A/N:

Hi everyone! It's here, the big talk between Angel and Alastor. Finally no more slow burn teasing lol. I hope you enjoy it! I'm really excited to share this ^w^

Partners

Chapter 26:

Stay. Please.

Molly was composing herself on a street corner across from the hotel when she saw a short figure in a trench coat run out and instantly recognized him as her brother Arackniss. He dashed down the stoop, lost his fedora, then…oddly ran over to a limo and shot out the tires before taking off into the night.

Niss was fun to try and catch…especially since female spiders had strong webs and could glide and swing from building to building with ease.

Molly caught up to him before he was even out of the neighborhood and cornered him in an alley, hiding in the shadows.

Niss pulled a gun on his new assailant until she stepped into the light. "Fongul… Molly! You are NOT supposed to be here! What would you do if dad—"

"What would YOU do if mamma knew how you treat your brother?" Molly crossed her arms. "I'm here because without me he has no one, not even you and pop even though you're both in hell too. Someone had to check up on him at the hotel!"

Niss scowled. "Go back, Molly. The longer you stay here, the worse it is for you."

"Fine… but you have to swear on mamma that you'll leave him alone at that nice hotel."

"I didn't even do anything there! I was just checking up on him too! Making sure the place was as good as it sounded. Then I got comfy enjoying the party so I stuck around."

Molly tilted her head. "Where were you the whole time? I didn't see ya in the shadows."

"Hiding in plain sight sort of. It's complicated." He glanced away. "Made a party friend."

Molly beamed and clasped her hands together. "I know that face - Archibaldo has a crush."

"Don't CALL me that, and I do NOT, and shut up, Maria Lucia!" Molly stuck out her tongue and Niss gripped his hands and scowled. "And where YOU all night?"

"Actually bein' stealthy! Knew I would have made a good mobster!" She held her head high. "Then I went to the lobby to think and met one of the hotel staff. He was swell! Tony will be happy as pie there! I got a good feelin'!" She clasped her hands.

Niss eyed her and smirked. "You flirted with this staff guy, didn't ya? Trying to get info about Tony. Oh tell me it wasn't the radio guy…"

"Hmph!" Molly put her hands on her hips. "I did not flirt, I was friendly! And it wasn't the radio guy. It was the nice bartender, and he was a perfect gentleman. Now stop tryin' to change the subject! Are ya gonna stay away from Tony or aren't ya?"

Niss sighed, looking down. "Yeah, I won't do nothing to interfere. If he's happy there and it's safe…what the hell, let him have it, right?"

"He should have been able to be happy in life too," Molly added with a sniff. She took a few deep breaths - her eyes glowed bright pink and narrowed demonically.

Niss frowned. "Molly, seriously, you have to go before you change too much. I won't give Angel a hard time, and if I think anything funny is going on I'll keep him safe."

"Even if that means Pop finds out?" Her eyes still glowed, her voice was low.

"Whatever it takes, cuz it'll keep you safe too!" He held up a hand. "I swear on momma."

Molly took another deep breath in and out. Her eyes and voice returned to normal. "Take care of yourself too, Archie. You're my brothers - I love you both."

Niss came forward and gave her a hug. Then he pulled back. "You're right, you know - I maybe got a crush on someone. I just don't wanna talk about who." He shuffled his feet.

Molly giggled. "You were right too - maybe I was flirtin' with that bar tender just a little. He was kinda grumpy but sweet." She kissed Niss on the forehead. "Bella notte. And…hey if things keep going well for Tony, maybe you'll think about joinin' up with that nice hotel too, huh?"

Niss rolled his eyes. "One step at a time, Molls."

They shared a small smile. Then Molly created one of her webs and swung off into the distance. And Niss wandered through the pentagram back to mob territory to get a good night's rest.

Velvet had fallen asleep in the limo by the time the overlord trio had gotten their tires fixed and made it back to the studio. Vox carried her upstairs and dropped her off in bed. Valentino went off into the VIP room. Vox followed.

Valentino sat in an armchair with a drink in one hand, legs crossed. "What?"

