A/N:

Hi everyone! I'm happy to be back, thank you for your patience : ) I hope you enjoy as we finally get into the big open house! They'll be a few (very dramatic) chapters of this lol.

Partners

Chapter 22:

Be Our Guest

Nightfall had arrived on the day of the open house, and Charlie didn't want to look outside and risk seeing…nothing. No one there. The hotel all lit up and not a fallen soul ready to come inside see what this place had to offer…except for her parents who would probably show up, see the party was a failure, and leave without a word. Another disappointment from their daughter. Another thing that would prove her father right about her…

Charlie had kept busy all day with preparations and coordinating the others and the final bit of decorating. Then she'd gotten herself dressed in black sequin leggings and an airy knee-length red dress with her black bowtie and shoes. But the moment the sun went down she was so nervous she could barely do more than pace her room and try to breathe.

Of course, Vaggie was there to help. Vaggie in her pretty grey and pink sparkly dress and sling-back high heels that made Charlie's heart beat a little faster. Vaggie sat Charlie down on the bed and rubbed her back until the princess felt calmer. Then she brought Charlie over to their vanity and brushed her hair and secured it back with three black bands. She helped apply some make up to her girlfriend and talked to her about little things. And now Vaggie held Charlie's hand as they stood by the window of their room with the curtains still drawn.

"Charlie, I can look and let you know if you want."

Charlie took a deep breath. "No… I want to look. I want to get it over with."

"Want to look together?" Vaggie smiled more.

Charlie nodded.

The went to the window, opened the curtains, and looked down to the street below.

Down on the sidewalk was an orderly yet rather large crowd of sinners…and more were coming from all directions, waiting to enter the hotel.

Charlie gasped. "Vaggie! Demons!"

Vaggie laughed. "Of course! You bring people together, Charlie. That's why you're a great demon and a great leader and a great girlfriend." Vaggie kissed her lightly and Charlie laughed and wrapped her arms around Vaggie and kissed her back.

They separated and Charlie had stars in her eyes. "Okay…okay, I can do this now! Of course I can! I believe in us, all those people believe in us… Oh I knew this hotel could work! And we'll show everyone how great this place is! Come on!"

Vaggie smiled so much as Charlie pulled her to the door and the two girls raced down the stairs together for their final preparations.

The last thing Alastor wanted to do right now was attend a party, let alone be a host and performer for one, let alone ALSO have to play the graceful game of politics to multiple overlords and the king and queen of hell all at once.

And the very very very last thing he wanted to do was all of those tedious things while Angel was at the party, so close yet so far away.

The spider had actually confessed to him. Alastor sighed, staring at himself in his room's full length mirror. He was dressed to the nines in the suit he had made to match Angel's dress. He knew Angel wouldn't wear the dress now though, all things considered. He knew Angel wanted nothing to do with him at all because ever since last night the spider had refrained from all contact. He didn't check in on Alastor or bring up food or linger anywhere they might meet. He had spent the entire day in the ballroom, rehearsing his performance. And Alastor's band would still accompany him but it wouldn't be the same. Nothing would ever be the same.

The Radio Demon's chest hurt so much for a moment that he almost stumbled to the floor, but his shadow caught him at the last minute. Alastor took a breath and steadied himself with his microphone. "I'll be fine. I'm a professional - I can put on a show for everyone tonight like I'm right at the top of my game. And then after it's over, I'll relocate to reside with Mimzy and Rosie until the tower is rebuilt - because technically I did talk to Angel about 'things'. And that will be that. Clear sailing through calm seas of typical hotel shenanigans going forward and nothing more!"

The shadow crossed its arms and glared.

"Oh come now." The Radio Demon rolled his eyes. "My other option is what? Pitch woo right back at Angel Dust? Ha!"

She shadow shrugged.

