A/N:

Hi everyone! More story today with lots of sibling bonding and princess happiness :) Thank you all for your support and for reading!

Partners

Chapter 85:

Even Big Brothers and Princesses Can Need Help Too

Cherri returned to the Emporium following her errands. She put away the groceries and straightened up around the place and assisted her two hosts while Rosie cooked and Mimzy set the table. They had a nice dinner together and played music on the piano and even sang some songs. After a few rounds of friendly poker, Cherri decided to turn in early.

As soon as she got to her room, she sent Niffty a quick text.

'Hey, hun, just checking in — I heard you might be feeling better. Things good with Baxter now? And are you good too?'

She changed into some loose-fitting shorts and a t-shirt that she had picked up while out to use as pajamas and was happy when she saw a reply from the smaller demon as she got into bed.

'Cherri! Yes, I'm so much better! You were right — even if things feel terrible, they can get better again. I talked to Alastor and Husk, and to Molly a little too. And then to Baxter for a long time. He understands what I need, and I understand what he needs, and we're just happy to be there for each other. I feel good. Thank you so much for talking with me that night. I love you! Please come by for another sleepover soon — Molly's moving in, I think all of us could have a lot of fun together!'

Cherri smiled and typed back to her.

'I'm so happy things are better for you and Baxter too. You're an amazing person, Niffty. And yeah, I'll be by again soon and we can talk about a sleepover. I'm just…spending a little time at the Cannibal Colony clearing my head for now.'

Niffty immediately typed back.

'Oh, that's wonderful! Rosie and Mimzy are super nice! Please take care of yourself, Cherri. I hope you enjoy your rest 3 Have a good night!'

Cherri typed back.

'You too, Niffty! Thanks.' And then she tucked away her phone and grabbed one of the trashy romance novels Rosie and Mimzy kept in their bookshelves that she had snagged on her way to bed. A little less screen time was helping her lately too. She pulled up the blankets close around herself and settled in. Normally at this time of night, especially near the weekend, she would have been out cruising some clubs, flirting with other demons to score free drinks, picking fights with anyone ridiculous enough to challenge her. She would have stayed out til sunrise then passed out til noon on the couch then chugged a few canned iced coffees and done the whole thing all over again.

But this was nice too. Really nice. Not EVERY night needed to be like this one — safe and quiet and carefree. But she wanted some nights to start being like this regularly.

Her time here was showing her so much about what she wanted out of her life going forward, and Cherri fell asleep with a truly happy smile on her face and pleasantly excited about whatever tomorrow would bring. Just like Niffty, everyone was okay now. So maybe it was her turn to be okay too.

In the morning Cherri woke up early, not long after sunrise — a rarity for her. But she felt refreshed, and she could already hear Rosie and Mimzy moving around the apartment. She decided to get up and see if she could help with breakfast. She wanted to keep picking up cooking tips from the two ladies — along with getting better sleep, maybe it was also time to stop living off of instant noodles and take out. Cooking for herself a few days a week seemed like a good goal to have.

Cherri pulled on another comfortable ensemble that Rosie had stitched up for her — red jeans with a black blouse — and headed toward the kitchen. "Rosie, Mimzy, need any help with breakfast?" She entered the kitchen and grinned at the sight of a surprise guest. "Niss!"

Sure enough, Niss was sitting at the kitchen table, wearing dark dress pants and fedora along with a surprisingly chipper pink shirt and red tie. He was sipping coffee with the two ladies.

"Cherri!" Niss blinked and smiled. "I didn't think you'd be up yet — I didn't wanna disturb your 'me time'. Sorry, did the coffee perking wake ya?"

Cherri laughed. "No, getting to bed at a decent hour did. And disturb me? Are you kidding? Get over here!" She raced up to him and hugged him tight, lifting him out of his chair while Rosie and Mimzy chuckled. "By the way, pink works on you! And the red tie too!"

"Thanks!" Niss laughed. "And hey, okay, put me down — yikes, you're worse than Molly."

Cherri set him down and grabbed a chair. "So what's up? Oh, and where's Pen?"

"He's feeding the Egg Bois breakfast," Niss explained. "I just wanted to stop by here to let Rosie and Mimzy know my new plans."

