A/N:

Hello everyone! Alastor and Angel finally get a chance to talk after the Radio Tower attack. It's going to be a cute recovery : ) I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 16:

Mixed Signals

No one involved with the Hotel or Cannibal Colony wanted it to seem like the two entities were in cahoots, so a meeting between Vaggie (who was just staff) and Cherri (who simply happened to be friends with their first guest) to pass along information about the state of Alastor and the radio tower was simplest. Right now, as far as the rest of the Pentagram was concerned, Alastor was just a benefactor of Hazbin staying there longterm to prepare for the open house…and to plot revenge some revenge on the side.

Vaggie had planned to head straight back to the hotel after meeting Cherri at a corner near Cannibal Colony to share their updates. Today, though, Cherri had slipped Vaggie's info to a raven in a note and announced she was heading back to the hotel with her. Just like Charlie, Cherri knew it didn't matter that Angel didn't have a scratch on him from what had happened at the tower - there were other ways to be hurt, and she needed to see her friend.

Cherri bit her lip as they walked, scowling and looking down. Vaggie eyed her. She considered then took a deep breath. "Cherri, any chance you want to stay at the hotel for a few days?"

Cherri sighed. "Vaggie, I'm not in the mood for a threesome with you and Charlie."

Vaggie scowled. "Ha, funny. I mean it - I think it would be good for you and Angel to have each other while we're waiting to see if Alastor wakes up…I-I mean, WHEN Alastor…"

"It's WHEN Alastor…definitely WHEN, not if…" Cherri clenched her fists, looking down. "Life fucked Angel over enough…and death too. He deserves Alastor, so that ancient idiot is coming back to him." She wiped at her eye quickly then held her head high again in her usual challenging demeanor.

Vaggie frowned and nodded. "You're right - WHEN Alastor wakes up." She crossed her arms. "Anyway, you can stay with us - I mean it. You don't have to be an official guest trying to get redemption - you'll be moral support for Angel. You can leave whenever you want…or not."

"Believe me, you want me to leave at some point." Cherri's look became dry. "The only way anything will ever get me to stop being a proud sinner is if you people really do get Angel sent to heaven. Then I'll do anything to get sent there too - he's my guy, we need each other."

Vaggie smiled a little. "You could hedge your bets - get a head start just to be safe."

Cherri smirked. "Pass, but thanks. Besides, the way things are right now, someone has to be willing to sin. I think a lot of skulls are gonna need to get crushed before this thing with those three V fuckers is over."

"Well...I actually wouldn't mind the backup." Vaggie sighed, rubbing her temple. "I want the hotel to stay OUT of hell drama, but if anything puts it in danger, I'll fight tooth and nail."

Cherri tilted her head. "Not feeling the urge to jump on the redemption train yourself? Or just don't mind waiting a bit to shoot for the pearly gates?"

Vaggie blinked and blushed a little. "I'd never try. I'll set a good example for the hotel guests but…I belong wherever Charlie is, and she's here." She smiled a little to herself.

"Wow, you two really are sappily in love." Cherri laughed and nudged her. "Pretty soon Angie and Radio Head will get all goofy on me too. And there's that sheep and that fish guy at the hotel. Mimzy and Rosie…"

"Mimzy and Rosie?"

"Yeah, apparently! It's been going on for a while in a low-key way, but ever since the tower attack, they've been all over each other." Cherri shook her head. "Soon I'm gonna be everyone's third wheel." She grinned. "Don't think that's going to stop me from being part of whatever everyone's doing - I'm just saying."

Vaggie laughed. "Well, maybe if we get some new guests, you'll meet someone. You never know - your true love could be anywhere in hell."

"Eh, not really a romantic, lovey-dovey person." Cherri waved her off. "Don't mind a good fuck though. Speaking of which, did one of us mention a three way with you, me, and Charlie?"

"It was you, and the answer is no." Vaggie replied flatly, suppressing a smile at the joke.

