A/N:

Hi everyone! The radio show continues and so do everyone's various relationship experiences. I hope you like how things play out! The drama and expectations are gonna keep building lol ^w^

Partners

Chapter 102:

Radio Redemption Show Part 2: Live Entertainment!

Husk was proud of himself for managing to roll out of bed not much later than ten AM this morning. Sure, it was radio show day which meant there was a ton to do, but to be fair he'd had the final prep shift yesterday which had left him awake until nearly three in the morning, tinkering in Alastor's new studio and then clearing the backyard to make room for all the wires and cables that would be lowered down from Pen's airship and then taking a final pass through the kitchen to make sure it was all set to feed them round the clock tomorrow. Yeah, staying up so late with so much to do tomorrow (and without booze — he had to keep a sharp head after all) had sucked a little, but it had been Husk's choice. In a way, especially now that they were on more of an equal footing, he sort of prided himself on being trusted as Alastor's first in command. Husk liked having the final say about preparations for the radio show or anything else, and he liked that Alastor trusted his judgment enough not to second-guess him.

Besides, Husk was more of a night owl than an early bird anyway, preferring to pass out around four am rather than rising at the crack of dawn the next day like Alastor and a few others had done this morning. Also…taking the late shift yesterday meant he and Molly had been able to sneak in a late private dinner together in his room around ten pm around when her prep shift had ended and just before his prep shift had begun.

Husk blushed a little as he stood by his dresser and brushed out his fur, recalling that dinner…and how it had taken place right next to his bed. He had a feeling the bed had been on both of their minds last night. But of course, right in the middle of all this radio show chaos was definitely not the right time for…anything extreme.

Still, something extreme was going to happen at some point very soon. He and Molly had both decided that they were ready to sleep together, after all. They had even talked about it a little last night over dinner to prepare themselves; some of Molly's preferences and concerns, some of Husk's, hints about the items she had purchased recently for their mutual benefit.

Husk was supposed to be changing into his suspenders now but he had to pause for a moment, a hand to his heart as the delicate pink and white inside of his ears twitched. "Damn…" He caught sight of his reflection in the mirror, eyes wide with a touch of fear. "We're gonna…" It wasn't just going to be sex, though sex at this point in his afterlife would have been stressful enough. After all, he was rusty, and also his…physical responses didn't always fire off with accuracy or reliability. And on top of everything else he hadn't been with a lady specifically in a long while. But with Molly, regardless, what they did together would be more than sex. It would be… "I don't know, making love?" He barely mumbled to himself, heart hammering. And it would be her first time in hell, in her spider body, and he wanted to make it good and he wanted to be good at it for her and he wanted…he wanted to express to her just how much he cared with whatever he managed to offer.

Husk took a deep breath, managed to pull on his suspenders and pop on his top hat, then sat on the edge of his bed and pulled out something from under his mattress. It was a cheap but sturdy little black box. He opened it up and inside…was nothing. Nothing yet. Because he wasn't sure if or when he would want to ask…and had no idea what she would want to say in reply… And wasn't he getting way ahead of himself? This whole 'box' thing was definitely just a result of spending too much time around Alastor and his old-fashioned, sappy, sentimental ways. So the deer wanted to marry Angel someday — probably someday soon? Whatever, if that worked for them, great! And Niss and Pen…who knew? Though Niss definitely gave Husk that old-fashioned 'settle down and make an honest fella out of someone' vibe, and Pen had probably had caterers and a hall and maybe some paparazzi booked on standby for years now just in case — that guy would definitely go for the chance to host a big society wedding with the guy of his dreams.

But either way, even if the other two spiders got hitched, that didn't mean Husk and Molly had to do the same or that Husk even wanted to…or did he? Another complicated situation.

He couldn't help but be concerned that maybe the loophole Alastor had revealed to him about his contract was influencing his feelings: if Alastor married Angel and Husk married Molly, Alastor and Husk would become de facto family which would annul the contract entirely. He'd get his full freedom and finances and future back. He was happy now with the new contract terms, but still…to have EVERYTHING restored? Oh the life he could give Molly then…

Yet, deep down, he knew that getting out of his contract right away didn't matter to him nearly as much as Molly's happiness. He had no interest in marrying her just to affect some deal. Which meant that maybe these marriage thoughts were coming form some other place…

He just…he wouldn't mind an eternity of waking up each morning next to that familiar golden nest of blond hair and thinking to himself with a smile. 'Look at her — I'm her husband.' It didn't have to be right away though — he wasn't as impulsive as Pen or as anxious as Alastor. He just wanted to know that maybe it could happen. That it was okay to dream without guilt. So Husk had gotten a box…but not a ring just yet. He would know when and if he was ready for that step. The first thing to do of course would be to actually sit down and talk to her about it directly so he could figure out how she felt about the possibility. That was just how they were together… No games or dramatics or surprises, they just liked to be straight with each other. Just like how they had talked directly about sex and how it would be between them soon…

Husk took a big breath and shook his head to clear it and shoved the ring box away. He was definitely going to psyche himself out if he kept overthinking all of this emotional and physical stuff. Right now he just needed to head to the kitchen, pour himself several very large mugs of coffee, then start on his duties for today which mostly included making sure to send up a few plates of food to Alastor and also flying to the airship to check directly on the egg bois and the cable connections to the hotel radio tower. And of course helping Molly with any of her tasks for today.

