A/N:

Hi everyone! I hope you're all well. I've got some end of the year updates for this fic. Thank you all for reading and for your support 3

Partners

Chapter 110:

Checking In, Checking Out

A few days had passed since the night of the 'radio show redux', as the cannibals and eventually the rest of the Pentagram had dubbed it — double the radio shows, double the drama, double the curiosity about Alastor and Charlie and whatever would come next for the hotel. Fortunately, (or unfortunately for the gossipmongers), everyone involved had been lying quite low since the big night. No dramatic bids from Alastor to expand his potentially destructive powers further, no dramatic calls from Charlie to rouse more demons to redemption, no response from any other overlords or the king and queen to any of it. The Pentagram was left curious and waiting for whatever might happen next.

Meanwhile, all parties involved were content to leave the rest of hell waiting. There was a lot to manage in all of their personal lives, and they needed time and space to figure out what to do next.

In particular, the hotel had a fair amount of tension ebbing and flowing with the sudden welcoming of Lucifer and Lilith. The royal couple hadn't moved in of course, but they had been visiting every day, for hours at a time, and Charlie and Vaggie had been spending those hours with them. There was talking, planning, apologizing, sometimes (a lot of times) sitting in awkward silence. But their fragile truce was holding and strengthening moment by moment.

Most of the others at the hotel, meanwhile, were still a bit wary about accepting the presence of the king and queen. However, they all had their own affairs to be concerned with, so as long as Charlie seemed happy and the King and Queen were behaving themselves, the rest of the hotel was content to leave the royal family to attempt healing on their own terms.

…With the exception of one member of the hotel, however.

Hiding behind the banister at the bottom of the stairs, Crymini glared at the sight of Lucifer and Charlie having tea in the lobby while Vaggie mixed a drink for Lilith at the bar (Husk had been a little scarce lately and Molly too for some reason, but Crymini was more than happy to do surveillance in their place).

"Do you want to have dinner together with me and Vaggie tonight, Dad? We can talk more about what to do next…about the hotel and heaven," Charlie asked cautiously.

Lucifer nodded, looking overjoyed at the invitation, though he tried to keep himself calm. "I think that would be an excellent plan. May we join your guests and stay for dinner?" He glanced at his wife and his daughter's partner at the bar then back to Charlie.

Charlie looked to the bar as well. Vaggie blinked then gave a cautious nod of her own, and Lilith nodded with a smile.

Charlie turned back to her father, hands clasped and dark eyes excited. "We'd love to have you."

Lucifer's eyes filled with stars of joy.

Sure, these interactions all sounded good on paper, but Crymini still did not like the king and queen being here. Even if they were acting helpful now, even if they had apologized to Charlie, even if their help would probably benefit the hotel in the long run, they didn't have a right to just…come and be part of this safe place. They had all the rest of hell, couldn't they leave Charlie and the hotel and Crymini alone? Hadn't everyone here suffered enough without having to act like the things the royals had done were fine even when they weren't?

Crymini gripped the bannister, putting claw marks in the wood, and barely bit back a growl…She felt tears in her eyes. She just wanted to be safe and for everyone else to be safe. But she had to step away now and go upstairs because she needed to keep Abel and Louise safe too — a very important task that she had failed at a few days ago. She'd had a bad feeling while leaving the cafe last week, like someone was watching them. But instead of acting on the hunch, she had let it go — told herself she was being paranoid, stubborn, on edge. She was safe now and had to move past all her anxiety. And the result had been the two people who had brought her to this good place nearly getting killed when the bull demon attacked them.

No more. Crymini was going to become like a solider for this hotel, like a knight for Charlie, like the guard dog this body craved for her to be. And no threat in heaven or hell would ever sneak up on her again.

With a final sigh, she watched Vaggie and Lilith join Charlie and Lucifer (at least Vaggie was a warrior too, so she would keep things safe even if she was going along with this reconciliation thing). Crymini turned away and snuck upstairs, to the door of Abel and Louise's room. They had healed up enough to be moved there from Baxter's lab. Baxter had said Abel was finally wide awake and aware today. Crymini wouldn't disturb him or Louise. Instead, she still curled into a ball on the floor in front of the door and laid down.

"I'm sorry."

She lowered her eyes, trying not to cry.

Crymini wasn't the only one sneaking around the hotel to secretly brood about people. Husk and Molly were having a similar issue — they still hadn't addressed the awkward problem that had come up between them about marriage, sex, their future. As the days passed, they glanced at each other and greeted each other and looked at each other with longing, but they weren't sure where to start just yet with making things better. Everything going on around them was so hectic, and neither had found a moment to sit and process. They were both pretty sure that they had officially taken on the title of the most dysfunctional people currently in the hotel.

