A/N:

Hi everyone! New chapter incoming of post-date antics and soft moments : ) I hope you enjoy, and thank you for reading!

Partners

Chapter 49:

Alastor, the Radio Guest

Alastor never slept for long periods — each evening he was awake until all hours for political or personal (often cannibalistic) business, and then he would rouse himself at sunrise to get a jump on the day's opportunities. He usually slept lightly too as a precaution. Sleep was a vulnerable state when a demon was an overlord in hell, and Alastor did not relish any vulnerabilities. In sleep, he lost connection with his body's safety…and got lost in some of the darker images in his mind. He was a restless sleeper as well; there had been nights after injuries when he had required Husker to watch over him, and the cat demon had gruffly noted that Alastor tended to twitch and grip his bedding and generate static.

However, falling asleep with Angel, rather than a risky chore, felt like a gentle reward to Alastor. Not only was his beau here to eliminate the riskiness of being alone, but by having the spider close Alastor had the full ability to defend him should the need arise. Gone was the relentless worry the deer demon felt whenever Angel worked late nights (a worry that was another cause of the Radio Demon's tendency to turn in late). Alastor's sleeping mind also remained clear of any personal disturbances — after all, why should his subconscious linger on all of his sins and regrets and most evil moments when there was a whole new world of affection and intimacy to consider instead? And as for any restless twitching or gripping, Alastor quickly found himself incapable since somehow during the night he had ended up cuddled with Angel, his arms wrapped around the spider's torso and the side of his face buried against Angel's heart.

Bliss was a bed shared with a trusted soul.

Yet, Alastor's internal clock remained, and even though he woke up more peacefully on this morning than he ever had since childhood, he still woke not long after sunrise.

He blinked his eyes open slowly — there was no shock and surprise like during their unplanned nap together last week after their encounter with Vox in the park. He knew where he was and whom he was with and why, and he savored all of the glorious information. Angel was warm and soft in his arms, breathing slowly in sleep. Under the covers, his knees had pulled in to brush Alastor's legs. And Angel's head was cuddled against Alastor's hair like a pillow. And Fat Nuggets was asleep as well, nuzzled against Angel.

Alastor wanted to stay here but he also wanted to check in with Husker and Niffty, see to the start of the day's affairs, and of course he had to attend that little meeting with Charlie where he would calmly explain that she needed to pretend she had never seen the deer demon beckoning his adored spider into his bedroom at midnight with a saucy grin. Alastor sighed and rolled his eyes. He barely felt embarrassed anymore and certainly not angry, but he did want to avoid any discussion of feelings with Charlie if he could. Yet, admittedly he was also a little confused about some of his feeling at the moment, and she could probably offer some clarity. His pride still cringed though at the idea of seeking her emotional aid.

Alastor knew Angel would sleep until noon or later if allowed. He considered sneaking away, tending to his tasks, and returning before the spider awoke. He sighed, trying to work out the mechanics, when suddenly Angel yawned.

"Hey…" the spider said sleepily. "Why are ya sighing like that, Smiles? Ain't having a good morning? Heh…" Angel pulled back just a little to let his sleepy eyes and smile meet Alastor's.

Alastor's smile brightened. "Ha, what a strange joke! All of the mornings with you are good, mon ange." He glowed a little. "I was considering the least inconsiderate way to leave you to sleep for the moment while I tend to some matters. I'm sorry I woke you."

"Don't be… I'd rather be awake at dawn with you than asleep any time." Angel blushed a little. "Good Morning, by the way. Last night was nice."

Alastor quickly nodded, moving closer. "Good morning! And yes, I enjoyed everything tremendously! Especially, er…this, now." He bit his lip. "I am very willing — and perhaps somewhat eager — to spend nights together like this on a regular basis." His glow brightened, and he quickly added, "Unless too much of that would be…frustrating, in a physical way."

Angel smirked, eyes hazed. "I get plenty of sexual release during the day. At night, all I wanna do is actually sleep. You're not frustrating. You're alluring and relaxing all at once. It's good."

Alastor's eyes hazed thoughtfully.

