A/N:

Hello, all! I've got a small new batch of chapters ready w Just some fun pre-wedding times for everyone as we get closer to Abel and Louise's big day. I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 118:

Friends Make Love More Fun

The week following the second hotel radio show (as well as a certain royal apology and multiple confessions of love) found the hotel in high spirits indeed. All of the emotion and drama and honesty had bonded their extended family together even more than before. Ease and affection were shared among everyone, and the final tendrils of tension had faded away.

In no way was this carefree and caring change more visible than the current sight in the lobby of Alastor seated on the sofa reading a cookbook while Angel reclined across the length of the sofa, glancing at his phone and draping his sock-adorned legs over Alastor's lap.

"Darling," the radio demon mused, flipping to another page in the book, "how would you feel about fried chicken some evening? Not one of my usual standards, but there's a lovely recipe in here I could modify with some creole spices and flair…"

"Oh sounds great, babe. Only fried chicken I've ever had is fast food — HELL fast food, heh. Yours'll put it to shame." Angel swiped across his phone screen. "I know sweets ain't your thing usually, but I've been wanting to whip up some gelato for espresso affogato. It's like a scoop of real good ice cream covered in hot coffee. Great on a cold night."

"Hmm, very intriguing. I'd love to try it! Could you make a nice vanilla gelato?"

"For you, anything. Got a recipe right here."

"Merci, mon ange."

"Prego, mio cervo."

They shared a little extra smile. Angel shifted closer to Alastor, and Alastor rested his elbows on Angel's legs.

Husk and Molly had entered the lobby at the start of this little exchange. "Well, this is our life now, Molly," the cat remarked, gesturing to the sofa. "They're gonna be cutesy and domestic in every inch of this place, day or night, public or private."

"Aww, but it's real sweet ta see 'em so comfortable together out in the open," Molly mused, hooking her arm with Husk's as they headed to the bar. "I like that they confessed ta everyone. Remember how nice it was when you and me finally let everyone know about our love?"

"Yeah," Husk had to grin at the memory. "We took full advantage and flirted openly at this bar every chance we got." He released Molly, who sat on a stool, and headed around the bar to grab a couple bottles of beer. "So, okay, fair enough — if the two of them wanna make dinner plans and woo each other in foreign tongues, I guess they can knock themselves out."

Alastor and Angel were absolutely unfazed by these comments.

"Husker, as long as you're up and feeling sassy, could you bring me a sarsaparilla please?" Alastor asked casually. "Anthony, anything for you?"

"Club soda, thanks!" Angel called out. "But Molly, if you need to make out at the bar with him first, it can wait a few minutes."

Alastor and Angel smirked in unison without even looking up from their reading.

Husk snorted through his nose. "I'm off today, but sure, why not? Drinks all around." He poured the two drinks for the deer and the spider to go along with the beer for himself and Molly. "Guess they are officially not flustered by anything anymore, huh, Molls? It's almost a shame. I'll miss the awkward blushing and dramatic radio static and flimsy excuses."

Molly laughed and pulled out a tray for the drinks. "I'm sure they'll still have shy moments sometimes. We still do, after all — right, mio gattino?" She twirled the end of his tail with her finger.

Husk nearly dropped the drinks as he tried to set them on the tray, blushing immensely. "I… If I say yes, will you stop doing that for now…but start up again in an hour, maybe in your room?"

Molly grinned and nodded as she released his tail. "Of course, Husky." She gave him a wink then took the full tray and headed over to the boys. A smitten Husk followed after her.

Alastor put aside his book and bowed his head as Molly set down the tray on the coffee table. "Thank you very much, dear Molly."

"Any time, dear Alastor," she replied with a warm smile that made his face glow and his ears and smile perk up as he took hold of his sarsaparilla.

Angel put aside his phone and gazed at Alastor as he grabbed his club soda. "It's so cute when you enjoy people caring about you, Smiles."

Husk handed Molly her beer before taking his own. "Oh please, you're both acting precious. If Alastor liked photos, I'd send a picture of this to Rosie and Mimzy — they'd love it."

Angel raised an eyebrow at his beau. "Do you wanna try taking one, hun?"

Alastor's fluster relaxed. "Oh, I'm afraid not, darling. My radio waves interfere with modern technology. I'd barely show up even if Husker took a perfect shot. Though you would look ideal as ever, of course."

Angel smiled softly. "No worries. We'll just have to stay like this for a bit longer then, so we can both remember it real good." Angel shifted a little closer to him on the sofa.

Alastor smiled softly at him in return and gave a shy nod, shifting closer in return.

Husk and Molly smirked and rolled their eyes as they clinked glasses and sipped their beers.

"Hello, hotel fellows!"

And then the king came downstairs.

Lucifer had been chipper as could be ever since the radio show had let him make his support for his daughter known all across hell. He'd also been hanging around the hotel as often as possible. The king practically skipped and danced and paraded everywhere, always playing with his cane and humming to himself and eagerly addressing everyone he saw. His spirits rivaled Charlie's even at her most joyful and giddy. And now, as he found the foursome in the lobby, he dashed right over to them, eager and beaming as ever. "I have a question, and time is of the essence! But first, are either of you three Abel's best man for his wedding?" He glanced from Alastor to Angel to Husk.

The three guys shook their heads.

