A/N:
Hi everyone! Yay, more radio show today ^w^ Thank you for waiting! Lots of fun with RadioDust and the Von Eldritches and Val and Vox too 3 Thanks for reading!
Partners
Chapter 103:
Radio Redemption Show Part 3: You're On the Air!
"Ooo, just listen to Alastor and Angel on the air!" Mimzy squealed, holding her little hand radio up to her ear. Every cannibal working around her was likewise listening in on their own radios, smiling and gossiping with each other about the show.
Rosie finished dropping off fresh sweet tea to some of the cannibals and came over to Mimzy with a bright smile and her own little radio in hand. "I know, isn't their banter just lovely! They're a match made in hell. You know how stubborn Alastor's always been about having his radio time be a one-man show. But now he's finally let down his guard and let someone into his broadcast space, and I think he likes it. You can hear it in the tone of his voice…"
Rosie and Mimzy both listened closely as Alastor chuckled warmly on the air. "…My, my, that last caller was quite intrigued when we mentioned the bar downstairs, wasn't he, Angel?"
Angel chuckled too. "Yeah, and he was pretty jazzed to hear that the bartender was Husk. That cat does pour a mean drink. But hey, no one better come here to get fresh with him — Husk is a professional, and we take care of our own."
"Indeed, and the same goes regarding everyone else here too! We don't take kindly to liberties being taken with our guests or our staff. This hotel is a space safe from such uncouth debauchery!" Alastor added brightly.
"Basically, here we think consent is the sexiest thing of all. And if you 'consent' to letting us help you get redeemed, we'll teach ya all sorts of good behaviors that are kind of a turn on, so you can start living an afterlife that's a little less sinful and a little more rainbow-filled, as Charlie might say." Angel joked.
"Well put, ha!" Alastor set off his laugh track. "Angel, you truly have a way with words! Why, it's only matched by your sinfully delightful way with ingredients in a kitchen. His lasagna is worth harrowing heaven or hell to eat, you know, and he always makes enough to share. He's just the handiest fellow to have as one of your fellow guests — in part because he has so many hands for helping out, ha!"
"Heh, yeah, thanks," Angel replied humbly before clearing his throat and speaking to the crowd again. "And speaking of help, if you stop by for dinner one night you might get to try Al's famous jambalaya — now there's a miracle of a kitchen creation! Extra warm with a kick of spice — kind of like the chef."
"Says the spider whose zeppolis are just as bold and crisp as his humor — with a hint of sweetness of course."
"Flattery'll get ya everywhere, Al!"
They both shared a warm laugh.
"Now then, let's take our next caller!" Alastor finally declared.
"We're right here and ready to chat!" Angel added brightly.
Lowering the radio for a moment, Mimzy sighed wistfully. "I'll admit, I am a little worried about them flirting this much on the air. But the whole thing is too sweet to want it to stop."
Rosie nodded, brow slightly furrowed. "I know what you mean. Alastor did want their joint show today to be a soft introduction of their dynamic to hell. And eventually those two will become fully public since Alastor is abysmal keeping his intense emotions from the world for long. But I don't think he realizes how much he's already letting the affectionate cat out of the bag today." She bit her lip and glanced at the cannibals around them listening in. They were all smiling, many with bright eyes, some giggling to each other. Suspicions about Alastor and Angel would certainly grow, or at the very least when Alastor announced their relationship none of the cannibals would be surprised. Rosie sighed. "At least Alastor seems happy, and he has Angel to support and guide him. I just worry…not so much about the cannibals as about the rest of hell. Still, perhaps we're in the clear. You and I and the other cannibals are only wise to his flirtations because we know Alastor so well. Hopefully the general public will remain in the dark. I don't want him to get pressed into publicly revealing this tender matter of the heart when he's still not quite ready."
"I'm…not sure if he's going to have much of a choice soon, about letting the public know," Mimzy added uneasily, pointing off to the side. "Not if displays like that one continue, at least."
Rosie's gaze followed her hand and she blinked.
Across the road was a familiar group of lady cannibals — the ones who were so smitten with Alastor and always crowded him whenever he visited the colony and fawned over his every word and even fought each other fang and claw over a hat or a scarf or any other little favor he might toss to them. The ladies were all crowded around a radio, listening and blushing and talking hurriedly to one another. Some smiled, some sniffled, some hugged each other for support. It looked like they were all bidding farewell to cannibal colony's most eligible bachelor.
Rosie sighed deeply, her smile gone. "Mimzy dear, after the show I do think we should hold a small mandatory colony meeting to…indirectly make a statement on certain matters. We can't risk anyone here accidentally letting something slip to anyone else in the Pentagram. We won't reveal anything definite. They just have to know that Alastor has a new dear friend and has neither confirmed or denied anything regarding the future of his 'on air' or 'off air' relationship with this person."
Mimzy nodded. "I'll start writing up notices for your raven's to take around. Should we meet here at the tower? It's the biggest building in the colony, and everyone's near here already anyway to help out with the show or listen in."
"Yes, the tower will be fine," Rosie nodded. "Thank you, Mimzy dear. And I'll see if my usual ravens can rustle up some additional feathered friends so we can get the word out asap." She smiled and kissed her paramour on the cheek.
Mimzy giggled and and took her hand and bowed. "Any time, Rosie love."
Rosie pulled her close and the two of them just gazed down hungrily at each other.
