A/N:

Hi everyone! The slow burn is heating up a little in this chapter as Alastor and Angel get closer. I hope you enjoy : )

Partners

Chapter 18:

Hell's Angels

Alastor had officially been served breakfast - it had taken two hours, and the waffle iron had nearly broken, and shaping venison into a sausage link was a challenge, but the deer demon's appetite was content for now - even if he still claimed not to be 'full' just yet.

Either way, Angel was grateful for a free moment. He needed to talk to Charlie

He knocked on her office door; she'd been in there since the mail had come after breakfast.

"Oh, um…" He heard some papers shuffling. "Come in!" Charlie called.

Angel entered. He blinked. Charlie sat behind her desk with Vaggie beside her, a hand on Charlie's shoulder. Charlie was all smiles but she was easy to see through - something was up. "Hey, uh, sorry, is this a bad time?" Angel asked.

"No, no!" Charlie quickly assured. She gestured to the seat in front of her desk. "Sit, Angel, please. How can I help you?"

Angel bit his lip and sat down. "I…I'm not sure. I'm kind of glad I found both of you here though. You're both smart. Asking you both is probably my best bet." He wrung his hands. "One of Al's wounds isn't healing right."

"What do you mean?" Charlie tilted her head.

Angel swallowed. "When he got attacked…Val and the rest of 'em had a piece from an angel spear. And they pressed it into Al's chest - like they were trying to cut into his heart. They didn't get past his skin but…it left a mark. And it's glowing white." Angel reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, then opened it to reveal the shard. "I took the piece before we left."

Vaggie scowled at it. "Aye! Angel be careful with that thing!"

Charlie's eyes were wide and shining. Then she bit her lip and considered. "But you said Alastor's other wounds are healing? And he's feeling better?"

Angel nodded. "Yeah. He's even able to do a few little tricks with his magic."

"Okay - that's good." Charlie sighed in relief.

Angel smiled a little. "Aw, great! I knew you might know something about these things!"

Charlie blinked and looked back at him, hesitant. Vaggie's eyes widened, and she shook her head at Angel secretly behind Charlie.

But she failed to catch Angel's notice before he went on. "Well, I mean…aren't you technically part angel?"

Charlie's eyes flashed red for a moment and Vaggie brought a hand to her temple. Charlie took a deep breath and pouted. "I'm a demon princess."

"But your dad was a—"

"He…was a demon when he and my mom had me. And so was she. So I am too." Her eyes went down, and her pout became more of a frown.

Angel hesitated. He was a little confused but knew he must have hit on something sensitive. "I'm sorry, Charlie. I didn't mean anything by saying…"

"Charlie," Vaggie knelt down and smiled a little at her, "Angel's just worried about Alastor."

"I-I know." Charlie took a breath. Her eyes finally met Angel's again, and she tried to smile as she considered the shard. "Angel, I really don't have a lot of answers I can give. All I can say for sure is that the first thing we need to do is destroy that shard. Its power is making the wound worse even if it's not touching Alastor anymore - that material drains sinners on contact."

Angel frowned. "But there's no way to destroy Angel weapons."

Charlie held out her hand.

Angel hesitated then held out the shard. She took it, barehanded, then closed her eyes; her horns appeared. Charlie grasped the shard; her hand glowed red then white. When she opened her eyes and her hand, her horns faded and the shard was nothing more than white ash.

"Whoa…" Angel couldn't help himself.

"Being the daughter of…someone descended from something in heaven has some perks, heh." Charlie smiled sheepishly and shrugged. "Anyway, now Alastor's mark won't get worse. But it still needs to get better. A wound like that has to be healed from the inside out. Weapons from angels wipe out sin. Alastor has to let some of the sin inside of himself give way to something better, at least for a little while. Then the mark will fade away."

Angel's look went dry. "We're both talking about Alastor, the cannibal soul stealer, right? He's a great guy, but he's still a sinner through and through."

"Everyone has some good in them, Angel." Charlie's smile softened. "Just help him focus on his good parts for now. You always bring out his best side, after all."

Angel smiled a little and blushed. "Well, uh, heh…I can try." His swallowed. "Charlie, thank you. For what it's worth, you're the best damn demon princess hell could ask for. I'm pretty sure this place would suck on an entirely different level without you."

Charlie blushed a little and played with her hair. "Oh, well, I…"

"He's right, hun," Vaggie grinned and gave her a hug.