Alastor glitched. "I wasn't SERIOUS! Really…" He adjusted his tie and monocle. "I…I'll just find a way to make amends with Angel Dust one day when the time is right. And I'm sure eventually we'll be civil again…and then friends…and then conversation companions like before. But for now, one crisis at a time." He put on his best smile. "Come on, we have overlords to simultaneously terrify and charm, a hotel to put on the map, and King and Queen to impress. For Charlotte's sake let's give it our all." He swung a fist through the air and turned to the door…then added. "And…while you're playing for Angel, do make sure it's a nice show. The hotel deserves that… and so does he." His shadow nodded. Alastor took a breath and teleported both of them away.

Angel Dust had seriously debated whether or not to wear Alastor's dress for the party considering the current state of their relationship. He'd gone back and forth about what signals each choice would send…but then in the end decided the best thing to do was not make his decision revolve around Alastor at all. Angel liked the dress and there wasn't time to get a new one, and he wanted to wear something classy tonight, especially with Valentino and Vox and Velvet showing up. He wanted to show that he was here as a serious guest, not just trying to pick up some tips on the side. He also wanted to show all of the sinners coming here that this place was a chance to find yourself, not just a chance for a quickie with a porn star. And maybe as a bonus he wanted Alastor to eat his heart out just a little at the sight of Angel wrapped up in garment he'd made.

So Angel put on the suit-dress and smiled both because of how well it accentuated his masculine and feminine features and because of how well it worked for all of his goals tonight

The spider demon coiffed his hair and added some earrings and a little perfume. He turned to Fat Nuggets perched on his bed and smiled. "What do you think, hun?"

The little pig snorted and flicked his ears

Angel chuckled. "Yeah, I do look amazing as always. Now you be a very good boy tonight. I'll be back late."

Fat Nuggets hopped down from the bed and nuzzled Angel's leg then walked over to the secret door in the wall and pawed it with his hoof.

Angel dashed over before he could make too much noise and scooped him up. "Shh… Sorry, kiddo… You really miss Alastor, don't you?"

Fat Nuggets just looked up at him.

Angel sighed. "I'm sure he misses you too - even if he's probably too much of a stubborn stunad to admit it." Angel shook his head and willed away some tears - he'd done enough crying in bed last night. "You'll see him around the hotel. I promise. It's complicated. But it'll be okay." He kissed Nuggets on the head then set him down. The little pig looked up at him then laid down in front of the door to Alastor's room.

Angel took a deep breath, adjusted suit-like dress, and headed out into the hallway. He managed to smile - tonight was a party after all. A really good party unlike the ones at the studio where he was just there to be bought and sold and to clean up after everyone else. Tonight could be fun and he felt beautiful. He reached the top of the stairs - everyone was bustling through the lobby getting last minute things into place. He smiled and threw an arm into the air. "I have arrived, bitches! And I am flawless!" He sauntered down the stairs with a laugh.

As he neared the bottom, the ballroom door opened and Alastor stepped out.

The Radio Demon's eyes turned to Angel - and though Angel didn't meet his gaze, he did notice Alastor was wearing the suit that matched Angel's dress. Good, that would twist the knife a little deeper.

Angel sauntered right past him without a word and headed into the ballroom. He felt the Radio Demon's eyes on him the entire way.

Angel was going to show that stubborn bastard. He knew flirting or taunting or fighting wouldn't work to get Alastor to realize what he was giving up. No, no - the one thing Alastor liked most about their relationship was talking. So not only was he not going to speak to Alastor at all this evening but he was going to strike up a conversation with any demon who would have him. And that grinning deer would be stuck in the ballroom the entire night watching the whole thing. He didn't know if Alastor would change his mind about exploring whatever was going on between them, but at the very least Angel wouldn't be dismissed without putting on a show.

Alastor headed to his office at a rather swift pace the second his encounter - or lack thereof - on the staircase with Angel was over. He needed a moment. The mere sight of the spider had frozen him in place (like a deep in headlights, it pained him to admit), the observation that Angel was wearing his outfit had entertained him beyond compare, and the spider's refusal to acknowledge him had burned him with frustration and despair and…not quite desire. But he felt like a piece of something that should be in his life wasn't in his life, and it was utterly maddening.

