A/N:

Hi everyone! I hope you're all doing well. Thank you so much for your support - I'm glad you're enjoying reading as much as I'm enjoying writing! Here's the latest chapter!

Partners

Chapter 5:

Party in Paradise

Charlie stood in the lobby of the hotel with her arms behind her back, observing the scene around her. Were there crowds of guests roaming the building, mingling and supporting each other? No, not quite yet. But still the place had improved significantly over the past few weeks ever since the Radio Demon had arrived. Husk provided a place for people to socialize by running the bar, and Niffty kept all the rooms and common areas clean and bright. And Alastor himself provided financial backing and prestige and maybe some advertising soon on the radio if Charlie asked him when he was in the right mood. Meanwhile, Steve was advertising for them too all over hell with his saxophone playing. Their first guest, Angel Dust, had managed to go weeks without severely destructive behavior. And their first new guests were moving in this week - Abel and Louise.

The demon princess had to wipe a tear of happiness from her eye. This place was coming together and might be okay. And she still had faith that souls could be redeemed. After all, if her father had been cast from heaven to somewhere worse, certainly someone could be cast from hell to somewhere better.

Speaking of her parents, she wanted to run the idea by Vaggie first - and maybe even Alastor - but she was thinking of inviting them to the open house. If they could believe in this place too, then everything would be just perfect.

There were so few perfect moments. Charlie just let herself take it all in.

And then there was a knock at the door.

And something about hearing a knock when the lobby was nearly empty made her jump. She realized she was reminded of when Alastor had knocked on the first day he had shown up. But knocks were usually good things. Knocks might mean more guests. Knocks were fine, no big deal.

There was another knock - a rhythmic rat-a-tat.

Vaggie came in from the kitchen. "Are we expecting someone?"

Charlie shook her head. "No. And everyone else just uses their keys." She glanced at the door and put on a smile. "Maybe it's a new guest!"

Vaggie smiled, her eyes hazed. "Maybe it is. Let's see, babe."

Charlie giggled and dashed to the door. She opened it up.

There stood one of the most notorious cannibals in all of hell - a demon named Rosie. She opened her mouth to speak. "Hel-"

Charlie shut the door, eyes wide. She opened the door again. "-lo?" The demon finished, eyeing her curiously and smiling very much to show her sharp teeth.

With a whimper Charlie shut the door again and turned to Vaggie. "Uh, Vaggie? Rosie, the head of the Cannibal Colony is at the door… What should I do?"

Vaggie's jaw dropped. "Que? Not again! Why do we attract lunatics?" Vaggie scowled and made her spear appear. "Do not let her in. I know you want to give everyone a chance, babe, but it's bad enough we've got one cannibal here. What if she's going to attack us over some turf war with Alastor?"

"Mmm…" Charlie moaned, "I can't just send her away. Maybe she's here for a good reason…somehow?" She took a deep breath, turned around, and opened the door.

Rosie chuckled. "Alastor said you were a nervous one. Good day, Princess - may I come in?"

Charlie's smile tightened but she nodded professionally. "You may…if I may ask you what I can do for you."

Rosie entered, in full Sunday dress, twirling a parasol. Vaggie stared her down, spear still in hand. Rosie noticed and held back another chuckle. "Why, I'm here to see, Alastor. He invited me for a small soiree. Did he really not tell you?" She tutted and shook her head. "Imagine - not letting the proprietor know you're using her facility for a get together. I have half a mind to box that boy's ears, but I do hate how it musses his hair."

Vaggie tilted her head. "I'm sorry, did you just say Alastor is throwing a party?"

And just then Alastor strolled in from the back door. "Rosie, darling! Right on time!" He glided right up to her and they shared the gesture of kisses on each other's cheeks from a slight distance. "Always punctual - I do appreciate that decorum in a demoness."

She laughed and gave a slight curtsey. "Alastor, don't use all that charm on me - you have quite a bit of explaining to do. Did you not tell these two upstanding ladies about our little garden party?"

"Ah, they have so many pressing affairs of their own I didn't want to interrupt."

Vaggie came up alongside him, scowling. "You're seriously throwing a party!"

"Close but no cigar, Vagatha!" Alastor shook his head. "ANGEL DUST AND I are throwing a party - a garden party, in the garden!" He spread out his arms. "We thought we'd have some friends over for a little recreation - and to amuse them with how this ridiculous place is actually coming together quite nicely!" He held up his head proudly.

"Um, Alastor." Charlie smiled nervously. "I appreciate you both wanting others to see the hotel, but in the future could you maybe give me and Vaggie some warning? We really aren't ready to receive guests: Husk isn't even behind the bar, and Niffty hasn't cleaned in here yet today. And also… well…" She rubbed the back of her neck.