Angel stood up. "Well, I'll get going. I want to think a bit about the best way to help Smiles avoid sin. I'll be up in my room. See you two later." He gave a wave them headed out the door.

Vaggie released Charlie and sat on the end of her desk. "You know he didn't mean anything, right, babe? He just wanted help."

Charlie nodded. "I didn't mean to get so sensitive about the…Angel heritage thing. It's just…you know my dad already thinks I'm not…" She bit her lip, still trying to smile. "And who knows what my mom thinks, heh?" She wiped her eyes…and picked up an open letter on her desk. "And now I'm officially going to see them again for the first time since the hotel opened." The letter was an rsvp from the King and Queen themselves. "I honestly don't know if they'll be happier if I fail with the hotel or succeed - if I prove we're cut off from heaven or find a way to get closer to it." She bit her lip. "Mmm…Vaggie tell me again this wasn't a horrible idea?"

"Inviting your parents?"

"Inviting them… Having the open house… Trying to reform sinners for heaven with a hotel…." Charlie moaned, her head on her desk.

Vaggie moved closer and brushed her hand through her hair with a gentle smile. "None of this was a horrible idea. It's all an amazing, revolutionary, creative idea. And no matter what your parents think, the rest of us love this place and you."

Charlie looked up at her with a smile and wiped away some tears. She took Vaggie's hand. "Will you stay with me all night at the open house?"

"Where else would I want to be?"

Charlie blushed and giggled.

"Wanna bet Angel and Alastor stay side by side too?"

Charlie beamed. "They're so close to getting together. It's so sweet! Angel's love will bring out all the goodness in Alastor and help him heal for sure! I'm so happy for them!"

Vaggie laughed. "See, this hotel is already doing a lot of good for demons."

Charlie nodded with a determined smile. She pulled out some papers and a pen. "Well, if this party is going to be a success, I need to keep planning. We might not be able to rely on all of Alastor's powers, so I'll have to be ready to improvise for the decorating and entertainment."

"Right behind you, babe." Vaggie took a seat and got to work as well.

Alastor was sitting up in bed in his room trying little parlor tricks with his magic to see what he could manage. After all, he had nothing else to do, but he also had much more energy from all the food and his bedrest. Rather quickly, though, playing with his powers got bored. Alastor, no matter what his condition, COULD NOT abide being bored. He moved his legs over the side of the bed and summoned his microphone.

His shadow appeared, not as faint as previously, but still lacking a certain solidity. It crossed its arms and scowled at Alastor.

Alastor scowled back. "I can certainly manage a little jaunt about the hotel - perhaps even outside to the garden. Anything is better than being trapped in these four walls for countless hours. You know me - I might light the decor simply for the entertainment of the chaos!" He gripped his cane and got himself standing and steady - his body felt less tender, though his chest still stung. "See I'm stronger already. I can even dress myself. Speaking of which, a little privacy, please." He snapped his fingers and the shadow disappeared.

Indeed, one of the abilities Alastor had regained was teleporting simple items to himself as long as they were nearby, which meant that in a couple of snaps he was in his usual suit, tie, and shoes. He clung to his cane from the magic use, but then got himself straightened up once again. "All right - here we go." With a bright smile, Alastor flicked his wrist to open his door and stepped out into the hall.

He took a few steps and felt dizzy for a moment. He was a stubborn deer though, so he ignored the sensation and continued onward. A few more steps and he had one hand against the wall for extra support. A few more steps and he had to stop. His chest burned. He needed to sit down.

He recalled his new neighbor and looked up to see Angel's door. He got himself as steady as he could so he wouldn't alarm the spider and gave a quick rap to his door. "Angel, are you in?"

"Al!" There was a sound of someone stumbling and then an expletive followed by running, and then Angel whipped open the door. He was panting and wearing a loose pink t-shirt, black shorts, and pink and white socks. "What are you doing up? Are you okay? Get in here!" Angel got behind him and quickly ushered the stunned Radio Demon into his room and over to a chair as the door closed behind them. Fat Nuggets waddled over to sit beside Alastor on the floor, looking up at him. Angel took a deep breath to calm himself, then got right in front of the radio demon. "What do you need, Smiles? I'm here."

Alastor tried not to flush at the extreme show of caring. No one had ever tended to him with such fervent concern as Angel had shown for him lately, expect perhaps his mother. He tried not to wonder if he really was on Angel's mind so very constantly. Alastor gently pushed Angel back with the end of his microphone. "My arachnid friend, there's no need to panic - because nothing is the matter. I just felt like going for a stroll about the hotel, but then I thought I might knock on your door and see what you were up to instead."

