly started pouring some coffee and said casually, "Angel ain't coming to breakfast this mornin'. He's out — probably crashin' with a friend, gettin' some rest after all the drama lately."

"Yeah." Husk nodded, grabbing the cream and sugar. "And Alastor's already off at Cannibal Colony dealing with some stuff. He'll be back whenever he feels like it."

"They're both away?" Lilith considered, noticing her husband casting a quick glance her way. She cleared her throat. "Well…I hope they have pleasant weekends." The entire table seemed to relax again, and now a tray of pastries was passed to Lilith. She eyed them with interest and then took one and politely bit into it. Her eyes widened. "This is…superb."

Sir Pentious chuckled. "You have my Nissy to thank! Nissy, she thinks your baking skills are superb." He gazed at his boyfriend with such adoration.

Niss blushed, sitting up tall. "Grazie. It's a Cornetto — a stuffed Italian croissant. I always keep some dough prepared in the fridge. That one's filled with almond cream. And there should be some in that basket filled with—"

"Chocolate!" The exclamation came from Lucifer who had just nabbed a pastry for himself and taken a big bite. His eyes got stars in them. "It's fantastic!" He slapped his hands on the table and leaned forward eagerly. "Could you make one with an apple filling?"

Niss blinked but nodded. "It ain't traditional, but yeah I could whip up something."

"Thank you!" Lucifer sat back in his chair and kicked his legs in happiness with a little laugh.

A small laugh escaped Lilith too. Then a snort left Vaggie that made Charlie let out a giggle. Lucifer just grinned and rolled his eyes. "What? I do appreciate a good dessert." He took a big fresh bite out of his pastry and beamed. Then he leaned up toward Lilith. "Oh dear, you have a bit of almond on your lip."

He kissed it away, and Lilith blushed and smirked. "And you have a drop of chocolate on your nose." She kissed his nose, and he wrinkled it cutely.

Finally smiles and chuckles spread around the table, even if briefly for some. The worst of the tension was gone, and breakfast continued in full swing. It was a long and enjoyable meal together…for everyone except Louise who didn't smile or join in the conversation or even and eat much. Abel noticed, Crymini did too. They just tried to keep close to her and keep an eye on her until they could guide her back upstairs.

Angel watched Alastor with interest as the deer lead them toward Cannibal Colony on their walk from the hotel this morning. Alastor's behavior right now might have seemed normal enough to the average demon on the street, but Angel knew him too well. The man had his arms behind his back and his cane hugged close at his side, and his eyes were just a bit too wide and his ears were twitching. He was…antsy about something. As they neared the colony border, Angel had a pretty good idea what he was so on edge about.

"Smiles?"

"Yes!" Alastor practically jumped. They were just across the street from the colony entrance. The deer froze for a moment on the sidewalk.

Angel smiled gently and softened his voice. "Are you nervous about us showing up here together when Rosie and Mimzy told ya that all the cannibals…kinda got the idea that you and me are into each other?"

One of Alastor's ears went down slowly. "Perhaps…a tad. I really don't mind that they suspect. They are discreet and supportive. But the idea of seeing them now is giving me a bit of stage fright I can't shake. This will be my first time being publicly observed with…a known partner."

Angel nodded. "Do you wanna just teleport to your tower and ease into being in public here over the weekend?"

"Not unless you do." Alastor assured. "I'm a bit anxious…but I'm ready for them to see us. After all, they already heard us the other night on the air, ha…"

Angel's smile grew. "Well, let's go give 'em a little tease of us on the way to your tower, cutie."

A little snort and giggle left Alastor. He bowed, gesturing across the street. "After you, darling."

Angel chuckled. "Oh I think you're gonna enjoy getting to flirt in public a whole hell of a lot." He strolled across the street as Alastor rolled his eyes and followed after him.

At his side once again now, the deer added sheepishly, "Appearing in public at the colony wasn't the only concern I had, you know. There's also the slightly awkward situation of…" They turned a corner, and Alastor sighed with a dull look, "…them."