Suddenly the attention of the surrounding cannibals was on the two of them, people giggling and smiling supportively as the two ladies grinned and blushed.
"Yes, yes," Rosie assured the crowd, "We all know you're just tickled pink that Mimzy and I are officially an item. But Alastor is the focus for today — and speaking of, prepare for an announcement soon, heralded by my ravens! And please stick near the Colony until the show ends this evening!"
She received several nods before the others went back to their work and their listening (and Alastor's cannibal lady fan club went back to their mooning and mourning).
Rosie and MImzy shared a quick kiss on the mouth then separated and went off to take care of more of their tasks as Alastor and Angel took another caller on the air.
"You're on the air, caller! What hot hotel questions do you have for your haute hosts, ha?" Alastor twirled his microphone, waiting for the latest caller to speak.
And the latest caller did speak indeed, sounding uneasy but also undeterred. "Yeah, uh…I have less of a 'hotel' question, more of a 'hot' question, heh…" came a reedy sounding voice that Alastor certainly didn't recognize but that made Angel tilt his head and slowly widen his eyes in recognition. "Like a 'hot for Angel Dust' question about where he's been and why he doesn't return my texts and when he's gonna be back on the market cuz it has been way too long. Angel, I miss you!" He made this last announcement in an excited but desperate sounding voice.
"God damnit. Travis…" Angel sighed very deeply with a scowl.
Alastor glanced back and forth from the switchboard to Angel. Finally he cleared his throat and sharpened his tone slightly as his smile grew. "Caller, perhaps you didn't hear us correctly but today we're taking questions about the hotel, about redemption, about becoming a guest.."
"Yeah, a guest! Can I do that? Like today maybe? Cuz I've REALLY missed time with Angel — I'll pay!" Travis assured sincerely.
A sharp peal of static whined from Alastor and made Angel wince. Alastor glowed and cleared his throat as he dismissed the sound with a quick shake of his head. "Er, sorry, folks, technically difficulties, but they're all straightened out! Now then, to handle this clueless caller, I'll re-iterate the fact that this hotel prides itself on creating a safe space for guests to flourish or fail on their own terms. No one is here to use anyone for their own selfish gratification."
Travis spoke up again, some despair in his voice. "Look, I know I'm taking my life into my hands bothering you with this call since you're the Radio Demon. But honestly I've been worried — I've been trying to get in touch with Angel for weeks and I know a lot of other regulars have missed him too, and today's the first time I've heard his voice in so long! So I just want to say…well…Angel, come on, how good could the clients be in heaven, heh? I mean, just…let me take care of you here. I know I don't have much, but I can try! We don't even have to involve Val and the studio. I know you hate it there. And I know you can't be into all this good deed stuff. You like danger and excitement and exciting quickies in a car backseat and—"
"TRAVIS!" Angel stood up suddenly, fists clenched, eyes and pink stripes glowing, second set of arms appearing to reach into his jacket for a well-concealed gun. Alastor actually jumped in a moment of puzzled surprise.
Angel noticed. He glanced at Alastor then blinked and took a deep breath. He released the gun and made his other set of arms disappear. Finally he grabbed his own mic and spoke into it, voice low but barely restrained. "Listen to me carefully, Travis — and that goes for any other needy clients who might be tuning in. The simpering whore you used to buy out for quickies? That's not me. That's who Val paid and pushed me to be because he knew so many of you wanted that Angel. I'm not working for Val anymore which means I get to be myself, all the time now. And that means I choose when I work, I choose who I work with, and I choose what I feel like doing with 'em. NOT the other way around. And I definitely don't need anyone stepping into a pimp role and 'taking care of me'." He blinked a couple of times, some tears at the edges of his eyes. "I haven't answered your texts, Travis, because I blocked you and any other demanding clients months ago. It's part of bettering myself here at the hotel, and let me tell ya, I do feel plenty better. My point is, if you want cheap sex you can go to someone else now…and whoever ya pick, you better treat 'em right, or I will descend upon you like hell's own personal sex worker savior and MAKE you treat 'em right. And I got the fighting skills to do it. Capiche?"
"But…But Angel…" Travis started to whine. "I don't get it…"
"And you never did!" Angel rolled his eyes and finally relaxed enough to sit down. "Now, if you ever really are ready for redemption — which for you would start with not being a dick to your sexual partners — you know where to find the hotel. But do not come here just looking to take me to bed because I'm closed for business to the likes of you. Kind clients only from now on."
"I just…I just missed you…" Travis sighed, tone sounding a mix of contrite and surprised and sad.
Angel sighed, his tone softening. "No, you missed fooling yourself into thinking that we were having fun and had something special and that it was all a silly game and 'definitely didn't mean you weren't straight'. Travis, take some time and figure some things out for yourself. Live better. You weren't my favorite client but you weren't the worst of the worst so you deserve at least that much. And maybe get a sex therapist — check with some of the girls at the studio, they know good ones, you can tell 'em I sent ya."
There was quite for a moment on the line. Alastor continued watching and listening to this exchange with wide eyes. He just didn't know what to say…yet meanwhile Angel was saying everything flawlessly.
Travis sniffed once now. Then he asked softly… "So you're really gonna go to heaven then?"