"I'm not sure if he has one," Husk replied. "Louise doesn't have a maid of honor either, as far as I know. When they decided to get hitched, they were less concerned about the formalities and more concerned with just getting married."

"No best man?" Lucifer frowned. "Oh dear, does that mean Abel is planning his own bachelor party?"

"Pardon?" Alastor tilted his head.

Lucifer threw his arms in the air with a big grin. "His bachelor party! I wanted to talk to the best man to see if I could snag an invite. I've never actually been to one of those, and I didn't have one myself, so I was thinking it would be fun to go! Especially with this wily group!"

The three guys stared at Lucifer for a beat.

Lucifer's smile tightened a little as his eyes darted between them. "I've…never really had a gaggle of guy friends before actually. I thought…a party could be fun…maybe? If…If I'd be welcome."

"It ain't that," Angel assured. "You're welcome here, Lucifer. It's just, uh, no one thought about a bachelor party til now, I guess. There's been so much going on."

The three fellas glanced at each other.

"You know…" the spider went on, considering, "we COULD…" He grabbed his phone and fired off a quick message. "But first, I wanna check with the groom. Some guys ain't into these kinds of things. Consent is sexy, trust me."

Alastor glowed a lot, and everyone tried not to notice.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and sure enough they belonged to Abel. He was dressed for work. His phone buzzed and he pulled it out, reading as he reached the landing.

He froze and blushed then looked to the expectant faces in the lobby. "A bachelor party?"

Lucifer nodded eagerly, stars in his eyes. The other guys just shrugged and smiled.

"Well…what would that involve exactly?" Abel's eyes darted around then found Molly, and he blushed.

She smiled in understanding. "I'm gonna go find Louise and see how she'd feel about a bachelorette party. I think it could be a fun time. You fellas just talk amongst yourselves." She gave Husk a kiss on the cheek, ruffled her brother's hair, shot Alastor an encouraging smile, then offered a little wave to Lucifer and headed across the lobby.

"She's helping Crymini with her room down the hall!" Abel offered, and Molly headed in that direction with a grateful thumbs up.

Angel sat up a little (legs still draped over Alastor's lap though of course). "Before you decide, Abel, remember — a bachelor party doesn't have to be rowdy. We can just stay in — order take out, put on a few bad movies, have some drinks. And if at any point you do decide that you wanna liven it up, just say the word and I can have a huge cake with a stripper inside delivered in twenty minutes. No hanky panky, just some flirting and acrobatics. And before you ask, yes, it'll be a girl stripper, if that's what you want — I know tons of 'em."

"Angel, I respect your profession a lot, but please no cake stripper — guy, girl, or otherwise." Abel put his hands together.

"Understood!" Angel grinned and gave him finger guns. "No sexy cakes will show up here, you have my word."

"Thank you." Abel let out a sigh of relief. Then he cleared his throat. "The other stuff sounded okay though. Would you all be alright with that quiet of a party?"

"Any party would be a delight!" Lucifer assured. "I just want to get to know you chums better, make some fun hotel memories, celebrate a new love being vowed!" He giggled.

"Uh, yeah, what he said," Angel replied, trying not to chuckle at Lucifer's enthusiasm. "Seriously, we just want you to have a good time, Abel."

"Quite!" Alastor assured, "A nice night in sounds heavenly, ha! I'd enjoy the chance for socializing myself."

Abel smiled and gave a nod. "Okay then. I'd like a bachelor party. Thank you." He bit his lip. "It's getting very close to the wedding though. Is there really time to plan—"

"Already on it!" Angel assured, tapping away at his phone. "And…there! Invitations created and sent out to all the guys at the hotel." He glanced at Alastor and tapped his bowtie. "Smiles, you don't have a phone so I'm inviting you personally — next weekend, eight sharp. Exact hotel venue to be determined but I'm hoping Baxter might let us use his room since he's the only one with a suite."

"I would be enchanted to attend," Alastor assured with a nod of his head.

"Oh you're both just adorable!" Lucifer clapped his hands. Then he zipped over to Husk. "And so are you and Molly!" He zipped over to Abel. "And so are you and Louise!" The king zipped to the center of the lobby and did a twirl. "This hotel is marvelous!"

Alastor whispered to Angel. "Do you think he's all right? He seems giddy, even for the man who fathered Charlie."

Angel whispered back. "I don't smell liquor or see needle marks, so at least we know it ain't booze or drugs." He smirked. "Third option is he's been getting laid."

Alastor tried not to chuckle as Angel shrugged innocently.

Molly emerged from the hallway now, Louise and Crymini with her. "We're doin' the bachelorette party! I just texted Charlie and Vaggie to get their help planning everything."

"And I'm gonna make a cake!" Crymini announced. "I texted Niffty, and she said she'd teach me how and help me too." She held up her phone.

"Louise, are you sure you're okay with something as exciting as a bachelorette party?" Abel asked, looking at her in some worry. The sheep demon's depressed mood had been improving, but only over the last few days.

Louise just smiled though, and she nodded. "Yeah. I think it would be good. Just something small and special and nice to look forward to, with friends."

"That's what I asked for too," Abel mused as their gazes met.

Lucifer sniffled. "Oh, they are perfect! It's been so long since I attended a wedding, you know. Lilith and I will be thrilled to see Charlie officiate yours soon!"

"Oh, thank you." Abel cleared his throat and brought his attention back to Louise. "Louise, I'm heading to the cafe now, maybe to do a soft re-opening. Will you be okay for a while here?"

