A/N:

Hi everyone! I hope you've had a nice week :) Thank you all for the reviews and for reading!

Partners

Chapter 6:

Tell Me More

Angel Dust smirked as he came down the street and saw a familiar demon leaning against a lamppost, tossing an unlit bomb up and down in her hand for fun. "Well, well, I guess they just let anyone work street corners in hell these days, huh?"

Cherri Bomb smirked back at him and tucked the bomb away. "Is that a stick of dynamite in your pocket or are you just terrified to see me?"

Angel laughed as he came up to her and they shared a quick kiss on the cheek. "Ugh, it is so tempting to just ditch the studio and play hooky with you all day, babe."

"Then do it." She narrowed her eye and smiled more. "Fuck the studio - you know I keep a bunch of C4 planted around there for insurance. I'll blow it sky high. You'll have weeks off while they sort things out. And if I'm lucky I'll put that walking television set and that baker bitch and fucking Valentino out of commission too."

Angel smiled a little but shook his head. "Nah, not worth it. Bombs - they'd know it was you. Going up against overlords one at a time is one thing, but pissing off three at a shot? I like you in one piece, Cherri. Let's just play it safe with them like usual." He headed around the corner.

Cherri hid a quick frown and followed after him. "We could ask Radio Head to do something… Overlords attacking each other is pretty standard. And I don't think those three could fuck with him even if they tried."

"Definitely no way!" Angel spread his arms wide and shook his head. "He's already offered and I've already turned him down. I can handle it myself." He smiled again. "I'll be okay, Cherri. I've just got some shoots today - simple stuff." He winked at her.

Cherri looked forward, her brow furrowed. She took a breath and tried to be casual. "So… Alastor already offered to take out our least favorite overlord trio, huh? How did that come up?"

"Eh, Val was trying to call me into work one night but Al helped me talk my way out of it. Then he kept me company for a while."

Cherri grinned and elbowed him.

Angel blinked then rolled his eyes, blushing a little. "Not like that! Sheesh, you are always in the gutter! I told you - Smiles is not looking for sex. We just talked." His smile softened. "He said I was too good to be on call for 'those idiots', and that he liked talking to me." He chuckled.

Cherri blushed a little, her eye wide. A small smile picked up at the corner of her mouth. "Sounds weirdly sweet."

Angel shrugged and crossed his arms. "It was just an interesting conversation. We're really good at having those. But anyway, what he offered me - it wasn't just a favor, it was a deal - he gets me on his side and in his service forever in exchange for taking out those three. But…I don't want to mess up our friendship by changing the whole power dynamic. And I don't want to owe everything to a new overlord, even if it is Alastor."

"What did he say to that?"

Angel laughed again. "He said the offer's on the table if I ever change my mind. But mostly he just seemed surprised that I genuinely liked spending time with him without getting something in return. He doesn't give himself enough credit - he's a little awkward and corny and there's the whole 'eat you alive' thing, but he's…also funny and sensitive and passionate. I like him."

Cherri bit her lip and took a risk. "How much?"

Angel blinked and tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Cherri lowered her eyelid in a dry look.

Angel pouted. "I told you, there's no sex stuff, it's -"

"I'm not talking about sex. I'm talking about…ugh, feelings or whatever." She crossed her arms. "This guy makes you happy, Angie. You see that, right?"

Angel's eyes went very wide and he stopped them both by putting up a hand. "Hold on. Are you saying you think I like…like, like-like…?" He scoffed dramatically, looking around in 'utter disbelief', then finally looked back at Cherri with a hand on his chest. "Where in the hell is this coming from?"

"Uh, you two threw a tea party and spent the whole time giggling and complimenting each other and finishing each other's sentences. And you've been hanging out with him almost as much as me ever since he showed up at the hotel. And you blush sometimes when you talk about him even though nothing EVER makes you blush. You're doing it right now!"

