A/N:

Hi everyone! Here's the next installment of the story, and I hope you enjoy it : ) Vox has a big moment in this chapter, and everyone keeps working through their issues. But there's some tender, sweet stuff too. I hope you're all having nice holidays! Also thank you for seeing me through 40 chapters! I appreciate your support ^w^

Partners

Chapter 40:

Walking Away

Once Angel was alone in his room, he pulled out his phone and called Cherri. It took a few rings but she finally picked up.

"Angel! Uh…what's up?"

Angel raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay, Cherri? You sound kind of on edge."

"Oh, yeah, yeah, just…had that walk with Rosie and Mimzy earlier. You know Cannibal Colony still freaks me out a little, heh. Then I was just making some rounds through my territory, checking out some old buildings… Nothing new to report!"

"Ooo…kay. You sure nothing's going on?" Angel blinked and blurted out. "You didn't hunt down Pentious after breakfast to fight him, right?"

"No way! Believe me, he has been the last thing on my radar today. Why?"

Angel let out a relieved breath. "Cuz apparently Molly's still in hell, and now she's on his airship. That's why Pen showed up at the hotel. Niss somehow got her on board!"

"Niss WHAT?" Cherri's voice cracked.

Angel grimaced. "He got Sir Pentious to pick up my sister from a roof! In hell! I don't know, I guess my bother and the world's most dramatic overlord are trying to start a steampunk ring of the mafia!" He rolled his eyes then scratched his head. "You sure you're good?"

"Yeah! Yeah, I… Where the fuck was she at the hotel—"

"Husk was hiding her."

"Damn, Molly — good for her. Not a twelve-hour first date and public confession, but still…"

"Ugh, not now, Cherri." Angel rubbed his temple. "My point is, as long as Molly's on that ship, definitely no attacks. Niss wouldn't send her there if he wasn't sure she'd be safe. And she wouldn't stay if she didn't feel comfortable there. So for now…I guess we just have to wait." He frowned a little and sighed.

"Angel, you okay?"

He swallowed. "She's been here a long time, Cherri — since the open house or earlier. That isn't good. She didn't do anything to deserve staying in this place." He wiped away a tear.

"Angie, hey, come on… We'll figure this out with her. And no matter what, she's gonna be safe. She can take care of herself and she's got us too. It'll be okay."

Angel wiped off a few more tears. "I just really need to talk to Niss. Have you heard from him?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a moment. Then Cherri took a deep breath. "Angel…I'm gonna text you his number. Call him. You know normally I'd do the 'go-between' thing for you guys, but…this is important."

Angel's eyes widened then narrowed. "Where is he, Cherri? What the fuck is going on?"

"You can't just bust in on him, Angel! Trust me. He's…He's going through something right now and there's some stuff I don't think you know, and — it's not my place, Angel. You guys are brothers. This time you need to call him and talk to him. I'm sending the number."

Angel scowled more but sighed. "Okay…okay." He rubbed his head. "Fuck, Cherri — why are the spider siblings always so damn out of sync? I mean, Husk said Molly wants to talk to me but then she just left, and now Niss is doing whatever the fuck Niss is doing… What's wrong with the three of us?" The tears were coming back. "What's wrong with ME?"

"Nothing! You're all working through your own things in your own ways. But you're gonna find each other again soon. And I'll be there to keep you stubborn spiders from messing it up."

Angel laughed a little. "You and Alastor both, I think. And maybe Husk too."

"Don't forget Pen."

"Nah — best friends and boyfriends allowed only." He laughed.

Cherri hesitated then gave a very weak laugh in return. "I've gotta go, hun. Sorry. I'll keep an eye out for Pen's airship to make sure no one touches it. And I'm sending Niss's number now."

"Okay. I've gotta go to work anyway. I'll…call Niss later. Eventually. Soon."

"Please, Angel — do. I love you."

"Love you too, Babe."