"Actually could I come with you?" She asked, tail wagging.

Abel's eyes lit up. "Of course! If…if you feel ready then yes, please!"

"I'm ready," she assured. "I might not stay too long, but I want to try."

"Can I come too?" Crymini asked. "I want to help. And if we have customers, I want to try serving tables so I can earn some tips to buy things for my new room."

Abel's smile grew. He held out an elbow for each of them. "Let's go then, ladies."

Louise and Crymini hooked arms with him. The ladies waved over their shoulders as Abel led their group out the door.

Right away, Molly and Angel started talking about party plans and Husk sipped his beer and tried to remember the last bachelor party he'd gone to, and Alastor twitched his ears and wondered about the best ways to behave at such a party, and Lucifer flitted around the lobby in excitement.

There had been so much strife once again at their happy hotel, and now again it was time for some fun.

Up in his lab, Baxter stared at his phone, eyes wide, mouth open slightly in an expression of curious surprise.

Niffty turned her attention to the fish. She had been helping him organize his beakers (and maybe also playing a little game with him where they both waited to see how many sweet things she could say about him before his lantern began to glow). "Baxter? I was asking if you wanted to have dinner together tonight." She noticed the expression on his face and came toward him. "Is everything alright?

"Yes! Uh…" Baxter's voice cracked. "It's just…" He broke out in a smile. "Angel says they're throwing a bachelor party for Abel, and I'm invited." He looked to Niffty. "I-I've never been invited to a bachelor party before. Just…just a few bachelorette ones. In life. Because…people didn't think of me as a…" He looked down.

Niffty came closer and touched his cheek with a gentle smile. "Those people were wrong. You're a boy, and it's wonderful that you got invited to the bachelor party. I hope you have a lot of fun." Baxter smiled more, and his lantern glowed.

They both looked at it. "Heh," he chuckled, "you made it light up again."

"It's cute when it does, and so are you," she assured, her eyes hazed.

Baxter blushed and swallowed. "Um…" he cleared his throat, "Oh, er, Angel asked if we could use my lab suite for the party since it'll just be a small gathering. I…I'm going to tell him yes." He quickly sent off a message.

Niffty giggled then felt her phone buzz. She pulled it from her skirt and grinned. "Ooo Molly says we're throwing Louise a bachelorette party too! Crymini wants to know if I'll help her bake a cake! Exciting!" She typed out a reply and sent it.

"That's wonderful news!" Baxter assured.

"A fun time for everyone." Niffty nodded eagerly.

Then the two of them just gazed at each other again with little knowing smiles.

Baxter played with his hands. "Hey, Niffty? Maggie? Would you wanna kiss? Maybe?"

Niffty nodded. "Yeah. We've been kind of flirting with the possibility all afternoon, after all." She stepped closer. Her voice was softer. "Could I touch you while we do it?"

Baxter nearly slipped out of his seat but managed a nod. "Yes! Er, well, where though? I…"

She lifted her palm. "Your chest?"

Baxter let out a shuddery breath and nodded. "I would like that very much, yes, please."

Niffty gently laid her hand over his chest, against his lab coat. Baxter melted a little and his lantern glowed brightly and lifted up. "Can I touch you too?" He blinked, "N-Not your chest! Just, uh…well…somewhere. Anywhere you might be okay with. Unless you're not okay with anywhere, which is completely fine, I…""

"Baxter, it's okay, I promise…" Niffty took one of his hands and placed it between her hip and lower back. She eased closer to him. "You're gonna be the most handsome bachelor at the party, you know."

Baxter's eyes hazed dreamily. "And you'll be the loveliest lady at your party, Maggie."

Niffty sighed. And then they shared a long, warm, trusting kiss in the lab.

Upstairs, Charlie was rubbing her cheeks in delight. She had just heard about the bachelorette party and sent Vaggie a message about it too (her partner was currently out walking Razzle and Dazzle). It would be so fun to have a nice little party here for Louise — just the ladies of the hotel and—

Charlie bumped into someone as she was skipping down the hall and nearly stumbled to the floor. She blinked. "Mom?"

"Hello dear!" Lilith smiled a bit too brightly and straightened her dress. "I just, er…wanted to check in with you. I saw Vaggie go out, and your father is busy downstairs with some of your guests so… I thought I could help you if you needed anything. Or we could discuss plans for handling heaven. Or we could just catch up." She bit her lip, looking so hopeful.

"I, uh…yeah!" Charlie nodded, confusion giving way to a smile again. "Oh, um… we just decided to have a bachelorette party for Louise's wedding. It'll be this weekend. I was going to search through my closet for some fun party games if you want to help me?" When Lilith nodded eagerly in response, Charlie lead her mother to her room.

Charlie opened the door wide to reveal the space. She couldn't help humbly adding, "I know it doesn't seem like much compared with our rooms at the mansion, but me and Vaggie enjoy it a lot."

"So I see…" Lilith remarked with a curious grin, eyes moving to the foot of the bed.

Charlie looked in that direction and spotted one of Vaggie's silk nighties. She quickly grabbed it and tossed it in the hamper then cleared her throat. "The, uh…the closet is over here." She lead her mother across the room and opened the door. It was stuffed with extra jackets and slacks for Charlie and extra dresses for Vaggie. She began to pull out boxes stored at the bottom. "There should be some good things in here for the party."

