A/N:

Hi everyone! It's coming in a bit late due to a blackout in my neighborhood, but here's the latest chapter : ) There'll be one more before the big open house!

Partners

Chapter 20:

Evenly Matched

Cherri and Vaggie stood by the currently shut ballroom doors, listening to the loud of indistinct voices speaking inside. Alastor and Angel were rehearsing for their open house performances, and they had insisted on privacy - only Charlie was allowed to be present. But for the last half hour it had been clear that something more complicated than rehearsal was going on - Alastor and Angel's voices kept getting louder as they spoke to each other. The details of their back-and-forth were hard to make out but a tone of challenge and tension was clear. And sometimes they heard the sound of Charlie's gentle voice trying to break through the frustrated banter, but to little avail.

Vaggie sighed, scowling. "That's it, I'm going in there. Those two are stressing her out, I just know it! Charlie hates when people fight and especially when couples fight!"

Cherri shook her head. "Hey, she's a big girl and a princess - she can handle those two drama queens. Besides, if you go in, then whatever this is will stop, and I want to see how it plays out. I just wish these damn doors weren't thick as hell!" She put her ear up against the door, scowling as she listened closely.

Vaggie sighed, resting her back against the door. "I know Charlie can handle them. But she shouldn't HAVE TO with everything else she's handling right now. Those two idiotas need to get a grip!"

"Tell me about it. Now I think they're making loud passive aggressive comments about the lighting now." She rolled her eyes. "Angie and Radio Head seriously need to bang or kiss or whatever and get it the fuck over with." She pulled her handheld two way radio out of her pocket and pressed a button on the side. "Am I right, ladies?"

"Oh, there's something so romantic about a good fight!" came Mimzy's voice through the radio.

Rosie's voice came through next. "Yes, it means they're very close to confronting their special situation. But I know Angel is just as sensitive as Alastor…and probably not used to how Alastor can be when he's upset." She sighed. "Cherri, Angel still has that little radio Alastor gave him in his room right?"

"Right by his bed."

"Perfect. Perhaps I'll dial into a frequency and check in on him."

Cherri beamed. "Ooo does that mean I give Alastor a talking to?"

"Ooo yes, Rosie, let's have her do it!" Mimzy piped up. "It'll throw him off and maybe he'll let slip some of his true feelings."

"I suppose it's a possibility," Rosie agreed. "Yes, Cherri, please do. But play nice - Alastor isn't used to having so many demons closely interfere in his life."

"Kid gloves - swear!" Cherri smirked. Then her eye widened at the sound of footsteps from the ballroom coming closer to the door. "Gotta go!" She tucked away the radio and flung herself into a casual position on the sofa as Vaggie sprinted over to Charlie's office and pretended to just be coming out.

The ballroom doors burst open, and a scowling Angel and Alastor emerged with all the pomp and circumstance of two divas butting heads. Charlie came out behind them, looking tired as she hesitantly glanced from one demon to the other. "Well, I think this afternoon was…productive! Why don't we all take some time to ourselves to relax?"

"Don't have to tell me twice." Angel turned to face directly away from Alastor and strutted over to the stairs.

Alastor's eyes narrowed and he turned on a dime away from Angel as well. "You must be a performer of clairvoyant abilities because you just read my mind, Charlotte!" He swiftly strode to his office. As Angel stomped up the stairs, Alastor slammed his office door.

At that point Charlie let out a deep sigh and leaned back against the ballroom doors. Vaggie came over to her. "Babe, why don't you sit down." She led Charlie over to the sofa as Cherri sat up and shifted to make a space for her.

Charlie collapsed onto the sofa, a hand to her forehead. "I've never seen two people fight like that. They weren't saying angry things or yelling - but each time they spoke to each other their voices got louder, and they kept finding more and more little things to disagree about. But even when they agreed they never seemed happy about it!" She frowned. "And Alastor didn't say anything but he kept adjusting his tie - I think his chest might still be hurting. And I thought Angel was going to cry at one point but then he just made a comment about how televising themselves on a big screen in the ballroom would let everyone see him, and Alastor's eyes turned to radio dials, and then there was more loud talking." She sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "I know those two are good for each other - I can feel it. But they're taking a really long way to get to where they need to be."