"Can't damn a demon for trying!" Cherri snickered as they rounded the corner and came in sight of the hotel. She sighed, looking up at the place. "I'm not sure about checking in, even as moral support. But I'll probably spend a lot of time here for now. If I need to crash for the night, I'll stay with Angie." Her look firmed. "I also want to be there if Val or those other two finally reach out to him - I've got to remind him now's a perfect time to cut them off once and for all."

Vaggie bit her lip. "I still can't believe Alastor did that much damage to three overlords all on his own. Angel won't talk about the state they were in, but it sounds bad."

Cherri swallowed. "Yeah, well… whatever they got, they deserved." She headed to the entry.

Vaggie raised an eyebrow at her brisk departure but followed after her and headed inside.

"Vaggie!" Charlie beamed at her girlfriend. She blinked then smiled and waved. "Cherri, you're here too!"

"In the demonic flesh, Princess. I go where I'm needed." Cherri grinned and glanced around. "Speaking of which, where's Angel?"

"Oh!" Charlie blinked. "He was down here a few minutes ago." She turned to the bar. "Husk, have you seen Angel?" All three ladies looked to him.

Husk was right in the middle of sipping from a bottle. Something about Charlie's optimistic stare and Vaggie's scrutinizing stare and Cherri's expectant stare made him linger with the bottle for as long a gulp as he could manage before trying to answer. "He's…" Husk knew what he had told Alastor was right - lying to this many smart women was a no go. "He's upstairs."

"He doesn't usually go up to check on him before dinner." Charlie frowned.

Vaggie eyed him suspiciously. "He didn't sneak out to do anything reckless, right?"

Cherri scowled at Husk. "Kitty cat, you might get away with lying to these two, but you're dealing with me now. Tell me where my friend is or I'll blow up every bottle in this joint."

"Damn it," Husk mumbled. He put a finger to his lips in a silencing gesture then motioned for the ladies to come closer. He kept his voice low. "Alastor is awake and Angel is seeing him. And you are not seeing him until later. And do NOT tell Niffty or Louise until then either, got it?"

Charlie was beaming, Vaggie had wide eyes, and Cherri was grinning. "All right, Angie's that much closer to getting some!"

Charlie thoroughly blushed, Vaggie had to try not to laugh, and Husk just dragged a hand down his face. "Can we not talk about whatever the hell's going on between them? I get enough from Niffty, and also I don't care."

"Did someone say my name?" Niffty popped her head in from the kitchen. She beamed and zipped over. "Oh Miss Cherri, hello!" She glanced around. "Where's Angel?"

"Upstairs, probably spinning some radio dials." She smirked. "Speaking of which, I want to hear your thoughts on Angie and Alastor."

Husk's eyes widened. "No don't!"

Niffty's eye got so big. She ducked under the bar and produced a sheath of papers. "I've been writing down all the cute stuff they do and why they're so nice together - I even wrote some stories about them! How we all live in the hotel, and Alastor takes care of Husk and me, and Angel is our mommy, and Fat Nuggets is our baby brother!"

Charlie had tears of joy in her eyes, Vaggie's jaw fell, and Cherri was holding back so much laughter. "C-Can you read them to us?"

Niffty nodded and popped herself onto a barstool to get ready.

Husk sighed and glared at Cherri. Cherri whispered to him quickly. "Hey it'll keep her busy while Alastor and Angel talk. Have a drink and chill out, kitty. And pour me one too."

Husk grumbled but did so, and they all took seats.

Niffy cleared her throat. "Once upon a time Alastor came to a pretty hotel and found an Angel…and a cute piggy!"

Angel stood outside of Alastor's door, wringing all three sets of hands. He wasn't sure if he should knock or just go in or maybe announce himself from out here. So much had happened, there was so much to say, and there was so much to do.