"And also it's a little off-putting when cannibal murderers show up at the door unannounced," Vaggie added, arms crossed.

"Hmm," Alastor put a finger to his chin. "I'll consider your request."

Distortion surrounded his ears for a moment as Rosie grabbed a tuft of his hair playfully. "He will absolutely do you the courtesy of letting you know about any future social engagements he plans at the hotel. Really, Alastor, where are your manners?" She released him and shook her head.

"Ha! I'm saving them all for our other guest." He winked at Rosie and fixed his hair.

"Other guest?" Charlie raised an eyebrow.

"Who's the other guest?" Vaggie's eyes went wide.

Angel Dust popped in from the back door now with a big smile. "Hey, Rosie! Glad you made it!" He waved then glanced around. "Aw, man, she's not here yet?"

"If you're talking about me, I've officially arrived - so set off some fireworks and let the party begin!" Cherri Bomb strutted through the open front door. "Sheesh, do they just leave the door open all the time? Any crazy demon could walk in here."

"Any crazy demon DID!" Angel laughed and ran up to her, hugging her. Cherri laughed and hugged him back.

Charlie and Vaggie just looked on with disturbed faces. Vaggie sighed. "They're going to blow up the hotel. And then eat us when they're done. This is really happening."

Charlie put on a smile and held up her hands. "Vaggie, I'm sure it'll be okay. I don't see any bombs? Heh."

Cherri released Angel and smirked at Charlie. "I've got 'em hidden in every place on me you can imagine."

Charlie's eyes widened and she blushed. Vaggie scowled and walked right up to Cherri with her spear raised. "You led Angel on that turf war spree that made us look like fools all over the news! You blow up everything you see for fun! And you don't know how to control yourself!"

Cherri only smiled more. "Angie, you told me this one was a firecracker but I did't realize she was this intense. And she's hot when she's angry." She crossed her arms. "If this is how you flirt, hun, keep it up!"

Vaggie blushed, eyes wide.

And then Charlie stepped in front of her with a scowl, her eyes red and her horns visible. Alastor tilted his head at the sight. "Vaggie only flirts with one person, and it's not you! And you're going to respect that if you're in this hotel, okay?"

"Whoa!" Cherri grinned, impressed, as she held up her hands. "Don't worry, Princess, I'm not making a move, just having a good time. Your girlfriend is all yours. Besides, I'm here to see Angie. Very fun meeting you both though." She laughed to herself as she turned and headed back to the spider demon.

Charlie's horns disappeared and she just watched her go with a curious look. Vaggie came alongside her, smiling and blushing. She nudged her shoulder, and Charlie smiled too and grasped her hair in her hands in a shy gesture.

Cherri looked to Rosie next, hands on her hips. "So, you're Rosie… Talk about a fancy getup."

Rosie eyed her. "And you're Cherri… What a colorful modern ensemble."

"I really do have enough explosives on me to take this place down, you know."

"And I have enough strength and sheer will to rip your heart from your chest with my bare teeth, you know."

They stared each other down for a beat. Then Cherri smirked and nodded. "Fair enough. Nice to meet you, Rosie."

"Charmed to make your acquaintance as well, Cherri." Rosie nodded back to her.

"And, uh," Angel spoked up, "I already know Rosie. But, Cherri, this is Al - Alastor." He gestured to Alastor with a sheepish smile.

Cherri held out a hand but Alastor made his cane appear and pushed away the hand with his microphone. "Oh I'm afraid a handshake is usually out of the question unless you'd like to be in my service for all eternity. But it's a pleasure to meet someone who can entertain Angel Dust so thoroughly. Are you a fan of my radio program?"

Cherri pulled her hand back and tilted her head to the side. "No - I've blown up my fair share of demons, but I've gotta draw a line at cooking up the remains." She gave him a little salute with her fingers. "Here's to meeting you too, Radio Show."

Alastor smiled more. "Ha! What a delightfully honest reply!" Then he gestured to the back with his cane. "Why don't we all head out to the garden before Fat Nuggets eats the appetizers! We can get better acquainted over tea and talk."

"Now that sounds like a fine idea, Alastor." Rosie held her parasol over her head again. "Lead the way!"

Alastor hooked arms with Rosie and they strode forward together. Angel smiled at Cherri who shrugged but smiled back and followed after them. Angel called back over his shoulder. "We'll keep out of your hair, girls! And I promise, no destruction. Seriously!" He winked and pointed fingers guns at Vaggie and Charlie. The group was out the door a few steps later.

