A/N:

Hi everyone! New Romantic and spicy adventures for everyone w Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 112:

Family, Friendly, and Public Affairs

Alastor strolled down a street of hell on this fine morning, a little extra pep in his step. In fact, he barely resisted the urge to twirl his cane and whistle a tune. There was just so much to look forward to these days, so many things that had changed for the better, so many parts of life that had hurt but were now healed. And to top it all off, he was currently on his way to the Cannibal Colony, his favorite place, to check in with Rosie and Mimzy, two of his favorite people. Normally he made an appearance in the colony immediately following his radio shows, but the aftermath of the last one had been…rather busy…and so he'd had to put it off until now.

Alastor felt a burning glow enter in his features as his mind quickly flashed back to that evening after the show. Pinning Angel against his penthouse door, ravishing him with touches and kisses and tentacles, receiving physical ministrations in return that had made his heart race and his blood pump and his antlers sharpen, he and Angel finally separating when they could no longer bear the tension, and Alastor returning to his room to ravish himself while his microphone caught the sounds of Angel screaming his name in ecstasy as both of their bodies came undone…

Alastor nearly stumbled in his walking. He quickly put away the racy thoughts. After all, he and Angel would have a whole weekend together soon to indulge in the memories or perhaps make more. For now he needed to be professional and presentable. He crossed the street and stepped into Cannibal Colony, fully prepared to do so.

His first sign that something was off (not 'bad', just 'off') was when he passed by his usual gaggle of fanatic cannibal ladies and gave them a wave only to be met with sniffles and wobbly smiles instead of flirtatious grins and blushing glances. His second sign that something was off was when he walked down the street, and the cannibals he passed didn't bow in reverence or nod in polite greeting but instead beamed and whispered to each other and shared giggles at the sight of him. His third sign that something was off was when he reached the Emporium and saw Rosie and Mimzy standing outside, hands clasped in front of themselves innocently while a distinct scent of well-seasoned roasted demon flesh jambalaya hit his nose. Those two ladies only struck an innocent pose when they were preparing to keep him calm about something, and they only made the cannibal version of his favorite recipe when they wanted to keep him happy in the face of distressing news.

They waved as he approached, but before they could say anything he cleared his throat and gave a bow. "Greetings, ladies." He straightened up with a careful look. "What's the matter?"

Rosie and Mimzy both sighed and glanced at each other then looked back at him. Rosie spoke up first. "Perhaps you should come inside and have a bowl of jambalaya, and then we can discuss things."

Alastor tilted his head. "I'd prefer to discuss things and then eat when I know what I'm up against."

Mimzy shrugged. "Let's just tell him — it might not even be a surprise at this point."

Rosie nodded, straightened her dress, then approached Alastor. "Alastor, dear, it's about your night on the air with Angel. You see…your hotel performance together was very remarkable. And your hunt together afterwards was intriguing. And your show here at the end of things was very passionate…one would assume because Angel was still close by."

Mimzy came beside her, keeping her voice low. "Alastor, you and Angel had a lot of chemistry that night, and…the other cannibals know you so well that they noticed."

"Do not panic, Alastor," Rosie said, almost like a mother giving a careful command to a child.

Alastor was very still for a moment, smile wide, ears flicking, eyes darting side to side like he was calculating something.

Rosie took a breath. "None of them know for certain that you're an item of course, and Mimzy and I refused to confirm anything and forbade anyone to gossip, at least outside of the colony. But…Alastor, you had such joy on the air that night. And Angel was the source of that joy. It was plain as day to these people who have followed your shows so closely for so long."

Mimzy smiled. "If it helps, everyone here is very happy for you. Even your little fan club of ladies, though they're in a bit of mourning right now."

Alastor's gaze darted around to the remaining cannibals milling about the streets. Then he turned back to the ladies, face glowing, clutching his cane. "So they all know, more or less…" He took a breath. "That's…good. That's very good. Ha…" He shrugged, smile growing. "It's sort of a relief not to have to figure out how to tell them later. All these people know, yet nothing catastrophic has happened. That's an immense relief as well. And I no longer have to worry about being flirted with here… A further relief."

Rosie let out a deep sigh of relief, and Mimzy patted her back supportively.

Alastor chuckled and snapped his fingers, making a glass of water appear. He handed it to Rosie. "There, there, Radio Demon crisis averted, I assure you."

Rosie finished a deep sip of the water and smiled. "Always such a good boy, Alastor. I should have realized."

Mimzy beamed. "So you're really okay about this, Alastor? You ain't about to go into hiding or announce everyone's wrong or start beating yourself up about the show?"

Alastor shook his head. "No. I think I may have recently grown up enough to not require such dramatics." He beamed. "But I do appreciate you both taking the time to tell me about this new development in person. And I appreciate the jambalaya you made even more." He took a deep inhale through his nose "Shall we go inside and eat? Then later I'll address the cannibals in the square and thank them for all of their service the other night. And I'll be sure to tell them that Angel sends his thanks too." He held out both of his arms to the ladies.

"Oh that'll get everyone buzzing in the best way," Mimzy mused.

"And they'll just be happy to hear from you, like always," Rosie assured.

They hooked elbows with him on either side. The trio strolled into the Emporium together to share a good meal before they would share a good time with the other cannibals.

Not too far away, Alastor's former cannibal lady fan club had finished dabbing their eyes after seeing their dear favorite (though sadly now taken) overlord when one of them paused and tilted her head. She had just discovered a little note in a sealed red and black and white envelope resting on a nearby park bench.

