"Oh my fucking god I've been waiting all day for this."
Angel bounced a little in his seat after his yearning comment, the reason for its utterance being the tray of food being carried over to his and Alastor's table. Alastor wasn't as attentive to the food as he was. Instead he chose to stare at the spider with amusement.
When Angel came back to the hotel earlier that day Alastor was sitting on the lobby couch waiting for him. Hearing those doors open made his seemingly permanent smile grow wider as he got up to greet his partner. Only for that smile to immediately dim when he saw the state he was in.
His usual attire was wrinkled and seemed to lack its luster. His hair was disheveled, and when Alastor looked into his eyes they were tired. Angel didn't even notice he was standing there, instead trudging his way past him directly to the bar and taking a seat there. Alastor didn't need to ask to know that work today had been bad.
He went after him, a snarl curling at his lips as he thought about who put him in such a state this time. The most obvious answer to him was Valentino, the one who owned Angel's soul. The moth had been a source of grief for Angel long before he ever engaged in a relationship with Alastor. Several times he's offered to kill the Overlord pimp and take Angel's soul back, but for reasons still unknown to him Angel would always decline. So, much to his frustration, he obliges him.
Although, judging by the fact his outfit was still intact and no new marks had formed on his beautiful white fur, this could be a case of being overworked again. Valentino never knew the word "no" whether it was for indulging his desires or anyone's other than Angel's. It could be Angel was forced to offer his services to more people than he could handle, leaving him more than a barely functional husk.
Now that he took a seat by him, Alastor could ask him what happened rather than internally theorize. But seeing that Angel was still unresponsive, looking absently to the space in front of him, the last thing he probably wanted to do was discuss in detail the events of his work. So Alastor opted instead to try and bring him back to the present.
Looking down, he noticed Angel was holding a drink of some variety, and with a small gesture of his microphone Alastor had the drink vanish. Feeling its sudden absence, Angel looked down at, and flexed, the hand it used to be in. It was then he finally blinked and a small grin grew onto his face.
"Shit, that's a neat trick Al. Vaggs must love you for that one."
Seeing he was more lively now removed some of the strain on Alastor's smile, and he responded, "I hardly think Vagatha would grow more fond of me simply because I bar you from consuming alcohol this one time."
"Oh but I'm sure Husk will appreciate it at least," Angel said with a chuckle as he turned to face the radio demon. "The old kitty hates it when I get into his stash, otherwise known as the entire bar selection."
"Be fair to Husker dear, I did promise him the bar so long as he works here. If he wants to be selfish with it, that's his choice."
That jab brought a laugh out of Angel, one that caused heat to bloom inside Alastor's chest and made his eyelids droop a little. It always made him feel a special kind of way hearing him laugh; a way he couldn't properly describe, he knew it just felt right. Which is why he attempts to hear it as often as possible.
"Speaking of Husk, where is he?"
The question broke Alastor out of his reverie, his eyes going back to normal, "Ah, I sent him and Niffty out to do something for me. Nothing that would interest you, but they won't be back for a while. And before you ask, Charlotte and Vagatha are similarly occupied, although why that is I'm not sure."
Angel wasn't interested in what the princess and her girlfriend were doing, but it was clear to him why Alastor brought them up. "Oh? So you sayin' we all alone then Smiles?"
He rested an elbow on the bartop, placed his head in his hand and looked at Alastor with a knowing smile. Such a comment from him would normally be followed by a fluff of his chest and an arch of his back while he fluttered his lids at his partner. So while his speech alluded to something more, it was clear from his body language that wasn't what he was looking for. Considering his movements mere moments ago this didn't surprise Alastor.
So, returning the smile, Alastor said, "Indeed we are my love. And since it seems everyone else has vacated the premises, I think we should too!"
"Oh really?" Angel asked playfully. "And what would we do outside such a fine establishment?"
Angel wasn't one to use flowery words, the only times he did so was to tease the deer demon and he was quick to pick up on it. Standing up, he hooked an arm around one of Angel's and got him out of his seat.
"Well, how long has it been since you've eaten?"
