Title Song: "Trust in Me" from The Jungle Book (couldn't think of a song title that better fit the chapter)


"So, what was it?" Tina asked as she tied the last bandage on Angel Dust. "The fact that I saved your butt, that I tended to your wounds, that ya drank my blood, or that ya saw me naked for the first time?"

Husk dropped the water basin he'd been carrying. Fortunately, it was made of steel, but still made a puddle on the carpet.

"All of the above, dear," Alastor replied. "Even the awkward state of nudity."

Tina shook her head. "You're such a weirdo, ya know that?"

"You never seemed to mind."

She glanced at the unconscious spider on the bed. "There's no use pretending like any of this matters to you. I know you're not here for Angel."

He laid a hand over hers. "I never said I was."

Tina looked up and held gaze with his glowing eyes. Husk cleared his throat.

"You lovebirds know I'm standing right here, right?"

Alastor retracted his hand. "Quite right." He stood and straightened his jacket. "Well, if our little guest here is stabilized, I shall take my leave."

"Wait." Tina grabbed his hand.

He raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"I, uh…"

There was a lot she wanted to say, but thought better after a quick glance at Husk.

With a sigh, she rose to her feet and led Alastor out into the hall. Once the door was closed, she turned to him and took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry." She closed her eyes. "I didn't wanna ask ya for money, but the Princess and Miss Vaggie thought it would be a good idea—"

"Vaggie thought it would be a good idea?" Alastor scoffed. "Now there's a surprise."

"Still." Tina pressed her palms together. "It was a shitty thing to do when we were in such a hard place. I only did it cuz I care what happens to the people in this hotel, especially the ones I brought here. They depend on me and…I can't let 'em down."

She lowered her head. "I've already let enough people down."

Alastor's expression softened.

"Not all of us were gifted with big Voodoo powers, Al." Tina pointed to Angel's door. "You've seen what happens to sinners who come down here with no powers, no connections. If they don't get erased in the Extermination, they end up sellin' their backsides to pimps who use 'em as punchin' bags or sex toys. I was one of the lucky ones, endin' up with you."

It took everything in him not to leap for joy at that statement.

"That's why I do what I can to protect 'em, Al. It ain't always moral, but neither is what fuckers like Valentino do." She cradled her head. "I know we're all sinners, but no one deserves to be treated like that. Hell is punishment enough. What right do these bastards have to make it worse?"

"Tina." Alastor took her by the chin and tilted it upwards. "I understand."

She blinked through her tears. "You're not just sayin' that to get on my good side, are ya?"

"No." He wiped her tears with his other hand. "You care for sinners like Angel Dust because you see some semblance of yourself in them. It's only natural you'd want to protect them from suffering like you did. After all," he said, pressing his forehead to hers, "I feel the same about you."

Tina thought again about the night they'd nursed each other's wounds, and revealed each other's scars. Perhaps he really did understand.

"Which is why I'm sorry," Alastor said, stepping away to give her space, "for yelling at you. And causing your tears."

She sighed. "I just wish things weren't so fucking complicated now."

"They don't have to be." He slid his hands down to join with hers. "At least when it comes to how we feel about each other. That has never felt complicated to me."

"Never? Really?"

He shrugged. "Well, perhaps I didn't always quite realize the nature of my feelings, but I knew I cared about you."

"And I…" She paused. "I…don't say this enough, but I…appreciate all the work you've done for the hotel. I really do."

Alastor's ears drooped. "You're welcome, my lo—little bat."

There was still plenty left unsaid, but the two of them found themselves too emotionally drained to continue the conversation. However, they did feel as if some weight had been lifted from their chests.

"Now." Tina released Alastor's hands, much to his dismay. "Do me a favor and don't tell anyone about Angel. If he's anything like me, he won't want everyone knowing his business. And he might get in trouble for being high."

Alastor mimed zipping his mouth closed, locking it, and throwing away the key. "You know I pride myself in my discretion, dear."

She nodded. "Well, uh, I'm…gonna stay with Angel, make sure he's okay. Good night."

"Good night." He watched as she closed the door. "Love you."

He wanted to say it at least once, and didn't think she'd hear him. But Tina's exceptional bat ears hardly missed anything, even through solid oak.

She flopped her forehead onto the door. "Why'd ya have to go and say that?"

"Honestly," Husk said from his seat at Angel's vanity. "With the romantic drama shit you two put on display, who needs fucking soap operas?"