The group had received these notes every once in a while over the years, usually coupled with a present of cakes or cookies or (once) a set of charmingly sharp knives. Little anonymous flirtations (though they had always assumed Alastor to be the author). But if he was with Angel now, him sending such a note really didn't make sense. The cannibal lady called over her friends. They opened the envelope together and read.

'Dearest delightful ladies,

I knew I had good taste when I fell to hell and fell for all of you. Anyway, I think it's almost time to stop waiting and start walking right up to you to tell you who I am and exactly how I feel. Except the unexpected.'

The note, as usual, was signed only with a sketch of a knife dripping blood.

The cannibal ladies gossiped curiously about the whole affair until later when the time of Alastor's address to the colony was announced. They made their way over to hear him talk and also to gauge any interest he might express in Angel. Because, if Alastor really was taken now, the only other explanation for this note was that it, and possibly all of the other ones they had received over the years, wasn't from Alastor. In which case… perhaps a new love interest had been hiding in plain sight this entire time. And oh how romantic the notion could be.

Marathoning sex with demon royalty for a day and a half was not for the faint of heart. Cherri made a mental note to give Vaggie some serious praise later for keeping up with Charlie…though Cherri suspected that Charlie — or anyone for that matter — could not be as insatiable as Helsa Von Eldritch. The other day, when the girl had joked about being behind schedule for 'like a thousand orgasms', clearly she had meant it and was determined to catch up (and bring Cherri along for the ride). It had been…intense and relentless and pleasantly rough too. Helsa seemed to be working through some things. Cherri was more than happy to help. But also she was going to need a longer rest soon…and they were going to have to re-enter the outside world again eventually, just to check in with their friends at least.

Cherri hugged her robe closer and turned over in bed, facing away from the sun coming through the windows. They had slept late — it was officially midday. She found Helsa (undressed of course) sprawled out under the blankets and clutching a pillow in her sleep.

Cherri smiled a little. Helsa was sweet, in her own way. And pretty. And funny. And a badass with a serious mouth on her. A mouth that could do so many things…

Cherri took a deep breath to push down a fresh spark of desire and let out a breath. "Helsa? Come on, wake up, it's like noon…"

Helsa groaned and hugged the blankets closer. "Just five more minutes…and a huge amount of coffee… Then I'll get back to breaking this rickety bed with you, promise."

Cherri blushed darkly and grinned. "Actually I was thinking maybe we could get cleaned up and go out for coffee…and then maybe stop by the hotel or something? This has been…fucking fantastic…but I'm exhausted. I think my body needs a break."

Helsa sighed deeply. She turned around and gave Cherri a dry look. Then she grabbed the edge of the blanket and flung it away, revealing her fully undressed body to Cherri.

Cherri blushed at the sight and felt her center heat, but the idea of reaching out for Helsa was so tiring that she just sighed and collapsed against a pillow.

Helsa gave a nod and pulled the blankets back up over herself. "Okay, you're right, you're officially too tired for sex. Maybe I am too. But I want to avoid going out there, I think? I don't know, stuff gets so complicated out there but it's so much better and simpler and fun in here."

"Out there has iced coffee and shopping…" Cherri teased.

"True." Helsa rolled her eyes. "I'm just…being selfish or childish or whatever."

"You're not any of those things," Cherri assured, sitting up more. "You're just you. It's okay to have preferences and to need time and space to try new things. I've…been having a lot of fun too."

Helsa smiled a little smugly. "So….you really still want to keep hanging out even after we leave this bed, huh?"

Cherri nodded. "Yeah. I like being around you, and getting to know you… Right now I just want to know things that aren't only about your body."

"Hmm, you're almost making this sound like a real relationship?" Helsa looked down at the blankets.

"Is that a bad thing?" Cherri blushed. When Helsa remained quiet, eyes wide, Cherri went on. "I mean…we decided to see where things might go with us. So we've already determined that the sex is amazing. Maybe…we could also figure out if dating would be amazing too. If you're ready."

Helsa swallowed and looked back up at Cherri. "So you don't just want to leave bed to get coffee and stretch our legs and snag some lunch at the hotel. You want to go out — OUT out. On a date…"

Cherri nodded.

Helsa scoffed and shook her head with a grin. "Fuck was I really that good at making you climax?"

"You were," Cherri admitted with a grin. "But that's not why I want to go out — and you know it. It's because I…I like you. A lot." She shrugged. "What do you say? If it works out, we'll try another one soon. And if it doesn't, then at least we'll know where we stand and we can try just doing friends with benefits or whatever works."

Helsa snuggled shyly into the blankets. "Maybe… If we could go slow and not make a big deal about it, then…yeah, a date. If you're really sure, I mean. That might be okay."

Cherri was about to reply when her phone started buzzing. "Sorry, one sec — I knew someone would come looking for us if we went off the grid for this long. That's what we get for being part of the super tight-knit hotel family." She looked at the screen, scrolled past a bunch of missed texts (mostly from Angel telling her he'd be away with Alastor for the weekend), then saw caller name. "It's Niss, Angel's big brother. He's kind of protective of people. If I don't answer he might start looking for me, and this is the first place he'd check."

"Answer but don't stay on too long…" Helsa suggested. "I want to talk more about…the date."