"He's asking Charlie if he can move into the hotel!" Mimzy announced.

"And he'll be interspersing his time there with nights spent in a certain someone's airship," Rosie added with an extra grin.

Niss blushed sheepishly. "Yeah, well, Pen does have a nice place.…and Pen is nice too." He cleared his throat. "But yeah, first the hotel — as long as Charlie's okay with it. Figured I'd drop by and ask her today."

"Oh, she'll love having you!" Mimzy assured. "Who wouldn't? All you spiders are so sweet!" She gasped. "And if we stop by to see your new place, we'll get to see you all together — and finally meet Molly!" Rosie chuckled. "Let's give the two of them just a little to settle in first — Molly only just moved into the hotel too, after all."

"Yeah, I was talking to Niffty a bit last night and she told me about Molly." Cherri smiled at Niss. "The three of you together — that's great, and it's about time." She poured herself some coffee and took a sip. "Ugh, and this is GREAT coffee! You brew the best stuff, I swear! Angel and Molly'll start gettin' up early just to snag a fresh cup from you."

"Hey, my coffee might be good but it can't work miracles. Those two were born to sleep in late." Niss chuckled, topping off Rosie and Mimzy's cups and then his own. "But for real, I want all three of you to visit and see my new place when it's ready." He looked to Rosie and Mimzy. "And thank you two again for everything you did for me these last few weeks: letting me live here and looking out for me when I was struggling, and helping me feel accepted and loved. It means a lot." He sniffed and glanced at Cherri. "And thank you for bringing me to them. And for supporting me about dating Pen…and about patching things up with Angel and making things work with Molly. You're like family too, Cherri. And I hope your time here gives you everything you need just like it did for me." He wiped away a tear. "All three of ya really know how to heal a demon."

Rosie leaned down and gently patted his shoulder. "We are happy and honored to help. And you are always welcome here. Both of you." She glanced at Cherri.

Cherri blinked when she realized there was a tear in her eye as well. "Uh, thanks." She quickly wiped at her face and sniffed, trying to smile again. "So, uh…Niss, you sticking around for breakfast or…?"

Niss got himself composed and gave her a humble smile. "Nah, sorry, gonna head back to the ship to help Pen with the Eggs and check on him. He's feeling a lot better now from the mob fight and getting around again and everything, but I still worry. Plus I just…really like getting to be with him so often now, heh." He blushed as the ladies all grinned. He finished his coffee then stood up and gave Rosie and Mimzy a slight bow, lifting his hat. "Ladies, a pleasant morning to ya." He went over to Cherri and held out his hand. "Cherri, have a good one — and keep taking care of yourself. Big brother Niss orders." He winked.

Cherri stood and shook his hand. "You got it. And thanks for being the best big brother. Oh!" She blinked when Niss grinned and suddenly pulled her in for a tight hug of his own. Her eye widened but then she smiled gently and hugged him back.

Finally they separated and Cherri wiped away a tear. "Go get your snake man. I'll be here."

Niss blushed and nodded, gave them all a little wave, then climbed out the window to the fire escape to head to the roof for the airship rope ladder.

The ladies watched him go then turned back to each other.

Rosie smiled. "Well, then, I think it's high time to start breakfast."

"I'll help! I…really want to keep learning to cook more, I think," Cherri offered.

"Marvelous!" Rosie smiled more. "Grab an apron and I'll show you how to make hollandaise and a lovely sage and venison omelet!" She went to the stove.

"I'll grab the juice and start some toast. We still have some of that lovely strawberry jam Alastor preserved!" Mimzy dashed to the cupboard.

"Alastor preserves jam?" Cherri grinned at Rosie as she tied an apron around her waist.

"Shh," she winked. "He's shy about his domestic side — I'm sure you'll learn more as he and Angel continue being close."

"Got it." Cherri laughed and shook her head. "Okay, let's get cooking! Tell me what to do first!"

The ladies spent the morning together in the warm kitchen, preparing and eating a lovely meal in each other's healing company.