Tina jumped. "Oh, Husk. I—"

"Forgot I was here again?" He picked up Fat Nuggets to pet him. "Yeah, that seems to happen a lot whenever you and Al are together."

She sat on the edge of Angel's bed. "I don't know what ya mean."

"Oh, come on." Husk gestured his claws towards the door. "Whether you two are fighting or talking 'bout the weather, it's like no one else is even there. You may hate his guts right now, but you still give him all your attention whenever he's around. Even if it's negative."

"Ya know why I can't take him back, right, Husk?" Tina said firmly.

He held up a paw. "I ain't telling ya what to do, kid, but ya gotta let go of the past at some point."

"You're one to talk."

"Hey!"

"Nope." She put up a finger. "You don't get to lecture me while gettin' yourself dead drunk every day to cope with your Vietnam PTSD."

Husk opened his mouth.

"And I get it. I've been there. But you know more than anyone that ya can't let go of the past when the past won't let go of you."

He stared at her a moment, then sighed. "You're right, kid. You're fucking right."

Husk wanted to say Tina was making a big mistake. That as much as she tried to deny it, she was still in love with Alastor.

And even if she wasn't, there was no way Alastor was giving up on her.


When Angel Dust regained consciousness, he felt as if he'd been hit by a truck, gotten back up, only to be crushed by a falling boulder. He couldn't bring himself to sit up, so he simply rolled over. That proved to be a mistake, as his back screamed in pain.

"Welcome to the world of the living, hon. Or non-living, I should say."

Angel blinked his eyes open. "Bat Girl? Fuck, I didn't screw ya while I was high, did I?"

"And he's back to normal," said a familiar gravelly voice.

"Husky?" Angel sprang up and winced at the stinging in his side.

"Take it easy," Tina said, lying him back down. "You're still healing."

"Ouch." Angel cradled his head. "Where am I? Why are there people I didn't fuck in my room?"

Husk grunted. "Take a moment to process what ya just said."

"Ya came into the hotel lobby and fainted," Tina explained. "We brought ya to your room and fixed ya up."

Angel's vision finally focused. He propped himself up on one elbow and looked down at his bandaged torso. His only piece of clothing was a pair of pink shorts that hadn't been there last night.

The spider smirked in Husk's direction. "If ya wanted me to strip for ya, Husky, all ya had to do was ask."

Husk narrowed his eyes. "If ya weren't already black and blue, I'd fucking slap you right now."

"I still wouldn't mind." Angel puckered his lips.

"At least you're feelin' better," Tina said. "Angel, what happened to ya?"

Angel's flirty expression fell. "Nothing. Just an occupational hazard."

Husk crossed his arms.

"So the boss got a little rough with me, big deal." He shrugged his upper shoulders as best he could. "I deserve it after skippin' so many days of work for fuckin' group therapy."

Husk clenched his claws. "Kid, no one deserves that."

"Who ya callin' a kid, gramps? I died way before ya."

"He's right, Angel," Tina said. "Now, we won't say anything to Charlie and Vaggie about this, but ya can't go back to that abusive pimp."

"What choice do I have?" Angel tried to keep a light tone but the choking in his voice betrayed him. "Val owns me."

"Al owns me," Husk said. "Even he doesn't treat me like that!" He stood from his seat. "Why I have half a mind to go down to that shitty studio of yours and beat the fucking crap outta that sleazy insect!"

"Aw, Husky!" The spider batted his eyes. "You do care!"

"Shut up!" Husk pointed at him. "Or you'll be next on my—"

"Husker," Tina said as she rose, "give us the room."

The cat turned to her. "Why?"

She cast him a sideways glance. "Cuz I'm about to do something the Princess would disapprove of and I can't have any witnesses."

"Whoa, whoa." Angel hoisted himself up onto his second set of elbows. "What exactly we talkin' here?"

Husk glanced uneasily between the spider and the bat. He'd hung around the Radio Demon long enough to know what was about to go down.

With a grunt, he headed for the door. "I didn't hear nothing."

Once the door was shut, Angel said, "Alright, Bat Girl. I was raised in the mob. I know sketchy shit when I see it, so spill."

Tina pulled up the chair from the vanity and sat down. "Are ya sick of Valentino treatin' ya like shit?"

"What, this?" Angel gestured to his bandages. "Ya can't be in the porno biz and not expect a little rough play."

"Don't lie to me, Angel." She crossed her ankles and folded her hands onto her lap. "I've known men like Valentino. And if any of that shit I had to patch up had been consensual, you wouldn't've collapsed on the hotel floor."

