A/N:

Hi everyone! Here we go - getting into a little bit of angst to help the romance eventually be even sweeter :33 I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 19:

Suspicions Confirmed

A couple days had passed - Alastor slept or ate or took visits for his amusement, mostly from Niffty who liked to cheerfully fill him in all on the hotel goings-on and how wonderful she was sure the open house would be. And Angel came by as well during mealtimes to help deliver carts of food. He smiled and made jokes and chatted a bit with the Radio Demon, but he didn't bring up the subject of 'us' to Alastor again. And he didn't linger long enough for any awkward moments to happen. Alastor was both relieved and frustrated - something about the spider respecting his need for space again made him want to be around Angel that much more. He didn't say anything of his feelings though…and he also didn't tell Angel that his gnawing appetite was finally close to satisfied, in case the many carts of food - and the many chances to see Angel for a moment alone - decreased at the admission.

Angel, for his part, chose to spend most of his time in the kitchen, cooking up new recipes for Alastor and for the hotel. He was there now, staring out the window as he leaned against the edge of the sink. Cooking was a good distraction, a good way to keep his head clear, and a good outlet for his energies…especially since he still hadn't been contacted for sex work by Val and he felt a little strange 'fantasizing about' Alastor on his own (a hobby he had admitted to Cherri during the radio tower siege) with Alastor one thin wall away and now with the secret door between their rooms existing.

Angel couldn't tell if Alastor's willingness to make the door and keep it around was some kind of subtle hint about the Radio Demon's true feelings or just a matter of convenience. Either way, Angel still hadn't found the courage to use the door yet even though he kept imagining what it would be like to storm in dramatically and declare his feelings. To hold up his head, look that skittish, smiling deer in the eye, and say…

"Angel, shit! I'm pretty sure when there's smoke coming from the oven, it means the damn calzones are done! Take them out!"

Angel blinked at the abrupt comment from Cherri who had just reentered the kitchen. "Huh?" He looked to her than to the oven which was indeed emitting a distinct cloud of black smoke. "Oh, maledizione!" He grabbed some pot holders and ran over.

Cherri grabbed a towel to wave away the fumes. "Were you staring out the window like that the whole time I was gone? I told you they smelled done five minutes ago when I ran to get us some beers from the bar." She coughed then put the beers on the counter as Angel pulled out two blackened items from the oven.

He sighed and plopped the pan on the stove top. "Fuck. Sorry, Cherri, I'll pop in two more for us right now. They'll be done quick." Angel grabbed a couple of raw stuffed calzones from the fridge, got them on a new pan, and slipped them into the oven.

"It's okay." Cherri came closer to lean back against the counter with him. "You know…I couldn't help noticing that you were SMILING when you were looking out the window. And the garden is out there - which is a special place for you and Radio Head, right?" She grinned.

Angel sighed. "You're not going to let up about Al and I, are you?"

"You went all macho to save him then all sweet to nurse him back to health, and now you're a distracted mess over him. I will run this topic into the ground until it has some kind of mushy happy ending." She grinned. "You want to talk about where you're at now with how you feel?"

Angel smiled a little more, looking down. "I, he…" He swallowed. "Okay fine, I don't just extra like him. I am… RIDICULOUSLY INTO Alastor!" He threw up his arms. "He's different and funny and sharp and edgy but also corny as hell and supportive and shy and he has the sexiest voice! And after everything that happened with the radio tower, I don't want to fuck around about it anymore! We shouldn't have been fucking around about it in the first place, just like you and Rosie and Mimzy said! Life and the after life are too short." He crossed his arms, his face flushed as he added, "And…based on some stuff that happened in that tower…I think Alastor's actually into me too." He held up a finger at her, pouting. "Do not tell anyone else! People around here have suspicions about us, but they don't need confirmation."

Cherri blinked at his firm look then laughed. "Oh, Angel honey…everyone here doesn't have 'suspicions'. Everyone here flat out KNOWS you two hardcore dig each other!"

Angel blinked then sighed and rubbed his temple. "Goddammit." Yet he had to smile and shake his head. "Have we both really been that obvious?"

