A/N:

Hi everyone! Thank you for waiting, and here's a fresh chapter of this story : ) Lots of people try to keep private secrets at a very public breakfast lol. I hope you enjoy, and thank you for reading!

Partners

Chapter 37:

Breakfast Breakdown

Molly knew she should stay quiet, but she found herself pacing in Husk's room - it was the only way she could think. She knew what she needed to do now, but that didn't mean she was happy about it. Finally she pulled out her phone and called. It rang and rang… Nothing. She tried again. More ringing and nothing… She scowled. "Damn it, Arackniss! Be there for your sister when she needs you." Her eyes glowed a searing pink and her extra limbs grew and contorted. She caught sight of herself in the mirror then blinked and returned to normal, breathing heavily. he frowned and wrapped her arms around her body.

There were sounds coming from outside Husk's door. Everyone was probably sitting down to breakfast now. She heard her other brother's voice: Angel was laughing and asking for some waffles. And then she heard a distinct laugh and a voice reply offering maple syrup. The grainy tone of the voice that made her remember radio announcer's from back when she'd been alive - it must be the Radio Demon.

She couldn't resist moving to the door and opening it just a crack for a peek.

She had a clear view of the dining room not too far away, and the table full of people it held. There were demons she didn't recognize and demons she did. And there was Angel…sitting right next to that red Radio Demon. She gripped the doorknob and felt her demonic power rising again - that demon was powerful, and her brother had a bad habit of getting hurt by powerful guys. But then the Radio Demon made a joke and Angel laughed so much that his cheeks turned pink and he nearly spit out his orange juice. She watched as the Radio Demon flicked his wrist to make a hanky appear and offered it to Angel, and Angel took it and finally calmed himself while the deer demon beamed at him. Their eyes stayed on each other for a brief moment before their attention went back to the others at the table.

Molly closed the door, smiling as she whispered to herself. "Husky…that's what you meant when you said Alastor wouldn't hurt Angel, isn't it? They like each other. And he takes care of my brother." She smiled more and wiped a tear from her eye. "Good, I'm glad."

Her phone buzzed.

She answered. "Arackniss? No, I'm safe! But I need your help - now!" She frowned. "Archie, you don't sound good. Is something wrong?" She scowled. "Don't lie to me. Did pop do something?" She felt fangs grow in her mouth and willed them back. "Forget about me for a second - first you get yourself somewhere safe. I'll can manage on my own. I just to get out of the hotel without everyone here seeing me, especially Angel and that Radio Demon. It's a long story." She rolled her eyes. "No, I did not shack up with the bar tender last night! And stop changing the subject!" She frowned. "I'm worried about you…" Arackniss talked some more. She smiled a little. "Okay…I'm glad you got a friend who might be able to help us both. You deserve a good friend. I'll meet you on the roof. I love you. Ciao." She hung up. She just needed to get to the roof - simple enough. She turned to Husk's window and opened it. He was on the bottom floor so she'd have a bit of a climb, but she could manage. And no one would see her if she went up the back of the hotel. But leaving now meant leaving Husk to worry about her, and she couldn't do that. She had to let him know her plans.

She glanced around the room and then went over to his nightstand and opened the drawers, searching for a pen and paper. She rummaged past some half empty liquor bottles - and made a mental note to check in with Husk about his drinking - then past a few personal items that made her blush, and finally found a few generic hotel pens and a notepad.

She scribbled down a note and folded it up tightly. Then, blushing, she pressed her lips to the paper, leaving behind a faint mark of lipstick. She remembered his kiss, and her heart raced.

Molly got herself steady and pulled open the door a crack again. Husk had taken the seat closest to his door with his back facing it. She gave the note a low toss and watched his tail whip in surprise as the note caught on his wing. She quickly closed the door and took a breath. That would have to do. She went over to the bed, climbed on it, and pushed herself out onto Husk's window sill. No one was around. She grabbed hold of the wall and got to climbing, using her many limbs and her legs for support, and her webbing when needed. She just hoped when Arackniss and his friend arrived to pick her up they would be subtle.