Vaggie stood behind the sofa, rubbing Charlie's shoulders. "They're both really passionate people, Charlie. They'll find their way. If anything, fighting like this is proof of how close they are. Only people who are in love get into heated arguments about super small things."

Charlie finally smiled a little. "You're right. Thanks, Vaggie."

Cherri grinned. "Yeah, listen to Vaggs. They're gonna be fine, and this is gonna be a great party, Charlie. Rosie and Mimzy and I have SO many plans."

Charlie glanced at Cherri with a hesitant smile. "Just…don't push them too hard."

"Eh we'll see what happens." Cherri countered with a shrug. "Anyway, uh…look it's my turn today to get lunch together for Radio Head. Why don't you guys go for a walk or something, get some fresh air, pick out matching outfits for the party or whatever it is sappy couples do together before a big night?"

Vaggie sighed and crossed her arms. "Why do you want us out of here?"

"Wow, finally catching on to me when I've got an agenda, huh?" Cherri smirked. "Don't worry, it's nothing sinful. I want you gone because if Rosie and I don't matchmake in private, our guys tend to get a little flustered and shut down about the whole thing." She rolled her eye. Also…you two are okay demons, and I give a shit if you have some time to yourselves. No big deal."

"Aww, thank you, Cherri!" Charlie took Cherri's hand in both of hers, smiling brightly. "You're a good new friend too."

"Yeah, having you around here hasn't been nearly as destructive as I thought it would be," Vaggie added with a grin.

Cherri scowled and removed her hand from Charlie's. "Hey, first of all, I take offense at that comment. Second, ugh, stop getting all sentimental and just take the option for some time together, you two crazy kids." She stood up and ushered them to the door and opened it as Vaggie and Charlie laughed.

Vaggie took Charlie's hand. "Come on, babe, let's go get a milkshake or something."

"Can we get one with two straws?" Charlie blushed, looking up at her hopefully.

Vaggie blushed too and nodded. "Siempre. Let's go." They headed outside.

"My only consolation at this point is that there is no way Radio Head and Angie will be this sappy!" Cherri called out to them as she shut the door behind them.

Then she turned her sights to her goal - the door to Alastor's office. Normally Cherri did not ask permission before entering any place. But since she was dealing with an overlord who could probably rip her in half on a reflex if he was startled, she swallowed her pride and knocked.

"No visitors!" met her ears in a scary static-filled voice.

"Yeah, I'm not a visitor - I'm the best friend of your special guy buddy - Angel. When I want to talk, we talk. Don't make me dynamite down the door, Radio Head. I'll do it with no regrets."

There was silence for a moment. And then the door opened slightly. "Why Cherri, what a pleasant surprise…" came Alastor's normal voice, but in a tone that sounded more weary and annoyed than pleasant or surprised.

Thankfully, Cherri had never given a fuck about other people's opinions of her or her actions. She whipped open the door, closed it behind her, and strode right in, hands on her hips.

Alastor was sitting behind his desk, eyelids heavy like he could use a good nap. His tone was dry. "And how can I assist you? Dispatch a violent demon on your trail? Restore a precious item you've lost? Tip you handsomely for a bottle of wine? Sponsor some lunatic scheme of yours? Take you into my service? Or just simply decide to be your friend? I appear to be 'open for business' for everyone here - you're the only one left who hasn't taken full advantage."

Cherri rolled her eye. "Yeah, and let's keep it that way. I can take care of myself - I don't need your money or your powers, the only valuables I have are explosives and those get blown up anyway, and I've already got the best friend in the world - Angie. Speaking of which—"

Alastor opened his mouth to cut her off.

Cherri leaned over his desk, cutting him off instead. "Don't forget, I was there at the tower - I watched him cradle you in his arms and hug you close all the way back to this damn hotel. And I watched you specifically only let him touch you like there was no one else in the world you could possibly want."

Alastor's eyes widened and his mouth abruptly closed.

Cherri grabbed the chair in front of his desk, spun it around so the back was facing him, then took a seat with her legs straddling the chair back and her arms resting on top. "You're both acting like asses. Right now it's just a question of who's going to be the first one to stop." Her look softened. "And you look like you could use a break, all things considered."

