A/N:

Hi everyone!

Very exciting developments at the open house this week - and a big change for Alastor and Angel ^w^ I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 24:

Private Party

The bar was busy and Husk was grateful for the distraction. Pouring drinks was simple and made sense and kept him out of whatever mess was going on out on the party floor.

Then, of course, something came along to disrupt the relaxing flow of business - that huge snake overlord slithered up to the bar and knocked the rest of the crowd back with his tail. He grinned. "Pardon me, my good fellow - I'll take two sherries please!"

Husk scowled more. "Sherry? Yeah, this isn't a wine club. We're serving hard drinks for people who want to get wasted on the princess' dime while they can."

Niffty popped up behind him with a grin. "And also Shirley Temples!

"And also Shirley Temples!" Husk added in agreement before her realized the words coming out of his mouth. Then he blinked and grumbled to her. "Niffty, that's part of the 'secret menu' just for you - we talked about this."

"Oh!" The snake clapped his hands together. "Actually a couple of Shirley Temples sound lovely! I'm afraid liquor goes right to my head, and I'm not sure how much of a drinker my companion is."

Niffty looked up at Husk with a big smile. "Husk…come on…"

Husk sighed. "Fine…" He whipped up the drinks and handed them over to Sir Pentious. "But if anyone else asks, either you didn't get those here or they're vodka and cranberry."

"Ha!" Sir Pentious winked. "Good one, my good man! Well, a pleasant evening to you both." He used the end of his tail to tip his hat and then headed off.

Niffty sat on the bar, smiling at Husk again.

He noticed and sighed. "What?"

She shrugged. "Husk, I know we're best friends…" He grumbled a little but didn't disagree, and Niffty went on. "But…don't you want to make NEW friends too? There are lots of people here! You could have a fun night! And find a new person to have fun with on other nights."

"Pass - other people are not fun to me."

"We're probably gonna be living with a lot of other people soon after this party - new guests." Niffty shrugged. "Tonight you have a chance to get used to it. Here, it's easy - I'll show you!" She turned to a fresh customer approaching the bar - a blue fish demon in a lab coat. Before he could utter a word she waved. "Hiya! I'm Niffty! Pleasure to meet you, and thanks for coming to our party! Are you a doctor? Or a nurse? Or a dentist maybe? That lab coat is really neat!" She grabbed one of his hands in both of hers and shook excitedly.

The fish almost fell over from the enthusiasm of her handshake but got himself steady by holding onto the bar with his other hand. "I'm a scientist, in fact. Baxter. And I just came to see if you might have any club soda handy? I bumped into some gargantuan snake demon outside and soiled my coat. I'd like to get the stain out before it sets."

Niffty's eye went so wide and her smile grew so much. "I CAN DO THAT FOR YOU!" As he raised an eyebrow, Niffty zipped around him like a hurricane with a cloth napkin in one hand and a spray bottle of seltzer in another. In another instant she was sitting on a stool. "There you go! Got out the stain, polished your buttons, and I shined your shoes!"

Baxter glanced down at himself, blinking then back to her. "How in the world did you—"

"Oh," she waved him off, "I know everything about cleaning! I can get anything out of anything. It's my job here at the hotel - that and decorating. If you ever decide to become a guest and see the pretty rose-colored drapes in the rooms, that's all me!" She swung her legs.

Baxter stared at her in curiosity for a moment longer then cleared his throat. "Yes, well, I appreciate your assistance, Niffty. It sounds like you certainly run a tight ship here. And like you have a comprehensive understanding of chemical interaction."

"Thank you! And no problem at all! At the happy Hazbin Hotel, we're here to help!" She winked.

Baxter gave her a small wave and a smile, then departed back into the crowd.

Niffty turned to Husk. "See, making friends is fun!"

He sighed. "Yeah, well, it's easy for you - you're all bright and positive and bubbly and helpful."

