A/N:

Hi everyone! Quick end of the year update! Lots of stuff with Val/Vox, lots of other cute couple moments, and Charlie deals with more of her emotions. Thank you for reading, and Happy New Year!

Partners

Chapter 92:

Friends Don't Let Friends Accept Defeat

After sending his message to Angel, Vox just took a deep breath and waited for a reply. He really wanted to address the whole 'anti-hotel newscast' thing with Alastor in person and as soon as possible. He knew doing so would prevent a bunch of drama and misunderstandings. Vox was honestly surprised Alastor hadn't already retaliated in some way or at least sent a threat. Maybe that fact meant the deer wasn't TOO pissed off at him — small favors.

Vox also really wanted to talk to Angel in person about the whole 'you don't technically have a job now, but some good news, Val won't be bothering you' thing. The spider was smart and probably getting curious by now about the lack of attention from the studio and Valentino anyway. Vox knew that being direct with him was the right thing to do. After all, Angel was sort of his friend now, and Valentino had sort of made the whole mob battle even more complicated by getting himself involved with Angel's dad. Vox felt responsible for setting things right.

If he had tried to get a message to Alastor asking for a meeting, Vox knew the response would have been dramatic silence at best and a bunch of intimidating threats and quips at worst. So he had messaged Angel instead since the spider seemed to have a good rapport with Alastor. Angel was also very persuasive, and Vox had a feeling the guy could get Alastor to cut through the bluster and just say yes.

Despite his confidence in Angel's abilities, when a text arrived a few moments later from the spider saying he had already succeeded, Vox was still surprised.

'Vox,

Hey! Hope you're okay and didn't get scuffed up or anything from that whole mob cluster. Talked to Alastor — big surprise, he was kinda uneasy, but he did agree to meet under three terms. You come to the hotel during the daytime, you don't poke around the place, and you bring no one except Vark. Alastor'll be civil, I promise. And I'll be here too, and you know how good I am at diffusing overlord drama from the number of times I've refereed your parties with Val and Vel, heh. We'll talk a bit more and let you know a date. I think Nuggets is gonna enjoy meeting a new friend. And…maybe you'll like meeting some of the people here. It's a nice place if you need a break from drama and bullshit. And…thanks for letting me know Val won't be reaching out for a bit.

-Angel'

Vox let out a deep sigh of relief and reacted to the reply with a thumbs up. He figured if Angel had gotten an answer from Alastor so quickly then they must be hanging out together right now, and he didn't want to rock the boat by pulling Angel's attention away from the egotistical deer with another full message.

Besides, he still had so much work to do. Ever since dawn he had been coordinating major repairs on his territory's mainframe after the cannibals had cut the television feed. He was also patching signals through some old satellite dishes to air reruns on his television stations until live broadcasting could be restored. Not to mention he was checking in with Katie once every hour to remind her that he was pissed and she should be worried about that fact. And of course he had started going over the mob battle footage himself. He had managed to scrape a copy off of the station's backup server thankfully. He wanted to review it before seeing Alastor and Angel so he could understand what exactly had been shown and just how annoyed or upset Alastor and Angel might be for various reasons.

Vox sighed — might as well finish up with the rest of the footage now. A cable came out from the side of his neck, and he plugged it into a computer monitor. "At least not all the footage was shown before the cannibals and I cut the feed. I think I'm close to the end now of what actually aired…" He clicked play and started his slow scrolling through the video.

Very slow scrolling…because there was one big task he still needed to do today that he was maybe using all the others to avoid. He needed to check in on Val.

The moth had officially left to move back into his apartment at the studio as of today, and…Vox had no idea where they stood exactly.

Things had seemed to be getting better between them over the last few days; they'd found a nice, healthy-feeling balance in their friendship. But then…the news broadcast had happened. And Valentino had panicked.

Vox had never seen Val panic — he'd seen him angry and grumpy and agitated, sure, but…last night, faced with the footage airing and potentially showing him beaten and bound street, the man had frozen up, had begged, had started to cry. And in the end when news show had finally been cut off without showing any shots of his humiliation, Valentino had thanked Vox and…hugged him. Vox hadn't known what to do. He had ended up just offering a pat on the shoulder in return, but…maybe that hadn't been enough somehow? After all, Valentino had still left.

Vox sighed. This whole 'being real friends instead of just overlord business partners' thing was getting to be complicated. He liked it, but…there were a lot of moving parts to consider. And apparently one of those parts was the fact that Valentino was willing to be vulnerable with him now…and actually trusted Vox to help him.

Vox felt…honored at the idea. And last night he'd also felt a strange sense of responsibility to protect the moth from others and Valentino from himself as long as Val really wanted to try being and doing better.

Vox paused in scanning through the video. He was near the part where Henroin was taking a last stand against his kids, the approximate end of the aired footage. So now he had his basic idea of what had been aired — lots of shots of Angel shooting at mobsters and Alastor wiping out mobsters with tentacles, and Husk punching out a few mobsters. Not a great look for the hotel, but overall nothing terrible. He was relieved.

Vox leaned back in his desk chair. All of his other tasks had currently been delegated to others. He glanced to Vark, hoping the shark would be eager to play or eat something or go for a walk…but the little guy was just snoozing beside his chair.

Vox sighed. No more excuses, he had to deal with reaching out to Valentino now. Waiting until later would just make things even more awkward, and either way he really did want to make sure the guy was okay after last night.