And indeed Angel was blushing considerably. He swallowed and quickly turned away from her, hands on his hips and his head held high. "All of that is totally out of context! I just like having a guy around for once who isn't trying to bang me or insult me. If I wasn't gonna mess up my friendship with Al to get out of Valentino duty, no way I would mess it up by going and getting a crush or whatever."

And with that dramatic statement, Angel strutted forward.

"Okay…" Cherri sighed and followed after him. "But when you get out of denial about this, I'm here if you want to talk."

Angel blinked and scowled and opened his mouth like he was going to say something sassy back. But then he just swallowed and shrugged. "Shut up…" He sighed. "Seriously, I like him a lot but not… I'm not looking for that."

Cherri moved a little closer to him. "I'm not trying to tease you or push you into anything, babe. No matter how you feel about him or what happens, I think Alastor is a really good person for you to have around. He respects you. And you deserve all the respect in the world. You're fierce, Angie. I'm just glad another demon sees it and gives you credit." She nudged him.

Angel's smile returned. "I do kinda feel better about myself after we spend time together. I think he does too."

Cherri's smile grew.

Angel rolled his eyes and smirked at her. "And I feel better after time with you too." He nudged her back.

Cherri laughed. "You know, I had some serious doubts about this whole hotel thing but something seems different about you ever since you checked in. I don't know, you've got more confidence." She scoffed. "Maybe I'll check in too and shake the place up."

"Oh please!" Angel grinned. "If you get any more confidence, you'll be running the whole damn Pentagram!"

"Eh, you know I was kidding anyway - I'll keep raising hell, you just keep trying to get out of here."

"Hey, if I go I'm taking you with me - already told Al I was taking him along too. Don't laugh!" He pointed at her.

She held up her hands, smiling a lot. "I didn't say a word."

They stayed close, talking and smiling as they headed into the Lust District, and eventually Angel headed off by himself to the studio.

Cherri decided to go raise a little explosive hell around town for fun. And she decided to score some more C4. One day she was determined to blow up that porn studio - and with any luck, Valentino, Vox, and Velvet really would all be inside when she got the chance. And Angel would be outside…maybe watching it happen with Alastor. Cherri was really starting to trust that deer demon. She wondered if Rosie was feeling the same way about Angel and how far that cannibal chick had gotten with Alastor. Overlords were always tough nuts to crack.

Since Angel was working today, Alastor decided today to take a walk to Cannibal Colony and spend some overdue time in his territory. The familiar scenery would do him good, and he wanted to talk with Rosie. It occurred to him on the way that he was interested in her full opinion not just of the hotel but of Angel following their garden party. He was a bit eager for her official approval of his first friend who had not been acquired by a deal or by cooperation for the sake of cannibalization.

For once he avoided the gaggle of cannibal ladies feasting - the momentary attention didn't appeal to him today. He was grateful that from a distance he could see Rosie wasn't among them, and went directly into the deep heart of his territory. Even the most deranged and fierce demons here cowered at his passage, and Alastor's smile grew. There was a certain pleasure in knowing he was the most powerful creature here - it was up to him who got hurt and who didn't, and the demon who got hurt certainly would not be him or anyone he cared for.

Alastor twirled his cane and rounded a corner, and sure enough there was Rosie out in front of her Emporium talking to Mimzy. The two ladies laughing as they chatted. Rosie set eyes on Alastor and her smile widened. Mimzy turned to see where she was looking and jumped up, waving Alastor over.

The Radio Demon approached the ladies and bowed. "Rosie! Mimzy! Such a delight to run into one another on this hellish afternoon."

Rosie smirked. "As though you didn't stroll all the way to the Emporium looking for me. I take it a visit at this hour means you're not needed by anyone at the hotel today."

"I should hope not!" Mimzy crossed her arms and cocked a hip to the side. "You're never around here anymore, Alastor, and it's no fun! That hotel gets you all to themselves, and you haven't played with Rosie and I for ages. You haven't even been to see my newest concert yet!" She struck a pose, head held high.

