A/N:

Hi everyone! Here's the final chapter of the Hazbin open house - lots of drama and flirting and twists. I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 25:

Death of the Party

While Angel and Alastor had commenced talking, Louise and Abel had returned to the ballroom and made sure no one was looking for either significant hotel figure. They'd had a small awkward moment firs though, both recalling what had almost happened on the roof - and Abel's obvious intended question. But then Steve had caught sight of them and the trio found a table to sit and enjoy the show and catch up. Still though, Abel kept glancing at Louise and blushing, and every once in a while Louise would do the same to him and smile very much.

An interesting exchange was also taking place at the bar where Vox had planted himself on a stool with scowling face only to be met with the chipper smile of Niffty. "Hiya, I'm Niffty! Can I get you a drink?"

Vox blinked then sighed and rubbed his temple. "Great, a perky bar tender. Just pour me a shot and leave the bottle. It's been a rough night."

Niffty poured a shot of brown liquor into a small glass and put the bottle down. "Aren't you having a fun time? There's music and dancing and all the pretty decorations. And there's going to be so much to clean later! Alastor says I have to wait til the end of the party to start, but I still get to clean up around the bar for now at least!" She wiped the counter, her grin extra chipper.

Vox blinked then pouted again. "You're one of Alastor's cronies? Great, great… Then I'm sure he'll be along any second to gore me. Oh well - existing was fun while it lasted." Vox grabbed the bottle and drank straight from the mouth, not stopping.

"Don't be silly." Niffty laughed. "Alastor wouldn't do something like that here - he'd make such mess that no one could dance. Even if you did upset him enough for him to attack you, he'd wait for a better time. Quick and clean…" Her eye glowed red and her smile grew, almost as wide and menacing as Alastor's could be. Then her appearance returned to normal. "Of course I don't know why people bother Alastor so much in the first place. He's very nice!"

Vox put down the bottle and tilted his head. "In what warped reality is ALASTOR—"

"There you are!" Valentino marched over and grabbed Vox's arm. "What the hell are you doing running off?"

"Getting a drink! Not that I owe you an answer." Vox crossed his arms. "You seem to forget that I'm your partner, not one of your whores."

"Could have fooled me with how much of a bitch you've been being lately." Valentino glared down at him. "Now let's go. You were right, Velvet is a two demon job. She's carving her name into a table, and I think she's going to move on to other demon's next."

Vox ripped his arm away, stumbling for a moment from the rush of the shots to his head. "You don't tell me what to do! Even if you do look hot tonight!" His screen glitched but he shook it off. I'll go fix her, I fix everything around here!" He pushed past Valentino into the crowd.

Valentino blinked then frowned a little then glared. Something caught his eye and he whipped his head around to see Niffty staring at him, smiling. "What the fuck are you looking at?"

Her smile grew. "Nothing at all."

Valentino growled under his breath and stormed after Vox…but first bumped into a rather large snake. "Out of my way!" He shoved past him and disappeared among the masses.

"Hmph! I never!" Sir Pentious stuck out his tongue and shook a fist. "You blackguard!"

"Hey, hey, don't let him upset you!" Niss smiled. "Besides, I saw his limo pull up earlier, and I remember which one it is. I'll just shoot out the tires."

Sir Pentious blinked and then laughed. "Oh my, you are quite the comical and deviant fellow, Niss. I do apologize for yelling though - I forgot, you're trying to keep a low profile."

Niss shrugged. "It's okay. There's so many demons here and the king and queen too, I'm sure no one's gonna notice me. I mean, Cherri already did but…she won't say nothing."

Sir Pentious tilted his head then grinned. "You know her well. Perhaps she's an old flame?"

Niss spit out his drink, eyes wide. "Oh, no, no, no!" He held up his hands. "Nothing like that at all, we just…know some mutual people." He tugged his trench coat closer around his body.

"Are you sure? You do seem rather flustered." Pen laughed.

Niss pouted. "Yeah, I'm sure. Like, really, really sure." His eyes went down. "She's not my type. You know…it…never mind."

The snake observed his friend. "My apologies if I hit upon a sore subject. Perhaps we could discuss something else." He smiled. "You don't have to share details but may I ask how you occupy your time, Sir Niss? You mentioned having fire arms at the ready…"

Niss loosened the hold on his coat a little. "It's okay. And…yeah, I…do some protection work."

