A/N:

Hi everyone!

Hope you're all doing well! Here's a new installment to the story — more complications with overlords and others : ) I hope you enjoy and thanks for reading!

Partners

Chapter 56:

Video Saved the Radio Star's (Spider)

"So then we're really gonna get to meet your brother and sister?" Louise smiled up at Angel, her little lamb tail wagging as they strolled through the hotel lobby together.

Angel nodded. "Yeah, they're gonna stop by this weekend. Just spreading the word so you all can mentally brace yourselves. Things might get a little loud — we've all got big personalities and a lot to go over. And then there's the…stuff about the mob goons watching the hotel." Angel frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm sorry you and Abel have to deal with that, especially while you're trying to plan your wedding. We'll get it sorted out quick. But in the meantime if you ever don't feel safe, you call me or go get Charlie or Alastor, okay?" He looked at her firmly.

Louise sighed but did nod. "Okay, I won't try to take on any of those fellas alone. But I really can handle myself pretty well these days, Angel." She winked. "And also don't apologize — it's not your fault your father's being like this. Besides, it's hell, and there's always some threat lurking around some corner." She glanced toward Alastor's closed office door and smiled. "I've just learned not to live in fear anymore."

Angel smiled a little, looking to Alastor's door too. "Yeah, Al can have that inspiring effect on people. You should see the crazy self-care stuff I'm doing for me because of that guy."

Louise giggled softly. "I'm real happy you both are gonna be at my wedding — having Alastor walk me down the aisle will help me feel less nervous, and I know you're gonna be the best maid of honor." Her eyes brightened. "Do you think Molly and Niss would like to come too?"

"Really? They'd love it!" Angel's smile grew. "Oh, is it okay if they bring dates though? I mean, Husk is already going, so I guess he and Molly would just go together. But whoever Niss is dating isn't someone at the hotel."

"Anyone they want to bring or show up with is welcome," Louise assured. "Actually if Molly and Niss want to be part of the bridal party too, let me know. I think the three of you as siblings would look just adorable all dressed up alike."

Angel chuckled. "Well, Molly would love any chance for us to wear matching dresses. But I'm not sure if you'd get Niss up there in a bridesmaid…suit? Jacket and tie? Blouse? He's not a super colorful guy and not really that perky at parties…" Angel put a hand to his chin. "Though he was dressing a bit more colorful last time I saw him, and he did seem a little more fired up."

"Whatever he wants to do is fine with me," Louise assured. "I've already gone over the designs and colors of the wedding party outfits with Rosie. She'd just need their measurements and enough time to make the extra outfits for them. She's already designing a tux in the same colors for Steve anyway. He said he'll be back from touring the Pentagram for performances in plenty of time for the ceremony. I can't wait to see him again!"

Angel nodded. "Yeah, it'll be nice to have live music at the shindig. And okay, I'll ask Molly and Niss about the bridal party stuff. Thanks, Louise." He winked at her. Then he swallowed. "Anyway, sorry, but before I leave for my shift I wanna check up on Al. Is it okay if we talk more about wedding stuff later?"

Louise smirked and pushed him toward the office door. "You go in there and make sure he feels appreciated and special and admired. I gotta go do the same thing for Abel anyway — he's starting to panic a little about taking care of every detail for the wedding and honeymoon. I feel bad that he gets so nervous, but it's also kind of cute too." She put her arms behind her back, smiling sheepishly as she blushed.

Angel grinned dreamily. "Yeah, I know what you mean — Al's the same way. Who would have thought an occasional eye twitch could be both concerning and hot, right?"

"I think it's the idea of making the eye twitch better that's most attractive." Louise's eyes hazed. As Angel turned to the door, she cleared her throat and added softly, "By the way, I know traditionally the person who walks the bride down the aisle sits down with the other guests after he gets her up there. But…I switched up some things. So instead Alastor's gonna stand next to you by the altar. I hope someone gets a picture. I bet you two'll look real nice up there."

Angel blushed a lot and felt his heart race, but when he turned around Louise was already dashing upstairs. He swallowed and held himself with his arms for a moment. "Heh…" It was a cute corny thought, and it would probably make an adorable picture at the wedding. But he had no inclination to tempt fight by wondering about becoming a bride someday, let alone…Alastor's. The whole idea of 'marriage' had always felt so out of reach for him that he'd never seen much point in thinking about it. In hell he was a porn star, a sex worker, a desirable dream everyone wanted to touch but no one wanted to hold on to. And in life…well, 'settling down' hadn't exactly been an option for a guy who only wanted to get together with another guy. For a moment Angel tried to imagine himself as a…wife…husband…partner. Would it mean quitting sex work? Would it mean leaving the hotel and getting some kind of place together? Would it mean that he would become kind of an overlord by default (like marrying into royalty)? Or that Al would have to let everyone know about them and step down or something for their safety?