Upon mention of food, the look in Angel's eyes changed to one of pure desire and his mouth hung agape. Once again he stared out to nothing in particular while Alastor, patiently, waited for a response. Unbeknownst to him, the reason for this reaction was due to the fact that Angel had gone without food since he left for the studio.
Eating very little while he was with Valentino was something he was used to; he had a certain figure he needed to keep after all if he wanted to please the clients. But today, due to the high volume of people he had to deal with, he didn't have time to eat a crumb of food. Instead he subsided off of whatever pills and powder was shoved in his face. It helped him to forget his growing hunger, but now that he was reminded he felt like he could eat an entire butcher shop. Something he knew Alastor wouldn't be entirely opposed to.
When Angel eventually did break out of his trance, with a few blinks, he looked down at Alastor and answered him. "Too long babe, I could go for anything right now."
Then he paused and looked at himself, raising his arms sans the one currently hooked on Alastor's. Feeling through his hair, he let out a small curse, "Shit, although I should freshen up or somethin'. Geez I don't know how you can stand bein' around me when I look like this."
Alastor let out a sigh, "Because mon amour, you always look beautiful to me." Then, with a snap of his fingers, Angel's clothes were changed out to fresher ones and his fur and hair were completely cleaned.
Angel touched around himself after feeling the change occur. Despite experiencing Alastor's magic, or whatever it was he used, before, it always came as a surprise to him. Satisfied that he was looking better, he began to feel better as a result.
"Fuck Al. You promise me food, butter me up with compliments, and you clean me? If I didn't know any betta I'd say you want somethin' from me."
Alastor's hand came over to stroke the arm still in his grasp. "Everything I could want from you Angel, I already have. Now, why don't we go eat? I know just the place for us to go to."
The place he referred to being the one they're currently holding a table at, Feast of the Beast. Contrary to what Angel was expecting when Alastor suggested the place to him, it wasn't a fancy up-scale restaurant with a rating of six stars out of six on Hellp. Rather it was a smaller location nestled within the Cannibal Colony, Alastor assured Angel they didn't just serve demons there upon mention of the locale. It wasn't all that busy either, whether it was due to the time of day or the location Angel couldn't say. But considering Alastor made no comment on it he assumed the lack of traffic was typical of the eatery
The building consisted of multiple levels but the restaurant itself was only on the first. It sat on the corner of the street and had the appearance of a normal brick and mortar building coated in red paint. The only features distinguishing it as a restaurant was the name of the business painted expertly in white lettering on a sign hanging over the entrance, the smell of various dishes being served by roaming waitstaff, and the tables sitting directly outside. One of which was occupied by the couple, of whom Angel was eying his meal ravenously as it approached.
An impish waiter, who was dressed in a white dress shirt complete with a bowtie covered by a black vest with black pants and shoes to match, carried their orders gracefully to the table. Setting it down, Angel was practically drooling at the mouth at this point. Alastor forego pointing this out to him, he doubted he would listen to anything he said, enraptured as he was by the promise of sustenance.
Lifting up one dish, the waiter gently placed it in front of Alastor, "For you sir, the sirloin special fresh off the hook with a side of mashed potatoes."
Alastor followed the movement of the server and bowed courteously when the food was successfully delivered to him. As the name implied, the steak was raw, uncooked, and certainly not from any of Hell's resident wildlife. While the potatoes were light and fluffy, and stained somewhat red from the blood of the meat.
Satisfied everything was in order, he looked up just in time to see Angel's platter being served to him. "And for you sir, a deluxe burger with the works, cooked medium-rare, with fries. Do either of you need any topping off on refreshments?"
Angel didn't register the question, so Alastor answered for him, "Just some more water if you please, thank you."
Their host bowed and walked off to fetch the pitcher, while Alastor once again turned his attention to his love.
The same could not be said for Angel who wasted no time digging in. If Valentino were here right now he'd throw a fit over what he was eating. But at that moment he didn't care how he'd feel. All he cared about now was getting more of the burger in him as fast as possible, keeping in mind to savor the juicy meat, tangy condiments, and assorted fresh toppings. It was an explosion of flavor with each bite, and he didn't know if it was due to his past hunger or the burger itself.