She took a deep breath. "And you're not his only victim here."

Angel locked eyes with her. "Did he—?"

"He almost did." Tina smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress. "I should've bit down on his tongue harder."

He scoffed. "You did what now?"

"Point is I know what kind of man has your soul. So, be perfectly honest with me." She narrowed her eyes. "Are ya sick of being treated this way?"

The tone she used was serious and steady, devoid of any snark. No longer was she Tina the comedienne, or Tina the Radio Demon's wife. She was Tina the Songbat, businesswoman and dealmaker.

The way she spoke and held her head high was enough to give Angel Dust the chills. He had a feeling if he were to lie, she'd know.

He pounded a fist on the bed. "Course I'm sick of it! Why ya think I'm hiding out in this crappy hotel when I could be out havin' some real fun? Why ya think I put up with the group therapy and drug checks when I can just suck a landlord's dick for free room and board?" He massaged his middle with a lower hand. "But I don't need your pity, babe. It's my own fault for makin' a deal with him in the first place."

"It ain't your fault. Ya had the right idea." Tina examined her fingernails. "To survive in this hellhole, it's necessary to make a few deals. Especially when ya've got zero connections and little means to defend yourself. You just chose the wrong person to trust. That ain't your fault."

She focused her gaze on him. "But there's a way you can fix it."

Angel shook his head. "This ain't like your deal with Alastor. When you wanted out, he left ya alone. Even now, he ain't draggin' ya back to be his little housewife." He pointed to his chest. "I sold my soul, toots. I'm in this until either me or Val keels over."

"And what would ya do if you were to get that soul back? Would ya still be a prostitute? Or try and do something more fulfillin' and…tasteful with your life?"

"Toots," he said with a huff, "if I could pull a miracle like that, I'd take this fuckin' rehab shit seriously."

"Honest?" She raised an eyebrow.

He shrugged. "I mean without my job, I'd have nothing to lose then, would I?"

"So," Tina said, returning her hands to her lap, "if I were to get your soul back from Valentino, you would commit fully to the Princess's rehabilitation program?"

Angel burst out laughing. "Good one, babe! I knew ya were a comic, but…"

He trailed off upon seeing Tina's blank expression.

"Wait. You're fuckin' serious?"

"I've dealt with Valentino before. Half my employees were once his."

"Yeah, but I ain't some common whore." Angel gestured to his body. "I'm his Golden Boy, his best star. I make him a shit ton of cash. He ain't just gonna hand me over to some smalltime business tycoon. No offense, babe."

"Oh," the Songbat said with a smirk, "I can be very persuasive." She crossed one leg over the other. "Valentino will never admit it, but he's afraid of me."

"Val? Afraid of you?" He scoffed. "Okay, now I know you're fuckin' with me."

As he said this, the room grew dark. Fat Nuggets squealed and hid under the bed. Tina's eyes glowed purple as musical notes swirled around her.

Her voice echoed. "Don't underestimate me."

"Okay, okay." Angel held up a hand. "I get it, you're a scary-ass bitch. But how do I know once ya get my soul from Val that ya won't just keep it for yourself?"

Tina smiled as she extended her hand. "A demon's word is law."

Wind blew from Tina's illuminated hand. Angel pulled the fur from his eyes to unblock his vision.

No wonder she'd asked Husk to leave.

"I don't know, toots," Angel shouted over the disembodied music. "It was a deal that got me into this mess in the first place."

What's with everybody in this hotel being so damn cautious? Tina thought.

When she next spoke, it was in a whisper, yet it seemed to travel all around the room with the musical notes. "You've seen the way I treat my employees. Do ya honestly think I'd double-cross ya? Especially when I know what you're goin' through?"

Now Angel could see why the Radio Demon was so obsessed with this one woman. With her negotiation tactics, and presentation, she was like his perfect match. Angel didn't say this, however, as he feared Tina would rip his arms off if he did.

The offer was insane. Nobody could make a deal with Valentino without a heavy cost, and Angel didn't want Tina getting hurt. Still, it touched him that someone was willing to take a risk for him. Only one other person had done that.

When Charlie had proposed her idea to rehabilitate sinners, Angel had laughed in her face. And yet she'd still paid him handsomely for his time. He still didn't believe her, but she'd given him a small hope that someone out there could see him as more than just a sex object.