He half smiled to himself as he headed across the room to open his door. Maybe he'd see Molly before things got too busy and they could share some biscotti and he could daydream about how, if he'd met her on earth, he would have cleaned up his act and made the prettiest life ever with her and given her everything she deserved and more.

He opened his door and almost jumped in surprise — Molly was right there, just about to knock. She blinked then smiled brightly. "Husky! I was just comin' ta check on ya!" She covered a yawn and then clasped her hands together. "I was actually hopin' I could steal ya for a quick bite together before I have ta make sure Angel's up and gettin' ready to be on the air."

Husk's eyes hazed. He and Molly were so in sync, and she was just so wonderful. Today she was wearing black leggings, a long pink blouse that clung to her and ended just below her hips, and low white heels and a white headband. She looked ready to take on the world.

"You who? Husk?" She giggled at his continued silence (and probably his continued dreamy staring). Then she smirked and added lightly. "Unless you have something else 'quick' in mind we could do?" She glanced over his shoulder to the bed and then back to him.

Husk blinked and blushed and rolled his eyes, trying not to smirk. He took her hand. "Come on, let's get breakfast, I'm starved." They headed across the dining room together, Molly stifling giggles. Husk continued speaking quietly, giving her hand a little squeeze. "Besides, out first time…that should't be quick. That should be…an all night experience." He glanced over and watched her blush and look down in thought. "Molly?"

"You and me didn't, uh…talk about duration last night, heh…" She shrugged and explained. "No guy ever…did anythin' with me that lasted a whole night."

Husk raised an eyebrow. "Well, then they really messed up big time…and missed out too." He turned to her and leaned in close. "I'd spend days with you if we had the time. You deserve that and so much more. You deserve everything."

Her eyes met his, and she was blushing so much that it made Husk's heart pound. She squeezed his hands and said quietly but firmly, "I don't know why you seemed so anxious last night when we talked… Clearly you know the right way ta love up a lady."

Husk blinked and beamed a little, tail flicking happily. "Oh! Well, I…I'll try my best. Like I said last night, it's been a while and I haven't had a lady partner in a bit, and there's other things—" She kissed his nose, and he stopped fretting immediately.

She smiled as she pulled back. "You're perfect the way you are, whatever ya have ta offer — whatever we both have ta offer. Remember?"

Husk's frozen gaze accidentally found her figure for a moment before quickly looking back up at her eyes. "Yeah…but what you have to offer is, uh…" He made an awkward hourglass gesture with his hand. "And I'm…"

"Strong and burly and solid and so much man that I can't stop thinkin' about ya?" She suggested saucily.

Husk blushed so much and barely resisted a smile as he shrugged and mumbled, "Maybe…"

She giggled again. "Come on, let's get that breakfast. Today's gonna do a lot of good for everyone here. And after it's over and things settle down we can focus on doin' a lot of good for just you and me." She winked, and Husk chuckled as they resumed their trip to the kitchen.

That ring box might have been empty at the moment but Husk knew one thing for sure; if he ever did decide to get married in hell…he knew it would only ever be to her.

"…So please help me, so all of us can help you!
Because inside of every demon there's a rainbow or two!"

Charlie finished belting out this finishing line of her latest joyful composition live on the air…and Alastor finished belting out the chorus right alongside her.

As the last note faded, Alastor smiled in amusement and Charlie smiled pride as Vaggie and grinned applauded on the sidelines.

Alastor set an applause track to play before pulling his microphone close and resuming his seat. "There you are, loyal listeners — not just a live performance but the first duet I've ever done with royalty! I may not have any captives on my show today, but I'm certain that our audience is now quite captivated, ha! Right, ladies?"

Charlie laughed as she resumed her seat beside Vaggie and took her hand. "Well, I hope so," she replied. "Music is how I express myself and show affection, and so I wanted singing to be part of today's show. Because I have affection for all of you as my subjects and as fellow demons and just as people." She bit her lip. "I know I'm probably not the princess hell expected — I sing and I smile and I like to do good. And…yeah, I'm not exactly like all of you because I didn't live a life on earth before living here and because I'm a princess and because…I'm part angel." She squeezed Vaggie's and and held her head high. "But I still want to lead you if you'll have me. I want to give you a better life in this realm, and to make sure you're not constantly under threat of heaven coming to cleanse you. If you get redeemed and sent to heaven to live under their protection, I'll miss each and every one of you of course… but as long as you're safe and happy, I'm happy too. I love you, and I see the good parts of you, no matter how deep down they might be hidden. And if you want to let the world see those parts too one day…then we'll do our best to redeem you at our happy hotel."

Vaggie was smiling so much, and she actually had to wipe a tear away from her eye. She leaned toward their microphone. "If you become our guest, you'll have a room and regular meals and you'll have friends to come home to every day. We're sort of like a little family." She gave Charlie a special grin and a wink which Charlie returned (and which Alastor noticed with interest though he didn't comment). "And if you think you might like to join our family, we'd love to have you," Vaggie finished.

