A/N:

Hi everyone! More RadioDust fun officially ready to post ^w^ It's also time for more Vox, and Niffty, and another character comes back too. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 43:

Troubled in Paradise

Alastor and Angel had decided to rise early today — not at the crack of dawn like a certain bar cat and petite maid (who had already snuck safely back to the hotel after their flight), but early enough that they could avoid the risk of another group hotel breakfast considering the calamity yesterday's had been. Instead, they were going to take one of their walks through the park and stop at the cafe for a bite. With a new owner had come new hours, including a breakfast shift apparently. So they'd also get a chance to see Abel and Louise working so hard to prepare for their new life together.

Alastor and Angel emerged from their separate rooms in their usual attire, Angel holding Fat Nuggets on a leash. The boys strolled down the hall side-by-side, wishing each other good morning and sharing the first smiles of the day. When they reached the stairs, Alastor paused.

Angel did too with an eyebrow raised. "Smiles? Forget something?"

Alastor shook his head. "I merely wondered…well… We are in a rather official relationship now. And even though we have to keep it under our hats in public, there's less need here. And no one else is nearby regardless." He held out his elbow. "Would you like to take my arm, Angel? So that I may properly escort you — at least until we reach the front door and have to step out into the prying eyes of hell?" He glanced hesitantly at the spider.

Angel's eyes widened. He blinked and quickly wiped at one of them, which made Alastor tilt his head. But then Angel smiled so sweetly, and Alastor instantly got lost in a gentle static playing between his ears with lilts of saxophone and violins. Angel giggled at the deer demon's hazed eyes. "Never had a fella make me such a chivalrous offer. Sold, Smiles." He took gentle hold of Alastor's elbow, entwining their arms but still giving the Radio Demon space.

Alastor swallowed and headed down the stairs with Angel following beside him. "I simply want you to know that I am here as a support for you, in whatever you need whenever you need it. I care for you quite completely, mon ange."

Angel leaned a little against the Radio Demon, and Alastor had to grip his cane to keep from stumbling. Had his knees just buckled? The spider was taller to be sure, but his frame wasn't that hard to manage. Perhaps, then, the effect simply been on of…emotion. The notion made something in his stomach squirm.

Angel sighed. "I know you're here for me. And I'm here for you, Smiles…Alastor."

Angel said his full name so tenderly that Alastor had to brace himself against another sudden bought of weakness in his legs.

Angel's gaze turned to him while Alastor tried to keep his smile as normal as possible. "Maybe while we walk I'll tell ya everything that's going on with my family, huh? Because I don't just trust you a little anymore, Al. Now I think I trust you all the way."

Alastor felt like he was glowing from his heart right out through his limbs and up into his face. Words left him in a whisper as a realization dawned. "I now trust you all the way too, Anthony." How Angel's eyes hazed made him feel sparks travel over his ears. He sensed a kiss ready to bloom between them.

Then there was a knock on the front door, and Alastor snapped out of the moment.

Suddenly Charlie appeared, walking across the lobby. She caught sight of them and waved. "Good morning!" She blinked at their closeness then smiled and turned away, hiding a giggle.

Alastor quickly led Angel down the final steps and disengaged their arms. "Ha! Good morning, Charlotte! Are we expecting company? Or perhaps it's an enemy I can sink my teeth into?"

"Smooth cover, Smiles," Angel whispered with a giggle of his own that made Alastor's look go dry. He scratched Nuggets and turned to Charlie. "But seriously, who's visiting so early?"

She beamed as she reached for the door handle. "Baxter! He's here to go over his specifications for his room. Are you two going for a walk?"

"Quite!" Alastor nodded as he headed to the door with Angel following. "Just a simple outing that no one should remark on with this new party present." His eyes narrowed.

Charlie winked with a big grin.

Angel just sighed and shook his head and mentally tried to brace himself for comforting Alastor on the inevitable day when every single person in this hotel - even if it was full to capacity - would know about their little affair. Subtlety was the strong point of no one here, especially the deer and the princess.

Charlie opened the door now, and there stood the fish demon. She gestured inside. "Baxter welcome! Come in! Can I get you some coffee before we get started?"

