"Well, so much for that plan." Angel leaned his head against the passenger side window and threw the brochure he had picked up along the way, watching it fly away with the wind.
"What a damn disaster. Don't you ever pull something like that again!" Husk chastised Alastor and looked at him, seeing the latter staring out the window.
"Hey, come on. Go easy on him." The spider knew Alastor had been all weird ever since the loss of his magic. "He's got more than enough to think about."
Ever since what happened in the so called palace, he had been completely silent. His mind was going through so many things that he didn't know how to feel. He couldn't muster his grin, his mind collapsing as he replayed the event over and over again.
His eyes were wide. He had pulled the trigger, and he had not felt a single thing afterwards. It took a while until he could finally process what had happened, mind numbed like he had been dipped into ice. Vision, hearing, and sense of touch were blotted. He took a deep breath. The cat who shot at him had fallen into a deep sleep, though the eyes were wide open in shock. The hole between those prominent eyes gave deep slumber.
"It looks like I've gotta teach you from the very basics..." Angel blew off the smoke coming off the top of his pistol. "...you need to load it before it can fire."
"Shit, Alastor. SHIT!" Husk was finally in motion, clearly shook by what just happened. Leaving behind the deer, he looked outside and saw that most demons were evacuating, but there were some fighting in the opposite direction clad in suits. Seeing as they weren't headed directly for then though, they must had not known what exactly had happened or where.
"We've got to get moving before they piece it together." Angel was a step ahead and had to pull the deer just to get him to move.
"I..." Alastor couldn't find the words as he was dragged through the crowd, headed towards the exit.
The rest of what happened was but a blur. Pointless memories of being dragged and protected once again. He knew this was very natural. This was the point of hiring a bodyguard; to be protected, and have things be done for him. Yet, something in his mind blocked this truth. He shoved the thought away and struggled with this idea, fist clenched in his lap.
Angel noticed Alastor in the side mirror and sighed to himself. The spider had some of his own stress in his mind, though nowhere near the deer's obvious mental breakdown. "Listen... you're alive, and that's all that matters at the end of the day. Stop freakin' out... you're making me worried for nothing too."
Husk glanced at the rear view to look at Alastor. His eyes were sharp, and the radio demon knew the meaning behind them. The cat was agreeing. Even with this 'forgive and let go' mentality, Alastor still felt the guilt. Yes, his life was at stake. But he also worried for the two demons. Besides that, his pride was in the way, not letting him say what he wanted to say. It was all so backwards. Exhaling audibly, he slumped his posture.
'I really shouldn't care. They're the ones who accepted this responsibility...'
"Look on the bright side. We've got a nicer car, and now you won't accidentally molest Angel while you sleep."
Angel's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"
"Husk, another word out of you and I will use whatever magic I have left to stab you."
At this, the cat smiled, finally getting something. They drove for hours, moving even further beyond where the city was. At this point, even Husk didn't know where they were going. He had plenty of other connections, but at this point, could they risk trying to get help from any of them? All he knew was, he had to keep driving. The further they were, the better their chances. News of this little expedition to the famous Madness Palace would come fast. After all, they had blown the whole place up.
Ring! Ring!
"Ah, shit. It's Charlie... everyone, prepare yourselves." Husk grunted as Alastor continued to space out.
"Heya, Charlie! How's it going?" The spider recoiled and held the phone away from his face, prepared to hear an earful. But, there wasn't any outburst.
"Oh, I didn't put it on speaker."
Again, there was nothing, the only noise heard being the car's engine, and a faint noise that sounded like breathing.
"...Charlie?"
"Angel, my boy. Make sure Alastor can hear this." The voice was familiar, but it definitely wasn't Charlie. The trio's attention was immediately hooked. "...Charlie Magne and... whoever the fuck this girl is, is in our possession."
Angel shot back immediately. "You motherfucker. Neither of them have anything to do with this!"
"Shut up. Put Alastor on the fuckin' phone." Before Angel could say anything, a scream enveloped the inside of the car. Now this, was Charlie. Immediately complying, the phone was handed to the radio demon. Hesitantly, he took it.
"...yes?" Alastor felt his chest throb with anxiety again, almost shivering.
"Ya know, all of this could've been avoided. All of this."
The deer was silent as every word sunk in. It was true. Every single event up until now could've been avoided. Not only had he endangered himself, but he had also endangered the only demons he cared for. Of course, he never thought of them as friends before. He hated to admit it to himself, but now, he felt the pressure. He was feeling emotions he had never bothered with when he had the power to outright ignore them. All obstacles in his way were crushed by his hand; by his will. But now, he was pathetic. Nothing more than a weak, powerless shrub of a demon. In his selfishness, he had let his friends get involved.
"You shoulda turned yourself in when you had the chance." There was a loud slam, and a second scream sounded. It was Vaggie. Alastor's hold on the phone trembled. "Do you want me to stop? Do you even care, radio demon?"
Another series of slams were heard, and his eyes shot wide. "STOP!"
"Tell me that you care! Tell me that you TRULY FEEL!"