Angel wasn't sure what he wanted the answers to any of those questions to be. Either way, he didn't have time to try sorting it out right this second…even though his head suddenly kept coming back to an image of him in a dress and Alastor in a suit standing together holding flowers and looking and feeling and knowing this was right.

No, he was definitely not going to think about this now and he was definitely NOT going to mention it to Alastor. The guy was still skittish enough about all their new closeness — the last thing he needed was a matrimony bomb dropped on him…even if he WAS cute when he got flustered.

But Angel knew that just getting to see his deer right now, no fluster required, was more than enough to satisfy him. He knocked on the door. "Al? Is it okay for me to come in? Just wanted to say hi before I leave for work. And to know if I should expect Shadow Smiles to tail me again, heh…" He opened the door a crack, heard something clatter to the floor, and then opened it all the way in concern. "Alastor, you okay?"

"Angel!" There was Alastor, sitting at his desk, newspapers and magazines and lists spread out before him, and a plate of rice and some kind of dark red meat at his side, half concealed by the clutter. He was glowing very much. He quickly cleared his throat and stood, offering a slight bow. "My apologies, I was rather lost in thought and your arrival startled me out of my reverie." He snapped, and the chair in front of his desk pulled out. "Do have a seat! I was hoping to see you too before you left." He swallowed, looking down. "And yes, I would prefer my shadow continue to keep an eye on things around the studio, if that suits you as well."

Angel nodded as he came forward and sat down. "Yeah, that's okay. He's real discrete, and it's probably good for both of us." As Alastor sat as well, Angel glanced at his desk. "You working on some kind of scrapbooking project or something?"

"Oh…no. Seeking inspiration mostly." Alastor pulled a hand through his hair. "I'm not quite certain what gifts a person should present at his first meeting with the family of his beau."

"Gifts?" Angel tilted his head. "Smiles, Niss and Molly don't need gifts! If anything the two of them might bring something here — probably a decent chianti or some pastry. But you ain't on duty as their host or anything. You just showing up is enough. You're always enough, Al."

Alastor blinked. Strangely, he found that hot tears had come to the edges of his eyes. He was grateful that the natural glow and heat of his face burned them off before they could fall. "Thank you, Anthony," he said quietly. Then he resumed his brisk tone. "But I still want to present them with something. Call it a compulsion or a nervous tic, ha!" He flipped through a magazine. "Let's see.. I'm not a very good judge of sweets, so I think I should avoid chocolates or candies. Flowers… of course not, I kill flowers by touching them. Wine is out as well if they might bring some, and the bar is stocked anyway. Perhaps a small homemade token…?"

Angel got up and moved his chair around to Alastor's side of the desk so they could sit side by side. "Smiles, why is meeting them making you this on edge?" He looked at him seriously. "I mean, I know you like making good first impressions, but even if you guys don't…hit it off right away…you do know it wouldn't change anything between us, right? We're good for each other. I love you. That's what matters. And everything is gonna be okay. Okay?"

Alastor swallowed. His breathing finally slowed a little, and his voice quieted. "I merely…want them to like me. Very much. For very many reasons. But I'm still trying to work out the deep nature of those reasons myself."

A little of Angel's smile returned. "I get it. You can explain more whenever you're ready. And hey, if you showed up here with a couple of relatives, I'd be a little amped up too. But cut yourself a break — you've got nothing to prove."

Alastor nodded, smiling a little more as his eyes met Angel's. "Perhaps I will try to let the matter go for now."

Angel's smile grew, and his eyes hazed. "Good to hear. I don't like seeing ya distressed. But hey, at least you're keeping up your strength." He glanced at the plate and reached out for it. "Ooo, what is that, the Chicken Creole recipe you made a couple weeks ago?"

"Er, no!" Alastor held up his hand right in front of Angel's, eyes wide. "My apologies, you know of course I would normally share but… that is…demon flesh."

Looking closer, Angel noticed how truly dark the meat was, with streaks of read that might not be just sauce. He swallowed and withdrew his hand. "Ah, got it. No worries."

Alastor looked down. "I get hungry when my mind is preoccupied, and demon flesh does fill me up the quickest." He held up his fingers. "I'm sorry, I'll snap it away while we're talking."