Angel tilted his head and giggled. "What?"

"We haven't attempted to kiss in a bed yet — I think a good morning kiss would be a lovely one to start with, don't you?"

Angel's eyes brightened as he blushed more. "Oh, I really like when you know what you want and just ask for it. We're doing so good at this 'communicating' thing." He took gentle hold of the lapel of Alastor's nightshirt. "Bongiorno, mio cervo."

Alastor placed a hand on Angel's shoulder. "Bon jour, mon belle ange." He let their mouths press together. When Angel moaned a little, Alastor felt his tail wag and his body light up like a radio being turned on in a dark room, glowing and warm. For some reason he found himself thinking of Angel's playful tongue dalliance with him from last night and felt curious about trying a variation on that theme. However, there didn't seem to be a natural opportunity to free his mouth for speech at the moment. Indeed, Alastor suddenly realized he wasn't sure of the best way to stop their kiss since…neither of them seemed to want to stop. Necking in the morning — it felt almost as scandalous as Angel straddling Alastor's lap last night, and he adored it.

Fat Nuggets finally resolved their perpetual embrace by trotting up and cuddling himself in between the chests of both men.

Alastor and Angel separated finally, eyebrows raised.

Angel laughed. "He's jealous — wants affection too. Little drama queen I got." He nuzzled the pig's forehead. "Yes, I love you too, Nuggets. I just love Papa Alastor in a different way."

"Yes indeed!" Alastor patted the little pig's back, the flush in his features finally mellowing. "You are cared for quite completely by me as well, Nuggets! You are an excellent nightly companion. Papa is happy to have you any time."

Nuggets' little tail wagged, and Alastor's smile brightened.

Angel laughed and started rubbing the pig's stomach which completely distracted the little creature. "I got Nuggets for company, Al, no worries. You go do whatever you need to do."

"Only if you're sure, darling." He held up his fingers. "Would you like me to conjure up anything for you? Coffee? Food? A newspaper?"

Angel chuckled and snuggled back under the blankets. "Nah, don't worry about it. We're just gonna sleep a little more. Thanks though." He yawned. "Maybe one of our dates should be just spending a day together in bed. Could be fun."

Alastor tilted his head, intrigued. "I've never done that before, in life or death, even just on my own. It would be interesting to try…particularly with you." He glowed then sat up and reached for his monocle from within his nightstand. "Er, I'll also address Charlie about our little run-in last night. I'm certain she'll be discrete, but it doesn't hurt to be clear, for the sake of our privacy. And besides, it sounded like she wanted to discuss something with me anyway."

"Whatever it is, if I can help, tell Charlie to ask me too. She's a good kid." Angel scratched under Nugget's chin as Alastor removed himself from bed and stood tall with a slight stretch. The spider's eyes hazed as he eyed the other demon up and down. "Well hello, handsome."

Alastor blinked and then rolled his eyes, glowing considerably…though his chest puffed out in a touch of pride. "Ha, amusing, Angel." He snapped, and his nightclothes had been replaced by his usual slacks with suspenders, black shoes, and red dress shirt. His coat, cane, and tie rested against a chair. "I won't be a moment." He strolled off into the bathroom.

Angel laughed a little and held Nuggets close. He grabbed Alastor's pillow and hugged it close, breathing deeply. "Papa's gonna come stay in our room one night, Nuggets. And maybe soon we'll all stay there or here all the time." The pig oinked. Angel smiled. "And…maybe you'll get to see Molly again soon. You like Molly. And Niss…well, I guess you don't really know Niss, but maybe eventually you'll see him too." He sighed. "Maybe Papa Alastor can watch you this weekend while I go and try not to have a disaster a few thousand feet in the air with my brother and sister." Nuggets tilted his head. Angel smiled again. "Eh, we'll talk about it later."

Alastor emerged from the bathroom, looking elegant as ever. He pulled on his jacket and buttoned it. "Please stay and rest as long as you'd like. I know you're still working some rather late nights." Alastor's eye twitched as he went to grab his tie.