"Angel, you carried the guy here in your arms and he clung against your chest like you were his whole world," Cherry replied dryly. "Not to mention you two keep acting like flustered dorks when it comes to each other." She smirked. "When the girls and I visited Al, I radioed in Mimzy and Rosie. Mimzy starting gushing about everything you did for him, and Radio Head glowed like a spotlight and cut her off quick." She shifted closer. "So, when are you two going to talk again so you can get past admitting your gushy feelings and get on to working out the kinks in your 'kinky/less-kinky' dynamic?"

Angel snorted in the middle of a sip of his beer and blushed a lot and looked away.

Cherri blinked then gasped. "Oh my fucking god, did you two already do something What was it?" She beamed.

"No, no!" Angel held up his hands. "We just…he came to my room the other day and I was working out and…it's a long story and COMPLETELY INNOCENT story. But I think he wants it to stay between us. We both just had a nice time together…and then…" He sighed. "Cherri, I'm very ready to say everything to him, but he freezes up whenever I'm close. And I get that he's sort of shy, but also it hurts a little." He frowned. "I don't know if he's afraid of me or afraid of his feelings or…if he just doesn't like having those feelings." He swallowed. "Maybe I bother him, trying to talk about it. Maybe he just wants them and me to go away."

Cherri put a hand on his shoulder. "Angie…Alastor's been through a lot the last few days with the attack and trying to get better and prepare for the party." She smiled a little. "I've probably been talking to Rosie and Mimzy too much, but I think Alastor's got a lot of dark baggage that's been pretty triggered lately by all of this drama and near-death. Caring about you is probably the one good thing he's got going right now. How he's acting isn't about you, it's definitely about him…" She sighed. "But you're right, that Drama Queen Deer shouldn't keep ducking you. Want me to get Rosie down here, and we'll lock you guys in a room and dim the lights and toss in bottles of wine until he finally cracks?" She shrugged.

Angel grinned at her. "Nah, I don't think the situation is that desperate yet. Thanks though." He raised an eyebrow. "I know you got good at understanding Al from Rosie and Mimzy, but how did you get so good at understanding relationships?"

"From Niffty's love stories." Cherri smirked. "She likes the idea of you and Alastor being together A LOT. So she makes up her own tales about your romance. She's actually pretty good - it's mostly PG stuff, but last I heard she had a risqué one about you two snuggling."

Angel was completely flushed, his eyes wide. He grabbed Cherri. "Oh my god, Alastor cannot EVER know about any of what you just said! He will shut down - literally! Like full-blown technical difficulties radio deer!"

"Don't worry! Niffty doesn't want him to find out either - she knows Alastor is shy." Cherri laughed. "You should ask to hear some though. She seriously comes up with cute ideas - PG or not, it sounds like stuff that would make you and Radio Head both happy."

Angel released her, still flushed. He wrung his hands, and his voice lowered. "Fuck, Cherri, I have never felt like this about anyone. And ever since the night of the attack, when I almost lost him, it's all gotten more intense. I don't just want to bang him or have all his attention or make him want me. I want…I want to hold his hand and laugh at his jokes and cook each other dinner with candles and champagne and crap. I want to dance with him and go for walks with him and talk to him…I don't ever want him to not be around. And the idea of him kissing me one day maybe is… " He shivered and grabbed his hair. "Am I in love?"

"I'm a sinner, but I can't lie to you, hon. It seems like you're in deep. But you're not alone." Her smile softened. "I'm here for you along with everyone at the hotel, and Mimzy and Rosie. And Alastor's here for you too." Cherri hugged her friend. "You two could have something together - so fight like hell for it, even if that means fighting against Alastor's own stubbornness. You guys at least deserve to take a shot to see what happens."

Angele smiled as she released him. "Yeah…I'm not through with that deer yet. He always wants to do things the hard way, but I won't give up. Thanks, babe."

"No problem!" She inhaled deeply through her nose. "Fuck, those calzones smell so good when they're cooking. If nothing, you definitely must have found a way to that man's heart through his stomach."

"That man challenged my ability to feed someone - all bets were off." Angel winked. "And maybe I have been cooking to impress too… Getting a man is a lot of hard work."

