"To not dying."
I raised my glass.
I looked at everyone around me. Excited to face the unknown, hoping to survive to see the aftermath.
I surely hope I manage to.
I still have unfinished busines to deal with afterwards.
I looked at my bat, with shards of angelic steel piercing from it.
That's because I wasn't confident about my swordsmanship or aim, so swinging a bat around should be helpful enough.
Everyone else had weapons that matched their fighting style, with the addition of the angelic steel, that will hopefully work against the exorcists.
I never thought I'd feel so safe around so many weapons.
I never thought that I'd want to protect hell, or be in it.
I certainly didn't expect to fall in love with a demon.
I looked up, seeing Al and Niffty having a sweet conversation.
Niffty would be running around on the ground and stabbing every angel she sees. I, on the other hand, will be taking care of any angel that might attempt to distract Alastor from fighting Adam.
Al...
We've been through so much, but it feels so little, so not enough.
In life, in death...
I just wish we had more time.
Everyone slowly retreated to sleep.
I almost stepped on a slightly drunk egg.
I picked it up. I saw sir pentious looking around for it.
"There you go, bud."
I wasn't sure whom I said that sentence to, but all that mattered was that the egg was in the safe hands of it's owner.
"It'sssssss a shame we haven't talked much, Y/n."
He told me while lulling the egg.
"Yeah, I had a little problem when you arrived, it seems."
I shivered, brushing the memory away.
"Nonetheless, your presence brought some life to this establishment."
"My... presencccccce...?"
He was touched.
"Am I really that noticccccceable?"
"I suppose."
I nodded.
"I expect to see your brilliant machines tomorrow, yeah?"
"Of courssssse!! Good night!"
"Night."
I smiled.
I feel like he progressed a lot since he blew that hole in the hotel wall.
"I must admit, kid. I wasn't too fond of you being with my boss, but... well, it looks like it turned out just fine."
Husk approached.
"I appreciate you telling me. You are a good man, Husk. Always landing everyone an ear... being brutally honest..."
I reminisced, looking at the bar.
"You were always around behind that bar table when I had to figure tough things."
"Happy to be of service.
Well, the bar's yours for tonight.
I'll see you on the flipside."
He saluted.
"See ya'."
I returned the gesture.
Husk sure is something.
He helped me so much, I wonder if I can return the favor.
And in the topic of contracts...
I looked around the room, trying to find someone. ...There he is, right next to yawning Cherri bomb.
"Angel dust!"
I called out.
"Ayy, Y/n! How's it going, hottie?"
"Good, good. A bit worried about tomorrow, that is..."
I admitted.
"Yeah, me too, I guess.
But you know what? I've got nothing to lose. I either die protecting something I love or get to continue my ol' life."
He took a more positive approach.
"Not for too long, I hope."
I smirked.
"I haven't forgotten my promise."
"Wouldn't that be great,"
He smirked, too.
"But even if not... surprisingly, this hotel made my time here better. And tomorrow I'ma prove that the only angel allowed to cause a mess here is ME."
I laughed.
"That’s the spirit!"
"It was nice knowing you, tootz."
"Same to you, spidey."
I used to judge Angel Dust.
But now that I know the smallest bit about his life in hell... well, he's a champ.
I view him very highly.
He is stronger and smarter than demons think. Even more than he thinks he is.
"I would've told you to go to rest before the big day, but looks like it's impossible for you."
Vaggie crossed her arms.
"Is it? Haven't noticed."
I laughed.
"Don't worry, I remember what's important. It's all about purpose.
I'll fight for US, for this hotel."
"Think of someone.
You'd be surprised at what powers you might discover when it seems bleak, when you are determined to protect someone at all costs."
Vaggie slightly flapped her new wings.
"I know who I am going to fight for."
She glanced at Charlie and waved me goodbye.
It must be hard for her, fighting her own kind. ...But also, they are assholes.
Whatever happens, it was an honor to be trained by her and I am honored to be fighting with her.
!!!
Niffty jumped from above.
She would've given me a heart attack if I had a working heart.
"Last minute cleaning, Niff?"
"Just practicing my angel-stabbing skills on bugs!"
She giggled and ran off.
What a sunshine.
The creepiest sunshine in existence.
