A/N:

Hi everyone! This chapter is a big moment for Angel, and a big turning point for him and Alastor - I hope you enjoy it!

Partners

Chapter 21:

The Bare Truth

The dark radio tower, his body grown out of proportion, the smell of blood in the air, voices whispering in the dark…and then one voice whispering right next to him - Angel. Angel, who at the hotel had agreed there was nothing more between them than friendship, and yet as here with him now. Footsteps coming close then a loud sound and Angel's hard face illuminated by a quick flash of light, then the smell of gun powder and yells, and the footsteps leaving. Angel's arms holding him…not back at the tower, but more recently, down in his office. The feeling of clinging to Angel's chest as his head swam and parts of the truth came out. Hot tears falling against soft white fur. Words he couldn't take back no matter what, and yet he still hadn't said everything…

Alastor woke up. And though he had definitely felt worse last week when he had regained consciousness after the battle at the radio tower, he was still very much not at his best. His head throbbed and his stomach churned and his chest was sore. He wanted to sleep alone in the dark for as long as possible. But he knew the others would come check on him if he didn't appear soon. He needed someone to make his excuses and to help him. He managed a weak snap of his fingers.

His shadow appeared, almost back to its full color. The shadow crossed its arms and glared down at Alastor.

"I know… Alcohol and Alastor have never agreed…" Alastor said through gritted teeth. "Never mind that. Get Husk - now!"

Still scowling the shadow disappeared through the floor. Alastor gripped the bed with both hands to steady himself as the room insisted on appearing to spin around him.

A few moments later his door opened and he heard Husk's familiar grumbling voice. "Well, well, well… Regretting those last few bottles of bourbon now, huh?"

"Shut…up!" came Alastor's cracked voice as he sat up as best he could and turned to face Husk. He felt his hair and clothes were both askew and covered in a cold sweat, but he was too exhausted to even attempt to fix himself up right now. "Why didn't you stop me last night?"

Husk glared at him. "No one stops you when you get an idea into your damn head. And I was busy trying to stop Niffty too - I've been up with her half the night! She wanted to drink with you so you wouldn't feel lonely. Now she's shot and her head's pounding. And guess who has to cover all her cleaning work!"

Alastor swallowed, his smile shrinking a little. "Thank you for assisting her." He cleared his throat. "I require coffee please."

"Yeah, I'll get you a refill, and water too." Husk went over to the nightstand.

Alastor now noticed the empty coffee mug and water glass. "Who brought…"

"Who do you think, you unhinged ass?"

Alastor cringed a little. Flashes of last night came back again…things he had said and done and admitted at his lowest point. He brought a hand to his forehead."Please tell me Angel merely brought up refreshments when I was sleeping as a courtesy. Please tell me I didn't really…"

"Didn't really, what? Act like a peppy flirty drunk to him at the bar and make him drag you to your office then have some big emotional moment with him that made him carry you up here and take care of you last night? Yeah, no, you did. In fact, I think that's becoming your favorite way to interact with him."

Some faint static passed between Alastor's ears. "Shut up!" He yelled again. Then he closed his eyes, dizzy for a moment. "Keep him distracted. Do not let him see me like this. Do not let any of them see me like this. Tell them…I'm resting up for the party."

Husk sighed and shook his head. "So you're really just gonna avoid Angel Dust…forever…while you're living in the same place together?"

"I have every right to try." Alastor cleaned off his monocle and popped it back over his eye. "And you have full freedom to NOT comment on the subject again."

"Hey, I'll keep commenting on it as long as it keeps making my life hell!" Husk replied, heading to the door with the empty cups. "And I don't know exactly what you shared with Angel last night, but whatever it was I think you're officially in too deep, pal. That spider isn't going to give up no matter how much you try and shake him off." He shot Alastor a stern look then headed out the door. It closed behind him.

Alastor sat up against his pillows. He wanted to eat to regain energy but his stomach churned. He picked up the radio on his nightstand and played with some dials - it crackled to life.

"Hello?" came Rosie's voice from the other end. "Alastor?"

"Good morning, ladies."

"Good MORNING?" Mimzy asked. "Alastor it's 1pm!"

Alastor cringed. "Yes, well, I had a late night."

Rosie's tone became firmer. "Hmm, your speech and voice aren't quite as crisp as usual. That only happens from one thing. Alastor, tell me you didn't…"

"Oh Alastor," Mimzy tisked, "you know moonshine makes you not yourself."

Alastor sighed. "Very well, yes, I got utterly smashed last night and then apparently had a very big talk with Angel about a lot of emotional things…"

"…ALL of the emotional things?" Rosie asked carefully.