Charlie sighed, smiling hopefully. "Maybe it'll be okay - at least they're all making friends." She glanced at Vaggie who was smirking at her. "What?"

"You got jealous." Vaggie smirked more.

Charlie blushed. "I-I just didn't want Cherri to make you uncomfortable. And, you know…I…you…we…" She stopped trying to talk when Vaggie put her hands on her shoulders and kissed her on the mouth.

Vaggie pulled back with her eyes hazed. "I forget how cute your horns are sometimes." She took Charlie's hand. "Come on. Maybe this little party really will be fine. And we can always keep an eye on things and stop it if anything comes up. You know, our room overlooks the garden…"

Charlie blushed a lot and smiled a lot. She nodded.

Vaggie took her hand and pulled her along upstairs with a chuckle.

Alastor had conjured up a small black wrought iron table with a red cloth and a red umbrella awning overhead. There were four wrought iron chairs with red cushions. And the table held several silver platters of food, a silver teapot, and shining cutlery for everyone. And Fat Nuggets sat near the table wearing a little red bowtie.

"Whoa, Nuggets got a makeover." Cherri smirked.

"My, your little pig friend looks charming today," Rosie observed as Fat Nuggets oinked.

"Yeah," Angel nodded. "Smiles spiffed him up."

"Just adding to the atmosphere." Alastor laughed and tapped his cane on the ground twice. All of the chairs pulled themselves out. He bowed and gestured to the table. "Ladies, first."

"Heh, I don't think anyone's ever called me a lady down here." Cherri snickered and walked over to the table. Rosie nodded to Alastor and took her own seat. Angel considered then shrugged. "Eh, I'm feeling a bit ladylike today. I'll go third." He walked over with a smile. Alastor followed and sat last - with another tap of his cane, the chairs pulled themselves in underneath everyone. And with a snap of his fingers the platters were all uncovered.

Cherri eyed the spread. "Fancy eats. Heh, none of this is anyone we know, right?"

"Ha! No." Alastor shook his head. "Almost all the people I know I either like or have already dined upon. But if your question was regarding the dietary nature of the cuisine—"

"No demon flesh, Cherri," Angel answer with a grin. "Just plenty of other kinds of flesh. We got prosciutto and andouille sausage and veal and ham—"

"And venison!" Alastor announced, his demonic aura swirling around his head. In an instant he was back to normal.

"All still delicacies in my book. You boys are spoiling us." Rosie eyed the food, her sharp teeth gleaming.

"Well, it is a special occasion." Alastor made his microphone disappear and gestured to the entirety of the table. "So welcome, dear ladies, to your first meal at the Hazbin Hotel. We certainly hope it won't be your last. Please dig in!"

Cherri grinned and grabbed her fork and knife, eyes darting around at all the possibilities. "Yes, Angie, it's been forever since I had some of your cooking. Please tell me you made—"

Angel gestured to a plate. "The meatballs with my special sauce? I knew you'd fucking kill me if I didn't."

"You are my favorite bitch in hell." Cherri's eye widened at the steaming plate of red and brown. She served herself as much as would fit on her plate

"And is that rosemary tea I smell?" Rosie inhaled near the teapot as she stabbed a cut of meat and transferred it to her plate.

"Fresh from our garden!" Alastor announced proudly as Rosie took the teapot and poured a cup. "I gathered the hot water!"

"And I gathered the plants since they die when Al touches them!" Angel added proudly.

They shared a laugh and a warm smile and then began to serve themselves.

Rosie tilted her head, intrigued. Cherri chewed her meatballs and watched with her eyebrow raised up.

Alastor leaned a little closer to Angel. "You should have seen this yard before we got to it - an absolute atrocity! Riddled with decay and uselessness and despair - much like the hotel before I arrived! Ha!"

Angel rolled his eyes. "The hotel's a lot better now, but, yeah, the yard was shit. It didn't stand a chance against the two of us though - we made a great team out here." Fat Nuggets oinked. Angel picked him up and put him on his lap. "And Fat Nuggets too! He's our special helper."

"Yes, a delightful presence to spark our horticultural creativity!" Alastor nodded and served himself one of the meatballs. He took a bite, and then his smile grew distinctly and his eyes hazed. He smirked at Angel. "You slipped some venison in these, didn't you, Angel?"

Angel smiled humbly. "Well, yeah. I never made these for the house before, and I really wanted you to like them. The tastes are okay?"

"Exquisite." Alastor dabbed his mouth with a napkin and gestured to another platter. "Why don't you try the finger sandwiches?"

