A/N:

Hi everyone! Bachelor and Bachelorette party shenanigans start now! I hope you enjoy how the night begins for everyone, and thanks for reading :)

Partners

Chapter 120:

The Bachelor and Bachelorette Bashes Begin!

"Henroin, you'd better be right about doing things this way or so help me…!" Katie snarled at the spider as she slammed the news van door behind her, the sound echoing through this abandoned lot where he had asked to meet up. She straightened her black dress and cardigan, trying to keep her black boots from getting scuffed. They'd be pulling this job at night, so she couldn't be as flashy as usual, but she was still certainly going to be news-anchor ready. Besides, every woman looked good in a tight black dress, and a little extra distraction for 'the Don' couldn't hurt.

Sure enough, she smirked as the spider's red eyes roved over her figure for a moment before he threw away the butt of his cigar and cleared his throat to reply to her. "Doing things this way will cause fewer problems, Donna Katie. You know I'm right." He snapped his fingers. Several of his men appeared from the shadows in their dark suits. "My boys go with you as backup to rattle the Princess's cage at the hotel and help you get the goods for her demise. And I go personally to that degenerate moth's studio to take care of your little co-anchor snitch Tom…and to lure Vox there for a final blow." He shrugged, lighting up a new cigar. "Vox EXPECTS you to attack the studio, sloppy with rage. A subtle operator like me, however, he'll never see comin'. And a hit is so much easier to do when you're not attached to the target…"

Katie crossed her arms, glaring at him as mobster men loaded into her news truck. "Yeah, yeah, and I'm the one getting dirt on the princess because she'll never see that coming — and so you don't have to risk dealing with 'the three who must not be named.'"

She rolled her eyes but then swallowed as Henroin moved in very close, very quickly, eyes burning red with barely restrained rage. "Exactly," he finally croaked, not giving her an inch.

Katie breathed, her chest brushing his. She felt her face heating up, and it made her want to rage at him…or maybe do other things. Fuck, when WAS the last time she had gotten laid? Once this whole mess was over, maybe she'd take over Vox's share of the porn studio and give herself a little VIP treatment.

"Also, call me Henry."

Katie balked, unable to help a scoff. "What?"

The spider pulled back and shrugged, calm and casual again. "Call me Henry. You ain't one of my soldiers or kin or marks. And I've always been too soft with women, so — Henry is fine."

Katie blinked, fists shaking at her sides. "I…you…Whatever! Good luck, 'Henry', and try not to get in a tizzy if you run into some strippers at the studio! Fucking prude." She turned sharply and headed into the van, slamming the door. She started the engine. "You gangster bitches back there better do whatever I say, and the first thing I say is not a word. Let's go." She saw Henroin give her a little wave in the dark. She flipped him off and peeled out of there.

Henroin continued smiling as she left…and his eyes narrowed more and more, like red coals burning against the night of hell while his cigar flickered and faded.

The hotel ladies were busy gathering in the lobby as they prepared to embark on the evening's bachelorette party events. Charlie wasn't sure yet exactly what Louise wanted to do, but the princess was fully prepared for any possibility — she had access to board games, music, movies, and the limo too just in case. Molly and Cherri had mostly been in charge of pulling the party together, but as the hotel leader Charlie still wanted to help make this the best night ever, especially after everything Louise had been through lately.

Charlie also wanted to make it a good night because…her mother was a guest at the party too. And the two of them hadn't just hung out as adults in…ever. Even beyond her recently healed estrangement with her parents, Charlie had always been closer to her father. But she wanted to be close to her mother too now. She wanted them to be friends. Tonight would be a new experience, and it was exciting but also a little terrifying. Still, along with making sure this party was amazing for Louise, Charlie was determined to give her mom a fun and relaxing night and also to make some memories with her and (and to include Vaggie too).

A lyrical knock sounded from the front door. Charlie dashed over and opened it. "Rosie, Mimzy! Welcome!" She beamed and gestured inside. "We're so happy you could make it for Louise's bachelorette party!"

"Oh we wouldn't miss this for the world!" Mimzy announced, twirling around. "This is the first good chance we've had for really bonding with all you ladies."

Rosie nodded. "Yes, we missed that sleepover you held earlier this year, and we're always so busy at the Colony that we barely get to visit. I'm sure tonight will be a delight and rousing success!"

"Thank you! With all of us together, I know it will be," Charlie assured.

"Oh, you who!" Mimzy's eyes brightened at the sight of the other guests, and she dashed over to greet them. Rosie chuckled and followed after her.

"Rosie, Mimzy, ya made it!" Molly beamed. She gave them each a kiss on the cheek.