Angel's eyes widened and he froze, confidence severely wavering. "I…I don't… It's not that…" His gaze met Alastor's for a long moment. They both knew neither of them was planning to go anywhere without the other. But telling all of hell that the hotel's first guest had no intention of going to heaven wasn't exactly information they were comfortable sharing either. "I can't…"
The deer demon quickly cleared his throat and focused on his microphone. "We fully admit here at our happy hotel that redemption's ability to lead a soul to heaven remains unproven. However, we have confidence in our intentions and our guests. If heaven is the salvation you seek, we will help you find it. Or…if you improve your life significantly and realize that hell satisfies you enough under such better circumstances, we will honor your wishes. Of course."
Travis's voice sounded tearful as he suddenly spoke again. "Angel! I'm…sorry. If you stay, I hope that… I mean… Goodbye." And then he hung up the line.
Angel put his head in his hand, biting his lip, eyes darting around, tapping his foot in distress, and those tears were back at the edges of his eyes again.
Alastor's ears went down sadly as he watched his beau.
There was a long moment of silence on the air.
It didn't stop until Alastor took the lead again — it was all he could think to do to help. "Demon listeners, I think we should take another small music break to let everyone's thoughts settle and to refocus ourselves on today's topic at hand — the hotel and heaven and how you can become a guest here! We'll be back soon!" He snapped his fingers, the 'On Air' light went off as jazz music started playing.
Angel took off like a shot — he was up and across the room almost immediately.
From the cozy pillow fort he had currently made on his bed (complete with extra plush toys and snacks now) Lucifer frowned. "Oh dear… Poor Charlie, she probably didn't even foresee this possibility — yet if anyone could make it happen, it's her." He sighed. "Improving their lives so much that demons… find their own heaven already in hell. Even if the divine would agree to take them, they might not want to go."
He turned onto his back, gazing up at the ceiling, wiping away a tear as a small smile came to his lips. "Even though this development complicates matters for you, I'm proud of you for being such a loving, kind, brave lady, my Charlie. You make change — and it's good." He bit his lip in thought. "If people don't want to leave hell, then we really will need a backup plan. Something that makes the overpopulation issue null and void…an agreement or a battle. Anything to make the extermination madness stop and give my daughter and our humans peace." He nodded to himself firmly, hugged a stuffed goat toy close, then turned back over to ponder as Alastor spoke again followed quickly by the lilt of slightly somber jazz music as the Radio Demon went off the air once more (in somewhat of a haste).
"Angel!" Alastor stood up, but Angel was already out the radio tower door and into the hall. Alastor followed straight after him. "Angel, wait!" He came to an abrupt stop when he entered the hall because Angel had come to an abrupt stop, frozen perfectly still with his eyes wide.
They found themselves face to face with Charlie and Vaggie who were waiting in the hall. Vaggie was biting her lip in concern and holding a small radio in her hands, and Charlie was frowning in distress, her dark eyes wide. They had clearly just heard everything.
Angel blinked a few times, shaking a little, hands moving nervously as he spoke. "Charlie! I didn't… I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to let that call get away from me and to let Travis get under my skin. I know I should've shut up. Or I just should have said: 'Yeah, I'm heaven bound and proud!' Or I should have told you the truth months ago… I meant to, I just… Everything's been so hectic, and stuff's changing so fast, and I love you and I didn't want to disappoint you. But I… I… I mean, I still wanna do good and help others to do good and help this hotel. But my family's here and my friends are here and my…my partner is here. All of us are together in hell. So I won't…I won't go to…"
"You won't go to heaven," Charlie finished softly for him. But there was no disappointment in her voice, no despair, no betrayal. She was smiling softly.
Beside her, Vaggie smiled softly now too. "I know you never told her, Angel. But it's okay, she figured it out on her own. She's kind of brilliant like that." Vaggie shot her a flirtatious smirk, and Charlie kissed her on the cheek with a small chuckle.
"But, but, but…." Angel started, eyes shining with tears, "What if the whole pentagram finds out now from what I just said on the air? We're supposed to be legitimizing this place today, and meanwhile I just undercut your whole dream. I'm your first guest and I'm rejected getting redeemed to go to heaven — and what kinda example does that set?"
"Oh Angel!" Charlie came forward and took his hands in hers, her eyes bright. "Angel…You are already the best example of what this hotel has to offer, just as you are right here and right now with all of us."
"Huh?" Angel sniffed and looked so confused.
Charlie smiled. "You came here and learned to live better. Now you take care of yourself, you stand up for yourself, you let yourself trust and love new people… I can see how happy you've become. And I've seen how happy the other guests are just being here and learning to help themselves and each other. It's made me realize that…getting the demons redeemed and into heaven quickly shouldn't be the goal of this hotel. The goal should be giving all of you a safe space where you're free to grow and choose good lives for yourselves. We'll still address the overpopulation problem and the…exterminations. We still strive for redemption. We have to. But…no one in hell should have to live their lives based around those issues. You don't have the burden of heaven on you, Angel. You're free to choose. And that's been all I've wanted from the start, for you and all of my people. From the moment I first met you I had a good feeling, and I was right." She sniffed, eyes starry with joy. "Angel, as long as you have your happy place, even if that place isn't heaven, you're the best guest I could ask for. And I love you too."
That did it — at those final loving, accepting, kind words, Angel Dust burst into tears and became a bawling, emotional mess. "Charlie! You're the best damn demon princess there could ever be! Thank you!"
