A/N:

Hi everyone! One more chapter this week, some dramatic and tender moments here as we get closer to the news story :33 I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for your support and for reading!

Partners

Chapter 84:

Too Much Too Soon, Too Little Too Late

Lucifer had left the dog demon girl behind and was walking the streets of whichever backwater neighborhood this was at a fast pace, not watching or caring where he was going. He was certain anyone who might notice him wouldn't recognize him and absolutely positive no one would bother him anyway given the severe aura of displeasure and sparks of fiery magic he was letting off.

And yet, that dog demon girl had recognized him… But that was only because they had met several times now and he had let her get close.

He didn't think she would tell anyone. Who would believe her anyway — going off about being hired by the king of hell to spy on a broadcast studio of all things? She could still go to Charlie though…but Crymini didn't seem to keen on Charlie let alone on joining her hotel escapade. Besides, her point earlier was a valid one — the gears were too in motion now for anyone to do anything about them…even himself to an extent.

The news story would run with or without Lilith and himself ready and waiting to go on the air and spin it in the direction they wanted. The news station had already run ads, Katie had hard evidence in hand, and he had agreed (albeit reluctantly) to the whole plan from the start.

He could warn Charlie himself, he supposed…

Yet that little Crymini's words came back to him, about losing her.

If he walked over to the hotel, revealed everything to Charlie, and admitted that his actions were wrong, were a betrayal, were unforgivable…he would indeed lose her, wouldn't he?

Lucifer shook his head, trembling a little. "No, no, no…" He couldn't lose her. He would never, ever lose her. But if he chose to embrace his actions as cruel, she would only ever see them as cruel, and their relationship would never be the same. He had to keep believing in the rightness of what he was doing so that when the truth came out, she would see everything he had done was from a place of love. Their plan could still work. Their place might really be the best way to care for her.

Just like Crymini, sinners clearly didn't like the hotel, which meant matters regarding the place would only get worse if Charlie was left to her own devices. Eventually her heart would be broken piece by piece, and she would be alone and outcast and lost. "I lived through that myself once, I will not let my daughter suffer the same way." She could go on all she liked about having the support of her hotel patrons and staff and her partners, but frankly he had never been too keen on trusting human sinners in general, and he especially had no faith in her pornography star first guest or her churlish bar tender or her over-eager maid. And he had nothing but suspicions against Alastor the Radio Demon. Even by fallen angel standards that man was deranged. He ate people as a show of power, often while they were still alive and while broadcasting it on air.

The Radio Demon had put on an impressive little display at the hotel open house so many weeks ago and had even assured Lucifer that he bore his daughter no ill will. But Alastor was crafty, and Lucifer couldn't keep an eye on him all the time. Against the slim odds that the Radio Demon actually cared about supporting the hotel, even as a lark, Lucifer had to wonder and worry… what if his real plan was to capture Charlie's soul in a deal? Or to break her heart by sabotaging the hotel with overlord battles? Or worse, what if his real intent was to feast on the rarest flesh of all — a hellborn demon princess?

Lucifer stumbled forward and had to pause, breaths heavy and heart racing. Because there were no good options. Because he was scared. And because even if Charlie's dear hotel project somehow temporarily surrounded her with nothing but friendship and love for the future… something she didn't even see yet would be watching and waiting. And one day there might be nothing that the King of Hell could do to save her. He clutched his chest, his heart hammering. "She's not in danger yet. Don't worry, she's not in danger yet. You're handling this — you and Lilith." His head swam. He just wanted his baby to come home and to be entertained by souls and to embrace their annual culling like she was supposed to do with a sneer of pity and a defiant word to heaven. He just wanted her to…be more like him. And like Lilith. And to be safe and never to leave and not to hate him and—

Lucifer gasped when he caught sight of a familiar figure walking right toward him from down the street. A blond lady demon with one eye ,dressed in red and black. Her appearance was a little different today, but he knew her to be Angel Dust's best friend — Cherri Bomb. And she was not a demon to leave someone like himself unnoticed or unbothered if she thought he was up to something, regardless of whether she recognized him or not. Just as she looked up from her phone, he ducked into an alley and disappeared in a burst of light.

Lucifer reappeared in his mansion, in his bed chamber. He was shaking. He ripped off the large coat and flung it toward the fire. He wanted to rip off everything and sink into a hot bath. He caught sight of himself in the mirror — his pupils were thin dark slits, his eyes glowed with light, and patches of gold scales had appeared on his white flesh.

He really hated looking at himself like this. All the gold…it reminded him too much of the beforetime, of an angel blessed with light who hadn't been able to take no for an answer.

He jumped when the bedroom door opened and in walked Lilith, frowning and dabbing her shining eyes with a handkerchief. She paused at the sight of him. "Luci! You're back. I—"

His snake features receded at the sight of her in distress, and he instantly approached and took her hand. "Lilith, what's wrong?"