He pulled out his phone, considered texting, but then called. Calling in this day and age always showed you cared even if you didn't have the words to say how much.

It rang a few times, and he wondered if the moth wouldn't answer…or maybe couldn't answer because he was passed out high or drunk. Those were Val's two favorite ways of dealing with problems, after all.

Suddenly, though, the call was picked up.

"Uh…hey…Vox?"

Vox blinked and smiled. "Hey, Val! Just checking in. Everything okay over there? With the studio and you?"

"Oh, uh…yeah. Yeah. Still feeling a little sore, but I'm fine. Stuff over here's quiet. Getting ready to open up later. Basic floor show, nothing fancy." He paused. "Thanks for holding down the fort here for the last week. And for, uh…organizing all my receipts in my office…and my cigars…and my drugs… And for cleaning my apartment up or whatever."

"Heh," Vox grinned. "No problem. And I took care of organizing the office stuff, but Vel is the one who cleaned the apartment. Just, uh…check for razorblades tied to any drawer handles in there. You know how she is."

"Yeah, heh…"

Valentino had almost laughed, and Vox felt relieved.

"Uh…" Valentino went on. "You and Vel maybe wanna…come by for tonight's show? Us, the VIP room, bottle service — ya know, get back to some old times?"

"Oh." Vox blinked and glanced at Vark, who had woken up thanks to the call and was now happily chewing on the blanket Valentino had used. "I wish I could, but I don't have a sitter for Vark, and I think bringing him to the studio with all the flashing lights and smoke would overwhelm him at this age. Sorry." His brow furrowed. "Maybe I could get Vel to watch him, and I can just come by myself instead—"

"Oh…no!" Valentino quickly replied, his voice cracking — his neck injury must still hurt. "I mean, I don't want to leave her out — you know how she gets. It's fine. Don't worry. Maybe next time."

"I'm still happy to bring Vark by and visit during the day when the studio is quieter," Vox offered. "I could come by now—"

"No, I…I need to rest now. I'm tired."

Vox frowned a little.

"But…maybe in a few days?"

Vox smiled. "Yeah. Sounds good. And I'll…I'll look into finding a sitter so Vel and I can come some nights too."

"Okay, yeah." Valentino cleared his throat. "Well, uh…I should get going. Say hi to Vark for me or whatever."

Vox grinned and glanced over his shoulder. "Vark, Val's on the phone — he says hi!"

Vark instantly jumped up and put his forelegs on the table as he yipped. Vox laughed. "He says hi back, Val!"

"Heh, good to hear from ya, Vark." Okay, that was definitely a laugh from Valentino. "Have a good one, Vox."

"You too, Val."

The call ended.

Vox patted Vark until the little shark calmed down and went back to sleepily snuggling his Val blanket. Vox felt a lot better knowing the moth was okay…even if he was sure Val must also be a little lonely. But he'd bring Vark over to visit soon and cheer him right up.

Anyway, maybe now Vox could finally take a break from the chaos of this morning's obligations and go for a walk in the park with Vark or make himself a late breakfast and sort out what exactly he was going to say to Alastor and Angel.

Alastor and Angel…

His face went back to the screen before him, frozen on Henroin facing down his kids. He frowned. This whole fight had clearly done a number on both Alastor and Angel even before the news show fiasco. Neither of them had been out in public ever since, as far as he knew. "Maybe…I should check the end of the footage, see how things played out. Just so I know how bad it got and what to brace for when I see them." He bit his lip then nodded to himself. "As long as I don't share anything and I destroy this copy when I'm done like I was going to anyway, I think that'll be fine."

He pressed play. There was Henroin, gloating at his kids.

And now he was shooting at his kids. "What the hell?" Vox blinked in shock and disgust. "Oh fuck, I'm not sure of the exact cut off point of what aired. I hope these frames didn't make it on screen. If there's even a chance, I owe Angel AND his siblings a big apology." At least he understood now why Angel hadn't been out on the town enjoying his time off. Even if Henroin's shots had missed, the trauma of your parent opening fire on you would be enough to make anyone into a hermit for a while.

Henroin hadn't missed though. When the chaos cleared, he saw that Angel was down — he'd gotten hit by his father's bullet. "Fuck…Okay, even if this part didn't air, I'm not just apologizing — I'm bringing over wine and a gift basket and maybe cash. He does not look good. And that wound is shimmering like…angelic bullets?" Vox's eyes widened. "How the hell is he okay enough already to be answering texts and making meeting plans?" He scrubbed through more of the video. The camera liked to jump around — it was using some kind of drone. Now the focus was on Angel's siblings — his sister raging with demonics and his brother telling off their dad. Husk was keeping an eye on them. Angel must be off to the side, out of commission. So where was…

The camera swung around again, eventually finding the airship up above…which suddenly teleported from high in the sky down to nearly street level.

He blinked — he only knew one person who had enough magic to pull off a teleportation that flashy and dangerous. "Damn. Alastor must have been pissed to do that big of a trick. He's really protective of everyone at the hotel… Or just really hates Henroin, which tracks. Jerks in power always piss him off."

As the video continued, the camera stayed on the other spider siblings and their father, and then Sir Pentious came into view as well with Husker. Again though, where was…

The camera shifted angles slightly. The drone had probably gotten caught in the wind from the sudden displacement of the airship. Then a red figure and a white figure became visible at the edge of the screen.