"You don't have to."

Alastor hesitated, eyes back on Angel.

"Tomorrow on our date you're gonna get up close and personal with sexy me. I don't mind doing a little of the same with cannibal you." Angel swallowed as he looked away from the plate but did smile genuinely when his eyes found Alastor's again. "I mean, it's not like there's a corpse lying out on the table, heh. It's just a plate of food. And I do want you strong, to keep you healthy and safe."

Alastor hesitated but then nodded as he lowered his hand. "I'll refrain of course when your siblings are here except behind locked doors, and I won't discuss my work with them either. I don't want to make them apprehensive. Though…perhaps at least your brother has heard of me." He winced, then his brow furrowed again. "I'm also eating now so that I don't have to put on any shows while they're here and risk them tuning in."

"And again, even if they do know about you as an overlord or did listen to your show and had some kind of problem with any of it, I still love you." Angel leaned in closer. He interlaced his hand with Alastor's on the table as the deer looked to him. Angel reached up and gently carded the fingers of his other hand through the ends of Alastor's hair. "Tomorrow, with our date, promise me I'll have you all to myself — none of this other stuff worrying you. I think it'll be good to give your head a rest. Let me take care of you a little, huh? To pay you back for my Shadow Smiles body guard." He smiled gently.

Alastor's eyes hazed, and his head tilted into Angel's palm in an easy way. His smile turned gentler too, almost grateful, and he released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "I will… try to let myself be taken care of. You will have my undivided attention tomorrow, Angel," His eyes opened a little more and he considered, glowing again. "If this question isn't ridiculous…what does one wear to be an audience for a private pole dance performance?"

"Heh, whatever makes you feel most comfortable," Angel assured, removing his hand from Alastor's hair to shrug. "It's not a big formal affair or a night out. It's just us." He squeezed the deer demon's hand a little, looking down shyly.

Alastor squeezed back, eyeing him curiously. "Have…you already picked out an outfit?"

Angel nodded, blushing and grinning sheepishly. "Yeah, but I want it to be a surprise. I'll tell you it's black though. I like black cuz…it can be feminine or masculine or anything in between."

Alastor raised an eyebrow at the reasoning. "You have excellent fashion sense. I look forward to seeing your ensemble."

Angel's eyes met his again. "You just meet me in my room tomorrow at six — we'll do the pole dance date, have some dinner, then head to bed. I'm already missing you when we don't wake up together."

"You as well?" left Alastor suddenly, then he glowed brightly. "I mean to say…when I'm with you at night I feel… Secure? Anchored? Loved… I have missed you too!"

Angel giggled. "Well there's no reason to miss each other when we're both so eager." He leaned forward and kissed Alastor on the cheek then pulled back to look into his wide eyes. "I'll try to get back a little earlier tonight so we can do a good night kiss. But don't push yourself to stay up — I want you to get your rest. And I promise I'll get mine too. Okay? This self-care things is a two way street."

Alastor nodded. "I'll prepare a small repast for you in case you're hungry and leave it in your room. That way even if I'm not awake I can still wish you good night with some kind of gesture."

"Deal." Angel winked then reluctantly separated their hands. "See ya later, cutie." He waved then got up and strolled out into the hallway.

Angel closed the door behind him and took a deep breath with a dreamy smile. Being cared for by someone was so nice. And now he had friends doing it along with Alastor and his brother and sister too. The whole idea made him have to wipe away a tear as his smile grew.

Alastor's shadow appeared, head tilted.

Angel laughed a little. "Happy tears, Shadow Smiles, no worries. I'm just gonna change and then head out. See you in the streets." The shadow grinned and disappeared as Angel headed upstairs, perfectly calm and happy.

Back in the office, Alastor sat at his desk with his head back, gazing up at the ceiling as his face glowed completely. His shadow appeared, smirking as it watched him in amusement.

Alastor took a deep breath. "You didn't tell him that I heard everything Louise said about having us stand next to each other at the altar at her wedding, did you?"

The shadow shook his head and made a motion like zipping his lips.

"Good." The tension in Alastor's shoulders eased a little. "I need to understand why everything I feel about him is so good but so extreme…and so new. Until I sort that out I can't even think about…other subjects of a more formal nature." His smile tightened and his eyes darted around. Then he took a deep breath. "I'd need his siblings' blessings anyway first. And we're quite a ways away from there, ha! But at least some good groundwork can be laid."