As Molly climbed, she also hoped Arackniss's friend really was nice. Archie and Anthony had never gotten along good, but they both shared the bad habit of getting drawn to people who took advantage. Still, when Niss mentioned his friend, he had sounded really happy…even if just before that he had sounded a little woozy. She worried again about him and wondered if maybe she could convince him to come stay at this hotel. Her brothers loved each other deep down. And they both needed a safe place. And maybe she also wouldn't mind staying here… especially if Husk was here too.

She blushed as she climbed faster.

At the dining room table Husk's heart was pounding. He was already nervous, and now something had definitely just hit his wing and had definitely come from the direction of his room. And he honestly didn't understand how the whole table wasn't staring at him right now, noticing his distress. Especially Alastor. The deer seemed casual enough, and Husk could only guess that he must be distracted by something big to not hone in on all of his fear and doubt.

Husk 'accidentally' nudged his fork off the table. He bent over to get it and also grabbed whatever was on his wing. A small folded note - with a lip print on it. He blushed then rubbed the bridge of his nose with a scowl. He couldn't get caught looking at this thing - Alastor would probably demand he read note out loud to the table just for shits and giggles. He only had time to open a fold and read the first line to make sure it wasn't an emergency. 'Don't worry - I'll be okay.' He tucked the note under his wing and sat up. Fuck, if there was one thing to say to a person to make them worry it was 'don't worry'. He tried to take a swig of his bloody mary but the drink just made his stomach churn. This breakfast was going to go on forever. But he had to wait it out to protect Molly. His heart pounded as he remembered the kiss he had given her. He hadn't wanted to kiss anyone like that since he'd been alive.

"Husk? Husk?"

He finally blinked and looked up to see Charlie holding out a plate of waffles to him. "I know you like a morning drink but…maybe just a little food would be good too? You don't have anything on your plate yet."

Before everyone could turn to him, particularly Alastor, Husk stabbed two waffles and plopped them onto his plate. "Whatever. But I'm still getting a second round from the bar later."

The table's attention went back to everyone's conversations. Niffty gave him a reassuring look. Husk glanced at her but kept up his usual scowl. She understood. And Husk felt a little safer.

Arackniss hung up his phone.

He was near the docs, tucked into the shadow of a warehouse. He took a deep breath and wiped something away from one eye. Then he looked at his phone again. He'd started following Sir Pentious on Voxtagram, so he knew where the snake was right now (he posted like crazy). He considered messaging him and pretending he wanted to hang out and then sort of tricking the overlord into helping Molly so that he wouldn't have to explain about his sister and his family. But he didn't want to lie to this guy… at least, not about more than he had to. Because he couldn't tell him the truth about his current predicament. And he couldn't hide it well either since he'd never been good at make up like Angel.

Niss stepped out of the shadows. One of his eyes was pinched shut, the area around it colored into a black eye that was visible even against his dark fur. It was a recent punishment from 'the boss' for Niss leaving his post a few days ago (to spend time with Sir Pentious, though Henroin didn't know about that part of things thankfully). The last thing the tarantula demon had said to him before Niss left for his assigned jobs today was that if the short spider ever snuck away from his assignments again, he'd ruin Niss's eye so bad that he'd match his pathetic brother for all eternity.

Niss wiped away some tears again and scowled. "Fuck you, Pops. Pen and Molly and Angel — I'm not staying away from them for anything! I'm done! Bastardo!" He tucked away the phone and headed off toward the center of the Pentagram — to the air ship and his friend and his sister…and maybe his brother. He just hoped he wouldn't screw things up.

At the hotel, breakfast was going smoothly enough - Charlie kept the conversation steady and cheerful, and Angel was grateful…but he had a feeling Alastor really needed this meal to be over soon. The spider had spent enough time around the deer demon to be able to tell when he was in distress. Right now all the subtle signs here there: Alastor's spine was ramrod straight, and his smile was a little too big, and he was more focused on cutting his food into precise little pieces without looking down than eating much of anything. Also, below the table Alastor's legs were crossed and the foot of his raised leg was tapping up and down in the air - every once in a while it would brush near Angel's leg. Normally Angel would have found the experience a bit sexy but right now he was just worried about calming Alastor's anxiety before the deer demon did anything he'd regret.