"Oh, I guess Alastor's with Angel." It looked like Alastor was helping Angel stand up and walk toward his father. Then Angel was walking on his own, coming closer and more into focus, looking pissed. And…was he using Alastor's microphone as a cane?

Vox's mouth fell open. He instantly pushed down a small feeling of jealousy at Alastor trusting Angel with the precious item when the deer had never even let him touch it. He ended up smiling at the special moment sunk in. Sharing — that was actually a good sign for the deer. Alastor had always been so paranoid and reclusive, and Angel had gotten screwed with by Val so many times. Trusting each other was good for both of them. He was glad. Besides, these were clearly extenuating circumstances. Angel was literally on his last leg, and he needed to face his dad now while he still could. The spider approached Henroin and clearly proceeded to tell off his dad. Then he turned his back and went off camera again.

A gigantic tentacle appeared, and everyone climbed aboard as it lifted them up to the airship. The drone camera went wide to keep Henroin in sight and capture the rest of the battered mob. Okay, things looked like they were wrapping up.

As the tentacle brought the hotel group up to the airship hatch, Vox sighed at the sight of them. "Shit, they're ALL look like they went through the wringer. No wonder Alastor's been scarce along with Angel." The video showed Niss shouting something at Henroin now…and then jumping into Sir Pentious's arms. Huh, looked like all the spider siblings were making overlord friends. Henroin turned his back and retreated with his men now, and the airship was starting to lift higher to depart.

Vox paused the footage before the airship could fly away though. He tapped his finger in thought. Then he made a few more cables come out of his body to plug in to the monitor. He might be able to sharpen and zoom the image enough to see exactly how badly Angel had been injured. Maybe he should send Angel another message, tell him there was no rush about meeting up? If he needed extra recovery time, Vox didn't want to push him. Divine wounds could kill a demon quickly and permanently.

When the video finally reached its best resolution and zoom, only Alastor and Angel were in frame, and their images were fairly crisp. Vox saw Angel mumble a few words then pass out against Alastor. That was bad — Angel didn't get taken out easily. Vox had seen him stay standing and lively through heavy amounts of liquor and drugs and rough performances for clients.

Alastor seemed surprised too. But more than that… He looked stunned or appalled or maybe…afraid? The deer stopped smiling for just a moment before he resumed his grin, eyes wide in panic. He held the spider close and ushered Angel and the others all inside for the airship to depart, never letting him go as they disappeared safely inside.

The airship pulled away. And then the video cut out.

Vox just sat staring at the now blank screen now, head tilted in thought.

Alastor never dropped his smile. Not for anyone. Another pang of jealousy came over Vox…but it faded. They were fading more easily. And other thoughts were starting to occur to him and make more sense. The over sighed…and smiled a little to himself. "You don't just trust him. You care about him, don't you, Alastor? And not as part of a deal or entertainment. It's more real this time. What did I miss? What did I…not do right?" What about himself had never been good enough to earn the deer's affections the way Angel had? But then he shook his head. "It was never about me not doing something right. It was about us just not being right for each other — as business partners, as romantic interests, as friends… though part of me wouldn't mind giving 'friends' a shot again. I think we've grown enough that it could work." His smile picked up on one side. "Heh, you look so worked up…if I didn't know any better, I'd say you've got a crush on Angel, Alastor. I know having a crush on you left me pretty pained sometimes when you'd go and risk your neck." A glimmer of excitement came to his eyes. "If you do, I hope it makes you happy…like how you made me happy — at least until I got angry and jealous and frustrated all the time and made things go bad."

He pressed a few buttons and deleted the footage for good with a satisfied nod and smile. He put away his cables. "Imagine if Angel doesn't even realize it? Heh… You'd think decades-old demons wouldn't be so clueless." He chuckled and stretched then turned around in his chair. "Come on, Vark, let's take you for a walk and figure out how to talk to Angel and Alastor when we see them. We'll also start going over the fact that pigs are friends, not food, so you can safely play with your new friend Nuggets."

Vark barked and wagged his tail happily as Vox grabbed his leash and they headed out the door into the ruby sunshine of hell.

In the studio, Valentino lay in his bed in his cramped apartment attached to the VIP suite and sighed with his phone in hand. "Fuck…I sound like such a loser when I talk to him." He rubbed his temple. "At least that call woke me up though." He blushed and squeezed his legs together, trying not to think about the dream he'd been having before the call — this room, blue satin sheets, rose petals on the pillows, and Vox smiling warmly as they shared a laugh…And then they shared more as Val spread his legs the television embraced him and brought him to the edge of loving bliss…

Needless to say, Valentino's bed was a mess, and now he had to do the laundry on top of everything else, just to make this day even more spectacular.

He swallowed. "At least he's not coming here alone tonight. Like a fucking date or something. I just…can't." He buried his face in his pillow.

Everything in this place was dim and cold and quiet. He felt so fucking alone. He WAS so fucking alone. And no one here cared about him — in fact, anyone puttering around the studio right now would probably sell him out in a heartbeat if they could.

But not Vox, never Vox. And he'd hugged Vox for it last night. It had felt so good to hold him…and so devastating when Vox hadn't held him in return. Vox's gentle pat on his shoulder had made him feel wonderful in the moment but now he saw it for what it was…a sign that they were friends. Just friends. Forever.