Then with a breath he clapped his hands together, smile a bit too bright. "For now, priorities! Please continue to keep Angel safe and to let me know if anything suspicious happens near the studio. I don't trust that filthy moth not to be up to some unforgivable depravity." His smile became more of a curling sneer as Alastor picked up his fork and eyed the remainder of his plate of food. "Until the time is right to kill him, keeping tabs is the best we can do." He stabbed the meat so fiercely that the plate chipped, then he slid the large forkful into his mouth and swallowed without chewing. "I do hear moths are high in protein. At least his fate will have some perks, ha…" His eyes had narrowed darkly, but now he blinked a few times and turned his attention back to his shadow, his smile normal again. "Oh, and if you glance into any store windows while you're out and see any intriguing gift ideas for Angel's family, do let me know!" He flipped through a catalogue once more, though with much less desperation than before. "I will resist the urge to obsess. But perhaps we'll still come across something they would like…that will make them open to liking me…and that will let them know know how much I like Angel…" His eyes hazed thoughtfully.

The shadow nodded with an eager grin and disappeared.

Since the streets were busy this early at night, Angel made sure not to acknowledge Alastor's shadow at all — he didn't want to call attention to his stealthy bodyguard. He also knew he didn't want to be looked after like this forever, but still it was nice to have a piece of Alastor nearby. Angel didn't think the mob goons would actually try anything though. And as for Valentino, Angel just… He knew he was always going to have some tension inside of him about the overlord, but he had decided he wasn't going to let it take over his thoughts. He wouldn't live in fear, like Louise had said. Valentino would do whatever Valentino would do. And when he did, Angel would deal with it then.

Right now Angel was more concerned with making sure the meeting with his siblings this weekend went smoothly and making sure Alastor didn't have some kind of anxiety attack about it. He'd never seen the deer demon would so tightly…and almost afraid. Angel wanted was to help give him some peace the same way Alastor had helped him during his panic attack after the airship debacle. He would make sure their special date tomorrow was relaxing, Angel thought to himself with a small smile as he entered the studio doors. With any luck Alastor would be so completely dazed and delighted that Angel would literally get to sweep him off his feet and carry him to bed again. Only this time Angel would get to go in the bed WITH him. And Alastor really was so beautiful late at night and then early in the morning, warm and trusting and holding Angel close.

Angel was about to giggle as he opened the door to his dressing room.

He caught himself just in time and swallowed down the sound.

There was Valentino, sitting in the chair in front of his vanity.

The door clicked shut behind him before Angel could think to stop it. Honestly, right now he couldn't move or breathe or blink. His head just kept going back to a late night in here not long ago when Valentino had come up behind him at the vanity and grabbed him and ripped off his skirt and…and Angel had had to watch in the mirror — watch himself smile and pretend what happened next was all right while inside he felt like he was burning and dying and becoming part of something foul.

He pushed down the memory (and pushed some bile back into his stomach). Maybe he was too stunned to run or fight right now, but he wouldn't give Valentino the satisfaction of a big smile and a simpering welcome. He bit his lip and remained silent and didn't take his eyes off the moth.

Valentino was smoking one of his signature cigarettes, lips pursed around the end of the holder as red smoke curled to the ceiling. He put out the cigarette on the vanity now, turned to Angel, and smiled way too big as he stood up to loom over the spider.

Angel took a subtle breath in and out, eyes very wide.

"Angel Cakes…Long time, no see." He walked closer. "Speaking of which…" Angel tilted up his chin; he was not going to look down. "…I owe you an apology."

Angel blinked, unable to help himself. "You…huh? Val…Daddy…?"

Valentino shrugged. "Well, I haven't exactly been around much. I know how lonely you get without Daddy to guide you, Angel Cakes. And then of course I've been fighting with Uncle Vox and Auntie Vel. Must be stressful for you."

"I…I get it, Daddy…" Angel swallowed. "I mean, you three got big, important, overlord stuff to work out. It's not my business to question it."

"Hmm…" Valentino chuckled. "I do like when you know your place."

Angel wanted to hit him. Actually Angel wanted to do a lot of bad things to him, but he would have settled for one solid bitch slap across the face and never seeing him again.

"But I also think you're missing the big picture here," Valentino went on with a smirk. "You see, Vox and Vel are gone. They're done. Partnership terminated. I haven't made the official announcement yet, but everyone knows. And that's where you come in…cuz Hell hates a power vacuum."

Angel's jaw fell a little. This obvious idiot couldn't really be pulling this schtick again.