Lilith knelt down to the rug and opened a box. Charlie settled on to the floor as well and did the same. She cleared her throat. "You know, a few months ago, Vaggie and I hosted a small sleepover party with Cherri and Niffty — it was really fun. We ate snacks and did makeovers and listened to music. It sounds like Louise wants something just as nice and relaxing." Charlie beamed for a moment. "I wonder if she'd like us to get a karaoke machine?"

Lilith chuckled as she removed a few puzzles and board games from her box. "It wouldn't hurt to ask. And I'm certain Vaggie would like it too. She seems to adore your singing."

"Oh, yeah. She sings nicely too." Charlie blushed and smiled to herself, her eyes so bright.

Lilith watched her closely. Her smiled dropped a bit. "Charlie? I…I am sorry for how I've treated her. And how I've treated you about her. I should have trusted you. You have the soundest judgment in the whole family. I appreciate the chance to be here now to learn more about her and your life together."

Charlies looked to her mother. "We appreciate having you here too." She bit her lip and seemed to consider her words carefully. "Vaggie is…an important part of my future and my family. There's no going back about that, so I need you and dad to be okay with it permanently now." A line of worry creased her brow as she looked down.

"I am. We are! And I respect all the boundaries you two need to have," Lilith replied. Then she sighed softly, and her smile picked up on one side. "But I'm also curious about whatever big thing you're not telling me about the two of you."

"Huh?!" Charlie squeaked, flushing all through her features.

"It's alright, dear," Lilith assured. "It's been a little obvious with the way you two keep sharing meaningful looks and saying mysterious things to each other. I just…want you to know that if you need help or support, you have it from me, unconditionally."

Charlie blushed more, and her brow furrowed deep in thought.
Lilith decided to lighten the mood a bit. She pulled a few more games out of the boxes. "My first guess would have been that you're pregnant, but I think we can rule out that option for obvious reasons."

"Mom…" Charlie snorted, trying not to smile. The princess considered for another moment then looked to her mother again. "There is something. But we'd like to wait to share it until…the end of the year."

"Engaged, maybe?" Lilith's eyes sparkled. "That was going to be my second guess.

"You just have to wait, Mom." Charlie gave her a dry look.

Lilith took a breath and held up her hands. "Understood, I won't pry further. I'm just excited to be part of your life now."

Charlie smiled gently again. "I like having you in my life again. And dad too."

"Oh your father is just ecstatic about welcoming us back." Lilith giggled to herself. "He's in such a good mood lately. His joy is practically insatiable." She blushed and narrowed her eyes.

"Thats', uh…good to know…I think," Charlie offered with a shy blush, quickly pulling a few things out of her own boxes. "But I'm glad you two are doing better together. And on your own." Her gaze became thoughtful. "You are doing better now, right, Mom? Less anxiety…"

Lilith nodded. "Yes. I was causing so much of it myself. It feels better now that I've stopped. And it feels better to be back with you." She looked to her daughter. "Can we hug, Charlie?"

Charlie nodded. "I appreciate you asking, Mom, but you don't have to keep doing it. You can just hug me whenever it feels right, okay? I'm kind of a big hugger, you know."

"Oh. Oh yes, good." Lilith's lip trembled as she smiled. Charlie wrapped her arms tenderly around her mother. Lilith hugged her tightly back. They shared a chuckle then wiped away a few tears before returning to party planning and conversation and everything else that went along with finally becoming friends as part of their relationship.

Vox had gotten himself so invested in scouring the internet for leads on Katie that by the time he gave himself a proper rest, days had passed since his search had begun.

The truth of his own exhaustion finally hit him today when there was a rhythmic knock on his door and Velvet strolled in. She blinked at the sight of him — antenna askew, shirt wrinkled, pixels as dull as the look in his eyes. There were dirty dishes stacked around him, and Vark had cheerfully torn the place apart without anyone cleaning up after his rambunctious playing.

Vox blinked at the sight of Velvet. She looked…put together, which was definitely unusual. Her unruly pigtails were brushed and curled at the ends, her apron was spotless, her dress's pleats were ironed crisply, and her black shoes were polished. And she had a piece of paper and a fountain pen in her hand that she was using to write.

"What the hell's up with you?" They said to each other at the same time, both curious.

Velvet rolled her eyes. "Never mind about me, I've got important business. I'm an overlord too, remember? I do have stuff to do sometimes." She tucked the letter away in her dress pocket and whistled for Vark. He dashed over, and she scratched behind one side of his face plate. The little shark kicked his foot and barked. Velvet kept her gaze on Vox. "Meanwhile, you look like the Pentagram after an extermination. And also you never answered the last text I sent you. If you're falling apart now too, I really need to know so I can coordinate with Val and brace myself for being the one who has to make responsible choices for all three of us. PS, it's gonna go over very badly, and I might sell some of your tv stations for chocolate ganache and powdered sugar."

"I'm not…" Vox's eyes went wide. "Wait, VAL'S falling apart?"

Velvet blinked. "Fuck." She rubbed her temple. "See, this is why I shouldn't be around people when I'm having a stable moment. Lucid me means Loose Lips." She looked to Vox again. "He's okay, I promise. Just all emotional, doing a lot of soul can see him again when he's ready and you're ready."

Vox nodded, though he still bit his lip in uncertainty.
"So…" Velvet prompted, leaning in close, "what's up with you?"

