A/N:

Hi everyone! First chapter where the open house party is officially in full swing! Lots of drama and tension and maybe a little romance - I hope you enjoy it! ^w^

Partners

Chapter 23:

Life of the Party

Husk was tucked behind the ballroom bar, minding his own business. Frankly he thought this place was too crowded, that the suit jacket Alastor had made him wear was too tight, and that all the neon and spotlights were way too bright. But as long as he could down drinks in between customers, he supposed the evening couldn't turn into a total disaster.

Then he saw Valentino, Vox, and Velvet slink in with the crowd and remembered the evening could get pretty dicey.

Then he saw that giant snake Angel was always bitching about slither in with a smug look, and he realized this evening could turn into a full-blown turf war.

Then he saw Angel - wearing that damn dress Alastor had made him - stroll in looking and smiling in every direction except the stage where Alastor was just exiting, and Husk accepted that an absolutely dramatic spectacle could probably unfold.

Finally, Husk saw the King and Queen appear in the doorway and knew the option was on the table for them to all just get killed too.

He sighed deeply. "Fuck. Niff—"

Immediately Niffty zipped through the crowd and right up to the bar with a big smile. "Hi Husk! I was just putting out more appetizer trays. Is anything wrong? I can help!"

"No." He gestured behind the bar. "But look…how about I make you a Shirley temple and you stay here and drink it? Just..until Charlie manages to get Lucifer and Lilith corralled. Okay?"

"Ooo, they're here?" Niffty's eye searched everywhere eagerly until her gaze lit on them, and then she clapped her hands together.

"Yeah. And it's gonna be a delicate welcome. And Alastor's busy. So just stay close to me until it all blows over. And then steer clear of them. If anything happens to you, Alastor will be pissed. And I'll be all alone with him and his bullshit," he grumbled as he started to make the drink.

Niffty laughed and took a seat on one of the stools. "Okay, I'd be happy to drink with you!" Her gaze went back to the King and Queen though even as Husk put the drink in her hands. "Ooo…so that's the King and Queen. I never saw them in person. Charlie has the prettiest mommy. But I still think Angel would make the BEST mommy though."

Husk almost smiled. "Well, you just worry about Angel 'mommy' and let Charlie deal with big scary queen mommy." He sighed and poured himself a shot.

Niffty nodded. "I'll give them all the space they need." She sipped her Shirley Temple happily.

Husk watched as the rest of the crowd and finally Charlie turned and saw her parents.

Alastor saw the King and Queen as well from his place in the shadows behind the stage…but he could barely resist the temptation for his gaze to rove back to the crowd instead, seeking Angel. Of all nights to be unable to get the spider out of his head.

Everyone else turning and whispering was what finally alerted Charlie to the presence of her parents. There they were indeed, standing in the ballroom doorway. Her face went blank for only a moment. But then Vaggie was beside her and Charlie could breathe again. She held herself tall and smiled in a subdued, professional way as she headed toward them "My fellow creatures of hell!" She gestured forward. "I present…your King and Queen."

The entire crowd applauded and bowed.

Charlie got closer to them, her heart pounding. But she remembered that all around her were demons who believed in her enough to be here. And Vaggie was still with her too. "Hello, Mom, Dad - welcome to our Happy Hazbin Hotel." She gave a slight bow.

"Hmm…" Lilith's smile grew just a bit on one side. "What a marvelous introduction for us, Charlotte."

Charlie winced inside at the use of her full name but didn't correct her mother. Correcting her mother was…something demons did not usually succeed at.

Lucifer tilted his head and turned his gaze to the crowd. He raised a hand. "Everyone, return to your festivities. I INSIST!" He slammed his cane firmly against the floor.

Instantly everyone went back to socializing and talking, some sweating as they avoided looking in the royal family's direction.

Charlie blinked as her parents got around her on either side and instantly swept her off into their own little corner, leaving Vaggie behind. Her confidence buckled for a moment, and her voice cracked. "Mom, Dad, it's…it's really great that you could both make it here tonight. So much has happened, and I've wanted to share it with you."

Lucifer leaned in. "Did you really get the Radio Demon under your control?"

"Oh!" Charlie blinked. "Well, erm…he's helping with the hotel. And he seems happy to be here."

"Indeed…" Lucifer's smile shrank slightly and he leaned back. "You remember not to take shit from other demons, right?"