"Long time, no see! I missed you both." Cherri smiled and nodded at them.

"Hey there," Helsa waved, a hip cocked to the side. "So, you're the badass cannibal ladies Cherri keeps telling me about? Nice. I'm, uh…Helsa, her new girlfriend." She cleared her throat, trying to keep the shyness out of her expression, though some blushing showed.

"Yeah!" Cherri rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "Sorry for not saying anything to you two yet. It all happened kind of fast, and we only just let everyone at the hotel know."

Molly giggled, stepping forward. "I gave 'em the final push ta get together and let everyone know. It was a swell confession!"

The cannibal ladies beamed. "An utter pleasure to meet the lady friend of our dear Cherri!" Rosie announced

"Oh Cherri, you pick 'em as good as Alastor does!" Mimzy mused, eyeing Helsa. "She's stunning AND spunky!"

Helsa held up her head proudly while Cherri blushed and nodded. "Thanks, Mimzy." She grinned then kissed Helsa's cheek, and now Helsa blushed more and grinned more too.

Molly giggled at the sight. "Ain't it grand? And speakin' of people fallin' for each other, I'm so excited for the wedding! Tonight is gonna be a great celebration of everythin' good that's comin' for Louise." She threw her arms out joyfully.

Rosie and Mimzy nodded in agreement. "Yes," Rosie agreed. "Speaking of, where is the bachelorette…" She and Mimzy glanced past Molly then paused as their eyes found the sight of the Queen instead.

Lilith was standing off to the side, hands clasped awkwardly in front of herself. "Erm, hello! I don't believe we've been formally introduced," she managed, stepping closer.

"Well, we'd still know you anywhere," Mimzy replied with an intrigued smile. "Queen Lilith Magne, come to join all us sinners in our hotel fun. Charmed!"

As Mimzy curtsied, Rosie held out part of her skirt and gave a slight bow. "Yes, it's excellent to meet you. I enjoyed the radio show you did with your family and Alastor and Angel. You were a paragon of poise and pride on the airwaves, Queen Lilith." She straightened up with an approving nod.

"Thank you very much for saying so." Lilith's smile relaxed and she gave a nod of her head in return to both of them. "Oh but, no 'Queen' this evening, please. Just Lilith is fine."

From across the room, Charlie smiled and resisted the urge to rub her cheeks in joy. Her mom was making friends! Friends with Charlie's friends! This was going to be the best night.

Vaggie must have noticed her happy look because she sidled over and gave Charlie a little grin. "You're really excited about this party, huh?"

Charlie nodded, laughing sheepishly. "I think it'll be fun, all of us having a nice night together. And we can help Louise keep feeling better too."

"Yeah. I think it'll be good for everyone." She glanced up toward the ceiling. "I just hope the guys won't get into any really serious shenanigans without us. Lots of wild cards up there."

"But very responsible wild cards when it counts," Charlie assured. Then she swallowed and lowered her voice. "Vaggie, uh…I should tell you something. When my mom was helping me find party games earlier, we were talking and…she's really suspicious that you and I are keeping a big secret from her."

Vaggie instantly blushed, and her eye went wide.

"She's not sure what it is! And I didn't tell her. And I said she'd have to wait to find out. But I just wanted you to know. I guess she's just noticed some changes between us that the others haven't yet," Charlie explained.

Vaggie nodded. She looked down in thought. "We said we'd wait to share until we were ready for the final step. Did you…want to share with people sooner? With your parents, at least?"

Charlie considered then shook her head. "No. I still want it to stay between us, for now at least. Is that still okay with you?"

Vaggie smiled a little again and nodded. "Yeah, I like our original plan." She took Charlie's hand and squeezed. Charlie squeezed her hand back and gazed at her.

Vaggie chuckled. "Moments like this where we go off and whisper and stare at each other are probably dead giveaways to your mom that something's up, huh?"

"Yeah. But they're too nice to pass up."

Charlie and Vaggie giggled toughener.

Their attention only drew away from each other when Louise came down the hall across the room, lead by an excited Niffty and Crymini. The dog demon grinned at her companion, her tail wagging. "Thank you both for helping with my room some more, it's really coming together!"

"Anytime, Crymini!" Niffty assured. "Thank you for helping me with the cake for the party tonight!" She looked out into the lobby and beamed at the sight of everyone gathered together. "And speaking of the party, here it is! Happy Bachelorette Night, Louise!"

Louise smiled sheepishly, looking around at all the ladies as they waved to her. She cleared her throat. "Thank you all for being here tonight. It's swell that we could do this together. I'm happy I have all of you in my life."

"Of course, Louise, we're happy to have you too." Charlie approached and took her hands. "Tonight is all about you. Let us know whatever you want to do, and we'll make it happen. I've got lots of fun things ready and waiting. Just say the word!"