Even now, in the kitchen, they both eyed each other while they helped Niffty and Baxter (who seemed as giddy and sweet on each other as ever) cook lunch.

"Husk?" Molly asked.

"Yeah?!" He jumped, staring at her so intensely, like he was waiting for the world.

She held her breath then frowned and only asked, "Could you, uh…pass me the oregano?"

Husk blinked, and his ears went down. He handed it to her. "Yeah. Anytime."

She nodded her thanks and went back to cooking. And he went back to scrubbing a pan.

They both wished they were brave enough to stop everything they were doing and just talk.

Incidentally, Husk and Molly were both wrong about being the most dysfunctional ones at the hotel right now. That title was probably better applied to the Von Eldritch siblings who were stuck in an awkward spiral of blind panic of their own making. Sev couldn't find words to address the king and queen beyond a formal hello each day, he had all the words for Steve but could only share them in quick whispers that left him frustrated since their relationship was still mostly a secret, and finally the fish demon was in a perpetual state of worry about the whereabouts of his sister who had indeed returned to the hotel briefly but immediately bailed again the moment she had set eyes on Charlie. Sev needed to know Helsa was okay and he needed his sister and his dear friend Charlie to reconcile after Helsa's dramatic confession of past love so he could have a mental break from all this waiting. Sev was only coping with being thoroughly distressed himself because spending a few hours each day in Steve's room playing music and gently making out with the cat demon could do wonders for the nerves.

Speaking of the other Von Eldritch sibling, Helsa was wound so tightly that she felt ready to ascend to heaven from sheer emotional propulsion alone. Once she and Cherri had returned to the hotel after she'd spent some time at Cherri's place…Helsa had been stunned to find Charlie fully absorbed with her parents. Naturally, Helsa had immediately made herself scarce as the royal family bonded — though she and Charlie had locked eyes for a moment…upon which Helsa had turned fiery pink and sprinted to the back yard with a quick wave to the king and queen followed by a comment along the lines of 'took you long enough to apologize'. Charlie had smiled awkwardly and winced and been about to apologize to her parents, but Lucifer had only held up a hand and shaken his head. Sev actually felt a flicker of respect for the king in that moment. Over the last few days Helsa had kept coming back (always with Cherri), and she kept biting her lip at the sight of Charlie and finally leaving once more, much to Charlie's apparent growing distress.

Sure enough, today, just like clockwork, Helsa came into the hotel front door after breakfast with Cherri, gave the king and queen a nod, then looked to Charlie while Sev watched with Steve from the ballroom entrance (they had been playing with the acoustics of the room…and maybe dancing together too). Helsa finally just gave Charlie her usual nod and stomped down the nearest hallway, and Cherri said some quick greetings and followed her. Sev was exhausted from the sight of it and ready to have a long talk to Helsa because this stalemate could not go on. To help him feel prepared for that conversation, Steve took him upstairs and called him Scales and wrapped him up in his luxurious tail and made Sev feel like sinners were the most wondrous creatures on the planet.

"Steve…I'm really happy you're here." Sev hugged him with a smile.

Steve patted his back and chuckled. "Anytime, Scales, anytime."

Sev felt ready to help his sister now, he just hoped she was finally ready to be helped.

Alastor and Angel had kept to themselves too the last few days, but they were in a state of perfect harmony. They both needed a break from guiding things at the hotel, and Charlie needed to handle her parents presence on her own terms, and and the others would sort out their own matters in due time. But for now…everyone seemed to be doing well enough, so they just wanted to focus on each other.

They were in Alastor's office this morning, a calendar page on the desk between them. They finished looking at the page then shared a smile.

"So…this weekend, huh?" Angel grinned more.

Alastor nodded, glowing slightly. "This weekend, indeed."

"Should I bring anything special on this little trip of ours?" Angel asked playfully.

"I can have my shadow fetch anything you forget, but otherwise…bring whatever you desire," Alastor replied.

"So just bring YOU then — got it," Angel replied, placing his hand on Alastor's.

Alastor's eyes hazed, and he let their fingers interlace. "You're all I need too, Anthony."

Their foreheads rested together. Everything was good.

"You sure you don't want me to go with you to tell Charlie we're bailing for a few days?" Angel asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not to worry, dear. I have another matter to discuss with her as well anyway. And it's a surprise." Alastor winked.