Charlie nodded. "Of course! He wanted to make a deal but I… decided instead to order him to help for as long as he desired. And he's been really respectful and done a lot for this place."

"Hmm…I see." Lilith leaned a little closer. "You should introduce us, dear." It was said so lightly, and yet it was a command more than a suggestion.

Charlie nodded. "Of course! But right now he's going to be performing as part of the entertainment. I mean not him, his shadow band - Angel Dust will be the main performer. You know Angel Dust! I-I mean, because he's famous not necessarily because you've personally seen any of his…er…He's our first guest and he's coming along great!" She swung a fist through the air and put on a big smile.

Lilith sighed and leaned down with a pitying pout. "Charlotte, take deep breaths. You know rambling is beneath you." She adjusted a piece of Charlie's hair that didn't need adjusting.

"Right, right…" Charlie blushed a lot and clenched her hands together.

"That's a good girl," Lilith assured.

Charlie did take a deep breath and felt steady enough again to go on. "Other demons have been helping here too, including a few new guests. And tonight wouldn't have been possible at all without a lot of help from Vaggie. You remember Vaggie, Mom, Dad. She's been a great partner for the hotel…and for me." Charlie leaned around them and gestured for Vaggie to come over - Vaggie hesitated but started to approach.

Neither Lilith nor Lucifer turned to glance in her direction. Lilith sighed and took a step away. "I think we'll mingle and get a better sense of this hotel of yours…. Darling?" She glanced at Lucifer.

He beamed up at her. "Why don't you enjoy yourself, my love? I would like to get a front row seat to see this performance. I shall save you one beside me when you're ready."

She nodded then looked to her daughter once more. A tender frown came to her features and she cupped Charlie's cheek firmly. "You know I've always been eager to see the kind of Queen you'll grow up to be. I suppose how you do with this place will show us." Her eyes narrowed, and she smiled again. "There's so much potential in you, Charlotte. You just need to work harder to bring it out - like always."

Charlie bit her lip but smiled and nodded. "Of course! I…hope tonight doesn't let you down."

Lilith patted her cheek and then turned and glided through the crowd to mingle.

Charlie felt her heart clench a little more once she was left alone with her father.

"I assume you've reserved a table, of course," Lucifer prompted.

"Of course!" Charlie nodded eagerly. "Right in the front!" She gestured near the stage, and the crowd instantly parted revealing a fancy table straight ahead. Lucifer strolled forward, twirling his cane.

Charlie let out a very big sigh as Vaggie came beside her and took her hand.

"You okay, babe?" Vaggie asked gently.

Charlie squeezed her hand, her eyes down. "I'm sorry they do that…ignore you." As she gripped harder, her horns started to poke through her hair.

"Hey, tonight's about the hotel." Vaggie smiled, her voice soft. "Besides, you're the only Magne who I need to like me." She kissed her cheek.

Charlie's horns faded. She raised her head, smiling a little. "After tonight, let's go out on a really nice date. Or have a little party of our own. Or do anything together. Whatever you want. Okay?"

Vaggie smirked a little. "Now that sounds fun. But let's make it whatever WE want."

Charlie giggled and Vaggie laughed. Then they walked through the crowd to find a good spot to observe the show themselves.

"Fuck." Cherri scowled as she watched the Magne family's little meeting take place from afar. She was hanging back against a wall with Rosie and Mimzy. "And I thought MY family dynamics were tense."

"It'll be fine," Rosie assured. "Charlie is a smart, strong girl. She can manage. And Vaggie will help her. We should focus on other, more pressing concerns. Three, specifically." Her eyes narrowed and fell on Valentino, Vox, and Velvet crowded together across the room.

Mimzy scowled. "What they did… I want to rip the throat out of that Velvet with my bare fangs and bathe in her blood!"

"Whoa!" Cherri grinned. "Dark, Mimzy - I love it. But for the sake of this fancy shindig maybe we should stick with less graphic stuff for now. Besides, they're shit but they're not stupid - those three fuckers won't attack here…but they will try to subtly fuck with Al and Angel. And we are not letting that happen, right, ladies?" She smirked, and Rosie and Mimzy smirked and nodded in return. "One for each of us," Cherri went on. "Mimzy, sounds like you got Velvet. Rosie - you're a tall girl, maybe you want to take Val? And I'll scare the hell out of the walking tv. Game on!" She stepped forward…then someone new caught her eye and her smile fell. "Oh shit!" She groaned and held out her arm. "Fucking Pen is here! Goddamnit!" And indeed, there was the snake at the center of the room, looking pompous as ever.