Valentino went on. "…And you were being primed to be our fourth. But now you could be the number two to my number one instead. So how about it, Angel Cakes?" He pointed at him. "Want to step up?"

Angel looked at the finger. He found a balance between his pandering tone and his regular voice as he replied. "I don't think I'm ready. I mean…I barely got to spend any time learning the ropes, and then there was the whole mess at the Radio Tower." He met Valentino's eyes again, and a little firmness slipped into his voice. "I think I'd just hold you back, Daddy."

Valentino didn't insist or yell at him or come on to him. He just watched Angel, head tilted. And that response made Angel more nervous than any of the other responses would have.

"I see." Valentino crossed his arms. "Well, you think about it, Angel Cakes. You'd get more perks and privileges, and you'd be part of the studio forever — a legendary sex star. I'll still be the boss of course. Don't ever forget that."

"Never, Daddy Val."

Maybe it was over. Maybe Valentino would leave now, and Angel could go back to his normal routine for the night. He was about to step toward his vanity when Valentino moved to block his way. "When I said 'you think about it' I meant now, not later. You're taking the night off to let the matter sink in, see how it strikes you. In fact, I don't think we'll need you around here much until you make the choice — the right choice, that is. I know that'll put a dent in your earnings, but what does that matter when you'll be making overlord money soon enough, right?"

Valentino never changed the studio's acts on a whim, he never did anything to lose money, and he never let Angel go home early. All of the red flags were going off in Angel's head. He bit his lip, unable to see the angle here, terrified in this moment of unknown. "Daddy Val, I don't want to make anything complicated. I'd rather just perform and leave the overlording stuff to you. Please."

"No." Val's tone was firm. "Not unless you can think of someone else better to pick up the overlord slack around here, that is. Hmm…say now, that's an idea…" He smirked again now, eyes narrowing behind his glasses. Angel felt very confused and a little angry and afraid. "I really do spoil you, Angel Cakes. But fine — if you can come up with another replacement, I'm all ears. I'd treat 'em real well. And if they're not a sex worker, I would't make it part of their job. I'm looking for someone crafty…experienced…skilled at crime. Maybe a guy who has a lot of your traits minus the ditzy ones." He tilted his head. "Any chance you got a friend like that? Or some family?"

Fuck. Angel was going to be sick. Valentino knew about Niss. Valentino knew about… God, what if he knew about Molly too? Or found out? "I don't…I don't know, Daddy… I—maybe you're right and a night off would be good for me. I should go — think about things, like you said." Angel tried to turn to the door, but Valentino grabbed his arm.

It was a rough hold, and Angel felt tears prick his eyes. Valentino stepped close and now had him trapped against the door.

The moth's voice was low and cutting as he leaned in. "Angel…I know you must know someone. Maybe even someone in a bind. If you bring him by, I can help him. I can make him a political star. Maybe we'll be our own trio one day." He whispered now. "I keep tabs on my merchandise, Angel Cakes, and I know when it's got other interested takers. Consider this offer a personal favor from me to you. A way out by letting me take you and someone else in." And then he pushed open the door.

Angel stumbled backward but managed to keep upright. "I understand, Daddy Val. Thank you, Daddy Val. Bye, Daddy Val." He turned and didn't look back and walked quickly to the exit. He got out into the street and around the corner from the studio before he ducked into an alley, made sure he was hidden in shadow, then quietly burst into tears, shaking a little.

Alastor's shadow appeared beside him with a frown, looking around like he was searching for the source of the distress. Then he raised an eyebrow at Angel and attempted a weak smile.

Angel sniffed and found his voice. He kept it low though, just in case. "No, nothing's attacking. But these aren't happy tears this time either. Just…stay with me for a sec, Shadow Smiles. I need a sec before I can go back out there."

The shadow nodded and patted Angel's shoulder.

After a moment Angel wiped away the tears and took a deep breath. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a tissue and compact mirror, wiped off the mascara running down his face and fixed his hair until he looked normal again. He put away the mirror, tossed the tissue into the trash, then smiled a little at the shadow. "Thanks." He swallowed. "Uh…turns out I don't have to work tonight — long story. But I want to stop somewhere before going home. Will you come with?" He bit his lip. "I'm…gonna go see Vox. I'm not sure If there's any chance you'll get in trouble with Al if you come with, but—"

The shadow just waved him off like the request was no issue at all. He stuck up his fingers around his head like an extra pair of antlers — to indicate Alastor, Angel guessed — and then drew a rectangle in the air — to indicate Vox, Angel guessed again. And then he did a lot of dramatic gestures with his arms and finally just rolled his eyes.