Alastor chimed in. "And…if you think you might like to join our hotel to bring any sort of trouble to our family…DON'T." His eyes flashed to radio dials and his voice filled with static. "Because you will be found out, you will be escorted away, and then you will have to answer to me…" He paused dramatically but then with a blink he returned to normal and laughed.

Vaggie let out a sigh of relief, shaking her head and trying not to grin at the shenanigan, while Charlie held back a chuckle. "Don't worry, Alastor," Charlie announced, "I'm sure that no one would dare. You're one of the strongest demons in hell, after all. Who better to keep our hotel and our family safe?"

"Yeah," Vaggie added with a nod Alastor's way, "The infamous radio demon isn't a bad person to have looking out for you… but it is bad if he's looking to stop you from doing harm. You've heard his others shows after all — that's probably why you're tuning in to this one." She cleared her throat. "But we don't have violence under this roof, and we have faith that no sinners will try to hurt this place." She resumed a smile. "Just let us try to help hell, and let yourselves come to us if and when you're ready."

"Very well put, Vagatha!" Alastor announced with a proud smile. "And you as well, Princess Charlie!"

Charlie smiled. "It's just 'Charlie', Alastor, even on the air. And the same goes for all of you listening now. Titles don't matter. We're all in this together, to make a brighter hell."

"A more… rainbow-filled one," Vaggie offered.

"Ha!" Alastor laughed. "And on that excellent callback, folks, let's hear some more jazz music. Charlie and Vaggie will be leaving us shortly, but fret not because they will return later with a truly entertaining surprise announcement… And in the meantime, I'll be taking calls to answer your burning hotel and redemption questions. Or, should I say, WE'LL be taking calls because I'll be introducing my first ever official co-host! A figure of stunning renown who happens to hold a very important position at this hotel. Stay tuned…" He snapped his fingers — the 'On Air 'light dimmed as jazz music started lightly playing.

Charlie let out a very deep breath and slumped in her seat. "Did we do okay, Alastor? You can tell me the truth…"

"You two were marvelous, that song was the bees knees, and I'd bet my radio tower that soon enough your hotel will be the most happening spot in hell," he assured with a grin.

Charlie beamed, happy tears in her eyes, clearly eager to hug Alastor, but then she redirected that energy to Vaggie and squeezed her tightly. Vaggie smiled and patted her shoulders. "I told you today would be a big success, babe. And it's only going to get bigger." She glanced at Alastor. "Alastor, seriously, thank you so much. We couldn't have done this without you, and—"

He held up a hand. "Your on-air efforts to remind listeners of my lethal qualities — within the confines of our welcoming message — so I can maintain my dreaded reputation is thanks enough. As you said, we're all in this together." He stood up and bowed politely. "Now, why don't you both get some rest and have a good meal, and I'll see you for your segment later with the Von Eldritch's to reveal the hotel's expansion, hmm?"

Charlie and Vaggie stood up together. Charlie nodded. "Can we bring you up a plate? You need to eat too, Alastor. You're going to be on the air longer than anybody else." "Not to worry, Husker will be by soon enough to gruffly remind me to eat and rest," Alastor assured. "You two just take care of yourselves. It's okay to do so from time to time you know, however determined you are to care for all of hell first and foremost."

Charlie's smile grew and she wiped away a tear. "Thank you, Alastor." She and Vaggie shared another special smile then headed for the door.

"Have fun with your co-host, Alastor," Vaggie teased over her shoulder.

"Ha!" Alastor glowed shyly but couldn't help beaming in pride. "Indeed, I do believe I shall. If he's awake and you see him do give him my regards."

Vaggie nodded, and then the ladies departed as a buzzing Alastor gussied up his desk in preparation for the arrival of his Angel at his side for the first time on the airwaves of hell. XXXXX

"Oh Lily, wasn't her song beautiful?! She gets her charming voice from you, you know…" Lucifer mused. He was lying on his stomach across the bed, legs kicked up behind him, eagerly gazing at the radio as it broadcast the hotel's radio show. He tapped his toes in the air to the jazz music now playing and pulled his favorite stuffed toy snake close as he sipped chocolate milk from a glass through a curly straw.

Lilith had listened and applauded Charlie's time on the air along with him. Then when the music had started she had left to fetch her husband a snack. She was just reentering the room now, a bowl of popcorn held against her hip. She smiled back at Lucifer and approached, setting down the popcorn beside him as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Yes, her song was expertly composed and impressively informative and very well performed." Her gaze went down as she reflected for a moment. "I always wanted her to be able to speak her mind and command a crowd and embrace her nature as a leader. And…I was always the one doubting that 'song' would be an effective means of commanding respect. But she's proving me wrong. She's taking charge on her own terms, and I'm so proud." She blinked and wiped at one of her eyes, her smile growing. "She's strong enough to stand on her own. She's a queen now."

Lucifer rested his head against Lilith's arm, nuzzling her gently. "Yes, she's a queen. And she's a grown up. And she's our daughter. And she is handling herself with a grace today that puts me to shame. I'm so honored to be her father. And I'm honored to be here with you for this new part of her life."