Rosie laughed. "Oh Cherri, of all the overlords here he's certainly the lowest threat."

Cherri rolled her eye. "Yeah, sure, in a fight he's the lowest threat. But here - that drama queen is just insane enough to actually pull an attack in the middle of all this." She rubbed her brow. "Ugh, I don't want to babysit him! I wanted the three of us to spend the night fucking with the 3V and doing stupid subtle suggestive crap to get Angel and Radio Head together."

"Has our little alliance really come to mean so much to you?" Rosie asked with a warm smile.

Cherri pouted but nodded. "Well, kind of, yeah. You're both pretty badass. It's been fun."

"Aww!" Mimzy beamed. "We think you're swell too, Cherri! We'd even love to have you come stay in the Colony! Except, well, of course…you're not a cannibal too." She shrugged. "But we're glad you got over your little phobia of us." She bared her teeth.

Cherri sighed. "Yeah, as long as I don't think too much about either of you ripping into a carcass I'm fine." She glared in the direction of Valentino, Vox, and Velvet "Unless it's those three - then go to town. And record it too. Maybe Angie and Radio Head will want to watch together on a date or something."

Rosie laughed. "What a delightfully vicious Idea! Not to worry though, Cherri. Mimzy and I can keep an eye on Valentino, Vox, and Velvet until you're ready to join us to approach them. Like stalking prey for a hunt.." She bared her fangs.

Mimzy nodded. "And there'll be plenty of time for us to come up with ways to help Alastor and Angel get closer tonight. For now, just make sure that snake doesn't ruin the atmosphere with a bunch of brash fighting."

"Okay." Cherri grinned. "We'll rendezvous after Angel's performance."

Mimzy and Rosie nodded, eyes glowing red. Then Cherri sauntered off into the crowd after Sir Pentious, who seemed to be looking for someone.

Angel stood in the shadows on stage, ready to be lit up in neon lights and for the shadow band to start playing. In the mean time, he was setting up a certain familiar item from his room. He'd decided to add a small surprise to his performance: something the crowd would enjoy for sure. And something Alastor would find irritating to the point of tantalization almost definitely.

Maybe Alastor would take one look at his performance and fall madly in love. OR maybe he would at least be filled with the same amount of bitter regret Angel felt. Win-win either way. Angel shivered as he remembered wrestling with Alastor the other night, ending up panting on the floor, barely dressed…only to be told to leave.

"Angel…" Came that familiar radio voice from the other side of the curtain. Alastor hidden in the shadows on stage, giving his cue. "It's time."

Angel secured the last piece of his surprise into place with a clink and grinned at his handiwork. His dancing pole from his room was now fully constructed here.

"What was that?" asked Alastor.

Angel didn't reply - he was sticking to his plan for no conversation with Alastor tonight. His eyes suddenly saw Alastor's shadow's eyes in the darkness. Angel nodded to the shadow. The shadow eyed him with some worry but nodded back and returned to Alastor.

Angel heard Alastor take a deep breath and then broadcast his voice to the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen and demons of all kinds, enjoy the show! And our first guest - Angel Dust!"

Angel saw the neon lights go up on the stage, and he grinned. Showtime.

Alastor disappeared from the stage with a snap of his fingers and relocated himself to a stool at the bar to watch the show start. His shadow band began to play as the curtains opened.

Alastor's jaw fell.

Angel stood there in his dress and with one arm around the dancing pole that had formerly been in his bedroom. A rather large jolt of static passed between the Radio Demon's ears and his monocle dropped from his eye.

From behind the bar, Husk sighed and finished off a swig of his drink. "Fuck. When you two fight now is it all just gonna be this hardcore flirting shit? Cuz I think Angel's got an edge over you, being a professional and all."

Alastor put back his monocle and gritted his teeth. "Shut up or I'll ram that bottle down your throat."

"How're you gonna do that? You're too busy mauling Angel with your eyes."

Alastor hissed and his eyes became radio dials. Then the music picked up and Angel danced and sang, and he was playful and free rather than sultry or pandering - he was confident and true and a master at his craft. And Alastor craved for them to be alone again like they had been in Angel's room that day with the pole because he knew none of these observers could properly appreciate the spider's elegance.

