A/N:

Hi everyone! Here's the latest chapter of this random RadioDust saga : ) I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 17:

Filling a Void

"…And then Alastor - in his very nice suit that I ironed for him - and Miss Angel Dust - in a very pretty dress I helped her pick out - and also Fat Nuggets - with a glittery bowtie I made - all walked off into the sunset together! The end!" Niffty flipped over a page in her stack of papers and smiled brightly at her audience as they clapped. "Thank you!" She lowered her voice to an excited whisper. "The next story is EXTRA romantic. There's snuggling!" She giggled.

"Woo, getting saucy - bring it on!" Cherri had a big grin on her face. Charlie had stars in her eyes at the cuteness. Vaggie was smiling warmly, holding her girlfriend's hand.

"Alastor is going to kill all of you when he finds out about this," Husk observed, rubbing his temple with a fresh bottle in hand.

"Worth it," Cherri and Vaggie said at the same time with smirks while Charlie pulled out a hanky and wiped tears of delight from her eyes.

Suddenly there was the sound of footsteps descending the stairs - all eyes turned eagerly in that direction.

But it was simply Abel and Louise coming down. At all the looks in their direction, Abel raised an eyebrow. "Hey guys - is everything okay?"

"What are y'all doing?" Louise tilted her head with a curious smile as they approached the bar.

"Killing time," Cherri replied.

"Til what?"

"Til Angel gets back." Cherri sipped her drink.

"Where is he?" Abel asked.

Louise had her brow furrowed in thought for a moment. Then her eyes lit up and she leaned across the bar counter and looked right into Husk's eyes. "Is he awake?!"

Niffty's big eyes widened in realization. "Alastor!" She latched onto Husk. "Is Alastor awake?"

"Jeez!" Husk blinked and almost fell over but managed to pry her off. "I hope no one here ever has to keep a secret because clearly this hotel just sucks confidential info out into the open."

Behind Louise, Abel swallowed, blushed, and gripped the ring box hidden in his pocket.

Husk went on with a sigh. "Yeah, Alastor's awake. But Angel is visiting him first right now." He looked to Niffty and rubbed the back of his neck. "It was supposed to be a…surprise. So we're gonna wait until he's ready to see us, okay?"

Niffty nodded and clapped her hands together happily.

Louise beamed, turned around, and hugged Abel tightly.

Then there were footsteps on the stairs again…and this time when everyone turned it was Angel. He paused for a moment at the rapt reception. Then he smirked and crossed his arms. "Husk, Al is gonna kill you when he finds out you told literally everyone early!"

"I didn't! Smart women just figure shit out!" Husk grumbled.

Angel laughed as he reached the lobby and came over. He held up his hands before the questions could start. "Alastor's fine! He…still needs rest and to keep a low profile but he's really…back." Angel's heart felt so warm. "And, uh…he's ready to see you guys. But then he needs a good meal. Like a huge meal! Niffty, will you be my kitchen helper after you visit him?"

Niffty zipped right up to him and nodded. "I'll grab Fat Nuggets when I'm upstairs. I can stand on him to reach things in the kitchen!"

Angel winked at her. Then he went over to Cherri. "Good to see you, babe. You want to help too? I need all hands on deck for this feast."

"Eh, not normally the kitchen type - but for you, anything." She smirked. "I'll snag some of those peppers Radio Head grows out back and add a little kick to his mealtime." She gestured with her head to the staircase. "But I should probably get a quick visual on Alastor first for Rosie and Mimzy. They'll want details."

Louise laughed and clenched her fists in delight, tail wagging. "I knew he would be all right! Alastor deserves every chance hell can give a person." She turned to Abel. "Let's go upstairs and let him know we're so happy he's safe."

Abel smiled gently. "You go - maybe I'll let Steve know Alastor's awake and help him get to the room when he's ready to visit. I know he wants to see Alastor very much. Besides, I don't want to overwhelm Alastor with too many of us at once stopping in."

Husk rolled his eyes. "All you girls should just go up. I've already seen the drama king and so has Angel. And it's not a sight you need to see twice, Abel."

Louise hugged Abel then dashed over to the girls. Charlie smiled. "Okay, we'll head up together, but let's be calm and give Alastor space." The others nodded to her and then they headed up the stairs.