Niffty frowned a little. She considered then smiled again. "Okay…new plan. How about I take over the bar just for a little bit and you can go do whatever you want. You can mingle or sit back and watch the shadow band play or just take a drink out into the lobby and relax."

Husk paused, clearly tempted. "You remember the number one bartending rule, right?"

Niffty nodded. "If someone's mean to me, I grab a broken bottle and show them the door!"

Husk almost smiled as he nodded. "Okay…then. Yeah, I could use a break. Thanks, Niffty."

"No problem!" She winked and climbed behind the bar.

Husk grabbed a bottle and slipped off into the crowd.

The mysterious short spider figure in a trench coat had just safely tucked himself into a dark corner of the ballroom when Cherri Bomb swooped in and pinned him to the wall. "All right, Niss, what the fuck are you doing here? Spill, now."

The spider demon pushed up his fedora to reveal Arackniss's frowning face. "Fuck, Cherri - nice to see you too."

"Enough stalling! Before nosy Pen gets involved again I want an answer." She scowled. "If you are trying to fuck with Angel in ANY way so help me…"

"I'm not!" He held up his hands. "I just…everything with this place is new for him. Redemption? Putting on a show while wearing all his clothes? Hanging out with the princess and an overlord? I want to make sure it all looks as good as it sounds. Never thought he could do worse than Val, but you never know, right?"

She still eyed him. "Does your dad know you're here?"

Arackniss narrowed his eyes. "You know he'd fucking kill me if he did."

"And there's no scheming between you and Pen?"

"The snake guy! No, he just decided I'm his party friend." He shrugged and added. "And I'd rather be talking to him right now than shoved up against the wall by a fucking pyro!"

Cherri let out a breath and finally released him. "Just don't cause any trouble."

"Fine. And don't tell Tony I was here."

"Fine. Besides, Angel's got more important stuff going on here than your drama."

Cherri slipped off into the crowd, leaving Arackniss alone, frowning and thinking.

Sir Pentious had figured that a drink would be a helpful ice breaker for himself and his new companion once he located him again. He searched through the ballroom, his height giving him an advantage, then finally caught sight of his spider friend near a wall. He decided to use some of his stealth to sneak up on him. He slithered closer, keeping to the shadows. Then…

"Boo!"

"Ah!" The spider gasped then turned - he was pointing a gun. "Oh, shit, it's you again."

"Oh my!" Sir Pentious laughed daringly. "I'd 'stick em up' but I'm afraid I have a drink in each hand. Unless you'd care to help me by taking one?" He offered a glass.

The spider hesitated then finally put the gun away and let out a breath. "What is it?"

The overlord shrugged. "Well, it might sound silly but…it's a Shirley Temple."

"Heh…" The spider actually laughed. "Haven't had one of those since I was a kid." He hesitated one more time. "Why did you get me one?"

Sir Pentious moved closer to rest against the wall as well. "Well, you seem to be having a tense time at this party. A drink is a good way to fix that, even if it is just soda and cherries…" The spider finally took the drink, and Sir Pentious took the opening to go on, "Speaking of which, I couldn't help but notice that we have an acquaintance in common - Cherri Bomb. To have her so hot tempered you must be a fierce and powerful demon indeed." Sir Pentious shook his head with a smile. "I do wish I could know your name, but I respect if you would prefer to keep it to yourself."

"You saw that little exchange, huh?" The spider friend finished a sip and sighed. "Eh fuck it, Cherri already knows I'm here which means my cover's basically blown. Just…call me Niss."

He lived up his hat a little, showing Sir Pentious he was indeed a black and grey spider. Niss reminded the snake overlord of Angel Dust a little, though he supposed most spider demons had similarities of form in common.

"A pleasure, Niss!" Sir Pentious glanced down, laughing a little. "I'm sorry to be so involved in your business. I just…realized as soon as I arrived that I really didn't know anyone here. But you have been easy to talk with. Perhaps I should have brought some of my henchmen. I just wanted a night out though."