At some point Alastor became aware that Niffty was sitting on the stool beside him and speaking. "Wow…even the king and queen are having a good time watching him. And you've never looked so impressed, Alastor. You should let Angel know you liked his show."

"Hmm…" was all Alastor managed with a crack to his voice. He felt very warm. It had to be warm in here. He should have been mad at Angel for adding the pole to their show with no warning and yet it was a brilliant change. And if Angel, by any chance, was using this display to twist and tweak and torture Alastor's heart, it was working.

Finally he gripped the bar, digging his claws against the wood as the show finished and Angel dropped into a full split on stage to the sounds of applause and cheers and catcalling. "Husk - a good sherry! Leave the bottle."

"Nooo way!" Husk glared at him. "After your little alcoholic stunt the other day, Vaggie told me to put you on a strict limit tonight. You are not getting wasted and making an ass of yourself just so you can avoid your feelings."

"Oh Alastor!" Niffty climbed into his lap and beamed up at him. "Don't avoid your feelings! Embrace them! It's fun! Watch!" She hugged him tightly. "I love you, Alastor!" She zipped over and hugged Husk. "I love you, Husk!"

"Hey, get off!" Husk wriggled free.

Niffty giggled and looked to Alastor. "And I love Miss Angel too! And our whole hotel family! It all makes me so happy! I want you to be happy too, Alastor!"

"I…" Alastor's eye twitched and his face glowed hotly, "I…believe I need some fresh air. Pardon me!" He got up and was about to snap his fingers to teleport to the roof when he saw Angel climb down from the stage and go right to a waiting Valentino, Vox, and Velvet. And the spider smiled and laughed and talked as they surrounded him and led him into the crowd.

Alastor's jaw clenched. Trying to toy with him or not, he could not let Angel put himself into a bad position with those three. Going outside could wait. He had a spider to spy on.

He was about to slide into the shadows for stealthy observation when suddenly Charlie came running up to his side. "Alastor! My, um…heh, my parents want to meet you!"

Alastor knew he should have felt utterly amused and intrigued by the idea, and perhaps even a little threatened. But the whole concept just seemed boring - his interest was in Angel. On the other hand though, turning down the King and Queen flat out could leave this hotel - or at least himself - a pile of rubble. He took a deep breath and put on his most casual smile. "But of course, Charlie. I'd be honored. Just like I've been honored to be part of a night where they could see just how far you've come."

Charlie blushed and smiled more. "You've helped so much, Alastor - you have no idea." She lowered her voice, frowning a little. "My parents can be kind of difficult. I'm sorry in advance if they say anything insulting to you."

Alastor tilted his head but just laughed. "Quite all right. This is hell, after all. I've been insulted more times than I can count. Usually that ends with me gnawing the meat off someone's bones, which isn't an option in this case. But I suppose variety is the spice of life. Ha! Lead the way!"

Charlie smiled a little again - if uneasily - and guided him through the crowd where the king and queen now sat at a table together.

Cherri was tailing Pen and it was boring. He just held his head high and pranced around and tried to make conversation with people and not look completely deflated when no one made conversation back. It was sort of pathetic. She was about to honestly give up on him and go back to Rosie and Mimzy when he bolted across the room with a smile like he recognized someone…and then approached a figure in an overcoat blending with the shadows, eyes glowing red under his fedora. Eight eyes.

Cherri ran across the room and got between them. "Oh I knew something was up, snake head! Are you two fucking kidding me? Coming into the place to do what? Kill Angel? Get revenge on Angel? Humiliate Angel? Spill!"

"Oh please!" Sir Pentious rolled his eyes and waved her off. "What in the world are you talking about, Cherri Bomb? I don't care about your spider friend. I'm here for the open house."

"Oh, like you want to be redeemed!"

"Redemption? Ha!" Sir Pentious laughed and wiped a tear from his eye. "I'm here because this was advertised as a celebration of demons, and I'm a demon to celebrate! I'm treating myself to a night out in style with royalty!"

"Prove it!"

Sir Pentious sighed. "Wouldn't I have attacked Angel Dust while he was just on stage, utterly vulnerable and exposed? Also wouldn't I have a ray gun with me? Also wouldn't there be Egg Bois everywhere?" He waved her off. "Ugh, I needed a break from them, I swear."

Cherri blinked and hesitated. "Okay… But then why are you hanging out with—" She turned but the figure was gone. "Dammit!"