"Why do you think I never bothered?" Cherri chuckled and they clinked beer bottles as they drank and waited for lunch to finish cooking.

Abel and Louise walked down the street together in the direction of the local park. The day was lovely, and this was a decent area of Hell. And Abel had plans… Even if this park didn't have any special meaning to their relationship, it was a beautiful place with enough flowers and trees to block out the red sky and almost remind a person of earth. So he and Louise could make a new memory here. He had the ring still safely tucked into his pocket.

But then Abel realized he no longer had his girl by his side. He blinked and turned to see Louise staring into a shop window, her eyes wide. He walked back and found she was looking at one of the dresses on display - dark purple shimmery fabric, ankle length, a high neck with no sleeves, and a gold brooch at the throat and gold shoes to match. He smiled and glanced at her. "That would look really pretty on you, Louise."

Louise blinked, smiling more. "Oh, I don't know. That's awful flashy for me. But Charlie did say the party would have a lot of people looking their best." She looked away from the dress to meet his gaze. "Besides, I know your heart's set on the park, and we don't have a lot of time before your shift later." She took his hand.

Abel's eyes hazed and he proceeded to guide them to the shop door. "My heart is set on making your heart happy. And I think your heart wants a new outfit. Come on."

Louise laughed and followed after him, her tail wagging as they entered the store. "Okay… but only if you get something special for yourself too. You're the most handsome demon around to me - you deserve a night to flaunt it." She winked, and Abel all but stumbled as she giggled and darted past him in the direction of the dress and a nearby shopkeeper.

Abel was going to browse a little himself when he heard a voice he knew from somewhere…and then turned and saw a face he would definitely know anywhere.

Vox, the television demon, was a couple aisles over, bags in hand and a scowl on his face as he texted on his phone and grumbled to himself just loud enough to make out a few words. Abel was ready to grab Louise and get safely away - Vox had no reason to hate them specifically, but Abel was still pretty sure Louise was inclined to punch the overlord right in the face for what he'd done to Alastor. And even though she could hold her own and Abel could too, he knew facing an overlord this dangerous without a plan would be serious trouble.

He was about to silently make his way to her when some very specific grumbles hit his ears.

"No, I am not going to send more pictures of outfits for you to pick from! You two bed-ridden sons-of-bitches…" He texted frantically, seething under his breath. "You already have enough flashy clothes, you don't even need new ones! But I picked up good stuff anyway - you'll be fine." He hit a button, grinned, and then the phone rang. He answered then scowled, his voice low. "Don't push it, Val, or I swear I'm returning it all right now. I'm tired and I'm heading back… Yeah, fine… No, I'm not getting anything new for me… Because I don't even want to go to the stupid open house - you two do!…. It's got nothing to do with… No he is NOT my boyfriend!" He hung up and tossed the phone into a bag. "Thank fucking Satan our damn limo has a mini bar." And then he stormed out of the store with his bags.

"Abel?"

Abel blinked and turned around. Louise was there with a large bag containing her dress and shoes, and another smaller bag as well. She raised an eyebrow. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." She opened up the smaller big. "I think this'll cheer you up. Look!" She had a dark green silk bowtie with purple stripes and a set of gold cufflinks. "I think the green matches your scales perfectly. And the gold and purple will match my outfit."

Abel couldn't help a small smile. He got close to her and kept his voice low. "They're lovely, Louise, thank you. But we need to go now."

"Right! To the park—"

"No." Abel shook his head, even though it pained him to put off his proposal to her once more. "To the hotel. And I don't think we should waste any time - Vox was in here, I heard him talking. We have to warn Charlie and Alastor and all the others."

Her eyes widened then she scowled. "What does that second-rate gadget think he's up to now? And where did he go? Oh if those other two are with him…" She glanced around.

Abel bent down a little to meet her gaze. "He was alone, but I think he talked to them on the phone." He bit his lip. "And I think they're planning to show up at the open house."