Angel moved his knee over and felt Alastor's foot finally make full contact. The tapping stopped and Alastor's shoulders tensed a little. Angel gently pushed his knee against Alastor's foot and glanced in his direction, pretending he was just grabbing a napkin. Angel's smile was easy, and when Alastor's eyes met his for a moment the deer seemed to let out a breath. His shoulders relaxed and he finally ate a forkful of food. And the foot tapping stopped - the sole off is shoe just rested against Angel's knee like it was seeking support.

Angel let out a small breath of relief of his own. They'd be okay, and they could leave the table soon. They'd just keep the conversation light. In fact, Angel decided to reroute the attention of the table to another party right now before Charlie could get around to asking about his night or Alastor's. "Hey Husk, you go to the girls slumber party last night? Niffty said it was fun."

Weirdly, instead of rolling his eyes and giving some thoughtless grumpy answer, Husk tensed and his wings puffed a little. "Yeah! I mean…I stayed here but fuck no, I didn't go up there. Glad she had a nice time, but all the liquor was down here."

Niffty bit her lip and then looked at Angel with a bright smile. "And did you have a good night, Miss Angel?" she quickly blurted out.

Angel noticed Alastor's glow brighten a little out of the corner of his eye. Angel kept himself casual. "Oh yeah - good times, good food, good company, minimal amounts of the exhausting raunchy stuff. A perfect evening, really. I had fun.." He grabbed a pastry and didn't even glance Alastor's way - he knew it would only encourage the Radio Demon to short circuit somehow.

Niffty nodded then quickly turned all attention to Alastor. "And did you have a good night too, Alastor? You were safe, right?" She frowned a little.

Angel had to very carefully swallow the bite of pastry in his mouth as a quick image came into his head of certain situations with Alastor and doing them 'safely'.

"Ha!" A little bit of feedback screeched in Alastor's laugh but otherwise his tone sounded normal even if he was talking a bit forcefully. "Of course! My evening was most entertaining, and I was in the soundest of conditions. Why, I even visited the tower! Renovations have come along quite nicely." His eyes hazed slightly. "Perhaps that attack it suffered was unexpected but…now there's something new to enjoy. Like a rather pleasant surprise."

Angel blushed a little now too at Alastor's meaningful words. He wished they could hold hands under the table. Maybe they could try after breakfast when they were alone.

Then Angel noticed Niffty was staring at them - like she was trying to puzzle out something again. He seriously wondered for a moment what she could be seeing. As far as he could tell he and Alastor hadn't made any obvious mistakes. They had re-dressed into normal clothes, strolled in the door like usual from any walk, and Angel had cleaned up his bed-head and Alastor had washed away any signs of Angel's kisses from his face. He wanted to look at Alastor and see if he could spot any issue they'd missed. But he couldn't get caught staring at the Radio Demon, however nice of an activity it was.

"Well, I'm glad you both had a nice night and that you had time for a walk this morning," Charlie offered. Her smile brightened. "We should all go for a walk together after breakfast - once Able and Louise wake up, so they can come too!"

Everyone replied at once. As expected, Vaggie, Cherri, Rosie, and Mimzy all agreed with various phrases. However…

"No way!" Husk almost yelled.

"I should stay and clean!" Niffty shouted, her eye wide.

"I'll pass!" Alastor and Angel said at once, in unison, which made Alastor glow and Angel cringe a bit with a sheepish smile.

Then Alastor blinked and glanced at Husk. His ears twitched, and he raised an eyebrow. "Do you have some pressing matter, Husker?"

Husk's deal left him fully able to lie to the Radio Demon as long as the lie wouldn't directly get Alastor hurt. But Alastor could see through all lies so easily. Husk just hoped Molly was already in the process of getting far away. "Yeah - it's called doing anything but being paraded through the streets on a big hotel bonding ritual. Also, I repeat, all the liquor is here."

Alastor narrowed his eyes.

Husk could feel his shadowy magic reaching out toward him…and the room right behind him.

Then a dark shadow passed over the hotel, blocking out the light through all the windows for a moment and effectively bringing Alastor's attention elsewhere, and everyone else's too.