Niss climbed the rope ladder into the airship and shared a bite with Sir Pentious after helping him clean up after the Egg Bois breakfast shenanigans. By the time they finished eating and doing the dishes (and sneaking in a few kisses), the airship was already near the hotel. Niss went down to the exit hatch and climbed part way down the rope ladder, watching the building come into view. The morning was still a bit early, and he enjoyed hanging out here in the fresh and bracing air. He just felt so uplifted inside, especially since he was on his way to talk to the Princess about getting a new place to live.

A place of his own. He'd never had one of those. He had only lived at the family home in life or in the mob headquarters down here. Always watched and controlled and having to look over his shoulder. But now he would be able to come and go as he pleased and hang out with whoever he wanted — and he was gonna be able to decorate too! "Maybe I could get some paintings of New York — real old school ones. And I could get some nice old-world crafted furniture. Oh and throw pillows!" As the hotel came in sight, his eyes were bright. When the airship came to a stop over the roof, Niss climbed nearly to the top of the ladder and called up. "Hey Pen! Wanna finally see a jump? I think I promised to show ya one one of these days — since I'm a jumping spider and all."

A moment passed and then suddenly Sir Pentious's eager head was sticking down through the entrance hatch. "Yes, Archie, I'd be delighted!"

Niss chuckled, blew him a kiss, then flung himself off the high rope ladder. He did a tumble in the air, braced his limbs, and landed with perfect placement on the rooftop. He turned back and gave a bow.

Pen clapped and whistled. "Bravo! My, how physically skilled you are, Nissy." He chuckled.

Niss blushed and laughed too. "Glad you liked it! I'll see ya soon — I'll call ya once I talk to Angel!"

"I'll be waiting, Nissy!" Pen assured with a wink.

Niss blew him a kiss, which made Sir Pentious giggle and blush before he waved and blew a kiss back then disappeared into the ship once more.

Alone now, Niss took a breath, ran a hand through his hair, and straightened his tie before finally heading toward the roof door. He took another glance at his outfit and smiled — the pink and red colors made him feel daring and free, plus he had always figured pink would look just as good on him as it did on Molly and Angel, and he had been right (Pen had been all over him this morning after Niss had shown him the outfit, and the spider had a feeling more of the same was waiting for him later today).

As he went to open the roof door, it opened toward him and he came face to face with Princess Charlie, wide-eyed and biting her lip in worry.

"Princess! Bongiorno." Niss stepped aside and gestured for her to forward. "Ladies first."

"Oh, Niss! Good morning! And thank you!" Charlie put back on her usual smile and walked out onto the roof.

Niss straightened up. "Everything okay? Ya look a little worried."

She ran a hand through her hair and tried to keep up her smile. "I'll be okay. Family stuff. But thanks."

Niss nodded. "I get it." He moved closer. "Anything you ever need, even if it's just to talk, I'm here, okay?I know a thing or two about family stuff, heh…" She nodded. "Thank you, Niss."

"You can call me Archie," he assured.

"Archie." Charlie nodded again in appreciation. She cleared her throat. "Are you here to see Angel and Molly?"

"Yup!" He smiled. "Got some stuff to talk about. I know they're probably both not up yet, but I don't mind waiting."

"I'm sure they'll be happy to see you. And Molly's new room is almost set up too."

Niss brightened. "Swell." He took off his hat and cleared his throat. "Actually, Princess Charlie…"

"Just Charlie." Her gaze warmed.

He nodded. "Charlie. As long as I got ya here, I was wondering…if ya got the space…Well, I—"

She came forward. "Archie — if you want to move in too, you're more than welcome. I think it'd be really nice for the three of you to be so close to each other."

Niss beamed. "Is this weekend too soon?"

Charlie swallowed, and he swore he saw a twitch in her features, but then she just shook her head and smiled again. "Not at all! We'll look forward to having you! You can pick whichever room you'd like, right now if you want." She gestured to the stairs. "I'm just gonna stay up here for a bit, get some fresh air, think…" She finally noticed the air ship above them. "Is Sir Pentious…"

"He's just hanging out up there — might come down in a bit," Niss explained. "If ya wanna go up and join him, there's hot coffee and fresh blueberry scones."

"Thank you." Charlie shrugged. "I'll think about it."

Niss tipped his hat to her then headed into the hotel, closing the roof door behind him.