Vox bit his lip. "Back at the party…you said you were sorry for making me go. So I just wanted to say I'm sorry I got drunk there and blew my top."

Valentino sighed. "It's fine. I figured one of the three of us would fuck up something there. Honestly better you than Vel. When she fucks up, there's always a bloodbath."

"Heh…" Vox sat in the armchair next to him. He considered. "You know, when you spoke to Charlie for me…"

"What, you want to bitch me out for interrupting you talking to her or something?"

"No! I wanted to thank you for defending me!" Vox huffed then added quickly, "I mean, for defending me and Velvet…like you were taking care of us. Like you gave a damn about making sure we were okay. I appreciated that a lot."

Valentino sipped his drink, still looking out onto the dark stage down below. "Vox, look, if you really want to bang out this thing between us and if you still need some company, my bed's right back there. I'm kind of tired but I could still manage—"

Vox sighed and stood up. "No. I do not want to 'bang this thing out' - with you OR with Alastor. Actually I think it would fuck me up even worse than I already am." He walked in front of Valentino's chair and leaned forward. "I admit I'm attracted to you. And you're a sure thing. But I'm not looking for some toxic fun bullshit. You and I…we've got a lot to work out. Tonight was a start. But for now, I think I need some time alone." He gave Valentino a small smile that quickly faded and then headed out of the door…and out of the studio.

Valentino watched him go in the reflection of the glass in front of him. He went to take another sip of his drink but then set it down and furrowed his brow in thought with a small frown. Finally he stood up and went off to bed himself.

At the hotel, the moment Charlie got Vaggie upstairs she had told her all about their new guest. She'd gushed for half an hour straight as they both got ready for bed and finally passed out, mid sentence, smiling and so happy.

Vaggie had pulled up the covers around them and kissed Charlie's head and closed her eyes to fall asleep too. It was beautiful watching Charlie's dream come true one guest at a time.

Husk was already in bed, alone as usual. There was a knock at his door.

"Husk?" Niffty asked. "Need anything from the kitchen before I go to sleep?"

"No…" Husk grumbled, turning away. "Night."

"Did you make any friends tonight? You were away from the party for a little while."

Husk pulled up the blankets more around him. "I…talked to people or whatever. Drinking alone was better."

"Well, I'm happy you tried! Have a good night, Husk, and sweet dreams!" She left and closed the door behind her.

Husk sighed and tried not to think about that pretty demon lady who had made him laugh and kind of bested him in a fight and who had also called him 'Husky' (which for some reason he didn't entirely hate). And he tried not to think about how Alastor and Angel would probably end up as one more set of paired off people at this hotel. There was no reason drinking at all hours and hiding out behind the bar couldn't be enough for him. He passed out in a restless sleep.

Alastor sat in his office, snapping to change the decor over and over First there was the table from the cafe with two candles, there there was a bayou lit with fireflies, then there were red velvet seats and golden bulbs flashing overhead like a broadway show, then there was a sound booth with two stools like at his radio tower, and then there was a pole in the center of the room like the one Angel had danced on…

At this point Alastor's shadow appeared and crossed its arms with a smirk while Alastor admired the pole with a curious - almost dreamy - smile.

Alastor blinked and snapped to turn his office back to normal. "Not a word…" he hissed.

The shadow's smile grew.

"Make yourself scarce - this is a private conversation." Alastor's eyes narrowed.

The shadow just shrugged, winked, then disappeared into thin air.

Alastor turned back to the room at hand. Maybe simple was best. No presumptions. It's not like they would be here long anyway. Though, come to think of it, Alastor wasn't sure how long it took to explain to another person that you…that they…that you both indeed felt 'things' for each other. Feeling a bit warm, Alastor removed his jacket and set it aside. He didn't mind being casual with Angel. And the air usually felt good on his burn. Though his burn had been feeling better ever since his rooftop encounter with Angel.

With a deep breath, Alastor sat himself down on the sofa near his window and rested his head against his interlaced hands in thought. There was finally time now. And he needed to know what he was going to say when Angel Dust walked through that door.