Angel stared back at him then narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "You're pale, you're out of breath, and your ears were drooping when I opened the door. Care to try again with your story, Smiles? Maybe an accurate version this time?"

Alastor clenched his jaw and his smile shrank a little - Angel could also see through his colorful stories, just like his mother. He sighed. "I wanted to go for a walk because I'm abysmally bored. I made it a few steps from my door, then I realized I'm still a bit - weak. But I cannot go back to that room and be cooped up. So I knocked, and here we are."

Angel frowned a little. "I know it's boring, Al, but you really should rest even if you're feeling better,. I get it though." He smiled again. "If you want to hang out here for a bit and talk, that's cool. I'll just head into the bathroom and get cleaned up first."

It was then that Alastor took full stock of the room and noticed a new item - a rather large silver pole set into a raised base. He tilted his head. "Were you in the middle of something?"

Angel blushed a little, smiling more. "Oh, I just needed to think, and I think best when I'm working out. I was practicing some pole dancing."

Alastor's entire head filled with static for a brief moment. His eyes darted around the room before returning to Angel. "Should I depart so you can have privacy?" he asked brightly.

Angel laughed. "No, you can stay. It's not a personal thing or a sex thing. Up here in my room it's just for fun." He shrugged.

Alastor eyed the pole for a moment, opened his mouth, but hesitated. "How?" tumbled out of him before he could think better of himself.

"How what?"

"Never mind!" Alastor's smile grew to fill his whole face, and his ears stood straight up.

"No, no," Angel smirked a little, arms crossed. "You got a question - spill. Come on, Smiles - it's me." He blushed a little.

Alastor tried not to notice the blush . "Very well, but I reserve the right to regret this and to never bring it up again."

"Ooo, you haven't asked me something you might regret since the first time we cooked together when you were curious if I keep my feet covered while 'working' - so now I HAVE to know what this is."

Alastor's look was dry. He glanced to Fat Nuggets. "Your owner is incorrigible." He looked back to Angel, remaining as poised as he could. "How could one possibly dance on a pole?"

Angel tilted his head. "Okay, Al, I know you're not big on sexy stuff but…I mean…" He glanced at the poll. "You know…you just…you know!" He shrugged, blushing. "I can't describe it!"

Alastor just stared back at him, an eyebrow raised. "Is it like a prop? Like my microphone?"

"Not exactly. It's more like… a partner that doesn't move." Angel bit his lip, trying not to sound too eager. "Do you wanna see?" As static and dark symbols began to build around Alastor's head, he added, "Nothing sexy and I'll keep all my clothes on! It's just dancing, really…"

Alastor swallowed, and his head cleared. "I like dancing."

Angel beamed and clapped his hands together. He climbed up onto the platform, wrapped himself around the pole, pulled himself high with his arms, and twirled around the object as he slowly slid down. He gracefully moved into a split then got himself standing and hung off the pole with one arm, twirling around it again. Each motion was natural yet clearly crafted.

Alastor strangely felt himself slip into utter relaxation as he watched the grace of Angel. Something about the fluid movements were soothing. His chest felt good again - warm and strong. Perhaps this was the severe fatigue talking, but he imagined replacing the pole as Angel's partner, holding steady while the spider twirled about him. Alastor's tail twitched.

Angel landed on his feet with elegance and took a moment to catch his breath. "So…any notes, heh?"

"Not one. You appear to be made for the stage, mon ami."

Angel blushed but beamed - then he blinked. "Ha, I know that one! It means friend!"

A glitch of static passed between Alastor's ears. "I, er…yes, well, a common phrase used by classy performers!"

Angel climbed onto the pole again, lazily twirling with one leg stuck out. "You know, Al…if you don't want anyone to know you speak French, I'm not gonna tell 'em. You don't have to cover it up every time you slip, even if you're extra entertaining when you're flustered."

Alastor gripped his cane. "I… don't mind other knowing. But It feels too…sentimental when I slip into another tongue without thought." He considered. "But I suppose friends can be sentimental without issue."

"You can be anything you want with me, Al." Angel had climbed to the top of the pole, his back arched and legs entwined. "I like you for you, not for the fancy show."

Alastor's smile grew. He eyed Angel and tilted his head. "It must require some degree of strength to suspend yourself like that. And yet you're so…lean." He clenched his jaw.