She shook her head. "It's nothing. I'm fine. Where have you been, you don't look well—"

He shook his head in return. "No, none of that. Tell me what's wrong, please. We are together in everything we do."

Her lower lip trembled and she scowled through her tears. "It's the Von Eldritch's. I just came from my monthly social visit with Bethesda — which have gotten progressively awkward ever since Charlie dumped her son, and for a common human soul no less." She rubbed her temple.

"That boy wasn't good enough for my Charlotte anyway," Lucifer grumbled. "At least the her current girlfriend has a cunning head on her shoulders."

"I'll grant that much. Frankly I didn't like her being with that self-absorbed young man any more than you did." Lilith sighed. "But, dear, this isn't about teenage love… though at least he would have guaranteed her a stable future though with the support of a strong demonic family at her side, no matter how good-hearted she acted." She wiped away the rest of her tears and took on a more serious tone. "But that possibility is over. And that family that was set to merge into our monarchy if Charlie married Seviathan has been livid ever since it all fell apart." She scowled again. "You know they've been buying the favor of more overlords, extending their influence into each corner of the Pentagram, making nice with your dear brothers and sisters in the other rings. And today Bethesda pulled me aside to extend her condolences on Charlie's failing hotel venture and to offer for her family to 'step up' if ours needs a little time away from the throne."

Lucifer stopped breathing. He looked into Lilith's eyes. "Does she know…the truth?" His voice grew quiet.

Lilith blinked and twitched at the question. "Of course not." Then she shook her head and crossed her arms. "She thinks this is all about who gets a feared title and a place in society and history." Her voice quieted. "She doesn't know a thing about anything else."

Lucifer sighed in relief and rubbed his temple. "Fine. Good. Then we can just politely explain to her that that's not how monarchy works. I have a birthright. I can't just give it up for temporary breaks."

"I told her Charlie knows what she's doing, that we are in control of the situation, that everything will be settled soon. She… 'reminded' me she had a daughter who was the pinnacle of demonic behavior, if Charlie needed a temporary advisor…or a permanent one. I didn't flinch. I even told her she must be so proud of Helsa. Then I left and came back here." Lilith looked down with a glare. "Dear, we're fighting a war on three fronts now and I'm not sure how much longer we can hold out. That family wants to prove Charlotte's unfit, her hotel has the potential to destroy her credibility and her heart, and then heaven…" She swayed and sat on the bed. "I can navigate the most delicate issues, but even I'm getting weary."

Lucifer sat beside her and patted her shoulder. "That family isn't nearly as strong as ours. That hotel…will be dealt with soon. And heaven…will never be a serious issue. I refuse to allow it." His eyes flashed gold in determination.

Lilith took a deep breath, regaining her composure. "We made Charlotte safe in this world by giving her a position above everyone — Princess, future Queen. She will lose it all if she doesn't stand with us and fight for it, and then what kind of future will she have?" Her eyes met Lucifer's again, wide and uncertain. "You and I and Charlie are the only ones the angels do not take each year. If she…if she keeps pushing to change things, they might…" Her horns started to grow.

Lucifer gently brushed a hand through her hair. "I told you — never."

"Heh…" She almost laughed. "Please don't be so quick to sacrifice yourself, my love." She blinked back tears, scowling again, looking down in thought. "She was supposed to attempt this little hotel project for a week or two then abandon it and come back home. The longer she stays with it, the worse the damage. What if she can't see that she can't make things better just by wanting them to be better? What if she pushes so far that she stumbles into something she doesn't have the chance or strength to escape? What if she ruins her whole life? Just like we…we ruined…" She couldn't go one.

Lucifer blinked and released his touch from her, tears in his eyes too. "Did everything we do really turn out so bad? Was it really ruined? We still have each other and her." The demon king tried to smile.

"I'm sorry," Lilith frowned and met his gaze again. "I didn't mean… but you remember how hard it was. You remember when we fell…and had to drag ourselves up to where we are now. It took ages and it hurt. She is better than that. And…who knows how she would suffer."

"I know. I want to save her from it all too. It was so much easier when she was small…" Lucifer hugged close to her. Lilith leaned against him with a sigh. "I love you. I love our world and our life. I love our daughter. What we did, back at the beginning, was the right thing. The only way we really would have 'ruined' our lives would have been if we hadn't tried to change anything. Heaven ordering me to be a doting thoughtless wife and ordering you to be an obedient and thoughtless angel — it was an insult to us both." He voice was a whisper. "We sacrificed to save Charlie from that demeaning…and dangerous fate. And we keep her safe from those souls down there who would tear her apart with their petty wrath and greed and lust and sloth and gluttony and envy and pride." Her eyes danced with flames.