Alastor felt his face warm. "I may have managed to avoid the biggest thing. But still too much was shared." He cleared his throat. "It will be a while before my tower is fully rebuilt. I would like to…reside with you two for the time being. It's better if I'm not stationed at the hotel."

"Absolutely not," Rosie replied calmly without missing a beat.

Alastor blinked.

She went on. "You are hurting yourself and that sweet boy by running away from this situation. I will not help you prolong your suffering. You are staying at that hotel, Alastor, and you are facing the truth. Afterwards if you need some time to yourself, you're quite welcome to come here. But for now you are to remain put."

Alastor scowled and pouted. "I could always leave and get a room at a real hotel."

"And I could always rent a room for Angel at the exact same place," she quipped firmly. "Eternity is no place for games, Alastor. You have to get back to taking proper care of yourself, and the first step is to come clean with your new special friend."

"I'm with Rosie on this one," Mimzy added. "Alastor, we love you but…we're only here to enable your cannibalism and homicidal tendencies, not your fear of commitment and intimacy."

Alastor clenched his jaw but then let out a deep breath. "If I speak with him before the party, then afterwards may I come to stay with you two if I'm still inclined"

"Of course! We'd love it!" Rosie assured brightly.

"We've missed you!" Mimzy added.

"Very well." Alastor's ears went down, his eyes hazed in fatigue. "I need to go now. I can't have any sort of discussion with anyone in the state I'm in." He glanced down at himself - he both looked and felt like a mess. "I'll see you ladies at the party tomorrow."

"Looking forward to it - Rosie and Mimzy over and out!" Rosie replied, and then the radio went silent.

Alastor gradually swung his legs over the side of the bed and got standing. His shadow appeared. Alastor's eyes narrowed. "However much it pains me to say it, I believe I need a proper bath. Not a quick hosing-off like I got the night of the attack. I must shed the effects of my actions last night before I proceed with whatever I might do next." His eyes narrowed. "Lock my room door and stand guard at my door to Angel's room. I do not like being disturbed during ablutions."

The shadow nodded and went to its tasks.

Alastor took a slightly crooked walk to the bathroom and closed the door behind him. Running water was soon heard followed by some radio-like sounds and singing that was quickly covered up by the water getting louder.

Niffty was doing better - she was sitting in a small rocking chair Alastor had conjured for her and doing some knitting while sipping of hot chocolate. She always forgot how drinking made her feel. Husk had been nice to take such good care of her. He took good care of Alastor too. And he was even helping with her cleaning for the day. She decided she would make it up to him by making sure he had a really good time at the open house. Even if he had chosen to just be the bartender, she would still help him have a special evening. That's what best friends were for. And if this place had worked the miracle of bringing Alastor and Angel Dust together, there was no telling all the amazing things it could do for the rest of them.

"Did Alastor and Angel get drunk last night?!" Vaggie scowled at Cherri Bomb across the ballroom. Charlie blinked and paused in the middle of hanging up a decoration to look to Cherri too. Angel had been planning to decorate with them but at the last minute Cherri had showed up to take his place.

Cherri, sitting on a table she had just set up and texting, raised her eyebrow and looked at Vaggie. "Uh…no…."

Vaggie narrowed her eyes.

Cherri's look went dry. "Why are you even asking?"

"Oh please." Vaggie pointed in the direction of the lobby. "Both of them mysteriously never come downstairs all morning, and almost all the bar's bottles are empty, and last night Charlie and I heard a lot of commotion in the hallway below ours." She blinked and blushed. "Oh lord, the two of them didn't get drunk and then…you know…"

Cherri snorted. " 'You know?' What the hell are we, twelve?"

"Cherri…" Charlie spoke, frowning and blushing as well. "Are they okay? That's the most important thing."

Cherri sighed and finally nodded. "Yeah, yeah… And for the record only Radio Head got wasted. And no one did 'you know' as for as I know. Angel found him hammered and put him to bed upstairs. But, uh…I think Alastor might of said some private things to Angel. And Angie just needs a little time to process. As for Radio Head - I'm assuming he's hungover as hell. I do not envy Husk dealing with him and Niffty."

"Niffty?" Vaggie blinked then held out her arms. "Okay, that's it, all the alcohol is going in a cabinet and we're getting a lock."

Cherri snorted. "Good luck. Angie can pick any lock. He's half way to cracking the one to Radio Head's pants, and I feel like that's saying something."