"Who?" Sir Pentious shrugged. "Oh you mean my new shy friend in the coat? I haven't caught his name yet. Delightfully intriguing fellow!" He chuckled. "I knew I'd find some new comrade here tonight."

Cherri gave him a dry look. "You really have no idea who that was, do you?"

Sir Pentious just tilted his head to the side, his face blank.

Cherri sighed deeply, a hand to her forehead. "You're JUST here to mingle and be seen, right?"

"Of course! I'm a guest and the royal family are my hosts - it would be terribly rude to start any altercation."

"Fine." She crossed her arms. "Just stay out of trouble and…maybe find a new comrade. Trust me." She walked away before Sir Pentious could question her.

He raised an eyebrow, confused, but then pouted and headed out to find his new friend regardless of Cherri's suggestion. The hidden figure was making him even more intrigued to unmask his mysterious self.

The King and Queen waited at their table, sitting elegantly side by side, as Charlie approached with the Radio Demon in tow.

"Mom, Dad, I present Alastor, the Radio Demon. Alastor - my parents, the King and Queen." Charlie stepped to the side, gesturing forward.

Alastor inclined himself forward just enough to suggest a bow. "A pleasure! You two are quite the inspiration for sinners topside! And young Charlie has been a fascinating demon to get to know!"

Lilith's smile grew just a little. "So you believe in her little project then? An attempt to raise hell to Heaven." There was a subtle of a laugh in her voice.

Alastor's eyes couldn't help looking past the queen slightly, trying to catch Angel in the crowd. But at these words from her his gaze locked right on hers. Bad parents really were a peeve of his. "I believe in CHARLOTTE," he said decisively. "AND in her ability to lead others to a most entertaining new era, of course."

"Hmm…" Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Our family is not one to be trifled with by outsiders."

"Fortunately for all of you I do not deal in trifles. And here at the Hazbin Hotel we are a happy little patchwork family of our own," Alastor countered.

"Until you don't want to be anymore. I'm aware of the rather loose terms for your engagement at this establishment."

"Ah but you should also be aware that I do not abandon my charges lightly."

Charlie watched this exchange in some awe…and some fear. Alastor was walking a very fine line with her mother.

And yet somehow she saw the Queen's smile grew a little. "You'll learn much from this one, Charlotte. Pay close attention."

Charlie smiled a little and nodded. "Uh...sure, I will, Mom."

Lucifer cleared his throat. He stood up. His head barely came up to Alastor's chin. "For a fallen mortal you're quite the demon, Alastor." He raised an eyebrow moved closer to his daughter. "Your interest in my daughter…interests ME."

"Your daughter can handle herself - in her own way on her own terms. I respect that quality in a demon." Alastor's eyes widened and went beyond Lucifer's head. There was Angel, still laughing and talking to Valentino, Vox, and Velvet as well as many other demons who had crowded around him. Rosie and Mimzy were closing in but now Valentino touched Angel's arm. And Angel flinched but smiled more…saw Alastor…and went right back regaling the crowd with conversation.

"Perhaps she can indeed." Lucifer replied. "And I can handle myself - and the needs of my family - as well." His eyes flashed to look like snake eyes.

"Dad…"

He held up a hand, silencing Charlie.

Her stomach sunk as she turned back to Alastor.

However Alastor didn't react at all. "I should hope so!" he merely replied, attempting to laugh. "Well, it was a pleasure to meet both of you, but as one of the hosts I really must attend to the party. Sending riff-raff packing and other duties. Enjoy yourselves and pardon me!" And with that he strolled off into the crowd.

Lucifer watched him go.

"Dad?" Charlie tried again.

Lucifer turned back - his smile had grown, his eyes down in a thoughtful way. "He is very unlike you, Charlie. The fact that you've managed to strike a partnership of any kind is interesting." His eyes came up to meet hers. "This changes things. You should manage the hotel from the mansion. Come home."

"Dear…" Lilith raised an eyebrow.

"I…" Charlie blinked but shook her head. "But I can't. I mean, I belong here running this place."

"HE'S running it," Lucifer went on. "Leave him be and handle the details from afar like the royalty you are."

She took a breath. "I'm not leaving the hotel. I'm staying here with Alastor and Vaggie and Angel. And we're going to make something work. I'm sorry, but the answer's no, Dad."