Cherri nodded, hope filling her heart, and took the call. "Hey, Niss — what's up?" She listened. "Oh, uh…this weekend? I… I really want to, but it's…" She swallowed. "I might have a date." The talking sounded louder and faster and more excited. Cherri sighed. "Oh my god, Niss… No, don't tell Pen yet. And shut up, you were the exact same way for weeks about Pen when you two first…" More talking. "Oh, well…I can ask…. Uh, hold on." Cherri tucked the phone under the blanket and looked to Helsa. "So, um…Niss and his boyfriend Sir Pentious invited me to dinner this weekend on Pen's airship. Is there any chance you'd…want to come along?" She blushed. "And if not, I'm totally fine with giving Niss a raincheck and going on some other kind of date with you. Seriously. I just want you to be comfortable."

Helsa considered, brow furrowed. "So, like…a dinner…but no ruthless gossip or passive aggressive comments or political backstabbing or paparazzi drama? Just eating privately with friends?"

Cherri raised an eyebrow then nodded.

"Hmm…I never tried that before. Might be fun."

"Helsa, what pain-in-the-ass social circles have you been running in all these years?" Cherri tilted her head. "That first kind of dinner sounds awful and like it needs a few good bombs to liven it up."

"Oh for sure. But that's all high society has to offer." Helsa shrugged. She bit her lip and looked to Cherri with some shyness. "Your friends, they won't…make a big deal about us? No pressure?"

Cherri smiled gently. "They'll be cool. Promise."

Helsa sighed and nodded. "Okay then. I'd like to go out with you to dinner at your friends' place, Cherri Bomb."

Cherri beamed and picked up the phone. "Niss? Yeah, we'll be there. But nothing cutesy. We're still…easing into things." More talking. "Okay, see ya then." She hung up. "You'll like getting to know Niss and Pen, Helsa, they're great guys. And the little Egg Bois are fun too."

"Wait?" Helsa blinked. "Little boys? As in kids?! I, uh…I don't really do well with kids."

Cherri laughed. "Not exactly kids… You'll see. And I'll be with you the entire time. And we can leave if it gets to be too much." She took Helsa's hand. "But I really hope it'll be a nice thing for us both because…I'd really like to have a nice first date with you."

Helsa's eyes widened. She swallowed and quickly blinked back a tear. "I…I'd like that too with you."

Cherri smiled at her but Helsa kept her eyes down, brow knit in thought. Then she sighed and

removed her hand from Cherri's, rolling her eyes with a grin. "Anyway, shower first then we get dressed and finally go out for coffee after our day and night of steady fornicating?"

Cherri hesitated but then offered her a grin. "Uh, sure. Wanna do all three together?"

Helsa chuckled and got out of bed, still fully undressed. "Duh. Race you to the shower."

They shared a few snorts of laughter and then dashed to the shower to begin their day. Helsa might have seemed unsure, but maybe just a little more mind-blowingly successful sex to start their day would put her at ease — at least Cherri hoped it would.

Niss got off the phone with Cherri and ran right to Sir Pentious. "Pen! Pen!" He found the snake on the deck of the airship, adjusting some gears.

Pen wiped his greasy hands on a towel and turned to his boyfriend. "Nissy? What in the world?" He chuckled.

Niss had a big smile on his face. He caught his breath then clapped his hands together and replied, "Cherri said she'll come over for dinner this weekend…and she's bringing a date!"

Pen's jaw dropped and the wrench in his hand fell to the deck. "Cherri is seeing someone?" His eyes brightened as he clasped his hands together. "Oh how marvelous! Who is the lucky demon? I can't wait to get to know them!"

Niss chuckled and held up his hands. "I get it. Actually I kinda guess who it was. But Cherri asked me not to share — she wants to introduce her new partner herself. And she wants us to be very low-key about this. She and this new person are just starting out."

Sir Pentious nodded eagerly. "Of course, of course, you're right. She was gentle with us when we first got closer, so naturally we should extend the same courtesy for her. I'm happy to wait and have her introduce me. They must be a wonderful person if you already approve of them, Nissy." He couldn't help beaming a little again. "Oh but at the very least we'll cook up a small feast, and I'll set up the dining table in the solarium for the view, and we'll fly over the choicest parts of the Pentagram and really make a night of it."

"Sounds perfect, Pen." Niss agreed. "You figure out the flight plan, I'll start working on the menu."

"Excellent, Archie." Pen gazed at him. "Haven't things been just wondrous lately? Potential communication with heaven's souls, our dear friend finding a dear person to adore, and you and I… learning so much more about who we were and who we are."

Niss's gaze softened. "I know, it's…it's all real good. We put so much time and care into all our relationships, and now everything's all coming up roses."

They moved closer, Sir Pentious leaning down as Niss leaned up so they could press their foreheads together.

Pen sighed. "There's always more to do though. Preparations for the dinner party, preparations for the parlay with heaven, preparations for a future in general. We deserve a bit of rest too, amidst it all."
"Yeah. I really like resting with you." Niss blushed.

Sir Pentious chuckled. "How about after I finish today's repairs on the ship and you finish preparing meals for the Egg Bois, you and I go for a little after-dinner swim in the solarium. The water in the small pond there can be heated during the cooler weather. It's quite cozy."

Niss turned bright red.

Pen raised an eyebrow. "Archie?"

Niss blinked and shrugged with a shy little smile. "I, uh, yeah… I'd a like a swim. Sounds like the most relaxing date I could ever have."

Sir Pentious beamed. "Splendid. I'll meet you at the solarium at 7pm sharp." He tapped Niss's nose, and the spider resisted the urge to giggle.

After a final little forehead nuzzled, Pen went back to his repairs and Niss went off to the kitchen to bake for a bit…and also to consider how their swim together might go.