"It's all about deep muscle strength - you know, hidden underneath all the slender curves." Angel blushed and glanced away as he removed his legs and held himself up on the pole with only his arms. "That's me - I look a little like a damsel, but I'm hiding the ability to kick anyone's ass." He laughed.

Alastor had to laugh too. "I'm quite aware considering the thrashing you gave my attackers. I'm still amazed you were able to carry me down from the tower, even in this form of mine. How DID you manage to—"

Angel pouted stubbornly and climbed higher. "I'm taking that secret to my next grave, Smiles."

Alastor chuckled and interlaced his hands on his lap. "You're quite the remarkable demon, Angel Dust."

Angel slid down the pole half way, knees bent, his back to Alastor. He tilted his head back to look at the Radio Demon upside down. "I think you're neat too, Al."

Alastor felt his face glow. Angel was back to his usual level of flirting but now it was different… Now it seemed almost sincere. And he didn't hate it. His breaths felt short and his chest felt warm on the inside but burning on the outside.

Angel did an elegant flip to land his feet on the floor once more. He sat on the base of the pole and crossed his legs. "Thanks for watching, Al. You're actually the nicest audience I've had in…ever. I mean, granted, usually my other audiences are a little riled up by the extra things I've done as part of the show but…it's nice to dance for someone who just likes seeing me dance." His hazed eyes met Alastor's.

Alastor's eyes hazed a little too. "I…really don't understand why an audience would require anything more from you than dance alone to be utterly satisfied."

"You're a real charmer." Angel brought his legs together and shifted them off to the side.

They were smiling at each other for a long moment.

Then Angel swallowed and took a deep breath. "Alastor…"

Alastor felt static building at the tips of his ears. "You so rarely call me by my full name."

"I know - I only do it when I've got something serious to say."

Alastor gripped his cane. "Oh, serious. What about?"

"Us."

Alastor felt like his insides were on fire and he couldn't decide if the experience were blissful or agonizing. He had a feeling about what Angel might want to discuss regarding the two of them, and yet he refused to admit the details in his mind. "Oh, we already know so much about you and I! Perhaps we should just - "

And then there was a knock next door.

"Hello, Alastor! It's Abel - I brought Steve from his room. He wanted to see you. I hope we're not bothering you."

Alastor tensed up and instantly his chest burned. He gripped his heart and winced.

Angel came close, frowning in concern. "Do you want me to help you back into bed and then they can see you?"

"No!" Alastor hissed, eyes wide. He kept his voice low. "I don't want them to see me in here with you and the pole and make…presumptions! Charlie and our best friends already think we're fraternizing!" Angel frowned a lot. Alastor blinked and did his best to speak more gently. "I like my privacy. Especially my privacy with you. I don't want to include others."

There was knocking again, and Alastor winced, his face glowing.

Angel's gaze softened. He kept his voice quiet, standing close to Alastor. "Can you teleport?"

Alastor shook his head, pouting with his eyes at his limitation. "Not myself! Just nearby objects. But…" He took a breath, strode forward, and touched the wall. " There's only this wall between our rooms, yes?" When Angel nodded, Alastor smiled more. "Perfect. Do you have paint? Chalk? A pen? Blood would really be best, but I'm guessing my odds are low for that."

Angel rolled his eyes with a smirk and considered. Then he dashed to his vanity and tossed a small gold tube to Alastor. "Lipstick. It's a shitty shade Val picked out for me. Let's put it to good use."

Alastor had to smile a little more as he opened the tube. He sighed at the color. "Mauve? Really what was he thinking? Pink looks best on you!" He turned to the wall - and did not see Angel blush and get a goofy smile for a moment. Alastor used the lipstick to trace a large door on the wall. He tossed down the tube, gripped his hands into fists, and narrowed his eyes - symbols swirled over his head. He cringed, his head fuzzy and his chest burning.

Angel was instantly by his side. "Al? Are you okay?"

Just when Alastor thought he couldn't handle his sensations anymore, the door glowed…and became real. He felt himself collapsing forward, breathless, but he was caught by Angel.

The spider propped him up and opened the door. He led Alastor over to the bed and set him down. He smiled as Alastor sighed in relief. "Neat Trick," Angel whispered. "Can we keep the door? So you don't need to make it again in case it comes in handy."

Wide-eyed, Alastor nodded.

"It'll be our little secret." Angel winked then disappeared back into his room. The closed door was hidden by a shadow and barely visible.