"Oh, that would be refreshing!" Baxter nodded and stepped inside. "Does Niffty happen to be brewing it? We got into a great discussion about the effects of hell's soil acidity on coffee beans last time I was here."

Charlie frowned a little. "Oh, no, I'm sorry. I haven't seen Niffty all morning. I knocked on her door, but she said she needs to help Husk today - I don't think he's feeling too well."

Baxter's hanging light drooped a bit. "Oh, that's too bad. I'd hoped to run some ideas by her for my laboratory preparations. She offered to assist me if I ever need help with experiments, so I'd love her input. But if she's needed elsewhere, I understand." His smile returned. "Maybe I can at least say goodbye to her before I leave and check if she'll be free anytime soon?"

Charlie nodded and led him to the stairs. "Of course! We'll work everything out."

Baxter nodded in return then looked at Alastor and Angel.

Angel smiled and waved. "Hey Baxter! Have fun setting up your room! Looking forward to fresh entertainment around this place, heh - right, Smiles?"

Alastor's smile was strangely stiff as he eyed the fish demon. "Yes, quite."

Baxter just watched him with removed interest for a moment, like a scientist observing an experiment. "Thank you. I'm eager to begin my time here as well." His observant gaze went to Angel. And then gave both demons a polite bow and smile, and followed Charlie upstairs.

Angel raised an eyebrow at Alastor. "What was the cold shoulder about just now? I didn't even make any suggestive comments about him moving in here this time."

Alastor shrugged and opened the front door, gesturing for Angel to go out first. "He seems awfully focused on Niffty. And I don't let just anyone presume to be worthy of her time."

Angel smiled a little as he headed outside with Nuggets, and Alastor followed. "Aw, you're like her big brother, getting all huffy when some guy comes calling." He laughed. "Relax, Smiles, Niffty can handle herself. And even if she gets caught off guard, I'm pretty sure Husk would shred anyone who even tried to get out of line with her."

"True on both accounts." Alastor twirled his cane as they descended to the sidewalk and began their stroll. "And of course, I myself would just have to make a meal of the situation. Baxter isn't catfish, but I could manage to cook him up rather well regardless. Ha!" He grinned at his joke then rolled his eyes as he added, "And I am not her big brother. But I suppose I do want to protect her. And Husker too to an extent. At the end of the day, when I seek out a soul for a deal, one who can use my protection is quite the temptation to me." He shrugged.

"Really?" Angel tilted his head. "Is that why you offered me a deal way back when, Smiles? You thought I was worth keeping safe?"

"Partly." Alastor's voice was quiet and his eyes were down too. "And partly because, around you, I started to get the feeling that I was worth keeping safe myself."

Angel blinked, blushing a little. "Dammit, I hate that we're in public. I want to hug you. You are worth everything. I've gotta start really showing you just how good you are, Smiles. I want you to see you like I see you. You're like a warm cozy bed after a bad day." He pretended like Fat Nuggets was pulling to one side on his leash so he could move closer to Alastor.

Alastor's voice crackled with feedback as he laughed. "Ha! That analogy must be ludicrous." Yet his eyes were wide and he glowed quite visibly. "After all, of the two of us, you're the one who always appears so warm and cozy."

Now it was Angel's turn to feel a blush build in his features. "You're just saying that because you cuddled my chest for a whole night on our date."

A very faint static-laced groan of panic came from the back of Alastor's throat.

Angel moved just a little closer — Alastor could feel his warmth even though they weren't touching. "Shh, you're gonna blow our cover, cutie. Now, no more flirting til we're back home. But then of course all bets are off."

One of Alastor's eyes twitched and some static came off of his antlers but he nodded. "I agree to your terms, mon ange."

Angel giggled.

The Radio Demon cleared his throat and sighed deeply. "What shall we discuss instead?"

Angel's eyes went down and he bit his lip. He wanted to tell Alastor about Valentino. Maybe out here, needing to keep a low profile, Alastor wouldn't lose his temper and jump into a battle that could get him hurt. But the truth sat like a lump in Angel's chest. He hated the idea of bringing Valentino into their time together: that moth had taken enough from him already. So he settled for the next biggest topic they needed to go over. "My family. Like I said, I gotta explain to you about the spider siblings. Archibaldo Nestor, Maria Lucia, and Antonio Angelo. Or as we are now known, Arackniss, Molly, and Angel." He swallowed. "And this is gonna need a little context, so I might as well include Pops too. Enrico…Or Henroin, because he pushes drugs among other things and is not fuckin subtle about it." He crossed his arms and took a deep breath, mouth tight.