Angel Dust had been in his room changing. This wasn't technically a date with Alastor…but it was more than a normal meeting. They had just been at a fancy party so something comfortable and casual was probably the way to go. And not sexy but…maybe still a little flirty. After all he had a pretty good feeling of the mutually agreeable direction this conversation would go considering everything they had said on that roof…and what they'd almost done.

Angel had never wanted to kiss another man so badly, and he had been so close.

His door opened, and Angel jumped and snapped out of his reverie. He turned to see Cherri Bomb leaning against his open door frame with a grin. "That what you're wearing tonight for your big meet and greet with Radio Head? Not bad."

Angel smirked and crossed his arms. He was dressed in a comfy pink sweater, soft black shorts, and a pair of flat black ankle boots. "Yeah - but to be fair I look hot in anything."

Cherri laughed. "So…you said you'd tell me anything afterwards. Should I wait here til you're done or…is this more of a 'See you in the morning, Cherri!' kind of evening you're planning."

"He still ain't putting out sex vibes, hun." Angel shook his head. "And I'm taking my time with this one anyway. He makes a guy feel like a real lady, you know. Ain't that right, Nuggets?"

Fat Nuggets trotted over to his daddy and nuzzled him. Angel picked him up. "Alastor's gonna start coming around again, Nuggs - I know you missed him. But right now Daddy has to see him alone." Angel winked and set the pig on his bed. "Seriously, Cherri, I shouldn't be too long. Mind staying with Nuggets for a little bit? I feel bad he got left alone all night."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll babysit so you can emotionally 'get some'." She flopped into the bed and smiled as Nuggets licked her cheek. "Just be sure to have a good long CLEAR talk. No more misunderstandings or assuming the other person knows what you're trying to say or getting all dramatic. Tell him the truth, get the truth back, then invite me to the wedding - and let me plan the bachelor party."

"Ha ha…" Angel strolled past her. "One step at a time, babe." He blushed and smiled a little as he looked down at himself. "Does this really look okay?"

"Very hot in a classy way," Cherri assured.

"Thanks, hun."

"Go get 'em, tiger. Also I may have threatened to blow up Alastor earlier for rejecting you when you two were still fighting. Tell him sorry and that he's in the clear for now."

"Fuck, Cherri…" Angel grinned a lot and shook his head then exited the room.

Cherri smile at Fat Nuggets. "Who's gonna have two daddies soon? Yes, it's you!" She tapped his nose and the pig wagged his tail.

It had taken a little while for Abel and Louise to sneak outside without being noticed by the others. First they'd pretended to head to their room, then they'd waited for everyone else to retire. Now they were creeping downstairs to head for the back door. Louise noticed the light on behind the closed door of Alastor's office and smiled a lot - she had a feeling why the Radio Demon might be awake now.

She and Abel both stopped when they heard someone coming down the steps. Then Abel grabbed Louise's hand and dashed outside with her.

Louise just caught sight of some pink and white and smiled even more to herself - Angel was going to Alastor. It was a good night for couples all around.

Once they were outside, Abel guided her over to a bench overlooking the garden that was hidden partly by a tree. Clouds had moved in overhead to turn the sky grey and block out the satanic moon, and even heaven's glow was faint, but they could still see each other.

Abel squeezed her hand. "Okay…I think now finally nothing can come along to interrupt."

"Don't jinx it." Louise giggled. "Abel, we could have done this in the room you know."

Abel shook his head. "I wanted it to be somewhere special. Somewhere…nice to remember. I kept trying for so many places but none of them worked out. I guess I just wanted the best place. But any place with you is the best. Though…sneaking out to the garden at night time feels romantic."

Louise brushed away tears. "You know, I never…did anything like this with anyone back in life."

"Me neither. But I want to do it with you." Abel slipped a box out of his pocket and opened it: a ring glinted in the faint remains of heaven's light. "Louise, any chance you want to marry me?"

Her eyes got so big and she bit her lip. "Yes, you adorable Abel!" She dove at him in a hug that nearly knocked him back and he hugged her tightly in return.