"Oh. I…I'm not falling apart, promise," Vox quickly explained as he grabbed his phone. "I finally heard from Katie. Sounds like she's got a classic terrible revenge plot in the works. Honestly, I'd rather just ignore her — I know whatever she does will be some over the top nonsense that'll probably blow up in her face anyway. But…some things concerned me, about the way she reached out." He furrowed his brow in thought as he looked at the message. She used a burner phone, so I still don't know where she is. She threatened Tom — that's absolutely not okay. And she said she had partnered up with someone powerful… but for my life I can't think of any overlord stupid enough to get involved with her." He rubbed his temple. "I'm worried. I hoped I could find her quickly, put an end to this drama and give Tom some peace of mind. But I've got nothing. I've been putting off telling Tom what happened because I thought it'd be better to let him know once I had her. But she's in the wind again, and I'm losing time. So now I need to quit stalling and tell she's definitely gunning for him, so he's prepared, just in case…" Vox scowled and clenched his hands, sparks flying from his head. "I hate that he has to feel afraid just because I can't protect him. I'm his boss — his powerful, rich, connected boss. Keeping him from abuse is the bare minimum I should be able to do." He closed his eyes and slammed a fist on the table.

Vark frowned and let out a sad grumble, snuggling up to Velvet.

Vox blinked and frowned. "I'm sorry, boy. He sighed, clenching his jaw in frustration.

Velvet pulled up a chair and observed him closely. "Shot in the dark but…any chance this isn't just about Tom?

Vox's gaze stayed down. Vark noticed his discomfort and came over, nuzzling his hip. Vox petted him. "The whole thing just…makes me think about how I never did anything to help all those sex workers Val abused over the years. How I never helped Angel…" He sighed. "Dammit, Angel texted me days ago, I was supposed to get back to him too." He shook his head. "I fucked up all these years, and Val fucked up too, and now we're trying to make it better, but all the stuff he did and all the stuff I let happen won't ever be better. And when I think about it, it's not exactly easy to love Val…or myself." He wiped at a pixelated tear.

Velvet's wide eyes stared at him. Her moth was open in a small O shape.

Vox tilted his head then scowled. "What?"

She shrugged and bounced on her heels. "Oh, nothing. Speaking of, has Val reached out yet?"

"No, he hasn't. And I know you know something about what's going on with him, Vel, and I know you want us to sort it out together, but I'm too exhausted." Vox scowled. "So I caught the man doing something sexual in the sex studio! Like that's somehow a sin now. Can you please just tell me whatever's wrong with him, Vel? Why Val is mad at me, why he freaked out on me, why he still doesn't want to see me? You know, since he doesn't trust me enough to just tell me the truth himself—"

Velvet held a finger to his lips and spoke calmly. "He values your opinion of him very much, you know. Especially lately. He wants you to see him as more than just a sex fiend. You catching him doing something sexy, something personal, feels like a setback. Maybe he's afraid that one more setback will take him from 'not easy to love' to 'impossible to love'." She removed her finger as Vox just stared back at her, confused but processing. Velvet straightened her dress and pulled a cookie out of her pocket, feeding it to Vark. "So, see, it isn't about anything you did. And that's as much as I'm willing to say. You want details, you let him tell you himself."

Vox only nodded. He blinked back some tears.

Velvet played with Vark's tail, and he started to chase it and yip happily. "If you're worried that Tom is in serious danger from Katie, I can hang out there and knife anyone suspicious. I've got something to do first, but I'll be there when the doors open tonight."

"I…" Vox found his voice. "I'd appreciate that. Thanks, Vel." He pulled out his phone. "I'll let Tom know what's going on. And I'll reply to Angel. They did another hotel radio show, you know. King and Queen coming out in support of the princess now, heh. Alastor's really having some fun, I bet." He looked down, blushing a little. "And then I'll just keep being patient about Val."

"That's what he needs," Vel reassured. She got up and grabbed the dirty dishes from his desk. "I'll get these clean and grab you a fresh suit. You hose yourself off and toss out the throw pillows Vark tore into. I'm not leaving until you seem civilized and functioning again. Come on, Varky!" She took out another cookie and lead the little shark to the kitchen.

Vox smiled a little. "Thanks, Vel. I hope, uh…whatever you're doing after this goes well. And that whoever else might be involved has fun too!"

She smirked over her shoulder. "Yes, I'm trying to date someone — congrats, you and Val figured it out. No details yet though. But thanks, I hope they have fun too." She skipped off to the kitchen with the little shark in tow.

Vox got up and stretched. Getting this place and himself cleaned up would be good. So would a meal and maybe a nap. He'd be able to think more clearly afterwards. And maybe that would help solve a few of his problems faster. He took out his phone and reviewed Angel's message about wanting to talk soon then let the spider know he'd be happy to chat next week — maybe they could meet in the park with their pets this week sometime? Vox next debated sending Val something simple, a smile or a wave or a simple 'good morning' — a peace offering — but stopped himself. The moth would come to him when he was ready, like Velvet had said.
The final thing he needed to do was let Tom know about Katie. This announcement felt worthy of a phone call. He would make it after a shower and a meal. He needed to be sharp enough to share the truth clearly, and confident enough to build up the news anchor's spirits.

Vox got up and started taking care of himself just like Velvet had commanded. It felt overdue.