He hesitated, his eyes narrowed. "Well…when the answer is yes, you know where to find us." He moved closer. "You're not like other sinners, Charlie. If you're going to take unnecessary risks, you must make sure you're safe."

"I am safe. And I make this place safe for others too." She smiled, full of confidence and poise. "But I'm glad you both visited. Excuse me I…I just realized I promised Vaggie a dance tonight but I haven't given it to her." And then she turned and went off into the crowd.

Lilith smirked a little. "Maybe she can work miracles. It's miraculous that hell hasn't torn her apart, after all."

Lucifer grinned more. "I never had a demon dismiss me so easily like that Radio Demon did. And I never had Charlie dismiss me so easily either. Interesting." His eyes roved around the hotel ballroom. "Just like me at that age… So ready to be different."

Lilith grinned and took his hand in hers. "Nothing is cast in stone yet, darling."

"Nothing ever was I suppose, my love." He squeezed her hand, not looking at her.

She stood. "Charlie did have one good idea. I'd like to dance."

He stood as well. "Always, Lilith." Lucifer took her in his arms and gazed up at her as they moved gently together. His eyes found Charlie and Vaggie dancing across the room. He sighed deeply and tried to focus on his wife.

Angel Dust was working the room, chatting up everyone and anyone. Yeah, it was good for promoting the hotel. But mostly he was imagining Alastor seeing Angel's precious gift for conversation going to everyone but him. The only downside was the fact that Valentino, Vox, and Velvet kept trailing along after him. Valentino was getting close and sweet talking him, making plans for Angel to come back to the studio: a big debut after a little time off. Velvet just kept staring at the glittery rings on her hands and laughing. And Vox kept crossing his arms and scowling. And Angel kept feeling his stomach twist and praying they would never realize that he had been the one to shoot them.

He felt a little better when he became aware of Rosie and Mimzy and now Cherri trailing them. But then he saw Alastor make a beeline for him, and Angel turned the charm up all the way for his little overlord crowd with a perfect smile and a flawless pose and a warm laugh like he couldn't get enough of whatever they were talking about.

"Angel, there you are!" Alastor got right in front of him. "And I see you're entertaining some of your more colorful friends!" His eyes turned sharply to Valentino, Vox, and Velvet.

Valentino smirked at him. "Just catching up with my best bitch." His voice lowered. "And I see you're doing well, Alastor. I'd heard some things…"

"Only what I wanted others to hear to make my appearance tonight that much more spectacular by comparison, I assure you." Alastor's eyes narrowed.

"Do you remember who attacked you?" Velvet asked out of the blue. "I heard you were pretty far gone at the time."

"Hmm…" Alastor's grin grew, flashing his fangs, "That's a matter for another time. Tonight is a party. We're really so happy every class of demon could attend from the highest of the high to the lowest of the low." He turned his sights to Vox and his voice shifted to a deep and dangerous pitch. "We're here for eternity after all. - there's so much time to parse out rivalries and relationships and all of the overdue consequences. Ha!"

Vox swallowed but then scowled. "If you don't want us here, just say so you double talking—"

Valentino placed a hand on his shoulder. "Now, now, Vox, no need to get so flustered." Vox grumbled under his breath and blushed, eyes darting to and away from Alastor. Valentino went on. "No reason we can't all be friends, at least for tonight. Did you need something, Radio Demon?"

Alastor felt like a memory was coming back to him. One last thing from the tower. Something just before the gun shot from Angel's hand. Something between himself and Valentino.

"Alastor! There you are!" Rosie and Mimzy came up on either side of him and Cherri brought up the rear.

Rosie grinned, showing all of her teeth. "Hello, you three. Short time, no see. You know, I have a splendid idea - there's three of us," she gestured to herself Mimzy, and Cherri, "and three of you." She gestured to the overlord trio. "Why don't we dance?"

Valentino chuckled. "You couldn't afford a dance with me, honey."

"I don't see anyone lined up to outbid me." She tilted her head, her eyes glowing. "It's all settled. Mimzy…you take Velvet. And Cherri, you take Vox. I'm sure will get along nicely. Come on then!" She grabbed Valentino's sleeve, as though she didn't want to touch him. Mimzy grabbed Velvet's bow around the waist of her dress and pulled her along. And Cherri grabbed Vox roughly by the tie.

Alastor glowed a little brightly at suddenly being left alone with Angel.

Angel blushed a little for a moment but then held his head high and, without a word, started to stroll away.