They hung up. Angel's phone buzzed with a text from Cherri with Niss's number.

Angel took a deep breath. He glanced outside - the sun was setting. He needed to go.

The sun had just set in Hell, and Niss finally poked his head out of the abandoned building where Cherri had stashed him earlier. She'd offered to swing back by and lead him into Cannibal Colony — according to her it was a creepy place for first-timers. But he wanted to do this alone. He had to prove to himself that he could take this next step on his own.

While waiting, his phone had buzzed constantly until he'd finally just turned it off for a bit. Pops and the rest of the crew were looking for him and they had to be furious. He didn't want an7 part of it. Molly wouldn't call just yet - she knew he needed some time to himself. And Niss knew Pen might be trying to call, but… he needed a good night's rest before he could even think about talking to Pen again, let alone seeing Pen again… or touching Pen again…

He shook his head to focus as he leapt between rooftops in the direction of Cannibal Colony. No demon in their right mind ever seemed to want to get near this place, and it made sense to Niss when he finally perched on a rooftop overlooking the area and saw a few demons ripping apart a corpse for fun. He put his hand over his mouth and cringed — he loved a good chicken parm or steak pizzaola or sausage and peppers, but raw meat made him sick. That's why he'd always preferred to be in the kitchen when their mama was baking instead of preparing dinner.

He took a deep breath, looked again at the address on the card Rosie had given him, then darted between a few more rooftops. This place might be intense, but the only person who'd ever really made him afraid was Pops — these cannibals couldn't hold a candle to Henroin.

Niss finally came in sight a large building with a sign above that read Rosie's Emporium. He hopped down to street level, took a deep breath, and knocked. "Hey! Uh…Signora Rosie, Signora Mimzy? Hi. It's me. Niss — Angel's brother."

The door instantly opened to reveal a smiling Rosie and a giddy Mimzy.

"Arackniss, welcome!" Rosie gestured inside. "We're happy you made it safely."

"Now get in here, you'll catch cold! Or lose a limb!" Mimzy grabbed Niss's sleeve and pulled him inside as Rosie closed the door.

The spider got his bearings and looked around — this place seemed like a large clothing shop that also sold knickknacks and snacks. He noticed a lot of the fashion options featured leather, fur, feathers — and tried not to think about the fact that they might be from demons. He'd been to some dark parts of hell crime-wise, but he'd never seen anything like this level of poaching.

Niss blinked when he realized he was staring. He turned to the ladies then took off his hat and bowed his head. "Grazie — thank you so much for taking me into your home. I promise, I'll work hard as long as I'm here. I can protect this place, run errands, eliminate competition —"

"Niss, dear, that's so sweet but there's really no need." Rosie glided past him and helped him out of his coat. "Competition eliminates itself around here, other demons are employed to assist with any needs we have, and as for protection — believe me, Mimzy and I take care of that duty quite well." Her teeth flashed, and her eyes glowed.

Mimzy laughed. "Rosie, hush, you'll scare him." She smiled at the spider. "We just want you to take your time here to rest and be safe for as long as you need. But if you get bored, just let us know what you'd like to do. We have books, music… Oh and plenty of good food!" Her fangs flashed, then she cleared her throat and added, "Of all kinds of course."

"We'll start by getting you some fresh clothes." Rosie pulled a folded pile of garments off a shelf and handed it to him. "I think I was able to eyeball your measurements well enough. If you need any alterations, we'll take care of them in the morning. I wouldn't recommend going out since you're trying to keep a low profile, but you're more than welcome to spend time on the roof for fresh air. And if you need anything, we're happy to get it for you."

Mimzy clapped her hands together. "We also made you up a room! The best guest room we have! Alastor usually stays in it when he visits, but I don't think he'll be spending any time with us overnight for a while all things considered." She giggled and winked.

Niss tilted his head.

Rosie raised an eyebrow, observing him. "You…haven't spent much time around your brother — or the Radio Demon — lately, have you?"