Angel sighed and turned in his sleep as some loud sound started to wake him up. Knocking… Ugh, who was knocking so early? He went to pull the blankets tightly around his head but realized he couldn't tug them all the way over. "Nuggs…give Momma the blankets."

"Oh, Nuggets is in his bed in the corner. I'm afraid that's me taking up the other half of the blankets, cher. But I can manifest an extra one for you if you'd like. Of course, that doesn't solve the predicament of who's at the door right now, ha!"

Angel sighed and opened his eyes. He'd forgotten about Alastor spending the night. Alastor, who doted on him and worshiped him and who looked so damn touchable in those red pajamas of his. Alastor, who still 'needed time' to talk about loving him despite all they'd been through and Angel's own confessed love.

Still, any frustration Angel was still feeling about him slipped away the moment he saw Alastor sitting up in perfectly straight in the bed and looking so nervous. His hands gripped the hem of the blankets, and his ears twitched with each light knock on the door. The responses made sense though — after all, Alastor didn't like getting caught in intimate moments by anyone.

Angel sat up too now, frowning a little at his anxiety. "It's probably just Vaggie trying to get us down for breakfast. She won't come in or anything, Al. Also, good morning." He tried to smile.

Alastor blinked, snapping out of some nervousness. "Yes, well, you're probably right. And good morning, Angel." The deer turned to him and seemed inclined for a good morning kiss, and Angel was trying to navigate how to express that he still wasn't quite in the mood without getting into why last night's talk had been disappointing, when one more knock came and now a voice followed it.

"Tony? It's Archie. Just checking if you're up. Don't mean to wake ya — just wanted to talk about some stuff, and I guess I'm a little excited. And I wanna talk to Alastor too. No answer from his room though. I also wanted to talk to Molly, but I'm not sure which room is hers now."

"I…I should go — back to my room," Alastor started to say in a whisper, "before he—"

Angel took Alastor's hands in his own and looked into his eyes. "You do whatever makes you comfortable. But there's nothing to be embarrassed about, Smiles. If it helps, he knows Molly's been getting felt up by Husk every night this week, heh." Alastor glowed considerably. He bit his lip and glanced down at himself. "I…don't mind if your brother knows that we spend nights together. But I don't like to be seen in such a casual setting except by you." He swallowed. "It makes me think of the end of our pole dance date…getting interrupted in our privacy." Angel moved closer and gave him a peck on the cheek. He could spare at least that much affection for the guy in this frazzled state, no matter what issues there were between them right now. "You go into your room and get changed and everything then. I'lll keep Niss busy, okay?"

Alastor relaxed and nodded. "Thank you, mon ange." He raised Angel's hand and kissed the back of it. "Until later." Then disappeared with a snap of his fingers.

Angel smiled a little. Yeah, he wasn't happy with Alastor right now, but he still cared a lot about making sure the guy was okay. They could deal with their issues later. For now, he sighed and pushed himself out of the bed. "Hold on, Niss, I'm up." He shoved on a pair of pink slippers and hobbled over, leg feeling a little stiff but not in pain thankfully, and opened the door.
There stood his early riser brother, of course already in a shirt and tie and looking like he'd been up for hours. Angel grinned at his outfit. "Niss? In pink?"

Niss smiled sheepishly. "What, like you and Molly are the only ones in the family who can look good in it?"

"Bet Pen likes it too, huh?" Angel smirked.

Niss rolled his eyes and nudged his brother lightly in the shoulder. He gave Angel a once over. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Angel assured. "I think the bruising and stuff is healing up good. I'm just tired…" He bit his lip when Niss kept eyeing him in concern. "And…yeah, the angel wound still burns sometimes. But not often — I'm making progress overall."

Niss watched him closely for another moment but then finally nodded. "Okay, good. I'm not happy it's still bothering you, but I am happy it's feeling better and ain't getting any worse." He swallowed. "Could we sit down while we talk, Tony? I don't wanna strain ya."

"Oh, I ain't that fragile," Angel assured with an eye roll, but he still led his brother over to the bed where they sat down beside each other.

Niss seemed about to speak but then paused for a moment, an eyebrow raised as he eyed the bed. "You had Alastor in here last night, didn't ya?" He looked to his brother with a grin. "Two indents in the sheets, extra pillows, red hair on the blankets…" He glanced away sheepishly. "Sorry if I interrupted anything."