"What the hell?" Angel raised an eyebrow.

"I'll check it out!" Charlie offered. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about." She ran to the front door and stepped outside. "Uh…" she called back inside uneasily, "no one panic but an airship is hovering over our roof, and I think it belongs to Sir Pentious. You know, the guy Alastor and Angel once beat up in the same day, heh."

Alastor and Angel shared a small proud smile for a moment but then their eyes went wide. If Sir Pentious was here to attack them after their little battle during their date, and if he ranted on and on about Alastor and Angel working together, it would lead to a lot of awkward questions.

"Ignore him please, Charlotte!" Alastor announced and snapped his fingers. His shadow appeared. "My shadow will see he causes no mischief!" He gave the shadow a stern look. It smirked back at him for a moment then flew up through the ceiling toward the roof.

Husk's claws gripped the table fearfully, and Niffty noticed with a frown.

"Yeah!" Angel smoothly added. "Don't let Pen ruin our breakfast. Besides he's probably just trying to intimidate us or whatever. Right, Cherri" He gave Cherri a meaningful look.

She did her best to hide a smirk as she played along. "I guess so." She looked to Rosie and Mimzy. "Pen's kind of a drama queen. But it really is so much fun to kick his ass."

"I'm sure it is." Rosie nodded then turned to Alastor and Angel. "In fact, Alastor, why don't you go to your room and rest? it sounds like you had a late night and rather early morning. If any trouble happens, Mimzy and I would be happy to step in as protection."

"I never tried snake before," mused Mimzy. "Even if it's not good eating, I'm sure we could make some pretty purses and belts from him."

"Eh, try not to maim him," Cherri offered with an eye roll. "I like him able to come back for another fight - beating him up is a fun hobby and keeps me out of trouble." She glanced to her best friend. "Angel, why don't you go upstairs for a rest too? I'm here too if Pen tries anything."

Husk rubbed his forehead, trying to keep steady. "Alastor, call of your fucking shadow away from the roof. If that snake sees it, he'll think it's an attack and blow up the whole top floor!"

Alastor eyed him. "Perhaps you're right!" Husk relaxed. "I think I'll go up there myself instead."

Husk's eyes flew open wide.

Angel tilted his head, looking from Alastor to Husk.

Niffty glanced around in panic then looked to Alastor and Angel again just as Alastor was about to snap his fingers. She blinked in sudden realization and pointed. "That's it! Your ties!"

"Pardon?" Alastor paused with his fingers raised and turned to Niffty curiously.

Niffty swallowed, blushing a little - the whole table was looking at her. She suddenly regretted the observation but didn't regret how Alastor was no longer about to go to the roof and maybe see Molly making a quick getaway. She smiled a little. "You and Angel Dust - you're wearing each other's ties. It was hard to tell at first since they look alike except Angel's is pink in the middle and yours is red. You both look nice! Did you switch on your walk?"

And now the entire table was looking at Angel and Alastor.

Alastor's smile was too wide and his eyes were red.

Angel's jaw fell and he glanced over for a moment and realized she was right. In their rush and their flirting back at the tower, they must have swapped while getting dressed.

They should have just stayed in the fancy outfits, Angel decided. Accidentally wearing part of each other's clothes definitely screamed 'hot date night' more than the fancy outfits would have. Still, maybe he could find a way to play this off as some silly prank of theirs.

But then he glanced over and saw Alastor - ears flicking in different directions while various frequencies of static sounded from him like he was desperately searching through radio stations. The deer demon opened his mouth to reply but no words came out so he closed it again and just gripped his microphone so tightly. And then Angel accepted that Alastor's obvious emotional response took away all options to explain this situation as something that meant nothing. Maybe they both just needed to get this over with.

Charlie looked at them with her head tilted but her eyes wide and hopeful; Mimzy, Rosie, and Cherri looked at them with little knowing smirks; and Vaggie let out a snort and a giggle that she quickly tired to hide. Angel knew they were officially screwed. And the whine of static coming off of Alastor told him the deer demon knew that fact too.

"Holy Fuck, she's right…" Husk murmured, momentarily stunned, staring at their ties.