Alastor resisted an urge to lightly touch his shoulder. "Only share whatever you're ready to share, Angel."

Angel nodded and put on the best fake smile he could manage for any passersby who glanced their way. Fortunately, Alastor's shadow floating just behind them and giving threatening looks to other demons kept onlookers few and far between.

"And Antonio Angelo is a nice name you know…" Alastor added warmly. "It suits you."

Angel's smile softened and became more real. As they turned the corner to head in the direction of the park, he began to speak.

Vox woke up pretty early — he'd never been good at sleeping deeply in strange places. Velvet, however, was passed out from the crash of last night's sugar high after their little hangout at her place. Her face was smudged with icing and she lay sprawled upside down in an arm chair with a container of sprinkles in one hand and a knife in the other. Vox got off of her couch then draped a blanket over her body and put a pillow under her head. He set up everything in the kitchen for her to make herself some hot chocolate if she woke up before he got back, and then he headed out of her apartment for some air.

After everything with Valentino last night, he needed a chance to think with a clear head in the cold light of day. He had just made a decision with serious political consequences. He had also made a decision with some big personal ones too. And yet the one thing that gave him some kind of hope for their trio ever getting back together was that he trusted Val wouldn't attack him and Velvet. He might do some petty shit because he was pissed off about the change in their alliance, but the three of them had something together Val wouldn't betray.

Vox growled a little under his breath when he realized that on top of thinking about Val, his feet had started taking him directly to the porn studio out of habit. He made a sharp turn and decided to head somewhere neutral. He needed to stay away from Valentino and figure out what to do next to keep helping himself feel…better. Or at least to stop himself from doing things he would hate himself for later. Getting Velvet back was a start — at least he felt a little less lonely. But he also still felt like he was drifting through his afterlife missing a purpose.

A few more turns and he found himself at the entrance to the nearby park. It was funny to him how a few spaces like this existed in the Pentagram where no one claimed territory — just like in cities on earth where no matter how many buildings went up, a few open green spaces still got preserved. Everyone needed a break from the grind, even in hell.

He headed past the fountain then sat on a bench tucked back from the main path. He looked out at the shrubbery and the red sky and heard the trickling water and wished now that he'd maybe brought Velvet with him. He wanted to talk to someone who could understand a little, about Val and about wanting something new and about not feeling appreciated.

Then he picked up the familiar feeling of radio waves in the air and his head turned sharply.

Alastor and Angel were walking and talking side by side on the main path. Alastor had his usual bright smile and a spring in his step, and Angel was laughing and acting like his usual flirtatious self but a little more subdued. And with them was that weird hell pig Angel kept as a pet.

Vox had, suddenly, a very stupid idea. Arguably he was tired and stressed and a bit numb to the notion of consequences right now. But undeniably, if his idea worked, it might help him feel better. And it would eliminate the need later on to have some fake 'party' with Angel (like he'd paid Val for last night) that Alastor would probably rip apart with tentacles on principle. Going through with his sudden plan would also give him the chance to let Alastor know officially that he wasn't connected with Val anymore. And if he could sum up the courage to make a move this big right to Alastor's face, maybe he could prove to himself that he really was over the pompous deer demon just like he was over Val (mostly).

Vox pulled out his phone and quickly sent Velvet a text. 'Doing something stupid. If I die, you get all my stuff. And don't go back to Val right away - let him sweat at least a few days. You're better than his shit.' He tucked away the phone, got up, and strolled over to the pair as they stopped by a rose bush the pig was sniffing.

Alastor sensed he was coming first - the deer demon's ears twitched, his shoulders tensed, and his head whipped around. His eyes blackened as radio symbols swirled over his head.

Angel noticed the response and raised an eyebrow then turned too. He jumped in the air and held the leash tight to his body at the sight of Vox approaching. Angel usually wasn't THAT jumpy around him… but Vox guessed the spider might still skittish about last night.