And he kept thinking about something from the tower; something that made his heart pound. The moment when Vox had yelled at Alastor for not being his partner, and a fuzzy radio voice had come from Alastor saying Vox wasn't the one he wanted, Vox wasn't 'him'. Then Vox had mentioned Angel. Like Angel was the one Alastor wanted… And if that were true, then maybe Angel really wasn't so alone with these sappy feelings that wouldn't quit. Maybe there really was something more between them and all he had to do was ask about it.

Alastor's faint shadow floated under the door drifted up to view Angel with a dry look.

"Wow," Angel ceased his romantic panic and raised an eyebrow, "you look like death warmed over - literally."

The shadow rolled its eyes and gestured to the doorknob.

"I…guess I'll take that as an invitation? Heh…" Angel put on a smile and opened the door.

From the bed, a casual and familiar voice came. "We were wondering how long you were going to stand out there. And then I got bored of waiting. I've already decided I'll be replacing all of Husker's liquid refreshment with cod liver oil for spilling the beans early that I'm among the hellish living again."

Angel could have cried at hearing a joke from Alastor once more in his life. "I'm the only one he told - so maybe just replace ONE bottle with cod liver stuff heh." He stepped closer and closed the door behind him. The room was dim. He could only see Alastor's shape in shadow at first until the shadow turned on the nearest lamp then disappeared.

In full view now, wearing a red (fully buttoned-up) nightshirt, Alastor sat up in bed and gave Angel a weak smile. "You'll have to pardon my lack of showmanship - I'm currently quite ill-equipped to be a host right now."

Angel's smile grew and he felt himself blushing but didn't care. "Forget the southern hospitality, I'm just glad to hear you cracking-wise and talking like it's the twenties, Smiles!" He came over and sat down on the bed. "Are you okay? Does anything hurt? Can I get you something?"

"I…" Alastor had such a perplexed look on his face for a moment at the sight of Angel approaching him so eagerly, then he shook his head, "I would just like some answers, Angel." He put on a casual smile. "As you must know, our rumble in the radio tower threw me for quite a loop. I'm afraid I'm missing a few pieces from the grand finale, and I think I require your assistance in understanding what transpired… If you don't mind."

Angel swallowed but nodded. "Yeah, sure, Al, whatever you need. I wasn't there for the start, but Rosie and Mimzy filled me in, so I'll do my best to fill you in. You'd have been proud of them, Smiles. They fought like Hellcats for you!"

"Yes - I am quite proud… of all of you." Alastor nodded. "Continue, please."

Angel swallowed. "Well, uh… Val, Vox, and Vel snuck up on you - I guess you were overwhelmed with the show and everything. Rosie and Mimzy tried to stop them while the other cannibals were on their way. There was fighting and…you were getting hurt…" Angel frowned. "Anyway, the other cannibals came and scared Val, Vel, and Vox into the sound room. Then there was a fire, but Cherri got Pen to put it out with the water canon on his ship. And…those three were going to hurt you more, but they gave up and I got us away."

"I see." Alastor's eyes narrowed a little. "What did they use to hurt me exactly?"

"A piece from an Angel spear…"

"Ah!" Alastor almost laughed. "So that's why my chest stings like the dickens! They must have gone for my heart - very clever." He shook his head - then his gaze fell to Angel again. He swallowed. "Angel…you said they gave up. Did I…dispatch one or all of them permanently?" The thought of Angel seeing him murder a demon by eating them alive was unpleasant, and Alastor felt a strange prickling at the corners of his eyes - hot tears threatening to fall.

Angel was looking away. "No, you didn't… They're all…I mean, as far as I know none of them are dead. But maybe…"

There was clearly something Angel wasn't telling Alastor. And Alastor felt more sickeningly assured than ever that he must have done something horrific - something the spider couldn't bear to recall. Perhaps he had finally made Angel fear him. "I see," he replied. "Well then…there is just one more thing to inquire about." He cleared his throat. "How in the blazes did you manage to get me out of that building? In my full form I'm…" His eyes went down. "I'm rather a handful, ha!" The laugh was weak.