"I…I'm sorry…" Niffty frowned, looking at Alastor. "I didn't mean to… Alastor, are you okay?"

Alastor glowed immensely.

Charlie's signature smiled started to grow like she was watching the cutest things in the world. "Alastor…Angel…are you…?"

Alastor's eyes turned to radio dials.

Angel looked to the Radio Demon, smile weak. "Al…it's all right. Could we maybe calmly talk about this with them…just a little…just to keep their wild imaginations limited by some facts?"

Alastor's eyes gradually returned to normal, though his fangs showed prominently in his smile. His voice was low and cutting as he addressed the table now. "I am going to say a few simple things. Angel is going to say a few simple things. And if I don't like anyone's responses I reserve the right to…to…" His antlers grew.

"Smiles, they're still our friends," Angel added. "And you know they won't say anything."

Alastor let out a very deep breath, eyes narrowed wickedly. "Still…tread very lightly or I will make sure there are consequences even if they don't involve death and consumption." He hugged his microphone close. "Angel, perhaps you should start. I need a moment." His eyes returned to radio dials and symbols swirled over his head.

"Isn't it usually a bad sign when he does that?" Vaggie asked, pointing at the symbols.

"He's just taking a time out to process," Angel quickly explained. "I'll take mine later in the form of a hot 45 minute bath with no calls." He rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I'm gonna skimp on details cuz we've talked and decided that's what we both want." He cleared his throat. "So…no one get all goofy on us, but…well, we accidentally put on each other's ties…cuz we got ready for breakfast earlier near each other…cuz we were out last night together. In a very casual but special way!" He crossed his arms. "And no, to be clear, this ain't some transaction of my 'services' — it's…it was a real…"

"We went on a date!" Alastor suddenly announced in a rather threatening voice, glaring at the table, all symbols and radio dials gone from his head. "Because we enjoy each other's company and wanted to date. And we will date again. And this information will stay with the members of this table only. And if anyone fails to keep it under their hat, I will personally make the rest of your afterlife so unbearable that you'll beg me for the sweet release of death as a mercy." He was glowing and glaring, and Angel was almost convinced lightning would shoot out of his microphone.

Angel quickly went on, explaining more clearly. "It's not safe for the truth to get out. Alastor's an overlord - if people find out he's got someone special, they'll come after me to get to him. And if Val finds out I'm seeing someone…well, I'm not allowed to see people. Or to disobey Val. It'll be bad." He shivered and frowned, holding himself.

Alastor glanced over, and his demeanor softened. He went on, his voice a bit more level. "I would protect us both of course but…it's not a necessary risk to take. And I am a private demon. And this is new."

Angel smiled a little again. "But it's nice…and we want to stick with it." He wanted to hold Alastor's hand but he knew that might be too much for the deer…and maybe for himself too - holding the hand of the guy he loved after a blissful date and in front of all these people. He took a deep breath instead and looked at the table. "So, uh…surprise? Heh…"

There was a moment of silence as everyone looked at each other and then back to the boys.

Husk suddenly stood up, almost smiling. "I think it's fucking great! You two do whatever the fuck want to do, and have a good time! No one's business! No judgment! Drinks on me at the bar to celebrate! Everyone serves themselves though - I gotta take a minute and do some processing of my own! Niffty, want to help me?"

"Yes!" She was out of her seat. "Let's go!" Husk dashed into his room and she followed, but she paused before leaving. "Angel, you're a really nice person for Alastor. And Alastor…I'm so happy you like Angel now. But I'm still sorry about the ties." She frowned, looking down, then dashed into the room and slammed the door shut behind her.

Alastor watched her go, his brow furrowed in concern.

Rosie held a glass high. "I'm so glad you boys are finally going steady! All the best to you!"

"And of course we'll keep it a secret - mum's the word!" Mimzy winked. "And if you want to have fun in cannibal colony on a date, Rosie and I can work out something discrete. We've done that before for Alastor when he wants to socialize but doesn't want to get mobbed by his many fans."

"Hey, I've done the same thing for Angel!" Cherri grinned. "We can combine our skills - take both our guys totally off the radar." She clinked glasses with the cannibal ladies.