Angel sat up and kneeled on the bed, reached out with one of his long arms to grab the tie, then draped it around Alastor's neck. The deer demon hesitated but then came closer, breaths shallow as Angel slowly but deftly tied the accessory for him. "Don't worry, I'm being safe. And if anything bad happens, I'll summon you somehow, just like we talked about. You just make sure you're taking care of yourself too." He finished with the tie, eyes on Alastor's.

Alastor had little electric sparks coming off of his ears. Last night Angel had removed his glasses and now he had just dressed him slightly. "I shall." On an impulse he quickly came forward and smashed his lips to Angel's in one of his own enthusiastic kisses then pulled back. "Au revoir, darling! And dear Nuggets!" Alastor teleported away with a final wave and glow in Angel's direction.

Angel watched him go with a giddy look. Then he collapsed into all the bedding and giggled while Nuggets settled in a little cozy spot at the end of the bed. "That man is the best man of all the men!" He closed his eyes. "Oh Alastor…" He longed for that demon's warmth and voice and beating heart next to his own. He drifted back into a perfects sleep.

Alastor usually met with Husker and Niffty in the early morning a few times a week to check in and hear if their upcoming duties required any special assistance. Niffty rose bright and early like Alastor of course, and at dawn Husker was often still half awake behind the bar and finishing his final nightcap. He'd usually listen to Alastor, nod and grumble, then go to his room for a very long nap until the late afternoon when his bartending services were required.

So Alastor was curious to see only Niffty ready to greet him in the lobby this morning.

"Niffty, my dear, good morning! Don't tell me Husker is passed out behind the bar - ha!"

Niffty smiled and shook her head. "Nope, not at all! He didn't even drink much last night! He's in his room — I decided to let him sleep in. He's had a lot on his mind, I think he could use the rest." She looked up at Alastor hopefully. "I can help cover the bar if you want — I have practice from helping Husk at the open house!"

"Now, now, no need to fret! We'll just leave the bar be today — I'm certain anyone in need of spirits can pour for themselves." Alastor's eyes had drifted over to Husk's door, his brow furrowed in what he refused to admit was concern. "And is Husker…quite all right? If he's had a relapse of his illness perhaps I should…check on him?" He couldn't help the suggestion coming out like a question. He recalled Husk's irritation from last night and insinuations of Alastor's lack of caring. Alastor didn't owe the cat demon anything beyond the preservation of his life as part of their deal. But Alastor felt unsatisfied again for not attempting more.

"No." Niffty bit her lip and shook her head. "Alastor…Husk did something nice for himself last night. That's why he didn't drink much and that's why he stayed up late and that's why he's asleep now. He was even smiling when I checked on him. Right now he just needs time." She smiled a little again. "But it's kind of you to ask about him. He'll like knowing that you cared."

Static built up around Alastor's ears, and his eyes turned to radio dials for a moment. He cleared his throat to return to normal. "Yes, well…no need to mention it — just making sure all is well in our Hazbin Hotel!" He twirled his cane with a big smile. "Now, I do have a brief meeting with Charlie as soon as possible, so let's quickly move on to today's business."

"Oh, oh!" Niffty raised her hand. "Baxter is moving in today!"

Alastor's eyes widened. He sighed. "Baxter is moving in today… Our new guest. I almost forgot he was due to take up residence soon." Baxter's presence would mean that he and Angel had to exercise more discretion once again. In addition, Alastor would have to put on some kind of show of power to impress the fish. At least the demon didn't seem like the type to cower around him incessantly. He just hoped the fish would provide his own entertainment. He had inadvertently stood up to Queen Lilith, after all, and prompted Charlie to do the same. At any rate, his presence might be amusing if inconvenient.

"I want to help him move in!"

Alastor blinked and looked down at an eager Niffty. He tilted his head and considered for a moment. Then he walked over to the bar, took a seat on a stool, and gestured to the one next to him. Niffty climbed onto it. Alastor set aside his cane and clasped his hands together. "That's a very kind offer, Niffty! Do you…intend for Baxter to be your new friend?"