"You fucking turned down my best friend - I should grenade your ass on the spot."

Alastor hissed and his eyes turned to radio dials as he jumped and turned. There was Cherri Bomb in a red dress that he was certain Charlotte and Vagatha would find far too revealing for a formal party but that clearly captured her style and attitude well. Her eye was narrowed.

Alastor's eyes returned to normal. "That is none of your—"

"Yeah, yeah, you're a damn enigma of secrets." She rolled her eye. "For fuck's sake, if you were really not into him it would be one thing, but are clearly a hot mess for Angel! Just admit it!"

"You and I are not having this conversation."

"We wouldn't have to if you knew how to have and handle even one effing emotion!" She sighed and walked past him. "You really upset him, you know - and no matter what happens between you two, you fucking owe him an apology for whatever you said or however you said it. If you're gonna reject someone, you've at least got to have some damn tact about it." She walked away before he could reply, heading to the ballroom.

Alastor rested against his office door for a moment, and his chest ached. His smile faded and faded and faded to a barely upturned line. He need a distraction. Perhaps Charlie… Yes, Charlie must be in an absolute state of panic with out how much pressure there was for tonight to be a success. Her parents were coming too. A perfect plethora of procrastination. Besides, it would good for them to be seen together if any partygoers got a peek inside before the night began - a true show of partnership between the Radio Demon and the Princess of Hell. He really had to remember what he had come here in the first place: entertainment and power and opportunity. He hadn't come her for a relationship.

He bit his lip as pain seared across the scar on his heart. Then clung to his cane for support and went to seek out the princess…but paused. She had just dashed down the stairs with Vaggie, and she was beaming. Charlie's smile far outshined his own, he realized. She hugged Vaggie and Vaggie kissed her. And together they marched confidently to the ballroom.

It flashed into Alastor's mind for just a moment that, had their conversation the other day gone differently, he could have been confidently marching into the ballroom with Angel as well.

He felt his shadow appear, hovering and hesitant. He took a breath. "It's not worth it. Trust me. Now get to the stage. You have a band to lead. For Angel. Go!" The shadow disappeared.

And Alastor straightened up, put on his most maniacal grin and coldest gaze, and strode forward to get in place. The Radio Demon would not be kept low, even by his own unfortunate limitations.

Abel and Louise had been getting ready upstairs for a little while now - or rather Louise had been decking herself out and dressing herself up happily while Able sat by the window in his suit and with the little ring box in his pocket. Tonight would be a good night for it. Maybe he would dance with Louise at the party and then escort her to the roof, and under the moon and the stars on this magical night he would ask her his big question.

"Abel - I'm all ready! What do you think?"

Abel blinked and stood and turned to face her. His eyes widened. She was a vision in her purple dress and with her wool hair pulled back and earrings that sparkled and such a happy smile on her face.

His heart fluttered and he smiled a lot. "You look like an angel."

She laughed and blushed. "Abel!" She went over to him and adjusted his bow tie. "You look very handsome. I wish we had more fancy parties to go to so I could see you in a suit more often."

Abel was tempted to get down on one knee right here and tell her she could see him in a suit at their wedding if she was so inclined.

Of course, just then there was a knock on the door. "Louise! Abel! Are you ready? We're gonna open the doors!" Niffty called from the other side. "There's so many people waiting to come in! Charlie wants all of us in the ballroom to say hello to them!"

Abel sighed. The right moment would come. It had to be close. For now he leaned down and kissed Louise on the forehead. "Let's go. I bet your dress looks extra pretty under the ballroom lights." He held out his arm for her.

Louise giggled and hooked arms with him. "Thank you kindly, Abel."

They headed to the door and opened it to find Niffty in a pretty white and yellow dress with a gold bow in her hair, bouncing on her heels. "Wow, you both look so nice! Everyone looks so nice! Do you think I look nice too? Alastor made me this dress!"