"Er, Charlie, I know you're terribly busy but, as long as I happen to have found you alone, may I have a word?"

Charlie jumped a little in surprise as Alastor suddenly manifested in the third floor hallway just outside of her new office and said these words. He had his hands clasped and wore an eager smile on his face that also held just a bit of uncertainty as he bit his lip.
"Oh…of course, Alastor!" She smiled and nodded. "I'm sorry I haven't been checking in much the last few days. Things with my parents have been…a lot to manage. Good but a lot."

Alastor nodded, momentarily eyeing her very closely. "They are behaving themselves thoroughly, yes?"

She nodded. "I promise. If they weren't, Vaggie would have already shown them the door. And I would have helped her. Because being blood is no excuse to treat someone badly. And because sometimes the best family you can have are the people you find and choose."

Alastor's smile warmed. "You are remarkable, your know."

"Alastor," Charlie rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "What can I do for you?"

He took a deep breath, ears twitching nervously. Words spilled out of his mouth quickly. "I would like to propose a public celebratory event to take place at the hotel in the coming months — after Louise and Abel's wedding of course. Think of it like our open house earlier this year but with a specific theme. It would be an excellent way to allow newly interested sinners to see our charming hotel in action, and an ideal means of providing some relaxation and recreation before we have to manage the sticky situation of this year's extermination."

His last two sentences had rhymed, and the twitch in Alastor's eye told Charlie he knew it. She suspected the rhyming was a side effect of nerves, but she couldn't understand why he might be nervous right now. His idea made sense and was understandable and reasonable. "I think another public event would be great, Alastor. Giving demons a chance to visit again would be helpful for showing more of hell what we do here. And something fun to look forward to before…everything at the end of the year…would be good for everyone." She swallowed, trying not to think that far ahead, then cleared her throat and changed the subject. "Oh, you said it should have a theme, right? Maybe we'll call a hotel meeting and take suggestions—"

"Actually I have a theme idea. And…it's very, very important to me that we use it, Charlie." He looked into her eyes, wringing his hands and glowing gold.

Charlie nodded. "What is it, Alastor?"

The deer gave a little shrug. "Angel and his siblings mentioned a fall festival back in their living days called the San Gennaro Feast where people would mingle and cook and and dance and eat, all with a certain Italian flair. I would very much like to have our event be an homage to it. I'm certain I can get Niss and Molly to fill me in on more details and perhaps help me with the cooking to make sure everything is authentic. I want Angel to be very pleased with the Festival." His eyes widened then darted away from her.

Charlie couldn't help her smile growing as she watched him. "I see. Well, I love your idea, Alastor, and I'll do everything I can to make it happen and to make it special for him."

"Make what special for whom?"

Lucifer and Lilith had just come upstairs and were now strolling down the hall.

Charlie watched Alastor freeze up completely, eyes and smile too wide. He gave a slight shake of his head to Charlie.

She understood — he wasn't ready to discuss this topic with others yet. She cleared her throat and addressed Lucifer and Lilith. "Nothing we have to worry about right now, Dad. It's a personal request from one of my guests, and it's important to me to honor their privacy."

Lucifer and Lilith paused and glanced at each other then looked back to their daughter. Lilith cleared her throat, "We…didn't mean to pry. But it it's something we could help with…"

"It isn't — at present." Alastor turned and addressed them calmly. "Just a delightful upcoming public gathering here to celebrate the hotel, much like our open house. But as for the details of why or for whom it might be special, I'm afraid I will not be sharing with you at this time." He gripped his cane. "I am delighted that you've finally accepted your daughter and our hotel, I'm grateful for your assistance here, both political and magical, and I appreciate your newfound sincerity. But I do not know you two well enough to trust you fully yet — not how I trust Charlie. So you'll have to wait to know more like everyone else."

Lucifer and Lilith watched him in stunned silence for a moment. Alastor gave them no further reaction. He simply turned back to Charlie, his smile and tone kindly once more. "Charlie, thank you for your offer to assist. And please…keep the matter between us for now? I'd like to tell certain parties myself. And, incidentally, I'll be spending the weekend away with certain parties in Cannibal Colony. We'll be back by Monday morning, or sooner of course if any emergency should arise, though I'm hopeful there won't be a need." He glowed a little.

Stars came into Charlie's eyes. "Aww, Alastor, you're spending the weekend away? That's—" She recalled the presence of her parents and cleared her throat, calming some of her jubilation. "Your secret is safe with me, and I hope you have a nice time away."

He nodded gratefully then moved closer to her, his voice low. "I know you'll want to provide us privacy and a chance to rest, but if you do need me then simply say my name into any radio and I'll check in. Promise."

She nodded. "Thank you, Alastor." And then, definitely for Alastor's benefit but also to help end her parents' lingering distrust of him, she held out her hand. Alastor blinked then beamed a little and reached out and shook with her.

Lucifer bit his lip and stepped forward, a hand out, barely resisting saying something at the sight. Lilith put a hand on his shoulder.

Alastor noticed the distrusting response. He gave Charlie's hand a final squeeze before pulling back and offering her a bow. "Enjoy the weekend, Charlie." He straightened up, turned and strolled past the king and queen, barely giving them a nod of his head. "And you as well, your highnesses."

Lucifer huffed as Alastor headed down the hall. He turned to his daughter. "Charlie, why is he asking you to keep secrets, and why are you shaking his hand willingly? I know you trust all of these sinners, and I think I can trust them too. But he's…different. He makes me worry."