Angel sighed. "I wish I could understand you as good as Al does. If I'm getting the gist, those two are drama kings about each other more than mortal enemies, so a visit is no big deal."

The shadow winked.

Angel laughed a little. "Okay. Let's go. Then we'll go home to Al."

The shadow nodded then blended into the darkness.

Angel stepped back out onto the street. He glanced back at the studio just once and thought he saw a suited figure on the roof duck and hide. He scowled. "Congrats, Val, you finally made your big mistake with me — you brought my family into this. I don't know if Pops tipped you off or if you figured out stuff on your own, but all bets are off now, bastardo!" He swiftly headed in the direction of Vox's penthouse.

Velvet was looking out the window of Vox's penthouse as she sucked a lollipop and kneeled on the couch. She was supposed to be watching Vark while Vox made dinner, but she figured the baby shark deserved just a little unsupervised time. So he was busy rolling around the living room and ripping up a throw pillow behind her while Velvet watched demons walk by down below and imagined different ways to maim them from above. If she got the velocity right, any pastry could be a deadly weapon, especially the dense ones. And extra especially the ones she filled with razors. At the very least she could make lots of people angry and covered in icing.

Her attention was suddenly diverted by the sight of someone familiar who shouldn't have been in this neighborhood. And now he was heading for this building.

Oh, this was going to be fun. "Hey, Voxxy!" She called out.

"Vel, unless it's an emergency, I'm trying to get this meat to brown so we can have Steak Tartare. Or at least burgers. Depends on how badly I fuck up this recipe."

"Okay, but Angel Dust is coming to visit right now"

"WHO is coming to WHAT, WHEN?!" A pan clattered onto the countertop.

"Yeah." She sucked on her lollipop again. "He just went into the lobby. Now he's probably in the elevator. Should be here any second." She turned around. "Vark, Attack Position Alpha!"

Vark, currently upside down and wrapped up in the shredded remains of the throw pillow, rolled over and sat up, panting and smiling with his head lopsided.

Velvet shrugged. "Eh, close enough. At least you'll give someone a false sense of security. Then you can pounce!" She got off the couch and ran to the kitchen, calling out to Vox. "I'll put out my emergency cupcakes! You're welcome for helping you host a guest, by the way!"

Vox stumbled out of the kitchen as she entered, his apron stained with sauce. "Vel, you're shitting me, there's no way Angel—" He caught sight of Vark's mess. "Aw, Velvet, why did you let Vark rip up another throw pillow!"

"He was born to slaughter! He needs to let it out!" She called back.

Vox sighed deeply as Vark came beside him. "Vark, please tell me she was kidding about An—"

There was a knock on his door.

Vox swore rather obscenely.

"Hey, no using that language around baby Vark! We're raising him to be classy!" Velvet skipped out of the kitchen, platter of cupcakes in hand.

"Why do you even have emergency cupcakes at MY house?"

"I have them everywhere I hang out — duh!"

Another knock, and now a voice too "Hey, uh…Vox? It's me, Angel. Can we talk?"

Vox sighed very deeply. He looked at Vark then at Velvet. "Do not kill Angel. Either of you."

Velvet rolled her eyes. "I'm not gonna kill him. I'd at least want him to try the cupcakes first."

The shark just wagged his tail with a big smile.

Vox glanced down at himself and his Kiss the Coaxial Cabled Cook apron. Then he glanced around the living room covered with exploded pillow stuffing. Then his eyes returned to his impulsive pet and occasionally-homicidal companion. He shrugged. "I should care about Angel walking in on all of this, but I don't." He headed over and opened the door.

There stood Angel…with Alastor's shadow of all things. Both guests gave a wave.

Vox glared at the shadow. "You! Did you bring Angel here? I thought we had a truce!"

"Uh," Angel glanced between them, "okay, so, I don't know what that's about, but I came here on my own. I need to call in my favor, Vox. Please."

Vox's screen glitched. "I don't like the idea of having you here, Angel. Alastor's going to find out, and then that pompous possessive psychopath will make my life extremely complica—VARK!" Vark had bounded past Vox and jumped right at Angel.

Angel caught him in his arms, laughing as the shark licked him. "Hey, hey! It's good to see you too, buddy! You're getting big! Ooo look at those teeth. Aww, good boy…" He patted his head.

Velvet popped up impatiently behind Vox. "Oh my god, Vox, just let Angel in — this is taking too long! Besides, Vark likes him and whatever Vark likes Vark gets! Auntie Velvet says so."