Louise nodded. "Actually…I've been thinking since yesterday, and I was wondering if we could go out? If you'd all be okay with that, I mean."

"Yes, of course!" Charlie nodded then tried not to furrow her brow in worry as she added carefully, "Are you sure? I know you've…preferred staying near the hotel lately. And Molly and Cherri said you liked the idea of Abel's quiet night in."

"I know, but I promise I'm sure." Louise's smile softened. "I've been spending so much time inside. Yesterday I went out for the first time in a while, to the cafe, and it felt good. I wouldn't mind having an adventure tonight, trying something new. I'm not sure where though — nothing too intense or far away, but still something fun. And we can come back here to relax afterwards. And I'll let you ladies know if I get overwhelmed at all."

Charlie smiled again and nodded. "I've already got limo gassed up. Well decide on a place to go, and I'll let the guys know that we'll be out so they won't worry."

"Thank you, Charlie." Louise smiled and wagged her tail.

Charlie met her smile then released her hands and looked to the others. "Any ideas on where to head to, ladies?"

Cherri considered. "Hmm…we're kind of a big crowd. I don't know if we'll get into any private place without a reservation. And we're…kind of a famous crowd to get into any public place and not draw a whole bunch of groupies and gossips."
"Ugh, the trials of being one of hell's top bitches." Helsa flipped her hair dramatically, and Cherri tried not to laugh.

"I could talk ta Angel, see if he can call in a favor to get some place ta squeeze us in?" Molly mused. "But I'm not sure how long that'll take."

"Ooo ooo I know!" Niffty dashed over to Rosie and Mimzy and quickly whispered into each of their ears. The ladies eyes and smiles lit up.

"Of course!" Rosie announced. "Marvelous idea, Niffty dear." She cleared her throat and addressed the others. "Ladies, if you'd be up for it…why don't we head over to Cannibal Colony?"

Mimzy nodded eagerly. "Every place there is discrete, and since the clientele is almost always limited to just the colony residents, we won't have a problem getting in. There's one very charming old-fashioned speakeasy pub that has singing and drinks and snacks."

"Speakeasy?!" Molly lit up like a firework.

"Singing…" Charlie's eyes widened.

"You had me at snacks," Helsa added, while Cherri let out a snort of laughter and added, "Same!"

"The Colony?!" Louise gasped with a beaming smile. She dashed over to Rosie and Mimzy. "We can go there for my party? Do you mean it?"

"Of course!" Mimzy gestured proudly to herself and her companion. "Rosie and I help Alastor run that territory, and you're his chums — you'd all be more than welcome.".

"Have you wanted to visit the Colony?" Rosie asked Louise, head tilted curiously.

"Oh…yes. For a while," Louise admitted shyly. "The place just seems to make Alastor happy, and you all seem so happy to be there…I wanna learn everything about it."

Rosie nodded, intrigued, then looked to the others. "If everyone is comfortable, we can head over there now. I assure you, not even an attempt at a bite will occur to any of you. In our presence especially, everyone will know you're friends of the colony. Safe as can be."

The ladies all looked to each other, sharing smiles and nods. Lilith bit her lip at first, hesitant, but finally nodded too.

"Splendid! I'll send a raven to let the pub know we're coming." Rosie pulled the quill from her hat and a small scroll of paper and bottle of ink from her dress pocket and began to write as she strolled over to a window, Mimzy following her.

The other ladies began to excitedly talk about how the rest of the night might go (except for Niffty who dashed over to the bar and pulled out her phone, making a quick and quiet call).

"I'll bring the limo around for us." Vaggie went to the back door.

"I'll go let the guys know our plans!" Charlie headed to the stairs.

"Oh, er…I'll come with you, dear!" Lilith offered, quickly following after her daughter. Charlie smiled and nodded, and they headed up together.

Once the royal duo was out of earshot of the others, Lilith sighed and whispered to her daughter. "How am I doing, Charlie? At this…informal socializing, I mean? I've never really been to a party that wasn't a political obligation or a thinly disguised attempt at a coup. Except for your birthday parties growing up of course, but this is obviously a very different situation."

Charlie tilted her head. "You're doing fine, mom. Are you nervous? No one expects anything special from you. Just keep having a good time and enjoying yourself." She smiled then played with her hands. "You ARE…having a good time and enjoying yourself, right? I-If you're not, it's okay if you decide to leave. I don't want you to do anything that'll make you anxious."

"Charlie," Lilith caught her daughter's eye, a small but determined smile on her lips. "Tonight is different for me, so there might be some anxiety. But it's all part of letting myself have a new experience, and that's a good thing. And as long as I'm with you, I'm okay. Okay?"