Angel waved him off. "Nah. I'm too exhausted for much of 'anything' to happen, and either way he just stayed last night to keep me company and make sure I was okay. He worries." He shrugged, trying not to blush and to ignore the fluttering in his heart at the thought.

"He's a good man." Niss rubbed the back of his neck. "Speaking of Alastor…I figured it might be nice if you and me and Molly picked a day for our big triple date with the guys. But before we do that…I know Alastor's been anxious around Pen, but…do you know how he feels about finally telling him that you two are dating?"

Angel sighed. "I talked to him — about how he was the other day and about if he's okay with letting Pen in on our secret. He's sorry about being so stiff with him. He's gonna explain to both of you why soon and apologize. And as for telling Pen we're dating, Al's definitely anxious but still okay with it. He'll probably be pretty dramatic when we confess though. Before the whole situation get even more complicated we should probably just get it all out in the open."

"Okay. And I think you're right." Niss cleared his throat. "How's Alastor feel about…telling Pen today? I mean, I've got Pen in the airship hovering over the hotel. If you want to wait though—"

"Nah…maybe we should just get it over." Angel rubbed his head. "Can we push out the time for the triple date though? I'm just…not really in a date mood."

Niss frowned. "If it's your leg, we can find a way to—"

"It's…not. It's complicated." Angel laid back on some pillows, frowning.

Niss looked down at him dryly. "Well, I am your big brother, if you wanna talk about it."

Angel swallowed, blushing a little. "It's…about love." Angel felt an uncomfortable heat grow in his ankle. He tried to ignore it. "Last night I reminded Al that I love him and asked him if he felt like that about me yet, and he put me off…but in a really romantic way? So now I'm frustrated and not sure what's going on or how to even bring it back up again." He sighed. "I don't know, maybe I'm just cranky from being hurt and stuck inside so many days."

Niss smiled a little. "Well, I'm really proud of you for letting him know what was on your mind, Tony. And…if he was being romantic when he answered you, then it doesn't sound like he was saying he doesn't feel the same way. Maybe he was just trying to communicate the best way he can for now cuz he needs some time. I can't blame him — 'I love you' is a big thing to say after all." Niss blushed, looking down.

Angel blinked and glanced at his brother. Then his eyes widened and sat bolt upright. "Oh my god, you told Pen you love him!"

Niss's eyes widened.

Angel gasped. "Oh my god, he said he loved you too!"

Niss was a fiery red, knees pressed together.

Angel's jaw fell. "Oh my god, and you to did something in bed to celebrate, didn't you?!"

It was Niss's turn to fall back onto the pillows, rubbing his temple. "No! Yes… I mean, yeah I said, and he said… And we slept in the bed together last night and we did some things…but NOT everything!" He was trying to fight it, but there was a dreamy look on his face.

Angel smirked. "You are a tramp, and I want details."

Niss sat up and tossed a pillow at him. "Shut up." He grinned.

"The tramp is dead," Angel gestured to himself then bowed to Niss, "Long live the tramp!"

Now they were having a full blown pillow fight before they settled down, winded and grinning.

Niss swallowed. "For real, we didn't…do anything too serious. I've kinda wanted to talk to you first before I tried anything like that anyway, cuz, uh…I don't really know what I'm doing. With guys. Hell, with anyone." He shrugged. "I mean, what if I do it wrong? Or not good enough? Or something doesn't work?"

"Hey, it's all gonna be fine." Angel assured. Then to lighten the mood he grinned and added, "And, well, the first thing you should know is snake demons usually have two dicks."

Niss pulled in his knees, looking the picture of shyness.

Angel nearly collapsed, hands on his face in shock. "Oh my GOD, you saw his two di—"

"I did not!" Niss held up his hands. "But while we were…doing something…Cherri called, and my phone fell, and she ended up on speaker. She didn't know he was there, and she told me about the… 'two' situation. So I am aware, and Pen and I have talked, and…I am processing."

"Oh my god." Angel rubbed his temple. "Why didn't you just say you were busy and hang up before she got that far?"

Niss pouted. "My hands were full!"

"All six of 'em?"