Louise's jaw fell. Then she grabbed Abel's hand and marched them swiftly toward the door. "You're right, there's no time to waste! We have to let everyone know!" She scowled as they made it onto the sidewalk. "What audacity! They can't just let us have one peaceful night! You see, Abel, I told you, this is the whole problem with hell - stronger demons picking on weaker ones without a care in the world! But the weaker ones can fight back and make it better, I just know it…"

The whole way back to the hotel, Louise carried on with one of her sudden speeches about the unfair power structure in hell, and Abel had to smile as he followed along and supported her points with a nod or a word of agreement. Louise at her most passionate was a force to be reckoned with, and he adored her when she showed such independence. He was very concerned, admittedly, about those three overlords coming to the open house and the havoc they could bring, but at least they knew in advance they were coming. And once he and Louise let everyone else know, they could all make a plan - standing strong together as demons united for their hotel.

Usually Angel served Alastor most breakfast and dinner, and the others took over for lunch so Angel could get some rest and take Nuggets for a walk. Now it was well past lunchtime though - enough time for Alastor to have rested and digested and perhaps to be a little bored before dinner. Angel wanted to talk to him again. Specifically, he wanted to continue their conversation from the other day that had been interrupted by Abel and Steve, and by Alastor fleeing to the safety of his room at the notion that anyone else would suspect their friendship was more than friendship.

The memory still stung, but Cherri was right - Angel would just have to make that stubborn deer hear him out. And even if it did take Alastor a while to come around, Angel knew there was something there for him too. 'You're not the one I want, you're not him…' And then the last thing Alastor had said in the tower. 'Sacre Ange…' French and Italian weren't so different…Angel had a pretty good idea of what that phrase meant, and it made him blush all over. No one had ever spoken to him like he was so precious.

Too much had happened - they needed the truth between them now.

Angel swallowed, standing in front of their secret door in his room - connecting them privately. He took a deep breath, put on a determined look, and knocked on the door. "Al?" His voice cracked slightly and he felt ridiculous but quickly cleared his throat and went on. "Hey, uh, it's me." He was feeling stupider by the moment - the only person it could possibly be was him, after all. "You up for talking?" That was good - talking always got Al to let him get a little close.

There was no answer. Angel bit his lip then knocked again. "Al? Hello?" Alastor hadn't been napping as much during the day anymore. Angel knocked once again, his brow furrowed. "Smiles, are you okay?" Maybe something had happened to him - maybe his angel burn had gotten worse and he needed help. "Alastor I'm coming in to make sure you're not double dead, so snap your fingers and get decent quick if you aren't!" He tried not to blush too much then turned the handle and stepped into the room.

He was relieved to not be met with a vanquished deer demon. He was a little pissed to be met with no deer demon at all. "For the love of… did you try to go for a walk around the hotel again? Fuck - I'll probably find you passed out at the bottom of the stairs with those sexy antlers poking holes in the wall." Angel marched back into his room then went out of his door and down the stairs.

"Alastor!" He checked the stairs, the lobby, the ballroom, the kitchen and the yard - no Radio Demon. Angel was beginning to worry. "Dammit, if you went out hunting… I told you I'd feed you just fine! Cervo stunad…" If Alastor really had been arrogant enough to take a stroll, he might be passed out on a street where anything could happen to him.

But finally Angel heard the sound of a tune playing and turned - it was coming from Alastor's office. Angel breathed a sigh of relief but still went up to the door and knocked with a scowl. "Al, you'd better be in there and also not dead."

The tune ceased. "Well, I am here," came Alastor's voice. "But as for 'not dead', you and I both know no one down here quite qualifies under that term. Ha!" The door opened to reveal Alastor seated behind his desk with a couple of radios nearby. "Hello, Angel!"

"Al, you scared the crap out of me!" Angel shut the door behind him. "I knocked at your room to see if you wanted to hang out and no one answered. I got worried maybe you COULDN'T answer…and then I was worried you had gone out." He frowned.

Alastor's ears straightened and his smile brightened. "I did not mean to alarm you! I simply wanted a change of scenery and I realized I could give it to myself quite easily again." His smile was smug as he held his head high and observed the fingers of his right hand.

Angel raised an eyebrow then blinked. "You can teleport yourself again?"