Charlie nodded, some of her confidence restored as they reached the landing and headed for the third floor toward Baxter's lab where the bachelor party was taking place.

While the ladies were downstairs gathering together for Louise's party, Baxter had been upstairs in his lab studiously planning for Abel's party. He just had to make sure tonight was perfect. He was going to a bachelor party. He was technically hosting the bachelor party. His first bachelor party. This was his chance to be part of something special with the other guys here, a chance to belong with them (even though so many people in his life had failed to help him feel that way). But he trusted these people, and he was proud they trusted him with hosting the event.

Baxter shook his head firmly to come out of his deep thoughts. He couldn't think about any old pains or fresh anxiety right now. At the moment he had to specifically focus on making perfect seating arrangements and setting up the movie projector and prepping drinks and snacks and making sure his drone properly hung up the banner he'd printed that read 'Abel's Bachelor Party!'

Suddenly his phone buzzed, and now Baxter was also thinking about Niffty too because she was the one calling him. Niffty… He really wished she could be here tonight. She was grounding and calming, she helped him stay focused and not get so caught up in his hyperawareness of all the social cues around him and all the ways he could feel out of step with others sometimes. She made everything flow smooth as science.

He answered the phone. "Hey, Niffty! Did the bachelorette party start yet? I hope you're having a fun time."

"Hey, Baxter! Almost! We're getting ready to go out, actually — Louise thought it would be nice. But I wanted to check in with you before we leave. Did you get a chance to rest before your party starts?"

"Oh, er…not exactly." Baxter looked around at his lab guiltily as he realized he'd instead spent the last two hours in a constant state of bustling efficiency. "There was so much to do. I just…It's really important to me that tonight goes well, Niffty. For Abel's sake! And for my sake…" He blinked a few times. "This is the first time I'll be doing something social at the hotel without you or science to help ground me. I want to figure out the formula to make it a perfect party for the guys and for me too."

"Baxter, it's already perfect because you care and you'll have all your caring friends with you. I promise."

Baxter let out a deep sigh of relief and felt a small smile come to his face. "You always know what to say to make me believe things will be okay. Thank you, Niffty."

"I'm always happy to be here for you, Baxter," Niffty assured. "That's another reason I called. To remind you that if you get nervous, you can call or text me. I'll answer, no matter where we are. Okay?"

Baxter's heart warmed. "Okay. I…I think I'll be fine. Even just knowing you're a call or a text away helps." He smiled more. "Promise me you'll have a good time tonight too? You deserve a fun evening."

"I will. And thank you." Niffty giggled.

There was a knock on the lab door. "Baxter? Hey it's Angel and I've got snacks plus all the hot guys we know with me, so you should open up and join us to complete the set. Hell, I think we've got the numbers to do our own hotel pinup calendar."

"Oh my god, Angel…" Husk and Niss said at once.

"Hush, we're all studs," Angel chided.

Baxter chuckled a little despite swallowing a nervous lump in his throat. "The guys are here, Niffty, I've gotta go. You call me too if you need anything. Love you."

There was dead silence on the other end of the phone, and then a second later Baxter's brain realized that he had just said he loved her. Out of the blue. For the first time. Over the PHONE, of all places. "I, uh…" he quickly went on. "Bye!" He hung up and tucked the phone in his pocket and went to answer the door, because the 'Love you' crisis was suddenly outweighing the 'bachelor party' crisis by a lot in his head.

He indeed found a group of familiar faces led by a grinning Angel. Baxter blinked a few times, found his voice again, and gestured inside. "Fellas, h-hello, salutations, greetings! Make yourselves comfortable! Looking forward to fun! Abel, Happy Bachelor Party!"

Angel filed in followed by Alastor, Husk, Niss, Sir Pentious, Lucifer, Sev, Steve, and finally a shy Abel. As the guys set down the various snacks and drinks they'd brought over, he glanced around at the decorated lab and smiled. "Baxter, this looks great. Thank you so much for letting us have the party up here."

"Of course." Baxter's smile became a bit calmer and more genuine (though his phone felt like it must be burning a hole in his lab coat). "Thank you for coming! I mean, it's your party, so of course you came, but…thank you for coming here to my lab and enjoying yourself! Everyone chipped in with resources and ideas for decor and refreshments and entertainment tonight, I just made it all fit into a lab, heh." He was a nervous wreck waiting to happen, and he just prayed no one would notice.

"I appreciate it a lot," Abel assured Baxter. He raised an eyebrow for a moment, obviously at Baxter's nervous energy, but then gave the fish demon a warm smile and joined the rest of the guys.