"And she's still safe," Lucifer assured gently, soothing her. "I'm just not sure if 'safe' is enough."

"It's the only thing we can even attempt to guarantee."

"Is it?"

Lilith took a breath, her gaze firm. "If Charlie does have her own fall…you know she might not rise again."

"And that's why we're doing the news show?" Lucifer's gaze was blank. "So we can hurt her ourselves to keep others from hurting her or to keep her from hurting herself by accident?"

"It'll work…" Lilith assured.

"Why does she have to get hurt at all?" Lucifer frowned and looked up at her.

"I've told you, because she is not a child anymore and we can't shield her entirely if she refuses us, so this is all we have left!" Lilith responded cooly. "It will be bad but then it will get better. We love her like no mortal souls or even heavenly angels ever could. And we will prove it to her. We will build her back into who she needs to be to survive this world."

So many tears were falling from Lucifer's eyes now, and he couldn't stop them. His voice cracked. "I just want my little girl."

Lilith sniffed. "I'm trying, Luci. I'll bear all the worst of it. This was my plan — I'll let her know and take full responsibility. With all I have, I'll bring her back to you."

Lucifer sniffed, lip trembling. "I know. I'm scared, but I know."

Their eyes met and then they were hugging each other tightly, lost in the sadness and looming consequences of their actions.

Cherri, carrying some grocery bags after her errands and on her way back to the Cannibal Colony, had been about to give Niss a call when she'd looked up and seen a strange figure at the edge of an alley, flickering with magic under their coat and hat. Her radar for dangerous pricks had gone off instantly, but then in a flash he'd ducked down the alley and was gone.

She breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't in the mood for any complicated ass kicking today. Still, just in case the guy was nearby, she sped up and turned down a couple more streets to get away from where he'd been. She found herself near the outskirts of the Cannibal Colony and realized she was on a familiar street when a certain cafe came into sight. She smiled for a moment, thinking about Abel and Louise working there and how that place had pretty much been where Alastor and Angel had had their first unofficial date.

She paused when the gate to the courtyard opened and two familiar demons stepped out — Niffty and Baxter, smiling and chatting and alone…like a date of their own.

She watched, not wanting to interrupt, as they exchanged a few more words and then headed down the street side by side in the direction of the hotel. And a moment later a dog demon walked into the cafe.

Such a happy smile came across Cherri's face. Not only were Abel and Louise clearly making bank, but most importantly Niffty was better now. She instantly pulled out her phone — she had to let Niss know that he didn't have to keep an eye on her anymore and that things were okay. She would also try and talk to Niffty later to check in, once whatever special time she was spending with Baxter was over. Cherri felt rested enough to handle that much today.

After a couple of rings, he picked up. "Cherri, hey!"

The sound of dozens of Egg Bois excitedly yelling "Cherri!" In the background met her ears.

Niss sounded extra chipper AND he was on the air ship again. Cherri smirked — he was definitely getting some well-earned loving from Pen. "Hey Niss. I hear Egg Bois. You on the ship? If you and your giant snake boyfriend are busy, I can call back."

"Ha, ha, nah, we're just flying out, doing some target practice, reigning terror down on the skies — ain't that right, Pen?"

In the background Cherri heard the snake call back joyfully, "Yes indeed! We are an unstoppable duo! Also hello, Cherri! Do stop by soon — the Egg Bois are absolutely frantic to see you again. No, no, don't crowd Niss while he's on the phone with her!"

Niss laughed. "Anyway, we're not busy right now. What's up?"

Cherri shrugged. "Oh just wanted to tell ya that you don't have to worry about checking up on Niffty anymore. I just saw her somewhere, and it looks like her problem's all better. And also thanks for checking in with her though, I appreciate it."

"Never a problem. Glad she seems better. Hey, uh, hold on a sec…"

The phone went quiet, and Cherri waited. A few seconds later Niss came back on. There was a lot less background noise. "Just snuck downstairs to the exit hatch. More private. Anyway, I'm glad Niffty's okay — but how are you?"

Cherri's pace slowed and her eye went down in thought. "I'm okay too. It's really no big deal, I just was talking to Rosie and Mimzy and realized I need a little me time right now. That's all. I'm having fun. Walking around, running some errands, thinking about some things. It's good. I just…ya know, I don't like to leave anyone in a lurch if they need me, so with Niffty I…"

"It's okay, I get it." Niss sounded like he was smiling. "I'm glad you're taking care of yourself."

"Thanks." Her smile grew. Then she sighed. "Okay, but enough getting mushy about me. You've clearly been on that airship with Pen even since the mob fight. Having fun? You sound happy."

Niss chuckled. "I am happy. And fun's a good word for it. It's nice to be gay and be open about it, especially with Pen. When I'm with him, I'm happy."