"You weren't in your full form." Angel tilted his head. "I mean, you were, but then you changed to how you are now. Your shadow helped, I think."

Alastor's eyes widened then narrowed. He willed his faint shadow to appear again. "Well…?"

The shadow pouted then touched one of Alastor's hands and one of Angel's, then released them and shrugged.

Alastor's eyes flickered to radio dials but then he winced and they returned to normal. He glared at the shadow, said something under his breath in French that Angel had a distinct feeling was not a nice term, and finally swiped his hand through the air and dismissed his shadow. The shadow faded away with a stubborn look.

"Uh…can I know what that's about?" Angel asked, trying not to smile too much.

Alastor took a deep breath and straightened up. "My shadow has put me in a rather awkward situation." He interlaced his fingers, shoulders tense. "Normally I strike deals with demons with the terms fully laid out - I know what I'm getting and they know what they're getting. But at the tower, my shadow chose to create a less-defined transaction. He revived me enough to return to a more manageable form by… transferring a small bit of your spiritual energy into me."

"Oh…" Angel tried not to blush.

Alastor felt a glow try to build in his face, and moved right along with his explanation. "In other words, we don't have a 'deal' per-say but…I've acquired something from you. And now I'm bound to provide you with something in return. And there are no limits or parameters set on the exchange - frankly you could ask for anything and I'd be obligated to give it! Ha!"

Angel blinked then spoke instantly, "I want you to get better in time to be at the open house!"

Alastor tilted his head in confusion at the request for the return of powers Angel now knew could be heinous. "Heh, so hasty, Angel. Appearing at the party is something I'll have to do anyway to protect my reputation. It serves me too much to be used to repay my debt to you."

Angel shrugged. "Then I want you to do something nice for Mimzy and Rosie for all the work they did fighting for you and keeping up the Colony. And Cherri too!"

"I was already going to take care of them quite well for their assistance as I always do. And Cherri as well," Alastor assured with a nod. "Besides, that's something for someone else."

Angel crossed his arms. "Well, I don't know then, Al! Hell, you gave me a huge gift just by waking up!"

Their eyes met and then they both swallowed and glanced away.

Angel sighed. "Okay, I think I got something." He met Alastor's eyes again. "Remember that time we went to hand out invitations with the girls - I was raving about Charlie's limo and you joked about the two of us taking a ride one day instead of going for a walk." His gaze firmed. "I want that ride…which also means you have to get better enough to take it with me."

Alastor raised an eyebrow, perplexed. But he nodded. "Very well, the terms are set!"

"Good." Angel smirked.

"You do know you could have asked for literally anything - power, territory, riches…"

Angel rolled his eyes and waved him off. "Yeah, like I want the headaches of being an overlord. Comes with a target on your back at all times - case in point, you right now in this bed."

"Hmm…quite clever, Angel."

Angel blushed at that comment.

Alastor cleared his throat. "I told Husker he can reveal to the others that I'm well later tonight. Of course, I understand if they would prefer not to see me…though I'd wager that depends on the details they know of our little scuffle." He glanced around. "The fact that Charlie has put me into a room here bodes well, I suppose, for my reception."

"Don't sell yourself so short, Smiles." Angel's smile softened. "If they knew you were awake, you'd have a bunch of worried demon ladies banging down your door to dote all over you. They don't know all the gory details," Angel grimaced at his word choice, "but they know the basics. And they also know that you're part of this hotel, Al - we're all in this together. They care about you. And I do too."

Alastor gripped his blankets a little more and felt something in his chest that…wasn't bad or painful or unwanted. "Er…If I'm going to be receiving more guests, then I would like to prepare. First I should look the part." His flicked his wrist - but grimaced as a jolt of static passed through his ears then fizzled.

"Al, hey, take it easy…" Angel moved closer. "Breathe…"

"It's all right. I'm fine and dandy, heh…" Alastor took a breath in and out and regained his composure. "I'm afraid I was a bit absent-minded for a moment. I…would prefer you didn't share this fact around, but my power's are temporarily on the fritz. Even ones as minor as the ability to transfer objects from my office up to here."