Charlie crossed her arms and looked her father in the eye. "He's my hotel's first sponsor, and he has taken care of the people here over and over again. And he's not 'different', you just don't know him yet. But I hope you'll take the time to get to know him because he's a really special person, Dad."

"I…" Lucifer's brow furrowed in indecision, "Okay!" And then he was dashing off down the hall after Alastor.

Charlie's eyes widened. She started to go after him but Lilith held up a hand. "He won't do anything rash. He's just…distraught, dear. Sinners as powerful and willful as Alastor make him concerned. Also he's not used to you having another male figure in your life who you respect and admire so much."

Charlie shook her head. "Alastor can't help being powerful, but he is making better choices now about how to use that power. And either way he's not like a father to me, he's more like a…fun big brother." She frowned a little. "And…I know dad can get upset easily. But I really hope he'll learn to take care of that part of himself better soon."

Lilith nodded with a tender smile. "I hope the same for him — and for me."

"You?" Charlie raised an eyebrow. "But, Mom, you're always so put together—"

"Because I'm afraid that if I'm not, everything will fall apart," Lilith admitted, blushing. "Your father gets depressed. But instead I get anxious. I would like to be better about not letting that anxiety dictate my actions. It's only hurt my family. And our people." She looked down.

Charlie watched her mother carefully. For a moment Lilith didn't seem like an imposing queen, just a former sinner who had gotten caught up in an eternal cosmic saga. Charlie hugged her mother from the side. Lilith stiffened then sniffled and hugged her daughter in return as some tears fell. She let out such a deep sigh, and Charlie hoped that sound was the start of some of her mother's anxiety finally releasing for good.

Lucifer nearly stumbled on the stairs as he caught up with Alastor on the landing between floors. "Alastor — Radio Demon — whatever! Wait! Please!"

Alastor paused abruptly and half glanced over his shoulder. "Please, hmm? Well, manners do go a long way with me. How can I help you?"

Lucifer caught his breath and straightened up. "I…I know Charlie's been vulnerable lately, and I know you have your own interests outside of this hotel, and I…I WANT to trust you. But I have to ask — you wouldn't take advantage of the situation to plot anything, right? Anything that would hurt her like…like WE hurt her? Because she can't take another betrayal, and I can't take not being certain. I won't be mad, I'll just ask you to stop. Please."

Alastor froze, smile sharpening at the corners. Then he slowly turned around with a look so dark and degenerate that Lucifer actually swallowed nervously. The radio demon spoke, static building in his voice with each word as his eyes glowed red as hot coals. "You think I would hurt her as YOU have hurt her? You think *I* am a risk for betrayal? You think I care whether YOU'RE mad at ME?" A low laugh. "Let me be clear, your highness. I'm a cannibal and a killer, but I still have ethics. I value family above all else. And I would NEVER do to her what you have done."

Lucifer blinked a few times. He tried to be brave. "We just…it was a mistake… I'm still her father, I'm here now and trying. And even if you've done good things for this place, you still have a violent reputation. She's only known you a few months, and it's hard for me to…to… And she's…"

"She is brilliant!" Alastor's eyes stopped glowing. Tears burned at the edges, his voice low. "It is not my place to give details on her behalf, but I will say that what you two did to her with that news show gutted her. I know because I was there, helping through the agony of it all night. Most loathsome to me are creatures who hurt those with gentle hearts. And you hurt not just your daughter's heart but the hearts of everyone at this hotel that night as sympathized with her pain. Your wrongs were greater than you know." He leaned down. "You say you need to be sure about me? Oh no, I am the one who needs to be sure about YOU! So I will be watching you closely, even when I'm not here. If you ever betray that dear lady who you're lucky enough to call a daughter again, I will make it my personal life's mission to see her installed as queen and you two banished to whatever social or cosmic circles will have you as swiftly as possible. And as for that old threat of yours to me at the last open house that you'd send me into a new level of underworld if I ever harmed Charlie, do your worst — I've done nothing but support her, and I have right on my side." He let out a shuddery breath, composing himself. He spoke calmly to a stunned Lucifer. "Are we clear?"

Lucifer seemed stricken. "She…she suffered that much? And everyone else was hurt too? I…" He blinked a few times and nodded. "We're clear. I…I'm sorry, Alastor. You're right, you're the one who… And I'm not… I'm sorry for everything…" Tears started falling, his body trembled. "I don't know what I'm doing."

Alastor's look softened. "Few of us do." He stepped closer. "Just keep trying, with all your heart. Do what you can. And we'll all be better together soon."

Lucifer nodded.

Alastor considered. "And…you're not the worst father I've encountered in my existence, if it helps to know. The fact that you cared enough to confront me here for Charlie's benefit speaks volumes, I suppose." As Lucifer gave him a small, curious glance, Alastor dipped his head in a slight bow. "Farewell for now, Lucifer. And please convey my apologies to Lilith if she is likewise distraught — I was taught to have more respect for mothers than I just showed her. She is trying too, after all. And I do want your family to be okay." He turned away and departed down the stairs.

Lucifer only nodded as he watched Alastor go. Then he leaned against a wall, silently thinking and crying for a while. Lilith found him eventually. She helped soothe him and make him presentable before taking him downstairs to spend some time outside in the garden. Gardens always calmed him — they had met in a garden, after all. By the time they were done, Charlie had found them again and smiles had returned for everyone. And Lucifer had decided to do everything in his power to love his little girl — and her new hotel family — in the right way forever. And he had also decided to shake Alastor's hand when the radio demon returned from his weekend outing.