Niss blushed thoroughly. "Yes." He swallowed, a little grin picking up on one side of his face. "Pen is a whole lot of boyfriend, in case you haven't noticed."

Angel paused then grinned cheekily. "Fair point." He sighed. "You and Pen are gonna have such good times, ya know… And as for the sex, don't worry so much. Just loosen up and listen to each other and bring lots of lube." He winked.

Niss laughed, relaxing a little again. "Thanks, I think." He swallowed. "I'm still a bit nervous. You're really confident about all that intimate stuff, and I've always been a little jealous." He shrugged. "Heck, when you and Alastor did it for the first time it was probably the most natural thing in the world."

Angel went still as Niss looked at him. Now it was Niss's turn to blink in surprise. "You…wait…you two haven't?"

Angel groaned shyly. "I mean, technically no. It…we promised not to talk about details with other people. All I can say is we've done…other stuff we consider intimate, but not…ya know, nothing to write to a skin mag about."

"Oh." Niss didn't sound disappointed or concerned or confused. He just sounded like he was absorbing the new fact. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah…" Angel let himself explain just a little. "It's not my place to share specifics, but Alastor…ain't really into sexy stuff. He likes other things. And I like a lot of those other things with him. And sometimes we try new stuff that we both might like, and that's really nice. It's working." He sighed. "The 'no sex' thing really isn't bothering me at all compared to the no 'I love you' thing actually. Glad at least one of us is gettin' some when it comes to that, heh. Ah!" Angel gripped the blankets as his leg twitched, shot through with a momentary burning feeling.

"Tony!" Niss got close and put a hand on his leg. "Lie down. It's okay. What do you need?"

"Nothing, nothing…" Angel's breaths were shallow as he slowly relaxed and lowered his leg. "It's already gone. Happens real quick like that each time." He wiped his brow. "I'm okay. Me and Al are gonna make it better soon. We're gonna make everything between us better soon…" He bit his lip, looking down in worry."

Niss frowned and patted him on the shoulder. "It's all gonna be okay, Tony. You two'll figure it out — the burn and the love. And you're gonna keep taking care of yourself, and I'm gonna be here for you." He smiled gently. "And if it helps, I watched that guy on the battlefield tearing things apart to you — he cares about you an awful lot."

Angel smiled shyly, finally at ease again. "Yeah, Molly told me. And I know he does, deep down."

"Good." Niss gave his brother's shoulder a squeeze then removed his hand. "So we'll wait on picking a date for the triple date until you're ready," he offered. "No worries at all. You still up for letting Pen know about you two today or should we wait til you're feeling better?"

Angel shook his head. "No, I'm fine now, really. And I still want to tell him today. It'll be easier to plan the date later if we all get on the same page now." He smiled at his brother. "Bring Pen down, and I'll let Al know. He should be all dressed and ready soon."

"You got it, Tony." Niss stood up. "I was gonna grab Molly so she could be part of things and I could see her new room and mention to her about making our date plans soon, but maybe I should let her sleep in. She can show me her place later, and I don't want to interrupt if she's, ya know, got company." He blushed a little. "Oh, she's got company but she ain't in her room yet anyway," Angel replied with a grin. "The new paint's still drying. So for now, you can still find her downstairs in Husks's room, cuddled up probably under one of his wings. Better to let 'em rest though — they worked hard on that place yesterday. She'll wake up on her own in a bit and wanna show you her room right away."

Niss smiled and nodded. "In that case, before I call Pen to come down here and while Alastor's still getting ready, you wanna get dressed and kill some time by helping me out with something? See…just a few minutes ago I asked Charlie if I could move in here myself, and she said okay. So now I gotta pick out a room too — figure it'll be a great surprise for Molly if I've got it all sorted by the time she wakes up."

Angel beamed and then stood up, nearly wobbled, but finally came forward and gave his brother a hug. "You're gonna live here! We're all gonna be together! That's great, Archie!" He pulled back. "Molly's right across the hall. The rooms on that side need a little work, but the ones on this side are pretty decent. We can find ya a nice one, no question. Just give me a few minutes." Angel dashed to his dresser as fast as he could, grabbed some clothes, and headed into the bathroom.