Angel blinked and looked over to a small park where currently a familiar group of cannibal ladies were gathered. "You're little fan club?" Angel snickered. "Well, they are fierce but if I gotta fight for your hand or something, I think I can take 'em."

"Ha!" Alastor burst into a laugh. "No, that's not what I meant. I merely feel awkward that they're 'in mourning', as Mimzy put it, because I won't be flirting with them anymore just to brighten their days with my charm. It simply wouldn't be proper now, not when I'm so thoroughly committed to you." He shrugged as Angel blushed and rolled his eyes with a smirk. Alastor cleared his throat and raised a hand, clearly prepared for the ladies to notice him so he could wish them a polite hello and try to ease their broken hearts.

Except the ladies seemed rather preoccupied at the moment — they were all gathered together in a huddle, clearly discussing something. The hadn't even noticed Alastor's presence yet.

Angel tilted his head. "Maybe they already realized they don't stand a chance against me when it comes to seducing you?"

Alastor sighed deeply and cleared his throat. "Ladies, hello!"

The ladies stopped talking and turned around in surprise. Their eyes widened as Angel waved to them. They smiled in wonder and waved back. Alastor gave him a little wave as well. They waved back hesitantly, tilted their heads for am moment, then went right back to their huddle.

Angel giggled. "Maybe they're trying to decide what hot overlord to go after next." He glanced at Alastor.

The deer was pouting despite his smile. "Or perhaps I'm much less charming in this new era of caring and compassion in my life."

Angel gave him a gentle bump with his hip. "Nah, you're as smooth as always. People just respect true love."

Alastor glowed so brightly. He and Angel resumed heading deeper into the colony, which of course lead them past the Emporium.

Rosie and Mimzy were working right out front, and they waved in excitement to see the boys.

"Alastor!" Mimzy called out, "we restocked your penthouse pantry and meat freezer, and we made sure to include some non-demon flesh for Angel!"

"And I put out fresh linens and towels and bedding…" Rosie added with a knowing smile.

"And we both did a little sprucing up, as requested!" Mimzy held her head high.

"Yes! Thank you…" Alastor gripped his cane with all his might, eyes darting around shyly.

Angel blushed and grinned at the women. "You ladies are real sweet. Let's do breakfast or a nightcap or something while I'm here. I can tell ya all the cute stuff Pen and Niss are up to, and Molly and Husk too."

"Throw in some news about Cherri, and you've got a date," Mimzy assured.

Angel chuckled. "Cherri…" He pulled out his phone, scrolling through. "Actually I haven't heard much from her over the last few days — oh, wait a new message! Says she's gonna have dinner with Pen and Niss this weekend and then swing by the hotel on Monday. And she says she's got news. Hmm…"

"Well, perhaps we'll all have to visit the hotel on Monday to hear the news," Rosie replied.

"Of course, she'd love to see ya!" Angel smiled to himself. "I hope it's great news. She deserves it."

"I couldn't agree more, and I'm sure it is," Rosie agreed. "Now, you boys get to the tower and settle in. And enjoy yourselves." She and Mimzy shared a giggle.

Alastor scoffed, replying cheekily, "We will! Just as much as YOU TWO have been enjoying each other, I'm sure." He winked. Then he strolled forward, glowing and grinning, Angel at his side, while the ladies waved in farewell and blew them kisses.

There was silence between Alastor and Angel until they reached the base of the tower.

As Alastor went to open the door, Angel was the one who hesitated now. "Smiles…wait. I…Alastor, why did you invite me over here for the weekend? I mean…is there a specific reason you wanted us to be alone? After all, we already basically live together at the hotel…"

Alastor swallowed then gave a small nod. "At the hotel we live together with many people. I wanted a moment of living together with just us. Because…I think it would be nice to know how that experience would have been, if we'd had it in life. Perhaps it's sentimental, but I hope you will indulge me."

"Oh." Angel blinked back a tear as he smiled. "I'll indulge ya forever. Ya make me feel so special, Smiles. My life's better being with you."