Baxter let out a deep breath. Just as he was about to close the door though, Charlie and Lilith appeared. "Hi Baxter, hi everyone!" Charlie waved sheepishly.

"Hey, Charlie!" Came from the guys in various tones with various smiles.

Lucifer stood up and zipped right over to the door. "Charlie!" He ruffled her hair then looked to his wife (hungrily). "And Lilith…" He chuckled and snuggled up close to her. "Could you really not keep away from me just for one night?"

Lilith smirked playfully at him. "Just giving you a final farewell to tide you over for the evening, dear. I know how much my 'presence' has meant to you lately."

Lucifer giggled and gazed up into her eyes, and Lilith looked down at him with a grinning blush.

Charlie stepped to the side, clearly a little embarrassed.

Angel whispered something to Alastor who glowed and rolled his eyes and gave Angel a playful nudge that made the spider chuckle.

Charlie cleared her throat. "We just wanted to let you all know that Louise and the rest of us decided to go out of the first part of our party. We'll be at the pub in Cannibal Colony."

Alastor perked up. "Really?"

Charlie nodded. "It's the most discrete place that could take all of us on short notice, and also Louise seemed excited about the idea."

Alastor grinned a little more. "Ha, well, I hope you ladies do enjoy yourselves. Tell them the evening's festivities on my tab!"

"Alastor, no—" Charlie was about to gently protest his generosity.

He held up a hand. "Up-up! What's the point of being wealthy and powerful if you don't share it around, hmm? Eat, drink, and be merry! And tell the colony Alastor says hello! Ha!" He swung a fist through the hair.

Angel giggled at his antics as Charlie smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Alastor." She waved to the group. "Have a fun night, everyone! We won't be back too late." She turned to head to the door only to discover her father whispering in her mother's ear while Lilith blushed and smirked. The princess cleared her throat awkwardly. The king and queen blinked then sheepishly separated.

"Yes, well, do have a lovely evening, my two lovely ladies!" Lucifer hugged Charlie and blew Lilith a kiss then skipped over to his seat and resumed it with a blissful smile.

Lilith gave the room a wave and Lucifer a wink and then headed out with Charlie following behind her.

Baxter let out a small sigh of relief — now the party could get back on track. And, good news, Niffty was going to go out with the other ladies for a night on the town so maybe she'd forget all about Baxter accidentally saying he loved her over the phone and then hanging up like a terrified teenager. They had already admitted they might be falling in love, but hadn't said the actual words yet! Baxter wasn't even sure if he was ready for the actual words, if he really had fallen in love officially. The phrase had just tumbled out of his mouth, dragging with it an unspeakable amount of possibilities and consequences and potential responses from his lady friend.

He felt his mind begin to race again and took a deep breath. He cleared his throat and tried to focus on his guests again. "So, er…fellas, what should we start with tonight? We've got movies and music and snacks and decks of cards…"

"Oh, I was thinking we'd start with a toast!" Lucifer flicked his wrist and a glowing bottle of liquor appeared. "From a special reserve of mine — to celebrate the impending nuptials!"

Alastor jumped in his seat, and pointed his microphone warily at the bottle. "Egad! Is that….heavenly wine? As in, the substance that turned me into a stuttering fool after one good swig that time I gave Charlie a pep talk on the roof?"

"Yes, the good stuff!" Lucifer assured, beaming. "The only substance of a strong enough caliber to get me pleasantly inebriated." He tapped his cane, and several small glasses appeared on the table. "Who wants shots?"

"Never again." Alastor said dryly.

"Maybe…" The word was out of Baxter's mouth before he could think. He barely drank, but for a moment the idea of having a drink in hand to help him slip into pleasant oblivion if his distress got too great was a serious temptation.

The other guys looked at each other and all nodded curiously.
"It's not gonna make me black out, right?" Husk asked. "I've been trying to stay away from stuff like that. I get a little terminally depressed from that kind of booze — not exactly fun for a party or for me."

"No black outs," Lucifer assured. "You'll simply go from sober to distinctly drunk immediately. But the effects will fade by morning. Not even a hangover as a consequence, just some fatigue."

"I'll admit, he's not wrong," Alastor had to concede with a roll of his eyes.

"Oh Niss, let's try it, I'm certain it tastes 'divine'." Pen giggled at his pun.

Niss shrugged. "I'm game. Sev? Steve?"

The cat and fish demon shared a glance then nodded and smiled. "Us too!" Steve added.

Alastor rubbed his temple. "Ha…very well, I did warn you all."

"Yeah, but we're stubborn." Angel shrugged. "And I'll only have a little taste, Al, promise," he assured tenderly.