Abel nodded. "You look just lovely, Niffty! Let's go!"

Niffty took one of their hands in each of hers and rushed them all down the stairs.

Vox was sitting in the limo with Valentino and Velvet, trying to refrain from letting his glass of whiskey turn into a full bottle before they got to the hotel. He needed his wits about him tonight. Getting dolled up and walking right into Alastor's domain, the Princess's plans, Angel Dust's drama - if their little overlord trio didn't get killed tonight it would be the first damn miracle in hell.

Still, he supposed there was a small consolation or two for going through with this stupid plan. He'd probably get to see Alastor dressed up and putting on a show with full pomp and swagger - and in the neutral setting of the hotel, he could watch without the risk of Alastor gutting him…for now. After all, the deer demon had to know the three of them had attacked him - even if he didn't remember, Rosie and Mimzy had certainly told him. Vox was sure an attempt on their lives wasn't too far off, but at least tonight was a free pass.

The other perk of tonight was seeing Valentino dressed up in something classy for once. He'd chosen a dark purple sharp cut tailored suit and a black top hat and black boots with platform heels and a red tie. He was nice to look at like this…especially when he stood up, so tall and imposing.

"You're looking at Val funny, Vox."

Vox glitched and glared at Velvet.

She was sitting in a black and white dress, swinging her stocking-covered legs. Val had given her silver and gold rings and bracelets to cover up the bullet scar on her hand and to keep her distracted. She was still a little spacey since their defeat in the tower, though at least she could function without stabbing things now - the only reason Vox had agreed to let her come at all.

Valentino's mouth picked up slightly on one side in a smile at Vox. "First taste is always free." He winked.

Static filed Vox's screen for a moment and his eyes narrowed. "I'm staring at BOTH OF YOU, and it's because I keep imagining what the papers are going to look like tomorrow with our dressed-up dead bodies splattered all over them if Alastor gets us alone for even one second outside of that hotel. We should NOT go to this party!"

"We are going." Val's face became stony again. "That Radio Fucker deserves to know there are demons who aren't afraid of him. And besides, we haven't seen Angel Cakes in a while…" He smirked. "Time to remind baby where he belongs."

Vox narrowed his eyes. "The king and queen are coming - remember that. This is probably one of the only changes we'll ever get to make any kind of impression on them. And I don't want to be on Lucifer's hit list too. We NEED to keep the power moves and shenanigans in line."

Valentino tented his fingers. "We'll see…"

Valentino was as beautiful as he was arrogant, and Vox suddenly had a very strong compulsion to finish off that bottle of whisky and drift through the evening - and possibly to their deaths - in drunken oblivion.

Then he caught Velvet trying to use one of her rings to carve up the leather seat. He grabbed it from her and sat back. "You keep your hands to yourself tonight. You're an overlord too even if you're deranged on your best day."

"He's right, Velvet." Valentino nodded to her. "Make us look good. Or I'll call up my two nearest on-the-clock hookers and have them drag you kicking and screaming back to the studio."

"Of course I'll make us look good!" She held her head high with a big smile. "Look at my pretty dress and my pretty rings… So shiny and sparkly and sharp…" She bared her fangs.

Valentino actually chuckled. "Actually, forget making us look 'good' - stick with this bit and just make us look like an unpredictable threat instead."

She winked, and Vox rolled his eyes.

Then the limo stopped.

"Here we are." Valentino hit a button and the doors opened to reveal the hotel lit up and the streets full of demons. "Hmm…she actually drew a crowd. Interesting. Maybe Radio Freak had some instinct for this place after all." He exited the limo and Velvet skipped out after him.

Vox swallowed the last of his drink, straightened his tie, and left too. He watched Valentino and Velvet swagger ahead and sighed - wherever they went, he would follow. Maybe the two of them were draining fucking idiots but he supposed they were HIS draining fucking idiots. Families of any kind were hard to come by in hell, even though his was an exceptionally chronic pain in the ass.