Angel cleared his throat and turned. "I'll be in the kitchen if either of you boys want to join me - the more the merrier." He winked.

"Pass - I've worked my ass off enough for Alastor lately." Husk took a swig.

"I can help, Angel." Abel offered with a smile. "Be right there." Angel nodded and departed then Abel turned to Husk.

Husk raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Well…" Abel tugged at his collar, "what you said about keeping secrets in this place… Do you, um…know if there's one going around about me? There's just something I'm trying to keep a surprise and… Oh but if you do already know then could I ask your advice? Since Steve's still recovering I haven't wanted to bother him about it."

Husk held up a hand. "Buddy, this isn't that kind of bar - I'm here to sling booze, not be a therapist. Seriously, wrong cat for the job." He sighed then added, "But as far as I know, there isn't a secret about you that's out there. Okay?"

Abel smiled sheepishly and nodded. "Fair enough. I'm just glad to know the surprise is still a surprise. Thanks, Husk. I'll go help Angel in the kitchen." He headed over and went through the doors.

Husk sighed and leaned against the bar counter, looking out at the lobby. He always preferred to be alone…and he'd hated being summoned for this stupid hotel stunt of Alastor's. He didn't like shenanigans or emotional moments or dramatic relationships. But sometimes this place wasn't horrible. And now, when he finally had a rare moment alone, he almost wished… He sighed and rested his head on the counter. He refused to get all sappy and attached. But he was sort of relieved that Alastor being okay meant he could stay here with this stupid but somehow comforting bar and this weird mix of demons. He was comfortable at Hazbin.

Alastor wanted to get the reception with the others over with, if only because he was already feeling like returning to bed…and also feeling so hungry. Too hungry to safely be around most demons for much longer. So he had his shadow open his door in advance, to avoid the potential for any long hesitation to knock and enter like he had experienced with Angel.

Thankfully the first one to bound in was Niffty. No matter his state, Alastor wouldn't have eaten or harmed her for anything in the world. He would be steady for her.

She raced right up to him as the other ladies filed in. "Alastor!" She searched his face with her eye. "You really are awake! And smiling!" She pouted. "But you're still not your best self, I can tell! You are staying in bed as much as possible until the open house, okay?"

Alastor nodded. "Very sound advice, my dear. And you have my word I shall heed it."

Niffty smiled again, satisfied, then popped herself onto the arm of the chair to sit beside him.

Louise came up next, wiping away tears. "Oh Alastor, it's so good to see you up again. I knew you were too strong to let those three overrated overlords hurt you." She frowned. "I still have half a mind to go over to that studio and give them a talking to!"

"Now, now," Alastor assured with a sigh. "I can fight my own battles. There's no need to burden yourself." He swallowed. "But thank you for the eager support, Louise."

Her smile returned.

Vaggie came next, eyeing him.

Alastor rested his head on his hand. "Are you going to give me a sound tongue-lashing for daring to let a turf war brush near our happy hotel?"

Vaggie rolled her eyes. "You didn't start it, brujo! Those other three overlords did. When people threaten you, of course you should stand up for yourself! And who cares anyway? I'm just glad you're all right!" Her gaze softened. "I'm sorry…about what happened to your tower."

Alastor tilted his head. He could find no signs or sounds of deception in anyone's voices so far, and he had certainly expected at least Vagatha to approach him with fear. Angel had been right - they really were happy to have him back and well. "I appreciate your concern, Vagatha."

Charlie was next. Her lip was trembling and she had big tears in her eyes. "Alastor…"

He knew that look and held up a hand. "Please do not hug me, Charlie. First, I don't prefer that form of greeting. Second, I have injuries in the process of healing."

"I'm just so happy you're safe!" She burst into tears. "I was so worried Alastor. We all were! I don't care if you're a trickster and a deal maker and a cannibal - you're part of our family and we want you here and we love you!" She was leaning over the chair now but resisting the clear compulsion to express her affection physically. Niffty finally jumped forward and hugged Charlie, and Charlie hugged her back.

Alastor's eyes were wide for a moment. "Indeed." Then they narrowed as he considered. "You provided me with shelter and comfort and aid at a critical time. I will not forget the gesture or your words, Princess." He bowed his head slightly.