Vox stopped a few feet away from them and held up his hands. "Hello—"

Alastor's microphone was at his throat.

Vox sighed. "I'm not here to fight. I need to talk."

"What," asked Alastor, voice laden with static, "makes you think I would want that?"

"Not to you!" Vox pouted. "To…him. Angel." He indicated Angel with a quick finger. The spider paled, if it was possible. His eyes darted between Vox and Alastor almost in terror. Vox could only imagine that Angel was afraid of getting caught in the middle of an overlord battle.

Some dark, low laughter left Alastor. "if I remember correctly, we have an agreement about all of this — you leave Angel alone, I leave you alone. Now, what suicidal reason would you have for disrupting the status quo?"

"Oh give it a rest!" Vox scowled. "Like Angel didn't tell you everything the second he got back to the hotel! You already know Val dropped the status quo with that little stunt with Angel last night, and I'm sure you're already plotting our demise. But you should know, Vel and I have split with Val completely now. We're through. I told him he was on his own about antagonizing you and starting shit. But now I need to talk to Angel." He shrugged. "We can consider it counting as the private party I bought with him last night."

Alastor's eyes returned to normal and his demonics stopped. He was very still for a moment. Meanwhile Angel was blushing and playing with his hands and biting his lip. The deer slowly turned to the spider.

Angel didn't look at him. Instead the he met Vox's gaze. "We can talk." He glanced down at the pig. "Nuggets, Al is gonna watch ya." He handed the leash off to Alastor, hooking it around his microphone.

Alastor blinked, opened his mouth, but then paused. He nodded. "You have five minutes," he managed to get out, his jaw clenched. "Come, Fat Nuggets." He led the pig to the fountain.

Vox watched him go with an eyebrow raised. Then he turned back to Angel. The spider had plastered on a sweet smile and added a coy stance. "What can I do for ya, Uncle Voxy? Thanks again for helping me out last night. Sorry you and Daddy Val are on the outs."

Vox sighed deeply. "I…Angel…" He paced. "What made you decide to move into that damn hotel?"

Angel shrugged. "What do ya mean, Uncle Voxy? Free rent, a-and this way I don't get in the way at the studio all the time. And, ya know, building's decent."

Vox scowled. "No, no, I mean…why did you decide to go off and do something new for yourself? You know Val hates change, but you moved into that place anyway. And I know he must have put you through a lot to let it slide."

"He just, uh…decided to take a little more off the top since he knows I'm not paying rent. No big deal." Angel made his smile bigger. "And, hey, the princess asks you to do something and you do it, right?"

Electricity sparked along Vox's antenna. "Oh come on! It had nothing to do with getting away from Val?!" He threw open his arms, scowling. "I know you're always sucking up to him, but he's been even more of an overbearing ass than usual lately, right? It seriously can't just be me!" He paced more, brow furrowed as he frowned. "It's not me, I've got to deserve better than his crap. You must have done the hotel thing because you know even you deserve better too!"

"Vox! I-I mean, Uncle Vo…Oh fuck!" Angel got in front of him. "Look, just cool it or Al's gonna think there's a problem and come over here and take care of it, capisce?" He gestured with his head to the fountain.

Alastor was watching them with dark eyes and radio symbols and tentacles swirling up from the ground. Nuggets was cuddling one of the tentacles, and it scratched his tummy.

"I…fine…fine." Vox blinked a few times. "But that's another thing! You call him Al? How the fuck does he not gut you for that? How the fuck does he not gut you for just for fun?"

Angel blinked and swallowed and waved off Vox. "I-I don't know, I guess he just thinks I'm funny. Whatever. Who cares? Fuck, my point is…" He took a breath, "if this conversation can be off the record I'll level with you. That means no telling Val anything I say. Deal?" He frowned.

Vox hesitated but nodded. "Okay…I guess." Angel never got this serious. It was new.

Angel's voice was low and trembled with a venom Vox had never heard before. "Valentino hasn't just been an ass LATELY, he's been…fucking evil since the day I met him." He blinked back what looked like a tear and went on, keeping himself steady. Out of the corner of his eye, Vox noticed that Alastor's tentacles had sunk back into the ground — for now. Angel went on. "I went to the hotel because I can fucking breathe there. And even though I think you're scummy yourself, no one deserves Val at his worst. You and Vel got away from him? Good! At least you have the muscle to KEEP yourselves away. You don't have to go crawling back six nights a week."