Alastor gripped his hand on the desk, his smile tight. "I am fine."

"Put on the show for someone polite enough to pretend to fall for it. Not ME." Cherri's look was firm. "I just got one thing to say, and then I'll go. Something I've never said about anyone - something I never thought anyone would make me want to say." Alastor raised an eyebrow. She scowled. "You're good enough for my Angie." Cherri stood. "There, now you know it and I know it - so do something about it. While you think it through, I'll get your lunch and leave the cart outside." Then she stood up and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Alastor was left in silence. He didn't move for several minutes. And when he did move, it was to snap his fingers and teleport a bottle of wine to himself from his cabinet. He uncorked it, poured a large glass, and drank deeply, his brow furrowed.

Upstairs, Angel had been stomping around his room, moving clothing and furniture for no reason until he finally collapsed on his bed, breathing heavily. He needed something to take the edge off of how he was feeling. Not drugs - drugs were for when he didn't want to feel anything at all. No, what he could really use, he realized, was sex - not some emotional romantic expression, but a chance to burn off all this energy in a fully aware and active oblivion. He was just so restless, and Alastor could be such a stubborn jerk.

Then the little pink radio on his nightstand crackled to life. "Angel Dust, dear?" Angel blinked at the sound of Rosie's voice. "I don't mean to intrude. Are you available?"

Angel got up and scrambled over to the radio. "Uh yeah - hey, Rosie. Is everything okay?"

"Stupendous actually." There was a smile in her voice. "I just finished tailoring the dresses for Mimzy and I for your open house. We're looking forward to seeing you again."

Angel smiled a little. "I'm looking forward to seeing you guys again too. I'm really happy you're doing better, Rosie."

"Thank you, Angel." She took a breath. "Angel dear…"

"This is about Alastor, isn't it?"

"Clever boy - I don't mean to pry but how are you doing in relation to one another?"

Angel pouted and crossed his arms. "We could be better…"

Rosie sighed. "You tried talking to him and he pushed you away, didn't he?"

"Maybe." Angel slouched and shrugged, frowning a little.

"I thought he might." She considered. "Angel… I respect Alastor's privacy too much to go into detail. But I need you to understand, and I suspect you can: he is a young man in pain. If he avoids you, it's not for his sake but yours. Whenever he cares, he hides himself away: the risk of doing otherwise is too great to him."

Angel's look had softened. "I…I get it. I just…wish he liked me more than he was afraid of me or us or whatever…"

"He does, Angel dear. He just hasn't admitted it to himself yet. But he will. I know it's hard, but please keep at him."

Angel almost laughed. "If there's one thing I can do, it's be a persistent son of a bitch who does't take a hint."

"You're a good boy, Angel. And a good match for Alastor. I think you two will be very happy with each other soon."

Angel sniffed and wiped at one of his eyes, "Yeah, well, here's hoping." He cleared his throat. "And hey speaking of couples, congrats on you and Mimzy." He smirked. "Cherri told me some things."

Rosie laughed. "Oh, Mimzy and I have always had a casual relationship. Nearly perishing together while battling overlords merely made us decide not to beat around the bush anymore. We'd rather be exclusive and serious for whatever time we have here in hell remaining to us."

"I definitely get it." He sighed. "Thanks for checking in, Rosie."

"Any time dear. You take care now. Go do something fun to cheer yourself up."

"I'll try. See ya soon."

"Good day, Angel."

The radio clicked off.

Angel looked around the room. He was still antsy and in need of an activity. Then he saw a small pile of clothes move and realized Fat Nuggets was walking around beneath it. Laughing, he got up and freed the little pig. "Hey, Nuggs! How's about we do bath time? You always have fun in the tub. We'll get you cleaned up and not think at all about grumpy sexy Alastor, right?"

Fat Nuggets walked in a circle then tilted his head.

Angel scooped him up. "You're too cute - it's absolutely unfair to everything else in hell. Come on, baby." Smiling, Angel headed into the bathroom with Nuggets.