"Yeah… a night out." Niss looked into his drink glass. "I… do know some people here, like Cherri, but I don't want them to know I'm here." He groaned. "Fuck, pops is gonna kill me."

"Ugh, fathers." Sir Pentious waved him off. "Don't even get me started."

"Seriously - what is it about having a kid that turns guys into jerks, am I right?" Niss smiled a little and they clinked glasses.

"Well," Sir Pentious swirled his drink, "if you'd like to avoid Cherri and others and do want a night off, maybe we could continue hanging out together. I'm…getting quite bored of trying to insert myself into other's social circles here only to be pushed out." He cleared his throat and adjusted his tie, head held up. "I suppose they don't know me, that's all."

Niss frowned a little, but then nodded and smiled. "We could do that. I've still gotta keep a low profile - but I'm getting pretty bored of keeping to the shadows and staying quiet."

Sir Pentious perked up immensely. "Want to grab a table and enjoy the music?"

"Can we grab some apps first?" Niss touched his stomach. "I'm starved."

"Of course!" Sir Pentious slithered lacrosse the room and Niss followed along, hidden easily beside him.

Husk managed to get out of the ballroom. There were some demons chatting and even dancing in the lobby. He decided the quietest place to head was probably the closed lobby bar where he could sit behind the counter and not be bothered by a soul.

He walked around the counter and was surprised to find another demon sitting on the bar floor, wrapped up in a tan trench coat and with a fedora and a black veil hiding a lot of long hair.

"Who the hell are you and what are you doing back here? Hey!"

The demon turned quickly and in an instant Husk found himself pinned to the bar with his wings and arms pulled back.

"Che cosa? No mi molesta! Demone maleducato!"

Husk struggled but couldn't break free. He growled. "Fuck, where's Angel when I need him? I don't know how to speak damn Italian. Look, if you're looking to boost liquor, it's all in the ballroom - everything back here got cleaned out two nights ago by a dramatic pain in the ass who I'm forced to work for."

"Angel? You know Angel?" The demon asked in English, with a wry accent that sounded like Angel's, but thicker. "I'm sorry, but ya startled me! Ya can't sneak up on a girl without expecting her to defend herself."

Husk grunted, still unable to move. "And you can't skulk behind abandoned bars in trench coats without expecting the hotel staff to call you out on it."

"Oooo you're part of the staff?" she asked eagerly.

"Yeah, and I'd like to officially request that you let me go already!" Husk put all of his strength into it and got his wings free - they spread wide.

"Oh, sorry!" She moved back. "Gosh…your wings are so pretty! But how does a kitty demon end up with wings? I guess hell works in mysterious ways, huh?"

Husk turned around, scowling and a bit flushed. She was sitting on his stool behind the bar, her face hidden by her hat and her body hidden in some shadows. "I am not a kitty. I am not pretty. And you are walking on some thin ice with me, lady!"

She giggled but tried to cover it up. "Sorry, Mister…?"

"Husk."

"Mister Husk! Swell to meet ya!" She crossed her arms. "And I didn't mean to surprise you by bein' here. My pops used to run a bunch of speak easies. Always liked hidin' behind the bar when I was little. Bars are a great place to think! Dontchya think?" Her head tilted up slightly - Husk could just make out blue eyes as they landed on his bottle. "No chance that's moonshine, is it? I got brought up on the homemade stuff and I miss it somethin' awful sometimes."

Husk tilted his head. "You expect me to believe you came behind a bar NOT looking for alcohol, but that you also have at taste for high proof bathtub gin?"

"Ya can believe whatever you want!" She laughed then stood up and came into the light all the way. She was tall..and Husk couldn't help but notice the figure she cut even in the trench coat. And she had four long legs, each ending in a rather eye-catching white and pink high heel. "But if you don't feel like sharin', all ya gotta do is say so. Eh, but if that bottle came from the ballroom I guess it's probably fancy stuff from the party anyway."