Vox blinked. "You…hate it at the studio that much? But you're a star! His favorite one!"

"Heh, wow…" Angel shook his head. "You have no idea about my life, 'Uncle Voxy', and all the things I have to do that I hate." He crossed his arms over his body

Vox hesitated, frowning. "I…thought I was the only one of the four of us who was that unhappy." He raised an eyebrow. "But then how do you deal with it every day? How do you…" He shook his head. How was he having a conversation like this with Angel? He didn't even like Angel. And yet right now he felt like Angel understood something deeply that Vox was only just scratching the surface of.

Angel frowned, and Vox was almost angry at the look of pity as the spider went on. "You gotta find small good things to do for you. You gotta find people who love you." He blushed a little. "Like, uh…well…I've got Fat Nuggets. He's something I can keep safe, and he's there for me when I need him, and we love each other. And now some people at the hotel are making me feel good like that too." His mouth tightened. "Look, you and me, we ain't friends. And I don't want to get involved in your overlord shit. But I don't like seeing anyone let Val drag them down. You want something better for yourself? Figure out just one thing you can change in your life that'll mean something good to you and start there. And don't let anyone gaslight you into thinking it doesn't matter cuz it does as long as it's important to you."

Vox took all of that in for a moment, a bit stunned by the insightfulness. "I can try. Angel…I never heard you talk like this before—"

"All you've heard is me being a simpering whore before. That's an act, ya walking flat screen." He rolled his eyes. "Now you should get going. I think our five minutes are up. And Alastor really doesn't like you if you haven't noticed."

Vox pouted. "Yeah, no, I've noticed. We're incompatible - technologically and personally." He turned to see Alastor strolling over with Fat Nuggets trotting beside him.

Angel shrugged and added, "But, uh…thanks for…what you did in Val's office. You didn't have to put down the money like that. I could pay you back—"

Vox held up his hand. "Leave me with SOME pride, Angel. I can afford a role of bills. I'm still an overlord." He swallowed. "Thanks for leveling with me. I feel…less crazy for doing what I did last night after you left the office — telling Val to take a hike and taking Vel with me."

"Just make sure Vel's happy too. I can guarantee the two of us aren't the only ones in that group who are miserable sometimes." Angel swallowed. "And remember, all this is still off the record - don't tell either of 'em what I told you or maybe I really will make a deal with Alastor just to have him kick all your asses."

Vox rolled his eyes but sighed. "Fair enough…"

The little pig trotted right up to Angel — Alastor handed off the leash with a slight bow. His eyes stayed on Vox. "Have you received the time for which you paid?"

Vox nodded.

"Good!" Alastor clapped his hands together. "Then leave. I'm afraid this is a private outing. And be thankful if I really do only gut Valentino." He turned to the park exit. "Let's be off, Angel."

Angel picked up Fat Nuggets and dashed forward to keep up with Alastor. He gave Vox a quick glance over his shoulder before turning back to the park exit.

Vox watched them go. His phone buzzed. It was Velvet. 'Are you dead? Could you not die? I'd be really bored. Plus I made a ton of French Toast and hot cocoa. Get back here.'

Vox texted her back. 'Made it out alive. I'll be there soon. Thanks, Vel.'

She texted back a smiley face and also a knife. Vox smiled a little and put away his phone. He turned to head back to her apartment, thinking of Angel's advice and what it would mean to be happy in hell, even if a few small ways.

Alastor and Angel left the park.

Angel watched Alastor — the Radio Demon kept his eyes forward with a standard big smile plastered on his face. He didn't say anything.

Angel frowned. "Hey, Al? I…I think I should explain to you about last night…and just now."

"Ha!" Alastor twirled his cane, still not looking at Angel. "You don't have to explain to me anything you don't want to, Angel. I'm not owed anything."

"Al, come on, … It's just…" He bit his lip and crossed his arms. "I was gonna tell you soon about Val. And now, before you jump to conclusions, I want to fill you in."