Alastor relented with a smile. "Enjoy yourself then, dear. The flavor of that substance was indeed rather exceptional. Meanwhile, I'll be here, supportive and sober in case you need anything."

"You're a keeper, Smiles." Angel shifted closer to him and Alastor only glowed half as bright as Baxter's lantern would have if Niffty had done the same thing.

"Excellent!" Lucifer clapped his hands together. "A full shot will probably get you fellows as plastered as Alastor must have been, but a sip should have more limited effects. Drink what feels right." Lucifer tapped his cane again — the shot glasses filled with the wine and appeared in front of everyone except Alastor. "To Abel, Louise, and a hellishly delightful future for your love and the loves of everyone else here! Bottoms up, boys!" Lucifer poured himself a full wine glass and raised it high. The others raised their glasses. Alastor snapped himself up a glass of sweet tea to raise. Then everyone drank to varying degrees.

Baxter could tell right away from the drop he allowed past his lips that this substance would completely soften his mind if he let it. The little taste was thankfully enough to steady his nerves and keep him focused on his friends and dull his desire to pace the room in worry. It was also enough to make him recall his courage too. He would do his best to talk to Niffty later tonight when the ladies came back so he could clear up his phone faux pas. For now though, he had a bachelor party to make great, and a night to make memorable. He could do this, for Abel and the rest of the guys. First task — get the pizza bagels cooking. Baxter went over to his convection oven and did just that, then rejoined the other boys as the smell of heated sauce and cheese filled the lab's air and the fellas settled into the effects of the heavenly wine.

"Velvet, VELVET! It's just me again! Damn it…" Travis held up his hands, breathing heavily as he watched the sharp carving knife Velvet had just thrown in his direction wiggle from its place stuck in the wall a few inches from his neck.

"Can't take any chances. That was just a warning shot anyway, Travis." Velvet didn't even look up from her barstool tucked in a corner of the studio. She was writing something on a piece of paper and swinging her legs as she hummed to herself.

Travis let out a deep breath and approached her hesitantly. "Well I guess it's good to know that Tom has such great protection, at least." He raised an eyebrow. He had never seen Velvet so focused on something that didn't involve stabbing. "You working on a new recipe?"

"Sort of. I am trying to get some things to 'mix together'. I'm preparing to take some well-deserved 'me time' very soon. And to have company for it." She chuckled to herself then finished writing with a flourish. Finally she folded up the paper and popped it into an envelope. "Speaking of, Tom is waiting for you in his room, and so is a tray of my cupcakes. Eat sweets and fool around. It's nice to see two guys who aren't painfully dancing around their feelings for each other."

"I, uh, well…" Travis blushed but couldn't help smiling. "Thanks, Velvet."

Suddenly across the room the lighting changed and some music started and Valentino stepped out onto the stage to dance.

Travis's jaw dropped. "What the hell?! The new sign out front isn't just a gimmick? I figured Val would hire someone to replace Angel, not…replace him himself."

"Oh 'that' — yeah, that out there is what happens when you DON'T deal with your emotions like a grown up. It's working itself out," Velvet assured, eyes down again as she wrote something on the envelope then tucked it into her dress. "Now go see Tom, and if you spend the night, just know I'm leaving here early in the morning to take care of some personal business, so hold your man close and don't open the suite door for anyone!"

Travis blushed even more. "I…yeah, heh. We're not gonna… but I'll let Tom know you'll be away. Bye, Velvet!" He quickly dashed over to the private rooms. He found Tom's and knocked. "Tom? It's Travis!"

The door instantly opened, and Tom smiled. "Travis! Hi!"

Travis smiled too and stepped inside. The door closed behind him. They looked at each other for a moment. And then Tom pushed the lower part of his gas mask aside and Travis wrapped his arms around him as they started to neck heatedly.

Travis found himself pulling Tom against the door with him. "Okay, wow…" he breathed between kisses. "I didn't realize…the sexual tension…was gonna start being this strong between us…now that we decided to go for it with our feelings…"

Tom groaned a little. "You're the first good guy…I've gotten to know…in forever. It's nice to feel attracted to someone again. I want to explore it."

Travis kissed him more, running fingers through Tom's hair. "When all of this is over…I'm gonna give you such a night…"

"Not if I give it to you first."
Travis felt Tom's lips grin, and his own legs buckled. "I, uh…guess this is a little ignorant but…I didn't think a Demi guy would be so, uh…"
"Horny?" Tom chuckled. "Common misconception. We get there, under the right circumstances…and then we kind of turn it into an art form."