She nodded. "Of course! He's nice and smart and we share a lot of interests. And…he's the first new boy who I was okay realizing was a boy right away. I'm not sure why. When he pointed it out me, I didn't feel angry or scared — I just felt okay and happy to get to know him." Niffty smiled more. "I want him to feel welcome so he stays around! I hope I can do that for everyone who comes here!" She threw her arms in the air, gesturing to the rooms above.

Alastor had an eyebrow raised. "I see." He leaned a little closer. "I know you've been used to only Husker and I as company — and especially used to only Husker and I as male figures. You're certain you feel more comfortable now socializing in mixed company?"

Niffty nodded. "Of course! I'm excited for it!" Her smile faded a little. "I think I…need it. I love you and Husk so much but…sometimes I get lonely, especially when you're busy and when Husk needs to be alone. I'm nervous about new things but I'm also strong, and I want my own adventures. I want to see the world — or hell, I guess. I don't know if I could ever see heaven, but that might even be nice too. Especially since I don't remember much of earth…"

Alastor's smile was very small. "If there are any recollections you'd like returned to you, I can always shift the terms of our deal. You wanted a fresh start from me: that's a bit of a loose term, and I'd be happy to restore anything required for your happiness, my dear."

Niffty shook her head once. "Thanks, Alastor. But no. I trust myself. Whatever memories I asked you to take away, I think it was because I couldn't be happy with them. Maybe one day I'll figure out a way. But for now I'm happy like this." Her smile grew. "I just don't want to stay locked away and be afraid of making other mistakes or bad memories. I want a life!"

Alastor nodded. "Then a life you shall have, my dear." His smile grew again. "Have an entertaining time assisting, Baxter. I believe he is a decent sort of demon. After all, if he was any less to you then I'd have to gut him, ha!"

"Oh Alastor…" Niffty laughed and waved him off. "He's nice — if he wasn't, I would have scared him and sent him packing myself. No one hurts our hotel!" She held her head high.

"Indeed. You are quite the force to be reckoned with." Alastor swung a fist through the air. "Well then, you'll spend the day helping Baxter, and we'll give Husker a well deserved day off. I believe that covers all new business." He stood up.

But Niffty darted right in front of him, her smile big. "Not exactly." She clenched her hands in anticipation and whispered loudly. "How did your date go with Angel last night?"

Alastor glowed brightly. But then he sighed and smiled gently. "Sublimely. The outfit you chose for me was just the thing I needed. He was quite enamored. And we talked about a good many nice things…" His eyes went down shyly. "Thank you for your assistance."

Her eye hazed. "I'm here for help anytime. I want you to be happy, Alastor. And Angel too. He's a very nice man."

Alastor raised an eyebrow. "So you recognize as well that Angel's…not a 'Miss'?"

Niffty nodded. "Yup. For a while now — I guess since you two stopped fighting after the open house and started smiling at each other instead. I just call him 'Miss' still sometimes because he seems okay with it and because he's so pretty. He's such a very, very, very nice man. Just like you deep down. It's like you two match."

Alastor was beaming and glowing and had little sparks coming off of his ears as he gripped his cane. "Yes! Well, I…" He swallowed, his voice quiet. "Do you really think so?"

She nodded. "You're a perfect couple."

That did it — Alastor felt that 'weak in the knees' sensation come over him again. "Indeed! Ha!" He hugged the cane so tightly he was surprised it didn't snap in two. "Well, thank you for your valuable input, dear! I appreciate your support! Oh, look at the time, I'm afraid I have an appointment with Charlie! Pardon me!" He swept by her as she giggled and waved. But he paused before leaving the lobby area. "Niffty… I like all of the new demons we've encountered here so far… and perhaps I shall like still more of them. As such, I intend for all of us to stay for a long time. So please befriend others to your heart's content."

Niffty zipped up to him, grabbed the end of his coat, and hugged it close. "Thank you, Alastor!"

He turned and knelt down and gave her a gentle, full hug. "You are eternally welcome, Niffty!"