Husk hesitated. "Actually it's cheap booze that tastes like paint thinner and gets you wasted twice as fast. So…close enough to moonshine I guess. Whoa!"

She leaned right in close to him, her hands clasped eagerly.

Husk sighed and handed over the bottle. "Fine, have a swig already."

"Thanks! You're a sweetheart!" She giggled, grabbed the bottle, raised the end high and tilted her head back. Husk saw strawberry-colored lips wrap around the bottle mouth and felt very warm for a moment. He turned away with a scowl, his arms crossed.

She lowered the bottle and wiped her mouth. "You're right, that's close enough to moonshine! And it's worth any trouble I get in for it later." She put the bottle down. "Thank ya, Husk!"

"Whatever…" He glanced back at her and grabbed the bottle again. "So…what's with the spy get-up on top of sneaking around?"

For the first time, her bubbly personality subdued a little. "I thought I could keep my coming here secret to make things easier." She sighed. "I was never good at being subtle though. Runs in the family."

Husk rubbed the back of his neck and hated himself for not walking away. But she seemed like…she didn't want to be alone. And he'd had some experience recently behind this bar of not necessarily wanting to be alone. "You, uh…running with some people who wouldn't like the idea of you getting reformed?"

"It's complicated." Some of the smile returned to her voice. "Anyways…I should go. But would ya tell me one thing first? And be truthful, even though we're in hell?"

Husk nodded, head tilted at the odd request.

She glanced at the ballroom, sighed, then turned back to him. "Tell me the truth - this place is safe, right?"

"We're in hell, lady, nothing is safe."

Husk expected her to laugh but instead she looked down. She was frowning.

He frowned a little too."But of all the places in hell, I guess this would be one of the safest. I mean, people are gonna come here to try and get into heaven so they should be behaving. And Charlie's in charge, and she looks out for people. Then you've got The Radio Demon as muscle. And he's only a vicious overlord to people who really deserve it. Otherwise he's just your run of the mill ass who tells bad jokes. And then there's Niffty who's too good for any of this shit and who's also the nicest demon who ever lived. So…it's okay." He went wide eyed when she suddenly wrapped him up in a big hug.

"That's swell to know, thank ya!" She pulled back, beaming.

Husk stayed frozen for a moment then then stumbled backward, fur all puffed up and wings out. "Hey! What's the big idea getting handsy?"

"Sorry, I'm just so excited!" She twirled. "Ain't ya happy getting to live in a place like this?"

Husk smoothed out his jacket and hair and pouted. "I'm happy when I'm alone. And if you ARE thinking about checking in here, let me know right now so I can brace myself." He took a big swig from his bottle.

She smiled a little again. "I'm afraid it wouldn't be right for me. But I'm real glad to know this hotel is okay." She tilted her head. "Maybe this place'll - what was it Princess Charlie said - find a rainbow in YOU too?"

Husk blinked…and then he actually laughed. So hard, in fact, that liquor almost came out of his nose as he drank. "You're barking up the wrong tree, lady!"

"Awful funny thing for a cat to say - you know, cats, dogs, 'barking'."

"Ohhh…" he dragged a hand down his face, a smile still present, "another one with the corny jokes - just like Alastor. Damn it, you'd fit right in here."

She giggled again. "Aw, I wish I COULD stay here!" Then she froze at the sight of two guests wandering out of the ballroom - that large snake and some demon wrapped up in a darker trench coat. Her face turned away from them. "I should go. Nice to meet ya, Husky!" She turned to him and one of those blue eyes winked and then she swiftly hopped over the counter and headed to the back door.

Husk watched her go. He felt funny inside and didn't like it one bit. Then he realized he was still smiling a little and definitely didn't like that at all. He drained the bottle but the funny feeling only got worse until finally he figured it was about time to relieve Niffty. He headed back to the ballroom and just reminded himself that parties were stupid and so was meeting people and trying new things. No need to lose his head over anything or anyone.