"The honor is mine as well, my love." Lilith kissed the top of his head. "I believe I heard Alastor say that Charlie won't be back on the air until later with some sort of announcement. Do you want to keep listening to the show until then or would you like to take a nap? You got so little rest last night, after all…"

Lucifer looked up at her with an eager smile, taking a handful of popcorn. "I want to keep listening! Just being here in bed is enough rest for me. Besides, I like the music — the jazz is so jaunty! And hearing Alastor speak so highly of the hotel is nice — he really seems to care. And now a co-host and announcements and new guests… I don't want to miss a moment!"

Lilith smiled more. "You have a fun time then. I'll just be out in the hall returning some social calls that I put off after…everything with Charlie." She pulled her phone out of her dress pocket and rolled her eyes, "I especially have to reply to 'Madame Von Eldritch' who has been leaving me messages nonstop. Who knows what she wants time…" She rolled her eyes then turned her attention back to Lucifer. "I'll be back before Charlie returns to the air. Do you need anything before I go?"

Lucifer swallowed more popcorn and shook his head. "Not at all, dearest. I have your snacks and our blanket and my snake stuffie and Charlie's hotel's radio program. Everything I could ever need."

She nodded and stood up. "I'll be back soon, dear. If Alastor's co-host turns out to be anyone interesting, do call me and have me return sooner, will you?" She considered with a grin. "Someone well-known in hell who is also important to the hotel… Oh! Could you imagine if it was Angel? Charlie's adult entertainer first guest? Hmm…they're both such charming performers — what a lovely potential pairing to represent the hotel."

"Ooo that would be a thrill to listen to!" Lucifer snapped his fingers to the music, his attention back on the radio. "Come to think of it, Alastor and Angel did have a very interesting dynamic at the hotel open house. I bet they'd be sensational in such a comforting way — like an old married couple."

"Yes, being an old married couple does have its perks." When Lucifer glanced at her with a grin, Lilith gave him a wink and a chuckle then sauntered out. She sighed as she reached the door to pull out her phone and deal with her social calls. But her smile remained.

That smile kept Lucifer's smile strong too. He turned back to the radio, snuggled in close with his snacks and blanket and stuffed snake again, and gave himself over to the healing sounds of old jazz.

"So…" Val trailed off, glancing at everything in the park except for Vox.

'So?' Seriously? That was the best thing he could come up with for conversation? Val wanted to smack himself as he and Vox walked side by side on their 'date', Vark trotting happily just ahead of them with his new moth toy from Val.

"So…" Vox smiled casually and shrugged, glancing at Val. "Is that outfit new or just something I haven't seen before?"

Val pouted and scowled, crossing his arms over his chest. "New…ish."

"Oh. Well it looks good on you," Vox assured, holding back a chuckle.

Val felt his face heating. "Thanks…" His voice almost cracked and he cleared his throat. "I think I'm Vel's new project. She nagged me til I let her dress me up like this. She's also still making sure I clean up around my apartment and that I have more than just booze in the fridge and that I'm developing a routine or whatever." He shrugged.

Vox nodded. "She's just showing you she cares in her own way."

Val nodded, relaxing a bit and lowering his arms. "Yeah…and I guess me letting her do it is how I show her I care too or whatever…" A suave and confident part of his brain wanted to add, 'And now I'd like to focus on expressing how much I care about YOU — so how about dinner tonight, tall, pixelated and sexy?' Except, of course, the notion of bringing those words into reality filled him with a terror beyond anything heaven or hell or even Velvet could inspire in him.

"I like when you care…"

Val's heart instantly fluttered at those words. He blinked and looked at Vox, jaw slack.

The television was smiling back at him in a happy way that Val really couldn't recall having ever seen until recently. His whole heart filled with hope, and for just a second he started to give in to a compulsion to take Vox's hand in his own.

Suddenly, however, his phone loudly buzzed along with Vox's. The television blinked and stopped walking. "Oh, sorry, let me put that on silent. It's probably the alert I set for, uh…"

Val had his phone out already, looking at the familiar alert on the screen. "For…Alastor's show…" He forced himself to just say the demon's name and not call him an insult. It took some work, but he was proud of the effort.

Vox blinked then nodded and looked back up at him, tucking his now silent phone away. "You saw the alert already, I guess?"

"Just before you got here…" Val put his phone away too. "Advertising his radio show is…new. I…hope he appreciates it." Be patient, don't get angry, let yourself smile. Val tried to breathe through the conversation. Oddly he found he wasn't pushing down potential anger about Alastor forcing himself into their conversation… Instead, he was fighting back panic at the idea that Vox might suddenly reveal that his new truce with the radio demon had grown into something more…

"He does. He told me so — when I visited him at the hotel," Vox assured. "Agreeing to advertise for him was sort of a peace offering on my part. He needs some more time, but I think we're starting to become friends. It probably helped that I'm…I mean…" His pixels blushed a little — so fucking sexy, so fucking scary because if Alastor was making him blush maybe that really meant that they were… Vox cleared his throat and went on. "It probably helped that I'm completely over him romantically and told him so. He seemed relieved. I never realized how much my feelings stressed him out. He needs a different kind of person, and I feel a lot happier now that I've accepted that fact."