Alastor finished descending the stairs and headed down the hall, distracted by his encounter with Lucifer. He actually did believe that the demon king was sincere in his efforts to apologize to Charlie and make amends with the others, but a little push never hurt. Besides, no one was allowed to question Alastor's loyalty to this hotel without receiving a very harsh response. He valued this place fiercely and would protect it with his life. Even if he had harbored some unsavory designs upon first arriving here — possibly dealing the princess into his service, somehow getting the king and queen into his debt, maybe staking a claim to the hotel as a political power move, or perhaps…even manipulating everyone involved to get himself into a seat of power far above that of overlord — all had been forgotten over months of laughter and love and learning so many things about himself and others.

Lost in his thoughts, Alastor nearly crashed into Husk as the cat demon quickly darted out of Molly's room. The deer staggered back, and the cat nearly jumped.

They eyed each other for a moment, Alastor with his eyes wide as he clutched his cane, and Husk pinned against the wall and breathing heavily with his fur and feathers a bit ruffled.

It was then Alastor recalled Angel's comment that Molly and Husk had probably chosen to make up intimately after their fight. But that statement had been made over a day ago, so surely the event had come and gone. Yet Alastor realized he hadn't seen the cat demon since then, and he hadn't seen Molly, and in general he had never seen Husker looking so flustered and potentially ravished.

His suspicions were confirmed when Angel headed out of his room, smiling at Alastor. "Hey, Smiles, there you are!" The spider's eye caught Husk. Angel blinked and then grinned so smugly. "Oh, hey Husk. Long time no see."

Husk turned utterly red. "I…yeah. Tired from…lots of stuff. I'm gonna get some food and coffee and… bring it up here to, you know, uh… have a snack with Molly." He started making a beeline to the stairs, trying to put on his usual gruff air.

Angel called out to him. "Remember to get water too — ya both need to hydrate!"

Husk paused at the top of the steps, nearly tumbling forward as his wings fluffed up. "Oh my god…"

Angel snorted and chuckled.

Alastor assumed this exchange meant that Husk and Molly really had been secluded for over a day straight indulging each other physically. He felt himself both completely overwhelmed with awkwardness yet also brimming with questions and curiosity.

Husk sighed and rolled his eyes, barely glancing over his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah, very funny. I'll tell Molly you said hi." He smirked. "Oh and enjoy playing house with Alastor this weekend."

He headed down the stairs as Alastor glowed hotly and Angel rolled his eyes. "Joke's on him, you and me have been playing house ever since we connected our rooms here with that secret little door of ours, and we love it."

Alastor's heart burned at the delightful notion that Angel thought of their existence as sharing one dwelling. The realization boded well for many future plans Alastor had been concocting.

The spider pushed open his door and looked to Alastor. "Anyway, Smiles, come in. I'm almost done packing. I wanted to see how your talk with Charlie went."

Alastor headed inside and sighed as the door closed, clearing his head. "Oh, er…my conversation with her went quite well. There was a bit of a tense one afterward with her father though." He pouted. "Can you believe he actually questioned whether I had nefarious motives against this hotel and his daughter? He's just projecting his own insecurities of course, but still, the nerve. I made my position clear. And Charlie seems to have a good handle on her parents. A weekend away will probably give all of us some much-needed breathing room."

Angel nodded. He sat on his bed and patted the edge. Alastor sat too. Angel looked into his eyes. "It's swell of ya to stand up for yourself. No one has the right to treat you like an enemy around here, Alastor. And I'm real proud of everything you've done these last few months." Angel kissed his cheek, and Alastor suspected his own face was glowing like a lightbulb. Angel clearly noticed the warmth and light coming off of him. He smiled a little. "You a little embarrassed about something? Maybe running into Husk out there?"

Alastor swallowed and smiled more. "Not exactly. I merely…didn't know you were so content to share a home with me."

Angel blushed and smiled. "You're a real sweet guy to share a home with so…why not? I've liked our little door from the start. And staying at your place now this weekend…it's gonna be great." His fingers brushed Alastor's on the bed.

Alastor placed his hand over Angel's, gazing at him dreamily for a moment. Then he sighed. "I suppose I also got flustered just now because I did not expect to see Husker in such a state…"

Angel chuckled. "Yeah, well, he and Molly are both overdue for a lot of loving. I don't blame 'em. They'll be back to normal and rejoining the hotel regularly again soon. They just wanna enjoy each other for now, and they can. It's a good thing." He had a tender look in his eye.

Alastor's eyes hazed. "Much like how you and I will rejoin the hotel after our weekend together, hmm, mon ange?" He lifted Angel's hand and kissed it.

Angel blinked then blushed more. "I…well, yeah, except you and me ain't just going away for…you know." He crossed his legs.

Alastor only smiled more. "No, we're going away for so many wonderful things and reasons…but also a little for 'you know.' In our own way." He looked down humbly.

Angel saw and placed his other hand over Alastor's, gently cupping it between his own. "And you do 'our own way of doing things' so well. I'm real happy we're taking this little trip, Al."

Alastor beamed. "Bright and early tomorrow then, hmm?"

"Bright and early tomorrow," Angel winked.

"Would you like to adjourn downstairs now and whip up some dinner, Anthony?"

Angel shrugged shyly. "Actually, could you conjure us up some dinner and maybe we could just stay in here and cuddle?"