Niss shook his head.

Rosie and Mimzy shared a meaningful look. Then Mimzy turned back to him. "Well, never mind then! All you need to know is it's a nice room with a big bed and your own bathroom. And it's all yours for as you like! Welcome to your new home!"

Niss blushed and held up a hand. "But I just need a cot for a couple nights or something! I can't accept all of this. You ladies don't even know me."

Rosie leaned down toward him. "We know enough. We've grown fond of Angel and consider him part of our little family. And since you're his family, that makes you part of ours too."

Mimzy took Niss's elbow and gently began to lead him upstairs with Rosie following.

Niss's brow was furrowed. "I…but…" He sighed. "Thank you. Very much." He sniffed and quickly wiped away a tear before it could fall. Then he considered. "Do Cherri and Angel know you guys through the Radio Demon? Since he's part of the hotel?"

"You could say that," Rosie replied carefully. "We're rather big fans of Alastor around here, and anyone whom he brings around his practically a honorary member of the community."

"So Alastor's…a good boss? I mean he's good about taking care of his people?"

Rosie and Mimzy both glanced at him. Niss was looking down, big tears clearly in his eyes.

Mimzy nodded. "Alastor is fair and polite. And cares about his followers. He doesn't play dirty. And he only hurts people who hurt others. He's a swell demon worth respecting."

Niss let out a breath of relief. "Good. That's real good… Thanks for telling me."

They reached the landing, and the ladies led him down a hall and to a door. Rosie opened it — it was a large room with a canopy bed and nice wood furniture and even a vase of flowers.

Rosie spoke gently. "Dinner will be later. Why don't you get washed up and settle in? Then you can call someone you trust to let them know you arrived safely. Cherri or…perhaps Angel?"

Niss walked in and just nodded, eyes still down.

Rosie and Mimzy shared a worried look. Mimzy gave him a faint smile. "You must be tired from everything today. You rest for as long as you'd like, okay? We're happy you're here, Niss."

"Thank you…I will." he managed with a swallow.

The ladies closed the door and left him.

Niss set the clothes onto the bed. He put his gun in the nightstand drawer. In the bathroom he ran hot water and sat on the edge of the tub as it filled. When the steam came he let the tears he had been holding in fall. As a kid, he had always used long, hot showers to hide tears. Boys didn't cry, after all, his Pops always said. But sometimes his head was very full and confused, and only crying could clear it all away. So he gave himself a moment in this warm, small, safe space. And he hoped everything would be okay for Molly and Angel, and maybe for himself too one day.

"Niffty darling, there you are! Might I ask for your assistance?" Alastor had discovered the little demoness in the kitchen, slowly dusting a shelf that really didn't need further dusting. She jumped in surprise and, Alastor was ashamed to realize, perhaps a touch of fear.

She swallowed then turned to him and tried to put on a smile. "Of course, Alastor. Anything you need." She zipped up alongside him, but there wasn't the usual pep in her step.

Alastor's ears went down a little, but he quickly made himself brighten up and twirl his cane as he led them forward. "Right this way to my office! It'll just take a few minutes!" They reached the door — Alastor opened it then stood to the side and gestured forward. "Ladies first!"

Niffty's smile grew for a moment but then dulled again as she nodded and entered.

Alastor followed behind her and closed the door. "Take a seat, my dear! I'm in need of your excellent fashion advice."

She sat and tilted her head. "Oh, but…Angel's better with fashion than me. Or maybe Rosie!"

"Rosie is attending to affairs at the Colony, I'm sure, and Angel is working right now. And also this is a bit of a surprise for Angel." Alastor glowed a little then snapped his fingers. A trunk appeared on his desk, open to reveal a variety of clothes in shades of red and muted tones

Niffty tilted her head, curious.

Alastor leaned against the edge of his desk and explained. "Angel and I have decided our next date should be a picture show night here in my office. It's a very casual affair — but as you know ,my expertise is in formalwear. Would you help me select an outfit?"