"Pressing matters, I'm afraid. This hotel is proving quite the gambit!" Alastor bent low at the waist to get closer to Mimzy's height. "But I've missed your shows as well. True performers should always support each other, and you're the only demon I know who puts on a genuinely proper spectacle. And that voice of yours - an utter treasure!" He winked and straightened up.

Mimzy giggled. "Well, just make sure you don't forget to have some fun along with working so hard. Rosie and I like a genuine smile on the devilishly handsome face of yours." She winked back at him.

"You two encourage each other to pieces, I swear." Rosie waved them off with a laugh. Then she turned to Mimzy. "Mimzy, would you be a dear and watch the Emporium for me for a moment? I'd like to have a quick chat with our Alastor." She eyed the demoness with a special smile.

Mimzy took the hint and nodded. "Of course. I want to see what you have in terms of new fresh demon furs and skins." She flashed her sharp teeth in a vicious smile. Then her whole look became bright and cheerful again. "Or perhaps new your dresses instead! I want one of your special creations to wear for my show."

Rosie nodded. "I'm sure you'll find something perfect on both accounts." She turned to Alastor who was watching her with his head tilted. "Why don't we head up to the roof, Alastor? The view really is lovely on a clear day."

Alastor nodded. "Say no more!" He snapped his fingers and they were teleported to the rooftop.

Rosie perched herself on the shingles in a comfortable seat and Alastor sat beside her with his legs crossed. "Something new to report?" He asked, curious.

Rosie sighed. "Oh, nothing much, I'm afraid. You know I like when things are quiet and we can go about our business, but frankly I wouldn't mind a good tussle. Yet there's not a murmur of attack - your reputation completely precedes you, Alastor."

Alastor glanced at his nails on one hand with a proud smirk. "As well it should. Hell has truly never seen the likes of me, and I'm just getting started."

"Don't I know it." Rosie nodded. "But I asked you up here because I simply wanted to thank you properly for having me over to your hotel the other day. And I know what Mimzy said, but we were both just teasing you. As long as you like staying around that place and are having fun, you do just that. We can handle things here."

"I know you can, and Mimzy is wonderful back up! I appreciate your cooperation!" He looked out over the city - the hotel was visible in the distance. "Yes, I am quite entertained when I'm at the hotel - I still need breaks now and then of course. But the deeper I get into this ridiculous project, the more intriguing features about it I discover." He considered. "It's almost been too long since I've done a radio show - I've been saving my appetite for a grand one, but perhaps I should fit in a smaller one first. It won't do to have anyone thinking I've gone soft, especially the Princess." His look darkened and his smile curled up at the edges demonically. "She really should remember whom she's dealing with."

Rosie's smile widened and her eyes glowed demonically for a moment. Then her look returned to normal. "Yes, and speaking of some of your usual activities…do you have any deals in the works? You're usually so excited about your next one." She shrugged innocently. "Perhaps, with the Princess? Or…someone else at the hotel?"

Alastor hesitated - his smile decreased a little and his eyes went forward. "Well, in due time perhaps. I haven't quite decided what the terms of such a bargain would be for our Princess, and she hasn't quite hit the level of desperation yet to agree to anything. I'm keeping my options open with her." He glanced at Rosie for just a moment but then glanced away again, and his ears twitched.

Rosie smiled more to herself. "I see. And…anyone else?"

Alastor sighed. "I did make an offer to Angel Dust, but I'm afraid he turned me down too. Quite the shame - I had all the parameters worked out for our wager. It really would have benefited us both. I made his terms exceptionally generous." Alastor considered, and his smile grew a little. "It's strange though - based on how the conversation went I'm torn between disappointment that he doesn't want a deal with me and relief that he wants to be in my company even without a binding contract. I've never felt like this before." He glanced at Rosie again. "You got to know him better at our party - you understand his charm and the effect he can have on others, yes?"