Angel giggled. "Ooo I do like those from ya. Okay, I'll be ready to go Friday morning after breakfast here. Can't wait. We teleporting to your tower or should we ask Charlie if we can use her limo?"

"I…thought we might walk to the tower together," Alastor suggested. "It's not far, and…perhaps we'll see how others like seeing us together too."

Angel's eyes brightened. "It's a date! You and I haven't taken a good walk in a while anyway. Not since we first started being friends."

"Indeed, it's high time to bring the tradition back," Alastor mused, gazing at him in adoration. "Until then, my dear." He kissed Angel's hand.

Angel gave Alastor's hand a little squeeze then got up. He departed the office with a coy wave, ready to go take care of Nuggets and pick out outfits for their weekend together and maybe check in with Cherri (who had been very secretive lately). Meanwhile, Alastor returned to his own devices, which involved the secret request he would make of Charlie soon (and more).

This weekend the boys would go away together. And Alastor couldn't wait to bring his Anthony to stay in his first home in hell.

Across town, things had been going equally cautiously yet optimistically for a certain porn studio trio. Vox had slept over at the studio after confronting Katie, crashing with Valentino and Velvet in their VIP lounge. That night, Velvet had made sure to not disturb her boys and to keep Vark occupied in the bedroom so that the two guys could wake up together and have a little quiet moment. They'd all shared breakfast and then lingered at the studio for a bit, Vel skipping around with Vark in tow and Val trying to act masterful yet humble for Vox as he went around and gave orders to the the employees coming in. Vox noticed Val's sincere efforts with a smile…but then he headed off to check on Tom, which made Val get a bit pouty (a lot pouty, in Velvet's opinion).

Still, Velvet also knew 'pouty over Tom' could work to her advantage. Maybe Val needed a little competition to make him up his game and move things along…

Indeed, over the next several days, Vox had been stopping by to help out around the studio and visit Tom. It was starting to feel like the old days between them all, just with less toxic nonsense. Val was clearly happy for the attention and Vox's presence…but he was also clearly growing more and more irritated when any of Vox's attention went toward Tom.

This afternoon when Vox stepped away to look in on the news anchor, Val huffed audibly and gripped a bottle of gin tightly. "How does he need to check up on that guy AGAIN? My people said he's fine now, just resting in that VIP room downstairs we dolled up for him. Seriously, why the fuck is Vox so obsessed with Tom?"

Velvet swung her legs off the edge of the couch in their VIP suite and patted Vark as she smiled. "Vox told you — he feels bad, like Tom got hurt because of him. So he wants to take care of the guy. Especially since he's stuck hiding out here until Vox can find Katie and make sure she's not a threat to Tom."

"Yeah, well…fucking Tom should be able to take care of himself." Val slumped in his chair.

"He can't." Velvet flung an arm over her head dramatically. "Tom is a shy, small, powerless demon, and Vox is his overlord protector."

"Vox shouldn't have to protect anyone! I should be the one protecting HIM!" Val seethed.

Velvet just shrugged, scratching Vark's head. "If you want to go provide for your man, then do it. Make a big romantic peacocking show, and tell him your true feelings with a smile, and mean every single word of it with all your heart. Because until you give him that opening to think about being with you…technically he's on the market. And he's on the market WITHOUT an impossible crush on Alastor keeping him tied down."

Val made a sound, but instead of a frustrated grunt it came out more like a worried groan. "I…I…I'm getting to it, I…" He bit his lip then eyed her. "Come on, you don't really think he and Tom…"

"I think I have no idea — you and I don't really know his tv contacts that well. But I do know that you'd better play nice with Tom and keep letting him stay here because it matters a lot to Vox. And because good relationships are built on trust, not on terrorizing your potential competition." Velvet gave him one of her sternest looks, the kind that would make most demons drop to their knees in fear, and that could definitely make Val cut the crap whenever needed.

Valentino gulped but glared a little more. "Of course I won't take my shit out on Tom. I'm not an idiot. Vox would hate me, and that news anchor really is so powerless that it wouldn't even be a fight. And I do want a good relationship, not…not the other kinds of stuff I've had."

Velvet nodded. "Good. Just making sure. See, you really have matured. Vox loves it, you know."

Valentino blushed and sat up a little more like he was proud of himself.

Velvet chuckled, scratching under Vark's chin. "Besides, it's not like Vox is already going out with the guy or anything. All I'm saying is, Tom's presence is an excellent reminder of what's at stake. Just keep trying, Val. You'll get there."