"I CARE!" There was no hesitation as Alastor gripped the phone in two hands and yelled into it. The slamming stopped. "They're... they're..."
"Friends? Caro, oh caro(*)... the radio demon has a heart. How fuckin' hilarious." The laughter hit Alastor like a train. He was being made to be a joke, and he couldn't do a single thing about it.
"...anyways. I ain't got the time to keep talkin' with ya. Ya know exactly what ya have to do. Luckily, the boss is considerate enough to give ya time to get your ass back down here. You've got a week, or they'll both be sleepin' with the fishes."
Click.
"We'll take a room for three, thanks." The demon up front didn't recognize Husk, as he shouldn't. Giving a nod of thanks and leaving money on the reception desk, Husk took the keys. This motel was cheap, and probably would be one of the last places anyone would ambush them. An ambush would be unlikely anyways, considering they were now given a week's time to return.
Going out into the parking lot, he saw that Alastor hadn't moved from his seat, still in the car. Angel was making 'come out' motions at the window, and the deer was motionless, looking braindead. The cat groaned. The last thing he needed now was a drama queen.
"...seriously, come on. This place is safe! And if it isn't, I would've been shot by now!" The spider held his arms up and walked around to the front of the car. "See? Not a hole on me!"
Still, the deer refused to move, barely acknowledging Angel. Husk got Angel's attention with an even louder groan. "I'm going to our room. It's number 48... I'll let you deal with this bullshit. Fuck me, I need a drink."
"Yeah, sure. Get me something too."
"Whatever."
As Husk walked away nonchalantly, Angel turned back to the deer. "Alastor, babe! Come on, you're going to die of heat exhaustion in there."
An hour would pass as Angel tried in vain to get the deer to come out. Not being able to do anything but wait, the spider resorted to sitting against a rear tire. Somebody had to keep watch. Upon hearing the door finally click open, he immediately sat up, coming face to face with the radio demon. As much as he wanted to be pissed at him for making him wait that long, he couldn't. The very definition of Alastor's face was stress. He looked like he hadn't slept, and he was breathing somewhat heavily. Maybe it was the heat, but Angel wouldn't be surprised if it was the thoughts racing in his head. His bright red eyes seemed lifeless, and most of all, he wasn't smiling. The whole ride, Alastor hadn't smiled. But seeing something face to face was different. It was disturbing, to say the least.
"You... you ok?"
"...let's go get something to eat." This was the last thing Angel had expected to hear.
"Uh... sure."
Alastor simply walked past, and they both went onto the side walk. It was a very small town with a name that sounded silly. Demon folk walked past and on the other side of the street, but they did not get any funny glances. Crossing the street, there was a small diner.
"...is this a date?" Angel joked with a giggle. At this, Alastor actually dropped a hint of a smile, making the former blush a little. The diner had a few customers, but was far from busy. They were seated promptly in a booth.
"I'll have whatever special of the day you're serving." Alastor spoke to the waiter quietly.
"I'll just have the same, thanks." Angel looked to the waiter briefly, then back to Alastor again, who was looking out the window. It was a nice view of the blood ocean, and a setting sun. Their food and drinks would arrive a few minutes later.
"Hmm... pretty good." The spider tried to engage in small talk, smiling as he took in a forkful of meatloaf.
"Indeed."
The rest of their meal was silent though. Alastor paid for the two of them, and they were off again. By this time, it was evening. It was a peaceful little town. Distinct small chatter was in the air, along with a gentle breeze. The ocean waved and brushed soundly, accompanying their steps on the concrete. They walked side by side.
"I'm sorry, Angel."
Angel looked next to him and shook his head almost immediately.
"Hey, I already told you..."
"I know what you told me." Alastor snapped with a look that was serious, and concentrated. "But ...I messed it all up. For me, for you... for Husk... everyone. Charlie and Vaggie should never have been involved. I let my... pride ruin everything."
Angel frowned. "Look... you're in deep shit. Everyone gets into deep shit... even the radio demon."
The corners of Alastor's lips pursed. "And I just... can't believe it. Without my magic, I'm useless."
"Al, don't be so dramatic..."
Angel tried to think of something else to say, but couldn't find anything. However, looking towards the shore again, something else caught his attention. There was a mild popping. Familiar. Then, he saw the sign.
"Think of it as an extension of you. Just like your magic, it's part of you." Angel wrapped his arms around Alastor and remembered how he reacted last time, bracing himself for a squirm. But this time, Alastor stayed still. Angel smiled.
"Just... relax. I know it's in your deer DNA or whatever, but you gotta keep yourself from freaking out."
Alastor nodded and kept the stance he was put in, pointing at the paper target. Relaxing his breathing, focusing on the center, and bracing himself for the recoil, he pulled the trigger.
Bang!
"Alright! Not bad, not bad."
A splotch was now just a little right to the center dot. At this, Alastor seemed to glow a bit. Angel had spotted a shooting range and decided it'd be a good idea to do a crash course on the basics of wielding his new firearm. Slowly, he began to absorb the knowledge Angel presented to him. It really wasn't as scary as he thought it'd be, initially afraid of freezing up again or somehow messing something up. But, he was getting somewhere now. Target after target, he was getting more comfortable with the recoil.