Alastor immediately put an arm over Angel's shoulders — the spider clung to him as Alastor patted his back. "Oh, there, there, Anthony… Yes, she's a treasure. And so are you, darling."
"Vaggie?" Charlie blinked and looked over to see Vaggie's lip wobbling, tears in her eyes.
"It's just…" Vaggie sniffed, "…Angel cares so much! He went from making defensive sex jokes and blowing up buildings and being stubborn all the time to loving this hotel just as much as we do and helping Alastor love it too and helping all of us feel like a family…"
Charlie put her arms around a laughing and crying Vaggie, patting her shoulders.
Charlie and Alastor shared a meaningful smile as they comforted their partners.
"If it helps to know," Alastor offered Charlie with a grin, "if Angel did get redeemed and heaven did want him and he did decide to go, I've been fully prepared to become the most righteous soul in hell so that I could go with him. Redeeming the Radio Demon would have been a real feather in your cap I figured, ha!"
"Hmm," Charlie grinned back, "I'm pretty sure I already redeemed you, Alastor, in a way. You just haven't realized it yet."
He blinked but then rolled his eyes, trying to seem causal. "Oh, is this about that nonsense about me being a 'guest'?"
"Maybe… And I'm so glad you are." She winked at him with a laugh.
Alastor barely resisted an urge to stick his tongue out at her teasingly. And he had a feeling Charlie would have done the gesture right back at him.
Vaggie laughed, almost composed again. "Wow, you two tease each other like Angel's siblings do."
"Alastor did say once that I could think of him as a big brother," Charlie beamed.
Alastor coughed as Angel pulled back to smirk up at him, wiping tears from his eyes. "Yes, well…" Alastor started, glowing slightly, "I believe that was when I was drunk on your heavenly wine, but…I did mean it." As Angel gave him an amused look, Alastor rolled his eyes and took the spider's hand. "Anyway on to more pressing matters…Angel, would you like a break from your time hosting with me? If you need to gather your thoughts without the pressure of the public calling in…"
Angel clasped Alastor's hand in both of his own and shook his head with a smile. "Nah, I'm feeling better. A lot better. And…I wanna say something to the public. I wanna tell them what my plans are and what this place means to me. And I figure we'll go from there with the calls. What do you say?"
Alastor's eyes brightened. "I say I'll be at your side, holding your hand and hanging on your every word the entire time if you'd like. Come on, mon ange!" He gently pulled Angel closer.
Angel chuckled. "Wow, radio shows really do make ya act extra charming, huh?" He glanced back at the girls and gave them a little wave. "See you soon, ladies — my guy and I gotta finish our show now.! And then he was pulling a shy Alastor into the studio as Charlie and Vaggie laughed and waved to them.
Once they were inside and had the door shut, Alastor and Angel dashed over to their chairs and microphones. Alastor snapped his fingers for the jazz music to fade out. He tapped his his microphone and the 'On-Air' sign glowed. "And we're back! Alastor and Angel still here and ready to take your — hotel and redemption related — calls. But first, speaking of both subjects, Angel has something he'd like to say as our hotel's first guest and as my first co-host. Angel?"
"Thanks, Al." Angel nodded to him then took a breath and spoke into his own mic. "For any of you who were listening before the last break…you might have heard me get a little emotional, and you might have heard me not give a clear answer about going to heaven. Well, the truth is…being at this hotel does make ya emotional cuz you get a chance to rest and think about what stuff you want in your life and what stuff is just hurting you and holding you back. And then you start to let go of the bad things and you end up finding some really good things. So…when someone from the past tries to make you be who you were before things got better, it sucks. A lot. And I'm not doing it anymore." He held his head high. "I'm sexy — and I'm also funny and smart and strong and a great cook and an excellent shot with a gun and proud pig papa. So I'm letting myself be all of me now, not just one part. And it's made my life so much better. Which has made me realize that…getting out of hell and going to heaven maybe ain't for me. But what is for me is living my life in a good way and helping other demons figure out how to do the same. Maybe they'll end up happy in heaven or maybe they'll end up happy right here in hell. It might make fixing the overpopulation issue take some extra time… but I think it'll be worth it. Our Princess is ready to fight for our right to find our best lives and take as much time as we need. And I hope you are too. I'm Angel Dust and I'm here to stay in hell with my friends and my family and my partn-…my pig, heh. Cuz all those things are a lot better now and so am I." He smiled and leaned back, looking to the smiling deer at his side. "Anything to add, Smiles?"
Alastor clapped. "Just three cheers and my hearty wishes for your continued happiness."
Angel winked at him, and Alastor glowed. Then the deer cleared his throat. "Now then, let's take some more calls, shall we?"
They braced themselves as Alastor put through someone new. "You're on the air!"
They were prepared for potential outrage or scandal or even mockery at Angel's denial of heaven… But the first call just wanted to know more about how Angel had found happiness at the hotel… The second call just wanted to know if guests could really stay for a while if they just needed a long time to sort out their life… The third call just wanted to know what they could do to support the hotel even if they didn't want to check in right now.
Alastor and Angel's eyes lit up with each conversation. This was working. The whole show was working. And the whole hotel would be okay.
After Vark had his fill of playing in the fountain and after Vox had his fill of playfully keeping the little shark from splashing all of the water onto the pavement and their little group and after Val had his fill of attempting casual smalltalk without acting like a total dork, the moth and the television decided to continue their walk together with the baby shark through the rest of the park.