Abel and Louise had snuck up to the roof long ago. The party was nice and they'd stayed for Alastor's introduction and the presentation of the king and queen and of course for Angel's performance (Louise had cheered him on all the way). But quickly the ballroom felt a bit too warm and crowded. Abel had suggested the roof rather than just going outside. The sky was glowing dark and red like an ember, the pentagram moon was bright as a flame, and far off heaven glowed like a pearl. This was the right time and place, he knew it.

They had talked and enjoyed the view and wondered who at the open house might be their new fellow hotel guests very soon. Now Louise was quiet though, resting against Abel's shoulder. Abel sighed - everything was peaceful and perfect.

"Louise…" Abel took her hand. "You know you're my heaven…right?"

She squeezed his hand and melted more against him. "Oh Abel… You're mine too."

He smiled. "I…I've been wanting to ask you something, you know. For a while now."

She was still for a moment then glanced up at him, her ears perked. "You have?"

She was so cute. So fierce. So passionate. He nodded. "Of course. I've been trying like crazy for weeks now actually. I'll tell you all about it someday, heh. But for now…" He lifted up her hand, and Louise looked like she was about to cry. He brushed her cheek. "Just a simple question, really, I promise."

She nodded and wiped her tears and laughed.

Then Alastor suddenly teleported onto the roof and interrupted them by falling down hard and crying out in pain.

Louise and Abel's jaws fell. They instantly stood up and Abel looked to Louise. "You get Alastor, I'll get help." Abel knew she wouldn't want to leave Alastor's side if he was in distress.

Louise nodded, gave him a very tight hug and kissed his mouth then raced over to Alastor as Abel raced to the stairs. He got through the door and down the first two flights then slammed into Angel Dust.

"Angel! We need help! On the roof, Alastor—"

"I know!" Angel got himself steady and nodded. "I'm heading to him now."

"Louise is with him." Abel followed alongside as they climbed. "I'm worried. I hate to pull the Princess from the party with her parents here, but maybe Charlie…"

Angel shook his head, looking down. "It's okay - I think Alastor needs MY help somehow. It's complicated." He blushed a little. "I'll, uh…I'll get Charlie if it gets any worse though."

Abel noticed the blushing and nodded.. "Maybe you're right maybe. I know Louise is always what I need to feel better… so you probably know what's best for Alastor."

Angel blushed even more then smiled sheepishly. "Heh…I almost forgot. Cherri told me basically everyone in the hotel knows about Al and me at this point. It's gone in a complicated direction though. But no matter what happens with the two of us, I have to save that stubborn deer. And I will." Angel moved faster up the steps, and Abel tried to keep up.

Louise raced over to Alastor but still gave him space. She trusted the Radio Demon, but he could transform without meaning to, like whatever had happened to him at the radio tower. She spoke gently. "Alastor… Alastor, are you all right?"

He was very still, breaths shallow as he held both hands over his chest with his head down. He shook a little but then stilled. "Keep talking - about anything. It helps…"

Louise tilted her head but then nodded. "You remember the day we met, right? I like that story a lot. Only problem is I never get to tell it because it's a secret I keep for you." She smiled a little as his eyes closed and his breath seemed to calm. "How you held the door open like a kind gentleman and…how you came back for me even though you didn't have to. How you made sure that butcher couldn't hurt me. And then…how I found Abel after it was all over."

Alastor sighed. "Sometimes you sound like…her. My mother. Your accent lilts the same way. That's why I didn't let you get hurt in the butcher shop that day, you know - I was never able to do anything back in life. But here…" He coughed and chuckled. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm rambling so nostalgically. Ha! I just feel better suddenly, remembering." He sat on the roof, his breathing normal, and finally lifted his head. "Incidentally, what I just said falls under the same conditions of what I did for you in that butcher shop. Not a word to anyone."