The day had been challenging, and so Angel was in the mood for a night cap before bed to relax. Also, a quick trip to the bar might let him run into Alastor and check up on the stubborn overlord. Angel hadn't heard any sounds from next door, so he assumed Alastor was still grumbling in his office. But maybe if he heard Angel at the bar, he would come out to the bar too and they could talk. And if not, Angel could at least gripe to Husk.

When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he was surprised to hear the tones of Alastor's voice speaking loudly with laughter. He reached the lobby and turned toward the bar and was met with an unusual sight - Husk behind the bar with a panicked look, many empty bottles on the counter, and Alastor gesturing widely and laughing with abandon.

Suddenly Husk's eyes met Angel's - the cat's eyes widened and he shook his head. But Alastor saw the motion and turned around to see what the bartender was looking at. Or, he tried to turn around on the stool but ended up spinning around a few times and nearly falling to the floor. "What cat has got your cat tongue, Husker? Ha!" Alastor slurred as he braced himself against the bar - his bow tie was askew and his hair was a mussed and his monocle was swinging from his collar. He finally set his sights on Angel. "Oh, the bitsy itsy spider!" Then he pouted. "We're still fighting but not fighting - don't think I forgot!" He hiccuped.

Angel's jaw fell. "You're crocked!"

"No, I'm Alastor!" He set off his laugh track.

Angel brought a hand to his mouth, trying very hard not to laugh. He looked to Husk. "Husk, how much did you serve him?"

"Me? He served himself! He pre-gamed on wine in his office, and then I came out here and found him raiding the bar!" Husk threw up his arms with a scowl. "I don't serve him EVER! Why do you think I only brought him sarsaparilla when he was laid up? Fucker can't hold his liquor for shit. And now I've got this mess to deal with!"

Husk pointed at Alastor who was trying really hard to spin his microphone cane in one hand until he suddenly fell off the stool and dropped to the floor. "DEAL with!" He burst into laughter. "It's funny, because you and I made a deal, and now you're a confined kitty!

Husk glared down at him. "I will fucking feed you to hell hounds if you call me that again."

Alastor hissed and his eyes became radio dials. "No dogs!" Then he grinned normally and pulled himself half way standing using the stool. "You're still mad at me about the casino…" His eyes hazed. "If you'd kept your eyes on the cards when they were on me, and on me when they were on the cards, we wouldn't be here right now! But we are here! Isn't fate a fickle mistress! Husker, sing with me!" He grabbed Husk around the shoulders and pulled him close and opened his mouth.

Husk quickly shoved the end of an empty bottle into it. "I'm going to make you coffee and then make myself a drink to cope. Because however much of a manic nightmare you are tonight, I know hungover you is going to be miserable torture in the morning. Now get off!" He pushed off Alastor, his fur and wings bristling.

Alastor wobbled on his stool then turned and stared at Angel. His eyes hazed. "Oh hello again, ma cher - you're still here." His eyes narrowed. "Of course you are. Just when I get you out of my head you come strolling into the room!"

Angel flushed a little. "Uh…hi to you too?" He shook his head to clear it then came over. "Glad it looks like you're having fun, Smiles. But you know, sometimes fun can be too much fun. So…maybe we give the bar a rest, huh?"

"Never!" Alastor held his head up and raised a finger high. "Fun is entertainment and entertainment can never be too much! Neither can fine spirits! Spirts drinking spirits, ha! Where is my microphone? Oh, it's in my other hand! Testing, testing - un, deux, trois!" He smirked at Angel, leaning in close. "I'm a performer you know!" He winked.

Husk dragged a hand down his face and Angel couldn't help a little smile. Husk sighed. "Do not bring up any of this in the morning - he will have a fit."

Angel snorted through his nose and nodded. Then he sat down next to Alastor. "I know you're a performer, and a very good one, Smiles. The best in hell!"

"And I don't need to be on a giant screen to prove it!" He glared at Angel.

"You're right, you're right - I'm sorry I suggested that for the party." Angel rubbed the back off his neck with a sheepish smile.

"Hmph!" Alastor crossed his arms. "Yes, I will not debase myself to the level of Vox. Vox who thinks he's just going to be our party after everything he's done. Overrated, degenerate, digital bastard!"