When he pulled back she was beaming. "I'm gonna go start breakfast so Baxter can have something yummy when he arrives! And I'll set aside a plate for Angel and Husk and for you when you're ready! And I'll get you some coffee for your meeting with Charlie! And I'll leave some for Husk too." She raced off to the kitchen.

Alastor stood tall again and watched her ago with an amused smile. "I've become terribly soft somehow from my time here." He sighed and shrugged. "Well, at least it hasn't been boring." He chuckled, twirled his cane, and then set his sights on the stairs leading to the upper floors. Now he had to prepare for his meeting with Charlie. He paced the hall, arranging the words in his head and waiting for Niffty to be done with the coffee — he would need it.

Tucked in his bed, Husk yawned and started to wake up when he smelled the rich scent of coffee nearby. He finally turned and blinked open his eyes. There on his nightstand was a cup Niffty must have dropped off with a little note:

'Husk! I'm not sure how late you'll sleep but here's coffee, and I made you a plate of breakfast — it's in the fridge! Please rest, I told Alastor you deserved a morning to yourself. He said yes!

I hope you had fun on your phone date!

-Niffty'

Husk sighed. Alastor usually couldn't say no to Niffty, but he hoped he wouldn't have to deal with the deer demon later prodding him for more info on what he had been up to last night.

Last night…

Husk realized his phone was still clutched in his hand. It was dark though, definitely in need of recharging. He'd stayed up late, reading Molly's stories and replying to her about them — she really had been a firecracker in life. The idea had made him smile. He'd smiled so much last night that at some point he also remembered he'd wrapped himself around a pillow, pressing close, imagining as he'd drifted off to sleep the he was hearing her voice for real while holding that bountiful body of hers. And his dreams from there had been rather…intense.

He was flushed completely now, and he frowned. "I'm supposed to be talking to her to get over her, not to get in bed with her." He pulled his wings around himself with a sigh. Then he sat up and sipped the coffee, which was thankfully still warm. He also remembered Molly saying she would text him again tonight if it was all right. Of course he'd said yes. Even if he hated himself for wanting this, he needed it… just a taste of happiness before it all went away.

He closed his eyes and took a breath in and out then he opened them and looked around. "I've got nothing to offer her. This crappy room isn't even mine. All I've got is the hat on my head… I couldn't even protect her — I'd need Charlie or…Alastor…to do it." He looked down at his black phone. "Actually, Molly, you seem strong —you'd probably end up protecting us both." He rubbed his head. "She's smart, she'll realize sooner or later she can do way better than me, and that'll take care of everything…Yeah." He blinked a few times and sipped the coffee again and felt strange because however confident he wanted to be in that sad outcome for them…part of him suspected she'd keep liking him no matter what…and he couldn't shake it.

In an upstairs hallway, Alastor stood holding two cups of coffee. He checked his pocket watch — Charlie was likewise an early riser and should be coming out of her room soon to greet the day at any moment. And he would be right there to greet her for their little chat.

He bit his lip. He was still pondering 'feelings' again and…if it really could be worthwhile to run some of his current ones by her. Either his utterly unexpected 'not-quite-guilt' for Husk, or his ever-growing and intensifying fondness for Angel. Alastor still had a pesky notion that he was missing something important about what was going on inside of him in both situations.

Then the doorknob turned, and Alastor buried such wild considerations deep beneath his pride again. "Vaggie, I'm going to check on breakfast. And then I'll see if I can find—Oh, Alastor!" Charlie blinked and smiled at the sight of the Radio Demon as she closed the door behind her.

Alastor nodded and shoved one of the cups of coffee into her hands. "Quite on the money! I do believe we are due for a quick chat! Why don't we walk and talk as we greet the morning? The top floor should be lovely — no one up there yet, at least not until Baxter arrives later today, hah!" He snapped, and they both appeared in that corridor. He started walking, and she moved to keep up with him. "Now then, I have business to discuss, and if I heard correctly last night you do too. Who shall go first?"