Charlie blushed and blinked. "Alastor, don't… It's just Charlie, I—" She set Niffty back on the chair arm and came close as he lifted his head. "Just take time for yourself to get better. You're safe here no matter what. I promise."

Alastor's smile grew slightly, and Charlie smiled in return then stood.

When she moved out of the way, Alastor finally noticed that Cherri was in the corner fiddling with a hand radio. He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Miss Bomb? If you're having trouble tuning into a station, I believe I may be able to assist. Radios are sort of my area of expertise."

"First, don't call me Miss Bomb - makes me sound like a cheesy spy movie villain. Second, just trying to find the right frequency. This isn't a music radio, it's a two way radio." She smirked. "You really are off your game, huh?" She shifted the dial once more. "Ah there we go - hey, Mimzy, Rosie, guess who's up!" She came toward Alastor with the radio held out.

"Alastor!" Rosie's voice cried. "Oh you darling boy, I'm so glad to hear you're all right!"

"Alastor, we've been so worried!" Mimzy called. "Please say something! You're really okay?"

"On the mend as we speak!" Alastor assured, upon which he heard laughter and tears from the two cannibal ladies. He went on. "And I hear tell I have you two to thank in part for my survival." He glanced at Cherri. "And you as well, Cherri."

"Hey, I didn't go into the tower, I just fucked with Pentious for a while," she quickly assured.

"And apparently you also got him to stop the fire consuming my tower," Alastor replied. "You saved it. And me. And Angel. You have my thanks."

She held her head high. "I don't leave anyone behind. Also, the more I could fuck up the plans of Valentino and company, the better." She grinned. "I watched those three little bitches scatter at the end. You would have fucking loved it."

Alastor smirked. "I imagine so." He looked to the radio. "And ladies, your efforts have inspired me! I would like you both to attend the open house here, and do come in style! Limousine and new ensembles and smart hats - the works, all on me along with a VIP table. For starters."

"Such chivalry, Alastor." Rosie laughed warmly. "We gladly accept. The open house is a perfect excuse for us to come by and see you."

"And to see Angel!" Mimzy added. "Oh Alastor, what that boy did for you—"

Alastor quickly cleared his throat. "Yes, well…I look forward to seeing you both at the party.! Do stay in touch by radio and raven until then."

"We will." There was a playful lilt to Mimzy's voice.

"If for no other reason than to make sure you're taking care of yourself and staying put in bed where you belong," Rosie added. "Mind your health, Alastor."

"Indeed I shall!" Alastor assured.

"Rosie and Mimzy, over and out!" The two cannibals announced. And then the radio went quiet. Cherri tucked it away.

Alastor reclined back in his seat for a moment, observing the group around him. "It's been quite encouraging having you all come up here to welcome me back to the land of the living! But I'm afraid I'd prefer some quiet now. After all, I need to rest if I want to have the strength to consume whatever feast Angel will prepare for me!"

"Of course, Alastor," Charlie nodded and began to usher the others to the door. "We'll give you all the peace and quiet you need. Niffty, let's go help Angel."

Niffty looked to Alastor once more. "We're going to cook all the things for you, and I want you to clean your plate - all of them. You know you get cranky when you're hungry."

"Hmm, quite." Alastor chuckled. "I'm sure after I dine I'll feel much better."

She hopped down and dashed over to Charlie and they all headed out and closed the door behind them.

Alastor took a breath and slowly tried to stand. He had to lean a lot of weight on his cane and his chest burned a little over his heart, but he managed to hobble over to the bed and collapse onto the blankets, breaths shallow. This was fine - he would have time to situate himself here before Angel came up with the first course. His more pressing concern was that he had about a week to improve himself from barely being able to shuffle across a room to charming his way through a ballroom of partygoers for a full night. He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth. "To make sure the show goes on…and to make sure news of my recovery gets back to that vile Vox… I'll do it." Alastor liked a challenge. First step - eat his way to health.

He pushed himself up and finally got into a sitting position beneath the covers to rest until mealtime.

Alastor had expected that Angel would send up a nice, multiple course meal with heavy emphasis on the venison - perhaps enough to fill a tray or two. And then Alastor would consume the food with frightening quickness and explain to Angel again that the amount of deer (or demon) flesh he needed so he could begin healing was severe and far beyond the scope of one chef's culinary skills.