Louise nodded and sat beside him. "I never did tell you why I was in that butcher shop near Cannibal Colony, did I?" When Alastor raised an eyebrow, she shrugged. "I was there to, um…buy some lamb chops. They were my favorite in life and they're my favorite still down here, even though I'm a sheep myself now."

Alastor tilted his head. "A junior cannibal. No wonder you're always following after me." He laughed. "Just don't follow too far…The places I go, a person can't come back from." His eyes darkened and he touched his chest again.

Louise frowned and moved closer. "Abel's gonna get you help. He'll be real discreet." Alastor's smile tightened but he nodded. Louise went on. "I bet your momma was nice. I already know she was a good cook considering the jambalaya you make."

Alastor's smile softened. "Thank you."

She considered. "You know, Alastor…everything you did for the party tonight, especially since you've been under the weather - it's all really admirable. I know Charlie and everyone appreciates it a lot. And if you need to rest more after tonight to feel better, we'll all take care of you again and no one'll breathe a word about you being laid up." She grinned. "And if Vox or those other two come looking for you, I'll ram them right out the door with my horns."

"I appreciate the sentiment, Louise. But please never do that or I'm quite sure they'll kill you. And I have fewer immediate options for defense when dealing with other overlords." He laughed and kept laughing. He was clearly trying to stop it but clearly unable.

"Is something funny?"

He shook his head. "You…said I was admirable. Oh Louise, never ever admire me. You're smart - you must see I'm a disturbed psychotic impulsive monster." He looked into her eyes. "I am not being dramatic right now, I am being honest - I am one of the bad guys. I have done and will do unspeakably horrible things. I cause pain and like it. Never forget."

Louise just looked right back at him. "I reckon I don't agree with all your methods, Alastor - but I do agree with some of your reasons for the things you do. When you sin…there's something better that you're aiming for even if it's buried pretty deep so others won't suspect." She smiled. "Like it or not, you inspire me, Alastor. I want to stand up for other demons too. And sure, I know one day it might get me killed. But anything down here at any time could kill me. Like in the butcher shop. So if I'm gonna go, at least I want it to be while I'm doing something good for someone else."

Alastor sighed deeply. "I'm never going to get you to give up on me, am I?"

"Afraid not, Alastor."

He swallowed then spoke carefully. "You and Abel seemed quite content together. My apologies for interrupting your time up here."

"Oh," she blushed but shrugged, smiling a lot. "Don't worry, Alastor. We'll have more time together later. But yeah, we're really happy. You helped us find each other. You've made my life better ever since I met you. And I know there's risks. But I like being your friend, Alastor."

His eyes were down in thought. "Talking with you has helped me. Thank you, Louise. But, if I may, I require some time alone up here now. I need to breathe and to think. And I…have a feeling someone will be joining me soon."

She nodded and stood. "I'll catch Abel and tell him we just need to give you some privacy." She hesitated, smiling a little more. "You know, hearing you were gonna be part of this place, that's what inspired me to come. I bet it's gonna inspire even more people tonight, You wait and see." She winked at him and headed off to the stairwell door.

And Alastor just waited in the silence beneath the night sky.

Angel and Abel had reached the door a few minutes ago and waited for the conversation between Alastor and Louise to end.

When Louise entered the stairwell and saw the spider, Angel smiled and put a finger to his lips then gestured for the two of them to head downstairs. He would take it from here. Louise and Abel held hands and headed back to the party.

Angel took a deep breath then stepped out onto the roof and saw Alastor sitting looking up at the sky…maybe up at heaven, it seemed.

He approached slowly. "Room for one more?"

The Radio Demon took a deep breath but didn't say no or disappear.

Angel sat down beside him. They were quiet for a moment.

"You doing better now?" asked Angel gently.

Alastor nodded. "Yes. All of you seem to help me a great deal."