"Good. You both deserve that." She smiled sheepishly. "Hope I didn't push ya too fast with that info about the two dicks last night."

"Heh, actually, uh…Pen might have overheard you telling me that."

Cherri's eye widened. "Oh fuck, I am so sorry. Fucking…ugh, oh my god I have to apologize to Pen too. Fuck…"

"It's okay, it's okay, you didn't know!" Niss assured with a chuckle. "And we…had a good talk afterwards once we stopped feeling so awkward. We're cool — all three of us."

She sighed. "Okay. I'm still sorry though. I promise, no more unprompted sex advice."

"Can I also get ya to agree to come over here for dinner with me and Pen one night? The Eggs would love ta see ya, and you did help a lot with gettin' me and Pen together. And we kind of want to socialize more now that we're public. We're already planning a triple date with Angel and Molly, but afterwards…"

"Hosting a dinner for me?" She grinned. "You two are sliding into the domestic life really well, huh?"

"We ain't living together just yet," Niss shyly assured. "I…wanted some more time. But we do spend most days together. And we'd love for you to be part of one."

"You got it. After I'm done with my me time and you're done with your triple date, let's do it. I'll even bring some little harmless firecrackers for the Eggs, give 'em a thrill." "We're all looking forward to it." Niss assured. "Now I gotta get back to the flight deck. Those ray guns aren't gonna shoot themselves."

"Have fun blowing stuff up with your man!" Cherri laughed as Niss chuckled and they hung up.

She tucked away her phone and steered herself in the direction of the Emporium, excited to see Rosie and Mimzy again and maybe help them with dinner and spend a quiet night playing cards and doing a piano singalong. She felt light and good inside, like she had a lot to look forward to. It was a good time to be alive in hell.

"Whew…I think…we're done for now…" Molly wiped at her brow and caught her breath as she stepped out of her new room, Husk following behind her. They each held paint brushes and rollers and cans which they quickly set aside before slumping to the floor to sit.

Husk nodded. "Dusted everywhere, mopped the floor, cleaned the linens, patched the window, replaced the lightbulbs, fixed the leak in the sink, scrubbed the bathroom, and painted the walls…" He sighed. "Whatever else the room might need, we can't do anything til that paint's dry. It's making me lightheaded, and not in the fun way."

"Same." She sighed, loosening her pulled-back hair. "Maybe it's better Alastor and Angel left early. I don't want anythin' makin' my brother feel sick right now, not after how bad he was before. He might pass out again." She frowned in some worry.

Husk put his hand on hers and squeezed lightly, smiling a little. "I think he's doing great ever since he came to. He was getting around your room really well, cleaning and helping out. And I checked out your window when I opened it to let the paint dry — he's down in the garden out back now, walking Nuggets and holding Alastor's arm and helping him pick vegetables. They were laughing and flirting and everything. Real sappy."

Molly laughed. "It makes me feel a lot better seein' him gettin' around. I hope his leg gets all better soon, especially that angel bullet wound."

"Oh it will, especially if he's hanging out with Alastor," Husk smirked a little. When she gave him a curious look he glanced around playfully to make sure they weren't being overheard then lowered his voice and added, "You didn't hear it from me, but when Alastor got his little angelic injury, I'm pretty sure he didn't start getting better til after some 'quality time' with Angel. So Angel spending some time with Alastor now should do the trick just fine."

She giggled. "Well, as long as the two of them occupyin' each other is for the best…I guess that leaves you and me to do the same for ourselves." She batted her eyes. "Wanna go down to the bar and flirt?"

His eyes narrowed playfully. "Any day of the week." He stood up and held out a hand, helping her stand.

They grabbed the paint supplies and headed to the stairs.

"So, what else do you want to do to the place tomorrow after the paint dries?" Husk asked, glancing at her.

"Decorate!" Molly beamed. "Don't you worry, Tony can help with me that — you did so much of the heavy lifting today, you deserve a rest. And he's got the best taste. Plus I kind of want to surprise you with how it looks when it's done…" She added shyly.

Husk nodded. "I can't wait to see it. Anything else you want help with besides that?"

"Nah. The only other thing I gotta do is bring up my clothes, but it's just the one trunk." She shrugged, glancing away. "And I could…leave some things in your room…and maybe you could bring some of your things up to mine, if ya want. Ya know, for our sleepovers…"

Husk nearly tripped down the step, blushing so much.

"I know it ain't livin' together. But it's a start…and one I wouldn't mind." Molly bite her lip as she watched him and waited for a reply.

Husk took a deep breath in and out. "Yeah, we…we could…some of your stuff staying in my room and some of mine in your room. Yeah…" He blushed a little. "I'd like that too."