Later that evening, at the porn studio, Tom just tried to take deep, steady breaths as he sat on the loveseat in his suite with his phone pressed to his ear and processed everything Vox had shared with him. Katie had surfaced, the tv overlord still wasn't sure where she was, and she had made some very odd and specific threats. Now Vox asked if Tom had received any directly from her?

"I…uh…" Tom gripped a cushion to focus himself. "No, no phone calls or texts. Um…" He brought the phone away from his ear and pressed a few buttons. Nothing in his email either, no random voice mails, and nothing in his social media DMs…except… A burner account had messaged him on Voxtagram. He opened it. No text, just a picture. A gas mask on the ground, crushed and broken, with one of Katie's high heels poised on the pavement nearby. Tom's breaths became short and shallow. "I…" He fumbled with the phone then hit the button to put Vox on speaker. "She sent me a DM on Voxtagram. Not her usual account, a burner. It's…very threatening."

"Fuck…" Vox sighed. "Tom, I hate to ask but could you send me that picture? If I run some analytics on it, it might give me clues about where she is."

"Oh…okay. Just…will you delete it when you're done? And will you try to delete it permanently if it pops up anywhere else?" Tom tried again to slow his breaths. "It's about a vulnerability of mine, and being vulnerable in hell is not a good thing."

"I'll scrub it, completely," Vox assured. "I'm going to fix this, Tom. I'm at my apartment working on finding her. Val is at the studio but, uh…indisposed. I asked Vel to head over there for some extra protection. She'll be by soon. You're safe."

Tom nodded. "Safe, yeah. I know. But I'm still scared."

"I know." Vox sounded so sad. "And it's not right. But it'll be over soon. You'll be okay."

"Thanks, Vox. And…Vox? I know it's weird of me to ask, but…try not to hurt Katie too much? She's probably tossing together this revenge plan as she goes, and it's just going to be a messy, mean catastrophe. You'll catch her eventually since she's so sloppy. And you'll stop her since you're a lot more powerful and capable. Then maybe she'll finally realize that all her rage is pointless. Or maybe not. Either way, I don't want to see her anymore… but I also don't want to see her dead or you taking on the burden of ending her."

"I'll do my best to be fair with her, Tom. I promise."

"I appreciate that. I appreciate everything you're doing."

"I owe you that and a lot more. Just try to relax tonight, maybe read a book or do a puzzle…"

Tom blushed a little. "Actually, Travis is coming by."

There was a smile in Vox's voice. "Even better. A cute guy is a healing thing."

"Vox!" Tom rolled his eyes but did manage a smile of his own. "Maybe…"

"I'll let you know as soon as anything changes," Vox reassured. "And if anything changes for you, call me, anytime, day or night."

"Call me, day or night, too, okay?" Tom asked. "I'd rather find out right away if something changes on your end. I can catch up on my sleep once all of this is over."

"I will. Bye for now, Tom."

"Bye, Vox."

Tom hung up the call. Immediately, there was a rhythmic knock on the door. He could hear a muffled voice from the other side. Shaking a little but determined, he headed over. "Who's there?"

"Velvet and a potential trespasser, bound and gagged!" came Velvet's familiar voice.

Tom opened the door half way and gasped. A bored-looking Velvet was standing there holding a dejected Travis who was bound and gagged with the scarf Tom had knitted him. "Travis! Oh no, Velvet, I appreciate you trying to keep me safe, but it's okay! I invited him over."

"Oh! So he WAS telling the truth. Well, good for you two!" Velvet shrugged and pulled at the scarf, releasing Travis. "Lube and condoms are in the top drawer of the dresser, kinky stuff is on the bottom."

"Vel!" Travis blushed as he grabbed the scarf and put it back around his neck. "We're just having dinner…" he glanced to the side nonchalantly. "And…maybe some cupcakes if you've got any to spare. You do bake the best things."

Velvet beamed. "Of course! I've got a fresh batch going in the kitchen, no drugs or razor blades or anything! I've been in a very non-lethal mood. I'll drop some off later. You two have fun!" She smiled wickedly at Tom. "And don't worry, I'll be nearby with a knife at all times."

"I…appreciate that?" Tom managed.

She gave him a wave and a wink and then skipped away.

Travis sighed deeply and closed the door. "Well, bumpy start to the night but at least we're getting cupcakes, heh."

"I'm so sorry you had to go through being captured by her," Tom replied. "But, yeah, at least there'll be cupcakes." He tried to smile.

"And I get to talk to you. So I'm winning all around." Travis smiled and shrugged.

Tom felt his heartbeat quicken. "We both are, in that case…" he managed shyly.

Travis smiled a little more.

Tom regained himself and gestured to the loveseat. They each rested on a cushion. Travis cleared his throat. "So, uh…she's here specifically to protect you? That's nice."

"No. It's mostly a mess." Tom sighed. "She's here because Val isn't available and Vox is busy tracking down Katie." He hunched over a little, pulling up his legs. "Katie sent Vox a message, threatening him…and me. And then she sent a threat just for me." His hands trembled.

"Fuck. I won't let her near you," Travis assured with a scowl. "And Velvet definitely won't — she's fierce, you're in good hands. You…hey, it's okay…" A few tears had managed to slip past the edges of Tom's gas mask. He was trembling. Travis put an arm around him. "I know, sometimes it's all too big and you've just got to cry… So you cry, okay? I'm here for you…Oh."