"Alastor?" Came Abel's voice. "Are you okay?"

Alastor straightened his tie, took a calming breath, put on his best smile, and flicked his wrist. The door opened revealing Abel holding up a bandaged but smiling Steve.

"A thousand pardons, my good fellows. I'm afraid I was just making myself presentable. Do come in." Alastor waved them forward.

Abel and Steve entered. Abel smiled. "You're looking a lot better, Alastor. I'm glad."

"Thank you." His gaze went to Steve. "And I'm glad to see you're well too."

Steve straightened up as best he could. His hands were bandaged and one of his ankles was casted, and he had some marks on his face. But he smiled. "Alastor. I just…thank you for—"

Alastor held up a hand. "No need for thanks. You happened to get attacked right around when I was feeling peckish. It was truly my pleasure."

Abel smiled in an understanding way, and Steve finally just nodded. "Well, I heard about what happened at your tower," he added. "And I'm so glad to see you back here and well."

"Happy to have returned!" Alastor tilted his head. "My only regret is that I won't get to hear your charming music for some time. Not only did that repulsive squid injure you, but he thrashed your saxophone. Utter philistine." He twirled his cane. "I'm afraid I can't speed your healing process, but I can do something small to facilitate the return of my melodic amusement." He snapped his fingers - and a new saxophone appeared in Abel's free arm.

Abel blinked at the new shiny item then looked to Steve.

Steve's jaw fell at the sight. He looked from the sax to Alastor and back again, tears in his eyes.

"Hmm," Alastor tilted his head again, "you seem to be in shock - that can happen after a traumatic event. Abel, perhaps you should take Steve back to his room."

Abel could barely hold back his smile as he nodded to Alastor. "Steve, come on, let's go."

Steve blinked a few times then nodded. But he spoke to Alastor once more first. "If you're gonna stick around here, Alastor, then so am I. Get ready for some jams."

"I expect nothing less - that's what the saxophone is for after all. Ha!"

Steve laughed as Abel helped him out of the room. They left and closed the door behind them.

The moment they were gone Alastor collapsed upon the bed, winded, his ears down from all of this excitement. And yet his chest didn't burn, it merely felt tender. He waved his hand just one more time. His shadow faintly appeared. "Slip under the door, to Angel's room. Tell him… I'm all talked out at the moment." His glow brightened. "But that I'll see him tonight as usual when he brings me dinner." The shadow raised an eyebrow then turned and saw the new door in the wall. It smirked very much. Alastor glared. "Go, now!"

The shadow turned and departed.

Finally some peace. A moment to calmly examine so many things that had happened.

And then there was ANOTHER knock on his door.

Alastor gritted his teeth, face down on the pillow, eyes closed. "Yes?" He tried to speak with as much of his usual charm and poise as possible, but he was spent and these people needed to stop asking so much of him and he needed to stop…wanting to give it. He pushed himself up with some effort and got sitting.

"It's Vaggie. Look, I know you're sick but…I want to talk to you. If we can't do it now, maybe…"

Alastor waved his hand to open the door. He gritted his teeth a little as he smiled. "Vagatha! A personal visit from you is rather unexpected. I know you're just delighted that I've returned safe and sound, but social demands on the infirm really should be kept to a minimum."

Vaggie frowned a little. "Are you feeling sick again? Is there anything I can get you?"

"Just some peace and quiet! I was just about to lie down for a little cat nap, as Husker might call it. Ha!" He twirled his microphone. "So I'm afraid I'll have to confer with you later - unless you want to see the utter lack of faith demons will have in this hotel if your open house fails to produce the lively radio demon you've advertised."

Vaggie scowled a little but took a breath. "That's exactly what I want to talk to you about, actually. I'll be quick." She rubbed the back of her neck and closed the door behind her. "Alastor, I know all of hell expects you to be at the open house including Charlie. And I know you want to show up like everything's fine even if…maybe some of you isn't fine. But if you can't come, it's all right - we'll figure out something. I don't know how, but…" She sighed, a hand on her forehead. "My point is, it's okay if you're not okay - okay?"

Alastor tilted his head. "My word, I really must have looked a fright the night of the attack to have won so much of your concern! But even I was in a bit of a rundown state, don't you think I could still manage small talk and a few magic tricks at a party?"

Vaggie frowned more. "At a normal party? You could probably do all that AND broadcast it all live to hell. But this is different." She took a breath. "Charlie and I know about the burn on your chest. That injury you have came from an angel weapon - it feeds on sin. You'll have to avoid temptation as much as possible and try to be good to make it heal."