Niffty just sat there with her eye wide and her jaw fallen. "You…want me to help you with something about you and Angel?"

Alastor nodded. "Quite!"

Niffty's lower lip trembled, and then her eye gleamed with a big tear waiting to fall.

Alastor's eyes darted from side to side and he desperately wished for a moment that Angel was here with all of his emotional wisdom and playful banter and softness. But still, Alastor had comforted Niffty before — this moment merely required a deeper level of it.

He twirled his hand to create a hanky then handed to her. "There now, my dear, why the water works? If you're indisposed to assist, there's no worry at all!"

Niffty dabbed her eye and shook her head. "No, I always have time for you, Alastor! I just…why would you ask me? I ruined your secret! I don't want to risk ruining more for you and Angel! And I—I have no excuse…" She bit her lip.

Alastor's smile lessened. He snapped to make another chair appear and sat himself facing her. "Oh but I think you have a rather excellent excuse — you were trying to help your dear friend Husker. I hear he successfully snuck a rather mysterious lady spider named Molly away from the hotel onto a certain airship this morning."

Niffty's eye widened again. "Oh no! Your shadow promised he wouldn't tell — I begged him!"

"Hmm…" So that was why his shadow had withheld information — well, he certainly couldn't blame the figment for complying with dear Niffty's request. "Oh no, my dear, he kept your confidence. It was Husker himself who revealed everything to me. Angel knows as well. And no one is mad, I assure you. Of course, we'd like to find Miss Molly to make sure she's safe and so she can speak with Angel and be introduced to all of us properly. But really no harm done."

Niffty let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad no one's mad. And I think she's safe. Husk wouldn't have let her go if she wasn't. And I'm sure she'll come back soon." She frowned again. "But I still wish you and Angel had your secret."

"Ha!" Alastor glowed a little but waved her off. "Oh Niffty — I have to agree with Angel that sooner or later he and I would have been discovered. This place has become quite a close-knit group, and he and I are…still working out how to practice discretion as the better part of affection." He leaned down, looking into her eye. "You did nothing wrong. I am not mad at you. In fact, I'm happy the cat's finally out of the bag — no more worrying about dropping the ball. Thank you for the relief. And if you really would help me pick out a nice casual outfit for my evening with Angel Dust, I would be eternally grateful." He held out a hand to her.

Niffty's bright smile returned. She grabbed Alastor's hand in both of hers and hugged his arm tightly. Then she pulled back and went right over to the trunk on the desk. "I know you have some turtlenecks in here! You'd look so good in one with that nice pair of grey dress pants you have! And those shiny black loafers. And you should wear your regular glasses! I know you think they make you look silly, but they really look sophisticated and pretty!"

Alastor chuckled. "You seem to have wardrobe plans already prepared for me."

"Oh yeah! I think about lots of different outfits for you and Angel to wear in my stories!"

One of Alastor's ears twitched to the side. "Stories?"

Niffty lifted her head out of the trunk and nodded. "I write made-up stories about you and Angel being happy together all the time!" She hesitated; her smile fell again for a moment. "Oh…but I can stop if you want. Husk said I could do ones about him and Molly anyway, so I'd still be able to write those at least. I just like writing and thinking of my friends being happy."

Alastor took a deep breath. "That's…er…fine, Niffty. You can write your stories. But they must never leave the hotel — remember, Angel and I need to keep our relationship discrete for now."

"Oh absolutely!" She nodded, beaming. "They're just for me to have fun. I, um…did read some to Charlie and Vaggie and Cherri and Husk before we knew you and Angel were really going out though." She frowned in worry again. "I shouldn't have done that — I just wanted to share. If I thought you and Angel were together already, I wouldn't have."