While he was gone, Niss wandered over to the corner of the room where Fat Nuggets slept in his bed and started petting the little pig. As Nuggets cuddled against his touch, Niss's heart warmed. Living together again in their lives might end up having some challenges…but he also had a strong feeling it would be a good thing. And he was already looking forward to all the memories he and his brother and sister were gonna make here.

Charlie wasn't sure why exactly, but after Niss left she found herself climbing up the rope ladder to the airship. She had originally been coming up to the roof to think and breathe and try to convince herself that maybe whatever news story aired this weekend wouldn't be about her while simultaneously working out a few plans for how to handle whatever Katie and Tom might do to attack the hotel. She hadn't expected to bump into Niss — but he was nice to see, and hearing he wanted to live here was nice too. This hotel had brought a family back together… it was a good thing to remember despite all her doubts. No matter what anyone tried to say about this place and her plans, she was doing right by her citizens and helping them find happiness. It was the best start to proving redemption possible that a person could ask for…even if the idea of yet another soul coming to the hotel and relying on her did make her worry a little more deep down considering whatever was going to happen this weekend.

So, on an impulse Charlie found herself climbing up toward Sir Pentious and tea and scones. Maybe a moment in the clouds would help clear her head. Besides, Sir Pentious was a citizen, and she loved getting to know each of her citizens. And she had only ever gotten to see Sir Pentious in passing, the few times he'd dropped by the hotel before the mob fight. He seemed nice and brave though, and he was an overlord. This meeting could be good for her — for them both.

Charlie eventually reached the ship hatch and pushed it open then pulled herself up inside and closed the hatch behind her. She stood, looking around. "Um, hello? Sir Pentious? It's Charlie, from the hotel."

She heard some curious gasps behind her and turned…to see several dozen Egg Bois smiling up at her. Charlie blinked them smiled back at them. "Um hi! Egg Bois, right? Nice to meet you. Were you…waiting at the hatch for something?"

They all nodded.

"We were waiting for Mister Niss!" one replied.

"We love him, and the boss man loves him!" another added.

"We were gonna let the boss man know if we saw Niss coming back!" a third one chimed in.

Charlie laughed. "Well, that's very nice of you. Niss is inside the hotel right now talking to Angel. I thought I might visit while he's gone, if that's okay. Is Sir Pentious around?" She blinked and held out a hand. "Oh, um, I'm Charlie."

The Egg Bois all gasped in delight.

"Charlie!"

"The Princess!"

"She knows Cherri AND Molly!"

The Egg Bois instantly raced forward and suddenly they had her hoisted up on their tiny backs.

"Whoa!" Charlie wobbled as they headed up a set of stairs. "You don't have to carry me, really! I'm just like anyone else!"

"Nope, you're special!" An egg insisted. "The boss man will be so excited!" The eggs all giggled as they carried her higher and finally reached the main landing of the airship, where Sir Pentious was adjusting some controls behind the helm.

"Egg Bois, is that you? Can you get me a socket wrench and my leather apron, I—" Pen gasped. "Princess!" His eyes brightened and he instantly slithered toward their guest. "Egg Bois, set her down! And bow or something, she's the princess — honestly!"

The Eggs finally lowered Charlie and attempted to bow but mostly just bumped into each other and wobbled only to attempt bowing again and starting the whole process over.

Sir Pentious face palmed then quickly escorted Charlie away from the Eggs.

Charlie smiled sheepishly. "Sir Pentious, they really don't have to bow…"

"Oh, but they're having fun bowing, and it'll keep them distracted. Otherwise who knows where they might carry you." He grinned as he led her up a landing. "Come, come, we'll head to the solarium! I have sun tea brewing, and there are leftover scones from breakfast." He shrugged sheepishly as he led her over to a set of glass doors. "I'm sorry, I do wish I had more prepared for your visit — I've never hosted royalty before, in life or in death!" He put a hand to his chin. "I did have a great third cousin who was rumored to be an illegitimate viscount, but that hardly qualifies." He waved his hand in dismissal and opened the door, bowing and gesturing forward. "Please accept my humble hospitality."

"I'm sure the tea and scones will be lovely. Thank you, Sir Pentious." Charlie gave him a little bow in return, unable to help the formal response, and entered. Her eyes shone with stars at the sight before her — the plants and rocks and glass ceiling, all full of light. "This is beautiful!"