Alastor beamed. "Most definitely. I've been keeping a few dishes prepared in the fridge. I just need to add heat, and fortunately my magic has plenty of that, ha!" He snapped is fingers — several pans appeared in the air, suspended in bubbles of green magic, glowing with heat. "We'll eat then hold each other close and converse about tomorrow, hmm?"

Angel's eyes lit up. "Yes, please!"

Alastor snapped again. Now he and Angel were side by side in bed, sitting up against the pillows. Alastor gave Angel a knowing look and Angel immediately cuddled close to Alastor. The spider gave a quick whistle, and Nuggets wiggled out from under the bed and joined them.

Angel chuckled, petting the little pig's head "I was thinking of having Nuggets stay with his Aunt Cherri for the weekend so he could get out of the hotel a bit. But she hasn't texted me back yet. Not since yesterday."

"Hmm, is that unusual?" Alastor asked.

"Eh…lately, not so much. She's been trying to take a break from things, practice more self care. Niss told me he reached her, so I'm sure she's just relaxing at her hideout." He smirked. "So if she's not available, and if Molly and Husk are still gonna be 'busy' with each other, my next thought was leaving Nuggets with Niss and Pen but…something tells me they're suddenly spending a bunch of time on the air ship again for a reason, and I wouldn't disrupt that for the world. My brother's another soul long overdue for some loving."

Alastor glowed but nodded. "Hmm, well, I'm certain Niffty and Baxter might be available to look after Nuggets this weekend. They are still in the early stages of their courtship as far as I can tell. Not engaging in anything private that couldn't be interrupted with some babysitting."

Angel nodded with a grin. "Perfect, I'll ask 'em tonight." He inhaled deeply, turning to the food. "Mmm, what did you grab for us?" He gazed to one of the heating dishes.

"Shrimp étouffée, fried okra, mashed sweet potatoes with butter and pecans…"

"God I love having a man who feeds me."

"Likewise."

Nuggets oinked in apparent agreement.

They shared a chuckle and served themselves and their little pig too.

Speaking of Niss and Sir Pentious, maybe they both really were lingering in the airship together for ulterior physical reasons even if they hadn't admitted it to themselves…until tonight.

Because at Pen's suggestion of a swim, Niss had decided to finally don one of the new pieces of clothing he had purchased while shopping with his brother and sister… Specifically the rather snug and small pair of bathing trunks he had gathered his courage to buy.

Niss had stared at himself in his room's mirror for several long minutes while wearing them. He looked good, truly. The cut of the little suit accentuated his slight hips and made his arguably stubby legs look longer, and the color looked good with his fur, and the form-fitting style…didn't reveal details though it certainly gave a sort of preview of the general shape of things.

His heart was racing. He was feeling insecure again. Pen was so big and beautiful, and here he was actually trying to be sort of sexy and attractive except he didn't come to it naturally and enthusiastically like his siblings (even though sometimes he wanted to, just a little). Niss debated with himself about changing into something else so many times until he knew Pen must already be in the solarium and wondering why he was late. He quickly grabbed a towel, put on a robe, and headed through the ship to the destined location.

When Niss arrived, the place was beautiful. The sun was setting earlier now, already casting lovely colors of light over the solarium. Pen had shields over the lower windows to keep in some of the day's heat offer some privacy. There was a wispy layer of fog just above the surface of the little artificial pond, suggesting its warmth.

Sir Pentious was dressed in a modern cut of a slightly old-fashioned one piece bathing suit — it had short sleeves and buttons down the center and ended several inches below Pen's hips. It had red and white stripes, and the rings of color suited him well as they clung to him. He also wore straw sunhat on his head. From his place on a lounge chair, Pen saw Niss and gave a happy wave.

Niss's heart hammered in his chest. It occurred to him that maybe…maybe part of the reason he had worn his own special suit, part of the reason he was lingering on the ship this week, part of the reason he had wanted Pen's deepest trust and to be part of every part of his life was that…maybe he wanted something newly intimate to happen. Maybe he was finally ready. Dear lord, he felt more ready than ever before, he realized…

He snapped out of his thoughts as Pen called his name, holding up a glass filled with a fancy frozen drink topped with a pineapple. "Nissy? Would you like a drink?"

A few drinks and he would lose all inhibitions. Niss shook his head and willed himself forward. "No, uh, I'm good for now. Might make me sleepy. The warmth in here is already getting to me, heh." He settled into a lounge chair by Pen, still keeping his robe tied tightly around himself as he set down his towel.

Pen sighed dreamily. "Oh, I know, isn't it delightfully cozy? Once winter settles in, I'll convert the pond into a full hot spring, optional bubbles and everything. I think I told you once."

"That sounds real good, Pen. My back gets a little stiff sometimes in the winter — probably from sleeping on hard cots down here the last few decades, heh. I might live in here in winter…" Niss blinked and blushed. "I mean…not, ya know, moving in, just…when I'm here I could see coming into this room and not wanting to leave, heh."

Sir Pentious smiled warmly and patted his hand. "You're welcome to visit however often you'd like. I make sure the whole ship gets rather toasty. And it's beautiful to watch any snowstorms from up here in the clouds."

Niss glanced up, smiling as he imagined such a pretty sight. His gaze came back down to earth eventually and found the pond once more. "How deep is it?"

"No more than ten feet at the very center. I wanted it deep enough that my tail wouldn't touch the bottom when I tread water but not so deep that it would be complicated to drain." Pen raised an eyebrow. "Are you comfortable with the depth? Near the edges it's much shallower."