Angel glanced at the tray then looked closer and picked one up. His eyes brightened. "Aw, Al, mini caprese sandwiches!" He bit into it. "Oh wow, how did you make this vinaigrette?"

"Old family secret - I'm afraid you'd have to pry it out of my cold dead hands."

"Well, you're already dead, so that shouldn't be a problem." Angel winked and Alastor put on his laugh track.

The ladies were observing intently now. Rosie was sipping her tea, looking thoroughly entertained. Cherri wasn't even eating anymore - she just watched with her jaw dropped.

Rosie leaned back in her chair. "Now, did you two boys cook everything together?"

"We work well in the kitchen as a culinary duo, yes!" Alastor nodded eagerly. "Angel's extra arms are especially good at making short work of any task, and he has a fine palette for refining recipes."

"And Alastor is great at getting ingredients and using knives, and at getting his shadow to help us." Angel smirked and crossed his arms. "I'm wearing that guy down - his shadow actually tolerates me now without giving me threatening looks."

"Ha! Too true!" Alastor raised his tea cup and sipped.

Cherri considered, eyeing Alastor. "So, Angel's here to get redeemed - or at least for free rent. And you, Alastor, are here to…"

"Be utterly entertained by the mere existence of this entire establishment and its presence," Alastor replied. "And I'm having a marvelous time."

"So you like to start shit too in your free time or what?" Cherri smiled a little.

"Hmm, not in the way you're thinking. Here I merely observe and let everything come crumbling down on its own. And outside of here, I don't start conflicts…but I certainly do END them." He flashed his teeth.

Cherri didn't even blink. "Hmm, well, you do know that if you put one scratch on Angie I'll blow that radio tower of yours sky high, right?"

"And you know that if you put one scratch on Alastor I'll have a dozen demons feasting on your insides, Cherri, right?" Rosie interrupted, still smiling.

"Ladies, ladies, you're both deadly." Angel held up his hands. "Come on, no need to fight over us. No one's putting a scratch on anyone. Besides, Al and I are big boys, we can take care of ourselves. Right, Smiles?"

"Oh yes." Alastor nodded. "I'm lethal six ways to Sunday. And Angel is a delightfully brilliant strategist, and an expert with firearms apparently."

"Flattery'll get you everywhere, Al." Angel chuckled, and Alastor looked particularly proud for a moment.

Rosie and Cherri just watched them again. They actually glanced at each other for a moment before Cherri scowled warily and Rosie went back to her tea but kept an eye on the fiery demoness. "Well, now that it's settled that we could all kill each other in an instant if we wanted to, Cherri, why don't you tell me what you do around hell?"

Cherri shrugged and took more food. "Start turf wars, kick Overlord's asses, be my own woman, and blow up everything that tries to stop me."

"Ah, an entrepreneur! What a lively occupation!" Rosie clapped her hands together. "If you ever need any bodies disposed of, I can be very helpful."

Cherri tried not to react but she did cringe a little. "And your job is running Cannibal Colony? So, what, you just bag 'em and slab 'em and serve 'em up with a good wine?"

Rosie laughed. "Oh I have to coordinate quite a bit more than that. And I make sure Alastor's territory is shipshape while he's away. But I too am an entrepreneur of sorts - I run a fine Emporium full of fashions and delicacies. And I'm quite the bee in a bonnet for a few others overlords myself."

"I hear Cherri is quite the old hand at disrupting our old adversary Sir Pentious," Alastor offered.

Cherri grinned a little. "Apparently not as quick a killer as you though. Angel told me what you did to his airship - dragging it out of the sky like that."

"Oh Alastor," Rosie shook her head. "You didn't use those tentacles again, did you? I swear, they make such a mess. Though that snake really is such a pretentious dandy."

"Ugh, he drives me nuts!" Angel held out his arms. "I mean, making sex jokes at the guy isn't even fun! He sets me up for too many and either doesn't get them or just tells me I'm gross. And innuendo is like half my schtick for distracting people to fill 'em with lead!"

Alastor chuckled. "To be fair, I don't get quite a few of your sex jokes either, Angel."

"Yeah, but when you don't get 'em, it's cute." Angel shrugged. "The way you respond actually makes them better instead of making them fall flat. And then you say something dark and twisted but still funny, and we both get a laugh." He grinned, and his gaze softened.

"We do have quite the repartee, my fine arachnid fellow!" Alastor's gaze softened a little too.

They remained looking at each other for a moment.

"You two have been spending a lot of time together, haven't you?" Cherri finally observed.

"We're practically living together," Angel replied, turning to her. "Comes with the territory."

"And Angel is the most entertaining demon I've found at this hotel so far. Why would I not indulge myself with his company?" Alastor tilted his head at Cherri.