Rosie nodded. "Oh quite! It was just delightful getting to know him more. He's a special young man. And yes, I have noticed you seeming a little torn lately." She cleared her throat. "Alastor, sweetheart, you know I never ask you about your life topside, though I'm always happy to hear you talk about it when you want to. But may I ask you a personal question?"

One of Alastor's ears went down and his smile tightened a little, but he did take a breath and reply, "Maybe…"

That was all the encouragement Rosie needed. Her eyes brightened. "Did you ever have anyone special in life?"

"Why of course! My mother!"

"No, not like a mother." She shook her head. "I mean a partner - a girl or a beau. Like what Mimzy and I have together when the mood strikes us - minus the more carnal aspects of course."

Both of Alastor's ears flattened and his eyes widened so much that his monocle popped out. He quickly grabbed it and put it back on. "Ha!" A crack of static caught in his throat, and he cursed it. "Naturally no. Anyone I got close to in life ended up dead and digested. And no one tried to get close to me - survival instinct I suppose." He shook his head to clear it. "Why in the world do you ask?" His hands gripped against the roof tiles.

Rosie sighed. Such a sensitive boy. It was amazing to her that Angel had managed to get so close to him already, and a sure sign that the spark she had detected was definitely there. "Because I think you'd make a top notch partner for someone. And I think you're getting great practice at it through your friendship…with Angel Dust."

Alastor's head tilted entirely to the side, his smile weirdly fixed. "I don't understand!"

Rosie's smile softened. "You're spending time with him and chatting and bonding and learning to open up. And I've noticed a world of difference in that smile of yours - it seems happier. You're learning to connect with others over something besides shared violent tendencies. It's nice to see." She glanced out at the scenery. "However much you and I love blood and death and tearing demons to shreds, an escape from it all is a good thing to have. Mimzy has her singing, I have my fashions I create at the Emporium. And you and Angel have…gardening. Or maybe it's more like you have each other." She raised an eyebrow.

Alastor sat there for a moment doing a lot of mental processing. And when the processing finally produced a result, there was a quick screech of static between his ears. He turned to Rosie - his claws were gripped into the roof so deeply that they had dislodged several tiles. "Are you suggesting Angel Dust and I are courting?"

Rosie's smile brightened and she clapped her hands together. "Give the Radio Demon five silver dollars, because by George he's got it!"

Alastor cringed and his eyes became radio dials as symbols swirled over his head.

"Oh don't put on that spooky demon display with me - I know that's just a front for when you get put out."

Alastor a took a deep breath and calmed himself down enough to return to his normal state. He adjusted his bow tie and held his head high. "I am not dating the spider."

"Well, of course not - we said 'courting'. Courting and dating can be two very different things!"

One of Alastor's eyebrows went up. "How so?"

She considered. "Well, perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I think dating is for people already in relationships. Courting is for people thinking about having a relationship. It's much more subtle."

"Ha! But I'm not thinking about having a relationship with Angel Dust."

"Perhaps you should." Rosie smiled in a special way. "And perhaps you should also consider if he's thinking about having a relationship with you."

Alastor's face warmed considerably and he knew his radio glow had brightened. He blinked several times and shook his head - these blasted sudden reactions and feelings of his came in the strangest bursts lately. But he refused to believe Rosie was right about their source.

Rosie stood up and dusted off her dress. "You're a good boy deep down, Alastor. I just want you to have something good down here. Everyone deserves that, hell or no hell."

Alastor stood as well after a moment. "Not everyone, in my opinion - not the lowest of the low. But for others…yes, I suppose I agree." His eyes lowered in a dry look. "I still don't agree, however, that Angel Dust and I are courting. But his presence does entertain me…in a way that might be reminiscent of happiness. And I believe mine does the same for him."

Rosie nodded. "You keep going with this hotel project, Alastor. I have a good feeling your instinct for getting involved was right on the money."

Alastor's smile grew a little and he held out his hand. "Shall we head back down now that you've overly-examined my social life and attempted to prove I have some kind of heart?"