He felt pained yet hopeful about the idea of Vox stopping by with Vark in a few days. Why the fuck had everything gotten so damn complicated?

He just hoped that if Velvet stopped by with Vox, she would take pity on him. He was not in the mood to be teased about his pathetic emotional state.

With a deep breath, Valentino managed to drag himself off the bed and stuff all his blankets in the hamper. He needed a shower — a cold one probably. Might as well make this shitty morning even shittier. He made his way to the bathroom and shut himself inside for a while.

Crymini's phone had buzzed during breakfast, and she had looked at the screen and her heart had nearly stopped — Lucifer.
Her eyes had scanned his message — he was pleading with her to go spy on Charlie at the hotel, offering her triple the money, begging her to reply as quickly as possible. It had taken all of her self control not to growl at his pathetic words. Instead she had grit her fangs, deleted the text, then blocked his number and put away her phone.

She had turned back to her plate to continue eating and noticed Alastor glancing in her direction. With a swallow Crymini had immediately looked down and dug into some eggs, ignoring him.

She knew she would have to come clean eventually with these hotel people and the princess about her role in the new show fiasco. There were too many questions without answers about why she was here and cared about Charlie. But not right now, not yet — she just wanted a little more time here to be normal and feel safe and to gather her thoughts first. She spent the rest of breakfast just trying to focus on the fact that Abel and Louise and Molly were nearby and Husk was right next to her. He…got her. And he treated her with respect and like an adult. And he wasn't questioning her about why she was here. It helped. She just had to stick with him and things would be okay. He'd understand about what she had done for Lucifer and so would everyone else…she hoped.

When breakfast finally ended, Crymini busied herself by helping clear the table. In the kitchen, a little one-eyed demon lady and a fish guy with a lantern were stationed at the sink, giggling together as they scrubbed and dried the dishes while Crymini quietly brought in the rest of the utensils and stuff and set them on the counter nearby. Everyone around here liked to hook up apparently. But they all…seemed to really like each other and were kind of sweet about it. Not a toxic relationship in sight. Even the princess and her girlfriend had seemed so genuine together for the brief time they'd spent at the breakfast table.

Finally, everything was cleaned up and there were no more chores left. Crymini wasn't really sure what to do with herself as she watched the others start spreading out through the hotel to take care of their usual tasks or just to hang out together. She considered going to look for Husk, but she didn't want to seem clingy and she didn't want him to think she trusted him all the way yet or something. Getting sent to hell as a teenager had given her one advantage at least — she was a master at acting aloof with people. She was not about to give up her air of mystery and toughness so quickly.

Still, she felt unanchored in this moment, and it was making her thoughts race and go right back to Lucifer. She hoped he'd stay away from her…

Suddenly (and thankfully) Louise approached her, wearing an apron. "Hey, Crymini! Feel like some fresh air? Abel and I are gonna walk to the cafe to start our shift. You could come, hang out at one of the tables in the backyard, maybe watch some shows on your phone or read a book or even help us in the kitchen if you're interested."

Crymini almost smiled and was about to say yes when her eyes went to the hotel door and she realized…the idea of leaving the hotel, even for a bit, felt sad to her. Like walking away, even for an afternoon, was somehow too soon after running here as her only safe place last night. And what if Lucifer was out there looking for her right now? Or what if the restaurant got crowded and loud and made her feel overwhelmed (she'd only been there so far at closing time when it was nearly empty)?

She also felt a pang of guilt in her heart, like…like she owed it to the princess to remain here until she had worked up the nerve to finally talk to her and come clean.

Crymini swallowed. "Thanks, Louise, but…I think I want to stay around here for right now. I really want to talk to the princess as soon as she's feeling better." She tried not to show concern as she 'casually' asked, "You'll be back soon, right?"

Louise smiled warmly and nodded. "By dinner, we promise. And that's all right, I'm glad you're getting used to the place. I'm sure the princess would love to meet you once she's feeling better. But if you get bored, come down to the cafe and see us. You're always welcome."

Crymini smiled a little. "Thanks."

Louise nodded then looked to the stairs and called out. "Abel?"

"Coming!" Abel trotted down the steps with a grin. He held Louise's hand then he gave Crymini a smile and a wave. "Hey, Crymini! You coming with us?"

"No, thanks," Crymini replied, trying not to feel guilty about turning them down.

"She's gonna stick around here for now," Louise replied.

Abel nodded and looked back to Crymini again. "I hope you have fun and get to meet some more of our hotel family. They're kind of a random bunch but also really nice. And I'm sure they're excited you're here."

Louise gave Crymini a wave as she and Abel headed for the door. "See you later, Crymini!"

"Bye!" Crymini called out to them awkwardly as they left the building.

Now she really did feel alone. Maybe she should have gone with them… But maybe getting to know the other people around here a bit more wouldn't kill her. She heard someone heading down the stairs and her eyes went up. It was a cat demon — not Husk, the other guy, the purple one. He was holding a saxophone. She had only glimpsed him last night, but now that she got a better look at him he seemed familiar…

Her eyes widened — fuck, he was that cat she'd seen around the news studio lately, the one who had seen HER. What if he recognized her and suspected her of being on Lucifer's side and told everyone and then everyone got mad at her and then…

Crymini immediately hid down the hallway near the back door until the cat reached the lobby then left the hotel.

She breathed a sigh of relief. She decided she needed some air. Leaving the hotel still didn't feel right, so she headed up the stairs, looking for a way to the roof.