So far so good, Val figured — the fountain was the half way point of the park, and being half way through the park meant being half way through their walk (and half way through this potential date). Half way done, and he hadn't royally fucked up anything yet. He hadn't snapped at Vox on defensive reflex, he hadn't flipped out about Alastor's radio show, and he hadn't gotten sloppy and accidentally blurted out all of his sickly sweet feelings in a moment of utter public humiliation. Velvet would be proud.
Val was doing a good job at keeping himself calm except for one potential trigger — the other demons in the park who were clearly taking special notice of himself and Vox. Not that the attention was too unusual. After all, it was only natural that other demons would notice two overlords with rough reputations going out for a stroll. And normally Val liked attention and the chance to strike a little fear (or fluster) into others. However, right now when he was feeling insecure and nervous and on edge, the cringes and whispers and occasional hungry looks demons were sending his way were fucking annoying. He was trying to have an afternoon free of all the baggage of his life down here, an afternoon where Vox wasn't reminded of any of it and could focus on the fact that Val was trying to…do better.
These desperate demons were insisting on being a distraction though. The worst part was Val knew most of the reactions were specifically directed at himself more than Vox. The television had decent 'don't fuck with me' prestige, but Val was the renowned bastard and pervert. Again, fresh feelings of shame dawned on him. Half these demons probably just hoped he wouldn't get pissed and make them suffer his wrath while the other half probably wanted to see if they could score a quickie behind a tree and brag to their friends.
Well, as for the fearful ones, joke was on them cuz he was determined to keep his cool today and not rip anyone a new one.
And as for the ones interested in fornicating, like he would waste his time with any of them. They couldn't hold a candle to Vox, even just as someone to walk with.
Damn, love was a hell of a drug.
"Val… you who?"
Valentino blinked, coming out of his thoughts. "Huh, what?"
Vox had an eyebrow raised. Clearly the tv had been talking to him and Val had been so wrapped up in his own internal bullshit that he hadn't noticed at all. "I asked how being back running the studio has been going?"
"Oh." Val considered and shrugged. "It's…fine. I mean…same old, same old. I'm…not working people as hard, I guess — mostly cuz I'm too fucking tired to enforce shit but also because I overheard some of 'em talking. They, uh… liked it a lot when you were in charge…definitely more than they've ever liked me as their boss. And apparently it's because you were more hands off and much less of a hard ass. So… I'm trying to follow your lead a bit. Make things easier for me, maybe for everyone." He tried to shrug casually.
Vox eyed Valentino. who tried not to blush under the attention. Then the television spoke, voice soft so they wouldn't be overheard. "I'm sure they all appreciate you taking things easier on them, trying a new approach. I'm glad it's working out well for you." His brow furrowed. "I didn't mean for them to compare us. But…I think if you can understand WHY they might have preferred my style of things then maybe—"
"They preferred you because you don't play mind games and you don't take extra cuts from their pay and you don't treat yourself to random quickies with them after their shows — I know!" Val almost yelled, hands clenched, eyes narrowed.
Vark stopped walking and tilted his head up curiously at Val.
The sight made Val's anger instantly soften. He patted Vark's head. "Vark… I, uh…Sorry," he finished sincerely, gazing down at the little shark until Vark's smile finally returned and he licked Val's hand. Then Val straightened up, crossed his arms over his chest and took a deep breath, addressing Vox again, calmly. "Sorry to you too. I just… I get it. Apparently I have sucked in a lot of ways to a lot of people. I'm trying to…deal with it — without killing or threatening or fucking my way through it. By just being better. Less of a dick. Whatever."
"Val…" Vox spoke softly again, and there was a small, special smile on his screen, "the fact that you can even admit you might need some things to change is big. I'm proud of you. You're trying. I know it has to be hard. But you don't have to get all of it right all at once. Just do your best, okay? Because you deserve to live better and…so do a lot of the people we've interacted with." He swallowed. "I've made mistakes too. But we'll figure things out together."
Val's heart fluttered lightly. And for a moment he let himself smile.
Vox noticed and stared in wonder, his digital eyes lighting up.
Valentino blinked at the beautiful response then shyly flattened out his mouth again, so overwhelmed and flustered. "Yeah, well, uh…I mean…acting different around the studio is kind of fun for me anyway. You should see how confused half the crew is about me not having a raging temper. I should offer 'em a raise, watch them absolutely panic, heh."
A small chuckle left Vox. "They'll get used to it eventually. And don't worry, I'll never panic on you, Val." Vox winked.
Oh fuck…. Something about that confident gesture from Vox boosted Val's confidence entirely. On an impulse (and thanks to the memory of some silly advice from Velvet), Val stretched up casually then glanced to the bushes alongside them and tugged a rose off one of the vines. He eyed it casually, lifted it up then sighed. "Oh, right, I'm not wearing my hat — I was gonna tuck this into the brim." He barely glanced over and held it out to his companion. "You want it, Vox?"