Cherri sighed very deeply as Rosie clapped her hands together. "This meal is absolutely charming. I can't imagine what you two boys concocted for dessert."

"Oh, I made the dessert!" Angel raised a hand. "Al here still thinks aspic qualifies as one."

Cherri raised her eyebrow. "What the fuck is asp—"

"Please don't ask." Angel clasped his hands together. "Point is, I made cannolis."

"And I chose a fine wine and coffee pairing to go with them!" Alastor piped up.

Rosie chuckled. "Well that sounds just delightful." She gestured out to the garden. "While we eat and prepare for such a delicious finish to our meal, why don't you both tell us about all the plants you've got growing out here? This place is a regular Eden."

"Ha! It was cultivated by two sinners after all!" Alastor quipped.

"If we get Pentious in here as our snake, it'll be an exact replica!" Angel laughed, almost crying. Alastor turned on his laugh track. Rosie chuckled and even Cherri cracked a smile.

"Let's start with one of my favorite ingredients - peppers!" Alastor made his microphone reappear and gestured to a row. "I've sown many varieties - cayenne, habanero, jalapeño, bell…"

"Next to the peppers are the other vegetables. My favorite row is the eggplant." Angel smirked, eyes hazed playfully,. "I'll explain why when we get there."

Alastor nudged hims with his microphone. "Ha, I'm sure they'll figure It out just by looking! Let's move on!"

Angel playfully tapped his microphone and hugged Fat Nuggets, and the verbal tour continued. And Rosie and Cherri had a very interesting time watching as the boys shared the passion they had developed for gardening together..

Leaving the party meant Cherri and Rosie ended up on the hotel stoop together alone. They glanced at each other. Then they spoke at the same time and said the same thing.

"If your guy is screwing with mine, I'll kill him and you."

They blinked.

Cherri raised an eyebrow. "I mean it. You seem like a cool lady, Rosie. But, I don't trust overlords which means I don't trust Radio Head which means I don't trust you. If anything happens to Angel…"

Rosie nodded. "I feel the same. I don't know you, and you seem like quite the rogue demon. I have no reason to put any faith in you or Angel, and every reason to suspect other demons of wanting to hurt Alastor for his power. If anything happens to him…" Her eyes glowed.

Cherri considered for a moment. "Just for the sake of argument…what do you think the odds are that neither of our sides is making a play against the other? That Alastor genuinely likes Angel and Angel genuinely likes Alastor - no secret motives or plans or stuff they're not telling."

Rosie's demonic glow went away. "I think the odds that they have no secret ill will toward each other are quite good. But as for 'stuff they're not telling'… that's the million dollar question. Did you see what I saw back there?"

Cherri hesitated. "They…get along extra nice."

"They were giggling and teasing and all but finishing each other's sentences," Rosie observed.

Cherri blushed. She lowered her voice. "I hate to admit it but…back there and whenever Angel talks about Alastor, I've never seen him so…happy about a guy."

Rosie nodded. "The same goes for Alastor. He's quite extra taken with your spider friend."

Cherri blinked. "There's no way they're already…"

"Oh no, I'm afraid not." Rosie shook her head. "Clearly they're both utterly clueless about their chemistry. But I feel that Angel is a good companion for my Alastor. So I have a proposition."

Cherri narrowed her eye. "I'm listening."

"We don't discourage their friendship. And if any sort of feelings become more apparent we gently encourage them."

"You want to pimp our fiends to each other?"

"Ha! No - matchmake, dear!" Rosie winked. "I want to see how this new situation plays out and guide it to a happy ending should the cards align in such a way. What do you say?"

Cherri glanced back at the hotel then to Rosie. "I'll always do whatever it takes to make Angel happy. So as long as Radio Head makes him happy, I'll light candles and and dim the lights if that's what it takes for them."

"Splendid! I knew I could count on a smart girl like you!" Rosie beamed. "Do keep me updated on how things are going on your end. Angel has safe passage through Cannibal Colony and now so do you. Just mention my name. But be on guard until I get there to vouch for you."

"Sure. And hey if I see you around my turf I won't blow you up or anything." Cherri smiled.

"Agreed!" Rosie opened her parasol and waved. "Ta ta!" She turned and strolled off.

Cherri sighed and shook her head but couldn't help smiling a little more as she walked off in her own direction. Angel finding love in hell - despite her wariness, it was a nice thought.

A/N:

Thanks for reading! Next time: Cherri talks with Angel about Al, and Rosie talks with Alastor about Angel. 3 And we see a little more of the 3V!

Have a nice week!

-Jenna