Alastor had been sitting on his office sofa, putting the finishes touches on what to say to Angel, when his eyes caught sight of the two figures who ran outside. He adjusted his ears - thankfully he had already placed a radio under the awning facing the garden - and he heard their conversation. He felt relieved when Abel's proposal went over successfully. But the moment their hug progressed to a rather passionate kiss - which coincided with a knock on his door - Alastor tuned out and stood up. Then he sat down. Then he crossed his legs. Then tried teleporting over to his desk. Then finally he sighed, teleported back to the couch, stood up again, and cleared his throat. "Come in."

The door opened carefully and there stood Angel, framed in the warm lamplight of his office.

Angel smiled sheepishly and closed the door behind him. "Hey, Al. I, uh…tried to be discreet coming here but Cherri busted me. It's okay though, she won't tell. Also she says sorry for threatening to blow you up earlier."

Alastor smiled a little more. "I'm afraid Rosie and Mimzy got the same information out of me. And I appreciate her gesture but no need - I was acting unfathomably stubborn. Threatening to ignite me seems within reason in retrospect."

Angel giggled and Alastor felt all of himself brighten. His chest felt especially light and warm.

Angel crossed his arms behind his back and felt himself flush a little - Alastor looked hot in his jacket, but without his jacket somehow he was even hotter. Who knew suspenders could be a turn on. "Can I take a load off? Party was fun but being on my feet all night is a killer."

Alastor nodded quickly. "Yes, of course! That's what I intended!" He gestured to the sofa. "My apologies for not putting out wine like during our first meeting in here but, er…after my recent inebriated shenanigans I thought it best to remain as sober as possible for the immediate future. I can get you water, coffee, tea—"

"You're enough for me, Smiles." Angel winked and patted the seat beside him.

Alastor felt faint for a moment and his ear twitched. Then he sighed deeply and rubbed the space between his eyes as he sat too. "This is going to be a disaster, isn't it?"

Angel laughed. "Eh, maybe. But a disaster together sounds kind of fun… don't you think?"

Alastor caught Angel's hopeful gaze. The Radio Demon's smile softened. "I suppose." He caught himself gazing at Angel and then quickly darted his eyes away. They landed on Abel and Louise outside again.

Angel glanced out the window too and saw them. "Oh my god - are those two making out?"

Alastor felt a great deal of static build in his ears. "At this point it's quite possible. I may have eavesdropped a little - Abel proposed and was met with a resounding yes."

A giddy squeal left Angel and he pumped his knees up and down. "Oh my god, they have to let everyone in on this asap because I CANNOT pretend I don't know. Oh this is gonna be the cutest fucking wedding. Charlie is going to LOVE this!" He laughed then pouted. "Aw, no, it's starting to rain - fuck, can't those two get one simple moment together! Even in hell!"

"Hmm… Let me see what I can do." Alastor clenched his hand - a thin drop of black blood stained his shirt cuff. Angel looked from the Radio Demon back to Abel and Louise. In the darkness a tentacle rose up and pulled the tree branches over to one side to shelter the happy couple who were still kissing. And now as they noticed the rain around them they just laughed and held each other close and looked out at the garden while the tree kept them dry and safe.

Angel smiled to himself, his eyes hazed. "You are such a romantic, Al."

"Not really." Alastor shrugged and rested his head on his hand. "The concept of romance never made much sense to me. But it seems to enchant those two to no end. And they did assist me tonight when I was unwell. And they did leave me alone so I could talk with you a little…on the roof." His eyes widened. "I like to talk with you very much."

Angel's eyes widened too. "Yeah…I like to talk with you too. I, um…" He was flustered again.

"I want to answer your question!" Alastor suddenly announced with a big grin.

Angel raised an eyebrow.

"Your question from the roof!" Alastor explained. "And from my room the other night. You said - I want to be with you Alastor, and I need to know, do you want to be with me too!"

Angel's jaw fell and he flushed pink. "O…kay…"

Alastor gripped his cane very tightly, and his brow furrowed a little. His eyes went down. "If the alternative to being with you is being apart from you…like we've been since the other night…then, erm…indeed I want to be with you, Angel Dust."