Alastor's assumptions turned out to be quite wrong when the first thing that arrived was a cart laden on both levels with various dishes featuring venison but also pasta and vegetables and bread and side dishes.

Angel pushed it in himself with a grin. "There you go - enjoy, you stubborn deer!"

The food was more than he had expected - in quantity and variety. But of course the meal still paled in comparison to what he needed. Also, there was one more slight issue at the moment…

Angel waited, hands on hips. "Well?"

Alastor swallowed. "It looks lovely but I would…prefer to dine alone for now. I lose some of my manners when I'm particularly ravenous." Alastor gripped his blankets and his eyes went dark for a moment before returning to normal.

"Ah, gotchya. Okay, Smiles!" Angel didn't make anything awkward or look at Alastor in terror as he recalled their time in the tower and what he must have seen of the squid's carcass. The spider just winked and waved as he headed toward the door. "There's a bell on the tray - ring it when you're done. Niffty says she'll hear it anywhere."

Angel was barely down the hall when the bell rang.

An eyebrow raised, he headed back to Alastor's room and opened the door. His eyes widened.

Alastor felt his smile become sheepish - every plate was picked clean. He sighed. "Angel, it was all truly delicious, and I feel the stirrings of regenerating myself. But…it's really better if I go out and hunt a few demons. The amount you would have to cook would be astounding!" Alastor paused - Angel was smirking at him.

The spider chuckled. "Aww, do you think that's all we made?"

"We?"

"I mean, I'm the main cook, but Niffty's helping and so are the others." Angel stretched up. "That was just to whet your appetite. The food's gonna keep coming, Alastor." Angel's smile fell to something serious. "I told you, I'm Italian - we do not fail at feeding people." His bright smile returned. "I'll bring you second rounds of everything while the next dishes finish cooking! See ya in a jiff!" He waved over his shoulder and departed with the empty cart.

The Radio Demon felt… Frankly there was something about that spider sometimes drove him a little batty inside in an utterly entertaining way. This meal really was a game then, and though Alastor had full confidence in his ability to win, he still relished the challenge Angel was ready to provide. He sat up straighter in bed and awaited his next serving.

And they came.

Cart after cart after cart came for hours well into the night, sometimes brought by Angel, sometimes by Niffty, sometimes by Louise, once even by Husker who grumbled fiercely the entire time. And eventually Alastor finally had to admit to himself that even though he wasn't completely full (it would take days of steady meat-eating for his appetite to subside) at the very least…he was no longer hungry for now. And that development boded well.

Angel came to fetch the most recent cart, looking happy but quite tired. Alastor held up a hand. Angel grinned. "You ready to admit defeat."

"Not exactly." Alastor lowered his hand. "But perhaps a truce for now? You need your rest, I need time to digest, and you and the others must be hungry yourselves."

Angel shrugged with a sheepish grin. "Actually, it's just been me for the last half hour. I sent the others to get a good night's rest. But I'm starved now that you mention it. Want me to snag you anything else from the kitchen before I grab dinner?"

Alastor felt his face glow a little. "Actually, I wouldn't mind a little snack to top myself off. And…I wouldn't mind some company, if you'd like to eat together."

Angel's eyes widened then he smiled more. "Of course! Lemme just - oh!" He tripped over the cart then righted himself, blushing a little. "I'll be right back. You…sure you're okay with having someone else here while you…"

"My manners are very much restored. And I have a great deal of energy now. And being stuck in bed though is boring. I'd appreciate the conversation, Angel."

Angel nodded. "Be right back! I've got the perfect thing!" He dashed away with the cart.

Alastor took a deep breath. Then his shadow appeared and smirked at him. Alastor scowled back. "It is NOT a date!" He waved his hand through the air abruptly and his shadow disappeared, chuckling.

Angel reappeared in a few moments with two trays. Each held a large steaming bowl of soup - golden yellow with noodles and meatballs and greens.

"Here," the spider set the tray on Alastor's bedside table. "This'll help put you to sleep. Nothing more comforting than some minestra manitata. And the meatballs are made with venison!"

Alastor looked at the bowl of soup on the tray in his lap - small meatballs, greens, golden broth. "Is this…what you fed me while I was unconscious?" He asked softly.