"Thanks," he mumbled. Then he took a drink and, without missing a beat, added, "And after I 'get there', what will you be getting? Me and Vox are pretty sure you've got your eye on someone with all the hints you've been dropping." He smirked at her a little. "Spill."

Velvet's eyes brightened and then she cackled. "Oh, I'm afraid that information is above both your pay grades. Besides, I'm still finessing the situation. You'll know soon enough. But I will say this…" She smiled wickedly. "The fact that you two made nice with Alastor has helped tremendously."

Val's eyes narrowed curiously then widened. "Oh fuck, Velvet, are you going for a cannibal?"

"Not exactly," she announced in a singsong voice, skipping to the kitchen. "Now let's eat cupcakes and wait for your man to return. When he gets back, I'll talk you up as a very excellent shark daddy for Vark."

Val just sighed deeply and shook his head, but he didn't scowl. "Thank you, Velvet…"

"Anytime!" She served him a cupcake, took one for herself, then fed a bunch to Vark as Vox walked in. "Voxxy!" She held out a cupcake for him.

"Thanks, Vel!" Vox took one and sat down on the couch near Val. "I miss anything?"

She grinned. "Just Val being an excellent friend to Varky — practically a second daddy!"
Vark yipped happily.

Vox chuckled. "I never had any doubts about that." He smiled at Valentino and winked.

Valentino smiled and seemed to practically float in his seat.

Velvet loved her boys like this together.

Upon heading up to the third floor of the hotel to check in on the status of Abel and Louise, who were both now well enough to receive visitors according to Baxter, Alastor was surprised to find Crymini curled up on the floor in front of the happy couple's room, out cold. She gave a growl and snapped her jaws in her sleep, and Alastor flinched and stumbled over his own cane, half toppling to the floor.

Crymini's eyes flew open and she sat up, glaring around suspiciously until her eyes landed on Alastor. She blinked. "Alastor?" She stood up immediately. "What's wrong?"

Alastor stood up too, holding his cane close. "Er, nothing, nothing…" His own eyes darted slowly from one side of the hall to the other. "Is…something wrong here?"

Crymini looked down, frowning. "No…and there won't be. I'm keeping an eye on things." She blinked, eyes suddenly wide. "Wait, how long was I asleep? What if Abel and Louise are passed out in there or something and needed my help? But…also how long has Lucifer been downstairs with no one keeping an eye on him? I have to go watch the king and queen too and make sure they don't do anything bad! And where are Husk and Molly? I might need to help them too. I have to! GRRR!" She let out a fierce growl, eyes flashing.

Alastor backed into the wall, ears straight, eyes big, hands gripping his microphone and one eye twitching in a grimace.

Crymini noticed and pointed at him. "Ha, I knew something was wrong! You definitely wouldn't be scared unless something was wrong! What is it?!"
"I am not scared of something wrong! I am scared of your growling!" Alastor suddenly blurted, voice cracking, breaths quick and shallow.

"I…" Crymini blinked a few times. "That doesn't make any sense, I'm just—"

"You're a dog demon, and I have a disinclination toward dogs due to a traumatic event in my life on earth," Alastor announced, the corners of his smile puckered into a pout as he did his best to regain his composure. "I never thought to mention it because I don't like revealing vulnerabilities, and I got used to your presence eventually. But the growling, the teeth snapping, the barking…I can't do any of those. They make me very uneasy. However, I did not mean to distress you by giving the impression there was some general cause for alarm. I'm sorry."

"Oh…" Crymini's eyes widened in realization. "The dog stuff…brings back bad memories for you, like some other things do for me…and for Husk. I…I'm sorry, Alastor, I…" Then there were tears in her eyes. She gripped her fists and clenched her jaw to hold back a growl. "Fuck, I can't do anything right around here." She held herself and cried.

Alastor bit his lip, hesitating, trying to recall everything he had learned from his time at the hotel about attending to emotionally distressed demons. He approached her and softened his smile. "There there, dear. What in the world could you mean? You didn't know how the growling would affect me, and look at you now, refraining for my benefit. You also cheer up Husker by listening to his war stories, and I heard you critiqued Vox's programming when he visited which I think is hysterical, and you help Louise and Abel at the cafe when you can, and you've made Charlie most happy with your presence here alone."

Crymini tried to hold back the tears, but they kept coming. "I can't keep the king and queen away from Charlie anymore because now she wants them here even though I still don't think they can be trusted. I made you scared in your own home even if I didn't mean to. I can't figure out how to help Husk and Molly even though I think they're fighting.."