She made it through the second floor without incident but on the third floor she heard some faint crying. The princess's door was open. She heard her girlfriend talking softly, "It's okay, Charlie. It's okay. You take as much time as you need. We're here for you."

Crymini frowned so much and almost whimpered. She just hoped that when she told Charlie the truth later, it wouldn't make her cry even more. Even princesses couldn't be strong all the time. And with parents like hers, Crymini couldn't blame Charlie one bit. She wasn't a spoiled royal demon like Crymini had assumed at first — she was just a girl, not much older than herself, just doing her best under the weight of a lot of bullshit. Crymini had a feeling the rest of hell wouldn't have blamed Charlie either for being so vulnerable and hurt right now.

Holding herself close and wiping away a tear of her own, Crymini found the next staircase and dashed up it went through a door. Fresh air filled her lungs as she found herself on the roof. But she wasn't alone.

"Hey, new girl — Crymini, right?"

Crymini blinked and nodded. Another one-eyed demon was here… Cherri Bomb.

Crymini had heard of Cherri Bomb and her pyrotechnic turf wars. Her life of power and freedom had always seemed to good to be true, which always made Crymini figure there was probably a lot of rough stuff she was hiding. Still, she did seem like a badass… and Crymini had always wanted to be a badass too. "Uh, hey… Sorry — Cherri, right? I was just looking for some fresh air."

"It's cool." Cherri smiled. "I was just seeing off Pen and Niss." She pointed up, and Crymini could see the airship not far overhead. "They're gonna do a little scouting and report back later, make sure no overlords are planning to try anything funny against the hotel after that news show. When they get back I can introduce you. You'll like 'em."

"Uh, thanks." Another overlord and a guy with guns — Crymini wasn't so sure about liking them, but they had seemed nice enough at breakfast this morning.

Thinking about breakfast made her remember Lucifer's message again. She wondered if he had tried to reach her after she had blocked him.

"You…okay?"

Crymini realized her ears had gone down in worry. She perked them back up again. "Fine, yeah, whatever. Just tired…" There were some lounge chairs up here. She plopped herself into one and turned away from the other demon.

She didn't hear Cherri leave though. Instead she heard the demon take a few steps toward her. "So…look, I don't know why you ended up at the hotel last night, but…if something's bothering you, this is a pretty good place to deal with it. Everyone who comes here gets happier — it's kind of weird actually. Anyway, whatever's on your mind, just…don't beat yourself up about it. And let yourself open up when you're ready. I promise, it helps. You're safe here."

Crymini glanced slightly over her shoulder with an eyebrow raised. Cherri's smile turned into a smirk and she added, "And if you're ever back out there…" she gestured to the streets around the hotel, "…and you don't feel safe, then just come find me. I'll hook you up with a few smoke bombs and a couple M-80s. Toss one of those at someone who's messing with you, and they'll scatter pretty quickly, heh."

Crymini's eyes widened…and she smiled a little, her tail giving a quick, single wag.

Cherri gave her a little salute. "Take as much time up here as you need. If anyone's looking for you, do you want me to tell them where you are or…"

"Just…Husk, if he's looking for me. That's okay." Crymini shrugged.

"You got it." Crymini heard Cherri walk across the roof then leave by the door.

Crymini sighed and gazed out at the streets around her. She had a lot of thinking to do. But at least she was in a place that would give her the time and space and support to do it. XXXX

As the morning progressed to afternoon, Rosie and Mimzy found themselves in the kitchen, taking tea and chatting away. They were very intrigued when Husk and Niffty suddenly entered, sharing a couple of quick whispers before smiling at the two cannibal ladies (Niffty brightly and Husk and bit bashfully).

"Niffty, Husker!" Rosie grinned. "So nice to see you in person. It's been too long."

"We can tell you've been keeping a good eye on Alastor," Mimzy assured with a wink. "Thank you both so much."

"Oh, uh, it's nothing," Husk waved them off.

Niffty nodded. "Yeah, with Angel's help it's been easy!" She leaned close and added in a loud whisper, "Also, ever since him and Alastor started dating, Alastor self-regulates really well."

"So I've seen." Rosie chuckled. "And how have you two been?"

"Oh, fine, just, fine…" Husk cleared his throat, blushing.

Mimzy tilted her head and smirked a little. "I think he's got something to tell us, Rosie."

"Oh, indeed yes, Mimzy. But let's let him build up to it," Rosie concurred.

Niffty giggled. "We both want to tell you something, but Husk is just shyer about it." She clasped her hands together over her skirt, shifting from foot to foot. "We just figured, since you're both here, maybe we could formally introduce you to some special people." She blushed and smiled more. "Husk sort of has a girl, and I sort of have a fella now too…"

Rosie perked up in interest. "Niffty, I had no idea you were in the market for a young man — how marvelous!"

"Yes, we'd love to meet them!" Mimzy added. Then her eyes widened. "Wait…if we're gonna get to meet Husk's squeeze too, does that mean…"

Rosie's eyes brightened, and she and Mimzy spoke at the same time. "Molly!"

The kitchen door opened now, and in stepped the spider lady in question. "I heard my name, heh." She shrugged and then glanced behind her and whispered. "Come on, Baxter, they're really nice." She held open the door, and a little fish demon in a lab coat shuffled in humbly after her. The two of them approached the cannibal ladies. Husk came to stand at Molly's side as Niffty came to stand at Baxter's side.