"And, uh...I couldn't help overhearing. It sounds like maybe you did something to help Louise? You old softie."

Some static passed between Alastor's ears and he pouted with his smile. "She makes too much of it. She shouldn't admire me the way she does."

"What's wrong with that? I admire you…" replied Angel softly.

Alastor's eyes widened and his ears stood on end. He shook his head. "It's my fault none of you understand. Ever since I came to this hotel I've been too focused on amusing myself to properly wield my power. And now with this mark burning every time I try to sin…" He touched his chest. "It needs to go. I can't be the overlord I have to be limited by it." He swallowed. "Charlie says I need to let something besides sin into my heart…or some such sentimental wacky nonsense."

Angel blushed faintly. "Well…you could try friendship, I guess. That's always a nice thing."

"In my case, I think something else is probably needed too," Alastor managed, glowing more.

He glanced over to see Angel pouting. "Yeah, well I'm not here to be your medicine - take two hits of flirting and call me in the morning is NOT happening."

Alastor scowled, warm right down to his collar. "I wasn't suggesting using you!"

"Sure sounded like it…" Angel barely teased. "What? You gonna start offering to pay me for our conversations now too? Make our relationship a business transaction on my end since I won't strike a deal with you on your end? As cut and dry as possible, huh?"

Some symbols swirled over Alastor's head. "You know that was never my intent!"

Angel's look softened. "Then what are your intentions with me exactly?"

Alastor's eyes went wide. He looked away again. "I…first I want you to tell me something."

"What?"

Alastor gripped the roof. "There's one piece of that night at the radio tower still missing in my mind. When you were there with me…before the gun shots. Valentino tried to do something to me. What did he try to do?"

Angel's eyes went down. "He…was just trying to use the angel shard on you."

"Do NOT lie to me." Alastor's eyes went red. "You're better than that, and so am I."

Angel hesitated. His voice was quiet. "He was…trying to break all your defenses down first. He tried to touch you… And that was when I opened fire."

Alastor was quiet.

There were tears in the spider's eyes. "I know you don't like touching." He bit his lip. "That's why I only winged Vel and Vox…but I shot for the heart with Val. And I'm damn disappointed he survived it too. I was always an ace shot."

It was then Angel became surprised by Alastor gently letting his fingertips rest against Angel's on the roof, their hands side by side. The Radio Demon swallowed. "I don't mind touching ALL the time."

Angel's heart pounded.

"I'll have to kill him one day, you know."

Angel nodded. "I understand but…I kind of wish I could be the one to kill him."

Alastor hesitated. "It seems like the shooting upset you - you asked me not to tell Charlotte, after all. Let me take on the sin of finishing him, Angel. But know that it won't be quick and clean. I'll make an example out of him and laugh at each cry of anguish." His eyes glowed red and black, his voice distorted. "I'm a murderer, a flesh-eater, a mad artist of violent designs - in death and in life. Understand me, Angel…" His eyes flickered back to normal and his chest seared, "I am a creature of evil as much as I'm anything else."

Angel swallowed. "It's different though. I've known some true evil here. The big things you do might be fucked up. But real evil - it's in the details. You play fair in the details. Other people do bad things when the lights are off and backs are turned and no one's around to help." He pulled in his knees. "You're not gonna scare me off, Smiles. The only thing I'm afraid of with you is you doing something reckless and getting hurt. And I'm just as fucked up as you are, it's just in my own way and I take it out on myself more than other people."

Alastor let another fingertip lightly touch Angel's. "You shouldn't. You are a rarity - a person with a good heart in hell. You deserve to be respected and valued…and admired."

"Oh yeah," Angel chuckled and rolled his eyes, "and who's gonna do that for me, huh?"

"I…could try."

Angel went still. Alastor went on. "I realize I was abrupt with you last night in my room when we discussed your feelings on our relationship. I'm sorry I asked you to leave. I…am always rather disappointed to see you go." He was glowing warmly now.