She moved closer, letting their arms bump. "Then we'll do that. And we'll celebrate with a couple shots of cheap alcohol at the bar, hmm? It's not quite the same as the moonshine I used to sneak in life, but it's close enough. Fun memories." She grinned.

Husk smiled a little, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sure thing. But I might only have one shot, maybe two. I've been trying to cut down on some of the hard drinking. It makes me feel better."

"Really?" Molly smiled. "Of course, Husky. Whatever makes ta happy."

"It really does make me happy," He assured, smiling back at her. "My head feels clear so I can focus on important things…like you."

Molly giggled. "After the drinks, how about I whip up something for us for dinner? I haven't cooked for ya yet, have I? I'm a little more experimental than Tony or Archie. I'm thinkin' Steak Pizzaiola with caramelized sweet onions and hot peppers and fried zucchini flowers on the side. And semolina bread stuff with olives and sardines!" Molly's eyes lit up, but then she hesitated, clearly waiting to see what he would think of her ideas.

"Moonshine shots and crazy Italian dishes from scratch…" Husk just watched her for a moment, feathers slightly puffed up. "You are the coolest lady ever. Did you know that?"

Molly beamed. "I try, Husky." She winked. "Wanna be my kitchen helper? It involves standin' real close and maybe gettin' in a food fight."

"You're on!" He grinned. "Race you to the bar." And then Husk was off like a shot across the lobby.

"Hey! No fair!" Molly laughed, dashing after him.

They made it to the bar, breathless and laughing and spattered with even more paint. They set all the cans and brushes down and kissed happily before settling in at the counter for a fun start to their evening. XXXX

After some time enjoying each other's intimate company, Charlie and Vaggie had gotten cleaned up and then brought Razzle and Dazzle back into their room to put them down for their naps. Now Charlie was sitting on the bed while Vaggie laid an extra blanket over the little goats and then joined her. The princess was looking down in thought, and her smile was slowly fading. Vaggie watched her patiently at first but then finally she had to say something. "Babe…are you all right?"

"Yes? I…I don't know." Charlie shrugged. "I'm just…trying to think about what some of my options are for how to handle things if that news segment really is about us. Molly's moving in now, another guest. There's so many people here for me to protect and come through for." She tried to smile more as she turned to Vaggie. "But I'm the princess, I can handle it." Vaggie frowned more. Charlie was so strong but also so sensitive. "You shouldn't have to handle anything like this though. You're doing a good thing with this hotel, and demons shouldn't attack you just because you're…a good person. A good demon princess who cares."

Charlie sighed. "That's why they attack though. Because I'm good… And they don't think demons are supposed to be that way. I'm not my parents, and they can't accept me."

"Charlie…" Charlie had talked with her about this subject before. About feeling like she didn't belong in hell somehow, let alone on the throne, because her nature was so different from other demons. Usually she wound end up resting against Vaggie and quietly crying, wounded deep down that hell didn't want to love her for who she was…and that sometimes she felt like her parents felt the same.

"It's okay, Vaggie." Charlie managed, some tears in her eyes but otherwise smiling. "Because I know now that many people CAN love me for who I am. You do, and now this whole hotel does too. We're a family. And no matter what Katie says on the news, no matter how the people who watch respond, nothing can change that we're all here and loving each other and doing something worth doing. Everyone here is worth supporting…and I think I finally believe that I'm worth supporting too. So…yeah, the show might hurt me. But it won't break me, Vaggie. I've built too much here for that to happen." She reached out and took her girlfriend's hand.

Vaggie sniffled, her own eyes full of tears, then she hugged Charlie tight. "You ARE worth supporting and loving, always — you're perfect, just the way you are and with everything you do. And I am so proud of you and proud to be here with you."

Charlie chuckled and hugged her back before they separated slightly, smiling and sniffling and looking at each other.

Razzle and Dazzle stirred in their beds. Charlie got up and gave each of them a little kiss on the forehead before returning to her girlfriend. She wrung her hands nervously, her voice quiet. "The only other thing I'm worried about is how my parents are going to react. They won't be happy if our name gets publicly dragged into something embarrassing again. They'll probably start up again about me giving up on the hotel." She looked down, her voice quiet. "Unless Katie's only going through with this because…they know about this and are letting it happen? Maybe that's my punishment for turning them down. They really…don't understand what I'm doing here."

Vaggie frowned. "I…I want to believe that they're better than that, Charlie."

"I know. But I can accept that they might not be," Charlie replied. "If they do know Katie has something planned, they might think that by not stepping in and letting her do whatever she wants, it'll embarrass me enough to come home. I know they're trying to come from a place of love. I just wish they were better at it." She took a deep breath and smiled again. "But hey, maybe they really don't know about it. Maybe after the news show they'll actually get mad and do something to stop people like Katie from bothering us, maybe they'll even see what this place means to me and finally openly support it. Because I really do want to find the good in everyone, Vaggie, even if people have trouble finding it in themselves."