"Oh." Vox blinked a couple times and glanced down at himself. "I'm not sure where I'd put it…"
Val deftly twisted the end of the rose into the button hole on Val's blazer. "There, perfect. You always look better with a little dash of red. Matches your eyes." He said the words like they were obvious…but there was something sweet in the tone. Val couldn't help himself. He had always loved to work his charms. And now he could work them on someone who deserved them, and someone whose charm he worshipped in return. Maybe it was a bold move, but fuck it — Val had watched Vox pine desperately for years for Alastor from afar and he refused to repeat the pattern. If these feelings for Vox really weren't going away, and if Vox was going to be all smiling and receptive, then maybe Val just need to make a move…a small, careful move, but definitely and undeniably a move. Then Vox would get the hint that Val was at least interested in something more than friendly…and from there, when he was ready, Val could explain that he was also interested in something more than physical. Something emotional. And then everything would be perfect.
Hookers were usually so flattered (or, Val had to admit, ignorant, scared, or well-payed) that they would all become instantly enthralled with him at a gesture like this. Vox, however, just looked down at the rose with wide eyes for a moment. Then he looked up and forward, face blank. But then finally he looked to Val…and smiled.
Maybe Vox finally understood now. Maybe this was the start of their love story…
"This is good, Val," Vox replied. "This is how you should be treating your workers and your customers and new prospects. Flirting but not forcing. Thanks for letting me see it in action."
Val deflated a little and let words tumble out of his mouth, anything to save his pride. "I, uh…yeah. I just wanted to show you…how I'm treating others. It's great, isn't it…?" He rubbed the side of his head.
"Val, you okay?"
"Just…I don't know, all this sunlight is giving me a headache. Let's head toward the park exit, it's shadier along the way." He glanced at Vox with a dry, defeated look. "Mind if I take Vark?"
Vox tilted his head but nodded and handed off the leash. The little shark smiled and yipped and nuzzled up to Val, and Val patted his head as the walk continued. He suddenly felt so clueless and slightly frustrated and very tired — at least Vark's closeness helped. He let Vark lead them a few paces ahead of Vox as they walked and got lost in his thoughts, this time on purpose.
He had flirted openly with the television, and Vox…hadn't even considered for a moment that the gesture could be sincerely directed at him. He'd only viewed it as a demonstration. Not a blip of fluster or intrigue had appeared on his screen. He couldn't see Valentino as anything else but a friend. Ugh, this was a sign that Val would definitely need to give him a full awkward confession before the tv would get it…and a sign that Vox might flat out reject him as not his type.
Val flinched painfully inside at that thought and felt his temper flare and his heart…hurt. He had to think about anything else. But even glances over his shoulder to see how hot Vox looked walking with Val's rose in his blazer weren't helping Val feel better. This was gonna be so damn complicated. So much for Vel 'getting to make a wedding cake' for them… anytime soon at least.
Not that he would EVER get married of course! But if Val HAD to pick someone…ugh, forget it. He just focused on Vark and let everything else go and was thankful that Vox didn't try to strike up any further deep conversations for now.
Late afternoon found Niss and Pen curled up on the sofa in the hotel lobby, taking a nap. Or, more specifically, Pen was lying across the expanse of the sofa to take a nap with his tail coiled up at the end while Niss rested against the far side of the sofa and used the coil as a pillow. They'd both been up since very early, but they wanted to still be awake for the end of the show this evening, so they'd agreed on a midday hotel nap. There was more space to spread out down here than in Niss's room, and being in the lobby meant that they were easier to find if people needed them. Besides, they were expecting the next set of radio show guests very soon, and someone would have to greet them — and thankfully Niss was a light sleeper.
Suddenly there was an insistent, loud knock on the door.
Niss blinked a couple of times, yawned, stretched, then grinned dreamily at the sight of the snake tail under his head. He glanced over and saw Pen still passed out, mouth open and forked tongue lolling out.
Niss blushed a little and grinned. When this radio show was over they should probably go up to the airship and get dinner and a good night's rest…then in the morning he could ask Pen to slip that tongue into his mouth like they both liked.
He chuckled as another knock sounded, then he got up and straightened his suit. Making out would happen later, for now he had a hotel to help save. He headed over to the door… just as Cherri (with a confused Crymini behind her) raced down the stairs only to pause midway. "I'll get it—Oh! Niss, you got it…"
"Yeah…" Niss shrugged, eyeing her curiously. She was breathing heavily and had to wipe some sweat from her brow. She looked like she had run from all the way upstairs to get down here and get the door. Maybe she was just on edge about the show? He turned back to the door and opened it.
There were the Von Eldritch siblings, looking as starched and pressed and put together as ever…though maybe a little less perfectly confident than usual. Sev was smiling sheepishly as he gave a small wave. Helsa had her arms crossed and was looking first up then off to one side then down like she was just generally trying to avoid eye contact but in a casual, careless way.
Niss knew how to read people from all his time in the mob. They were hiding something. Not something dangerous though…this felt more like something embarrassing. Still, maybe that made sense. After all, they'd had a falling out with Charlie a long time ago and were now going to be on the radio with her talking about her hotel — some jitters were only natural.
"Hey, welcome back!" Niss offered. "I don't think we got properly introduced last time you were here. I'm Niss, Angel's big brother — he's the tall white and pink spider, first hotel guest. Pleasure to have ya on the radio show today."
Sev's smile relaxed and he stepped inside. "Hey! I'm Sev. We're happy to be back and to meet you, and we're excited about the show."
"Yeah, what he said. And I'm Helsa, of course," Helsa added, seeming to relax a bit. She rubbed one temple and followed her brother inside. But when her eyes found the stairs, she immediately proceeded to trip on the foyer carpet and pinwheel forward. She caught herself on Sev's arm, flushed as her eyes remained trained on the stairs…and the familiar one-eyed demon waiting on them.