"Fascinating! You know, I could use a man like you around my air ship. Ironically along with Cherri Bomb I'm always facing off against that spider Angel Dust and he's always wielding firearms. I'm sure you could be a proper challenge to him."

"No!" Niss's eyes went wide - all eight of them. "I mean, uh…my schedule is already pretty full. You, uh…mentioned something about henchmen? Egg guys? They help you, right?"

Sir Pentious sighed. "Oh the Egg Bois. Creatures of my own invention. They're good for errands and as blaster fodder, but there are so many and they get a little exhausting. I appreciate their company, but no good conversation can be had whatsoever." He raised an eyebrow. "They seem to like Cherri Bomb though. They've been asking about her ever since we last captured her and she escaped.

Niss chuckled. "Bet she'll love to hear that. And I get it. Good conversation is nice."

"Thank you for providing me with some tonight, Sir Niss." Sir Pentious glanced away coyly.

Niss's eyes widened. Then he swallowed. "Same to you, Sir Pen."

They shared a smile.

Across the room, Cherri saw and tilted her head. Curious, she found herself walking over.

Vox found Velvet stalking an unsuspecting fish demon and got in front of her before she could succeed at her first stab. His head swam a little from the liquor but he kept himself steady and scowled. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing!" She smirked, hands behind her back.

"Hands - now."

She flung out her arms - a sharp toothpick was tucked between each of her knuckles. "They were just giving away this tiny little spears with the appetizers!" She giggled.

"Drop them now. Then you're going home and we're going with you."

"You're no fun, Voxy."

"I'll let you know when I give fuck, Vel."

She pouted but did indeed release the toothpicks just as Valentino ran up. "Going? If you're going, you're not taking my limo and you're not taking Vel and you're definitely not taking me."

Vox whipped around and glitched again "Fine! I can get home on my own! I'm an OVERLORD with CONNECTIONS and MONEY and the ability to dial a damn phone!"

Valentino sighed and his scowl softened. "Look…it was a mistake coming here, okay? I admit it. Putting you around Radio Freak isn't good for you for whatever fucking reason. So just…take the damn limo home and I'll call a car for me and Velvet."

Vox laughed and shook his head. "This is not about FUCKING Alastor! This is about you and me and Velvet too! This is about our future! This is about you never respecting me unless it's to get me to do something for you!" Electricity sizzled from his antennae

"Take it easy! You're gonna short out something else or yourself!"

Vox's eyes glowed and he grew taller and more demonic. "I'll do what I want! I'm the LORD OF ALL TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRICITY, AND POWER!" A bolt of lightning shot straight upward from his antennae and hit the chandelier overhead.

The chandelier swayed and the room shook and all eyes turned to Vox as his eyes returned to normal and he stumbled forward, holding his head, feeling ready to throw up from the drinking and the warmth in the room and energy that jolt had taken out of him. Then his eyes traveled upward and widened. "Oh fuck…"

The chandelier fell.

It headed toward Niss and Cherri Bomb, who had just approached him.

Instantly Sir Pentious' tail shot out and scooped them both out of harms way just as the chandelier crashed to the ground and the room shook.

There was utter silence. And all eyes went to the table at the head of the room currently seating the King, the Queen, and the Princess. Lilith smirked and raised eyebrow, Lucifer's smile was tight and he gripped his cane, and Charlie had her hands over her mouth and her eyes wide.

This rather large crash was what had interrupted Alastor and Angel Dust on the roof. And now, The Radio Demon had just teleported off of the roof from his first near intimate moment with the spider to arrive in the shadows of the ballroom balcony and take in the scene before him

He still couldn't disembowel anyone here and now. But he could do other things. And he really wanted to. Because just like Charlie didn't deserve such a commotion during her open house, he and Angel didn't deserve to be pulled apart right when he had been ready to no long be apart from the spider…his friend…his 'something else besides a friend'.

Despite his angel blade burn, Alastor felt quite energized after his time with Angel: after letting some goodness from his friend into his heart, he had more than enough stamina for a little sin.

Smile wickedly wide, Alastor teleported into the fray.

While Alastor had been observing everything, Cherri and Niss found themselves brought to the outskirts of the crowd by Sir Pentious. He frowned down at them. "Are you two, all right?"

Niss got himself standing. "I…yeah. Pen, that was…" His eyes widened then he blushed a little and glanced away. "Thanks. That tail of yours is strong."