"Precisely!" Alastor held out his arms in excitement. But then he blinked and put his hands on the desk to steady himself. "Of course, I'm afraid doing so still takes a bit out of me. So I chose to stay here and do my daily radio check in with Rosie." He rolled his eyes. "Like you, she's convinced I'm going to do something utterly foolhardy. You're both right to be suspicious under normal circumstances, but in this case I do have a party to mentally and physically prepare for. I'm pacing myself, I assure you." He sighed, resting back in his chair again. "Ever since then, I've just been listening to some music. Radio waves restore me too, in their own way. I've been perfectly at ease for the past half hour. I'm closer than ever to being my usual all-powerful self!"

"Oh…" Angel smiled a little then rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, as long as you're okay, I can leave you to your relaxing. I'm just glad you're taking care of yourself…" Maybe now wasn't the best time for their talk - more than anything, Angel just wanted Alastor to get better.

"No!" Alastor held up a hand, his eyes wide. He cleared his throat and gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "As long as you're here, why not stay? Not being bored also restores me, and I'm never bored with you." He swallowed. "Besides, it will give me an opportunity to thank you."

Angel carefully took a seat. "For what?"

"You mean besides saving my life, nursing me back to health, and keeping an eye on me and my reckless ways?" Alastor shrugged. "Why for…your discretion the other day…with me and your room and the pole." He glowed a little more. "You were very helpful."

Angel didn't feel much like smiling but he tried. "Yeah, well, I didn't want you to be embarrassed."

The fact that Alastor didn't deny his embarrassment didn't make Angel feel any better.

"I'm afraid…I may need you to carry me a little, Angel."

At this strange statement, Angel had a mental image of carrying Alastor in his arms just like he had done from the tower - only with Alastor well and awake and clinging against his chest all on his own, their eyes locked and their faces so close. Angel had to bite his lip to keep from sighing. "Huh?" He managed to get out, his eyes hazed.

"At the open house." Alastor interlaced his fingers, his eyes down in thought. "I know we're both set to entertain but…I will not be able to handle as much as I normally could. I will need to follow your lead, so to speak. You will be the star of the evening - even more than I'm sure you would have been if I were operating at full capacity." He sighed and met Angel's eyes again. "I am sorry to rely on your for so much lately, Angel. Thank you for your cooperation. I have…never had such a good friend."

A small genuine smile came back to Angel. Maybe now really wasn't such a bad time to talk.

Alastor went on, reclining back again. "And at least once this fete is over, all will be able to return to normal around here."

"Yeah, heh." Angel shrugged. "Well…normal except for any new guests we get, right? Who knows how many fresh faces we'll have to wrangle…"

Alastor raised an eyebrow then laughed heartily. "Oh Angel, perhaps we'll have a few stragglers sign up that night who are intrigued by the free food and spectacular performances, but in the cold light of day I'm sure they'll slink away." He smirked in that way he had when he was ready to be particularly vicious. "No, our new guests will come a little later - after they've had time to reflect on the pointlessness of their lives in hell and desperately drag themselves through our doors to fool themselves with delusions of grandeur." His smile brightened. "We'll have many colorful visitors pop in and out as time passes, I'm sure. Like Louise and Abel, who will go as soon as they learn better, and Steve as well." His eyes went down, almost looking far away in thought.

Angel frowned and couldn't help himself. "What if one of us does get redeemed and goes to heaven?"

Alastor sighed and rubbed his temple. "You know that's simply not possible, Angel."

"You don't know that it's IMPOSSIBLE, Al." He crossed his arms.

Alastor looked to him again and tilted his head. "Are you saying you came to this hotel fully believing you would be on your way to heaven?"

"No." Angel rolled his yes. "But I mean, I don't know…if not me, someone else could go. We can't just all be lost causes down here. Maybe there ain't rainbows in demons, but there's something good in some of them. There's something good in YOU."

"You're wrong." The words slipped out of Alastor almost instantly.

"No, you are." Angel almost smiled. "I had people all during my life and death tell me I was worthless and I believed them…until I found Cherri and Nuggets. And now I have Charlie and the others and you. So maybe lately I've been thinking it's kind of crap that me and a lot of other people are down here. Maybe we're not all the way good, but dammit we're not all the way bad. And, yeah, that includes you."