Charlie blushed a lot as Vaggie sighed deeply. The princess turned to her girlfriend and cleared her throat, eager to change the subject. "Vaggie, we'll just have a talk with Alastor about moderation. But I'm sure it was just a one time thing - he's been under a lot of stress lately." She looked to Cherri again. "I'm not sure if you're texting Angel right now, but tell him to take all the time he needs. We understand he's been through a lot lately too."

Cherri smiled a little. "I'll make sure he gets the message." She went back to her phone.

Charlie turned back to Vaggie, her voice lower. "I'm sure everything will be fine for the party…right?" She quickly wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "I mean, I know everyone's going to do their part and do their best. I just…whoo, I think it's really hitting me that I'll be seeing my parents in 24 hours. If anything, I should probably be the one getting a drink, heh…"

Vaggie smiled gently and cupped Charlie's cheek in her hand. "Hey, there's nothing to worry about. It's going to be okay. Because remember, no matter what anyone else has going on that night, I'm going to be next to you holding your hand." She interlaced her fingers with Charlie's.

Charlie smiled more and gave her a big hug.

Cherri snorted with laughter and shook her head. "This hotel is going to end up being goofy romantic hook up central with you two leading it." Charlie and Vaggie separated, smiling a lot and blushing. Cherri put away her phone and grabbed some candles to put out on the tables. "And hey, also remember you've got me for backup tomorrow night. Once Rosie and I get Alastor and Angel near each other, I'm all yours as a bouncer and crowd control. We'll impress the fuck out of your uppity parents. And if Val, Vox, or Vel try anything, I'll set off a flash bomb, blow them right out the door, then say it was all part of the show."

Vaggie grinned and sighed. "Thanks, Cherri.

Charlie laughed. "Hopefully it won't come to that though, and we can all just have a good night."

"That IS my idea of a good night," Cherri assured with a smirk.

Charlie smiled more and looked to Vaggie again. "Whatever happens, I'm ready."

"Me too." Vaggie winked.

They shared a brief peck while Cherri snickered in the background and then the ladies went back to making the ballroom dazzle.

Angel was sitting on the roof, drinking a mug of warm milk with a little espresso and melted chocolate. It was a drink his mother had made him in life - something comforting and safe. After all of the drama with Alastor last night he wasn't in the mood for alcohol, and he didn't want the oblivion of drugs, and he was even too exhausted to think about working out his feelings with sex. He just needed something to ground himself. Something that reminded him of being loved. He smiled a little. He knew Alastor would be up soon. He also knew the deer would probably need some time to not feel like a wreck. But he wanted to talk to him today. No more hints or suggestions or meaningful looks without words. He was going to tell Alastor how he felt - simply, clearly, and neatly. And then he would wait for Alastor to respond with how he felt. And they would go from there.

Angel's heart was pounding. He drank more of the more milk mixture, closed his eyes, and imagined that man dancing with him at the open house - holding close and never letting go. Whether redemption was real or not, Angel could more than stand eternity here if Alastor was by his side.

Alastor was back in bed soon enough, clean and in a fresh change of clothes - even his hair had some extra lightness to it from a good washing. Though he did not care for baths, he did feel better now and his head felt clearer. His chest still ached though - and that burn was still dark at the edges and glowing.

For now he was preoccupied with sitting on the edge of his bed staring at the door between his room and Angel's, willing himself go through it to see or wait for the spider. Rosie and Mimzy and Husker were right unfortunately - he couldn't avoid Angel forever. He had to get this over with. He had to tell Angel that he simply could have nothing intimate to do with the spider or anyone else. And that would be the end of that.

Alastor cringed and his chest stung. He clenched his jaw. "I don't care if it kills me, I cannot pursue this!"

His shadow appeared, arms crossed, eyeing him. Alastor looked up at his dark companion. "And don't you say anything! I'm not the only one around here who gave him liberties and let this predicament persist for far too long just because we were having a fun time!" Alastor clenched his hands and stood up, his eyes glowing red radio dials and electric sparks coming off of his ears, his voice full of static. "I will not be controlled by my heart! I am a sinner, not a lover! That is FINAL!"

Alastor's eyes went black for a moment.

And then he collapsed to the bed and screamed - not a human scream, but something that sounded more like microphone feedback loud enough to crack his mirror and send his water glass topping to the floor.

The pain was so intense he didn't comprehend at first that someone was holding him. And then he realized somehow Angel had gotten into the room. "A-Ang…" He gasped, clutching his burning chest.

"Alastor, shit!" Angel made all six of his arms appear. "Open the shirt, let me see…"

Alastor hissed.