"You have the instincts already! All you need to do is apply yourself, really." Angel concluded as they finished up their last target. Alastor hadn't realized it, but they had been together for hours. It was closing time now. Leaving the range, Angel noticed the radio demon looked much better now. He was even smiling.
"Now if I get shot, you'll know what to do." Angel laughed and kept walking, but noticed only his footsteps where there. Turning back, he saw Alastor looking down, dead in his tracks. In the night, his face wasn't visible.
"...Al?"
He walked back to him, and finally saw. Alastor was crying.
"Do not... say things like that."
The spider exhaled sharply. "Al, it's fine. As a bodyguard... I put my life on the line, you know?" Angel rubbed Alastor's shoulder, then nudged playfully. "What, next thing you're gonna tell me is you'll miss me if I die?"
Alastor sighed, wiping his sleeve over his eyes. "I... really hope it doesn't come to that, Angel Dust."
There was a brief silence. Alastor's red eyes seemed to glow as he looked right into Angel's eyes. Abruptly, he started walking again, leaving a somewhat stunned Angel to trail behind. As they walked through the moonlight, the wind turned colder, and the chatter died down. The waves continued to brush, giving a soothing environment never felt in the city.
'I truly hope it doesn't.'
"Geez, I thought you two were dead! Next time, give me a heads up at least." Husk was watching television, bottle in hand.
"Yeah yeah, whatever ya old coot. We brought you takeout." Angel placed the plastic bag onto a tabletop next to the cat. Alastor, upon walking in simply gave a nod to Husk, giving a small grin, before reserving back into his smile.
"Eugh. I hope you get back to grinning soon, because it'll be a loooong time before I get used to that."
"Heh. Soon." As Alastor went into the restroom to wash up, Angel and Husk shared a glance, the former giving a wink.
"He'll be fine. The past days have just been... rough on him. Imagine being one of the heads of hell, then suddenly getting toppled in a matter of days."
"Yeah... and now we gotta bail out Charlie and Vaggie too. What a mess."
"We'll figure it out. The family's gotta deal with Husko and yours truly."
"Hmph. Would've needed all nine lives for this one." With a sigh, he opened up the bag he received and was pleased to find a steak with a side of mashed potatoes. "Ah, haven't had this in a while..."
After a few more minutes, Alastor came out of the bathroom looking as sharp as he usually was. Notably, his suit that was earlier battered and cut in places was now back in pristine condition. Just like new. He was certainly a huge improvement from earlier.
"Feeling any better?" Angel asked, hoping this wasn't just all show.
"Yes, much better... thanks to you." Husk's ears pointed up at this, looking over to the two share a smile.
As it was very late, the three eventually went to bed, Husk taking one of the beds for himself, and Alastor already on the other. Yawning, Husk stretched out and pulled a blanket over himself.
"Wake me up if I oversleep... I don't want to miss the free breakfast."
Alastor's eyes were already closed. Asleep already, Angel surmised. He thought about sneaking into the bed and imagining the surprise on the deer's face, but decided against it in the end. Recalling the afternoon and evening they shared, the spider didn't want to ruin it all by being weird.
'I actually enjoyed today.' Grabbing two spare blankets from the closet, he decided to lay between the beds, beginning to place one down to act as a sheet.
"What are you doing?" Angel was a little startled to see Alastor awake.
"Just setting up my bed. Go back to sleep."
Alastor simply opened his blanket with a hand, flipping it so the space next to him was open. Angel looked at him weirdly, unsure what was implied.
"...I don't want you to sleep on the floor."
"I mean... are you sure?"
"Just don't try anything." Alastor said with a half huff.
"Oh please. I've got some standards, you know."
Angel got into the bed slowly, not wanting to look too eager, or accidentally bump into the deer. Inside though, he was quite excited. It seemed he was starting to get on the radio demon's good side... getting him to see him as a friend.
'Or maybe...' Angel was facing away and put a finger on his lips, his thoughts wandering somewhere more deep. Then, perhaps a little more lecherous. But, this was all wishful thinking. Being friends was perfectly fine.
"Goodnight, Angel Dust." The voice startled Angel again.
"Wha? I mean... yeah, goodnight." Angel was facing away. If he wasn't, Alastor would've seen the deeply satisfied smile on Angel's face.
Getting comfortable, feeling Alastor's presence behind him, he fell into sleep's embrace quickly. He dreamt peacefully, remembering the past days. The incident of touching, Alastor accidentally landing on him, saving him twice, and most vivid of all, today. It seemed to past by in an instant as he opened his eyes. His eyes weren't heavy, and they opened as if he had just been awake seconds ago. The light peeked through the curtains, and the clock read morning.
"...am I still dreaming?" Angel wondered softly to himself as he felt two arms around him, and the faint sensation of breath down his neck.
Your feedback/reviews would be very much appreciated.
(*) My, oh my...