Alastor beamed. "Likewise, ma cher." As Angel giggled at the French, Alastor quickly hooked arms with the spider and lead him inside the tower.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the Colony, the gaggle of cannibal ladies finally dispersed but only after finishing their examination of what had arrested their attention so thoroughly. A fresh secret admirer note, and this one definitely not from Alastor.

'You ladies are free from your little infatuation, and I'm almost free from a delicate situation. I promise you pleasures of carnage and the carnal. Just wait for me a little longer. I'm in every gleam of a knife and every sweet taste of prey on all your vicious lips. See ya real soon…'

It was signed with another sketch of a bloody knife.

Needless to say, this message was the boldest they had ever received, and they were all in quite the excited tizzy and eager for more.

Vox, with Vark's leash in hand and Valentino at his side, raised an eyebrow at the sight of Velvet skipping through the park to meet them for Vark's walk today. She had a lollipop in hand and a rabid smile on her face, and she was…humming.

Valentino raised an eyebrow. "Fuck, that's weird. Who did she stab to be in such a good mood?"

Vox resisted a laugh. "I'm not sure what's going on with her. She passed out on my sofa last night while playing with Vark, but then first thing in the morning she was gone. But she NEVER gets up early."

"I think she's officially banging someone," Val replied with a shrug.

Vox sighed and tried not to blush. "Well, if she is, we'll let her tell us when she's ready."

Val crossed his arms. "Whatever. But remember, if they're a dick, I reserve the right to kick their ass."

Vox smiled a little more and shook his head as Vark started jumping up and down and wagging his whole body as Velvet reached them.

"Hiya, boys!" She waved. "Enjoying your walk together?" She grinned, eyes bright.

"Yeah, I guess." Valentino replied. "The fresh air doesn't entirely suck. And, ya know…I like these two, so, whatever." He jerked a thumb casually in Vox and Vark's direction.

"Vark says he loves you too, Val," Vox teased, bending down to pat the little shark on the head (and totally not noticing the blushing and lovesick grimace that briefly came over Val's face).

Velvet laughed — giggled, actually — and gave a little twirl. "Well, since we're all having such a fun morning, how about iced coffee frappes on me! And a big muffin for my little Varky!" She squished the shark's cheeks. He licked her face, and she snorted and hugged him, bouncing on her toes.

Val and Vox shared a look. Vox raised an eyebrow and turned back to Velvet. "Sounds nice. And while we're having coffee, if there's anything you want to talk to us about—"

"He means if you want to spill about what's making you act like you just snorted a line of quality coke, feel free," Valentino finished.

Velvet beamed and leaned up toward them. "Not. Yet. But very soon!" She tapped Val's glasses, flicked Vox's antenna, then took hold of Vark's leash. "Now come on, let's race! Me and Varky get a head start!" She dashed through the park with Vark, the two of them barreling past other demons.

Vox and Val just stood in stunned silence for a moment until Vox cleared his throat and found his voice again. "Okay, before she takes out someone important and we end up in a fight, let's catch up to her."

Valentino nodded and began to stride forward, and Vox started to follow but then slowed down when his phone buzzed. He paused, his eyes wide.

Valentino noticed and turned around. "What?"

"Oh, nothing…" Vox furrowed his brow curiously and started walking at a normal pace as he typed on his phone. Valentino stayed beside him. "It's just a message from Tom. He…doesn't usually text. Says he's worried about bothering me even though I told him it's fine."

Val pouted and narrowed his eyes a little. "Well, what's he want? Need you to kick Katie's ass for him again or something?"

"No," Vox's look became a bit more serious, "I still haven't found her. And she wouldn't dare come near the studio anyway, not with me there half the time and you there all the time."

Valentino straightened up in some pride. "Yeah, well, I know how to protect my own." He shrugged. "So, then…the message? Is Tom finally ready for a striptease to ease his nerves or something?"

"No, he's, uh…asking about a client." Vox blushed a little. "One of Angel's old clients." His eyes couldn't help searching Val's face.