Alastor's head turned to watch him go. That Angel could leave him so easily, even as some childish tactic to bother him…left a hollow feeling in Alastor's chest. The Radio Demon turned away and then his eyes caught Valentino's - the moth had slipped from Rosie's clutches for a moment and was reaching out toward Alastor from across the room, eyes narrowed.

Alastor remembered: Valentino had done that once before. His hand coming close, to finish everything…

Alastor's entire chest seared in pain, and it took all of his energy to maintain the magic he was pouring into the party and also not collapse to the floor and cause a scene.

Angel noticed though - Angel was so clever, Alastor thought to himself in a woozy haze.

The spider came close and broke his no conversation commitment for a moment. "Damn it, Al… Are you okay? Because if this is just some drama to get back at me for the pole, it's not—"

Alastor clutched at a fold of Angel's dress. He whispered very quietly. "Help me to the back exit. Act like we're walking and you're leaning on my arm. Get us into the stairwell. Please. I…can barely keep the party going."

Angel blinked then nodded and hooked arms with Alastor. He pretended to laugh as they glided across the room to the fire exit door. He thought someone in a trench coat was watching them from the balcony, and then saw another person in a trench coat scurry away from them, but had bigger issues to focus on. Once they slipped inside the darkness of the stairwell Alastor stumbled forward, clinging to the railing. "Thank you. Go now. I just need air. The roof will work fine. And I think I've still got one good teleportation in me. Heh - ta ta!" He held up his fingers, snapped and disappeared.

"Hey!" Angel scowled. "Fuck, Al…you don't need to do everything alone!" He started on his way up the stairs to the roof, grumbling to himself about stupid stubborn deers who didn't deserve to be left alone to croak on a roof even if they were pains in the asses sometimes.

Back in the ballroom, what was transpiring now between the three overlord's and three demonesses was less of a dance between the three 'couples' and more of a severe standoff with music playing around them as they stood close.

Rosie grinned at Valentino. "Considering what happened at the radio tower, I would be well within my political rights to eat your heart out of your chest immediately. But I do hate making a fuss at parties."

Valentino smirked. "You know, you have just enough moxie that I don't want to threaten you back. How about you become one of my madames? You could keep the ladies in line I bet."

"I'd treat them with the respect they deserve. But that means I'd start by getting them away from you, so I don't think you'd benefit much." Her eyes glowed.

Velvet giggled at the sight of Mimzy. "I remember you. You tried to bite me…but I got you with my knife first. Want to see my rings?"

"Oh honey," Mimzy rolled her eyes, "Keep the cheap glass to yourself. All I care about is keeping your tacky homicidal tendencies in line and away from our territory."

Vox had his head in his hand. "Jesus fucking…" He looked to Cherri and scowled. "And what the fuck are you doing here with them?"

Cherri glared back at him. "I figure shit out eventually. And I figured out that you put me and Angel into a dangerous and shitty situation at that radio tower. I'll side with the cannibals over you three any day." She smirked. "Alastor's gonna kick your asses so bad."

Valentino scowled. "Angel's one of us now - a partner. We go down, he does too."

"He's part of the hotel - he's not going anywhere with you," she shot back.

"Watch your mouth."

"Watch your STUDIO - shit blows up so easily in hell." Cherri laughed and Valentino glared.

"That's it! I'm walking away - I'm not doing this tonight. Goodbye!" Vox waved and proceeded to turn and head into the crowd.

Valentino blinked then sighed in frustration. "Damnit. Vel, go after him. I knew being here tonight would get to him."

Velvet skipped off happily.

Valentino turned back to the others. "You stay clear of us and we'll stay clear of you. We can sort this out on another night. When you see Alastor, tell him we're ready and waiting." With a smirk he turned and headed after his comrades.

Rosie crossed her arms. "Well, at least he won't be off looking for Alastor himself."

"Good thing too," Mimzy piped up, "because I don't see him anywhere."

"Or Angel…" Cherri suddenly observed glancing around.

The three ladies looked at each other and grinned and spoke together. "Excellent!"

Laughing, they headed to the bar for some drinks - getting those two boys alone was half the battle, and they'd succeeded without even trying.

A/N:

Thank you so much for reading and for reviewing if you can! There are two more party chapters before the night ends, and a lot is going to happen (especially for Alastor and Angel) :33 Stay tuned!

Take care!

-Azure129