Molly addressed the ladies with a big smile. "Bongiorno, Rosie and Mimzy! I think ya heard of me already, and I know ya saw me at the table at breakfast, but it's nice ta get officially introduced — my name's Molly. I'm Angel's twin sister and Niss's little sister, and…I'm pretty in love with Husky." She giggled and kissed Husk's cheek, then turned back to Rosie and Mimzy. "Nice ta meet ya!"

Baxter cleared his throat. "And I'm—" His voice cracked. Niffty lightly touched his shoulder. He let out a happy sigh, cleared his throat, and started again. "I'm Baxter. I just moved in here a few weeks ago, and I'm quite keen on Miss Niffty. It's very nice to meet such good friends of hers." He gave the ladies a bow then straightened up.

Rosie and Mimzy glanced at each other, practically beaming, then instantly approached both of their new acquaintances.

"Such a delight to meet both of you!" Rosie assured, shaking their hands heartily. "We're happy our dear friends could find people so very dear to them."

"Oh yes! Molly, you're a delight!" Mimzy beamed, eyeing her hair and examining her dress and cooing over the little hearts on her limbs. "Oh, you do look so much like Angel!" She giggled and zipped over to Baxter. "And Baxter, what a charmer! And look at that jacket! You're some kind of doctor or researcher, aren't you? Niffty, you must be able to have fascinating conversations with him."

"We'd love to have you over to our place for tea sometime, Baxter and Molly," Rosie assured. "And your brothers and their beaus too, Molly. Alastor is sadly overdo for some quality cannibal colony family dinners anyway." She laughed.

Molly beamed. "I'd love ta! I'll have to make somethin' ta bring — what do ya like? Angel and I can cook it together! Oh, and Niss'll bring a dessert!" She blinked. "Wait, have you two met Penny yet?I know ya saw him at breakfast, but everything was so hectic. And then Charlie…" She bit her lip and looked in worry toward the lobby.

Rosie saw her concern and stepped forward. "We haven't met him formerly yet — but we'd like to," she replied gently. "Perhaps introductions could be made now, while we're all here and the princess is still taking some time for herself."

"Yeah." Molly tried to smile again as she turned back to the ladies. "I can text 'em to swing back by here early." She pulled out her phone.

"Excellent thought." Rosie nodded. "And why don't we take this meeting out into the garden for some fresh air, hmm?"

"Besides," Mimzy grinned, "Alastor and Angel are out there walking Angel's little pet pig. It's just adorable to watch."

Molly giggled as she finished sending her message. "Sounds like a plan ta me." She took Husk's hand, and Husk smiled and squeezed it.

Baxter moved beside Niffty but still gave her space. "I would enjoy some extra time socializing. Niffty?" He glanced at her.

She nodded. "I'd like to spend time with our friends too." She hesitated then held out her elbow. Baxter beamed and hooked arms with her.

Rosie and Mimzy instantly sidled up alongside each other, and the whole group headed out into the yard.

Sure enough, Alastor and Angel were out there already, walking Nuggets and laughing and talking. They beamed at the sight of their friends.

"Alastor, we've been formally introduced to Molly and Baxter and their lovely respective relationships with Husker and Niffty," Rosie announced. "So we thought all of us lovebirds could spend some time out here in the garden. And, Angel, I do believe your lovely brother will be joining us any moment."

Indeed, like clockwork, suddenly the shadow of the airship hovered above the yard and a rope ladder dropped down low. Niss worked his way down and then hopped off to land in the yard as Sir Pentious set himself into a pulley and lowered himself down to the ground as well.

"Ladies!" Niss grinned. As the excited snake reached ground level, the spider grabbed his hand and pulled him over. "Molly had the right idea, how did I not think of this sooner?" He cleared his throat and stepped to the side, bowing as he gestured to his boyfriend. "Rosie, Mimzy, I'd like ya to formally meet my fella, Sir Pentious. Pen, this is Rosie and Mimzy…they took care of me like family when I needed it most, and I'm so grateful."

Rosie and Mimzy curtsied. Pen dashed forward, beaming with tears in his eyes. "Oh, dear ladies, a pleasure to meet you! And thank you so much for caring for my dear Nissy!" He bowed low and doffed his hat.

Mimzy giggled. "The pleasure was ours! He's swell! And we're so happy he met a charmer like you."

"Indeed." Rosie grinned. "Niss, you didn't tell us your beau was so very dashing and refined."

Niss blushed and laughed as Sir Pentious straightened up and beamed in pride. "As though I could be anything less for this perfect gentleman." He snuggled close to Niss, who blushed and gazed at him dreamily.

Angel laughed. "Well, no matter how rough last night was, I'm glad we're all at least getting to see each other." He hesitated, glancing at the others. "It's been a bit since breakfast. Has Charlie come down yet again or…"

Rosie sighed. "No, not a word from her or Vaggie. I believe she still needs time. We'd like to stay until she's come to terms with the situation so we can be here for anything she needs."

"Yeah." Mimzy nodded with a frown and looked to Alastor. "And we also want to be here for anything you need, Alastor. Using all the magic last night…You must be exhausted" She shook her head in worry. "We're happy to stick around to offer extra support." She grinned as she added, "Besides, you know Rosie and I are the best at making your favorite venison dishes."