"Angle you really don't know what you're—"

Angel threw his arms in the air and felt some tears in his scowling eyes but didn't care. "And when Charlie's parents show up at this shindig and ask your thoughts on this place are you seriously just going to say it's a failure waiting to happen and you figured you'd book front row seats? Dammit Alastor, you're better than that - we all are! And Charlie sure as hell deserves better!"

Alastor's eyes were so wide yet his smile flickered. "I am here to—"

Angel's voice was more contained now and he crossed his arms. "Don't give me that old 'entertainment' song and dance. You're not just some patron in the shadows - we're a family and you're part of it."

Alastor was still for a moment, then he scowled a little. His voice had some static. "The only family I've ever had is long gone. And a few weeks and some hot meals and well-timed jokes at this place doesn't change that fact, Angel Dust."

"Like hell it doesn't." Angel smiled more. "Sure when I showed up, I had my own angle too. But now I'm really here for Charlie and her dream, and Niffty and her hobbies, and Husk and his grumpy cat face, and Vaggie and her rage against all men though I think she's coming around about me." He took a breath and felt himself blush a little as he added, "And I'm especially here for you, Alastor."

Alastor straightened up, static coming off of his ears, his wide smile and eyes full of panic. "Yes, well, for my excellent jokes and superb protection of course!"

"No," Angel shook his head, "I'm here for EVERYTHING about you - the good and the bad and all the stuff in between." Angel's heart was pounding. "So, what are you here for besides entertainment, Alastor? Because…I think I know at least one of the answers. And I think we should talk about it." He leaned across the desk.

Alastor's nails dug into the wood of the desk deeply. "You're making a very grave mistake." And yet the phrase wasn't said as a threat - more like a sad warning. "You're talking about friendships and…and…" Sparks were practically popping off of his ears and antlers. Then he suddenly stood up, dark symbols swirling around his head. "And I am not of a state or a mind for such vexing conversation!" He blinked then hissed and clutched his chest - the symbols around his head disappeared. His eyes were closed in pain as he collapsed back into his chair.

Angel frowned. He stood and walked around the desk. His voice was gentle. "Here, let me help you get back to your room."

Alastor recoiled as he held out a hand. "No! I…I'm fine here for now…" He winced again, clutching harder at his chest.

Angel swallowed. "Charlie said for that burn to heal, you've got to let something better than sin into your heart." He sighed. "I'm sorry I yelled. But I want you to believe that demons can have something good in them because you need to accept the good in you so you'll be okay. And also because you deserve to feel good." He wiped at one of his eyes. "I don't like seeing you in pain, Alastor. I saw too much of it at your tower."

Alastor got his eyes open - his breaths were shallow. He turned to Angel, barely able to smile. "I know about the burn - and about needing to put aside sin. I can handle the situation. I'm fine. I would like to…be alone now."

Angel nodded once. "Well, when you're ready to be 'not alone' you know where to find me." He pouted a little. "I hope you get your shit together and do something good for yourself soon, Alastor, for all of our sakes. See you whenever we rehearse for our 'act' - don't worry, I can carry you. I can carry anything and anyone. I'm Angel Dust, baby." And with that and a blush he turned, left the office, and closed the door behind him.

The tears were starting to fall, so before anyone could see him Angel dashed up the stairs back to his room where he locked himself inside and collapsed onto his bed with Fat Nuggets. "Being in love is a fucking mess! Goddammit…" He let the tears leave and held his piggy close.

Back in his office, Alastor sat very still, his eyes dark. He was remembering more flashes of the night of the attack: Angel's tears had reminded him. Angel crying, holding him close in the car, telling him with a weak smile that everything would be okay. Angel carrying him up the hotel stairs with his face buried against the warmth and softness of the spider's chest. Then the room and the sound of running water and Husk grumbling and Angel grabbing towels. Then the bed, and Angel's soft hands touching his chest and back as the spider wrapped him in bandages so deftly, like weaving a web with all six of his exquisite hands.

Alastor dropped his head to his desk. It was all becoming so clear, how he needed Angel Dust. But something was still fuzzy too - the thing in the tower that had made Angel start crying, the loud bang, and words Alastor now realized he had said from the deepest part of himself to the spider. Words he couldn't exactly remember, but that he knew were about his truest feelings.