"Fighting…?" Alastor said quietly to himself.

Crymini went on, "And…And I felt like someone was watching the cafe the other day, someone not good, but I told myself it was in my head and that things were fine. I didn't act, and Louise and Abel almost died! It's all my fault!"

"No." Alastor looked down at her. His tone was all seriousness. "It is the fault of a reckless sinner whom I should have dispatched long ago during our first encounter except my ego wanted to let him live in fear of me instead. It is not your responsibility to prevent evil in hell. You just have to be here and be safe — that is more than enough, young lady. Do you understand?"

She looked up at him. Her lip trembled. She nodded even though a few more tears fell. "But…I can't stop feeling like this —like I have to protect everyone, like I can't think straight if I'm not, like I have to make things right before they go wrong again…"

"You care, Crymini. It's a heavy burden." Alastor smiled more. "Believe me, it's something I've learned from being here. But fretting yourself to death will do no one any good, especially you. Another difficult lesson I've learned." He sighed and rubbed his brow.

Crymini blinked away her final tears, tilting her head. "But…you don't 'fret', Alastor. You…you're one of the strongest demons in hell. Except for…dog stuff…there's nothing that could rattle you…"

"I might have seriously damaged the reputation of this hotel with my recent radio show antics — that fact rattles me greatly." Alastor shrugged. "I think what I did was necessary, and I stand by my decision. But I know there could be unfortunate consequences that the hotel simply does not need right now, especially with the next extermination approaching so soon." He tried to hold his head high. "But Angel and Charlie have assured me that I have not ruined everything. And I am doing my best to move forward and be at peace with matters. I hope you can find a way to be at peace too."

Crymini sniffed. Then she let out a deep sigh. "I…I still feel bad about Abel and Louise."

"Perhaps you should try talking with them?"

She shook her head. "What if they're mad at me when they know the truth?"

Alastor's smile grew. "They won't be. They care for you. Perhaps go see them now, hmm? I think visiting them, as healed as they are, might do you a world of good. And then rest. I assure you, even if Lucifer and Lilith were to pull something underhanded, Charlie is more than capable of putting them in their place, and Vaggie and myself as well. And as for Husker and Molly…" He cleared his throat, "unfortunately I've been distracted and hadn't noticed their issue. But Angel and I shall tend to it."

Crymini's tears were mostly faded. She sniffed, and her tail wagged a little. "You're really nice.."

"I…" Alastor stuttered, "I…am trying to learn to be more pleasantly sociable. Thank you."

"If I wanted to hug you, would that make you uncomfortable? Since I'm a dog demon?" She hesitated with a frown.

Alastor's eyes widened. "I…I would be uncomfortable, but not because you're a dog demon. I merely…don't like being touched by others with few exceptions. Sometimes Niffty or Charlie hug my cane instead to show affection. If you'd like to—"

Crymini was already hugging the cane tightly. She looked up at him. "You and Angel were really nice on the radio show, for what it's worth. I like you both together. You seem happy."

Alastor glowed, immediately flabbergasted. "I, er…"

She smiled a little. "It's okay. I won't mention it anyone else. I just wanted you to know."

Alastor smiled a little more. "I…yes, well, thank you."

They shared a meaningful look for a moment. Then Crymini released the microphone and stepped over to Abel and Louise's door. Alastor headed to his room now to give them some privacy, already making plans to speak with Angel and hopefully Husker and Molly very soon.

XXXX

Alastor wasn't the only one to notice today that things were awry with Husker and Molly. When Angel brought his pig outside to play with his sister and the cat demon, he observed right away that while Husk and Molly each played with Nuggets in turn, they didn't play with him together. They also barely gave each other smiles, and Husk stayed mostly quiet while Molly stayed mostly close to Angel.

Oh yeah, something had happened. And, since Niss seemed to be taking some quality time with Pen up in the airship (which Angel would not disturb unless it was an absolute emergency because his brother was more than overdue for all the gay loving up he could handle), Angel was going to find Alastor and figure out what was up together.

He bumped into the deer demon upstairs not an hour later, and when Alastor approached him with the same subject first, Angel feel a little more in love with his intuitive beau right then and there. They decided to have lunch upstairs in one of their rooms and brainstorm what to do next for Husk and Molly.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Crymini had taken a long moment standing outside of Abel and Louise's door before she knocked and heard Abel say come in. She inched open the door and shuffled inside, gently closing it behind her.