Almost on cue Alastor's stomach rumbled loudly. He sighed sheepishly. "Well, I wouldn't say no to some of your delicious emergency venison dishes. And never ever to your charming company." He bowed. "Thank you, ladies."

Angel chuckled. "Thanks for being here for him and Charlie, you two. And I'm so glad you got to meet Molly and Pen — and Baxter too!" He sighed. "Sheesh, this hotel is gonna get a reputation for hook-ups way before it gets one for redemption."

"Speaking of the hotel's reputation though," Niss started, tone turning serious, "we probably need to start figuring out a way to improve it after what aired last night. That's the best way I can think of to help Charlie feel better."

"I would be happy to share my plan with you all," Alastor offered. "Though I only intend to go through with it pending Charlie's approval." His eyes lit up. "Oh, but first I'll have to let you know about another new development! One only Husker and Angel are aware of…" His smile beamed proudly. "I'm building a small radio tower here at the hotel — so that I can have the two most important passions of my life right here with me." He gazed at Angel lovingly.

Rosie smiled knowingly and Mimzy sniffled with happy tears while the others looked on with supportive grins.

The spider blushed and giggled. "Smiles…" He glanced at the others shyly. "He's real proud of the tower. I can't wait to see it when it's ready. It's gonna be beautiful, Al." He took Alastor's hand and gave it a little supportive squeeze.

Alastor squeezed back, gazing into his eyes for a moment. Then he cleared his throat with a shy smile and looked to the rest of the group. "Er, why don't I snap us up some sweet tea and we can discuss everything further and continue catching up?" He snapped his fingers, and instantly a full pitcher of ta and glasses for everyone appeared on the patio table.

With eager nods, everyone took seats, ready to talk and relax and figure out what was next for their hotel.

When Valentino got out of his rather long shower of shame, he managed to pull on a fuzzy purple robe and slippers and slink out into the VIP lounge. He hadn't eaten all day, but he figured there might still be some pretzels and corn nuts in the mini bar or maybe a few stale cupcakes Velvet had left behind.

"Hiya, Val!"

He didn't expect to find Velvet herself sitting at the bar, icing a huge chocolate cake with a large knife.

"Vel, what the fuck?!" He nearly stumbled then cinched his robe tighter.

"Nice to see you too." She rolled her eyes then hopped off her stool. "Yikes, you look like you got hit by truck, not just by a mobster."

"Well, I did almost die, Vel. Thanks for your positive commentary," Valentino replied dryly as he grabbed a beer from the fridge and flung himself onto the couch. "So, what, you here for the floorshow? Sorry, didn't know you were coming by, otherwise I would have prepared something… I mean, not really, but I would have acted like I wanted to." He cracked open the beer and took a sip. "Call downstairs and have them send up a few apps if you're hungry for anything besides cake."

"Ugh, mopey you is no fun." She skipped over and sat on the coffee table, facing him. "Actually I didn't come for the floor show, I came for you."

"Why?" Valentino kept his tone flat. He knew the more he engaged, the more he would encourage her, and he just didn't have the energy right now.

"Uh, cuz you left Vox's place, and now you don't have proximity working in your favor. If we're still gonna get you two together, we have a lot of work to do."

Valentino sat there with his jaw slack — unmoving, unspeaking, pretty sure his heart had just stopped.

Velvet smirked. "I can see from the look on your face that you don't have any plans yet for winning Vox's heart. Don't worry though, I know exactly what to do, I—hey!"

"Nope, uh uh, out…" Valentino stood up, grabbed her by the apron strings, and carried her over to the door, shaking his head.

"Val, come on," Velvet rolled her eyes, "you know that even if you kick me out I'm just gonna find my way back up here, so you might as well listen to me. Also you know you want Vox." She put her hands on the door frame to stop his forward march and turned back to face him, eyes hazed. "I couldn't help but notice all your bedding was in the washing machine — rough, lonely night?"

Valentino flinched and dropped her, blushing.

"Ow!" Velvet stood up, rubbing her head. "Okay if you're done with the dramatics, we can get started. First we're gonna get you some nice suits, then I'm taking you for a spa day and makeover, and then we're gonna rehearse decent conversation topics, and then you're gonna ask Vox out on a date. Got it?"

"I am not doing ANY of those things." He crossed his arms and walked back over to the couch, grabbing his beer again.

"Ugh, okay — I'm not here to force anything." Velvet shrugged, skipping back over to the bar to finish with her cake. "My main goal for hanging around here is just to make sure you don't slack on self care or avoid Vox entirely. You two have to keep talking at least."

"Why do you care?" Vox grumbled.

She shrugged. "Because I like when you two get along. You're better at keeping me in line and keeping each other safe. I need our happy group." She rolled her eyes. For real, if Henroin HAD killed you, I would've had a total meltdown, and then I would have killed HIM in a rage and a whole bunch of mobsters just for the hell of it. The whole thing would have been such a mess — not to mention what losing you would have done to poor Voxy."

Valentino's gaze softened for a moment and he blushed a little.

Velvet went on. "Besides…I really wanna make an overlord wedding cake one of these days, and you two are my best shot!" Valentino sighed so deeply. "Velvet, you can stay, you can bake, you can keep an eye on me — but no jokes like that or I will have bouncers rope and hogtie you and toss you into Cannibal Colony."