Besides, this party had an open bar and free food that wasn't shitty strip club appetizers. Maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad.

Sir Pentious had been one of the first in line to enter the hotel this evening, decked in his best top hat and jacket and tie. Other demons attempted to crowd near the entrance but he skillfully used his tail to keep them back. He was going to get in first.

"Hey!" A short blue fish demon called out after a rather firm push from Sir Pentious's tail. "Watch where you're swinging that serpentine mass! You knocked me down and nearly put my light out with mud!" He brushed off the small glowing appendage hanging from his forehead.

"Hmph!" Sir Pentious held up his head. "Well if you weren't trying to inch your way into my rightful place at the head of the line…"

"There is no head of the line because there is no 'line' per se. Ergo, no head! People have merely gathered en masse to gradually enter and—"

Sir Pentious shook his head and held up a hand. "Enough of your word games! I am far too busy having far more pressing conversations with far more important demons to talk with you!" He quickly glanced around then grabbed a short, dark figure wrapped up in a trench coat and pulled him close. "Good sir, what do you think of this establishment?"

The figure struggled to get away but then sighed as Sir Pentious's tail wrapped around them both in a safe semi-circle. "You're probably an important figure trying to keep a low profile. I do understand. Normally I would be discreet as well, but my natural party inclinations simply cannot be suppressed." He laughed. "Anyway, where are my manners. Of course you know me but I should properly introduce myself. I'm Sir Pentious! A pleasure! And you are?"

"I-I…" The figure's voice was rough and uncertain. "Uh…look, the hotel's opening!" He pointed at the doors.

Sir Pentious looked over at the doors, which in fact didn't show any sign of opening, and felt the demon struggling a bit in his grasp - pushing away with six hands. He glanced back at the mysterious figure, and though he couldn't get a clear look at the short demon he sensed he was a spider. The figures hands were covered in black hair and his eyes glowed red beneath the brim of his fedora.

Sir Pentious laughed at him. "Oh don't be so skittish, my good man! I know royalty can be intimidating, but the princess extended the invitation! It's an honor to her and us to accept!"

The demon sighed, resigned to his fate. "I guess," he grumbled.

Then the doors really did open.

There stood Steve and Niffty, Steve in a black suit, his sax around his body, and Niffty with her white and yellow dress glowing almost gold in the fire-toned lights coming from inside. She smiled. "Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel!"

The doors opened wide, and Steve played to usher everyone in in style.

Sir Pentious led the charge, though in the crowd he lost his hold on his new companion. The dark figure slipped away and stuck close to the walls and shadows before gradually heading to the ballroom.

And a few moments later, another figure in a trench coat - taller and with long, thick, blond hair covered by a dark veil, and a fedora hiding her eyes - entered as well.

Never let it be said that the King and Queen of Hell did not arrive to events in style.

But braving the crowds was taxing and boring and simply not their taste. They would make their own entrance and in their own time.

Their chariot teleported out of thin air to appear on the roof of the hotel and stayed closed until the sounds of guests in the street had faded away. Finally a door opened and out stepped Lucifer himself clad in all white and red, swinging a cane, his intrigued grin in place as usual. He strode forward two steps, observed the surroundings, and then turned on his heel and held out his hand.

A dark gloved arm extended forward and the hand touched his.

"My love," he said simply, eyes hazed.

"My darling," came the reply in a cool voice, and then the towering Lilith herself emerged and stepped onto the roof, clad in a glittering long black dress and heels.

He didn't release her hand. "What fresh hell do you think this place will turn out to be?"

She smiled a little more. "I suppose we'll have to see our daughter to find out."

He nodded to her as the chariot disappeared in a cloud of fire. Then he struck his cane once firmly on the ground, and the two of them disappeared in a swirl of black flame, Lilith laughing.