"Well, I wasn't planning to murder anyone at the party. And how much sin could I get into, really? It's an open house for the hopefuls of redemption after all!" Alastor's eyes lowered - he was very tired, and not in the mood to be talked to like he had NO self-control.

Vaggie crossed her arms. "It won't be that easy." She took a breath. "Charlie's parents are officially coming to the open house. They sent an rsvp."

Alastor's smile brightened. "Ah, the stakes are even higher then! What a marvelous turn! I'm quite intrigued to see how I'll manage to brilliantly navigate this twist in the game, you know."

"Aye, idiota - listen to me!" Vaggie scowled. "Charlie's parents are…" she gripped her hands, "they are experts at inspiring sin in others."

"Not all of us are so hot-tempered,Vagatha. Why, I'm the definition of poise!"

Vaggie shook her head. "Alastor, enough with the charming radio host bit. You act like nothing gets to you, but things get to everyone. The King and Queen… I don't know how they'll react to the fact that you're helping Charlie with this hotel, but whether it's good or bad they'll dig into you just to make sure you know THEY'RE the ones in charge." She clenched her hands at her sides. "So you need to prepare to protect yourself and be calm. Find something - or someone -" she blushed a little, "you can come back to that makes you feel good. I don't want that mark of yours to feel bad and make you keel over on the dance floor, okay?"

Alastor's eyes were wide for a moment. Then his smile became quite intrigued. "The King and Queen don't care for you, do they?"

She glared but then held her head high and replied. "The only one I need to care about me is Charlie, and she does. And that kind of love conquers any sin inside me. Keep that in mind."

Alastor felt his face warm a little. "Very well, Vagatha, I'll heed your advice and prepare for the worst from the royals. But I'm sure our interactions will simply be the source of some rather marvelous and sharp-witted entertainment."

She hesitated. "So…you definitely think you're up to coming?"

Alastor nodded. "I'm afraid you couldn't keep me away from the open house if you tried."

She nodded. "Then get plenty of rest. And don't go looking for trouble. And…keep spending time with Angel. I can tell he makes you feel better." She turned to the door.

Alastor's eye twitched and he tried not to glow. "Ha! So demanding. You really are a tough nut to crack, Vagatha. I don't know why all of our chats have to be so gloomy on your end."

Vaggie glared at him over her shoulder. "Maybe because right after we met you put me in a fifties cocktail dress, slapped my ass, and sang a load of crap to my girlfriend. And then acted like everything was fine because you made jambalaya."

Alastor's ears twitched with static and he clenched his jaw. "Indeed, I suppose you're right!" He leaned a little on his cane as he eyed her. "The dress was an improvement to be sure, and my light show was spectacular. But…well, I do get carried away sometimes for the sake of the show. If I were inclined to apologies, I might even grant you one."

"That's as good as I'm going to get from you, isn't it?" Vaggie sighed, arms crossed.

Alastor took a breath. Then he used his cane to smoothly stand and walk over to her, his smile somewhere between sincere and ominous. "I apologize for my sever intrusion - and for touching you. And I will…endeavor to respect your place by Charlie's side now that I understand it better. Especially since it's clearly lacking respect from certain other powerful figures." His eyes narrowed. "I dislike poor parents more than almost anything in hell or earth."

Vaggie watched him for a moment then nodded. "Good. That's a start." She pointed past him. "Now stop showboating and get back into bed for all our sakes."

"Who am I to argue with a lady?" Alastor turned on a dime and strolled back over to the bed. "You may go now. I do need my rest."

With a sigh Vaggie departed and finally left Alastor alone. He managed to snap himself into his nightclothes then crawled under the covers. Alastor closed his eyes. And tried to think about things inside of himself that didn't feel like sin….and realized most were the strange relationships he had developed with others in this hotel, and especially with Angel.

Alastor thought they had cleared up the subject of 'us' before the radio tower attack. But if Angel wanted to revisit their relationship - if he had something more to say - Alastor wasn't sure if he felt more afraid or…something else. Something he couldn't even begin to clearly let into his head - or his heart. Memories tried to surface from the attack. Angel holding him, Angel talking to him, Angel crying over him… Sacre Ange. Alastor fell asleep, his heart very warm.

A/N:

We are SO close to something big happening, I promise! Thank you for sticking by our boys for the last of their slow burn teasing :333 And thank you for reading!

Take care!

-Azure129