Vaggie smiled. "You two could have just told us last night that you were going out together. It's less surprising than you think - we all figured it would happen eventually. And it's not like you were sinning - and I guess it's…nice." Her smile quirked to the side awkwardly. "Really, truly, weirdly unexpected… but still nice."

Charlie had a full smile and there were tears now at the edges of her eyes, and Angel was seriously considering leading her away from the table before she burst into a song.

She stood up and walked over, but paused a little distance from the boys, giving them space. Her hands were clasped together. Alastor's eyes were wide and Angel bit his lip. She nodded to them. "Your relationship is safe here. And I hope you had a happy night together. I have a good feeling about both of you."

Angel's smile warmed. He glanced at Alastor - the Radio Demon's eyes were glowing almost gold now and darted around as he held his cane for dear life.

"Good morning, everyone!" Louise announced from the stairs as she descended with Abel.

"Sorry we slept in," Abel added. "We were really tired from our shifts yesterday."

Louise brightened. "Hi, Alastor, Angel! Wow, we must have slept deeply - I didn't hear either of you come in last night. I was worried."

Alastor promptly turned away from everyone. "Yes, well, everyone enjoy breakfast! I have affairs to attend to in my office! And unless you're someone who is 110% sure I won't kill them on a whim, I'd suggest not bothering me. And at the moment only one of you qualifies, ha!" He glanced at Angel and then with a burst of sound from his laugh track he strolled away and disappeared behind his office door.

Angel stared down everyone at the table for a moment as Abel and Louise took their seats.

"Is Alastor okay?" Louise asked, frowning.

Charlie took the lead with a smile. "Oh, yes! He's just tired from a long night. He said he visited his tower and the repairs are almost done. But supervising all of that must take a lot."

"Indeed," Rosie agreed. "He may seem carefree, but he manages a great deal of matters for a great deal of demons. And his efforts inspire loyalty in those who get to know him."

Mimzy nodded. "The demons who have only HEARD of Alastor don't cross him because they fear him. But the demons who KNOW him don't cross him because they respect him."

The cannibal ladies gave Angel a meaningful smile, and Angel smiled back.

Cherri spoke up. "Anyway, uh… should we look into the Pen thing? Let's talk about that."

Angel stood up. "I'll go check in with Al to see if his shadow saw anything, but I'm sure it's all fine. Trust me, I'm the one he won't kill right now, heh. You guys all just enjoy breakfast."

"Take your time," Vaggie offered awkwardly. "We'll just…look for any signs of that air ship out here."

Angel nodded then stepped away from the table and headed to Alastor's office.

While this slow explanation of Alastor and Angel's relationship happened in the dining room, Husk and Niffty endured an awkward encounter of their own - with Alastor's shadow. They had burst into Husks's room, fully prepared to strategize and help Molly if needed, when they saw the shadow sitting on Husk's bed with a smug grin.

Husk blinked and then scowled. "Why the hell are you looking at me like that?"

The shadow pointed down at Husk's bed. A few long blond hairs were on the blanket.

"So you saw her, huh?" Husk glared. "And yeah fine maybe she was here, and yeah, I didn't tell fucking Alastor or Angel! Before you rat me out, at least let me know if she got away safe!"

The shadow hesitated but then gave a single nod.

Husk let out a sigh of relief. "Good. Good… Then do whatever the fuck you want to me, I don't care." He slumped down in the chair by his door.

The shadow shrugged and flew up, ready to head to Alastor.

Niffty dashed up to it and clasped her hands together. "Please, Shadow, don't tell Alastor. Husk was trying to help her. She just doesn't want to be seen yet. But she'll come back when she's ready. Besides, Alastor…kind of went through a shock out there at the table just now, and it's all my fault." She blinked back a tear. "Everyone knows he's dating Miss Angel now." The shadow's eyes widened. "He needs some time. And Angel does too. So please…?"

The shadow sighed and hesitated. But then it frowned at her frown and finally gave her a single nod. She sniffed. "Thank you." He patted her head, gave Husk a dry look, then disappeared.