"Oh." The moth looked down but didn't betray any emotion. "Yeah? Who?"

"Travis."

"One of his simpering street corner lays?" Valentino had to raise an eyebrow. "Why?"

Vox smiled a little. "I think Tom made a friend, that's why." He typed on his phone, sent a message and pocketed it. "Good — I want Tom to be happy and comfortable. It's important to me. Hanging out with someone new is a great sign. Once I find Katie and deal with her, I'm sure Tom'll be comfortable enough to leave the studio and go back on the air soon. I'm hoping we can work much more closely together in the future. I might even see if I can move him into my building, like neighbors." Vox glanced over at his friend and blinked. "Val? You okay?"

The moth was clenching his fists and grimacing. "Yeah… Fine. I just REALLY want that coffee." Then he took off at a quick stride to reach Velvet who was now running around in circles with Vark in front of the cafe.

Vox tilted his head for a moment but then raced to catch up with them. Val's temper could still flare at the oddest times and in the oddest ways, but at least he didn't lash out anymore. It gave Vox a lot of relief even if it could confuse him a little. Hopefully spending more time together would let them both understand each other better.

Following breakfast, the King and Queen offered to do the dishes. The rest of the table thanked them then went off to their own various affairs. For Charlie, that meant heading up to her office to organize some things, and for Sev that meant heading to the roof to see if he could snag a private conversation with Helsa about where she'd been the last few days.

Charlie and Sev naturally bumped into each other on the stairs, heading in the same direction.

"Sev!" Charlie's smile grew as they began walking together. "How was dinner with Steve last night?"

Sev blushed but smiled so much. "Oh it was great. He took me to this little jazz club, they had the best music and food and drinks. Then we took a walk through the park. Then came back here and talked in the lobby for almost two hours. It was perfect."

Charlie giggled. "Good. I'm happy for both of you." She blushed a little, her smile growing. "Is Helsa doing okay?"

"Oh." Sev blinked. "I think so? I haven't heard from her but I know she's feeling much better now that you two talked."

"Yeah." Charlie nodded. "I think we're gonna be doing better for a long time now."

Sev smiled more, feeling so happy that they were all together again. "I'm just glad I saw her leave with Cherri. That way I know she's in good hands."

"Oh, uh, right." Charlie's eyes widened and she blushed darkly.

Sev's eyes widened at the sight, and he blushed darkly too.

They reached the landing, observing each other carefully.

Finally Sev let out a deep sigh. "Char, I have this feeling that 'you know', I'm just hoping you know because Helsa told you and not because you guessed, cuz it's gonna really mess her up if another romantic secret of hers slips."

"She told me, promise!" Charlie assured, stars suddenly in her eyes. She lowered her voice to an excited whisper. "Isn't it sweet? I can't wait to see them together! You and me and them and Vaggie and Steve should go on a triple date!" She rubbed her cheeks.

Sev snorted as he laughed. "Okay, okay…first chance we get, triple date. But for now Helsa definitely needs time to ease in with Cherri."

Charlie nodded. "I promise I'll give them time. I just want them to be happy. They're both special to me." She glanced at Sev warmly. "And you are too."

"So are you, Char." Sev smiled warmly in return.

They reached the landing and shared a tight hug. Then Sev headed to the roof and Charlie headed to her office, a song in her heart.

Right after breakfast, Crymini first spent time with Abel helping make Louise comfortable and then making sure the fish demon was doing okay. After Abel thanked her for caring and reassured her that he was okay and Louise would be fine soon, Crymini left them behind and wandered up to the third floor of the hotel.

Sure enough, the door to Charlies office at the end of the hall was open.

Crymini padded over and rapped on the door frame. "Uh, Charlie? Are you there? Unless you're busy or whatever, I can always come back…"

"Crymini!" Charlie's voice sounded so happy at her arrival. Crymini peeked inside to see the princess walking over to her with a bright smile. "Please come in, I'm not busy, just cleaning up the office a little more. What's up?"