Sir Pentious blushed a little too. "Oh - you're quite welcome."

"Shit - you saved us." Cherri tilted her head. "Is it possible that you don't ENTIRELY suck?"

Sir Pentious rolled his eyes. "I would have saved any party guest - it's just polite! But of course I'd save a new friend." He glanced at Niss with a smile, and Niss rubbed the back of his neck and smiled back sheepishly. Then Sir Pentious blinked and added quickly to Cherri, "And a friend of a friend as well."

Cherri just watched them both, her eye wide. "Oookay. You did me a solid, so I'm not going to ask any questions. I'm just gonna head back out there to watch the show because I'm pretty sure someone's ass is about to be kicked, and I'm pretty sure it's one of the three people I hate most down here." She turned away from them, blushing, and was about to run forward when a familiar voice called out to her from behind the group.

"Cherri! Shit, are you okay? Wait, is that Pen?" Angel Dust was approaching.

Niss gasped. "I've gotta go! I'm sorry!" He glanced at Sir Pentious then looked to Cherri with a frown and darted into the shadows.

"Wait!" The snake overlord called out as he slithered after Niss.

Angel reached Cherri, an eyebrow raised. "Who the fuck's he chasing?"

Cherri glanced away. "It's not important. Uh…come on, I think Alastor just showed up." She grabbed Angel's arm and pulled him through the crowd. "Speaking of which, I noticed you and Radio Head disappeared at the same time…and reappeared at the same time." She smirked.

Angel rolled his eyes to the side. "I'll tell you later…once there's a little more to tell." He blushed and smiled a lot and Cherri beamed as they reached the front of the crowd. Rosie and Mimzy appeared on either side of them, grinning, eyes aglow.

"You're just in time," Rosie practically purred. "The show is starting."

Mimzy chuckled.

All eyes were on the radio demon.

Indeed, something was happening. Alastor had just appeared in the center of the scene. He glanced at the chandelier and tapped it with the end of his cane. "My, my, what a mess…"

Niffty instantly zipped up to him. "I'll clean it, Alastor!"

"Now, now," he held up his hand, "All in due time. For the moment you stay back, Niffty. I have some host duties to attend to." Niffty nodded and headed back into the crowd. She zipped over to Husk as he entered the ballroom, a bit dazed and distracted.

Alastor's red eyes went to Valentino, Vox, and Velvet. He stepped forward slowly. "You seem to have caused a problem. Fortunately one of my job's here is providing solutions…" He flashed all of his fangs.

Valentino scowled, Velvet grinned, Vox had officially been scared sober.

Alastor's eyes went up to the ceiling and then back down. "I do believe I see electrical burn marks up there. Dear, dear, I do believe we all know which of you three must have been the cause of that." His sights turned to Vox, and his eyes glowed red.

Vox opened his mouth but nothing came out. He was both terrified of Alastor's sudden display of dominancy and also strangely aroused and still a little dizzy - a bad combination. He was almost ready to accept his fate.

And then Valentino stepped in front of him, sheltering Vox with his tall form. "I'm the leader of our group, Radio Demon. If you have a problem, you'll take it up with me."

Alastor paused, head tilted. "You will be dealt with later. Move." He clenched his hand and symbols swirled above his head and darkness swirled around him.

"Excuse me, Alastor."

Alastor's demonic powers remained apparent but didn't progress at these words from Charlie.

The princess moved in front of him, hands clasped, a professional smile on her face. "I appreciate your help a lot, but you've already done so much tonight. As the leader of the hotel I think I should handle this. It'll be okay."

Alastor's demonic aura remained a moment longer then instantly disappeared behind his normal charming smile. "Ha! You're welcome any time! But if you're so inclined, then of course, Charlie! Take it away!" He twirled his cane and stepped back, gesturing forward.

The crowd murmured. Alastor silenced them with a jolt of static and a flash of his fangs and red eyes. Charlie smiled a little more at him then turned to the overlords as Alastor claimed a place for himself in the shadows.

Charlie looked at Valentino who continued to scowl. Vox leaned up and whispered to him. "Val, come on… You, me, and Vel are fine. Please think about this."

Velvet giggled and whispered from the other side of Vox. "Shh, this night is just getting good."

Valentino held out an arm to silence them.

Charlie stepped up to him. "Pardon me, Valentino? Hi. I'd like to talk to Vox."