"Oh!" Charlie blinked and sipped her coffee. "Uh, you can go first Alastor…"

"Right! Well, then…" He tilted his head, his smile very big. "I'm certain this goes without saying, but I'm a very private person so why not say it anyway? The brief cavalier moment you witnessed Angel Dust and I share in the hallway following our date last night never happened. It is not to be spoken of to anyone else in hell, heaven, or earth. Understood?"

Charlie smiled a little. "Alastor, I'm not going to gossip about you and Angel. I didn't even tell Vaggie exactly what I saw. You're both adults, and you're free to do whatever makes you both happy. Just do your best and make good choices. And, um…you know…keep figuring out your own pace together so you can take care of each other…the way special friends do." She blushed and tried to hide it by drinking from her cup.

Alastor raised an eyebrow for a moment, but then his eyes turned to radio dials. He took a deep breath and rubbed his temple. "Charlotte… I'm a gentleman, and I do believe we're treading dangerously close to subjects one does not discuss in mixed company, ha! Not to confirm or deny, of course, that anything is happening that would fall under the realm of… but you of all people should know that I would take care of Angel by any means in all potential ways." He sipped his coffee with a desperate need.

She simply nodded. "I know. I trust you, Alastor."

He sighed, a bit of his easier smile returning. "A foolish thing to do really, but have it your way."

Charlie smiled a bit too. "I'm gonna find the rainbow in you one day, Alastor the Radio Demon."

"Ha!" Alastor let out a genuine hearty laugh. "Perish the notion!" He sipped again. "Now then, on to your business. You came to speak with me last night. About what, pray tell?"

Charlie bit her lip then pulled out her phone, pressed a few buttons, and handed it over to Alastor who adjusted his monocle to read the message that was there.

"My mom sent me that last night. I know it SEEMS kind of normal, but there's a lot between the lines. That's how she puts things — nicely but also kind of hinting that she might do something not-so-nice at the same time." She frowned more. "Alastor, I'm going to tell her no about leaving the hotel. And then she and my dad are going to do something…but I don't know what. I'm…concerned." She held her free arm across her chest "My mom's hard to predict, and my dad's hard to read. You know power dynamics and politics better than I do." She glanced up at him. "What do you think they might do? And…what should I do?"

Alastor considered the message for another moment. Then he handed the phone back to her. "They'll do something. And you should do nothing until then, upon which you'll do something."

She raised an eyebrow then sighed. "Alastor, I know you like games, but I'm really worried here. And you owe me a favor, right? Please, can you—"

He held up a hand. "Save your favor — I insist." He sighed. "Charlie, given the vague information in this message and my limited interactions with your parents, I can't make a clear prediction on the matter even if you ordered me to do it, favor or no favor. I might be able to hazard a guess if they were overlords. But they're royalty — not to mention semi-divine beings who've existed for millennia: that's an entirely different set of social queues. I wouldn't know where to start with understanding their intents." He tapped a finger against his cup. "When you turn them down, that is when we'll know what they intend to do. The important thing is that this warning at least means we won't be blindsided."

"But what if—"

They had reached the end of the hallway, and they paused as Alastor turned to Charlie. "I'm going to ask you a serious question, Princess Charlie. Do you think the King and Queen intend immediate physical harm to this hotel and its members? Is that in their nature?"

Charlie hesitated then shook her head. "No. That's not them. They're subtler than that."

"Very well." Alastor shrugged. "Anything else they might do would be superficial and at worst require some reputation recovery and media spin. Simple enough. You managed all that once before with Angel Dust's little turf war news spectacle, and by gum you can do it again!"

Charlie took a deep breath, "Maybe you're right. There's no point in worrying myself. I'll just see what happens and go from there…"

Alastor moved a little closer and softened his voice. "Everything will be quite all right, Charlie. These silly games do not deserve to distract you. And really what mother sends messages like that?" He scowled, eyes threatening to turn into radio dials. "You're a far superior maternal figure!"

"Aww, Alastor…" She was beaming and had stars in her eyes

Alastor instantly realized he'd let his emotions about subpar parents get the better of him. He quickly cleared his throat and tried to move the tender scene along. "And besides, you have a hotel to run! If anyone can make this place a success regardless of any setbacks, it's you!" He flung his free arm up into the air.