Alastor watched this all unfold and started to cut into his food absentmindedly. He didn't know what it was, but in some odd way he was transfixed seeing Angel tear into his food with such fervor. Maybe it was the location they were in, but seeing the meat get torn away by Angel's teeth brought a blush to his cheeks. The juices that flowed down his mouth could almost be confused for blood. The notion sent his heart aflutter. Though Alastor made sure the beef came from an animal for him, just the thought of it being something, or someone, else was distracting him.
When he heard the scraping of metal on ceramic he realized he had finished cutting through his steak, while Angel was farther ahead in his course. "Angel dear, I don't think I have to worry about you choking, but could you slow down to enjoy the food at least?"
Alastor's voice seemed to cut through Angel's pleasurable trance, and he noticed he was already halfway through the sandwich while Alastor hadn't taken a single bite. Sheepishly, he swallowed what was in his mouth and said, "Sorry Al, it's just… fuck, have burgers always tasted this good?"
Joking, Alastor replied, "Maybe I should ask the waiter if the burger really came from a bovine."
Angel, missing the jest, responded straight, "Nah, honestly at this point I could give less of a shit what or who is in this burger. I'm eating it."
That statement alone, followed by Angel going back to his food, made Alastor grip his fork and knife tighter and sent his heart into a faster rhythm. Heeding to his request, Angel was eating slower, although now Alastor couldn't focus on his own food as a result. His chest felt tight as his mind replayed what Angel had said, his face grew hotter at the throwaway comment he couldn't seem to let go. With every bite and mastication he forgot more and more he even ordered anything to begin with. Just the thought of watching the spider consume another once-living being sent a pleasant shiver through his body, and blood rushing to his…
"P-pardon me my dear," he said shakily, not-so-quietly dropping his utensils and once again getting Angel's attention. "I… have to use the facilities," he managed to blurt out before standing from his chair and hastily making his way to the restaurant interior.
Angel watched him get up and leave, somewhat confused by his behavior, before he shrugged and returned to finishing what remained of the burger. Once it was cleaned off his plate he licked his fingers one by one, then took a napkin and wiped himself down. It was then he noticed how some of the burger juice had dripped onto his fluff and shirt collar. Slightly embarrassed he scrubbed it off as best he could, wondering why Alastor didn't say anything about his messy eating. Aside from Niffty, he was the most vocal about proper etiquette and manners, although in the mini cyclops' case she stressed it out of cleanliness.
Sighing, Angel threw the dirtied napkin onto the table and picked up a french fry, munching on it and looking at the restaurant entrance waiting for Alastor to return. This whole outing was something he needed. Besides the food, it was always nice to be with him, and with the day he had earlier this break was definitely necessary. He made a mental note to thank him for the food when he returned, and then for the company when they made it back to the hotel later.
As he sat there he began to focus on the noises around him while he unconsciously ate. The Cannibal Colony was certainly a departure from the rest of Pentagram City in more ways than one. For a start he could actually hear the birds chirping as the area had little traffic; no blaring car horns or revving engines to cut into this quiet moment. For another, he wasn't constantly being harassed by any passers-by. It was another reason why he loved being with Alastor, he was a pretty good deterrent against the daily jeers he was forced to endure.
Of course, when he wasn't around, trouble always seemed to find Angel whenever he was out and about. Trouble like the demon who just took Alastor's seat, grabbing Angel's attention.
"Well hello gorgeous. Now what's a pretty little thing like you doing out in such a nasty part of the neighborhood?" His gruff voice carried with it an almost sinister smile, and a hungry look that Angel knew wasn't directed at the food in front of him.
Rather than answer him right away, he took the time to look him over first. This particular problem took the form of an anthropomorphic shark, a great white if Angel's limited knowledge on fish was anything to go by. Meaning he was exceptionally big in his stature, the seat probably strained under his weight. He was dressed in an almost stereotypical fashion befitting his behavior as well. A large white tank top and blue exercise pants, with a wide gold chain wrapped around his neck.