Angel paused, the spoon lifted to his mouth, then lowered it. "You, uh, know about that?"

"Husker mentioned. And, well, if I'd eaten nothing I would surely have gone on a rampage."

Angel nodded. "Yeah - this is what you ate. This stuff - it always cures what ails you. My Ma used to make it a lot. It's my favorite."

"Mother dishes are always best." Alastor lifted up a spoonful and smelled. His chest felt warm inside, even though the flesh on top still stung a little when he breathed too deeply. "What did you say it was called again?"

"The Italian is minestra manitata, but usually people just call it, uh… Italian wedding soup."

The spoon was in Alastor's mouth, and he bit down so hard that he nearly broke off the end.

"It's because the flavors between the meat and the greens get married together in the broth!" Angel quickly added with a sheepish grin. "It's like everything you need all in one bowl."

Alastor swallowed his meatball and nodded. "Yes, quite. It serves the same function as jambalaya in a way. Ha!"

They laughed awkwardly.

Angel sighed. "I'll get breakfast ready for you early, I promise. I came up with some recipe ideas a few days ago. It's been kind of fun, figuring out how to mix venison into everything. Charlie thought maybe we should just give you only meat but… I don't know, I think a body needs more than that to heal, even a cannibal body?"

Alastor smiled a little more. "This large variety is indeed more refreshing than mere meat alone. He raised an eyebrow. "But are you certain you have all of this time available to cook for me?" The Radio Demon cleared his throat. "I mean to say - has your…engagement with the studio been entirely severed?"

Angel hesitated then shook his head. "Not entirely." He furrowed his brow. "They don't know I was helping you in the tower or believe me, it would be. I just haven't heard from them, is all. Vox told me off before they all left - I think he's sick of having me around, rubbing in his face that you want to be friends with me but not him, heh." He shrugged. "Anyway I'm just keeping to myself until they contact me. And then I'll go from there." He smiled a little. "Right now I just want to be here helping the girls with the party and helping you get better."

Alastor felt his radio glow brighten more. "And have you helped YOURSELF get better? Certainly you must have needed some repose and healing following the attack."

"I rested for a day. But I really wasn't hurt, Al. And either way, keeping busy kept me from…worrying about you." Angel's eyes went down. "I really missed you, Smiles."

"I…" Alastor felt like his insides were buzzing, "That is an…awfully unexpected comment to make to a demon who clearly tried and probably succeeded in devouring demons in front of you while on a monstrous rampage."

Angel's eyes met his. "I don't care what form you're in or what you're going through - you're always my friend Al to me. I like having you around. Besides, we're all monsters here in hell - you don't get to corner the market on it just because you're feeling dramatic."

"So you're not afraid of me?"

The question hung in the air.

Angel scowled. "Of course not! Never!"

"But how?" Alastor scowled too. "I'm terrifying and you faced me in my most terrifying form!"

"Because I did face you at your worst and you still wouldn't lay a hand on me or anyone trying to help you! I'm not afraid of you because I KNOW you won't hurt me, and because you give a damn about what's right and what's wrong even if you express your opinions in some pretty intense ways!"

Alastor watched Angel breathing heavily, staring him down. "But you were afraid of something in that tower, Angel. What was it?"

"Losing you for starters, you stubborn deer." Angel rolled his eyes and went back to his soup. He still wasn't sharing something, but Alastor could tell that statement at least was true.

The Radio Demon's wide eyes went down to his own bowl. "I am…distinctly delighted that you were not lost either, Angel."

Angel smiled very much and his eyes hazed.

Then a clock struck midnight.

Angel blinked. "Wow, it's that late? I should let you sleep. You can leave the bowl on the table when you're done and I'll get it in the morning." But instead of leaving, Angel hesitated, biting his lip. Alastor raised an eyebrow. Angel explained. "I don't think you need the salve I made anymore, but you should still change your bandages every day. I usually do it for you at night." He swallowed and quickly added, "You'd get upset whenever Husk tried but you were okay with me so that's why I…"

Alastor's eyes flickered to radio dials of a moment but then changed back before much pain could set in. "Yes, Husker explained. It's fine, really." He took a deep breath and just tried not to think about Angel touching him in all those ways, and how the idea didn't entirely bother. "I'll manage on my own going forward, of course. My powers should be restored enough to manage that much." He snapped his fingers - bandages appeared on his bed but the mark over his chest also burned white hot for a moment. He hissed and clutched there.