Valentino stayed still and held out his arms. "I do the talking for us. Besides, he's a bit drunk. Anything you need to say to him can go through me."

He was clearly ready for a challenge but Charlie simply nodded, still smiling. "Well, I'm sure it was an accident, but Vox did knock down our chandelier and disrupt the party."

Valentino tilted his head. "So, what, are you going to disembowel us here on the spot? Not a good look for a hotel about resisting sin…"

Charlie shook her head. "We're not here to hurt anyone. Accidents happen. But so everyone can go back to enjoying their evening, we'd just like you to clean up the mess please."

Valentino chuckled. "I'm an overlord - I don't clean up messes. You got staff for that, Princess."

Charlie didn't bat an eye. "They're busy keeping the party going and trying to enjoy the night themselves. If the three of you work together it shouldn't take long. I'll even help. What do you say?" She held out her hand.

There was a standstill.

Then Valentino narrowed his eyes. "I say we're leaving…"

Charlie sighed but kept up her smile as she pulled her hand back. "That's an option you have too if you'd like."

"And we're taking Angel Dust with us," Valentino added.

Charlie blinked but quickly resumed her professional smile. "I don't think he'll want to go."

"Ask him…" Valentino smirked.

Tucked in the crowd, Angel had gone wide-eyed at this point. Cherri shoved him behind herself and Rosie and Mimzy, but still he knew he might be summoned or searched for any second. The idea of Valentino coming for him made Angel sick to his stomach.

He gasped when he found himself teleported away to the shadows beside Alastor. Alastor didn't look at him and spoke in a quiet tone. "If he tries to take you…I'll kill him here and now."

Angel couldn't help but blush. He swallowed. "It's okay, Al. I'll handle it. I'm not a damsel in distress…though you're playing the knight in shining armor pretty well."

Alastor's face glowed a little in the shadows. He gave a single nod. "Then go handle it, darling. But I am ready and waiting should the need for my particular skills arise." His eyes flashed red and narrowed wickedly.

"This protective side of you is kind of hot you know, Smiles." And then with a little grin of his own at seeing Alastor glitch brightly, Angel decided to face the music on his own terms. He moved swiftly through the crowd and finally stepped out into the middle of Charlie and Valentino's stand off. "Uh, hey, guys!" He waved, grinning innocently. "Daddy, I'd go anywhere you needed me to but…I've got a commitment to the hotel tonight. But hey, look, I'll clean up the mess for you, so it all works out."

Valentino looked at him with a stone cold glance that made Angel shake in fear inside. Then he smiled, his voice warm and inviting. "Angel Cakes, that's very funny. But cleaning up is beneath you these days. Now let's go home to the studio. You can play at the hotel again some other time." He reached out to put an arm around Angel.

Behind him, Vox saw a familiar smile and pair of eyes glow a dangerous red in the crowd. He lunged forward and quickly put Valentinos's arm around his own shoulders and ushered Velvet in front of them. Valentino growled but Vox just smiled and looked to Charlie. "Sorry, Val's a bit tipsy too. You know, I think we all just had way too much fun tonight, heh. We should go before we have even more. Sorry about the chandelier. Angel, yeah, get that for us if you could. We'll see ourselves out." He gave a bow in the direction of the King and Queen's table then gave Charlie a nod and all but dragged his partners out of the room and out of the hotel.

All eyes turned to Charlie who blinked and smiled sheepishly.

Alastor appeared beside her. "Bravo, Charlie, what a tour de force of top-tier hosting! Ah, but no need to go through all the trouble of having Angel or anyone else fix this mess by hand." He snapped his fingers - instantly the chandelier was repaired and hanging from the ceiling…and maybe also had a few deer antlers placed at the edges for good measure along with the lights Angel had hung around the object in the first place. "There now! All that's left to do is strike up the band!" He snapped and his shadow appeared and lead the band in a jazzy tune. He turned his fang-filled grin to the crowd, and slowly the guests began to mingle once more.

Satisfied, Alastor twirled his cane and strolled back into the crowd and right between Rosie and Mimzy. "Ladies, I haven't had a chance to catch up with you all night! Let's walk and talk!"

Cherri came beside Angel. "Come on, let's get you a drink at the bar!" She pulled him along in that direction. She added under her breath, "We need to talk, that was fucking amazing!"

Vaggie came beside Charlie smiling. "Babe, that was brilliant. You know that, right?"