A slight sharp hum passed through Alastor's head but he just gripped his cane and smiled at her in understanding. "I suppose that's fine — or it can't be undone anyway. It's not as though suspicions hadn't already been aroused long before, according to Angel." He glowed. "But if you could refrain from such readings in the future, I would appreciate it Niffty."

She nodded. "I promise, Alastor. But then I also can't share the ones about Husk and Molly of course, even with you."

"Ha! Damn. And I was rather curious…"

Niffty laughed and pulled out a stack of clothes. "Here, try these on. Let me know if anything needs adjustment, and I'll work on them tonight."

Alastor took the clothes and headed into his back room to change. But he paused before going through the door, glowing considerably. "Niffty? Might I…read your work someday?"

"Really?!" Her smile filled her entire face.

Alastor's nodded. "I am…curious. And I enjoy most things that have to do with Angel, ha!"

Niffty giggled. "I'll leave some in your room for tonight. Let me know if you think I got your characters right!"

"I'm sure you did swimmingly!" Alastor swung a fist through the air then entered the back room and closed the door. He took a deep breath. That was when his ears picked up the sound of two people out in the garden, which was a very special place for himself and Angel, so he decided to take a look.

Out of his small window he saw Louise and Abel sitting on a bench, laughing and sharing warm mugs of coffee — the same place they'd sat during their proposal and during Alastor and Angel's first night together in his office. Abel kissed Louise then took her presumably now empty cup with his own and went inside. She just swung her legs and looked up at the red and black sky with a smile, then glanced at the little ring on her finger and giggled.

Alastor sighed. He might as well complete his various levels of humiliation for the day. He snapped and teleported himself outside to stand in front of Louise.

She blinked then smiled brightly. "Hi Alastor! Where did you come from?"

"It's hell, where do any of us come from, ha!" He twirled his cane. Louise just smiled knowingly, clearly waiting for him to say whatever was really on his mind. She really did remind him too much of his mother, which was why he didn't feel entirely uncomfortable saying what he had to say next. "Well, my dear, I'm occupied in another matter at the moment so I'm afraid I'll have to make this brief. I just wanted to inform you of something new!" She tilted her head and he cleared his throat. "Erm…at your wedding…after I walk you down the aisle…I may disappear for a little while. And Angel may disappear for a little while. We don't mean to be rude, but I promised him a dance on the roof at that joyous event. You see, he and I are now courting."

Louise beamed and jumped up, her tail wagging. "Oh Alastor, y'all are so sweet! I'm so happy for you! Thank you for telling me!"

"Oh quite a few more people were told besides you today, I'm afraid. Breakfast earlier was interesting." Alastor looked down at her. "Those who were at the table when you came down are the only people in hell who are allowed to know currently. If our new situation became public knowledge, it would provide a lot of danger and inconvenience to Angel and I."

Louise nodded seriously. "I understand, Alastor. I won't even tell Abel if you don't want. It's your and Angel's business only."

Alastor sighed deeply, his voice a bit flat but his smile persisting. "Now, now, I don't want to be responsible for you keeping secrets from your bethrothed. If him not knowing becomes inconvenient, use your best judgment. I'm sure he will be responsible with the information."

"Thank you, Alastor." Louise smiled more. "I'm glad you fellas got together in time to dance at my wedding. And who knows? Maybe I'll come to YOUR wedding one day." She winked.

"Ha!" Alastor's smile and eyes widened too much. "I don't know what you're talking about! Well, farewell!" He teleported himself back to the darkness and safety of his back room.

Alastor's eyes hazed for a moment once he was alone again. Then he shook his head and eyed the outfit Niffty had chosen. It was something he might have worn on a quiet Sunday all alone in the Radio Tower but never in public. But with Angel he wanted casual and comfortable and to experience that feeling of Angel eyeing him like that was something beyond intriguing about the Radio Demon that the spider couldn't get enough of.

While he changed, he wondered if Niffty's stories featured any moments of attraction like that…or any mention of nuptials. And he tried not to think too much about how pretty Angel would probably look at Louise's wedding…or how pretty he would certainly look in a gown fit for a bride.