Val could have started singing. At the very least he suddenly realized there was a large smile on his face. He quickly smoothed it out though so Vox wouldn't notice. Vox, who was definitely NOT in love with Alastor — and Alastor had been RELIEVED to hear it. Oh, in this moment Val actually liked that creepy Radio Demon. "I'm, uh…glad you two worked it out. And, hey, if you're on good terms now then it's nice not to have to worry about getting cannibalized anymore, right? And I'm…happy you're happy." He struggled a little but managed to say that last sincere and slightly vulnerable part.

Vox blinked, looking at him with his head tilted. Val wondered if the television had figured him out. Then Vox smiled again. "Val, that's…that's all really nice of you to say. Thank you. Thank you for trusting my judgment and supporting my choices and caring that I'm happy."

The moth managed a shaky half smile and tried to cock his hip to the side in a way that he hope said both 'whatever, no big deal' and 'my hips could wrap around yours so easily'. "Well…you know…I"m changing and trying to do better and whatever… To be a good friend for you." He swallowed.

"With the way things are now, I actually think of you as my BEST friend."

Val barely resisted beaming again. It was still a friendship status, but at least it was a special one. "Oh. Cool." Fuck, he sounded like a dork. "Yeah, I…I could think of you like that too."

Vox chuckled cutely. Then he grinned in some pride. "You know, helping Alastor advertise is partly for him but it's also for me. The show he's hosting is sort of a retaliation against the king and queen for their news special against the hotel, and, well…I'm not too thrilled with Lucifer and Lilith for hijacking my television studio behind my back. They could stand to be called out." Vark rolled onto the ground, shaking his moth toy happily. Vox scratched his head, brow furrowed. "Also, the radio show is to promote redemption. The extermination will be here again before we know it; finding ways to escape it once and for all wouldn't be the worst thing. Even if a lot of us aren't heaven material, if enough people get sent there to lower the population here, the angels won't have to purge us, right?" He put on a brave smile and looked to Val.

Val wanted to tell Vox that the television would never have to worry about the extermination again, regardless of redemption, because Val had every intention of protecting him and Vark with his life from now until forever. Instead he swallowed and nodded. "Yeah, it's about time those divine fuckers got a new yearly hobby. They're always killing studio clients, messing up business. And…they're kind of risking their necks if they ever threaten you…o-or me or Vel, so demons getting redeemed would actually be a sweet deal for them."

Vox's smile softened and he nodded. "Whatever the princess manages to pull off, I figure if we support her, it can only be good for us and everyone else."

"That…works for me," Val managed to agree, just trying not to think about how siding with the princess would mean siding with Alastor…and Angel.

Vox started walking with Vark again and Val followed, though his thoughts were a bit distracted as a flinch went through him. Angel… He'd been avoiding thinking about Angel lately. The idea of him didn't make the moth furious anymore. Instead it made him feel… Fuck, it made him feel shame.

Val scowled. God, he did not want to unpack that feeling, examining everything he'd done. He just wanted to forget even if that was the shitty cowardly way to handle things.
"You okay, Val?" Valentino blinked and realized he probably looked pissed. And he also realized that felt on the edge of…crying? Fuck, his emotions were a mess. He took a deep breath and relaxed his features. "Yeah. Just trying not to think about the extermination. We already went through enough shit lately with that mob thing. We deserve a break. And a chance to just enjoy yourselves. That's why I'm glad we're here together taking a walk, and I'm glad you brought Vark." He patted the shark's head, and the shark smiled up at him and chomped down more on the toy, making it squeak. Val chuckled. "Hey, uh, let's take him over to the fountain — he must like water, right? Ya know, since he's a shark."

"Oh yeah — bath time is basically a biweekly flood in my penthouse," Vox replied dryly. He looked to Vark. "Come on, boy, let's race to the fountain! I'll hold the new toy Uncle Val got you, and you can swim without drenching my place for once, huh?"

Vark nodded and started bounding forward, Vox chuckling and running to keep up with him. And Val, who never ran anywhere ever, found himself joining them and genuinely smiling again. And he wondered with an embarrassing blush if maybe one day he'd be 'Daddy Val' to the little shark instead of 'Uncle Val.' Fuck, if he was gonna be sappy he might as well go all in, right?

They all reached the fountain together, enjoying swim time as the little shark yipped and splashed and had the happiest time a creature ever had in hell. XXXX

Cherri was…having a day. She knew she was overthinking this whole 'bond with Crymini to see if you're good with kids and could actually help them' thing, which was not helping at all. Normally she didn't give a fuck what people thought of her and just took charge and did her best to do right. And most people loved her for it, admired her, tried to get in good with her. Right now though, she was way too wrapped up in the idea of earning Crymini's approval as some kind of sign about whether or not Cherri could be successful in the next chapter of her life.

Of course, Cherri knew that she could always explore one of her other potential options for a new calling in hell but…the idea of helping younger demons was growing on her more and more, especially ever since talking about it with Helsa.