Tom suddenly hugged him. "Travis, will you…will you stay past dinner, until I fall asleep? I don't want to be alone. I know it seems extreme of me, but…Katie makes me so nervous."

"It's not strange. You need help, and you're asking for it. That's good. Of course I'll stay!" Travis assured. "I'll move in if you want, heh. I'm by your side for as long as you need me. I like being here, seeing for myself that you're safe." He smiled gently.

Tom pulled back a little to look up at him. "Thank you."

Travis nodded. Then blushed a little, realizing how close they were.

Tom blushed too and tried to wipe the tears from his face. "Oh…I made the inside of the gas mask all misty, heh." He pulled out a hanky and pulled the mask away slightly to wipe away tears and the inside of the lenses. The shifting of the mask revealed a small but sturdy chin with a dimple, a delicate aquiline nose, a set of red lips… His eyes were still hidden though. "Katie sent me a picture of a broken gas mask," Tom went on. "I never told her I need this so I can breathe in hell, but she figured it out a long time ago. She knows I'm vulnerable without the mask. That the idea of losing it scares me."

"That makes sense, especially if you need it to breathe," Travis assured. "None of us are gonna let her take it from you though. I mean it, Tom."

"Thanks, Travis. It helps just hearing that." Tom settled the mask over his face again and seemed to be smiling again.

Travis gulped. "I know you need it to help you breathe but…do you ever take it off? Like, all the way?"

"I…" Tom gulped too, blushing a little. "At night, sometimes. And to eat, sometimes…"

"Anything else?" Travis managed softly.

"Not for a long time." Tom felt warm.

Travis looked into his eyes. "You know, I've watched people get broken by other people. And I didn't do anything. But I'll do everything to protect you, and your gas mask too."

"You care about me that much, huh?" Tom asked with a small chuckle.

"Yeah. And I'm kinda hoping you care about me that much too…"

"I do. Reporter's honor."

Travis raised a hand, hesitated. Tom took his hand and guided it to the side of the mask. Then Tom put an arm around Travis's waist…and shifted the gas mask up and over a little so his chin and lips were visible again.

"Just…just checking…to respect the demisexual boundaries…and cuz consent is sexy like we said. Can I kiss you?"

"Please do. And please KEEP kissing me," Tom assured.

Travis instantly found Tom's lips with his own. Maybe the partially donned mask caused some awkward positioning, but the two men were very eager to make their necking work.

Tom keened pleasantly as Travis nipped his lip and leaned him back. Travis spoke between kiss after kiss. "How long…can the mask stay off your mouth?"

"As long as I'm inside…and the air is filtered…then it can stay off for a while," Tom managed between kisses. "Vox put a purifier in here just for me. I almost think I could leave the mask off all the time, but it makes me feel safe." He groaned a little. "But you make me feel safer."

"I want to make you feel everything." Travis pressed their chests close. "I promise, I'm much more generous and caring these days with a partner. Just tell me what you want…"

"What I want…" Tom managed breathlessly as Travis caught his lips again, and the mask slid up higher, "I want…" His leg came alongside Travis's hip on reflex. "I want…" he sighed in frustration and need. Then he put his hands on Travis's shoulders and pried them apart. Tom shifted his mask back into place and looked him in the eyes. "I want my first time with someone I care about as much as you to not have anything to do with me being afraid of Katie. So I…think we shouldn't go farther than making out for now…even though we've grown so close and I find you more attractive each day, and part of me wants to put everything in those drawers Velvet mentioned to good use with you."

Travis panted heavily, gazing down at Tom, absorbing all that information and barely suppressing his own arousal. "We…We can cool it at making out, of course. Honestly, now that some of the blood is coming back up to my head, I'm remembering that I'd really like to sort out stuff with Angel before I…do anything serious with another person. But just promise me that…when all this Katie stuff is done, next time you're in the mood, you'll let me know, anytime anywhere?"

"I will…" Tom assured with a shy nod. "And…you'll let me know the same after you're…squared away about Angel?"

"Immediately," Travis eagerly assure. He swallowed, glancing around. "And this place is nice and fancy but…maybe we could go somewhere more private? My apartment is kinda small but…I'd do my best to make it shine for you."

"It'll shine just by being yours and you being there," Tom assured. Travis's eyes it up.

They shared a smile. Then they straightened themselves up and agreed on what to get for dinner. Tom placed the order while Travis set the table. And then while they waited they made out a little more, no pressure…until Velvet knocked with the cupcakes and they had to scramble to look presentable again before letting her in. The rest of the night was spent with good food and conversation. And Travis and Tom staring at each other with a little extra color in their cheeks, a little warmth in their bodies, a little knowing twinkle in their gazes that promised so many good things to come.

As the cafe closed for the evening, Louise found herself smiling. Today hadn't been so bad. They'd had a few customers, and all of them had been very nice and complimented the hotel radio shows and said they were glad Louise and Abel were safe. Cooking and cleaning and welcoming people had felt good, and Crymini's help had made it even better. Alastor's shadow had even shown up to support them however it could.