I wish I had her endless motivation.
"Y/n,"
Said the last person in the main hall.
"Princess, I wanted to interview you for an article- wait, has it been half a year?"
I joked.
"I am happy you chose to stay."
She said wholesomely.
"And I hope that one day you will return to your passion."
I remember I told her that about reporting.
I haven't typed in my typewriter for so long, it should be covered in dust- well, if not for Niffty cleaning it all the time.
"I might. I do miss it..."
I sighed.
"I am proud of the progress all of our guests have made. Though, yours took quite an unexpected turn, if I may say."
She laughed.
"Oh, you mean Al and I..."
I felt myself blushing.
"You HATED him. Like, REALLY hated. Almost refused to stay here, even if it meant going out to the turf wars...
...not that I'm saying your feelings were invalid, of course."
She added.
"I should be thanking you for that.
From the beginning, you've told me about forgiveness. That it doesn't erase the bad, but it eases on everyone involved.
Allowing myself to move on... Well, it's the best thing that happened to me."
I shyly fixed my hair.
"I also learned from observing you and Vaggie."
"I am happy you are happy."
She quietly clapped.
"Honestly, you trusting Al made me trust him even more."
I smiled.
Charlie smiled.
Then she yawned, tired.
"I'll be resting now, if you don’t mind."
I nodded.
"Good night, Charlie. Thank you for everything."
She gave me a hug.
"Thank you, Y/n. For believing in my dream."
And there I was.
Alone.
Slightly exhausted from worrying about the end. Almost crying tears of happiness from my life in the hotel and the demons I've met, and from how I was changed.
I sat at the bar, alone.
I poured myself a drink.
I let a tear run down my face.
And another.
And a few more.
I downed a few more cups.
We've only started...
I don't want to lose it all...
"What's gotten you so blue, my dear?"
Someone approached, standing by my chair and leaning on the bar table.
"Err... sorry, I don't speak to strangers."
I mumbled, almost slurring.
"I can respect that."
The gentleman backed away, surprisingly without battle, which I very appreciated.
"...though I am not a stranger."
He added quietly.
My head perked up.
Hold on.
"Sir- am I having deja-voo?"
Alastor laughed, taking my hand to place a tender kiss on it.
"I don't mind if you do. Meeting you was the best night of my living life."
"Ah yes, when you decided not to kill me."
I rolled my eyes.
If he could, his smile would've dropped.
Oops, I ruined the mood.
"Is it true what Mimzy said? That you are one hell of a dancer after a few drinks?"
I grabbed another glass.
"Oh, I am not much of a drinker in my death, but how can I refuse such an irresistible bartender?"
I dropped the new glass on the bar table in utter shock. Al chuckled, got me on my feet and spun me around.
He dipped me, only his arm beneath my back stopping me from falling. With the other he grabbed my cup and finished what's left, keeping our eye contact with.
"Well aren't you a bold one all the sudden."
I smirked.
"I sure hope it's not because you are afraid something happens tomorrow."
"Of course not, my sweetest honey. I am the radio demon, after all."
He returned me a smirk.
"And you are going to stay safe and cozy inside."
"What do you mean?"
My tone changed and I straightened up.
"I'll be backing you up on the roof."
"I can handle it myself. You can get hurt.
I won't let that happen."
"We all have a role, Al. Don't you remember what Vaggie said?"
"Always so stubborn."
He sighed.
Ugh... I won't waste the night arguing about this!
So he doesn't want me on the roof.
But I can be at the last stair of the staircase, out of sight but ready to intervene when needed.
I won't stand this fight out.
I shall protect the hotel like everyone else.
"Whatever."
I answered vaguely, crossing my arms.
"Lovely."
I looked at him, standing proud and confident. I remembered what Rosie told me. And how disinterested he looked at Vaggie's instructions.
This better end well.
But still... I better...
I took a deep breath.
"Alastor the radio demon."
I stated.
"Whatever the future holds, I...
I need you to know that...
You should know...
that I lo-"
Al put his finger to my lips, hushing me.
"We'll tell each other afterwards."
He said softly.
"I'll be off now, my dearest. Rest well."
His finger lingered on my lips a little longer before he let me go.
...
I should've told him then and there.