Cherri blushed and shook her head, putting away thoughts of Helsa for now to focus again on Crymini. Besides, Helsa might have lit the fire to make Cherri give this plan a shot, but spending even just a little bit of time with Crymini today had sealed the deal. This demon girl was so young and had lived on the streets of hell and actually survived. Sure, Cherri herself was a seasoned demon NOW — but, as any sinner would admit, a soul's initial arrival in hell was terrifying. New place, new body, new potential tortures… The only thing worse that Cherri could imagine was arriving down here as a teenager. The thought made her angry and sad and frustrated. She couldn't control cosmic powers screwing over kids like that, but she could make damn sure those kids had somewhere to go before the worst parts of this place could suck them in and break their spirits. She wanted to help. She wanted to be good at this.

She wanted Crymini to like her.

Yet, after checking in on the others and scouting around the perimeter of the hotel and now heading to the kitchen to help with the dishes while Pen and Niss and Molly and Baxter sat down to have an early lunch break, all she'd gotten from Crymini were a few average smiles , some puzzled looks and an occasional shrug and nod.

Cherri was trying too hard, and that's why she was failing. She had to calm down and just be herself…which, incidentally, was just the kind of advice kids probably needed.

"Cherri? Cherri? You sure you're okay?"

Cherri blinked and realized Crymini had been trying to get her attention. "Yeah, uh…why?"

"You started washing the soap bottle."

Cherri looked down — yup, in one hand she had a sponge and in the other hand a soaked soap bottle. She put it down on the sink edge and sighed deeply. "I'm… Fuck, 'I'm bad at this' is what I am."

Crymini blinked and her eyes darted side to side in confusion. "Uh…okay, I'm lost. You seem fine to me at cleaning dishes." "No, no…" Cherri sighed deeply and turned around, leaning back against the counter. She looked at Crymini, bit her lip, then sighed. "I mean I'm bad at…trying to bond with young people apparently. I get all worked up about whether I'm saying or doing the right thing or being cool enough, and it just makes me super quiet and distracted."

Crymini blinked several times. "You…want ME to think YOU'RE cool?"

"Weird, I know," Cherri sighed. "I'm in my 30s, I shouldn't be this self-conscious."

"No, it's not weird, it's just…" Crymini wrung the dishtowel in her hand, "Crap, you're like one of the coolest demons ever. Why would you care what I think? Why would you want to bond with me?" She shrugged.

Cherri's eye widened. "Wait, I'm one of the coolest demons…seriously?"

Crymini rolled her eyes and nodded. "Uh, yeah — you're an independent badass who lights things on fire for fun and doesn't take shit from anyone. And people don't try to mess with you. And you've got tons of style."

Cherri smiled. "Okay, well, this badass cares what you think because you're pretty cool yourself, and wants to bond with you because…I wanna…be cool in a new way. I mean, I just…want something…more." She looked around the kitchen. "Everyone who's come to this hotel is doing new things, making better choices, moving on with their lives and meeting new people. I want to do the same thing and help other people do the same thing if they want. Like, helping other demons find whatever they need to feel safe and happy in hell. Not just demons though… younger demons, specifically. The teenagers like you who end up here. Cuz you shouldn't have had to be out in hell taking care of yourself all this time, Crymini. And other young demons shouldn't have to be all alone either." She crossed her arms, blushing a little. "I know, it probably sounds preachy and sappy and unrealistic when I say it out loud. I just want to expand my legacy to something besides blowing up more bombs. I want to help. And I want to know from you the best way to do that." She scoffed. "But hey, if the best thing I can do is just back off and let the teens do their thing, tell me. I'm not looking to be a parent, more like a very chill older cousin. And if you've all got a system that works for you somehow, I don't want to interfere. Okay?"

Cherri blinked when Crymini stepped toward her, grinning and with her arms behind her back. "Don't…back off. Please." She cleared her throat, trying to seem more casual. "I mean, so like…yeah, it's really fucked up being a teenager in this place. We're not a big population but…I think we're the one that falls through the cracks the most. Trust me, we don't have a system. It's just…survive until you can't." She shrugged, brow furrowed, ears slightly down. "But finding older adult demons to trust — it doesn't work out well. Ever. If there was someone with a reputation for helping, then maybe…" Her eyes went far away for a moment and she wrapped her arms around herself.

Cherri frowned and gave her a second to collect her thoughts. Even on earth a kid alone had it rough, but down here… Cherri could sense the pain, the trauma, the trust issues. None of this was okay.

Crymini sighed and spoke again, letting go of some of her tension. "Anyway, it's cool you want to help like that and do something new with your life. I can try to help you. If it's good to know for now, I think you're fine with teenagers." She smiled a little. "I mean, as long as you relax and quit getting all worked up. We can kind of smell the desperation."

A laugh burst from Cherri. "I'll keep that in mind." She held out her hand. "Thanks for thinking I could do something like this. It means a lot to have someone as strong as you believe in me."

Crymini's taił wagged and her eyes widened. She bit her lip then dashed forward and gave Cherri's arm a tight hug before pulling back with a casual shrug. "You're welcome."

Cherri's smile softened. "Want to help me get a plate of breakfast together for Angel? He should be up now and finally getting ready to go on the air with Alastor in a bit — Angel's always got a big appetite before anything that makes him nervous."

