Chapter Text
Returning to the Hotel brought a different set of annoyances for Alastor. Burdened with three bags of assorted items, Doe in a new dress, and a box of ‘donated’ children’s clothes. Alastor had to wonder how he would explain Rosie’s gifts to the King. It was clear when Rosie gave him a sharp look at his protesting that he would be a mule. How was he to keep his trip a secret if she burdened him with so many things? His Shadow had looked positively fat from hiding the items!
“Ah-Lah-Gay-Tor,” he sounded out. Dowan made an ‘ah’ sound in response, grabbing at the page of his book before looking up at him. “Yes, a very docile reptile. Unless you decide to bother it.” He explained as Dowan leaned into him. “This-”
“No way!” Lucifer’s loud declaration interrupted, earning a glare from the Radio Demon. Doe’s small ears flicked with interest as she turned to him as well. “Not happening!” The King continued with his arms crossed in an X motion.
The Sin of Gluttony groaned but marked something on the papers around her. “You weren’t this against them with Charlie.” The Sin gave a wave to the goop that made up her hair. Or was that a visible trait of her Sin? The Sin of Lust had strutted with ostentatious and arrogant behavior. The phrase ‘Love is a fire’ seemed fitting for the flaming rooster that the Sin had taken the shape of. So perhaps the idea that ‘food fuels emotion’ was more fitting for the liquid-like appearance?
“I didn’t know half of this stuff was a choking hazard,” Lucifer grumbled with a dramatic flop back into his seat. “Why can’t we just do the announcement and leave?”
“You know why, Lu,” the Sin dismissed. “Now, focus! We have two weeks to plan the greatest Introduction Ceremony ever!” She proposed with an excited buzz that grated against Alastor’s nerves. How this female kept such hyper energy reminded him of a hummingbird. It didn’t help that she had brought a Hellhound with her.
He returned his attention to Doe before he decided to plan a hunt on the mutt. She seemed content to stay in his arms for the moment. Perhaps that was due to his reading aloud to her? She had seemed just as enamored with Charlie’s beloved story. It could also just be that she enjoyed the sound of his voice. Either way, she was in his arms with Lucifer in her line of sight as well.
Reading to her provided him with the opportunity to not only eavesdrop on the Ceremony planning, but also the chance to begin teaching Doe a few basics. She was babbling with more than vowels, he would love for her first word to come from him. The proverbial feather in his cap and the Mickey taken out of the King would be lovely.
… …
Hell was dangerous. Charlie knew that. But it was also full of hiding places and areas that could be turned into one. She was going to protect her people and city. Even if it meant a deal with an Overlord. She was going to make sure everything worked. If someone needed a place to hide, or help, or even just somewhere safe. More than her Hotel would be an option. Expansion was the next step in protection and redemption!
“Where have you been?” The words caused the table to freeze. She hadn’t realized anyone would be in the Lobby when she got back.
“What?” The question bit at her like a sharp spark when Vaggie’s glare sharpened. Vaggie seemed to always be hovering, especially since she screwed up during her magic lesson.
“Where have you been?” Vaggie repeated more firmly and waited as Charlie pulled out her phone. “You’ve been gone for hours . And you come back like it was just a visit to the grocery.”
“Nowhere.” Charlie bit out, trying to keep her temper. She knew logically that Vaggie was just worried, but situations like this made Charlie feel like she was being treated like a little kid. “Why does it matter?” Vaggie’s arms crossed, and she refused to back down. “Sorry, I just. I just needed space.” The half truth felt like sand in her mouth when Vaggie relaxed and walked over to her.
“Charlie,” she brushed off Vaggie’s hand on her shoulder.
“I’m going to bed.” She interrupted before Vaggie could say anything more. Charlie was tired, but more in the way of overthinking than if she had physically done anything. Learning business skills with Vox was draining, but worth it. With his advice, she could feasibly work out plans for expansion and safeguards! She just needed to look over the applicants he was offering. She needed to be sure they would be willing to work for redemption and not just for VoxTech.
“I know about Vox.” The words made her freeze. “I know about your meetings and how he’s using you.”
“You,” she sputtered in disbelief. “Are you spying on me?”
“Charlie! It’s not like that!” Vaggie snapped, the pain on her face bringing Charlie’s frustrations to the surface.
“Then what is it like?” She demanded, turning from the stairs to face Vaggie. “Do you think I’m stupid? Are you sure I’m not using him?”
“I don’t know anything, because my girlfriend won’t talk to me.” Vaggie answered coldly, her tone making Charlie’s power twist in anger. “I’m not saying you’re being reckless, but you have to see it from my view.” She went on, and Charlie scoffed in disbelief. “Whether you know it or not. Just working with Vox looks bad.”
“Like you going to Carmilla, doesn’t look bad?” Charlie demanded. “What about all the time you’re over there? She works with Angelic Steel, maybe you’re helping her!” She could feel her horns grow as she argued.
“And if I am, I’d talk to you about it! What has gotten into you!?” Vaggie threw back, meeting her eyes, but Charlie refused to acknowledge the emotion she could see. “You’re never here! You don’t even talk to anyone unless it’s to say you’re leaving! I haven’t even held your hand or worked on the schedules with you in a week!”
“I’ve been busy!” Charlie snapped, stomping her hooves and cracking her tail. “I’m trying to fix this mess, and all you’ve done is get adopted by Carmine! We have two weeks before Adam makes a move on his threat for a second Extermination! Instead of looking into defenses or hiding places! Everyone’s been planning a stupid party and making friends!” Charlie yelled with her arms thrown out.
“What are you talking about?” Vaggie’s worried tone made Charlie scoff and retreat a step. “Charlie, Heaven backed off on a second Extermination.”
“Heaven lies!” Charlie gritted out through a snarl. “They lied about Dad, about the Exterminations, about my family! They’re lying about backing off, too.” She explained with a growl. Vaggie reached a hand out to touch her, but Charlie refused to back down from this. Vox had shown her the pattern Heaven had used for years. He’d shown her how they’d say one thing for her Dad to tell everyone, only to turn on it and make him the villain. She wouldn’t let it happen with her family. She refused. “I’m staying in my office. Good night, Vaggie.” The other looked close to tears as Charlie spun away and stormed to her office.
She wouldn’t be sleeping any time soon. She might as well work on Vox’s idea of a defense against the angels.