Vox sighed deeply and rubbed the corner of his screen. He stepped aside. "This needs to be quick. And the shadow stands guard outside." He pouted at the shadow, which rolled its eyes but shrugged and nodded then disappeared.

Vox closed the door as Angel headed in and put down Vark.

Velvet came forward with a plate of cupcakes. "Hiya Angel! I didn't poison or fill these with razors. Promise! They're red velvet! When Vark eats them, it looks like blood." She grinned.

Angel sighed but smiled as he took a cupcake. "Uh, thanks, Auntie Velvet. Missed you too."

"Eh, just call me Velvet. I never liked all that 'Daddy, Uncle, Auntie' simpering stuff. Gets old fast." She took some cupcakes and skipped over to the couch to eat one and feed Vark his.

Vox gestured for Angel to follow him. "Come on, dinner's gonna burn if I'm not watching it. We'll talk in the kitchen." Angel nodded and went along, finishing his cupcake.

In the kitchen Angel blinked at the sight of a pretty decent dinner being prepared. "Wow," he couldn't help himself. "I thought your idea of cooking was squeezing ketchup on fries."

"That's VAL'S idea of cooking. I just went along because it was easier than fighting. Besides I'm trying to feed Vark good and keep myself occupied, and also Vel's better when she gets a few meals in here that aren't dessert." Vox adjusted the oven and stirred meat in a pan. "First of all, I'm sure this goes without saying but if you ever tell Alastor about this happy domestic moment I'll make sure you never have cell service again. Second of all, what's the favor and sweet satan please let it be something simple?"

"Hey, come on, I'm not gonna go giggle to Al about you. Whatever issues you two have together are your own problem — I'm not adding fuel to that fire." Angel shook his head. "And as for the favor…" his voice got low, serious, "Val is trying to do something to me…involving my family. If you have any idea what it's about, I want you to tell me. Everything."

Vox blinked. He glanced at Angel. "You have family living down here?"

Angel crossed his arms. "I don't like to talk about 'em but yeah, I do. And I don't let anybody fuck with them." He swallowed as they heard Velvet laughing and Vark barking from the living room. "You remember what we talked about — how it's important to have stuff you care about and that matters to you?"

Vox nodded. "Yeah. I remember." He furrowed his brow. "I don't have any info — sounds like a new scheme." He sighed. "I can keep an eye on some cameras around the studio. Let you know if I find out anything."

Angel hesitated. "You're okay doing that for me? And…" he bit his lip, "this isn't some fucked up long-con mind game where it turns out you're working for Val all along, right?"

"Wow, that's paranoid. Val really has done a number on you after all these years, huh?" Vox moved a pan off the burner and looked to Angel. "I'm done with Val. And no, I don't mind doing this for you; it's just some cameras. Besides I just know Val will get himself killed if I don't stay in the loop and step in if things go south. I don't want him dead, just…less dickish." He turned off the burner. "Also if I wanted to fuck you over I'd just tie you up with a bunch of cables and ransom you to Alastor here and now. But you're not tied up so…" He shrugged.

Angel nodded. "Heh, thanks. I mean it." He hesitated then reached out his hand.

Vox eyed it. "And, because I've got my own paranoia issues, it's not gonna turn out that this is a trap and Alastor's standing right behind me with a giant knife and fork, right?" He glared but almost smirked a little.

Angel blinked and laughed. "Hey, that was actually a good one! Nah, I hate that double-crossing crap — always seems too underhanded, like cheating. If you're gonna fuck with someone, just be straight with them, you know?" He took Vox's hesitant hand and gave a quick shake. "Anyway, I should get going. Val gave me the night off. You know, after he gave me some bullshit about still 'becoming an overlord' and then segued into vague stuff about my family. Thanks again for everything." He smiled genuinely then waved and headed back out into the living room as Vox turned off the stove and followed after him.

Vark was balancing a cupcake on his nose while Velvet clapped. Once he saw Angel again though, Vark chomped down the cupcake and dashed over to the spider. Angel petted him and laughed. "Nice seeing you again too, Vark." He glanced at Velvet. "Thanks for the cupcake, Vel. You do make the best ones."

"I know!" She beamed. "Bye, Angel! Give us some warning the next time you come by, otherwise Vark or me might attack — whichever one of us feels like it."

Angel almost laughed a little as he nodded to her. He waved and headed out the door.

Velvet instantly looked to Vox. "So, what's up?"