"Is he nervous about…being alone with Alastor?" Crymini asked hesitantly.

Cherri cleared her throat and rolled her eye and tampered down her smirk as much as possible. "Nah, not at all. He just wants to make a good impression on the air, like how I wanted to make a good one with you." She crossed her arms. "Alastor still freaking you out a little?" "Like, I'm not scared of him," Crymini insisted, crossing her arms indifferently. "But I guess that's what's off putting — he's an overlord, a cannibal, a guy with power. Bunch of big red flags living out on the streets. He should be terrifying in person, but he's really not. And he acts all…confused and polite around me. I swear I saw his eye twitch the other day."

"New people can be a lot for him sometimes," Cherri explained. "He doesn't mean anything by it. Just give him some time and…keep giving him a chance. He likes that you're here too. He likes seeing good demons in safe places."

Crymini nodded. She considered. "Why does he wanna do part of the show with just Angel?"

Cherri took a deep breath and hoped someday soon Alastor and Angel would just be public about their relationship so these awkward conversations wouldn't happen. "Because Angel was the hotel's first guest, and Alastor likes seeing him safe here. They're…sort of best friends. So if you see them hanging around each other a lot, that's…a factor."

Crymini tilted her head but then thankfully seemed to accept the explanation. "I'm glad Alastor found a friend here. It's kind of my favorite part about this place. I haven't had friends in…" She sighed and her smile faded, "I've never had friends ever. On earth or here. It's kind of fucked up really."

In that moment, Cherri knew the next part off her life was absolutely going to be about helping young demons in hell. She stepped forward, her look firm. "The only thing fucked up is that you never got a fair chance for people to become your friend. You barely had any time to make friends on earth, and then down here you had zero support for making friends. But I'm here and I'm gonna help you and other demons make friends and do whatever else all of you want to do. Okay?"

Crymini nodded, blinking away tears in her eyes. Her smile came back — it was wobbly but present. "Okay."

"Now, let's get some breakfast together for Angel and maybe have a snack ourselves. I saw where Niss slipped the biscotti that's chocolate covered." She winked.

Crymini's taił wagged and she nodded and followed Cherri to the cupboard.

And Cherri felt good that the young demon trusted her enough to let her lead them.

At the cafe, Louise lead the entire place in a round of applause after Charlie's explanations about the hotel. Then, at Alastor's shadow's suggestion, she had offered everyone a round of beignets on the house, garnering more cheers and enthusiasm for the show. Abel was immediately plating the desserts and smiling her way, so happy that she was happy. It was hard to keep up with the rush of business today but the two of them worked so well together that they only felt a rush of pride and elation. Besides, they would be closing soon enough and then they could go home to the hotel and help out wherever they were needed. For now though, here at the cafe, they were happy just making sure the show was a success by encouraging people to listen and learn about everything Charlie's hotel had to offer.

At one point, Abel realized that a certain table tucked in the corner in the front of the house hadn't eaten their free beignet — it was just sitting on the plate, getting cold. The demon occupying the table was hidden behind a newspaper. Abel was going to head over and make sure everything was all right with the pastry, but then he got busy with new customers and other current customers and another fresh batch of beignets that needed to be plated.

At one point, Alastor's shadow felt eyes turn sharply his way and turned sharply right back around to find them…but he couldn't pick anything unusual out of the crowd. And the beignets needed his full attention — maybe it was just one of Alastor's enemies come to glare and then depart.

At one point Louise went to the front to greet new customers and paused as she heard someone huff through their nose in a familiar gruff way that made her ears stand up tall and her stomach clench. It was a kind of fear she hadn't felt in a long time, not since coming to the hotel. But no one nearby seemed like they had made the sound, and no one was looking at her threateningly, so she chalked it up to tiredness then put back on her smile and showed the new diners to the courtyard outside.

In the corner up front the bull demon still waited, hiding behind his newspaper. His seething had given way to calm, cold rage, just like the cooling beignet on his plate that he refused to touch. Soon enough he would have his revenge… And neither that gangly fish demon nor that vaporous shadow nor that distracted Radio Demon nor that helpless sheep would stop him.

At the hotel, Angel had just finished destroying a large breakfast brought to him by an amused Cherri and a curious Crymini. He'd been up for an hour, feeding Nuggets and listening to the radio show and trying desperately to get ready. He knew he wouldn't be seen on the air but he had to look good to feel good, and he had to feel good to perform good, and he REALLY wanted to perform good today because…it was Alastor and it was the radio and having Angel at his side as an actual co-host and not just a guest must be the radio demon equivalent to a proposal.

Angel stopped digging through his closet for a moment to swallow and blush. He hadn't thought about…proposals…since the last time Alastor, the dramatic sweetheart, had practically gotten down on one knee to talk to him about something important. So why was he letting himself get flustered himself with the idea now? It was really crazy, right? Alastor and him actually… And Angel still wasn't sure either way if he wanted to… But at the same time, sweet hell, if that guy asked him he'd never say no, and he knew it.