Charlie blushed. "Oh, I just…did my best to keep things calm."

"You were the queen of poise. Very impressive." Vaggie winked.

They began to head into the crowd when Lilith appeared in front of them, her eyes on her daughter. "Charlotte? A word please."

Charlie swallowed. "Okay. Come on, Vaggie." She reached for her girlfriend's hand.

"Family business, dear," Lilith quickly cut in, stepping between the girls.

Charlie frowned.

Vaggie ignored Lilith and turned to her. "You go. I'll make sure the party keeps getting back on track. Because we're both partners in this hotel thing. You're not alone here, Charlie."

Charlie smiled at her. Then she reluctantly let herself be swept away by her mother toward the lobby. Vaggie eyed Lilith with a scowl but took a deep breath. Charlie could handle herself. Instead she turned her sights back to the party at hand.

Sir Pentious had chased after his friend, but the moment he got outside the strange spider was nowhere to be seen in the dark streets. He frowned when he found an abandoned fedora on the hotel steps. He picked it up, blushed a little, and tucked it under his hat.

Nearby he heard someone shout. "Who the hell shot out our tires?" It sounded like that rogue who had shoved him during the party. A small smile returned to Sir Pentious's features. With a thoughtful look, he finally called his Egg Bois and slithered off to meet his airship.

Cherri got Angel over to the bar and sat him down on a stool quickly. "Oh my god, that was…damn, Charlie is like a polite force." She smirked at Angel. "And your boyfriend - talk about getting ready to kill with class."

Angel put a hand over her mouth, eyes wide. "Shh - shut up! He's not my…" He blushed and pulled his hand away, crossing his arms. "Like I said, I'll tell you later what happened with us. But right now I don't want anyone to overhear."

"Okay, I'll wait. But no one's gonna overhear except Husk and I'm pretty sure he already knows everything there is to know about you two." Cherri turned her grin in Husks' direction but blinked. The bar cat was leaning on the bar dragging a claw around the rim of an empty bottle and frowning…but not in his usual gruff way. He almost seemed sad.

Angel noticed too. "Uh…Husk buddy? You okay?" Angel tapped the bottle.

"Huh?" Husk blinked and straightened up then quickly resumed his scowl. "Yeah of course! It's just been a long weird night. Really weird…" He eyed Angel then raised an eyebrow. "Did Charlie and Vaggie ever get a confirmed guest list for this thing?"

Cherri shook her head. "Nope. But they left a guest book out front for people to sign if they wanted." She grinned. "What, one of these fuckers play cards with you tonight or something then skip out on paying up?"

Husk sighed and scowled more. "Never mind." He finally looked away from Angel. "And for the record, yeah, I know about Alastor and you. But I don't want to know anything else that I don't have to." He grabbed a fresh bottle and took a swig.

Angel smirked. "We'll make sure to not invite you to the orgy then." Cherri laughed a lot and Husk nearly choked on his liquor. Angel chuckled and turned to Cherri. "Anyway, babe, wanna dance? It's been too long, and you know we cut up the floor."

"Are you sure I'm not keeping you from…" She gestured out to the dance floor - Alastor was out there somewhere.

Angel's eyes hazed. "We had some time together…and we'll have more later. Right now I want to enjoy the night with my best friend. And you can tell me all about your new gal pal friendship with Rosie and Mimzy." He held out his hand.

Cherri took it with a big smile as they both stood up. "They are amazing and I'm seriously going to have to thank Radio Head for introducing me to them one of these days." Laughing, they strolled out to the dance floor.

Husk watched them go and had this frustrating…but kind of nice…fantasy for a moment about maybe dancing with someone too or whatever. He took another deep swig from his bottle, and that was enough to make his mind too fuzzy to hold onto the image for now.

Alastor was tucked into a corner of the ballroom with Rosie and Mimzy who had gotten him alone the first moment they could.

"Alastor," Rosie's eyes hazed, "I suspect that little display against Valentino wasn't just for your own benefit but to impress a certain someone as well."

"A certain someone you snuck off with for almost twenty minutes." Mimzy grinned.

Alastor had a big smile and wide eyes - one of his ears twitched. "I was merely off assisting one of our guests!"

They both crossed their arms and gave him a look.