Crymini held her tail in her hands. "Uh, well, first…sorry for growling at your dad, I guess. I'm not trying to make things weird. I'm just still mad at him a little. But his apology helped, I guess. And your mom's did too."

Charlie nodded. "It's okay. I know my dad's choices hurt you a lot, and I know people in hell have hurt you a lot. Being angry still is understandable. But I appreciate you giving them a chance."

Crymini nodded, smiling a little. "Sure." She shrugged. "And, uh, there's something else… Could I, like, have a room? My own room?"

Charlie lit up like a firecracker and nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, of course! Any room you like! Vaggie and me will help you set it up and decorate it however you want! And it'll be yours for as long as you'd like!"

Crymini smiled more, tail twitching in her hands to wag. "Could…could I turn the big storage room down the hall from Alastor's office into a room?"

Charlie blinked. "Well, sure…but that's smaller than the rooms up here, and—"

"It's okay, I like cozy places," Crymini explained. "And I like being on the ground floor, near exits. It makes me more comfortable. And I like being near Husk. And being near Alastor would even be fine. He's…okay."

Charlie's smile warmed, and she nodded. "There's some old furniture in there. We'll take out everything you don't need and move it to the basement, then we'll put in a heater and get you fresh blankets and anything else you want. It'll be ready this weekend for you. Is that okay?"

Crymini released her tail — it was wagging too much for her to keep hold of it — and nodded. "Yeah, that's—I-I mean, that works. That's…perfect. Thank you, Charlie." She bit her lip then dashed forward and gave Charlie a tight hug. Charlie hugged her in return, patting her back. "I really wish I'd found this place sooner…" Crymini whispered.

Charlie blinked, and held her a little closer. "I do too. But you're here now at least. And we're so happy to have you."

Crymini smiled so much and stayed hugging Charlie for a long while before pulling back and trying to act aloof and cool again. The moment she left the office though, she dashed down the hall to tell Husk and Molly and eventually the others that she was getting her own room now as part of their hotel family.

Meanwhile, behind their closed door, Abel continued to watch Louise with worry as she despondently curled up in bed with the curtains drawn. After Crymini had left, Louise had assumed this position and refused to move from it.

Abel was worried she would stay like this all day. Her actions right now didn't seem to be about healing up from her injuries but about tuning out the world. It felt more emotionally motivated than physical. Frankly he had never seen his dear Louise so quiet and sad.

He tried to engage her in some conversation to help her laugh or talk, busy himself around the room so he might inspire her to get up and do something. She wasn't responding though, and now finally he'd spent the last few minutes just sitting on the edge of the bed in thought. Finally he put on a smile and turned to her. "Louise? I was thinking of going down to the cafe — not to open up again yet, just to do a little cleaning, maybe fix the window, come up with some menu specials. Want to come with me?"

She shook her head once. "No…" she gripped the blanket, "I…I mean, yes but…" She sighed. "No. Just be very, very, careful. Call me when you get there. I won't sleep til you come back."

He frowned. "You could sleep there. I'll get us a ride and then you can rest in one of the booths inside or maybe sit outside in the garden. The fresh air might be nice."

She shook her head again, more firmly. "I'm just…not ready. I'm can't be ready. I don't want to be ready." She had tears in her eyes.

He leaned over the bed, gently rubbed her shoulders. "It's okay, it's okay… What if we just go down to the hotel garden for a little, hmm?" He frowned. "I'm worried about you, Louise. I know what happened was bad. I know you're in pain from it. Please talk to me."

She swallowed, hugging a pillow. "That bull… He hurt you. And he hurt me. And I bit off his tail, and it felt GOOD. And I'm a sheep who eats lamb chops. And…maybe I'm vicious, but I ain't powerful enough to back it up like Alastor. I wanna protect people, but I don't know how. At the very least I need to be able to protect you. You tried to protect me…"

"You did protect me — you fought so hard against that bull when he grabbed you—"

"It wasn't enough." She sighed, scowling. "Which means I can't protect people with force no matter how hard I try. So I gotta find another way to have enough power to help. I just don't know what it is yet. I'm trying to sort it out. I need time. Once I figure that out, I'll feel better. But til then I'm just feeling aimless inside…"

He cuddled near her on the bed. "Let me be part of that with you. We can be aimless together. You'll find what you need eventually, and I'll help."