It's presence made Louise wish Alastor himself would stop by, made her wish more cannibals would stop by. She had an urge to want to get to know them better. And to make them feel welcome in places besides the colony. She wasn't comfortable serving demon flesh here, and she doubted other guests would be either, but the cafe still offered venison for Alastor if he wanted it, and he found other things to enjoy as well. Maybe the could do the same for other cannibals to show the rest of hell that they weren't so bad or scary. That they deserved friendship too. That they weren't enemies or evil, not like how angels or abusive demons were. They had a sense of justice and decorum and kindness. And…it would only help hell to be more accepting of them if they were all going to work together to push back against heaven.

She found herself musing about these thoughts to Alastor's shadow as they put away the final clean dishes. When she was done, the Shadow smiled in delight. He grabbed an order pad and a pen and wrote something out then handed it to Louise.

She took the paper, then her eyes widened. "Dear Rosie and Mimzy, You are cordially invited to brunch at the cafe just outside of Cannibal Colony. We're adding some new meats to the menu and would love your opinion." Louise blinked then beamed. "That's…a great idea! Hmm…" She looked at the note and made a small addition. "PS - And I'd love to get to know you better, and to know more about the cannibals too. Thank you! - Louise." She glanced behind herself. "Abel, Crymini? Can you come here for sec?"

Crymini came over from a window she'd been cleaning, and Abel came over from the back door where he'd been sweeping. Crymini showed them the note. "It was the Shadow's idea. What do you think? I…I'd like to get to know Alastor's friends better, and the cannibals too. And I think it would be good for hell to see more of them. It makes me sad how everyone avoids them. Alastor and the rest of them have helped us all so much…"

Abel smiled. "I think it's a good idea. We can probably get some recipe ideas from Alastor."

"Rosie and Mimzy sound cool," Crymini offered. "I'd kinda like to see more of them too."

Louise's tail wagged as she nodded with a bright smile. She turned back to the Shadow. "Well you deliver this, hun?" The shadow nodded proudly then disappeared with the note. A hopeful Louise turned back to her companions. "I'm excited, I hope they answer soon."

"Me too," Abel assured. "But let's head home for now. We had a big day, and now there are those bachelor and bachelorette parties to prepare for…" He rubbed the back off is neck sheepishly.

Louise nodded. "Dinner then turning in early would be nice. I'm glad I came today."

"I'm glad you came too." Abel smiled warmly.

Crymini was already over at the front door, looking around and sniffing the air. "Coast is clear." She turned back to them and held open the door. "Unless you want to wait for Alastor's shadow to come back then ask him to ask Alastor to teleport us home…"

Louise swallowed but shook her head. "No. I'm not gonna be afraid to walk home from my job." She hooked her arm with Abel's. "Do you feel okay to try, Abel?"

He nodded. "I won't be afraid either." He held out an arm and looked to Crymini.

She approached and hooked arms with him. "I'm never being afraid of anything again, period."

The trio faced the door then headed out. And as they walked home, they smiled the whole way, safe in each other's company.

In cannibal colony later that night, taking a small break from some fun activities in bed, Rosie and Mimzy looked at the invitation they had been delivered earlier and smiled.

"Brunch, Mimzy. Among other sinners — doesn't that sound delightful?"

"Almost as delightful as bed with you, dear Rosie," Mimzy replied with a giggle, squeezing Rosie's hip under the covers.

Rosie giggled. "I do hope Alastor might show up as well. We'll make an afternoon of it. Sinners shouldn't be nearly so frightened of him all the time — just the ones who are cads or cruel. It makes him sad when they flee when all he wants is to say hello. Changing that would be a nice thing."

"Oh he'd be so giddy about it! Just look at how happy his hotel friends treating him that way has made him," Mimzy agreed. "We'll make a whole show of a pleasant afternoon together. Plus we'll get delicious eats!"

"A win-win, indeed!" Rosie assured. She turned over in bed. She smiled at Rosie's happy smile. Then she bit her lip. "Mimzy, dear…"

"Yes, Rosie darling?" Mimzy smiled more.

Rosie blushed, eyes down shyly. "Do you…truly consider matrimony on the table for us? Or was that just a playful tease you gave me when the boys were over last weekend?"

Mimzy's eyes widened a little. She touched Rosie's cheek, bringing up her gaze. "I'd marry you here and now, Rose. I mean it, all the way."

"Oh." Rosie blinked, and a tear fell. "That is…just the bees knees to know."

Mimzy raised an eyebrow, grinning a little. "Why do you sound so surprised?"

A small laugh left Rosie and she shrugged. "I'm not sure. I suppose I'm always so focused on Alastor and the colony that I've never really felt like anything more was waiting for me here in hell. So the idea of taking time to become a blushing bride feels…a tad selfish of me but also very right."

Mimzy looked into her eyes. "You deserve to be a tad selfish and more for all you've done for so many people here, Rosie. You take care of everyone. I'd be honored to take care of you."

Rosie let out a breath and a shiver passed through her. "Let's see to Alastor and Angel's inevitable union first. But then… I'm game if you want to pop the question. And for now…" She braced herself over Mimzy, eyes hooded. "For now let me show you just how much I appreciate you putting me first…"

"Rosie…" Mimzy managed breathlessly, and then there were only coos and whimpers of satisfaction as Rosie's deft tongue and teeth and lips worked their way down Mimzy's body, for the rest of the dark night and straight on til morning.

A/N:

Yay, bachelor/bachelorette parties are happening! It's going to be a fun night of bonding for everyone. And in the meantime, some Katie drama is coming. Thank you all for reading!

Take care!

-Azure129