He sighed. "First dinner. Then…I'm gonna spy on Val a little bit. I think he finally picked the wrong way to fuck with Angel."

"Ooo interesting! Come on, Vark, let's eat! Vox, let us know later if you find anything juicy! Hopefully it'll be before I head home." She laughed then skipped into the kitchen with Vark.

Vox followed her and tried not to think about how weird it felt to keep tabs on Valentino for Angel instead of the opposite way around. And yet, he knew this was the right thing — not just to honor his favor to Angel but to keep Valentino from probably getting in way over his head.

Angel reunited with Alastor's shadow outside. They went directly back to the hotel and dashed right upstairs upstairs. Angel just hoped he could avoid anyone noticing him and asking why he was back early; he didn't feel like explaining everything right now. He ran into Charlie in the hallway…but surprisingly she didn't question him. She seemed distracted by her phone — she barely even said hello.

Angel went right to Alastor's room and knocked. The deer opened, confusion apparent on his face. Angel came inside and explained everything about Val and Vox… Alastor took it in stride quite well, but clearly matters were complicated now. Alastor snapped up plates of the repast he had prepared to leave out for Angel, and the two of them sat down to eat and to go over their options. They wouldn't make any final decisions or tell the others about these new developments until at least tomorrow morning though, after Angel got a good night's rest and Alastor had a good opportunity to confer with his shadow and curb his increasing rage at the moth. For now, talking and being close was enough and all they wanted.

Charlie had been distracted in the hall because she had spent the entire day trying to reach her father. The silence from her mother at this point after her last vague promise of action against the hotel had gone from feeling like a relief to feeling like torture. Something was coming. Lilith was not known for letting things go…but there was at least a chance of Lucifer coming around.

So Charlie had been leaving him voicemails all day.

"Dad! I want to talk about mom. I think she's mad. I don't want to bother you, but I need help."

"Dad…me again. Maybe you could just ask mom to give the hotel a chance? Please? It's going to be a good thing for our people."

"Dad. Dad, why don't you ever answer? Look, I'm not asking for much. I'm not asking for anything anymore actually. I'm on my own with this, I understand. I know it's not what you wanted from me. But at least tell mom that I'm ready to fight for this place. I want you both to know that. I…won't call anymore. Goodbye."

Ever since leaving that last message, Charlie been walking the hotel, trying to calm herself. She didn't want to interrupt Vaggie, who was on mob guard duty outside. And she didn't want to go to any of the others and alarm them with her obvious anxiety. She just didn't know what to do…but she had to believe everything would be okay. Her parents loved her deep down and would come around eventually…right?

Then the front door opened — Vaggie came in. "Uh, Charlie? Razzle and Dazzle just pulled up with the limo. I think they have a message from the mansion. From your parents…"

Charlie gasped and dashed out onto the front steps. The limo was parked. Razzle and Dazzle ran up to her, smiling. She hugged them. "Aww, hey guys! I missed you too. Thanks for looking after my room and my part of the garden at the mansion." She swallowed. "Do you have something for me?"

They nodded. Razzle reached into his coat pocket and produced a parchment. Dazzle handed it to Charle. Charlie unfurled it. The message was short. But it spoke volumes. As she rolled up the scroll, her eyes were teary, but she did her best to keep smiling. "Hey, you two…why don't you pull the limo around back and stay here for now? I'll set you up a room right next to me and Vaggie, okay?"

They nodded happily and dashed off.

Vaggie came beside Charlie. "Charlie…what's wrong?"

Charlie showed her the parchment. Vaggie read it to herself.

'No matter what happens next, you can always come home. - Dad'

Vaggie raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"

"It means…he wants me to give up. But I won't.

Charlie rolled the parchment back up and wiped away some tears. "Let's not tell anyone about this, Vaggie. And I'm okay, really. Whatever my mom's planning must be happening soon, but that also means it'll be over soon and then we can move on. We're a family, and I'm going to keep us together and safe." She turned to her girlfriend before Vaggie could question her further. "Can we order a pizza? I'm hungry, it's been a long day."

Vaggie nodded. "Sure. Half mushroom and olive for you, half sausage and pepper for me."

Charlie nodded. "Perfect. Thanks!" She resumed her bright smile and headed up the stairs.

Vaggie watched her go, frowning in worry. Charlie needed more help than a pizza. And Vaggie was going to make sure she had it whenever the time came.

A/N:

Thanks so much for reading! The's a lot coming in the next arch of the story, and I appreciate your support and sticking with me : )

Take care!

-Azure129