Tom pressed Travis against the door now, and Travis closed his eyes and resisted the urge to push his hips against Tom's. "Oh…good to know." He swallowed. "Uh…I…mmm…well, until that night we're planning to have together, maybe we could just show a little more skin? You could take off the mask all the way. I wanna touch your face…see your face…kiss your face…"

Tom managed to break off the kisses for a moment, blushing. "I…I'd rather wait to take off the mask until we're ready to take off everything. I just…not many people end up seeing my face. I'm a little shy about it."

Travis panted and nodded. "That's okay. Whenever you're ready is fine. I just wanna be with you. I want to make you feel good. Let you know how attracted I am to you too."

Tom smiled more again. "Hopefully everything gets squared away soon with Katie. Then you and I can focus on us." He stepped back and swallowed. "Vox is out tonight looking for her. Maybe he'll have luck with the search."

Some of Travis's arousal managed to cool itself as they moved away from the door. He nodded. "I hope he does. She's not allowed to hurt you anymore."

Tom smiled in appreciation. Then he straightened his gas mask and glanced at Travis. "Speaking of resolving things, have you…had a chance to talk with Angel yet?"

Travis looked to the side. "I'm still trying to figure out a way to contact him that won't be upsetting to him. I don't know." He grabbed a cupcake from the platter Velvet had left and took a bite, chewing while deep in thought.

"I could try talking to him for you, if you'd like?" Tom offered, taking a cupcake of his own.

Travis shook his head. "I appreciate that, but you shouldn't have to clean up this mess. I'll take care of it. And then I'll take care of you." He twirled a lock of Tom's blond hair around his finger.

The news anchor melted a little. "I see. That's good to know. Erm…uh…oh, uh, what would you like to do tonight?" When Travis smirked, Tom rolled his eyes. "Besides the obvious, Travis."

Travis chuckled. "Wanna make plans for when you get out of here? Like, practical plans. I'm not sure if you wanna go back to your old apartment or get a new apartment or if you'll need some other place to stay for a bit. If you do, I could…put you up. No big deal. It's kind of a shabby apartment but…uh…"

Tom leaned in closer, smiling so much. "I actually could use a place to stay for a few days while I figure things out. If you can handle me for a few days, that is…"

Travis had to squeeze his legs together. How the hell was this mild-mannered guy so hot at come-ons? He nodded and tried not to groan. "Great! Uh…And, um…" he had to talk about something else, now, "Oh, uh, and in other new developments, we could talk about what Val's doing on stage? How's that been going? I never actually saw him dance. It's been decades since he went on a stage, heh."

Tom chuckled. "I haven't watched either, but he's really drawing in the crowds. I'd love to know your thoughts on the sudden change. I have a strong feeling it's got something to do with Vox not being around here much lately and Velvet being a bit tense, but I haven't sorted out the details yet." Travis gave a nod. Tom lead him over to the loveseat and brought the platter of cupcakes with him. Travis began to settle in, and soon they were chatting away.

Katie stood in an alley near the hotel and grinned up at the building. Henroin's men were lurking in the shadows not too far off. She'd told them to stand down unless she called for help. She had her camera and mic in hand — she knew the only way this job would succeed was if she took the lead. "Oh Princess," she whispered to herself in the dark, "you and your family have ruined my show and my life for the last time. Whatever dirt you have stashed in that hotel, I'm going to find it and plaster it onto every media platform in hell. And then people will finally go back to understanding that you're not a leader to be taken seriously. You're just an uppity and over-sensitive joke who any ruthless overlord could pick off easily — including me, once I permanently smash Vox's screen and claim his title."

Finally, her luck was changing and her power was going to be fucking unstoppable and then she wouldn't have to deal with that smarmy, flirty, macho mob spider anymore. 'Henry' — as if. He'd regret the day they'd ever crossed paths. No man would ever keep Katie Killjoy in check.

First Tom then Vox then Henroin… She would leave them all trembling and destroyed in her wake. And then she would finish with the princess and her little family too.

It was hard being this badass of a bitch, but thankfully Katie knew how to make it work. Under the cover of night, she worked her way around the building, and the men followed at a distance, her lethal little entourage.

In the alley behind the porn studio across town, meanwhile, red eyes shifted in the dark. There was a buzzing sound, and Henroin pulled a phone out of his jacket and brought it to his ear. "Yes?" Someone spoke on the other end. He grinned. "Good. I figured she'd leave you boys to your own devices. Hmm…" His eyes narrowed. "You know what to do. Pretend you really just wanna help, put on a good show, keep yourselves discrete and her in check." More talking. Henroin scowled. "Lots of lights on in the hotel, huh? Well, if you do run into THOSE THREE, you know the disownment policy — don't speak to, see, or hear them. You disappear. Capiche?" There was an affirmative reply. "Good, now move." He hung up the phone and sighed. "Time to do my part, I guess. Marrone. She just had to try to mess with my family business, didn't she?" He began to expertly slide through shadows to the porn studio back door.