Cherri managed a half grin and a shrug and a small wave. "Uh, hey, Helsa…" A long (too long) pause. "Oh, and Sev! Heh…" Behind Cherri, Crymini glanced back and forth between her and the siblings then rolled her eyes.
"Cherri!" Helsa kicked the carpet straight. "You're here… I mean, yeah that makes sense, whatever. I…hi. I, um…we…" Her bright lips flashed into a smile for a second before contracting into a usual scowl and pout…though the look on her face seemed less like her usual annoyance and more like nervousness. "Uh…you know, we should find Lottie and head up to the radio studio — come on, Sev!" She grabbed her brother's arm and dragged him to the stairs. "Oh, uh, yeah! Heh… See you later, Niss!" He called over his shoulder as they climbed briskly upward, Helsa huffing (and maybe blushing) as she headed past Cherri, who pressed herself against the railing and watched her go…and kept watching.
Niss watched the whole thing. And by the time it was over and Helsa was gone, he was grinning ear to ear in wonder.
Crymini whispered something to Cherri with a smirk, and Cherri rolled her eye and turned to head back down the stairs — by that point, Niss was already on the step just below her, smirking away.
Cherri jumped back. "Ah! Shit, Niss — don't use your sniper stealth skills to surprise me like that." She crossed her arms and tilted her head. "What?"
Crymini sighed. "I'm gonna go take a break out in the backyard. You two discuss boring grown up stuff." She winked at Cherri who gave her a dry look, and then Crymini headed down the stairs with a knowing grin.
Left alone, Cherri and Niss turned to each other again. There was a brief stalemate — Cherri staring him down a little and Niss grinning so much. Finally she sighed. "Niss, it's not what you think—" "Bull. You're into Helsa, aren't ya, Cherri?" He smirked.
Cherri sighed even more dramatically. "No…I mean… Look, we were drunk the other night, we were getting along, she seemed interested and…I said no. Cuz I don't do drunk hookups without prior consent. Simple." She remained casual for a moment but then bit her lip and couldn't help glancing up the stairs again.
Niss blinked at her response. "You've been thinking about it though…about her."
"Well…I mean, she's attractive, anyone can see that. And kind of interesting in a weirdly high maintenance way." Cherri brought her attention back to him, arms crossed. "But it's not, you know… 'a thing'." Her brow furrowed and she blushed. "I'm just making sure she's okay."
"Oh my god, you're not just into her, you're getting feelings…." His whole look brightened.
"Okay wow, am not!" Yet Cherri's face heated. "Why would you even think that?" She bit her lip and glanced back up the steps. "You don't think SHE thinks that, right?"
Niss chuckled. "You mean does she suspect the truth? Maybe not…but she will if you keep acting so flustered around her."
Cherri gave him a stubborn scowl. Niss just sighed and shook his head. "Okay, I know we're on a tight schedule today but you and me need to find some time to sit down and talk about what's going on with this. I just wanna help you, Cherri — like you helped me."
Her stubborn look faded and finally she groaned a little, leaning against the railing. "But that's the thing — I don't know what's going on! NOTHING HAPPENED, and the only reason I rushed down here to answer the door was to confirm nothing happened. So I have no idea why I acted so clueless and nervous just now." She ran her hands through her hair, gesturing as she worked out her thoughts. "Maybe cuz it's been a while since I was with anyone? But then I still don't know why SHE acted so nervous. Maybe she still feels weird about nearly coming on to me the other night? I mean, It's not like SHE has feelings, heh — I am not worth becoming a complete dork over."
"First of all, you absolutely are worth being a dork over," Niss assured gently. "Second…I think the way you both responded to seeing each other just now is a pretty good sign that even if nothing happened you'd both be down for something to happen at some point. And third…you won't know how she feels or even exactly how you feel until you talk to her about it. That's how it worked for me and Pen." He grinned.
Cherri rolled her eye and nudged him with a grin. "Shut up, I'm not gonna go all sentimental and half-move into an airship of ecstasy with her." Niss rolled his eyes back at her, and Cherri stuck out her tongue then went on with a sigh. "I just…maybe wouldn't mind seeing her again sometimes after all of this. She can come by here. Or I'll pass through her neighborhood and pop in. No big deal." She stretched up. "You know that not everyone here has to fall madly in love with whoever they're seeing even if that's been happening weirdly often at this hotel."
Niss chuckled again. "Fair. But…if your feelings start getting deeper or even if they stay the same but you just want to talk, I'm here." He shrugged. "You helped me figure things out with my love life so I could finally make a move. I'd be happy to return the favor."
She sighed but did smile as she glanced at him. "I'll think about it."
He nodded. Then he tilted his head. "Does Angel know about…"
"No…" She leaned back on the railing. "This is new. So don't tell him yet, okay? Let me get to it once I figure out if there's actually anything to get to."
"You got it," Niss agreed. He gestured down the stairs. "Come on, I think Crymini had the right idea — taking a break outside sounds nice. Might give ya a chance to think too. Help me wake up Pen and then I'll get us some drinks and we'll head to the patio." He raised an eyebrow. "Speaking of, Crymini seemed like she was wise to your feelings too, ya know."