She took his hand and squeezed. She nodded, and a few tears escaped her eyes. Abel hugged her.

There was pain, but they would figure it out and be happy again soon.

When the deer and the spider reached Alastor's apartment and stepped inside, Angel immediately flushed all over. They were walking through the doorway where a few nights ago they had practically mauled each other in lust. It was the closest to sex they had gotten so far. And if Alastor suddenly locked the door now and pressed Angel against it again, the spider would have come undone in seconds, no question.

But Alastor did no such thing. He bowed and gestured forward for Angel to walk ahead of him and then he shut the door lightly and put on a big smile (though his features did glow a bit more than usual). "Welcome back. I…have distinctly enjoyed your presence here, and I'm happy to have it once again, Anthony."

Angel beamed a little. "Thanks, Al." He looked around, and his smile and heart grew. The place was all cleaned up, the furniture polished, the rugs and hardwood pristine, and sconces lit with new candles, and there were even vases of fresh flowers around the room. "Smiles, is all this for me?"

Alastor nodded humbly. "Yes. I came up with the notion to spruce things up, but Rosie and Mimzy assisted with the details — and the flowers, ha! I needed their help to turn this place from overlord bachelor pad into more of a…cozy home for two." His cheeks were practically rosy with heat.

Angel's heart raced. "Us living together really means a lot to ya, huh?"

Alastor nodded. "If it's not too bold for me to say, yes, quite."

Angel's smile softened. "Shall we take the grand tour then? Get all cozy and settled? And figure out what we wanna do next?" He lightly touched Alastor's microphone.

The deer smiled up at him and nodded. "Yes, let's! Ha!" He held out his arm, and Angel hooked his arm through it, and they headed into the kitchen. The pans and countertops gleamed, and there was even a platter of muffins and cakes as well as a kettle of warming tea on the stove. They strolled back through the living room and down the hall on the opposite side where picture frames gleamed, all showcasing paintings of radios and swamps and deer (Alastor explained that Niffty had painted them — she was quite the artist, and Husker had helped hang them). Finally they paused before a large door of dark wood. Alastor swallowed. "It's a rather small 'penthouse' I suppose — I've just never seen the need to waste space. So this is our last stop. My bedroom."

Angel swore he felt Alastor tremble. He glanced at the deer — his eyes were too wide. Angel suspected his heart was racing but maybe in a way that was more distressing than exciting. He leaned in and spoke calmly. "That's nice, Al. The whole place is. Wanna save this room for later though? We got the whole day ahead of us…"

Alastor let out a slow breath. "That is kind of you to offer." He squeezed Angel's arm. "But I think I'd rather do it now, as long as we're here."

Angel nodded then added softly, "You do know that absolutely nothing sexual has to happen this weekend, right? We won't do anything that we both don't wanna do."

"I know," Alastor replied, eyes hazed in relief. "But there are some things I would like to address…if you would like to address them. Just not at this moment, ha…"

Angel gently nuzzled the side off his head. "Then it sounds like we're just looking at a bedroom, no pressure."

"Not a drop, ma cher." Alastor kissed his cheek, and Angel flushed and beamed. Alastor pushed open the door and lead them inside. "I do hope you'll like it — and that you won't think me too forward."