"I know." Vaggie smiled tenderly and stood up. "And that's what makes you such an amazing leader. I'm honored to be your subject and your business partner…and to be in love with you and loved by you."

"I'm honored to be your princess and your partner in every way and to be in love and loved by you too," Charlie replied, eyes hazed.

The shared a hug, the last of their tears falling away. They they just stood facing each other, foreheads resting against each other for a moment.

When they pulled back, the girls held hands and headed out of their room to walk around their happy hotel, so full of love and family and a new future for hell.

Alastor and Angel spent a lovely time in the garden walking Nuggets and getting Angel some fresh air. Their plants were doing well and they even ended up picking enough vegetables for Alastor to whip up a lovely ratatouille for his darling spider for dinner. Angel had been a little skeptical about it being filling enough for a meal since it was just vegetables, and a little surprised to see Alastor cook something that wasn't a meat dish or a beignet. But when the lovely pan of warm veggies and sauce and seasoning came out of the oven, the smile on Angel's face when he took a bite told Alastor that he understood completely. It was as simple but nurturing dish, and especially wonderful to eat when one was ill.

"It's kinda like the wedding soup…" Angel mused after swallowing a bite of his second helping.

"The wedding soup…" Alastor's eyes, widened and his heart raced a little. He remembered being fed that glorious concoction by Angel after his own divine injury, he remembered learning the name and glowing hotly, he remembered wedding thoughts in general…

Angel nodded. "Yeah. Classic and good for you, body and head and heart."

Alastor nodded in return, savoring another bite of the dish as his usual demeanor returned. "Yes, indeed. My mother often made this dish for me when I was out of sorts…and perhaps whenever I was being a bit rambunctious. It always eased my cares."

"I wish I could meet her, your ma…" Angel said with a gentle smile.

Alastor's eyes hazed fondly. "I wish I could meet yours as well."

"Maybe they're both up in heaven, chatting away to each other about us right now like we're here talking about them," Angel suggested with a sheepish shrug.

"Hmm…" Alastor mused, eyeing the last of his ratatouille, "that possibility is the only thing that would tempt me toward redemption. Besides your own redemption of course."

Angel's smile grew. "We don't go anywhere without each other, right?"

Alastor nodded. "That is our deal, ma cher."

Angel chuckled as he finished off his meal and then sighed in contentment. "That was good. Real good." He glanced at Alastor. "Are you sure you don't need some deer meat though or something? I don't mind waiting if you wanna make yourself a plate."

Alastor shook his head. "No, I have no pressing need for now. I was snacking almost exclusively on venison for those few days while you were unconscious. I believe, in my worry, I ate all of our supply, ha. Besides…" his brow furrowed in thought, "I'll actually need to do another show soon…both for the demon flesh and for the display of power."

Angel nodded. "Okay. But don't wait this time, pushing yourself to go without. It's okay to be you, Al."

Alastor's ears dropped, and he opened his mouth.

Angel cut him off. "And my brother and sister won't care. They love ya. I know Molly told ya so and Niss feels the same. Capiche?"

Alastor swallowed and nodded. "Er…capiche."

Angel's eyes widened and then hazed lovingly as he leaned over the table. "I have never heard you try to speak Italian before. That was hot, smiles."

Alastor glowed and smiled so much, giving a modest shrug.

Angel giggled. "Wanna…do the dishes and turn in early? Get a head start on our sleepover?"

Alastor nodded, briefly at a loss for words. He stood and grabbed their plates, bringing them to the sink. Angel decided to follow and came to stand beside the shy deer demon.

Alastor swallowed. "I can manage, my dear. You rest."

"It's okay. I can rest against the counter. And I can help with the drying." He picked up one of the clean dishes and started rubbing it with the dish towel. "You okay? Didn't mean to fluster you."

Alastor nodded. "Yes, I've just… always enjoyed feeling attractive to you, but after our antics the other night the experience seems to affect me even more deeply. But it's not a bad thing." His smile grew. "I'm glad you enjoyed my use of Italian. Perhaps I will try to pick up some of it."

"Can I pick up some French from you then?" Angel asked with a little grin.

Alastor nodded. "But from me it will be Creole French. It has its own flavor."

"And from me it'll be Brooklyn Italian. It's got its own flavor too…ma cher."

Alastor straightened up, beaming at the French out of his darling's mouth. Angel blushed and tried not to giggle. They gazed at each other for a moment.

Then Angel swallowed. "Hey, Smiles? Can we…talk before bed? Like, that talk I asked about having before the mob stuff?"