"Yes, I think my work here is done." She took his hand and with a small eyeball and a chuckle he teleported them back to the Emporium entrance.

Alastor spent some time with Rosie and Mimzy and then departed for a long walk home.

Rosie and Mimzy watched him go, waving.

Mimzy giggled. "How far gone is he?"

Rosie sighed. "Over the moon and back again."

"It's Angel Dust the porn star, right? I've seen posters - he's cute! The gams alone…"

Rosie chuckled. "And he's quite clever and sweet, and he stands up for himself - gives Alastor a run for his money. And Alastor gives it right back to him."

Mimzy clapped her hands together and turned to Rosie. "Should we set them up? We could trap them alone somewhere with music, candles, a carcass - the works!"

"Hmm…" Rosie turned to her but shook her head. "Your enthusiasm is understandable but I think we should let things play out on their own. Alastor's gotten a gentle push and I believe Angel Dust has too. They fit so well together that it's all they'll need - trust me. What they're bound to have is unavoidable."

Mimzy sighed but nodded. "Okay. But if they get married I get to sing at the wedding!"

"If they get married, you'll sing and I'll design you a dress for the occasion. And Angel too." Rosie winked.

Laughing, the two ladies took each other's hands then turned and headed inside of the Emporium to enjoy the rest of their afternoon.

As Alastor walked he kept up his usual happy and confident appearance but there was a tightness at the very edges of his smile. Angel Dust… He most certainly could not want an intimate 'partnership' with Angel Dust. But Rosie's suggestion that Angel might feel differently about the subject gave him pause. He didn't think the spider actually viewed him in such. light. But he also had never been on firm footing regarding feelings of an intimate nature. Perhaps he was missing something: and, if so, perhaps this potential complication could ruin their current amicable relationship. But what could Angel possibly want with him in a tender way? Not to mention there was nothing he could offer to 'satisfy' Angel Dust in return as far as he saw the matter.

And no matter what, no idea could change one simple fact: Rosie's assertion that everyone down here deserved at least one good thing in their lives was flawed. The darkest hearts didn't deserve anything but painful destruction. Alastor often provided that destruction. And yet, he knew he had followed a very twisted path in life, and more-so in death. Whatever heart he had must be darkened and dead through and through by now. And one day after he had consumed many more unforgivable sinners, someone else would probably come along and consume him too - just like how he had been hunted down in life after so many successful years of murdering the worst human beings imaginable. He had gone too far to be worthy of anything good - temporary forms of entertainment were all he was allowed as far as he was concerned. And he wouldn't stray from holding himself to the same standards as others.

Alastor eventually found himself veering off the path to the hotel and in the direction of his radio tower, his eyes low and his chest a little heavier than usual.

Angel preferred dancing on stage and singing to shooting pornography. Porn was so…mechanical sometimes. All the pausing and reshooting and faking all these hot and heavy scenarios. And everyone staring at every inch of him under bright, hot lights instead of just seeing whatever flashes of his body he wanted to show under the stage-lights and shadows to people who were actually enjoying the performance. And he didn't like thinking about the videos out there for everyone. Live shows only existed in the moment - they didn't show up on posters and in cable shows and in the hands of clients expecting elaborate performances from him for a few bucks when all they'd paid for was a quickie.

But Valentino liked porn - porn brought in more eyes and could be broadcasted and sold and reproduced and sold over and over. And so that's what Angel had done all day at the studio.

Angel came out of his last shoot with a towel wrapped around his waist and one over his shoulders. He sighed and wiped his brow. "Fuck… I need to get to bed early tonight. And I need some fresh air." He stretched.

And then a shadow came near him and a familiar smell of smoke hit his nose. Angel cringed a little inside because he knew who it was without even turning around.

"Angel Cakes…" Valentino chuckled and put his hands on Angel's shoulders.

Angel's head dropped but he did his best to pick it up and put on a smile. He glanced behind him. "Hey, Daddy. Did I do good enough for you today?"