"Really no need." Alastor gripped his cane more tightly. "Things clearly happened that you wished to keep from me for your own reasons. I certainly won't press for details the same way I won't ask about your conversation with that pompous cube of tubes and wires." He shrugged, still not looking at him. "Just know my assistance remains available whenever needed."

Angel blinked. "Al, I get you're mad you got caught off guard by Vox but—"

"I'm not mad." Alastor shrugged. "And this isn't about Vox." They turned a corner and Alastor gestured ahead. There was the cafe. "Now, a nice breakfast and being served by good friends awaits us. Allonsy!"

Angel frowned more. He'd known Alastor wouldn't be thrilled when he realized Valentino was up to something. But this reaction was different. And Angel felt both guilt and annoyance that the deer was suddenly being so closed up. He sighed. "Fine, breakfast, whatever." He headed inside with Nuggets, and Alastor followed after.

The bell over the door rang. Louise looked up from the counter and beamed. "Alastor! Angel! Aw, we're so happy you stopped by today! Abel's got your usual table all ready to go out in the garden." She winked.

Alastor kept himself casual enough. "Thank you very much, Louise!" He glanced around. "How are you enjoying the new breakfast shift?"

"Oh, it's kind of fun! And we get to try out a lot of new recipes." She grabbed two menus and handed them to each of the boys. "Here are the specials!"

"Well, I'm glad the changes around here and working out for the best." He bowed and then headed out the back door.

Angel gave Louise a small smile. "Thanks, hun." He followed Alastor with Nuggets.

"Hey, fellas!" Abel waved them over to their table under the tree. "Table's all set! Just let me know when you're ready to order!" He smiled and then grabbed some plates off of other tables and headed back inside.

Alastor used his powers to pull out both chairs and waited until Angel sat to sit down as well. The big smile was still plastered on his face. He didn't say a word.

Angel frowned again. "Smiles, why are you doing this? Acting like…like…"

"Like what, my dear?"

Angel whispered harshly. "Like we just met or something! Like we're not really good friends? Like we're not MORE than friends…" He blushed. "Your face and your voice — it's all just you putting on a show. What is this, some kind of weird version of the silent treatment? I only get the real you back when you're not mad at me anymore?"

Alastor's eye twitched. "As I explained, I'm not mad…"

"Well, you're something!" Angel challenged.

Alastor's wide eyes looked at the table for a moment. He gave a slight nod. "Yes, I am something. But I do not have the words to describe it at this time." His eyes came back up. "What about you? You seem…out of sorts."

"I'm a lot of things." Angel pouted and slumped in his seat. "But you gotta let me talk to you."

Alastor gave a small nod. "When we're back at the hotel. Alone. Not out here. Please."

Angel gave a small nod in return, frown softening. "Okay. Promise?"

"You have my word, darling."

Fat Nuggets oinked. Angel looked down to see him sitting on the grass looking up at them.

"Is he quite all right?" asked Alastor with concern. "I tried to take excellent care of him for the five minutes." His ears drooped a little in worry.

Angel almost smiled. "He's okay. He's just like any kid: gets upset when his daddies fight."

A beat passed, and then a screech of static left Alastor and he glowed brightly while Angel flushed completely and gripped the table. The spider smiled sheepishly. "I, uh…I mean, heh…"

"Hey guys!" Abel trotted over with a dish of various items and set it on the ground. "Just wanted to bring Nuggets some table scraps. You ready to order yet?"

Alastor definitely started speaking without thinking. "Omelet du fromage avec…" More static. "I mean, a cheese omelet with rare steak. Angel?"

"Uh…pancakes. With strawberries if you got em…" Angel continued to blush and thought back to their date in the radio tower and telling Alastor he thought he tasted like strawberries.

"You got it!" Abel winked. "Be up soon!" He dashed off.

The spider swallowed and took a breath. "You uh…okay?"

Alastor was looking down. Angel tilted his head then noticed Nuggets nuzzling his leg. Alastor smiled a little, his eyes hazed. "Indeed. Or I will be at any rate." He patted the pig's head.

Angel smiled to himself too, eyes hazed. But then he shook his head and bit his lip. "Yeah, well…I guess we'll figure it all out at the hotel." They were having a problem, and no cute moment about Nuggets was gonna distract him.