Alastor's ears perked up and he nodded as he finished setting the ratatouille pan in the sink to soak. "Of course! Come, let's go upstairs. I'll give you some time to prepare for bed in your room while I do the same in mine, and then I'll come to you." He reached out a hand and touched Angel's face. "I want to help ease whatever matter has been on your mind, darling."

Angel leaned in the touch, bringing up his own hand to cup Alastor's. "You always do, Smiles. You always do."

The hands slipped away then Alastor brought his arm around Angel to guide him upstairs for their evening together. No matter what Angel had to say, as long as they were together, they would be okay.

Not much time later, Angel sat on the edge of his bed, waiting for Alastor. He wore a pink tank top and pink soft pants…and no socks. He swallowed, looking down at his exposed feet. Wearing pants made him feel a little more secure with the extra coverage over his ankles…and also made it so he didn't have to look at the glowing marks of his angelic wound. With Alastor spending the night, somehow he just didn't want to wear his usual socks. He wanted to keep seeing his feet as beautiful and to feel like they were beautiful when Alastor was with him. And maybe tonight, depending on how their talk went, he would also tell Alastor about the change in perspective he had now about that particular part of his body — finding his feet a turn on.

Legs hanging over the edge of the bed, Angel laid back on the covers and sighed. "I hope I don't make ya too anxious, Al. I know talking about love is a big thing for you." He still remembered how Alastor had responded after Angel had confessed on their first date — like the deer believed himself unlovable. He didn't want to cause Alastor any distress like that tonight. He just wanted to understand why the deer acted like he loved Angel…but didn't say the words or ever bring it up.

There was a light, melodic knock on their secret door. Angel turned and sat up. He quickly ran a hand through his hair and adjusted his chest fluff. "Come in, Smiles!"

The door opened and Alastor stepped inside, closing it behind him. He was in one of his usual sets of red silk pajamas, along with black socks and slippers and his usual black gloves. He was so modest and so handsome. Angel liked imagining him getting all dressed up for each of their times together.

The deer demon cleared his throat and gave a slight bow. "Good evening, Anthony. You look beautiful."

"Good evening, Alastor. You don't look half bad yourself, handsome." Angel nodded his head to return the bow then slowly got himself standing. He used the bed to hobble closer to Alastor, but Alastor quickly rushed forward to meet him there.

"How does your injury feel, darling?" Alastor asked, looking him up and down.

"Ankle's stiff but healing. As for the angel burn marks — the pain still comes and goes in them. Was it like that with yours?"

Alastor nodded. "Yes. Mine hurt most when I sinned…and when…well, when I kept trying to resist letting something better than sin into my life. You." He glowed.

Angel blushed and smiled more. "I see. Well… I ain't really been sinning. I mean, lust is my thing, but I ain't been overindulging like usual. And I ain't been trying to resist you. So I'm not sure what's up with mine, heh."

"We'll sort it out," Alastor assured, looking down at the injured leg. His eyes widened then went back up to the spider instantly. "Angel, you aren't wearing socks! Do you need help putting some on? I won't look until—"

Angel took Alastor's hands and shook his head. "No, no, I…I didn't wear any on purpose. I, uh…I don't mind showing my feet around you now. Feels kinda intimate sharing them with you actually…ever since the other night."

Alastor's glow grew and he swallowed shyly. "Oh. I see." He hesitated then his ears lowered slightly. "Do you mind that…that there's not currently any new parts of myself that I'm comfortable sharing?"

"Aw, Alastor." Angel gazed warmly at him. "Whatever you're comfortable with, whenever you're comfortable with it, is fine by me."

Alastor's smile grew. Then he reached down and rolled up his sleeves to the elbows.

Angel blushed. "Smiles, however much I love those forearms of yours, you really don't have to—"

"I want to." Alastor assured, voice low, eyes hazed. "Feel free to look, just let me know before you touch." He furrowed his brow in thought. "I had a lot of time to think last night while you were…occupied. I believe I've realized that I'm less self-conscious about my body being seen than I am about it being touched. It's more the risk of accidental contact that keeps me so covered up regularly…along with the anxiety of having to explain about my scars. But it's all starting to feel manageable as long as I take my time and set boundaries." He shrugged. "Who knows, perhaps I'll even work up the gumption to roll up my sleeves during one of our walks in the park one day, ha!"

Angel chuckled. "I'd love to be there for that." He played with his hands then moved to sit at the edge of the bed. "Ya know, speaking of each of us being comfortable with new things in our own time…that's kind of what I wanted to talk to you about."

Alastor instantly took a seat beside him, at full attention.