Niss smiled. "Don't worry, ten feet is fine. I know a city kid doesn't seem like he'd learn how to swim but when you work in organized crime where one of the top ways to get bumped off is sleeping with the fishes, you pick up on it real quick."

Sir Pentious smiled. "Shall we go for a dip, then?"

Niss's heart was racing, and his whole body heated up. "Maybe you go first? I just wanna sit for a sec, soak up a last bit of the sun."

Pen nodded and slithered off of the lounge chair and right into the pond.

Watching him swim was kind of fascinating (and attractive). Like an actual snake, his body glided flat over the water, curving side to side. Meanwhile, his cute head flaps stayed pressed up against the sides of his head. Niss felt lulled into a peaceful state at the sight of the graceful movements.

Pen flipped over to float on his back for a bit. Then he side stroked and dove under and even just floated upright and gazed at the setting sun overhead. The snake clearly didn't feel awkward about his body here. So maybe Niss was ready to try feeling the same. And besides, as the sun started to set the light was getting dimmer, so he might not feel so exposed.

Then of course Pen swam over to the edge, reached for his lounge chair, and pressed a button on a small control. Some lighting came on around the pond area, offering honeyed glow to everything, like Pen had captured the brightest part of the sunset to let it linger just for them in this little space.

The snake put his elbows on the edge of the pond and rested his head there with a smile. "The water is absolutely delightful. But if you'd rather not come in yet, I think I might spend some time on the lounge chair again — I'd just like to be with you."

Niss wanted to be with him too, in so many ways. He smiled and tried not to let it wobble. "It's okay, Pen. I think I'm ready to go in…" He slowly stood up and removed his robe. Out of the corner of his eye he caught Pen watching him with wide eyes, the end up his snake tail sticking straight up out of the water. Niss set the robe on the lounge chair and let out a shuddery breath. "I, uh…went shopping with Tony and Molly, and I got this for me. I…do I look like I'm trying too hard?" He couldn't help the question.

Pen blinked and blushed and beamed. "No! No, no, you look…like you're comfortable in your body…and comfortable sharing more of it with me?" His gaze was dreamy.

"I…" Niss swallowed. "I…I'm getting there, I think. Getting much, much closer… I…" He quickly slid into the water, unable to take remaining so exposed. He floated near Pen. "You look real good in that suit…" He bit his lip, eyes flicking to Pen's hips below the surface before looking back up at him.

Sir Pentious blushed. "I…was hoping you would think so. And you really are so handsome yourself…" He reached out to touch Niss's bare chest but hesitated. Niss took his hand and put it there. Pen lightly squeezed, and a tremble passed through him. Niss reached up placed a hand along Pen's side, trembling too.

They stared at each other for a moment.

Niss felt so damn bold. "Have you ever made out with a half naked guy?"

Pen shook his head feverishly.

"Would you like to?"

Pen nodded his head feverishly.

And then Niss pinned him to the edge of the pond and kissed him heatedly.

Pen leaned back, pulling Niss on top of him. The snake's hands were all over Niss's back and chest and sides, feeling all the exposed flesh and fur and muscle. Meanwhile, Niss was squeezing and savoring every part of the snake he could get his six hands on. Their tongues were in an absolute frenzy together. They separated a moment, barely able to breathe.

Niss was shaking. "If we keep doing this, we're touching so much that I might…" He let out a groan. "I'm not ready for no clothes or for going all the way, but so help me I'm ready for something new…"

"You don't have to hold yourself back. I can barely manage to stay contained myself…" Sir Pentious assured, hood flaps flaring. He brought a set of Niss's hands to his chest and unbuttoned the top of the suit with him, exposing the red marks down his center. "There…now we're both officially half naked." His tail lashed in the water, so needy.

Niss's breaths quickened in need too. "What if I make a mess in the pond…and on our bathing suits?" He blushed so much.

Pen leaned in close, his voice low and serious. "Then I shall revel in being so marked by you, probably make a mess of my own, and we'll just drain the pond tomorrow after a night in each other's arms." He sighed. "I'm ready for whatever you're ready for, Archie. You have my word."

Niss bit his lip. His little curl of chest fluff puffed up in anticipation. "I'm ready to start figuring out how to love ya more with my body, Pen."

"And I'm ready to be loved by you, Archie," Pen assured.

They began heatedly kissing again, this time pressing close, hips shifting against each other.

"Oh Archie," Pen mewled. "I…in the winter, I turn this pond into a hot spring, as I said. But what I didn't say is that I bathe in it wearing nothing at all."

"You and me both when the time comes this year, babe," Niss nearly purred. "I'll be ready for everything by then, every inch of you and then some. And I'll be ready for you to have every inch of me." He wrapped his legs around Pens' torso, thighs gripping Pen's hips. The snake utterly melted, practically pulling Niss on top of them in the steam and heat of the water.

The solarium grew quiet except for the sounds of heavy breaths and quick splashes and their names said in wanton chuckles.

When allure gave way to arousal, they gripped each other's hands to steady each other. Niss cried that Pen's parts felt like the perfect sizes for six hands to manage, and Pen groaned that Niss's felt like it would fit just right into the delicate space between his own hips. They finally made that pond and each other their own as much as they could manage for now. They would clean up the pond — and their suits — in the morning.

When they were done, they just rested quietly in the water, pleasantly limp until and utterly satisfied. Eventually Pen found the energy to emerge and carry his beautiful and smiling Nissy through the ship to rest in bed.

A/N:

Thank you all for reading! Alastor and Angel's big weekend away is coming up soon. Thank you so much for reading!

Take care,

-Azure129