His shadow appeared beside him - darker but still not at its blackest. Alastor didn't even look up. "The quicker he abandons me the better. He doesn't realize - none of them realize.… And why do I care?!" He winced and clutched his chest again as his shadow came closer. "I know! I know this needs to get better… I know I need…him. But I can't. And I won't!" He held up his head defiantly to see with surprise that his shadow was frowning. Alastor sighed and looked away. "I have my dignity… I'm going back upstairs." And then he heard someone enter the hotel and call out.

"Charlie! Alastor! We've got an emergency!

Alastor sighed at the sound of Louise. "If anyone else has been kidnapped…" He put on his best smile and headed out into the lobby to find Charlie racing out of her office to the sheep demon and her fish companion.

"Louise, what is it?" Charlie frowned. "Are you two okay?"

"I certainly hope they are," Alastor added brightly, gritting his teeth to hide his exhaustion. "We've had enough trouble around here already lately, after all!"

Louise smiled and wagged her tail at the sight of him, and Alastor felt another pang in his chest that he ignored. She too would realize the truth about him eventually. He cleared his throat and carried on. "Now what seems to be the trouble?"

"We were shopping," Abel explained, "And that television overlord Vox was in the same store."

Alastor's eyes narrowed. "Go on…"

"I heard him on the phone, "Abel continued, "And…it sounds like he and the other two overlords are planning to show up at the open house."

"Charlie, you own't let them come, right?" Louise looked to her.

Charlie frowned, biting her lip. "Well…if they come and attack us then of course not, but if they just come to see the place…I can't turn anyone away."

"And indeed I hope she wouldn't!" Alastor quickly interjected. "If those three want to see firsthand how resilient I and our hotel are, let them! There's no need to worry!"

Charlie smiled a little and so did Abel, and Louise at least looked a little less concerned. "Well, I suppose…as long as you two know and can make preparations, that's what's most important."

"Everything will be okay," Charlie assured her, "but thank you for letting us know. It helps a lot!"

"Of course, Princess." Abel nodded and put a hand on Louise's shoulder. "Come on, Louise, let's get this stuff put away." He held up their bags.

Louise nodded. She gave Alastor and Charlie another smile then went upstairs with her companion.

Charlie's face fell to concern again but before she could speak Alastor opened his mouth. "Not to worry, everything will be right as rain at your party, Charlie." He swallowed and lowered his voice. "You have my guarantee. Believer in the possibility of your cause or not, after everything you've done for me lately, it's the least I could do for you."

Her smile returned. "Thank you, Alastor."

Alastor nodded then summoned the last of his fresh magic and snapped himself away to his room where he could be away from everyone…but also somewhat close to Angel, even if Angel shouldn't be so close to him.

Far across the city, in a grounded airship tucked away against old abandoned buildings, Sir Pentious wallowed. "Egg Bois, haven't you found any interesting news to bring me? Ever since we went into hiding to avoid Alastor's next retaliation, things have been so dull…"

An Egg Boi piped up. "We should find Miss Cherri"

Another nodded. "Yeah, I miss her! And the spider guy! They shoot us with guns!"

Sir Pentious hissed. "No, we are not inviting any mortal enemies to our hideout!"

A small troop of Egg Bois wandered aboard, one holding a flyer high. "Look, we found free mail, boss! Tell us what it says!"

Sir Pentious snatched the paper with the end of his tail then held it up to read. His eyes widened. "Boys, there's going to be a social function! An open house! And it's at that blasted hotel where Alastor stays!" His eyes widened as he kept reading. "Ooo…for sinners who think they can do better and leave hell…" He grinned and held his head high. "Egg Bois, prepare to prepare me for a party! The Princess says right here on this flyer that everyone in hell is welcome, and I intend to take advantage of her offer!" He laughed maniacally. "Oh this is just the opportunity I've been looking for! And it's about time!" He slithered through his ship proudly as the Egg Bois cheered and made themselves busy to get ready whatever their boss would need for his special night.

A/N:

Thank you so much for reading, and for reviewing too if you can 3 I promise, we're not going to stay in the angst for too long - these two are super close to getting together ^w^

Take care!

-Azure129