Abel was in the bed, propped up on pillows, some bandages around his head and on his arms but otherwise awake and alert. Louise was curled up on a chair, wrapped in a blanket, facing away like she was asleep or deep in thought.

Abel smiled. "Crymini! How are you doing?"

"I.." She blinked, trying not to let tears fall. "How are YOU doing? Abel, I was so worried. I tried to help everyone take care of you as best I could, I…" She was sniffling again.

Abel tilted his head then patted the side of the bed. "Hey, hey, sit down, I'm all right. We're all right. See? We're just glad you're all right too. If you'd been there at the cafe that night…" He frowned in worry.

"If I'd been there…maybe I could have helped you. I wish I'd been there. I wish I'd…"

"Hey, no, no, that guy was way too powerful. Knowing you were safe was such a relief."

Crymini looked at him, eyes teary. She glanced at Louise hesitantly, but the sheep still didn't acknowledge her.

Abel bit his lip. "Louise is…very tired. It was a rough night for her." He looked back at Crymini. "When she wakes up I'll tell her you were here, she'll be very happy."

Crymini nodded. "Abel…I…last week…I felt like someone was watching the cafe, but I didn't see anyone so I didn't say anything. I'm so sorry."

He took her hand. "Crymini, this is hell, it's a place with a lot of bad people — for all you know, even if someone bad was watching the cafe that day, it might not even have been the bull. All that matters is that we're all home and safe now, okay?"

She nodded, wiping away tears. "Can I get you both anything? I…I've kind of been sleeping outside your door to watch over you, and I've wanted to bring stuff but I wasn't sure what you'd want, and…"

"Crymini…" Abel looked at her tenderly, "Thank you for caring, but you don't have to sleep on the floor like that. I'd offer to let you stay in here with us, but Louise…needs some space right now." He smiled. "She likes sweets. Maybe sneak us some pastries from the kitchen? Baxter advised a mild diet for our nerves, but I think a little treat would be okay." He winked.

She nodded. "Okay. I'll get the best ones. And…maybe I won't sleep on the floor, but I'll see if Charlie will let me have a room up here so I can still be close by. I think I'm ready for a room of my own now anyway."

"Wonderful." Abel smiled more as she got up and dashed to the door. Crymini gave him one last fond look over her shoulder before leaving.

When the door closed, Abel sighed. He looked to Louise. He hesitated. Then he swallowed. "Louise?"

She let out a breath. "None of it's fair…" she whispered, staring blankly ahead "Crymini is scared, and you're scared, and I was scared… Something has to change, Abel."

"Something WILL change. So much has already changed," he assured. "I know you're not ready to talk about it yet, but when you are…I'm here, okay?"

She nodded then curled up more into a ball. "I think…I think I might need to make a BIG change."

Abel swallowed. "If…if you need to postpone the wedding—"

"No!" She sat up and turned to him, dark circles under her eyes. "Being with you is the one thing I'm sure about more than anything else. I meant I need a big change about ME."

He smiled in relief. "I'll support you in whatever you want to do. And right now, if you want time alone, that's what you'll get."

Louise nodded gratefully and wiped away a tear. Then curled up into a ball again.

"It'll be okay, Louise," he assured. "Right now it's bad, but it'll get better again."

She nodded, hugging herself close as the fire crackled.

Helsa and Cherri walked out of the hotel and down the front steps. It was nearly evening, and they were leaving after yet another one of Helsa's vain attempts at talking to Charlie…

Except this day, before her feet hit the sidewalk, she stopped. "No."

Cherri blinked and turned to her. "No…what?"

"No, I'm not failing again and walking back to your place to wallow and keep our hands off each other cuz I know it's healthier to sort things out with Lottie before pursuing someone new." Her breaths were fast, and her face was flushed. She whipped out her phone and dialed. "Sev? Look, I'm sorry, I don't mean to interrupt your pre-dinner heavy petting with your boyfriend, but I'm doing 'the thing' finally, and I need you downstairs for back up, now please. Oh don't act so flabbergasted, that cat man has been all over you, and you know it. I promise I'll make it up to you. I love you. Okay, bye." She hung up and looked to Cherri. "Let's go inside and fix a friendship, however corny it sounds." She held out her hand.

Cherri smiled and took it and climbed back up the stoop with her. "I'm gonna be here with you too. I promise this is gonna be alright. Charlie's the kindest person in hell."

Helsa nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I know…"

"And after this we can go back to my place and…I'll show you the benefits of getting involved with someone whose best friend is a sex worker — I know a lot of things…." Cherri grinned.