Vox had gotten a text from Valentino. 'Meet me at the club in my office. Midnight. We need to talk.' That was it. Nothing else. It sounded so much like an order that Vox had half a mind to blow him off. But he was a little curious. And maybe Valentino wanted to talk about Velvet spending some time with Vox if she was really stressing out Val. In that case Vox basically needed to go before Valentino and Velvet (accidentally) killed each other. Besides, it wasn't like he had plans tonight…or any night really. And since Valentino was still keeping away from Angel, it meant Vox wouldn't have to deal with Angel, which meant he wouldn't have to be reminded of Alastor.

Vox strode down the block in the lust distract — he made a few street lights short out just to scare off the horny crowds doing things on the corners. He wasn't in the mood right now to walk into a meeting with Valentino already half way turned on.

He entered the studio and didn't give the bouncers a second glance. They knew better than to get involved in any disputes between the trio. He took the elevator to the top floor and headed to the obnoxiously ornate doors of Valentino's office. Vox pulled out his phone and texted the moth. 'I'm here. Outside the door.' Valentino replied back right away. 'Come in.'

Vox took a breath and pushed open the door.

He nearly busted a circuit — Angel was sitting in a chair in front of Valentino's desk, smiling but also sweating a little. He turned at the sight of Vox.

"Uncle Voxy! Long time no see, heh…"

Vox's screen glitched. He walked over and stared daggers at Valentino. "Yeah, long time. Speaking of which, I thought you and I had an appointment, Val. Why do we have company?"

Valention took a long drag of his cigarette. "Oh, I was thinking of extending Angel's hours a bit again, putting him back on some private parties — especially mine." He glanced at the spider. "You took off Saturday night, and that's bad for business. Gotta make it up to me some way, right. Angel Cakes?"

Angel swallowed. "Sure, Daddy! But couldn't I just work one of my usual night's off instead?"

Valentino lost his smile. "You trying to say a fucking Wednesday night could somehow make up for a missed Saturday?"

Angel blinked and shook his head. "No daddy! I… I just thought, uh…"

"You don't think. You're not good at it, and you're not paid for it." He doused the cigarette.

"I'll pay." Vox announced.

Both demons looked at him. Vox went on. "I'll book Angel for a party of my own. That'll make up whatever he lost out on Saturday. Now if we're done, I'd like to get down to business — our private overlord business." He met Valentino's gaze.

Valentino lit a new cigarette. "Angel Cakes, hit the bricks. I'll text you what I decide to do about your schedule and this party offer from Uncle Voxy."

Angel stood up and nodded. "Of course! Thank you for letting me make things up to you, Daddy. Bye, Uncle Voxy!" Angel gave them a coy wave then left.

Valentino smirked at Vox.

Vox pulled out his phone. "Your shit's going off the air for a full day thanks to this little stunt of yours. And if you really do change Angel's schedule just to piss off Alastor and pull some dick power move on me, it'll be permanent. Do not fuck with me, Val." Sparks came off his screen.

"Do it." Valentino shrugged. "We all know if you take my smut off the air, eventually demons'll get so pissed at you that you'll have no choice but to put it back on."

Vox paused for a moment. Then he shook his head. "You know, I thought maybe there was a chance you wanted to have a real conversation, but I guess I was wrong. You just…don't listen, do you?" He reached into his jacket and pulled out a roll of bills then tossed them on the desk. "For Angel's time — but mostly just to shut you up. I'll have him come clean out my apartment or something. And if Alastor has a problem, I'll refer him to you."

Valentino smirked. "You wouldn't risk putting Vel in harm's way like that."

Vox smirked back. "You're right, I wouldn't. Which is why I'm taking her with me. Now." He pressed a button and put the phone to his ear. "Vel, I know you're probably snooping. Wanna come hang out with me for a bit while Valentino works through the rest of his 'selfish asshole' period?" There was a cheer from the other end of the line loud enough that Vox had to pull the phone away from his head. And then Velvet burst through the doors and pranced up to Vox.