Angel didn't know Tina that well. But she'd told him enough for him to know that she really did understand what he was going through. That was the difference between her and Charlie. Tina didn't instill him with na?ve hopes. She had a concrete plan, and if the number of sinners she'd freed from Valentino was anything to go by, she would deliver.

Sighing, Angel reached out his hand. "Don't make me regret this, toots."


At such a late hour, Charlie didn't expect to hear a specific knock at the office door.

"Come in, Al."

The Radio Demon peered in. "I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time."

"Nope." She bunched several loose papers together on her desk. "Just tidying up a bit. What's up?"

He sat across from her. "Tina informed me that we are underbudget."

"Oh, yes." Charlie rubbed the back of her neck. "Look, you don't have to cover the costs if you don't want to. It's just that since my parents cut me off, I don't know what else to—"

An envelope materialized in Alastor's hand. "Here."

Charlie blinked in surprise as she accepted the envelope. As soon as she peered inside, her eyes widened.

"This is—"

"A hundred thousand soul bucks," Alastor replied. "Use it for what you will."

She stared at him with her mouth agape. "But this is way more than we—"

He held up a hand. "I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart. I'm doing this because I made an agreement." He paused. "To help with this hotel."

Charlie tilted her head. "You sure that's the only reason?"

He narrowed his eyes. The Radio Demon didn't care what happened to the hotel, but he cared about Tina. This project was important to her, and it was really their agreement he wanted to honor. Besides, this was exactly the sort of favor he'd been waiting to repay.

Except for one thing.

"Don't tell my wife about this."

"Why?" Charlie asked. "Wouldn't she be grateful knowing you did this?"

He shook his head. "I don't want her to feel indebted to me. Or that our relationship is nothing more than a business venture."

The Princess smiled. "You really love her, don't you?"

"This money is for your use. It has nothing to do with Tina."

"Al," she said, leaning forward, "there's no shame in caring for someone. Even if it's just one person. It shows you're human."

Alastor sighed. "Even if your silly idea of redemption were possible, sweetheart, the gates of Heaven will not welcome me."

"They could if you tried."

He chuckled. "I'm a murderer, Charlotte."

She shrugged. "God forgave Moses for murder."

"Moses killed a man while defending a slave, accidentally. When I kill, it's never an accident. It wouldn't matter if I cared for anyone. Nothing can erase my sins."

Charlie reached for his hand. "Tina sees some good in you."

Alastor pulled his hand back. "Not enough for her to want me." He got up and bowed. "Good night, Princess."

As he turned to leave, Charlie persisted. "You may not believe in redemption, Al, but the fact that you're able to put your own stubborn pride aside for the sake of your wife shows that you are capable of change."

"Oh, ho, ho." He stopped to adjust his monocle. "While I'm willing to do anything for my wife, in the end, my actions are entirely for my own benefit."

"How do you mean?"

Alastor gazed down at his wedding ring. "The happiest years of my afterlife were those spent with Tina. I do all this so I can return to that happiness."

This confession warmed Charlie's heart. "If that's true, why go through so much trouble? I know you're capable of more…forceful means."

"Oh, na?ve, little Charlotte." He shook his head. "It's no fun if she isn't also happy. No fun at all."

Alastor's hand was on the doorknob, but then had a thought and turned back to the Princess. "What would you do, if Vagatha was cross with you?"

"Hmm." Charlie tapped her chin. "Well, I guess I'd try talking things out with her."

"And if she doesn't want to talk?"

"Oh, in that case," she said with a grin, "I'd try to see the mistake I made and apologize to her by doing something that matters to her."

"I've already tried apologizing to Tina. With several gifts, actually."

"Gifts are all well and good, but I was thinking of something a little deeper than that. Like take her to do something she likes to do or something she's always wanted to do but never got the chance."

Alastor rubbed his chin. "Something she's always wanted to do…"

"Sometimes when you argue with your partner over little things, it's because there's some bigger issue going on. Like I once yelled at Vaggie after my dad called me a failure. Not cuz I was upset with her, but cuz I was upset with my dad." Charlie giggled. "Vaggie then called up Dad and screamed at him for a full five minutes until he agreed to talk with me! Didn't quite solve the problem, but it made me feel better knowing she tried to—"

"That's it!" Alastor snapped his fingers. "Why didn't I think of that before?"

"Oh, you have an idea? What is—?"

"No time!" He stuck out his palm as he bolted out the door. "I have to make an appointment!"

As the door was shut, Charlie sat at her desk in a mixture of bewilderment and pride. Perhaps there was some hope for the Radio Demon after all.


Short, but necessary chapter.