fandomtownies | Saturday Night || The Arms Hotel

	Even with all the new people, the hotel had been relatively quiet. It was nice like that, even if it didn't bring in much money. Ah, well, he thought as he sat in the library off the lobby. He had a nice cup oftea, a good book about a hard-boiled detective, and a fire. There wasn't anything he could imagine that would upset the moment. Of course demons aren't generally known for their ability to imagine. That quality belongs to humans.
	If Parker were to make a list of places she'd rather be, it would go on for about nine pages before ending with 'stuck camping without a lake in the middle of the Sahara' before it got to Crowley's hotel. The middle of the Sahara would've been completely useless in helping Pippi, though. "Mr. Crowley? A moment of your time. If you please."
	He looked up from his book with a sly grin as his eyes skimmed across her body. "Why, Miss Parker. Do come in. I have more moments than I can count and you are always a delight." he said, waving her in the direction of a chair. "To what do I owe this shocking breech of character?"
	Parker's lips thinned as she examined him with as much detachment as she could muster. "Something that lies inside your domain, I think. A friend of mine is in trouble. You could help her. In fact, I think you have an obligation to do so. The question is: will you?"
	"That is always the question, isn't it? Will I?" he grinned wickedly and set his book aside. "I see your manners haven't improved much with age, yet your directness has a charm all its own. Do tell, how do I possibly have an obligation to any friend of yours?" he asked as he moved his hand with a flourish and produced a steaming cup, "Join me like a civilised creature and spin me a tale, popp- Parker."
	It had been months since she'd seen him, back in Mr. Phale's shop, and all of her instincts were still screaming ather to get out of his sight. But this was too important, if what Dream had said was true. "Every seven years, Faerie pays a teind to Hell." She paused. "Part of that payment is on the loose. And possessing Pippi." There. See what reaction that brought on.
	For several minutes he forgot to breathe and his fingers clenched tightly around the cup until it shattered in his hand. The sudden breaking roused him and his eyes flared red. "Well, balls." he swore as he leaned back into his chair, the abruptly stood and moved closer to her. "What is it with possession in this town? We always used it as a last resort. Too much bloody paperwork behind it, truth be told." He moved back and ran his hands through his hair, weighing his options of good and evil and personal feelings. "Tell me more, Parker. Tell me everything you know." he said, his voice cold and hard.
	He wasn't going to dismiss her, at least. That was something. And she'd been at least partly right; he seemed either fond of Pippi or angry about the spirit on the loose. Parker folded her arms. "I ran into Pippi outside of Caritas. She was acting wrong; a lot like she did during the possession during the play, actually. And she called me 'your highness' when I tried to stop her and get her to make sense. Her eyes flared purple. I'm pretty sure it's the same fairy that grabbed her two months ago." Parker licked her lips, her throat going dry at the memory. "T- their Queen said that it was easier to do twice, what was done once. I called Dream--" She frowned at Crowley,hoping he wouldn't ask about that, "--and he said that fairy had been sent as part of the tribute to Hell. So. I figured it was your problem, your responsibility, to get that bitch out of Pippi and back where she belongs." She swallowed. "Clear?"
	"Keep a civil tongue," he said absently as he began to pace. Tribute. Fairie. The play. Your highness... He turned slowly and stared at her. "I just saw Pippilotta not a week ago. We discussed her booty and I gave her a chest of emeralds. I'm quite fond of the little pirate as she amuses me so. And yet..." his eyes narrowed as her recalled how she'd been so very sensual, inappropriately forward during intermission. And what had she said about it when she claimed the jewels? "Adella." he said quietly to himself. "Oh, Lucifer won't like this. Not one bit. Little miss fairie needs to get back below before the legions of Hell come to track her down."
	Parker eyes narrowed, then she nodded in recognition. "Right. That was what the Queen called her. I'd forgotten. Well, I was distracted with screaming at Her Majesty." She took a breath. "Are you going todo something? Or do I need to look for help elsewhere?" She looked away. "You know I wouldn't have come here if I'd been able to think of anything else. But Pippi's life is at stake. Maybe her sanity, as well."
	It was Kiki and Paige all over again. He seriously considered for amoment adding 'and Exorcisms' to the name of the hotel. The Arms Hotel and Exorcisms...the thought brought him around and he smiled softly at Parker. It wasn't something he was used to, but he had a feeling this would be equal parts wicked conspiracy and Divine ecstacy. "Yes,my dear. I'll help Pippilotta. I'll think of something and it sounds as if I'd best get on it double quick." he said gently as he patted her onthe head. Balance held everything in check and it was simply a gestureof reassurance. "Would you like that tea now, Parker? Perhaps a biscuit?"
	Parker probably looked like she wanted to bite his fingers, but she gave him a civil nod despite the clenched fists. "Thank you. But no. I have friends I need to get back to, they're probably wondering where I am." She paused. "You'll call me, when Pippi's okay? Just so I can see her?" The please? as usual, went unstated. But it was there to be seen.
	"Of course, dear girl. Don't you fret. I'm working for two now...just names of sides, really. Good and evil. Don't worry, Parker. Scamper off to your obligations. I have one of my own to attend to." he said and motioned to the doorway and acknowledged her unspoken plea. "You're so very welcome, pet. Do come again."

[ooc: That Parker came to talk is ok for broadcast, worldwide in fact because who would have ever thought it would happen. The Arms Hotel ~~and Exorcisms~~ is open for your lodging needs, but if you want to chat casually with the demon I'd point you back here where he's likely to be in a better mood.]

And here's some shameless begging for feedback. Just because there's no IC interaction doesn't mean you can't fawn on Pippi and Walter here.