"Oh, you don't need to do that."Angel stood up. "Niffty brought some stuff up here for you." He gestured to a trunk on the floor by the end of the bed. "What do you need?"

"Perhaps just…" Then the Radio Demon blinked and shook his head. "I mean, would you mind bringing the trunk over here? I'm not certain what Niffty was able to grab." The idea of Angel rummaging through his clothes was…strangely more embarrassing than annoying. Either way, he preferred to take care of the matter with his own two hands.

Angel nodded and dragged over the trunk. Alastor summoned his cane and used the end to sift through a few items.

"You can still make the mic appear?"

"It's practically part of me. Magic or no magic, I'm the radio demon - fate deems the microphone a necessity." He quickly settled on a black item with red trim. "Ah, well, perhaps my smoking jacket would be acceptable as well as comfortable. Now where are…"

"Slippers are by the bed," Angel said. "We had high hopes for getting you on your feet again."

Alastor slipped on the smoking jacket - it was like a thin long quilted black robe with red cuffs and collar. He shifted his legs out of the bed and noticed his feet were in black socks - covered up just like his hands in his gloves. He was used to only Husker knowing his preferences after all these years… but now Angel did too. And Angel respected them. Angel… was displaying care for him despite the severe trauma of their experience. Angel was trying to help him…

As Alastor began to stand, a memory tried to surface - something during the tower fight. Angel. A strange hand coming close to himself. A loud bang like the shot of a gun.

Alastor sunk back against the pillows, clutching his chest, one ear down.

"Alastor!" Angel knelt in front of him, frowning. "Hey, look - maybe we'll just tell the girls to hold off on visiting you, okay? You should stay in bed."

Some pain subsided and Alastor managed to keep his voice light and steady. "Nonsense. I can't deprive my audience! And I'd prefer not to worry them if they care as much as you say…" He scowled a little then sighed in defeat. "Perhaps you could…assist me, Angel?" He gripped his cane in both hands and planted the end on the floor. He held out an elbow toward the spider. Angel was here for him, and Alastor WANTED his help.

Angel nodded, swallowed, then took Alastor's offered arm gently in both hands. "Okay, on three - slowly. One, two…three."

The spider's assistance made Alastor feel lighter, and he got standing. But then he gasped and and his knees buckled - everything felt so dreadfully sore.

"Whoa, Al, hold on, I'm here!"

And Alastor took advantage of that fact on instinct - while one hand held his cane, the other gripped Angel's arm and leaned against him. And it felt…good and safe and comforting. Soft. Such a familiar kind of soft. Some other memories from their terrifying night tried to surface but quickly faded into darkness once more.

Angel took all of Alastor's weight with ease and helped Alastor to an arm chair.

Then Angel's support was gone from the Radio Demon. Angel respecting his preferences again. And yet Alastor missed the company.

Angel stood back, eyeing him and smiling, a little flushed with the effort of their walk, Alastor assumed. "There, you look like a great host now, Al. Wait, let me add some atmosphere!" He pulled an end table beside the chair for Alastor's cane to lean against, then lit the fire in the fireplace, and finally turned on another lamp. "Perfect!" He winked.

Alastor felt his face glow distinctly at the assessment.

"See, your color's coming back and everything!" Angel crossed his arms and eyed Alastor. "Now, tell me the truth - are you definitely up for seeing the others tonight or is there anything else you need first?"

Alastor opened his mouth.

Then a large, distinct rumble escaped the Radio Demon's stomach. His eyes went dark…

Angel swallowed. "Smiles?" The last time his eyes had looked like that had been in the tower.

Alastor blinked several times and his eyes became normal. "I won't beat around the bush. I restore myself with cannibalism - my powers, my body, my very soul. I'd already gone a little while without demon flesh before this show, and I'm afraid I was mostly playing with my food before those three rapscallions arrived. If I'm going to be revived enough to show myself at the open house, I need meat… And if I don't get it I might…lose myself a little until I do."