Charlie's smile grew and she wiped away a tear. "Thanks, Alastor… but ALL of us make this place a success. Like you! We all feel secure with you here, you know."

Alastor glowed quite brightly for a moment, flashes of last evening and Angel saying he felt safe coming to mind. But then he snapped out of it. "Ha! Another foolish mistake to make! But to each their own!" But when Charlie just giggled in response, Alastor had to admit to himself once and for all that his attempted facade as a ruthless overlord really wasn't going to go over with her anymore. He settled for rolling his eyes and changing the subject. "Anyway, speaking of the hotel now, let's speak of Baxter! His suite will be up here, yes? Through there?" Alastor gestured to a door that was open with some caution tape over the threshold.

Charlie nodded. "Oh yeah! Come see! It's pretty much done! He designed the layout himself." She walked over and pushed open the door.

Alastor peered inside with curiosity.

A wall had been knocked out to connect two rooms. In one corner, all of the furnishings were neatly arranged. In the large middle area were cabinets stocked with various scientific equipment and substances as well as several lab tables bearing strange appliances. There was a small refrigeration unit with a sign that said 'perishable experiments', a large chalkboard on wheels, and in the far corner was a sealed cubicle with a sign that read 'sterile containment unit'. From the ceiling hung several contraptions, and there was a crude pulley elevator set up for Baxter to access these devices if needed.

"You've certainly accommodated him quite well. Do you intend do so for all of your guests?"

"Of course!" She smiled brightly. "I want everyone to express themselves and feel right at home here. That's how they'll find less sinful ways to spend their time so they can grow and live better lives!" She clasped her hands together, so enthused.

Alastor sighed. He kept any malice out of his voice as he chose his words carefully. "You do understand that some sinners might just take advantage of such incredibly generous hospitality for their own material gain and convenience, yes?" He grimaced a little. "Surprisingly I am not trying to rain on your parade. I'm genuinely curious about your answer. Because I have been here long enough to know that you are not naive, Charlie. And yet you are currently risking a great deal with your parents for the sake of this place. How do you know it's all…worth it?"

Her smile was faint now, but still remained. "I guess that depends on what you mean by 'worth'." She swallowed. "What I think that means and what my parents think that means are pretty different, for example. If you haven't noticed, I'm not…like my parents, Alastor." Her eyes were down. "Maybe some demons will come here to take advantage. But if even one comes for something more, I think we're a success — whether heaven takes them or not." She turned to him, smiling fully again, and wiped a tear from her eye. "So with Angel here — and you — that makes two demons who are at this hotel for something more, which means we're already a DOUBLE success! Quintuple with Louise and Abel and now Baxter, heh…"

Alastor's eyes widened. "But I am not a guest, my dear."

Her eyes hazed meaningfully, and she grinned. "Are you sure, Alastor?"

Alastor, for a rare time in his life, found himself speechless.

Charlie noticed and smiled more. She headed up the hall, sipping her coffee.

"Thanks for the talk, Alastor. It was just what I needed. I feel better. I'm gonna go check on breakfast — I'll see you later!" Charlie waved and headed down the stairs.

Alastor was still left alone, perplexed.

A guest at this hotel was someone who came here to reside and to better their lives and intentions so they could possibly enter heaven.

He had come here and was residing. His life was better, and the maliciousness of his intentions was utterly gone at times. And he would…consider pursuing heaven, but ONLY if Angel…

The Radio Demon glowed furiously at the embarrassing image of ascending to heaven. Perhaps he wasn't the worst sinner at the present moment, but he was certainly not a saint!

Alastor shook his head. Charlie had merely gotten into his head with her… cheerful logic. No, he would focus on preparing for when the king and queen made their move, and on doting upon his perfect Angel with whom he had had found happiness, no wings or halos required. Indeed, he was far too busy securing the future of this hotel and his relationship to become distracted by the notion that he himself, the infamous Radio Demon, might have…fallen into a path of redemption without even trying.

Charlie really was a clever one though — he had to admit that fact at least.