Curious, Angel looked around. It was so quaint and beautiful. The entire room was a modest size and filled with simple but high-quality wood furniture. Cream-colored wallpaper with faint gold antlers adorned the walls, along with various other kinds of antler decorations. On one side of the room was a large desk holding radios in various stages of repair as well as an armoire in the corner that was slightly open to reveal several red suits. A door off to the side had a wooden sign on front that read 'powder room' in elegant script. On the opposite side of the room, there was a dresser and a vanity with a mirror, both looking newer than the other pieces — cherry wood, topped with pink and white lace clothes for decoration. Angel's bags were atop the dresser, and the vanity seat cushion had been upholstered in pink and embroidered with spider webs…

Of course, there was also a nice big bed in the center of the room with four posts and a carved headboard and blankets in various shades of red with black pillows. But Angel noted there were also with plush pink and white pillows. A red rose rested on the center with a little note. 'Have fun, boys! - Rosie and Mimzy'.

Alastor glowed very much. "Ha, I did not know the ladies would be that cheeky." He reached for the rose but hesitated.

Angel noticed and picked up the flower for him. The spider tilted his head with a little smile. "Al, the new furniture and pink pillows and stuff… did you redecorate in here? Just for me?"

Alastor blinked and gave a humble shrug. "I did, yes…" He snapped up a vase, and Angel set the rose inside as the deer explained. "At the hotel we sleep either in your room or in my room. I wanted this space to feel entirely like OUR room." He glowed so brightly, shyness in his eyes.

Angel's heart raced happily. "Oh sure, Alastor," left him sweetly before he blinked and cleared his throat and went on, "I mean, Al, Smiles, heh…" he finished sheepishly. "I like that idea a lot. I like this whole room a lot." He gazed at it again. "It's like…a little warm piece of your heart tucked into the radio tower."

Alastor's eyes hazed tenderly. "Much warmer now that you're here to share it with me, mon ange."

"Flirt." Angel giggled and rolled his eyes. "So, what should we do first?" As if in answer, the tea kettle whistled.

"Well, I think we should relax with our breakfast of delightful pastries and cakes and tea to start." Alastor snapped his fingers. He was instantly wearing a cozy corded black sweater with grey slacks, and his pair of full glasses, and the ends of his hair were tied back. "Could I interest you in a fun wardrobe change as well?"

"I'm all yours," Angel couldn't help teasing, leaning closer.

Alastor's grin grew as he snapped his fingers. Angel found himself in a lovely long cream colored sweater with a pink belt, black leggings and tan boots. "Oh you know me too well, Smiles." He spun around in the outfit. "I love it."

"And I love you." Alastor moved close and gave him a quick hug. Before Angel could even respond, the deer was dashing off to the kitchen. Angel watched him with a grin then followed. He had a feeling he wouldn't want this weekend to end.

Somewhere in the bowels of the pentagram, a certain former news anchor was being kicked out of yet another bar in the early morning. After a week long bender though, she barely felt it. Besides, what else was she supposed to do with herself anyway? She couldn't go back to the news studio, couldn't go back to her apartment, couldn't stay with anyone she knew — Vox would find her. All of her bitchy 'friends' seriously hated her guts and would kick her to the curb or rat her out the first chance they got, no question. She'd burned a lot of bridges… So bar hopping still seemed a solid choice while she raged and stewed and came up with a plan. First thing was to murder Tom, but of course that little bitch was nowhere to be found. He couldn't hide from her forever though. Still, to be fair, she couldn't hide from Vox and his wrath forever. She needed a plan, she admitted, as she dragged herself through yet another back alley with a hangover from hell. Where did someone go when they hit rock bottom here? She tried to think of someone who HAD hit rock bottom and come out on top or who had at least survived or whose death at least wasn't confirmed.

And then she paused as an idea hit her like an angel spear through the heart. She knew one person who had recently walked away from a thorough ass kicking and hadn't kicked the bucket. Someone who might hate a few of the people she hated just enough to do something with her to fix both of their bullshit situations.

But where the fuck was she gonna find a fallen mobster spider in the middle of this shit hole?

She gritted her teeth, accepted that she was just gonna have to scour the Pentagram on foot the old fashioned way, and started her long walk to who the fuck knew where.

A/ N:

That's all for now! I'll try to have the next few chapters up soon because I really want to share what happens on Alastor and Angel's date, and some other developments too. I appreciate all your support!

Take care!

-Azure129