Angel blushed again. "Thanks, Alastor…" He cleared his throat. "I-I mean, Al. Smiles. Heh…"

Alastor's smile picked up on one side at the sight of Angel actually flustered. And yet he had to offer just one more opportunity out. "You say you're 'crazy about' me, if I recall correctly…"

"Sheesh, Al…" Angel rolled his eyes with a small grin, blushing all the more.

Alastor resisted the desire to chuckle. "But there are so many other eligible demons in hell. Ones who might actually be both good and good for you."

"I'll decide who's good for me, Al. " He winked at the deer demon.

Alastor's eyes met Angel's. "I feel better when I'm with you… Not just my burn. In other ways too. But I don't…have the same predilections as many demons regarding amorous propositions." He rubbed his temple. "There are so many reasons this entire concept is utterly without foundation."

"But…you're still thinking about it too…aren't you?"

Alastor swallowed, his eyes wide. "Indeed. And I do not wish to stop. Ha…" Letting the words finally leave him was both a relief and an overwhelming experience. "How did this happen?"

Angel shrugged. "We're single, we're hot, we're bored. Also our best friends had a full-blown bonding experience pushing us together." When Alastor's eyes glowed red, Angel laughed. "This really doesn't have to be so bad, Al. We got a good friendship - nothing has to change unless we both want it to. But I think both of us do want some changes." He stood and held out his hand. The Radio Demon's eyes returned to normal, and he lightly grasped Angel's fingers. The spider had him standing in an instant. "See…" Angel went on with a shrug, "I don't bite. Or, I do…but I usually charge extra, heh."

"Funny, I bite as a matter of course." Alastor flashed his fangs, and he and Angel both laughed.

"I missed you, Smiles. I was really hoping we'd make up tonight. Half the reason I added the pole into the act was to get you to come around. You liked it so much in my room."

"You were enchanting on the stage…and in your room." Alastor's big eyes met Angel's.

Angel stared back at him, confused for a moment, until he realized the significance of the look on Alastor's face: like an entranced deer in the headlights. Angel swallowed. "Alastor…" he cooed, and swore he saw sparks of static run up the deer's ears.

"Yes…darling?" Alastor's eyes hazed a little.

Angel leaned in, heart pounding. He resisted a strong compulsion to press one pair of his hands against Alastor's suit-covered chest while another pair wrapped around the overlord's waist, while a third pair combed through this soft red hair. "I'm not gonna hurt you…"

"Ha! And I would never hurt you," Alastor replied in a low voice tinged with soft static. His head tilted, so unsure but so curious and so close. No longer in pain or hurt. Just here, with him.

Angel tilted his head too. "I want to be with you. Do you want to be with me too?" He wanted a new answer to replace the one Alastor had given the night before.

The entranced Radio Demon didn't move away. And his eyes hazed as the spider came closer.

And then there was a very large commotion from downstairs that made the building shudder.

Alastor pulled back, face utterly aglow, clenching his hands. "Excuse me, I have to see what that was and kill whoever is responsible. Hopefully it's Vox! Ha!" A thoroughly flustered Alastor fumbled twice but finally managed to snap himself away.

Angel stood there with his jaw open and then scowled and stomped his foot. "Godamnit!"

In a burst of magic, a folded piece of paper appeared in Angel's hands. He opened it and blushed completely. 'Come downstairs to watch MY show this time. Then meet me in my office once the party is over, darling. - A.' Angel smirked and tucked the note into his chest fur. "Smiles, you flirt…you got it." He dashed to the stairwell to head back to the party and see the commotion, and Alastor's inevitable alluring display of power.

A/N:

Thank you so much for reading and for reviewing if you can! Next chapter will run a little long like this chapter did just because so much is going on at this party lol. The next chapter is the end of the open house and then some new developments for Alastor and Angel :33 Thank you for your support!

Take care!

-Azure129