Alastor gripped his cane very tightly. "I…began a discussion with Angel Dust that will conclude later tonight. And we are on better terms now. And I will inform you of the results later if you promise not to bring up anything to do with him for the rest of the evening because I am quite overwhelmed enough as it is."

Rosie smiled so brightly. "You have our word, dear."

Mimzy nodded and clapped her hands together. "You come to us whenever you're ready. But I'm guessing this means you're going to stay living here for now."

"Yes, quite." Alastor nodded and felt his face glow.

The two ladies held hands. "We were going to dance," Mimzy offered. "Do you want to join us, Alastor?"

"Indeed, let's cut a rug!" He swung a fist through the air and sundered forward into the crowd with either lady at his side.

The three danced in a circle with Alastor taking turns leading Rosie or Mimzy, and Rosie and Mimzy often dancing with each other. And during one of those times he caught sight of Angel dancing with Cherri, and his eyes met the spider's. Angel smiled at him…and Alastor felt himself smile very sincerely back.

Then he felt himself teleported away and blinked to find himself on the balcony. He was ready to put on a full demonic display for whoever had had the nerve to take such a liberty until he realized it was Lucifer.

The king leaned on the railing, overlooking the crowd. "My apologies for the sudden summons, Alastor. I wanted a moment."

Alastor nodded. "By all means. How can I help you?"

"What I'm about to say stays between us."

Alastor tilted his head then nodded. "Of course!"

Lucifer took a breath and then his eyes glowed gold, a tail slithered from under his jacket, and long fangs extended from the top of his mouth. "If you do anything to my daughter, I will personally create a new level of afterlife far more heinous than hell and send you and anyone you care about there."

Alastor didn't flinch. He shrugged and replied simply. "I have no need to 'do anything' to your daughter. I have far more conniving cat fish to fry." His eyes narrowed for a moment before his bright smile returned. "Besides, I enjoy Charlie - she's entertaining. This whole hotel group is. This whole redemption concept really." He twirled his cane. "May I ask why you don't want your daughter to know you'd rip open a pit of evil in the cosmos for her sake?"

"That's my business. Family protects itself - always." Lucifer slowly returned to normal. "Just make sure you leave my daughter be even if she stops 'entertaining' you and even if you run out of other 'fish' to fry."

"Ha! Never a shortage of them in hell - new ones drop in each day." He leaned down. "And I won't breathe a word. Family business belongs in the family I always say. Either way though, Charlie can handle herself, I'm sure. She's quite strong."

"More than you realize." Lucifer sighed then nodded to Alastor. "You may return to the party. Lilith and I will be going soon - no need to overstay our welcome."

"Come back anytime! Everyone's welcome at the Hazbin Hotel! We'll try redeeming even the worst of the worst!" Alastor swung a fist through the air and put on his laugh track.

Lucifer gave a single chuckle. "Oh Alastor - the real fun won't be in seeing if any souls can be redeemed…it'll be in seeing how they react once they experience heaven for themselves. Damnation has more perks than you realize, young soul."

Before Alastor could say a word he found himself teleported back to the dance floor to a concerned Rosie and Mimzy. He smiled and laughed and put them off assuring he had just needed a moment then went back to dancing. Curiosity about Lucifer's words was something for the future. Right now he was more focused on his present and the role this hotel and his friends and his…Angel…would play in it.

Charlie's mother had guided her daughter out into the lobby of the hotel, which was rather empty now since everyone had entered the ballroom again. Lilith was quiet at first - she looked around at all of the pictures hanging up of their family at many different occasions.

Charlie waited patiently then finally cleared her throat. "Mom?"

Lilith turned back to her. She sat down in one of the chairs to bring her face to the same height as Charlie's. "Charlotte dear, you were every bit a queen in that ballroom just now."

Charlie smiled. "Oh! Thanks, mom. I…"

"You can command hell," Lilith went on, "I truly believe that. I see it in you. But you can't let anything or anyone hold you back."

Charlie frowned a little, her eyes down. "Mom…I already told you before I left home that I'm not having this discussion about Vaggie anymore."

Lilith sighed. "Right now I'm referring to this HOTEL, love." She gestured around them. "Charlotte - Charlie - it can't work."