Angel nodded. "It's okay, I've got a plan."

"Yes, Husker mentioned. You're a persuasive creature, but if you've managed to talk Charlie into allowing the slaughter of bodies in her kitchen, I'll be thoroughly impressed."

Angel shook his head. "Not exactly." He smirked. "Deer meat counts as cannibalism for you, right?"

Alastor sighed. "Yes… But it's not as potent as demon flesh. It would take a tremendous amount to put me to rights."

"Then that's what you're going to get." Angel stood up, smiling, hands on hips. "We've been buying a lot of food and stuff for the party so it hasn't been suspicious that we've also been picking up a lot of venison - don't want to tip anyone off about your condition."

Alastor shook his head. "Angel, I could become quite dangerous if I am underfed. And you have a direct understanding now of how severe that danger can be." His smile came so close to a frown. "It would be in everyone's best interests if I simply went out tonight and hunted…"

"You are staying in bed in your condition!" Angel was firm, hands on his hips. "And you won't have a chance to become dangerous. I'm not needed at the studio currently, so that frees me up to be your personal chef. I'm going to cook and you're going to eat."

"It won't be enough!"

"Excuse me?" Angel scowled and leaned down, arms crossed. "Are you saying you don't think I can satisfy your culinary needs? I'm Italian, damnit! We know how to feed people! That overlord appetite of yours is no match for me!"

"This is not a contest!"

"You just made it one, pal!" Angel sauntered to the door. "Prepare yourself, Smiles - you're about to be full!" He smirked over his shoulder. "Nice chatting, Al - I've missed our conversations." With a wink, Angel walked out, closing the door behind him at this final word.

Alastor sat very still, his face glowing. Something about the idea of being fed by Angel made him feel nice things… and, oddly enough, just below the place on his chest that had clearly been wounded. He would have to inspect the injury later, but for now he let himself have a moment of peace. Because even if Angel had feared him back at the tower, Alastor clearly hadn't scared him off entirely. And that fact was the closest thing to a miracle the Radio Demon had ever encountered in hell.

Upon landing in hell so many years ago, Vox had obviously figured he had some shitty times ahead of him. After all, it was hell - fire and brimstone, unimaginable tortures, punished for all eternity. Still, he'd gotten by - and quite well. Yeah, hell was dangerous and some twisted shit went down and he'd nearly gotten killed more than once. But the place was bearable. He even sort of liked it some days. Frankly, heaven was probably boring as fuck. If this place was the worst the universe had to offer, he could handle it.

Oh how wrong he had been to take for granted the breeze hell had been for him compared to what he was going through now.

Fixing himself up after that radio tower fiasco had been simple enough - as someone with a screen for a head, he had made himself a master at screen repair. It had taken several days but he looked good as new now, and any other scratches or bruises could be hidden by clothes.

But Velvet and Valentino were another story entirely. And since they couldn't let news of their thorough ass-kicking get around, Vox was the only one available to take care of them.

Velvet was enough of a handful. With her one hand wrapped up, she couldn't bake much so instead she liked to run around their VIP room laughing maniacally. Vox had given her a knife and had new cakes delivered every hour - Velvet would stab them to crumbs and then calm down for a bit. Her hand would heal soon - her head just needed some time to catch up.

Vox's bigger concern was that stubborn ass Valentino.

The television overlord came near the plush divan where Val was lying, covered in a blanket. His breathing was shallow and he had a cold chill. He faced away from Vox, staring at the wall.

Their arrival here from the radio tower a few days ago had been rough. With no one else to help, Vox's only option had been to feed one of his metal cables into Val's chest to pull out the bullet. The moth had screamed then passed out. Lots of blood. Lots of cleanup for Vox. Lots of bandages over Valentino's heart. Vox had only gotten through it all by tying up Velvet for the night and drinking a few bottles of their most expensive liquor before passing out himself.