Angel took a deep breath. "Like…" He held out his hands. "Okay, Cherri said you and I gotta be real specific with each other so we're on the same page and don't get messed up again. So when you say you want to 'be with me', you mean…"

Alastor's eye twitched as he tried not to glitch. "I would like to maintain our current closeness and progress it if we're both amenable! I enjoy our conversations immensely and I am willing to admit that there is…even more we may enjoy together."

Angel's smile softened. "I really appreciate you sharing that with me, Smiles. I feel the same way." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I never actually felt that way about anyone and had them feel the same way back. I…really am kind of crazy about you."

"If you're getting involved with me, crazy is probably a good mental state to have." Alastor put on his laugh track and Angel laughed and snorted. His eyes caught sight of Abel and Louise outside together and lingered for a moment as they hugged close.

"What they have…is something you might want for yourself someday with…someone?" asked Alastor before he could stop himself.

Angel turned to Alastor with a shrug. "I don't know. I don't even know what something like that is like - a real relationship. But, you know, I see them…I see Charlie and Vaggie…and it seems nice to have a person who wants to be in all of this with you because they care. I wish I even had a memory of that from earth to hold on to. Had to be real discreet about liking guys in my day - only had a few one night flings before I went right to the sex work to survive."

Alastor considered. "Relationships never appealed to me - here or back on earth. The notion of 'settling down' always felt so foreign. But… I'm beginning the understand the merit of such partnerships too. I agree - it's pleasant not to be alone all of the time. And to keep coming back to the same person for camaraderie is even more tempting I suppose."

Angel smiled at him with his eyes hazed. "Sounds like we were both spending too much time alone before the hotel. And like we could both use a significant other…"

Alastor swallowed. "Surely there must be some candidates among the many customers you—"

Angel held up a hand. "I, uh…I'm not allowed to be attached to anyone like that. Val's rule. Sex only sells if I'm available. Besides, I don't really get to know any of them personally. Strictly business - no kissing even, heh." Angel shrugged and crossed his arms. Then he considered. "You're an overlord - you could have anyone you want for…"

"As I said I don't usually 'want' anyone. Ever. And besides most demons are only looking to use my power or to defeat me. And if I did find someone…the revelation to others would cause consequences to my standing, my reputation, and perhaps their safety." His eyes went down.

"So we could both only have someone in secret…" Angel said softly. Then he smiled a little again. "You know, it's really nice having a guy in my life who's good to me like you are."

"I feel the same way." A jolt of static passed through Alastor's ears as he felt the true words tumble out of him. "You are 'good' to me too - you are a demon of respectable character."

Angel chuckled. "Usually I get told there ain't nothing respectable about what I do, but I understand what you're saying, and I'll definitely take the compliment."

Alastor felt his glow increase and also noticed the white parts of Angels' fur appeared flushed. Alastor wondered if Angel likewise felt rather lightheaded.

"Smiles, I don't know what we're doing either, but I do know if I can find some good down here for myself I grab it. You deserve to grab it too. We could be something special for each other. You could just be Al. And I'll just be Angel…" He swallowed. "I'll just be…Anthony."

Alastor blinked. "Is that…your real name?"

Angel pouted. "Don't ever tell anyone ever."

"As long as you don't describe my body in detail to others, of course." Alastor had a warm laugh under his tone. "You know, from all the tending you've had to do to it lately."

Angel smiled again and nodded. "Your body is safe with me." He flushed pinker.

"I know. You've been quite the excellent keeper of my secrets." Alastor's face warmed more.

Angel nodded. "I like the private things we share. Good memories… like how they got good memories, sort of." He gestured out the window to Abel and Louise. Then he made himself turn away and blushed, facing the door. "Well, I…um… I'm glad we're on the same page. I'm looking forward to what's next for us, Al. But I know we had a long night, and you're still healing. And this has been a lot already. I should probably—"

"Stay."

Angel blinked and looked to Alastor.