Helsa smirked and blushed and held her head high. "Good. I need a lot of things done to me." They shared a small laugh and then stepped back inside.

Lucifer was just glancing at some of the paintings on the wall with Charlie beside him while Vaggie set the dining room table for dinner and Lilith looked on awkwardly like she wanted to help but had no idea how to start.

"So, er…" Lucifer began, "I notice one of the photos you have hung up is the prom picture you and Seviathan took together. Is that…an ironic choice or…" He frowned awkwardly.

Charlie sighed. "It's a happy memory. Just because Sev and I broke up doesn't mean I don't value our time together, the same way I value him now as a friend. And how I value you and mom too despite some of the things that happened between us."

"Ah…" Lucifer's voice cracked awkwardly, "I see…I think. So, er…that's why you're fine with Sev dating the cat demon guest now, yes? The purple cat fellow, not the winged black one, I mean?"

"I…" Charlie blushed, "Yes…well, no….wait, what? Sev and Steve?"

Sev was just descending the stairs with Steve, and immediately his jaw fell and he burst into fiery blushing. "Oh my god…" He nearly stumbled, but thankfully Steve caught him and scooped him up in his arms to carry him downstairs and set him before Charlie and Lucifer. "I…uh…well…um…" The fish fumbled with his hands awkwardly.

"Was I not supposed to say that?" asked Lucifer, distressed at Sev's distress. "I saw you two holding hands on the roof, so I just assumed…"

Charlie stared up at Sev and Steve with wide eyes.

Sev took a deep breath and composed himself to share the truth. "Well, you didn't know, Lucifer, so I suppose I can't fault you for it. I guess Steve and I haven't been completely subtle, even though we were trying to be." He stepped toward Charlie and gave a sheepish wave. "Uh…so…yeah. Steve and I, we…" He bit his lip. "Char, I'm sorry, I wanted to let you know in a better way. I was worried about overstepping by seeing one of your guests, and I didn't want to bother you when there's other stuff you probably have on your mind…" he glanced in Helsa's direction, and Charlie turned there and blushed darkly too. He cleared his throat, looking back to the princess. "Steve and I are dating, Char. I hope that's okay." Steve came beside him and smiled and squeezed Sev's hand, and Sev squeezed his hand and smiled back.

Charlie looked from one to the other. Then she smiled and nodded, her eyes full of tears. "Oh…Oh why didn't you tell me sooner!" She jumped forward and hugged them both. "I just want you to be happy — both of you." She pulled back, glancing at Steve then looking to Sev. "Heh, I did wonder where you kept disappearing to around here each day."

"Heh, yeah…" Sev smiled sheepishly. "I just…we were trying to keep things private, but, um…yeah… we'll spend less time hiding away now, promise. It'll be nice."

"It will be." Charlie assured.

"I…So I didn't terribly mess up?" Lucifer piped up behind them. "Er, sorry again, Seviathan."

Sev sighed. "You didn't terribly mess up. And it's okay. And you can call me Sev. And, while I have the energy, let me say I'm glad you're back and trying to do right now. Please keep it up — I really don't want to have to put rotten apples in your limo tailpipes again like when I was a teenager and felt bad for Charlie."

"That was you!?" Lucifer blinked. Vaggie and Lilith couldn't help snickering at the same time.

"Yeah, that was him," Helsa suddenly spoke up. "I, on the other hand, was the one who hot-wired several of your limos and crashed them into cement walls just for sport whenever I didn't like your parenting. So, seriously, if you fuck with Lottie though, you fuck with us. Glad to see you're making an effort to be better though, that's more than our parents'll do."

Lucifer just blinked and nodded. Lilith frowned a little.

Helsa didn't care. She'd written off her parents long ago. She looked to Charlie. "And while I still have the courage, Lottie, can we talk…somewhere nearby but private?"

"Let's go to the ballroom." Charlie lead the way across the room and opened the ballroom doors. Helsa stepped through with her. The doors shut lightly.

Charlie turned to Helsa and bit her lip.

Helsa just looked her right in the eye and said what she had to say as clearly as possible. "Lottie. I told you I used to love you, and that was the truth. I love you now too, but just as a friend. I started moving on a while ago, but it took us reconnecting for me to do it all the way. I just…needed you to know the truth because the guilt, the secret, all the feelings were eating me alive. I'm sorry if I upset you or made things weird. I'll stay scarce if you need some time. But I still want to be friends again like we were once. Also, I think you and Vaggie are phenomenal together. Also thanks for being so sweet and supportive about Sev — he's been a nervous wreck about how you'd react to Steve. Oh and also I'm thinking about seeing someone myself." She let out a deep breath. "There, done — and it only took me several days to build up the courage to say it all." She crossed her arms and cocked a hip to the side.