He took a deep, shaky breath. "Focus… Your hair is done, your makeup looks fine, you've got on your good bra and your good panties for confidence. Pick an outfit and go and it'll all be okay. Ya got plenty of time to freak yourself out about…husband stuff." He blushed so much and finally settled on a pair of pink slacks, a black belt, and a black dress shirt along with a pair of low-heeled black boots. Professional yet sexy and entirely him. Perfect.

He was changed in a moment and heading down the hall to go upstairs to the tower when the little radio transmitter attached to his phone crackled to life. "Angel, dearest? I've just finished lunch, and we're on in five… Is everything all right?"

Angel swallowed but smiled as he headed up the stairs. "Yup! Sorry fo the delay, Smiles. Pre-show jitters, heh. But I'm really ready…as long as you definitely think I'm ready. You know me, I've never performed by just talking, and sometimes I kinda don't have a great filter, and when we take calls I might not be great at answering questions cuz I'm still shaky on how any redemption stuff could work, and…" He paused at the top of the stairs, biting his lip. "I don't wanna mess up your show."

"Angel…"

Angel blinked because the voice wasn't coming through the radio transmitter anymore. It was here in real life. He looked up to see Alastor waiting for him on the landing, smiling warmly.
The deer went on. "It's not MY show, it's OUR show…yours and mine and Charlie's and everyone's. And you are exquisite at conversation, and hell could stand some unfiltered criticism, and you just have to tell callers your honest feelings and experiences regarding the hotel…" He glowed with a humble shrug, "Minus any that involve you and I in the throes of courtly passion, of course."

Angel snorted and chuckled. He stepped onto the landing. "Aw darn, and those are some of my favorite memories here too."

Alastor chuckled now. He stepped closer, voice quiet and kind. "Darling, if you really are terribly nervous you don't have to go on the air. But if any part of you is excited at the prospect I hope you'll still join me. I'll be there the whole time to guide you…though I'm certain I'll learn a thing or two from you as well with all your charm and flair and impeccable instinct."

"Alastor the Radio Demon, with all that sweet talk, I'd say you're trying to make a new 'courtly passion' moment happen right here," Angel mused, eyes hazed as he felt the sweep of his hair brush Alastor's.

Alastor chuckled more. "Now, now, there's a time and a place. We are professionals and we do have a show to put on…for the moment. It'll be over by sunset, you know."

"Sunset, huh? That sounds kinda romantic," Angel teased.

Instead of glowing and giggling or any other shy response though, Alastor's grin sharpened mischievously and eyes burned fiery red and narrowed in a way that made Angel's heart race and his abdomen heat. The deer leaned just a bit closer. "Another little secret I hope you won't share, Anthony my dear — quite frankly, I always feel my most…enticing …after putting on a good radio show. And I think that pattern will hold even for this special broadcast of ours today."

Angel blinked, trying to process what Alastor might be 'suggestively' suggesting to him.

Alastor finally straightened up and chuckled, his intense demeanor giving way to playful softness again. "Come along, Angel, only two minutes to go!" He held out his hand, and when a dazed Angel took it Alastor pulled him right along to the new radio tower, practically skipping while Angel blushed and tried not to get too distracted by the idea of whatever sunset might bring.

By the time they reached the tower and Alastor opened the door, Angel was smiling — he felt a lot better. He felt especially better and welcome and happy when he noticed a duplicate of Alastor's leather swivel chair set up right beside the Radio Demon's own sweat as well as a small microphone sitting on the desk, pink and white and with a little spiderweb design on the back. Alastor bowed low and gestured forward. "Your co-host set up awaits, mon ange."

Angel could barely contain his smile as he walked inside and the deer followed him. "Oh Al, it's lovely. Thank you."

"Thank YOU for gracing my show with your presence," Alastor returned with a hint of charm in his tone.

They sat down together. Alastor held up his microphone. "Ready, love?"

All of Angel's nervousness was gone as he took hold of his own microphone. "Eternally, babe."

A little glow and a brighter smile came to Alastor's features. He snapped his fingers. The 'On Air' sign lit up. He cleared his throat and spoke. "Ladies, gents, demons of all persuasions, we're back to sell hell on this hotel! And we're honored to bring you a first in Radio Demon broadcasting history — a co-host! Set your sins aside and welcome…the infamous Angel Dust!"

Angel spoke into the microphone, and everything felt new but so right. "Hiya folks! Long time, no strip, heh. Just kidding. Yeah, I've been taking some time away from the stage for personal reasons, but I'm happy to start making my return to entertainment by being on the air with our favorite host with the most — Alastor, the one and only Radio Demon."

"Thank you for the marvelous introduction, Angel!"

"Right back at ya, Al!"

They shared a laugh and Angel settled in as Alastor's switchboard lit up with calls already. This would be okay. He knew it in his heart.

"Callers already, ha! Shall we take some questions?" He glanced at Angel like he was asking for reassurance that the spider was ready before answering any of the lines.

Angel gave him a small nod and a big smile. "Let's do our best!" Alastor beamed and then took the call. "Hello, radio fan! We're listening."

They really were doing this together, and Angel instantly felt ready to face all of hell and then some.

A/N:

That's all for now! Next time, Al and Angel get to spend lots of time on air together ^w^ Thank you all for reading and for your support!

Take care!

-Azure129