"Stay…please." The Radio Demon bit his lip, eyes wide - that 'deer in the headlights' look again like on the roof. His voice was low, almost quiet. "If… If I wanted to make a good memory… like their good memory… a secret memory… would you want that as well?"

Angel's eyes widened and his mouth fell open for a moment. "I…I gotta ask you to be specific one more time. Are you saying you want to kiss m—"

Alastor held up a single finger to silence the spider as his eyes flashed to radio dials for a moment. "I want to try…and see." He lowered his hand. His eyes were normal again.

Angel took a deep breath then nodded and turned himself to face Alastor.

They shifted closer.

"So you're really ready for this together, Smiles?"

"Yes… strangely, I can't think of anything that would remove the boredom of my life more. It's like a maddening question I need answered." Alastor pouted despite his smile. "But those six hands of yours - I want them to keep to themselves."

Angel nodded, trying not to chuckle. "They will." He folded his hands in his lap. "You know, that radio glow of yours is kind of cute, especially in your eyes."

Alastor felt his whole body warm. "You don't need to flatter—"

"I'm not." Angel assured tenderly. "I'm just a little nervous - I talk when I'm nervous."

"Oh. I do as well." Alastor swallowed. "I enjoy…the pink and white tones of your fur."

"Aw, thanks." Angel's smile became tender. "We don't need to be nervous though. If you don't like it we can stop."

"If I don't like it, my shadow will rather forcefully separate us," Alastor replied as he snapped to close the curtain at the window and removed his monocle.

"Deal." Angel pushed back his hair and winked.

Alastor smiled more at Angel's word choice. And then he moved a little closer. But hesitated.

Angel noticed. His voice was so light. "Is this your first time with a guy?"

Alastor gave a small shake of his head. "My first time…with anyone. Ever."

Angel blinked but then smiled more. "Then I hope it's an extra good memory for you."

Angel closed his eyes and came closer. Alastor hid his teeth behind his lips let him.

And then a soft mouth was on Alastor's smile; he felt like his heart had jolted back into the land of the living. For a perfect moment he understood why Vagatha and Charlotte and Louise and Abel were always side by side and giddy about the whole arrangement. And he craved Angel.

Angel left him behind too soon. Alastor's smile felt cold without the spider's smile to match it. "Mon dieu…" he whispered. Hell could not be the worst place in existence if an experience like this could happen here. He felt…peace.

Angel was grinning so much, hugging himself. He glanced at Alastor hesitantly. "Uh…what? Wait…did you just speak French again? Do you speak French when you get a little giddy?"

"Irrelevant!" Alastor's eyes turned to radio dials for a moment. But then he took a breath and considered his next words carefully. "What I meant to say was I appreciate your cooperation." Angel quirked his mouth to the side like he was unsure of how to interpret that reply. Alastor went on. "I would be interested in…continuing the memory to an extent if you are willing."

Angel blinked a couple of times then gasped in realization. His eyes hazed. "Did I really make your first time that good, Al?"

"I was rather entertained, yes…"

"I liked it too." Angel flushed a little again. "I…" He froze.

Alastor had reached out a hand and was touching Angel's hair - with his fingers, not his microphone. "So unruly. Needs a good trip to the barber. And yet I like it…" He leaned up and lightly pressed his smile to Angel's forehead. He pulled back after a moment. "Mon Ange…"

Angel seemed a bit giddy himself. "What does that mean, you screwy southern belle?"

"My Angel." Alastor chuckled.

"Yours?" Angel's mouth fell open.

Alastor took a deep breath in and out. "If you wish. No deals. Just…this. You and I."

Angel's eyes widened and the spider was speechless for a rare moment. Then he wrung his hands together and tugged at his collar. "Alastor, dammit, you gotta warn me before you pour on all the charm! Marrona, my head is swimming but I want to call you something sexy in Italian. Uh… mio cervo. That means my deer - like the animal." He sighed. "Fuck, I've got such a crush on you. I've had a crush on you for weeks! I really am crazy about you!"

Alastor interlaced his hands on his lap, his tail wagging. "I'll admit, I don't quite understand your 'crush' - it's a far cry from the terror most demons have of me. But… I do not dislike your attachment to me."