Angel blinked. "Whoa, cursing. Okay now I know you need to be cut off, Al - working blue isn't your schtick. "

Alastor narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me what to do just because you know I listen to you…" Then he smiled brightly again. "Instead let's have a drink! Drinks all around!" He threw up his arms and spun on his stool. "I'll get us some!" He whispered very loudly to Angel. "Husker is stingy!" Then he dove behind the bar.

Angel, amazed once again, blinked and turned to Husk. "Husk, seriously, why aren't you stopping him? He barely has his powers back - he can't be that hard to manage!"

"Because I've got another problem!" Husk pouted. "While I was trying to get a handle on him earlier…" He bent down and picked up a familiar little demoness clutching a bottle, "Niffty got into the schnapps!"

"Hi!" Niffty's eye was hazed and she snuggled the bottle. "This one's peach and I love it!"

Husk groaned and set her down on the counter. "Give me that!" He got the bottle from her hands. "You know you feel sick after you drink! I can't take care of wasted you AND wasted Alastor!"

Alastor popped up behind the bar with two glasses in one hand and his microphone held upside down in the other hand. "Why are all the fresh bottles gone!"

"Because you either drank or broke all of them!" Husk yelled.

Angel sighed and stood up at the sight. "Husk, you help Niffty. I'll wrangle Alastor. I mean, if wounded and feral him will let me do it, drunk him should too, right?"

Husk turned back to Niffty and picked her up again. She put out her arms like she was flying. Husk sighed. "Just get him to his office. He'll kill himself trying to walk upstairs and I don't trust him to teleport like this - he could end up Lucifer's lap for all we know. I'll bring him some water and a bucket after I get this one full of hot chocolate and put to bed." Niffty turned blew a raspberry in Husk's face with a bright grin. Angel swore he almost saw Husk's frown twitch into something close to a smile. But then the bar cat cleared his throat and propped her up in one arm. "Good luck with the drunk, deer." He headed out from behind the bar and past the kitchen to the small rooms Alastor had created for himself and Niffty.

Angel turned to Alastor, who was trying very hard to find the coordination to snap his fingers. Finally he managed a snap, a bottle of liquor appeared in the air… "I did it!" And then it instantly crashed to the floor. "Ha! I guess that's the way the cognac crumbles!"

"Wow, drunk you goes all in for the corny jokes." Angel sighed. "Say, since the bar is closed, why don't we go to your office? There's wine there - maybe, depending on how many bottles deep you got before you came out here."

"WE? I can get there myself! You'll see!" Alastor pulled away from him and held his head high, pouting through his smile. He wobbled on his feet but managed a few steps, then collapsed up against the door, he face planted into the wood.

Angel came forward and put his hand on the handle. "Great, good job. I'll take it from here and open the door for you…"

"I don't need you!" Alastor's eyes became radio dials and his voice became distorted. One hand clutched his chest but his angry look didn't waver.

"Okay, okay!" Angel held up his hands frowning. "Shit - I've met happy drunks and angry drunks but never drunks that flip-flop."

"This is all your fault.." Alastor's eyes became normal as he fumbled with the handle and finally got the door open.

"Oh yeah, I'M the one who liquored you up…"

"You…" Alastor gritted his teeth and paused, balancing against the door frame. He closed his eyes and chuckled quietly. "You know exactly what you have been doing. And what you haven't been doing."

Angel frowned and rubbed the bridge of his nose as he headed into the office and pulled Alastor's cane along to guide Alastor inside as well. "Al, I'm not getting into a drunk fight with you right now - mostly because that doesn't sound fun unless I'm drunk too. We'll talk in the morning when you'll actually remember what we say."

Alastor slammed the door behind them with a grin. "You aren't drunk - yes, that's the problem! We should get you drinks! You'll have more fun and smile and forget everything that made you mad at me!"

Angel blinked. "I'm not mad at you, Al. I just…" He shook his head. "Look, like I said, I don't want to talk when you're like this."