Valentino's smile dropped - not into an angry frown but into a flicker of genuine surprise.

Velvet grinned. "It's about time! Playing with Val is getting boring. He's really no fun without you around to make him think stuff through." Her smile grew wickedly as she glanced at Valentino.

Now Valentino was frowning in anger. "What the fuck do you two think—"

"I don't give a damn that this is hell, Val!" Vox scowled, leading Velvet to the door. "You act like a mean prick, no one wants to deal with you after a while. So play whatever fucking games you want about Angel — the second Alastor gets pissed, I really am sending him right to you and telling him you and me are through. I told you I needed a break, and I'm not done taking it! So, bye!" Vox flipped him off and strolled out the door with Velvet. She stuck her head back in and blew a raspberry with a giggle before slamming the door shut behind them.

Valentino sat in the silence for a moment, very still. Then he sent a single text. Then he reached into a drawer containing some needles and other illicit party substances. He felt…strange. And he needed a hit to make him feel nothing at all for a bit.

In the streets, Vox got a few blocks away from the studio with Velvent before he felt the first tear come onto his screen. He blinked then wiped it away, scowling.

Velvet skipped alongside him, looking up at him. "Voxy, what are ya thinking?"

"Honestly?" He scoffed. "That I hate not just having a…fucking friend here!" He laughed, shaking his head. "I know it's hell, but what's so wrong with wanting one person who isn't constantly playing mind games with you?"

"Well, you have me!" Velvet shrugged and pulled a lollipop out of her dress to eat. "I'm only playing mind games with you about half the time. The rest of the time I'm too busy trying not to play mind games on myself."

Vox tilted his head at her then sighed. "You didn't have to come with me… I appreciate you making that storm out look good. But if you'd rather go to one of your bakeries or take some time for yourself—"

"Oh, I shouldn't be left alone for long, Voxy — ever." She shook her head, her eyes a bit faraway. "I'll try to cut open one of my limbs to see if there's any cream filling or jelly! I used to do that a lot before I met you guys. I think I even did stuff like that in life too." She shrugged, and her normal manic smile returned. "No, I have more fun with I have someone to focus on besides me." She turned to him. "Want to come to my place and pig out on desserts? I extra super promise not to kill you in your sleep. But it's fifty-fifty if I'll drug anything just for giggles."

A small smile came to Vox's screen as he rubbed his temple. "That actually sounds…kind of fucking good. You got any dessert wine?"

"I've got EVERY dessert wine."

"You're all right, Vel."

She skipped some more. "Are we ever gonna all be back together?"

Vox bit his lip. "If Val get his act together after this…maybe. But for now I don't know."

"And is Val really gonna send Angel to you for a party?"

"Fucking christ, I hope not — the last thing I need is Alastor showing up and having a damn meltdown in my penthouse because 'a deal's a deal'."

"Yeah." She nodded. "Besides, Angel probably gets along with that sappy hotel crowd and prissy Alastor better. He's just not like us."

Vox sighed. "I…I guess. And neither is Alastor." He glitched. "I'm over him, by the way. Like, pretty much free and clear. Some time alone helped me clear my head."

"And make room for Val?" She grinned.

"With the way he is right now, not unless I really hated myself. And… I guess I don't." He blinked at the realization.

Velvet skipped and sang to herself and flashed a knife at a few demons for fun as they made their way to her apartment. And Vox stayed lost in thought, turning over some new ideas and feelings in his head.

A/N:

Thank you all for reading and being here for this story. I've loved writing it so much : ) Updates will probably be every other week going forward while I work on some irl things and get ready for some changes at my job. There's a lot more to come with everyone in this story, and I hope you all enjoy it!

Happy New Year! Take care of yourselves and stay healthy!

-Azure129