Alastor glanced at him. and then Angel saw the corners of his mouth turn down. He was still keeping things in, but at least he didn't have that phony smile plastered on. It was better than nothing.

They ate in relative silence, mostly waiting for the chance to head home.

At the hotel Baxter had just finished up with Charlie and was heading downstairs to leave. But of course he paused and went past the bar to the far wall where Niffty had told him her and Husks's rooms were. He knocked. "Excuse me? Niffty? It's Baxter. I know you're occupied today but I wanted to say goodbye before I left, if you're available."

Another door opened and Niffty quickly stepped out and shut it behind it. She was biting her lip, looking worried, but then she smiled up at Baxter. "Oh, Baxter, thank you for saying hi! It's so nice to see you again! Did Charlie help you get your room all set up?"

He nodded, smiling. "I think it's going to be perfect. I hope you'll come see it when I move in and give me any pointers on the efficiency of the set up."

"Of course!" She nodded. Then she glanced at the door behind her and back to him. "Sorry, but I have to get back to Husk. He's…not feeling well. A bad hangover and some other things."

Baxter grinned and held up a finger. "Oh, I have an excellent hangover cure - scientifically proven! I can whip it up in a jiffy!"

She smiled a little. "That would be nice of you! Thank you, Miss Baxter."

Baxter tilted his head. "Miss?" He blushed a little. "Niffty, I'm male."

Her eye widened for a moment and she froze. "Oh." Then she blinked once and looked up at him. "You're right, aren't you? But you're…you're a good one. Like Husk and Alastor. Right?"

He smiled sheepishly. "I try."

She gave him a quick hug, and Baxter's eyes went wide. Then Niffty pulled back. "I'll help you make the hangover cure, and I'll give it to Husk as soon as he wakes up. I really appreciate your help, Baxter."

"If we work together it should take no time at all." Baxter was beaming (and his hanging light even glowed) as Niffty led him into the kitchen.

A little while later, Niffty entered Husk's dark room with a full glass or a dark, fizzing substance. Husk was lying down but his eyes were open. She sat on the edge of the bed and held out the glass to him.

"Oh good, Husk, you're awake. You should drink this. Baxter and I made it. He says it's guaranteed to help a hangover. And I put in some chocolate because I think that helps with hurt hearts."

Husk looked dully at the glass but sat up and took it. "Thanks." He glanced at Niffty. "Niffty, did I hear you tell Baxter before that you know he's a guy?"

She nodded.

"You usually don't do too good when you realize new people aren't girls. You okay?"

She nodded again. "He's a good one. I'm okay with him."

Husk sipped the drink. His nose wrinkled a little at the taste but he sipped more. "You know, he might kind of like you. More than like you, I mean."

"Hmm.." Niffty swung her legs, deep in thought. "Not yet. He just likes having a friend with the same interests. Trust me, I'm good at relationship stuff. But…maybe one day he will."

Husk nodded and took another big swig. "You feel okay about that?"

She half smiled, a tired look in her eye. "One step at a time." Then she looked at Husk. Now finish all of that and rest. Then tomorrow we'll figure out more about what to do about you and Molly, and I'm not taking no for an answer."

He finished the concoction with a grimace and laid back down. "Fine. There's no point but fine. Just let me rest for now. And go do something for yourself, Niffty. I'm really okay alone."

"You most certainly are not." She plopped herself into a nearby chair and picked up a notebook and pen. "I'm gonna stay here and work on my writing. If you need anything else I'll get it for you."

"…Thanks." Husk pulled the blankets up around him. "Who you writing about now?"

She smiled more. "Double date with you and Molly and Alastor and Angel."

He closed his eyes. "Make me look good. Make Molly look fucking spectacular."

"Are you kidding? You two are stealing the show in this one!" She giggled and kept writing.

Husk smiled a little to himself and settled in to fall asleep to the gentle sound of Niffty's pen scratching away on the paper.

A/N:

Thank you for reading and for your support! Yes, Alastor and Angel are having a little disagreement but they're going to figure it out in the next chapter 3 And Vox is gonna figure out what he needs to do for himself to be happy very soon :333

Take care, everyone!

-Azure129