He hiccuped, ignoring Angel. "We should have a toast. Remember the night we shared wine in my office? After I got you out of that nasty night of working for Valentino? That was…" He sighed. "That was the start of everything. Let's go back to that - when things were simple but new." He shook his head. "Even my shadow realized…"

Angel blushed and tried to ignore what Alastor might be saying. He crossed his arms. "Speaking of your shadow, could I see him for a sec? Is he sober? Maybe he can handle you better than I can right now."

Alastor giggled and collapsed to sit sprawled on the small sofa near the window. "He - hic - can't come out when I'm inebru—inebubri—inebriap—drunk! Ha! It's just me." He gestured to himself with his thumb. "All alone except for you." He pointed at Angel.

Angel blushed a little again. "Okay, well… I guess Husk'll be able to take care of everything soon. Find you a blanket or something if you're gonna spend the night in here."

"You're leaving?"

The question was asked with such sudden seriousness and sobriety and worry that Angel paused. "I…" he tried to smile, "not yet - not until Husk gets here at least. You need to rest, Al. Sleep it off. I've never seen you like this, and I got a feeling you don't often get like this." He frowned. "I hope stuff between us… didn't make you want to get like this."

Alastor's smile was small. "I knew you'd leave at some point… You need to. And yet…"

Angel's eyes widened. Alastor's eyes were shining, like they had tears.

Angel sat beside him. "Al? Hey, it's okay…"

And then Alastor lowered his head so Angel couldn't see his face anymore. "It was never okay. But for a moment in eternity it seemed like perhaps… But no. No, no, no… If you don't leave now you'll indeed leave soon enough. And you're so good, Angel… Sacre Ange. Here to repent so one day you can leave all the way…while I'll stay in the dark where I belong." He laughed - quiet and hollow. "Family, you said. But you and I could never be family… I won't let you."

Before Angel could say anything to comfort his friend, Alastor moved closer and put his arms around Angel awkwardly, his head against Angel's chest - against his heart. Angel felt wetness - those tears in Alastor's eyes were spilling, and Angel felt tears in his own eyes too.

Alastor's voice cracked. "I am the worst sinner - I have done things… And I want you to go, but I crave for you to stay. Yet who could deny you heaven? Who am I to mire you in hell?"

Angel didn't know what to say. "Alastor, you…you really don't have to worry about…"

"When you go, just please don't tell her about me. That's all I ask."

Angel just lightly held Alastor's shoulders as his own tears fell. "Tell who about you?"

Alastor felt cold in Angel's arms. "My mother. When you see her in heaven, don't tell her all I've done. Tell her I don't exist and you've never heard of me. Please…" He sniffed. "She would be afraid of me."

Angel shook his head, more tears falling. "I won't…I mean I will…I mean, we don't even know if…" But now wasn't the time to debate about whether or not redemption could happen. "I won't let your Ma be afraid of you, Alastor. I promise. And I'll never be afraid of you either."

"Thank you…" Alastor whispered. "But you should be…" There was some faint static. And then Alastor was very still.

Angel glanced down and tilted up his face slightly. The deer demon was asleep, breathing lightly. Angel cradled his face. "We're both so messed up inside, aren't we, Alastor? But right now I think you need more help than I do. It's really gonna be okay - I promise." He rested his forehead against Alastor's for a moment. Then he picked up Alastor in his arms.

Husk came in with some water and a bucket and a blanket. Angel made his extra arms appear and put a finger to his lips then took everything in his extra hands and carried all of it and Alastor to the stairs while Husk looked on then finally sighed and went to clean up the bar.

Angel got Alastor upstairs and into his room by using the secret door between their rooms. Then he laid the radio demon in bed, covered him with a blanket, put his monocle on the nightstand and dimmed the lights. He noticed that Alastor even smiled in his sleep, but it was a tight and unnatural smile, and his brow was furrowed deeply. He clung to a pillow.

Angel sat on the edge of the bed and watched him for a little while and then finally went to his own room. But he left the secret door open. He couldn't leave Alastor completely alone, not after what had just happened. Somehow that stubborn deer needed him, and he was going to be there every time.

A/N:

Thank you for reading and for reviewing if you can! A big moment happens next chapter, and then we get to the drama of the open house : )

Take care!

-Azure129