When he opened his eyes, Angel was kneeling on the floor, looking at him at eye level with a frown. "It's the burn from the angel spear…isn't it?" He took a breath. "Al? Would you consider…letting me look at the burn?"

Alastor hesitated and clutched a little tightly at his collar. And yet rather than a refusal he felt the desire to ask, "Why?"

"Because I've been looking at it since you first got it." Angel blushed a little. "I mean not 'looking', just…I wanted to see if it changed, to make sure it was getting better. And I want to see if it changed after you filled up now."

Alastor pouted a little beneath his smile. "I…can certainly look myself…"

"But you don't know what it looked like before." Angel's voice was quiet, gentle. "Just this once. If it's not different in a good way, I want to start trying to figure out how to make it better."

Alastor's eyes met Angel's. Sometimes Angel ended up so close to him and Alastor didn't notice at first because, truly, he didn't mind. He gave a single nod, his voice quiet. "But only to look, not to touch."

"Whatever makes you happy, Smiles." A little of Angel's familiar grin returned.

Alastor felt his chest warm inside - in a good way, so different from the pain of the shard mark. He undid exactly one button at the top of his nightshirt and pulled the collar open very slightly. He had decided to keep his gaze on the mark and not on Angel, and his eyes widened at the sight - it wasn't dark or red like a normal burn. It was white with blackened edges and almost glowed. Perhaps Angel was right to be concerned. Alastor was quite unfamiliar with a wound like this.

"It's still bright," Angel observed sadly.

Alastor came out of his concerned thoughts and quickly pulled his shirt closed again. He redid the button. "Now, now, don't be do dismal! I'm certain it'll heal itself in no time and just become one more scar. Ha!" His eyes met Angel's. Angel was looking at him with a great deal of concern, his mouth open like he was ready to say something. Alastor tilted his head. "Yes?"

Angel shook his head. "It's not important right now. What's important is figuring out how to get you better. The food is a good start." He put on a smile. "I'm gonna do a little digging about angel stuff. Who better than a guy named Angel, right? Heh…"

That wasn't a real smile. It was one concealing a rather sad degree of nervousness. Alastor spoke more sincerely. "Angel… I really will be quite well. I have endured much in life and in death. This injury is merely another twist in the game. But I'm very good at games. I always win. And I'm not so fragile."

"I know." Angel rubbed the back of his neck. "But I still worry. I want to keep you safe, Alastor - especially if you're gonna get so caught up in overlord shit that you forget to do it yourself."

Alastor sighed, eyes lowered in a dry look. "Why in the world would you want to 'save' me, Angel?"

He expected another bit of playful banter. He didn't expect Angel's eyes to haze and a light blush to come to the spider's features. Angel smiled at him in a way that made Alastor's insides fill with warmth and his own smile gradually decrease as his eyes widened and Angel didn't look away.

Finally with a sigh and still smiling, the spider demon turned and headed toward the door. "Get some rest, Smiles. If you need anything, have your shadow knock on the wall."

"The wall?"

"Yeah - we're next door neighbors." Angel gestured down the hall to the right. "The girls and Husk decided it would be better that way. And I didn't say no." He chuckled.

Alastor's ears twitched, and his monocle nearly slipped from his eye.

"Goodnight, Al." Angel waved and closed the door behind him.

Alastor sat in bed, not breathing. Then his shadow appeared. It stared down at Alastor then smirked. Alastor's eyes flashed red and he grabbed a pillow and swatted at the apparition. "No, he did NOT just make a pass at me!" He shadow disappeared with a chuckle. Alastor gripped the pillow. "I am not courting the spider…" His look softened as he laid down, pillow still held close. "And Angel is not courting me… No one would court me. I'm an evil demon, after all. Ha!" And yet…he was not sure about any of these convictions for just a moment. Alastor dozed off hugging the pillow against his chest, so soft…and yet lacking a special softness of which he had a vague memory.

A/N:

Thank you all for reading and for your support! Next time there's lots of extra fluffy romantic stuff coming as Al and Angel keep getting closer ^w^

Take care!

-Azure129