"Teenagers — they see through everything," Cherri shook her head with a smile as they started to head down to the lobby. "But she's a good kid. I like getting to know her. I'm thinking about…trying to do something to help the other teen demons like her. Is that weird?"
"Seriously? I think it's damn cool."
"Yeah, Crymini said the same thing. And so did Helsa…" Her smile grew.
Niss chuckled again as Cherri shrugged and grinned, and they headed to Pen to wake him up so they could all join Crymini together.
Upstairs, Vaggie waited at Charlie's side in the hallway outside of the radio studio. Angel's segment with Alastor was almost over which meant she and Charlie were supposed to go back on the air again… this time with the Von Eldritch siblings to make their big announcement about the hotel expansion. It would be fine…probably. Vaggie hoped so, at least.
Having Sev around here didn't make Vaggie feel jealous or insecure or anything, but it did make her anxious. Charlie had told her the details of the breakup a while ago, which included the fact that Sev had never given her an exact reason for dumping her. That missing piece of the puzzle was the source of Vaggie's nervousness. She knew she and Charlie — especially now — were not going to break up, which meant Sev's presence wasn't in any way a threat. But there was a risk of their history coming back up and distressing Charlie and maybe causing problems with the hotel. Vaggie didn't like that possibility.
So, while Vaggie was patient and understanding about the Von Eldritches being here, she was also very wary. Hearing the Von Eldritches heading up the steps now to the third floor as she stood bedside Charlie to wait for them, Vaggie braced herself emotionally and physically for whatever was to come…until her unease was suddenly interrupted when the door to the roof opened and Steve strolled down the steps to the third floor with his sax.
Charlie smiled at his appearance. "Oh Steve! I thought you weren't playing live on the show until later."
He gave a little smile and a shrug. "That's right…but I just like to get an idea of my environment before I play, and the studio is new and all." His tail twitched and he looked down. "By the way, Charlie, uh…do you think Alastor would mind if I waited a few minutes until your next segment is over before coming to him for my part?"
"If you need to do something first, I'm sure he'd be okay with it," Charlie replied, head tilted in concern. "Is it something we could help you take care of now?" Vaggie asked curiously.
He sighed. "Not exactly…It's—" His ears twitched and his eyes widened and his fur stood no end.
Vaggie was surprised. Steve was always so relaxed. Why…
And then Sev and Helsa finally came up the stairs.
Helsa looked flushed and her hair was a little mussed. Maybe they had been running late and she'd had to rush over here to be on time? Sev looked fine though. Vaggie waited for his eyes to find Charlie and for that familiar tension to come over them both. But instead Vaggie watched with confusion as Sev's eyes…went right to Steve. And Steve's eyes locked with Sev's.
Vaggie wasn't the only one noticing. Helsa looked from Sev to Steve several times then gave Sev a slight nudge. "Hi, Lottie, Vaggie. We're here!"
"Yeah!" Sev managed with a blink, voice cracking. Then he added, looking down the hall again and giving a small wave, "Hi Steve…"
"Greetings!" Steve put on a small, relaxed smile and managed a nod to both of them. He looked right back to Charlie again. "Please tell Alastor I'll be running just a few minutes late." And then he headed up to the roof again, not looking at anyone else on his way.
Charlie was busy watching Steve go with a concerned look. Meanwhile, Vaggie watched as Sev watched him go too and sighed with a frown. Helsa patted his arm, her scowl melted into a look of concern. Sev tried to perk up again, seeming to appreciate her comfort.
"Uh…hi, you two." Vaggie spoke up, "Alastor will be ready for us in a few. You can wait with me and Charlie here or use the bathroom in Baxter's lab if you want to freshen up."
"Yeah, I…I need a minute," Sev replied. He left his sister behind, just shaking his head once in response to her concerned look. Helsa bit her lip.
"I'm really glad you're here, Helsa," Charlie let her know with a sincere smile.
"I'm…glad to be here too, Lottie," Helsa replied, giving her a brief glance with a slight blush. She swallowed and looked to Vaggie with a nod. "Vaggie…"
Vaggie nodded to her. "Thanks, Helsa, for everything. I…hope Sev is okay." She meant it.
"He will be…" Helsa replied, not elaborating.
But that was fine, because (even if Charlie had been too distracted by Steve to notice), Vaggie had a feeling she knew what was going on here. Sev liked Steve…which meant he really had moved on. So now there was no risk of Charlie getting pulled back into emotional turmoil. In that moment, Vaggie decided she would support Sev's wooing efforts with Steve and help if there was some kind of problem. She wanted their cat guest to be happy and…she supposed she wanted Sev to be happy too. Honestly, it was about time she and Sev developed a proper relationship, especially if the Von Eldritch's were back in Charlie's life to stay as friends.
When a still glum (but at least smiling slightly more) Steve returned from the bathroom, the door to the studio opened and out stepped a grinning Angel and an eager Alastor. They both welcomed the girls and the Von Eldritches and gestured forward, guiding them into the studio to join the show.
Vaggie gestured for the siblings to go first with a smile and then held Charlie's hand and lead her inside. She was starting to believe that it was good that these two demons had come back into their lives. She hoped that this change was one that would lead to even more good changes in the near future and beyond.
A/N:
That's all for now! It's almost time for the big hotel expansion announcement ^w^ I'll have one more chapter up soon and then I'll take a small break again to draft more story. Thank you for your support!
-Azure129