Charlie blinked a few times, taking it all in. Then she moved closer and gently took Helsa's hands in her own, looking into her eyes. "You could have told me the truth any time, you know, and it would have been okay. And just so you know, you are not the reason that you and me and Sev lost touch — we were all just growing up and needed time and space. I'm sorry we lost so many years together. But I'm so happy to have so many more to look forward to. I love who you are, Helsa. And I don't ever want to spend any more time separated from each other ever again, okay?"

Helsa blinked a few times, annoyed as she felt tears prick her eyes. "I….yeah, I…that all sounds good or whatever. I…"

Charlie laughed and gave her a hug then pulled back. Her eyes hazed. "Now, go see whoever you're thinking of dating and have fun with them. And I'd love to meet them sometime."

Helsa swallowed. "Lottie, don't spread this around cuz we're starting out with a casual thing and seeing where it goes but…it's Cherri."
Charlie gasped and her eyes glowed with stars, a squeal leaving her.

"Shh!" Helsa rolled her eyes. "Seriously, just play it cool. Cherri said I could tell you when I was ready, and I told her she could tell Angel when she's ready, but for now we're just…getting to know each other."

Charlie giggled and started ushering her to the door. "You two go on a date right now, then tell me everything about it! I'm so excited for you!"

"Oh my god, I forgot how sappy you could get about romantic stuff." Helsa rolled her eyes and smirked.

They exited the ballroom to see everyone standing a few feet away from the door, attention rapt.

Helsa sighed. "Lottie and I are emotionally cool now. Cherri, come on, I…need help with something before dinner. See you sinners and royals tomorrow." She passed by Cherri, giving her a subtle coy look.

Cherri grinned and glanced back at the crowd. "Uh, later everyone! Charlie…thanks!" She waved, and then the ladies headed off together.

Lucifer tilted his head to the side. "Things get very emotional around here, don't they?"

Charlie nodded. "I love it."

"It is sort of nice," Lilith added.

"You get used to it." Vaggie grinned.

"Yeah…" Sev nodded then gasped when Steve scooped him up again.

"Princess, with your permission, I'll be taking this one out to dinner tonight since we're not lying low anymore," Steve grinned.

"Oh wow…" Sev blushed and smiled.

"Permission granted!" Charlie winked, and Steve sauntered up the stairs as Sev laughed.

Left alone, Charlie turned to her parents and her partner. "Well, let's get dinner started! Come on, Mom, Dad, you can help me and Vaggie cook. I'll show you how, it's easy!" She hooked arms with Vaggie and headed to the kitchen. Lucifer and Lilith watched them go with interest, shrugged, and then headed after them with curious smiles.

An hour later, Cherri headed into her hideout with a couple bags of take out and a six pack of beer. "Helsa, I'm back, and I picked up dinner! Did you want to eat now or later?"

"Come into the bedroom and take a guess."

Cherri nearly dropped the bags at that response. She and Helsa had joked about sex earlier but still, just because it was on the table and just because they had both agreed to trying out a casual and fun relationship didn't mean she was expecting anything immediate… She swallowed, put everything down on the counter and headed slowly to the bedroom. The door was half closed. She gave a knock then pushed it open.

There were candles lit and bottle of cheap wine sat in an ice bucket.

Helsa Von Eldritch reclined on Cherri's bed wearing a half open short silk robe and nothing more.

"Oh fuck." Popped out of Cherri.

"That's the general idea," Helsa replied with a shrug. She sat up, blushing a little, letting the robe nearly fall from her chest — her very full and perky and pearlescent chest. "I want to see where this goes — now."

"Yeah Me too." Cherri gently shut the door. She kicked off her jeans, revealing black panties, and took off her shirt, revealing a cropped black tank over her bra. She approached the bed. Helsa instantly grabbed her and helped Cherri tear off the remainder of her clothes. Helsa's robe came off with barely a tug from Cherri.

Soon there was nothing but slick flesh and growing heat and hungry movements that nearly made the rickety bed of Cherri's collapse several times as the night went on.

Living for herself a bit more these days was really, really, REALLY starting to work out, in Cherri's opinion.

A/N:

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy the next few installments, they'll have some big developments for everyone.

Take care!

-Azure