Vox sighed. "Val, we've got to change the bandages and you've got to eat something."

Valentino just picked up his half full glass of liquor and put it down.

"Yeah, that's drinking, not eating. And if you don't do everything to get yourself better, you're just going to be laid-up longer. And you know supervising Velvet is a two-demon job!"

Velvet stabbed a cake so hard that the top tier fell on her head- she laughed hysterically. "TV's and moth wings - and I'm a red velvet cake! Ha!"

Valentino sighed harshly. "Any sight of him?"

Vox scowled. "No, just more news that Alastor is preparing some serious revenge shit and going to make a big splash at the hotel open house next week."

"But no sight…still." Valentino almost smiled. "Okay." Valentino took a breath and sat up in bed. The blanket fell, exposing his bare chest with the dark bandage wrapped around his back covering his heart.

Vox felt static build in his antenna at the sight of Valentino's the firm chest, defined muscles, strong hands. How ironic that Val pimped out others yet was so sexy himself. Vox cleared his throat and crossed his arms, trying to ignore the sexy sight. "So, you ready to take care of yourself now? I'm getting sick of babysitting."

"If you hadn't sent Angel away he could be doing all the hard work for you." Valentino stretched, wincing a little but otherwise moving well.

"He fucked up things enough." Vox waved him off. "All of us needed a break from him, including you. Let Angel hang at the hotel wondering how pissed we are at him."

"If you're seriously jealous that Angel could suck up to Alastor enough for Alastor to like him around, you need more help than I do. And I got a bullet in the chest."

"I don't give a shit about Angel, I just want things around here to get back to normal." Vox scowled then grabbed a bag from off the table and pulled out a flat cardboard takeout box. "Now eat - I got you those shitty chicken burgers you like."

Valentino smile a little more. He opened the box, took out the burger, and ate a large bite with satisfaction. "Vel almost better or…?"

"Her hand, yeah - her head… She's still dissociating like a champ." Vox rolled his eyes.

"Okay. Work on snapping her out of it. I'll take care of me for now." He smirked, his eyes narrowed. "In a week, we're going to the hotel party."

Vox's eyes widened and his screen glitched. "Fuck no, we are not! I am not starting a war in the middle of the princess's hotel ballroom!"

Valentino laughed. "No war. We're going to check on just how well Radio Freak is really doing…and to show him that we're ready and waiting for him."

Vox sighed and his look went dry. "You're going to be the second death of us."

"I'm in charge, and we're doing this."

Vox's eyes narrowed. "Let me be perfectly clear. I'll go - but ONLY because if you two get yourselves killed, I'll be walking around with a target on my back from a lot of other overlords along with Alastor. I'm not going because you told me to. I saved your ass back at that radio tower, and I'm not your bitch. You don't like it, get another partner. I'm fucking done with this power-trip, pecking order, follow-the-leader bullshit!

Valentino's eyes narrowed a lot…but then his smile grew a little. "You've been a basket case for a month and now you're sticking up for yourself. And you didn't even need me to fuck you silly to do it. Guess pulling us from that tower was enough of a booster shot to your balls to get you to be a real damn overlord again. Good to have you back, Vox."

Vox blinked several times then blushed and gripped his hands at his sides. "Just eat your damn food! I've got to clean up Velvet's stabbed cakes and get her functioning in time for a party." He turned and walked away…and hated the fact that he liked how Valentino was probably watching him walk away and admiring him. He went over to Velvet, pulled her into the kitchen area behind the bar, pulled out a bag of flour and let her get to work. Baking would bring her back eventually, and her hand was almost okay. Besides he needed to sit down for a minute, have a drink, and not think about how he wanted Valentino and Alastor to stay away from each other because he was pretty sure one was going to kill the other and he didn't know which death would fuck him up more.

A/N:

Thank you for reading and for reviewing if you can! The next couple chapters will focus on Alastor's recovery until the big open house!

Take care!

-Jenna