"Damnit!, Al - just the top!" Angel was firm. "I can't help if I can't see the problem!"

Alastor hesitated for a moment - the pain had gone from mind-numbing to just barely bearable. He flushed, fumbled with the buttons, then finally released his arms at his sides and nodded to Angel to do it.

Angel got the top of the shirt open swiftly.

Alastor's breaths were shallow. "How did you get in here?"

"Window." Angel frowned at the sight of the burn.

Alastor decided not to look. He felt self conscious enough. "But how in the world…"

"Conversation for another time, Smiles. Spiders know how to scale buildings, and when I heard you, I got here - let's leave it at that." Angel sighed and put a pillow under Alastor's head. He stood up. "I know it might not work too good on that burn but I'm gonna put some of that salve I made on it - the one I used on you after the tower. Smells like hell but helps everything. Don't move, okay? Let that burn breathe a little - it looks like it's on fire."

Alastor barely nodded. He felt himself flush more at lying there with part of his chest exposed. He tried to cross his arms to cover himself up but couldn't manage the movement without pain.

Angel noticed. He smiled a little. "I'll be right back. Just try to relax." He went into the bathroom and emerged a few moments later. Alastor was looking away from him, still feeling embarrassed. "Hey, Al? I hope you don't mind but I made myself a little more comfortable. Also now we both got something to be embarrassed about so you don't have to deal with it alone."

Alastor blinked and glanced over. His eyes widened.

Angel had removed his socks.

The spiders legs were long and shapely and swirled with pink over white. And at the end were little rounded feet each with two pink nails. Angel swallowed, looking sheepish. Then he cleared his throat and sat on the edge of the bed with the little jar of cream.

Alastor swallowed. "Are…you going to put it on me yourself?"

"Not if you don't want me to," Angel replied gently. "Here, I'll open the jar and you can do it yourself. There's some mint in there that'll cool your skin."

Alastor took some. His nose wrinkled. But then he smiled a little more. "Mother always said home remedies that smell the worst do work the best." He blinked and looked away from Angel again then placed the substance against his heart. His skin felt better but something in his chest still ached.

"Did you…do something with your hair?"

Alastor raised an eyebrow, pretending to be utterly occupied with tending to his wound. "I…merely gave it a good washing. It was necessary after last night. Usually I just use oils to keep it presentable and I suppose they flatten it out a bit."

"I like it both ways. It does look softer now though."

"Your...legs look soft too." Alastor closed his eyes tried to ignore the fast beats he felt in his chest and the thought of how soft all of Angel's hair and fur always looked. He took a few calming breaths then removed his hand from the burn and gradually sat up. "Er, my apologies for startling you, Angel…and for my inexcusable behavior last night." he cleared his throat. "I suppose my alcoholic activities made me prone to a small relapse just now. I don't mean to burden you after everything you've already done for me. And I'm feeling much better now."

"You're never a burden, Al," Angel replied softly. Alastor felt like the room was getting warmer. Angel went on. "Are you sure you're feeling better though? If there's anything I can do for you, Alastor, I'm here." Angel's eyes met his.

Alastor swallowed and ignored the little twitch that went through is tail. "You can let me go…"

Angel blinked.

The Radio Demon quickly went on. "Let me go out without telling the others. Embracing an alternative to sin to fix this wound simply won't work for me. I'm far too evil of a person, Angel. But the one thing I think might work is if I hunt down a fresh, live meal. True cannibalism boosts my power incredibly. One good kill and I'll be back to normal and able to be everything everyone here needs for tomorrow."

Angel held up his hands. "Whoa, whoa, you just collapsed in pain, Smiles! You can't go out in the streets and make a move on whatever thug you find who looks tasty. And if anything, MURDER - big sin - is going to make that mark WORSE!"

"I can handle myself!" Alastor narrowed his eyes.

"Oh yeah, then prove it!"

"Excuse me?"

Angel scowled. "You want to go out and get yourself killed in the street? Fine - but first you got to prove you can handle yourself. Fight me and win, and I'll believe you can fight against another demon."

Alastor scoffed. "Are you serious?"

"Sure! Strictly hand-to-hand - no hits below the belt, legs are fair game." Angel got into a ready position, fists up. "Only other rule is no powers on your end since they still get drained pretty quick and you might need them for your hunt. And no guns on my end to keep it fair. Now let's go!"

Alastor raised an eyebrow.

He stood up from the bed and re-buttoned his shirt.

Then he made his microphone appear and used it to knock Angel's legs out from under him. "There, now if you'll excuse me - we can talk later, Ang—oh!" Angel had grabbed his wrists on the way down and taken Alastor with him to the floor.

