As the wall was blown up, Charlie sighed.

"Cherri, you can just use the doo-"

"Oxie, you bitch!" She grinned as she went over to the spider girl and grabbed her by the waist, planting a kiss on her face.

"Hey, babe." Oxie smiled straight back at her, going in for a second kiss.

Angel looked over from the bar. "Where's mine?"

"In your dreams, fuckhead." Cherri laughed as she nudged him over with her hip and sat down. "God, I need a drink. Hey, Husker!"

Verina was about to greet her, when she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She sneaked back into her bedroom, and looked to see an incoming call from Vox. After ensuring all doors were securely closed, she answered.

"Hello."

"Verina, dear!" Vox's crooning voice came over the phone. "How are you, sweetheart?"

She paused. Vox had never been this pleasant with her. She wondered briefly if he was drunk. "I'm well."

"And, uh... how's the mission going? I'm assuming you're working really hard to cozy up with old Al."

She hesitated. "I'm trying my best, but, Vox, he really doesn't trust me. I keep trying to start conversations but he doesn't really engage, and-"

"Please, Ver, just get it done. I don't care what you have to do. Besides... that ass has never failed you before."

"Are we sure he even likes girls, Vox?"

There was no reply for a moment. "...well, regardless, I need you to somehow make sure he is eradicated. You know best how to manipulate people."

She felt like questioning that, but didn't. "Alright."

Vox cleared his throat on the other end. "So how's that dumbass hotel?"

"A complete dump. I'll be happy to be back home. Drinks are free, though."

"Free, huh? Well, take advantage of that, babe. Right, I gotta dash, Valentino's walking around naked again. Bye."

"Oh! Uh, bye."

The line went dead and Verina sighed as she laid back on the bed. It occurred to her that one thing she didn't miss was the seemingly common occurrence of seeing Valentino's dick at random times.

She placed her phone in the waistband of her skirt, stood up, and headed back to the parlour. Alastor's eyes immediately fixed on her, and narrowed. She did her best to ignore them, instead looking over at Oxie and Cherri. They were in deep conversation, by the sounds of things.

"So you think this hotel thing is real?" Cherri asked. "I mean, you know I love you, baby, but I think it's bullshit and anyway... I didn't think you'd want to redeem yourself. I mean, I know Velvette has your soul but the situation works for us, right?"

Oxie rolled her eyes. "I don't think being redeemed is possible, but hey, I don't wanna spend my whole life at the Vee tower, it's depressing as shit. And anyway, Angie is here, and... well, if redemption is possible... well, it'd be nice to go to heaven."

"So if you go to heaven, what am I meant to do?" Cherri smiled. "Who am I gonna scissor on a long day?"

Oxie snorted and shoved her lightly. "You'll just have to get redeemed and come with me."

"No chance, sweetheart."

The two laughed.

"So, does nobody here actually believe in redemption?" Angel Dust asked. Cynthia looked up from her phone.

"Uh, me, I do, Angel, can you show me how to get the internet?"

"Oh, sure." Angel took her phone and tapped the internet app.

"Thank you!" She smiled, and started tapping away.

Sir Pentious looked over at Cynthia. "I also believe in redemption. I believe one day we will all make it to heaven and we will all be best friends." His sibilant voice came. "That is my biggest wish."

"That's a nice wish." Cynthia smiled at him.

He seemed to go slightly pink. "Really?"

She nodded, looking down. "Where are your legs?"

"Cynthia, I'm cutting you off." Husk crossed his arms.

"What? Why?"

"You've had enough to drink."

She looked a little hurt by that, but said nothing, putting her phone away and using the now free hand to pet the dog that never left her lap. "Lucille thinks I'm sober."

"I don't think Lucille has ever formed a thought in his life." Angel laughed, looking at the pomeranian's blank eyes.

"Lucille is a woman. She literally has a girl name, Angel."

"Jeez, sorry, I won't misgender your dog."

Oxie shook her head, taking Cherri's hand in hers and stroking her knuckles gently. "You wanna go out? Fuck shit up?"

"You know me so well. Angie, you coming?"

"Fuckin' hell yeah."

The three went to leave, and Verina took a breath. "Could I come?"

Oxie turned to her. "Why?"

She shrugged. "Just, uh... wanna get to know the group better. And aren't the best bonds formed through... fucking shit up?"

Cherri gave her a judgemental look. "Listen, babe, I'm sure you're a nice person and all, but you're a Vee. Your cronies make my friends' lives miserable, and I bet you're just as bad to whatever souls you own."

"...I'm not a Vee anymore. And I've never owned any souls."

Angel looked her in slight surprise. "You haven't? How did you even... like, qualify as a Vee?"

"I don't know. They liked me and offered for me to join." This was true enough; Verina had never really questioned it. She certainly didn't have the empires the other Vees had; but she was deadly and knew her body count - in both senses - was probably the highest within the group. No need to keep souls when all you do is kill, right?

A few glances were exchanged. Verina didn't voice any of this to the group, simply waiting for the green light to tag along. She wasn't sure herself why she wanted to join them, but part of her just wanted to be included.

"I mean, I don't mind." Oxie said. "She might be a Vee but she hasn't given me any reason to not trust her. And, anyway, she's been at the hotel long enough for us to know she isn't doing anything stupid on their behalf."

A smile crossed Verina's face. Cherri sighed. "I guess you're right. Fine, you can come. But you are not touching my bombs."

"Sure, fine with me".

The group set off - and Verina immediately realised what direction they were going in. The Vee tower came into view, and she started to question what shit exactly they were fucking up.

"You know what? This could actually be a great way for little Ver there to prove herself." Angel said. "Go on, Cherri. Let her have a bomb."

"Wait, wait. What exactly do you want me to do?"

"Bomb the Vee tower, duh." Cherri said. "If you actually don't care about these bastards, bomb them! That's my motto."

Verina blinked, trying to quickly come up with an excuse. "Come on, bomb the Vee tower? Are you serious?"

"Why's it a problem? It removes all kinds of problems from our lives. And as I just said, if you don't care what happens to the Vees, you'll bomb them."

She took a breath. "You're right. I don't care what happens to the Vees. But I do care what happens to me. And I know their routines, and right now? Uh, Vox and Velvette won't be in there. So when they come back to find the whole place blown up, they'll come for me first."

Cherri looked at her. "What, are you serious?"

"Yeah, deadly."

She rolled her eyes. "For fucks sake..."

Angel looked at her. "Can you blame her for not wanting to get fuckin murdered, babe? When are they in the tower together next? We'll do it then."

"Uh, I'd have to think. I just know they won't be right now."

"Ugh, whatever. Let's go blow up that club with the sleazy owner who tried spiking Angel." Cherri said, grabbing Oxie's hand and running off. Angel turned to Verina.

"...you good there?"

"Sorry. They, uh, make me anxious."

"The Vees?"

"...sure."

Angel paused. "I'm sorry if we haven't been the nicest to you. Forgive us for being suspicious. I mean, they already tried it once before with Sir Pentious, you understand."

Verina nodded. Angel said nothing for a moment.

"Oh, shit, they're miles away. We'd better run."