Angel tried to take comfort in his presence as made himself be brave and go on. "Smiles…Alastor. I love you." The deer glowed more but otherwise just continued to listen. "And for a while now you've been really going above and beyond for me. I mean, you've been getting to know all the parts of who I am on my own terms and accepting me for them, and you defend me like you did out on the mob battlefield, and you take care of me like you did when I was out cold after the fight. And it's hard not to view all that great stuff as…acts of love." His heart was pounding. "So I was just wondering…no pressure at all but…why ain't ya said you love me yet, Smiles? And if you don't actually feel that way yet…is there a reason why?" He felt so nervous; his breaths were shallow and his hands felt shaky. A flash of pain went through his angelic wound but he ignored it, not wanting anything to interrupt the moment here between them.

Alastor just sat there, perfectly still.

Then he stood up, moved in front of Angel and got down on his knees with a tender smile and bright eyes.

Angel's heart was absolutely hammering in his chest. All he could think was that this looked dangerously like a proposal, and he had no idea what to…how to even…and why would…

"Anthony…" Alastor reached out and gently took one of Angel's hands in his own. "Do you remember back just before our courtship began…you said you wanted to be with me and that you needed to know if I wanted to be with you too?"

Angel just nodded, too in shock to do much else.

Alastor squeezed his hand. "Do you remember how I couldn't give you a proper answer to that question until some time had passed?"

Angel nodded again. All he could think was that if Alastor did propose he wasn't sure if he would pass out cold or run off crying or dive on the deer demon and do every physically intimate thing a clothed Alastor would allow. He wasn't even sure what he would say or how to say it. Oh why hadn't he tried to mentally prepare for something this unlikely?

Alastor gazed into his eyes. "Can you do me the great honor of…allowing me just a little extra time to answer this question as well?"

"Huh…" Not a proposal. More time to… What? "I, uh…sure?"

Alastor beamed. "Marvelous!" He stood and hugged Angel tightly. He pulled back a little, smiling down at the still confused spider. "Now, shall we get to bed? Or…perhaps we should see to tending your angelic burn?" He glowed, and his ears flicked. He shifted himself an inch closer to the spider and let his fingertips touch Angel's, looking shy yet coy."…We still haven't tried to necking option for healing your injury, after all. It worked wonders on mine. And…I am getting more comfortable with intimate moments in a bedroom setting." His eyes hazed and his hand lifted to rest over Angel's. "Perhaps…"

Angel's heart was still racing, but as Alastor moved in closer, the spider took his hand away and held it up. "Uh actually…I-I'm kinda tired. Could we just…go to sleep?"

Alastor hesitated and blinked but then nodded. "Oh! Of course, my dear. I know you've been fatigued. And you did engage in so much intimacy already last night." He glowed with a little proud smile. "You need your rest and to heal all of your other injuries too." He pulled back and snapped — Angel's side of the bed had extra pillows, all red and pink silk, fully fluffed and waiting, including one at the end of the bed to rest his foot. "Shall I help you get settled?"

"Uh…no, it's okay, I got it. And thanks, Smiles." Angel eased himself up and got into his side of the bed. He sunk against the pillows — they were perfect and soft and even smelled just a bit like Alastor.

The Radio Demon climbed into bed beside him and snapped his fingers to dim the lights. "Are you comfortable darling?"

"Yeah, Real comfortable. Thanks, Smiles," Angel assured.

"Exquisite." Alastor yawned then added shyly, "May we hold hands? I like that when we sleep."

"Sure, Al."

Alastor gripped his hand, and Angel let him.

"May I kiss the back of your hand good night?" Alastor asked.

Angel nodded. Alastor gave the hand a gentle kiss then pulled back. Angel didn't ask to kiss him in return.

Radio Demon watched him curiously for a moment but then just smiled softly. "Goodnight, mon ange."

"Night, mio cervino." Angel replied, resisting the urge to add 'I love you'. He just couldn't do it right now.

Alastor closed his eyes, and Angel heard his radio static soften.

The spider just gazed up at his ceiling in the dark. He wasn't exactly angry at Alastor…just frustrated. Alastor hadn't really done anything wrong though, he had just…asked for more time. Which Angel guessed was fine. But still somehow Alastor's lack of explanation and mysterious way of asking and casual attitude afterwards were all getting to him. Getting to him enough that Angel had just turned down a make out session initiated by the shy deer. He needed to think though, and he couldn't do that if his head and hormones were completely overwhelmed. Why would Alastor need to wait to say something — anything — about loving him or not? Why bring up the way he had waited to answer Angel about being together back when their relationship had first started? And why…why had Angel let himself say 'yes' instead of asking more questions?

Maybe because the idea of having to push Alastor into an admission of love was just too depressing.

Angel sighed in the dark. He had a feeling he was missing something here. He just hoped Alastor or someone would be able to fill in the gaps soon.

He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, and to ignore the dull ache suddenly burning in his angelic wounds.

A/N:

That's all for now! Everyone's on the verge of some very intense moments, and I'll have more to share about how they work through them soon 3 Thank you for reading!

Take care! -Azure129