"Thank you, it's my favorite place on the ship!" Sir Pentious beamed in pride then moved forward. "Come, come — the table has the best view, right in the middle of everything. Oh, this is so exciting — a royal guest! I get to entertain such marvelous company these days!"

Charlie followed after him in wonder until they came upon the little table set with a covered pitcher of tea and a wrapped plate of scones. She smiled more and sniffed. "Oh, it all looks delicious! This reminds of being little, having tea parties with Razzle and Dazzle and my dad."

Sir Pentious pulled out her chair and poured them both tea. "There's always something to be said for a good tea party, in my opinion. Niss loves them quite a lot too. Hell really should have them more often." He uncovered the scones and held out the plate to Charlie.

Charlie reached to take it…but then paused, lost in thought.

"Charlie? Are you all right?"

She blinked and finally finished taking the scone. "Yes, thank you."

Sir Pentious took a scone for himself and nodded, then set the plate aside.

Charlie continued looking down in thought, and then some words tumbled out of her. "Sir Pentious… are you happy with how hell is?"

The snake paused, eyes wide. "I thought the point of hell was that no one was supposed to be happy about being here. We're being punished, after all, right?" He smiled sheepishly. "If we weren't, I'd still have legs for days and a full head of lustrous hair."

Charlie furrowed her brow. "I-I know. I just… I don't mean 'are you happy with how hell is cosmically'. I'm talking about the way hell is run — are you happy with it or…do you want it to change? Or would you be unhappy if it DID change?"

Sir Pentious looked a little anxious for a moment. But then he glanced at the glass dome around them overlooking hell. "I'm not certain if I'm the best person to ask. I'm an overlord, even if I'm a lower ranking one, and that position comes with privileges. I do wish most of the other overlords weren't so hostile, I suppose. But politics is always delicate, even on earth. I'm certain a lot of the common demons would have ideas for improvements though." He leaned his head on his hand. "I wouldn't be unhappy if there were changes, as long as I could still keep my position."

Charlie nodded. Her eyes went to the glass dome around them too. "There are lots of smaller changes I'd like to make eventually — to help everyone. But the only big thing I want to do now is end the purges." She squeezed her glass so hard she was surprised it didn't crack. "None of you deserve to spend a whole day each year waiting to die forever." She took a deep breath to calm herself. "But to change something that big, I have to change a lot of other smaller things first. And demons don't seem to… I mean… I'm just…"

"You're worried that people won't be happy with those changes? Won't be happy…with you?"

Charlie blinked away some tears and nodded, looking to the snake.

Sir Pentious was frowning a little. He sighed, gazing down at his tea. "Charlie, I know there's a certain pain that goes along with doing your best… and being cast out despite it…or perhaps because of it. That fear of ridicule and failure and disappointing others…hurts." He was curling in on himself a little. "Being disliked is its own kind of hell."

Charlie frowned. She wanted to hug him for understanding — perhaps too well, but she didn't want to interrupt.

He went on. "But you are trying to make an afterlife for all of us that's worth living. You're being true to your nature. And that effort deserves gratitude even if you might only get grief at first." His eyes met hers. "I appreciate you trying to make hell a safer place for me…and for Niss…and for the new friends I have made lately. And I know others will appreciate you too. You're a very good princess, Charlie. They'll all see the truth, in time. And then they'll be just as grateful and honored to call you their princess and their friend as I am."
Now Charlie's lip was trembling, and tears were in her wide eyes. She stood up. "Oh Pen…can I hug you?"

"Oh yes please, I love hugs!" He flung his arms wide, sniffling and teary as well.

"You're the best citizen ever!" She smiled.

"You're the best princess ever!" He smiled too.

Instantly Charlie was wrapped around him while they hugged and cried and smiled and comforted each other. They stayed together, being dramatic and emotional and happy and complimenting each other and eating scones until an eventual message sent to Pen's phone from Niss made both he and Charlie depart for the hotel below, arm in arm.

A/N:

That's all for now! Just a little relief for everyone in the midst of all the drama getting ready to happen lol. Thank you all again for your support :)

Take care!

-Azure129