Angel had remained in Alastor's bed for quite a while, dozing and then just resting and holding Nuggets. The urge to poke around the room and investigate all of Alastor's cute little knickknacks and personal items had been strong, but he had resisted. The deer demon was starting to open up more and let him in, and despite Angel's desire to swoon over everything in his beau's room, he valued Alastor's trust and comfort above all else.

Finally though, both he and Nuggets were too hungry to lie around, and so Angel had taken hold of the pig and headed into his room via the secret door. He closed it behind him and put some food in Nuggets dish. He checked his pockets for his phone and then blushed as he remembered what had happened to it last night (Alastor stabbing it with his cane to stop that awful porn video once and more all). With a sigh he searched through a couple of his drawers and finally pulled out an old phone. He plugged it in to charge while he changed and cleaned up. Just as he finished his hair, the phone must have turned on because it started ringing. Angel's eyes widened when he saw several missed calls from Niss's number. He answered.

"Niss? Something happen? Is it Molly?"

"No, no! I'm callin' about her, but nothin' happened. I've been tryin' to reach you all morning."

Angel let out a sigh of relief. "Sorry, I had some…phone issues. And a late date. What's up?"

"Oh! Uh…just…I spoke to Pen — uh, Sir Pentious — and squared everything away. You and I are all clear to head to the airship on Saturday and talk to her. He's gonna fly low over one of the buildings in Cherri's territory, and we can climb up the rope ladder to get in. And he won't tell Molly we're comin' — I explained that it's a family thing."

Angel let out a sigh of relief. "Good, good. Fuck, I'll send him a gift basket or something so there's definitely no hard feelings." He raised an eyebrow. "So are you and snake lord, like…crime partners or something? Or does he owe you one…or what?"

Niss was quiet then sighed. "You know, I AM capable of making friends, Tony."

Angel blinked. "Oh…I-I know. Sorry, I didn't meant to—"

"It's okay. And he and I just…have a lot in common." Niss cleared his throat. "So, um…h-how was your date last night? Was it for work or was it with that guy you like?"

Angel hesitated — having civil conversations with his brother about his sexuality was new. But it seemed like Niss really wanted to try. And maybe Angel really wanted to try too. "With the guy… and it was really swell. We watched a movie, had popcorn … Fun times."

"Good. I'm glad."

"How's, uh…the person you're into? You try bringing her by Rosie and Mimzy's at all?"

"Uh…no I haven't tried bringing anyone here. It's…still complicated about that person."

Angel smiled a little. "Well, make it simple and just go for it already, stunad!"

Niss sounded like he was smiling. "Maybe. But, uh…I guess first we should take care of Molly."

"You're gonna back me up about making her go back, right?"

Niss sighed. "I'm gonna be the big brother and make sure that we work this out together. I mean it. We're gonna have a good long talk and hear each other out, no drama. It's about time I stepped up and looked out for us since Pops is too much of a bastardo to do it himself."

Angel's eyes widened and he was silent.

"Tony?"

"Sorry, it's just weird actually hearing you insult him. You never did, way back when. You always said to respect him…"

Niss's voice hardened. "He didn't deserve respect then, and he doesn't deserve it now. And we don't need him."

"I'm starting to really like the new and improved Arackniss."

"Me too."

Angel smiled a little more. "Let's meet at the rooftop Saturday morning, 9am. Molly'll still be groggy and more likely to sit still to talk — you know she hates morning."

Niss scoffed. "So do you!"

"Yeah, but I can power through them. Trade secret." Angel laughed. "I'll see ya then, Archie."

Niss laughed a little as well. "See ya, Tony."

Again, a space happened at the end of their call where it felt like someone should say 'I love you'. The words still didn't come, but both boys felt closer to saying them than ever before.

Angel hung up and took a deep breath. He hoped that no matter what happened, whatever they did would turn out to be the right and best thing for them all.

A/N:

Thank you so much for reading! The spider sibling reunion is coming soon along with more RadioDust bonding and sweet moments. I hope you enjoy ^w^ I appreciate your support!

Take care!

-Azure129