"You were a champ, Angel. You're the best at capturing a sense of pain and pleasure all at once. That's what really sells in hell." He came in front of Angel and dragged a finger under his chin.

Angel swallowed but kept himself together. "I know. And I give hell what it needs."

"You give me what I need."

"Always."

"Good." Valentino smiled more and gestured forward. "Angel, walk with me." He strode forward.

Angel followed and held his towel more tightly around his shoulders.

"I hear the Radio Demon's an official part of that hotel you're crashing at. And I hear you two have been hanging around each other quite a lot - taking strolls in the city and everything."

Angel's insides tightened but he kept his tone casual and easy. "Oh yeah - he's helping the Princess or whatever. And I guess cuz I'm a guest he's been escorting me around sometimes - wouldn't look good for the place if I got into another turf war, and it wouldn't be good for you if some rando on the street tried to hurt me, Daddy."

"Right, right." Valentino grinned. "But you know, you've got a rare opportunity here, Angel. Alastor is a secretive son of a bitch - he never socializes. And here you are, spending time under the same roof and having conversations with him like it's normal." He rubbed his chin. "What do you two chat about anyway?"

Angel swallowed. "Oh, you know - we complain about the hotel and the Princess mostly. And he makes dark jokes and I laugh along. Always gotta keep the other guy happy, right?"

"I see." Valentino nodded, looking serious for a moment. "Angie, you know, you've been at the studio for a long time. Almost too long for you to just be another whore paying me dues." One of Angel's fists clenched. "And Vox and Vel and I really do get along better when you're around. I think it's high time we made you part of our group. Like a new partner. What do you say?" His grin curled up at the edges.

"Me?" Angel blinked, taken off guard. "I mean…you want me to… But I thought I made you more money by just being…"

"You'll still be pulling in cash. You'll just have a little more control over the situation - maybe just private parties and high end clients - and a regular stage show, of course, where you're the star. And you'd have status. That's worth a lot. You could open up new markets for us, Angel Cakes. Maybe even be an overlord one day" He leaned closer. "We just need to know you'd be an asset."

Angel put his smile back on. "H-How exactly?"

"Hmm…well, it always helps us to know more about other overlords - to keep our interests safe of course. And the one we know the least about is the Radio Freak. So maybe you share with us whatever he shares with you, huh?" Valentino smiled more. "We'd appreciate your help."

Angel's heart was pounding as his smile brightened. "Well, of course! I'll get you what I can. But like I said, mostly he just complains about stuff and makes jokes. I might not get much, Daddy."

"You just do your best, Angel Cakes." Valentino winked as they reached Angel's dressing room. "We'll be waiting." Valentino gestured with a nod down the hall. Angel saw Vox and Velvet there - they waved to him with smiles. Then Valentino opened the door, slapped Angel's ass to get him inside, then shut the door behind him.

Angel leaned against the door, breathing heavily. Then he scowled and held his head in his hands. "Shit!" He whispered to himself. He ran over to his closet and grabbed his clothes and shoved them on. Then he paced the room for an hour until he figured Valentino and Vox and Velvet would definitely be gone. Then, trying to remain as casual as possible, he briskly walked out into the hall and through the doors outside.

"On top of everything Cherri made me think about, now I've got this! Fuck!" He whispered to himself under his breath.

For the rest of the walk back to the hotel he pretended to play with his phone. He couldn't stop himself from gripping the small device so tightly that the screen almost cracked. He needed to talk to Alastor.

But when he got back to the hotel, Alastor was nowhere to be found. And of course the relic didn't have a stupid phone. And of course Vox monitored all phones anyway. Angel went to his room, closed himself inside, and held Fat Nuggets close. Wherever Alastor was, he needed to get his ass back here now because Angel needed to do something for him while he still had the courage.

A/N:

That's all for now! Alastor and Angel are starting to get the hint lol. Next time: Angel finds Alastor to fill him in on Valentino's suspicious behavior, and Louise worries that something is wrong with a very secretive Abel.

Take care!

-Azure129