"Deal!" Beaming, she stabbed her cake right through the middle. Then she cut out two slices, set them on plates, grabbed forks and went to sit with Vox. She took out her phone. "I'm gonna order up a pizza. What do you want on it?"

"Just…any mix of meat…and veggies. Like we had at Vox's." He tried not to blush or to notice Velvet eyeing him as she laughed manically and placed the order.

Valentino had to admit, however exhausting she could be, maybe he didn't mind her being here. Hanging with Velvet, even under these humiliating circumstances, had to be better than being alone.

Lilith work up late in the morning to find Lucifer curled against her in the bed, clutching his phone, tear marks staining his face. She had to wipe fresh tears from her own face at the sight.

She covered him in warm blankets and kissed his apple red cheeks then put on a robe. She went out on their balcony and considered as she looked out over the expanse of hell.

The newscast last night had ended so abruptly — some third party had cut it off. She didn't suspect Charlie — that kind of impulsive and angry action wasn't her style. The girl always wanted to give others the benefit of the doubt…even if that trusting aspect of her nature was sure to doom her one day in this vast plane of relentless evil and treachery and heavenly threats.

Had their actions last night finally been enough to make their daughter see the risks of her own vulnerability and accept that there were things about herself and hell and heaven that she simply couldn't deny or change? Had it possibly even been enough to make those sinners at her hotel abandon her now instead of later (after inevitably breaking her heart by proving her foolish dreams impossible)?

Lilith bit her lip and pulled out her phone. Then she took a deep breath and wrote a simple message and sent it. When she was done she closed her eyes and just tried to breathe. She couldn't go back inside yet — the sight of Lucifer's pained sleeping form was too sad to bear. She just tried to think about their last few years, to sort out when exactly history had started to repeat itself with the child rebelling against the father. And she tried to understand how and why none of her efforts to prevent that outcome had succeeded.

She just didn't want her daughter to have to suffer through making the same mistakes she and Lucifer had made. They had fought for a better life for her. And now they had played their final hand. Maybe they'd gone too far, but still…better than not going far enough and always wondering if they could have done more, could have tried hard, could have loved better. Right?

They were deciding not just hell's future right now but the future of their family as well, and Lilith knew there were some outcomes for both that her Lucifer just couldn't bear…and that maybe her daughter couldn't bear either.

Charlie knew she had been lying on her bed in the dark for too long. She knew hiding away like this wasn't making anything better. She knew she was making the whole hotel worry and especially poor Vaggie. She just still needed a minute. A long minute. She felt stuck in the aftermath of her pain.

At least there was a little less guilt now about Vaggie since she had convinced her girlfriend to go out and take Razzle and Dazzle for a walk. Vaggie didn't deserve to be trapped here with her in the dark, and the precious little goats didn't either. Charlie wanted everyone to be happy so much, but she…she herself just couldn't be happy right now.

She had pulled out her phone to try distracting herself when the notification came through — a new message from her mom.

A little part of her heart stirred. Maybe it was an apology, maybe Lilith was worried about her, maybe the chaos of yesterday had finally made her parents understand why she couldn't just magically be like them and why it was wrong to ask that much of her in the first place and why their people needed better than certain death once a year.

However unlikely, part of her heart truly hoped that the message would somehow fix everything and prove that they loved her underneath all the betrayal.

She took a breath, opened the message, and read…

'My Charlie…

Only pain comes from hoping for these sinners — whether they are taken from our realm by force or choose to abandon us as time goes by, they are not ours forever and they are not subject to our burdens. Your father didn't want to go through with last night's show, but we needed to so you would understand the truth. What's best for hell and for our family and for you is to lead without change. Redemption is an irredeemable notion. Don't let it fail you.

Please come home and belong with us again.

-Mother'

Charlie just stared at the phone.

Then her lips twitched.

And then she was laughing in a cold, wild way, tears falling out of her eyes as she held herself close. "Fuck!" She finally yelled. She glared and shook her head then crushed the phone in her hand with her magic until it turned into a bunch of melted wires and dark dust.

She paced the room twice, then scribbled a note on a piece of paper on the dresser. Then she moved aside a trunk from the end of the bed and opened a trap door in the floor and pulled out a bottle of wine that glowed an ethereal white color. She marched out of her room, slammed the bedroom door shut behind her, and went straight for the staircase to the roof.

If she was going to have a meltdown today, she was going to make it a doozy because, in her defense… "Who the FUCK has parents as selfish as mine?" she whispered to herself, almost laughing again as she burst out onto the roof and tossed herself in a lounge chair.

She didn't notice Crymini sitting on the ledge behind the chimney, just staring out over the Pentagram in thought. And she likewise didn't notice Crymini look her way in surprise and then sadness. Nor did she notice the dog demon sneak downstairs, frowning in worry and guilt.

Out in the garden, enjoying sweet tea and even sweeter conversation, Alastor paused and his ears twitched. Someone nearby had laughed, but in a very…unwell way. Someone upstairs…Someone… Charlie.

Such laughter was not cause for celebration but for concern. He glanced to the upper floors. He was all for giving others space when needed, but he decided that he would indeed talk to the princess today no matter what. She needed to know that he was waiting to come to her aid and ready to defend her from all challenges — and that he was ready to start as soon as she gave the word.

A/N:

That's all for now! Expect a couple more updates next week, I'm just trying to get some posting done now that I have the time :)

Thank you for your support! Happy New Year!

-Azure129