Alastor was behind the stage curtains, set to make his entrance after Charlie had allowed the guests into the ballroom and welcomed them. He had enough of his power back to accomplish a great deal this evening. He could easily sustain the stage in darkness and blacklight while his shadow band played. He was capable of performing his usual up-close parlor tricks within reason. He could even teleport, though he would have to keep it minimal and not take others with him, but everyone expected him to stay in the ballroom all night anyway.

He heard the guests filtering in now. He took a deep breath. Nothing like the thrill of an impending performance to take one's mind off of…so many things.

He touched his chest again. It almost felt cold. He wasn't sure if that was an improvement or one more thing to worry about.

"Alastor dear, pardon our surprise appearance, but we wanted to see you before you went on!"

"Yup, we wanted to tell you to break a leg!"

Alastor blinked and turned to see Mimzy and Rosie standing behind him, all dressed up and waving and with a bouquet of dried roses.

Alastor laughed. "Ladies! Ha! Now how did you sneak in here?"

Rosie smirked. "To surprise you, we'd accomplish any task, Alastor."

Mimzy held forth the flowers. "And we brought you these…as a present for tonight but also as a get well present." She sniffed. "You had us so worried there, Alastor."

Rosie nodded. "It warms my dead heart to see you up and about again and snapping your fingers."

Alastor snapped his fingers just for her and made the flowers disappear to his room in a puff of sparkling smoke. Mimzy clapped.

Rosie smiled and shook her head. "Now, Alastor, don't use your magic on us - save it all for whatever you need tonight."

Mimzy nodded. "And promise you'll take some time tonight to catch up with us and to eat and dance."

"Yes, of course!" Alastor chuckled. "I'm eager to spend any time with you ladies that I can. As much of the evening as possible if you'd like."

Rosie raised an eyebrow…and then she peered at him closely and frowned. "Something's off about your smile. Alastor…are you sure you're all right?"

"Why, of course!"

"Then…why did your ears drop, Alastor?" Mimzy asked softly.

Alastor's eyes widened but he tried not to panic. He perked his ears right back up. He had control over everything. "I, er…had an abrupt chat with Angel. It went in quite the…unfortunate direction, heh. I suppose my head is a little out of sorts between that and my recent injuries, but the show must go on!" He turned on his heel, facing away from them, his smile frozen and held up perfectly.

Mimzy and Rosie shared a frown.

Rosie came toward him, her voice soft. "No matter what happened, if there's still something you want to say to him - something eating you up inside - say it, Alastor. Let it out. And then you can come home with Mimzy and I for a little while to feel better. You know we love you, Alastor."

The Radio Demon clenched his jaw. He wanted to say the words back, to his two dearest friends at least. Maybe then thinking about expressing a similar sentiment to someone entirely new wouldn't seem so impossible. "I…"

But then he could hear Charlie talking out there. It was almost his queue. He didn't turn around, simply nodded and heard Rosie and Mimzy turn and head away.

Charlie stood under as spotlight in front of the stage, beaming, while Razzle and Dazzle stood on either side of her, hands held out in presentation. "Welcome, demons galore, to our happy Hotel! Eat, drink, be merry, and learn how to find your way from sin to salvation! All of us are excited to see the rainbow hiding in each of you!"

The spotlight went dark.

And then all eyes went to the figure highlighted in purples and greens and pinks who strolled out glowing into the darkness of the stage. The Radio Demon, microphone held high. "Stay tuned, folks! We have an ironically sinful night ahead of us! Ha!" He snapped his fingers and his shadow band began to play as the crowd applauded.

The King and Queen observed from the doorway. Lucifer's eyes looked to the crowd for their daughter while Lilith's looked to where the Radio Demon had been.

The open house was under way.

A/N:

Thank you for reading, I hope you like how the party night is starting out! Prepare for some new (spider) cameos ^w^ I'll be updating weekly again until the open house is over. Then things get very interesting for Alastor and Angel.

Take care!

-Jenna