Aside from his clothes, the markings on his body showed a certain history that confirmed Angel's suspicions about him. Cuts along his arms, a visible bullet wound over the collar of his top, and one of his eyes was scratched out. It seemed that despite Alastor's description of this area being "more dignified" it wasn't a stranger to unsavory types.
When Angel noticed the shark's sharp claws drumming on the table, causing the water in the drinks to vibrate, he knew he was waiting for him to respond. He could easily blow him off, tell him he was off the clock and not offering his services to anyone right now. It wasn't like the man would do anything about it. Despite his dangerous appearance everyone in Hell knew who owned Angel, so if he was harmed in any way they'd have a whole new problem to deal with.
Then again, not everyone knew that he was in a relationship with Alastor. Especially not the man in front of him considering where he was currently sitting. Why have him possibly deal with Valentino, when he could have a taste of the big bad radio demon? Right here, right now. With that thought a better idea formed in his head and, rather than dismiss him, Angel decided to entertain him.
Leaning forward with a sly smile, making sure the right features were accentuated, he started playing hard to get, "Sorry busta, but I'm already with someone at the moment."
The shark took the bait, shrugging, "I don't see anyone else here."
"He's in the john right now," Angel said, seductively eating a fry, "unless you think I'm having two dinners for myself?"
He nodded to Alastor's still uneaten meal, causing the shark to take note of it. With a snort, he turned his attention back to Angel and continued to pursue his prey. "Maybe you're just a hungry bitch. Don't worry baby, I got something for ya that can fill you up real good."
Angel couldn't help snickering at that line, "Cute. But a gal like me needs somethin' big. I doubt you have anything like that for me."
All at once, the smirk that was on the shark's face dropped. Just like Angel intended. Nothing like a little jab at a man's pride to snip all their confidence. And make them act stupid.
"Oh yeah?" He asked with a sneer and got up from his seat, "Why don't I pull it out right now? Give you an idea of what you'll be working with."
Angel rolled his eyes and gestured for him to go on, prompting the shark to start to pull down his pants. Unbeknownst to him, when Angel did that he noticed Alastor had just exited the restaurant. Now the real entertainment could begin.
"Now just what is going on here?" Alastor asked, having made his way to the shark's side without him realizing.
"Back off Jack," the demon responded, his eyes still focused on Angel, "if you want your turn with him you're going to have to wait. I was here first."
"Is that right…" Alastor's voice was strained, and a faint hum of static hung in the air around him. Angel noticed his hand clench into a fist. If this man was smart he'd notice Alastor before it got real messy for him.
"Yeah, it is, so fuck off until I'm done. I'm not gonna put on a peepshow you frea-" Unfortunately, the shark's eyes glanced over to the deer demon, and too late he recognized his mistake.
His breath caught in his throat and he hastily pulled up his pants, taking a couple steps back from the table. Alastor then took a couple steps forward, putting himself between him and Angel. Although Angel couldn't see it, the look in Alastor's eyes was dangerous. Something the shark instantly recognized, and he tried to apologize for his actions.
Raising a hand, he stuttered, "L-look I'm real sorry. I didn't k-know he was with you."
This wasn't the right answer. Manifesting his microphone, Alastor held it in one hand and tapped one end of it against the other hand. "Oh? So are you saying your actions would have been justified had he been unaccompanied?"
The shark's beady eyes somehow widened, "N-no! That's not what I meant! I m-messed up, I s-shouldn't have done anything at all!"
While the demon waved his arms trying to beg for Alastor's forgiveness, a shadow crawled along the ground until it arced out behind him. Alastor then took another step forward, forcing him to step back and into the shadow. He tripped over and fell hard with a grunt, allowing Alastor to close in on him. Before he could attempt to escape, Alastor grabbed onto his neck with a firm hand, his claws digging into his flesh. The shark's breathing grew quick and shallow, and he looked up at the radio demon in fear.