Angel glared at him. "Okay, if you're allowed to use the cane, then I'm allowed to use all six arms." Two had Alastor's arms pinned to the bed, two had Alastor's legs pinned down, and two had fists raised.

Alastor's eyes widened - then he managed to get a knee up and flip Angel over him to send the spider toppling to the bed. Angel turned and caught Alastor around the waist. Alastor struggled to pin the spider down. Angel pushed him off and grabbed his cane and tried to pin down Alastor with it. Alastor pushed the cane right up into Angel's face. They struggled, panting, glaring, evenly matched at first, except Alastor quickly grew more fatigued than Angel. But he held out until Angel was panting and tired too. The pair ended up lying on their backs side by side on the floor, flushed and clothing askew.

"Does a tie…mean you'll leave me to my hunt?" Alastor asked, catching his breath.

"No," Angel replied. "Because if this wasn't a 'no powers or weapons' fake fight, and I was a real demon who you jumped, I'd fight dirty." Angel whipped out something shiny from his jacket, and Alastor's eyes widened to see a gun barrel pointed at his face. "I'd shoot you." Angel sighed and tucked the gun back into his jacket. "You can't rely on your powers right now, so you can't go out. And I'm not going to let you die just so you can avoid talking to me about what happened last night…and how we feel."

Alastor's eyes widened but he was too exhausted to scurry away. He barely managed to sit up. "I am…aware that I said certain things to you yesterday evening. The memories have gradually become more painfully detailed as my hangover has waned. I apologize for presuming so much in relation to our relationship. And…" Then he blinked, brow furrowed in thought for a moment. He looked back at Angel and suddenly a different memory - the final one from the tower - became clear. "That gun…you had that gun in the tower…"

Angel's eyes widened. He swallowed.

"You…You shot Velvet and Vox and Valentino." His head tilted to the side.

Angel bit his lip then nodded. "Yeah, I did."

"But why…?"

"Because I care about you more than I'm afraid of them. And because I need you, Smiles."

Alastor flushed. "Angel, don't…"

"No, I'm doing this. I want to do this."

Alastor couldn't look away from him - flushed and sincere and with his hair tousled and his clothing gently askew, Angel looked…beautiful.

Angel wiped away some sudden tears and went on. "You were right last night - this has been building up since that first night we hung out in your office, and we have to do something about it." He moved closer. "Alastor, the Radio Demon…don't you get it already? I'm crazy about you. I never met a guy I could fall for, and then you just showed up in a hotel in hell of all places." He blushed. "I want to be with you, Alastor. Now I need to hear if you want to be with me too."

Alastor was perfectly still. His heart fluttered like crazy and his chest felt so warm and good and full of light. He had fearfully imagined random confessions of affection from Angel, but he hadn't expected the real experience to be so brilliant. He hadn't expected that the idea of turning him away would feel so painful. But he swallowed and pushed through. "It doesn't matter if I want or don't want to…be with you. The answer for us will always be no."

Angel's eyes looked so sad. "Al, we can try to…"

Alastor held up a hand. "I need you to leave now please."

Angel hesitated. Then he looked down and stood up. "Just stay the fuck inside. The least you could do is not make me worry all night about you ending up dead in an alley. And don't tell anyone that I shot those three - I don't want Charlie to know." And then before Alastor could say anything more, Angel strode over to the door between their rooms and slammed it shut behind him.

Alastor watched the door for a long time…and felt tears running down his face. His shadow appeared and just stayed beside him. Eventually Alastor pulled himself up off the floor and back into bed. He waved his hand and his shadow dimmed the lights. He couldn't sleep - he just let the tears fall in the dark. He didn't even get up to try and find dinner - he had lost his appetite.

In the room next door, Angel spent the rest of the evening in a similar fashion. He was done being rejected over and over. He was Angel Dust, he could have anybody. And he was going to keep a good distance between himself and the Radio Demon and make sure Alastor felt the full impact of his sudden absence.

He would always be there for his friend, but Angel had some pride - he would not throw himself at the Radio Demon any longer. He had made his move, and now their future was up to Alastor.

Angel put on some music and held Fat Nuggets and just tried to think of anything else but the man he loved who was one thin wall - and one fucking wide emotional abyss - away from him.

A/N:

Thank you for reading and for reviewing if you can! I know usually these are weekly updates but I'm afraid I need to take a break for a couple of weeks because tis month is very busy for me and because I want to take my time with writing out these open house chapters to make sure they include everything they need to have. Thank you all for your patience!

Take care!

-Azure129