Husk frowned. He got up and went over to Niffty. "Hey…it's not your fault that everyone found out. You only said that tie thing to help me. It's my fault. And they weren't gonna be able to keep that big a secret for long anyway. You've seen how giggly they get around each other."

She looked down. "I could have found a way to distract everyone without saying something about the ties. I don't like seeing Alastor unhappy. I know he always smiles but deep down… sometimes I think he's the unhappiest of us all." She sniffled. "I just want us all to be happy at this hotel." She shut her eye, and more tears feel.

Husk knelt down to be at her level. "Niffty, Alastor and me and everyone here - you know we're all lucky to have you. Because you care and help people. Hell, the only reason I'd think redemption isn't possible is because you haven't been called up to heaven. You did your best, and Alastor and Angel are gonna be okay, and so are me and Molly. And you too."

Niffty sniffed. "Is that the spider lady's name? Molly?"

Husk nodded.

"That's a pretty name. I'm happy she's safe now." She swallowed and wiped her tears again. "Thank you, Husk." She hugged him tightly.

Husk sighed and said the words more audibly this time. "Niffty, I love you."

Her hug tightened. "I love you too."

He picked her up and carried her over to his bed. "You rest a bit, get out all the cries - maybe think up ideas for fun stories about me and Molly. You know, like the ones you write about Alastor and Angel. I'll take care of cleaning up the breakfast stuff."

Niffty smiled again, her eye bright. "Really? It's okay to write stories about the two of you?" Husk nodded. She swung her legs in excitement. "Thank you."

Husk gave her a small smile but then resumed his usual scowl. He turned to head back to the dining room but then remembered the note tucked into his wing. He took it out, unfolded it, and read to himself. 'Don't worry, I'll be okay. I called a friend - he has someone who can pick me up. It's all safe. I'll come back again soon. Ciao, Husky. 3' Husk blushed very much, decided that if that snake guy didn't keep her safe he'd kick his ass himself, and then finally headed back out to the dining room. He was surprised to see Abel and Louise present now, and Alastor and Angel gone. He was about to ask about it when Charlie turned to him.

"Hey, Husk! Abel and Louise woke up. And don't worry about the air ship - Alastor and Angel are looking into it." Her smile tensed and she was clearly trying desperately to communicate something to him with her eyes.

Husk got it right away. "Oh good. As long as the bar isn't under threat, I'm happy." Clearly they were off the topic of Alastor and Angel's relationship now that new people had entered the room. "Anyway, I'm gonna take care of breakfast clean up. Niffty's busy right now."

"Thanks, Husk." Charlie beamed. "Vaggie and I wanted to work on getting Baxter's suite set up for when he arrives next week."

"Tell me more about this Baxter dude." Cherri grinned and grabbed some more pancakes.

"Well," Charlie shrugged, "he asked me about coming to the hotel at the open house - right when I was talking to my mom and she was kind of doubting this place."

"Nice!" Cherri beamed. "Bold move for Baxter - love it. I already approve."

Charlie's smile became more genuine.

"Speaking of parties I'd like to hear about the wedding plans coming up." Rosie glanced at Abel and Louise. "Congratulations to you both. I can design you a dress if you'd like, Louise."

"Really?" Louise blushed and smiled. "Thank you, kindly. Only if it wouldn't be a bother."

"Not at all dear." Rosie winked.

Vaggie smiled and touched her girlfriend's hand. "We've got a lot of great memories coming up in this hotel. All thanks to you, babe."

Charlie blushed and kissed Vaggie on the cheek.

The conversation continued, and Husk ate and felt relaxed for the first time this morning now that he knew Molly was safe. And as for Niffty, he would find a way to make it up to her for all her help during breakfast. She really was a good kid - and a good friend. Husk finished off his bloody mary finally, but found he had little interest in going back for a second round. Instead, he gathered the dishes, went to the sink to clean them, and daydreamed about lilies and a pretty red smile.

A/N:

Thank you guys again for reading! Yes, now almost everyone knows about Alastor and Angel - just when our boys stopped always feeling awkward with each other, now they get to feel awkward with everyone else lol. It'll be okay though, they've got some very supportive friends ^w^

There'll be an update next weekend! Have a nice week!

-Azure129