But as he looked into his eyes he saw no remorse there, his mind having already been made up on what to do with him. Radio dials had replaced his pupils, and his antlers started to grow beyond their usual size. Angel meanwhile stayed in his seat, looking over to see what would happen next. At first, not a move was made, the shark continuing his ragged breathing.
Then, he felt it. A sort of burning in his neck from Alastor's fingers. At first he thought they pierced through and he was bleeding, but when that burning ran up to his face he knew it was something else entirely. Scared he looked around as best he could, while the hot sensation moved through the rest of his body. And that's when he noticed it.
Looking down at his arm, his light gray skin became an inky black, which spread down to his hand like a rolling cloud. His breath quickened at the sight, and Alastor tilted his head with a wicked smile. Rows of sharp teeth seemed to mock him as the radio static intensified in frequency.
Eventually, his entire body was darkened by whatever substance Alastor covered him in, and the heat he felt before grew hotter. It was like his skin was melting off. The pain he felt grew unbearable and he opened his mouth to scream. But when he did, his voice let out a shriek of pure feedback. Then, all at once, he melted into the ground below him. Leaving behind nothing more than a shadow.
Alastor stayed bent over for a few seconds longer, allowing the shadows on his fingers to drip to the pile on the ground, before standing back up and walking over to Angel. As he did, he saw the look he gave him was one of shock. At first he thought he was horrified by the display, and he began to feel like he may have gone too far. While this wasn't the first time he had dispatched sinners who tried to accost his partner, he had never done anything like that to them. The thought of disturbing Angel made him feel guilty and he started to form an apology in his head.
But his guilt was just as quickly dismissed when he saw the play of a smile on the corner of Angel's lips. Was he… entertained by the display? Cautiously, he took his seat, which finally brought out a response from Angel.
"Holy shit Smiles," he breathed out with a slight chuckle. "Y'know, if you keep doin' shit like that I might never get a customer again."
Seeing that Angel was still in good spirits made Alastor smile wider, his past worries now completely dispelled. Picking up his utensils again, he stabbed through the cut sliver of meat and brought it to his lips, "That sounds like encouragement to me mon ange."
Angel giggled at the response while Alastor chewed on the raw piece of meat. But as he did so, something about the prior events bothered him, and a question arose in his mind.
"Angel," he said, first swallowing his food to ensure he kept his gentlemanly demeanor, "I wanted to ask, I know you're more than capable of handling yourself, so why is it you allowed that detestable man to go as far as he did?"
At this, Angel shrugged coyly, "You were on edge ever since I came back to the hotel. I may have been a bit out of it, but I saw how you looked at me. I knew what you were thinkin', and to be quite honest I was thinkin' the same thing. I figured we needed that."
Alastor couldn't help releasing an amused breath at that. Guess, much like Angel was with him, he couldn't hide his true feelings around him. At least he enjoyed the show, Alastor himself couldn't deny he took some pleasure in adding the sinner to the shadows. Even so, he shook his head.
"I'd rather I didn't get my hands dirty whenever we're on our rendezvous. A night of romance doesn't usually entail bloodshed."
Angel put up his hands with a cocky smile, "I don't see any blood. Besides, I find it very romantic watchin' you kill Johns who think they can approach me on my off-time."
Taking another piece of dripping flesh to his mouth, Alastor said, "I'd rather they never approached you at all."
The casual comment he made as he ate caused Angel's heart to skip a beat, as it always tended to do whenever Alastor showed his protective side. While being owned by another demon was something Angel hated, when he thought of Alastor being that demon he couldn't help but blush. He wasn't like Valentino, or any other man he met before, so the thought of being his and his alone seemed a lot better by comparison. It also helped he made it clear he loved him for more than just his soul, but if Angel had the choice it would've been his a while ago.
"So my dear," Alastor said, "now that your hunger has been satiated, in more ways than one," this comment was followed by a look Angel's way that caused him to blush further and dart his eyes away, "was there anything you wanted for dessert?"
Angel thought on the question for a moment, then the answer came to him with a snort. After the day's affairs there was only one thing on his mind that he felt hungry for. One that would truly make this romantic evening complete. So, facing Alastor again, he told him simply.
"Strawberry milkshake."