Angel blushed a little. "Does that mean you…have a crush on me too?"

Alastor hesitated. "This situation is entirely new for me. But I do take pleasure in our moments together. More pleasure than I take with the few other demons who I find tolerable in hell. More pleasure than I even take in an excellent and justified kill. You are proving an exception to many rules for me. So…perhaps I have my own kind of attachment to you?" He gripped his hands and tried to be mindful not to cut himself and summon a tentacle, which he suspected would not contribute to the special atmosphere of this moment. Unless it would for Angel - the spider's erotic preferences were very confusing.

Angel smiled sheepishly. "I did not know we would be doing this tonight - you're right about my hair, I probably look a mess."

"I find you aesthetically pleasing," Alastor assured, aware of a faint buzzing in his head.

Angel giggled. He glanced at Alastor with a half lidded look. "And as long as we're being all honest and open, when I look at you, I see one of the sexiest demons down here."

Alastor froze up. "I…how? I make no efforts to…"

"It's not about making efforts, Smiles," Angel assured. "You're just drop dead gorgeous to me in a lot of ways I don't think you want me to describe." He shrugged. "Both the ways we feel are different but they also got something in common: liking each other a lot in a special way."

Alastor was quiet for a moment. "You can… touch me somewhere while we do this if you wish."

Angel smirked as one of his hands came forward, heading in a southern direction.

Alastor grabbed his arm, his look dry and his smile tight. "You can touch me someplace not currently covered by clothes."

Angel chuckled. "Just teasing…" He swallowed, and then interlaced his fingers with Alastor's. "Actually this is nice - you okay with this? Unless gloves count as clothes…"

Alastor's wide eyes went to their hands as they came to rest on the sofa. Angel's grip was soft and comforting and warm and one of his fingers gently rubbed Alastor's palm. "I…yes. This is acceptable…" He squeezed Angel's hand briefly and his eyes came back up.

"You maybe want to take off the gloves?" Angel asked.

Alastor twitched. "I'd prefer not to. It's not about touching you - there are other reasons…"

Angel nodded. "That's okay. Just checking." He flushed a little more. "Just for the record, you can touch me wherever, whenever you're ready…gloves or no gloves."

Alastor's eyes drifted to Angel's broad fluffy pink and white chest. But then he brought his eyes right back to up Angel's instead. "I will consider your generous offer."

"Hmm…what do you want to talk about while we do this? After all, conversation is our thing, right?" Angel shrugged.

Alastor felt his eyes ready to become radio dials spinning out of control. "Tell me more about Anthony." Something about saying Angel's secret name grounded him back in this moment.

Angel nodded. "Tell me more about Alastor too? Not the Radio Demon - just Alastor."

"I…shall try," Alastor replied quietly.

"Anthony likes that he met Alastor, even if it took almost two lifetimes to happen." Angel lightly pressed his mouth to Alastor's, and Alastor gripped his hand and explored the new experience.

When their mouths came apart, Alastor took a breath and tried to keep steady. "Alastor…wishes he had known good men like Angel…like Anthony…were real sooner." He raised Angel's hand and kissed the back of it.

Angel smiled more, looking so content and happy and perfect.

Alastor's chest felt warm and good. He swallowed. "I think my burn is feeling much better."

Angel smirked a little. "I want to keep helping it feel better… If you'll let me."

"That would be most entertaining, sacre ange… That means sacred angel."

Angel flushed and giggled. He brought up their held hands over Alastor's heart. "The show must go on." He winked, and when little sparks came off of Alastor's ears he giggled again.

They talked more, sharing sweet thoughts and secrets. And Angel guided them into kisses on the mouth and Alastor obliged and reciprocated with kisses on the face or hand or arm (and even once on the neck when he felt daring).

Their time together was more sinfully entertaining than Alastor had fathomed anything in hell could ever be.

A/N:

Thank you so much for reading! Next chapter we get right into how Alastor and Angel are going to handle things going forward - I promise lots of cute stuff! It'll be up next weekend!

Take care, everyone!

-Azure129