"Redemption could be possible. You don't know if - "

"I don't mean redemption. I won't debate that. What I mean is your whole concept of getting demons to come here of their own free will and try to be saints instead of sinners." Her smile fell to a serious look. "You're not going to attract guests, all you're going to do is rile up more overlords like those three in the ballroom. And you don't have the proper training to take them on yet. But I could give it to you, Charlotte. I think you're ready." She smiled again and held out her hand - a dark orb of magic swirled there. "You can stay here, regale the Radio Demon into your good graces, humor some guests. But this place is not your future Charlotte. You can be better than this." She clenched her hand and the magic disappeared. "Please, love - you belong in your rightful place beside your father and I. It's time."

Charlie frowned. She couldn't find words to explain how her mother wasn't right. She was a princess and she did have a place as a Magne, but the hotel…. Something needed her here.

"Pardon me?"

Charlie turned. There was a fish demon in a lab coat. He cleared his throat. "I don't mean to interrupt, your majesties." He gave a bow and looked to Charlie. "You're the proprietor, yes?"

She nodded.

"Young man," Lilith's voice was smooth but cutting, "we're speaking."

Charlie held up her arm and didn't look back at her mother. "He's my guest, mom. He has a right to my time." Charlie smiled and clasped her hands together.

The fish cleared his throat. "If one were considering matriculating at this establishment, what would be the proper steps?"

Charlie's eyes had stars in them. "You want to check in?"

"Perhaps…" He held his hands behind his back. "I conduct research and I'm in need of a quiet, stable environment for my work. And I was very impressed earlier by your staff member Niffty's abilities with chemical compounds. And also, essentially what you're doing here is a massive experiment, and I'm eager to see all the data that comes in!" He clasped his hands together and smiled in excitement. But then he blinked and cleared his throat and added, "I don't seek redemption, I'm just curious about it. Is that all right with you?"

Charlie contained her unbridled enthusiasm as best she could. "Wherever you are in your relationship with redemption is always fine with us. Why don't you come by tomorrow for a tour? You can meet some of our other guests and stay for dinner. And you can make your decision when you're ready….er, sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"Baxter. And I'd like that, princess."

Charlie held out her hand and he took it to shake. "Please, just call me Charlie."

He nodded as they released. "Well, I should get going. Tonight has been an interesting experience." He gave a bow to both ladies then turned and headed for the door.

Charlie turned back to her mother, happy smile still on her face. "This hotel is going to be a good thing for hell and our people - I can feel it. And I think it'll be good for me too." She took a breath. "I'm going to love up to my potential, mom. Just in my own way."

Charlie hoped for a long moment that Lilith would smile and hug her and understand.

The only smile she got was an icy one though as her mother stood. "Then I suppose there's nothing more to discuss. For now." She glided to the ballroom. "I'll get your father. It's late, we should be going and leave you to your hotel."

Charlie sighed and frowned as she followed her mother inside.

They found Lucifer waiting right there. "My love!" He smiled at Lilith. "Are you ready to depart?"

"You read my mind, darling." She took his hand.

Lucifer began to lead her to the door but stopped in front of Charlie. "Charlie…I am very pleased we came here tonight to see you and this place and your friends. Let us know how everything here progresses - I insist."

Charlie smiled a little again and nodded. "Of course, Dad. I'm happy you came too."

Lucifer nodded in return to her then turned to the crowd. He tapped his cane firmly on the ground and gathered the entire ballroom's attention. "Good night, everyone! Pleasant evenings to you all!" He gave his cane a twirl and tapped it lightly once more, then he and Lilith disappeared in a swirl of sparkling black smoke.

Charlie coughed as Vaggie came up beside her. "They always make an entrance and an exit, don't they?" Vaggie smiled hesitantly. "Everything…okay?"

"Better than okay." Charlie smiled brightly took her hand. "Let's dance, Vaggie."

Vaggie squeezed her hand in return. "Por supesto, Charlie." They raced out to the dance floor as Alastor's shadow band picked up a lively tune. The party went on until almost midnight when the guests finally began to depart. Eventually the hotel members returned to their rooms to retire for the night. Clean up would be find to put off until tomorrow.

But rather than go back to their room, Abel led Louise away out to the peace and quiet of the backyard.

And Angel merely went to his room to change and get ready.

And Alastor went to his office to await the spider's arrival.

A/N:

Thank you for reading and I hope you guys enjoyed! We'll be getting back to a lot of Al and Angel and fluffy stuff now :33 I think I'm going to take next weekend off from updates (my schedule's been packed and I'm very tired ^^) but I'll be back after that with more stuff about our boys!

Take care!

-Azure129