Before he reached it though, he found a knife to his throat and an arm pinned around his body from behind. A voice whispered harshly but with glee into his ear, "If you are who I think you are, and if you're here to do anything I think you might do, oh boy are you gonna get sliced and diced."

It was woman. Henroin grinned, prepared to use some charm to get himself out of this one. He started to turn in her grasp.

She bashed the knife handle against his head.

He scowled in pain. "Ah fongul! You dirty—"

She spun him around and held the knife directly to his throat. She smiled, big pigtails swaying at the sides of her head. "My name is Velvet, and I think your Angel's trashy daddy, and you're definitely not supposed to be here, so why don't we go inside and have a good long talk over cupcakes? It's either that or I can turn you into little bitty spider pieces and bring you to some dear friends of mine who would just love to have a man for dinner."

Henroin sighed in irritation and defeat. "Agreed. Will you at least tell me what gave me away?"

"Gave you away? Oh, nothing."

"I mean, what made you come out here? What made you suspect something was going on?"

Velvet tilted her head maniacally. "Oh silly man, always trying to make things about you. I just came out here for fun! I love lurking in scary places. And I'm much better at hiding to jump out at people than you are at hiding to sneak into buildings. Now get inside and shut up." She opened the door and pointed the knife at him.

Henroin sighed, hands up, and headed in as Velvet skipped after him.

Vox had no idea what he was doing.

Okay, he kind of knew what he was doing, in a basic sense, but beyond that he was mostly just winging it and avoiding his own personal problems. Still, maybe he would get lucky and actually stumble upon something useful. For example, Katie, waiting in a well-lit public place to surrender herself to him would be the ideal, but he'd take what he could get.

Besides, even if he had almost no clear leads, he owed it to Tom to try everything to get this whole situation with her resolved quickly.

So here he was, visiting random locations at night that might look similar to the vague backgrounds in the threatening photos Katie had sent Tom. Searching during the day would have been easier, but this was the only time he had — Vark was finally asleep, his own overlord work for the day was done, and maybe worries about Val were keeping him from getting much sleep at night lately anyway.

Walking down his sixth alley near an abandoned building so far, Vox finally sighed and kicked his shoe against the wall. "This isn't helping find her, I'm just hoping dumb luck brings her to me." He rubbed the corner of his head and looked at the pictures on his phone again. "These could literally have been taken anywhere in hell." He put the phone away and sighed. "Okay, okay…forget the pictures for now. Think about Katie. Where would she have gone the last couple weeks to lie low, to keep busy, to bitch about her problems to some kind of audience, preferably one who wouldn't remember seeing her in the morning…" He furrowed in brow in thought then blinked. "Oh my god, I'm so stupid — the bars!" He'd been keeping tabs on all of his media buildings and the porn studio, worried she'd attack one in retaliation. But he should have started smaller. The seedy and small bars of hell he knew well — or at least he knew their cable packages well. "I'll start near the studio and work my way out. Someone must remember seeing her — or they will if I flash some cash."

With a renewed sense of purpose he headed out into the night. There was the dive bar across from the studio, a few more over the next couple of blocks, a handful of small places uptown featuring cheap booze and dim lighting that survived despite the bigger and more fashionable bars that reigned supreme there (Katie would have steered clear of those to avoid him). There were also some bars in the lobbies of the sex hotels where Val's workers took clients.

Vox immediately headed toward the porn studio to begin his hunt in earnest now that he finally had a plan that made sense.

On stage during all of these shenanigans, Valentino danced and tried to forget all of his doubts and heartache and rage. Everything could wait…with the exception, maybe, of Vox. But he was planning to take care of things with the television very soon anyway. For now, everything was okay, everyone was fine, and…

As he spun on the pole, he thought he saw Velvet way in the back of the place, pushing a shadowy figure toward the downstairs offices.

Val narrowed his eyes and almost hopped down from the stage. Only his performer's instinct to keep the show going (and to avoid all the issues a pissed off crowd would cause) stopped him. Besides, if something WAS up, Velvet hadn't been the one being pushed along, she had been the one doing the pushing. She had it in hand. Could just be a customer who had gotten rowdy and needed to be bounced.

Still…when he was done, he would go check just to be sure. No one fucked with the few friends he had left.

Valentino continued to twirl on the pole, and the crowd continued to cheer.

A/N:

That's all for now! Two more chapters to go for the party night to finish up everyone's experiences :) I hope you like what's in store!

Take care!

-Azure129