A/N:

Hi everyone! I hope you're having a nice week : ) It's time for Alastor to bring Angel breakfast in bed :333 And time for some new MollyHusk developments and another (smaller) party! I hope you like it, and thank you for reading ^w^

Partners

Chapter 30:

Breakfast (for Two) in Bed

Charlie was dancing around her office with a big beaming smile while Vaggie did her best to keep any papers or objects her girlfriend bumped into from falling to the floor. "A wedding! A real wedding! Vaggie, I never officiated a wedding before! Some of the really elite demons have asked my dad or my mom to oversee one, but no one ever asked ME! And it'll be right here in the hotel! And Louise and Abel are so cute together! There's so much to do!" She took Vaggie's hands in her own and twirled them both around.

Vaggie laughed then lowered their hands and looked at her girlfriend with a supportive smile. "Babe, it's great that you're going to do this for the first time, and I know it's going to be an amazing wedding. But I really want you to take a break before you get too involved." She frowned a little. "You just pulled off our big open house, and you're still taking care of so many things with the hotel. The wedding stuff can wait a bit - and you don't have to do it alone." She smiled again. "Remember what we talked about? That we should find something relaxing and fun to do once the party was over? Why don't we let ourselves have that first."

Charlie took a deep breath and nodded. "I remember. And you're right, I'm…maybe a little burnt out from the open house and seeing my parents and everything that happened with Valentino." She hugged Vaggie then pulled back. "But whatever we do, can it not involve leaving the hotel to go anywhere? I'm more comfortable being around here right now, and especially with Baxter coming."

Vaggie nodded. "Claro! We'll stay here but take a few days off. Maybe we can catch a movie or do some shopping…"

"Or…" Charlie's eyes lit up hopefully.

Vaggie raised an eyebrow and smiled a lot. "What are you thinking?"

Charlie clasped her hands together. "Slumber party?"

Vaggie smirked. "Just you and me?"

Charlie blushed. "No, no, not like that… We don't need a special occasion for that." She played with her hair as Vaggie blushed and giggled. "I mean, just a fun night in with games and snacks and music and sharing. This weekend! You and me, and maybe Niffty and Cherri! And Louise if she wants to come, but I know she said she'll be busy working extra shifts with Abel for a while, so they might not be up for a late night." She shrugged. "I've really liked getting to know all our new friends here. I think a 'girls night' would be fun."

Vaggie considered. "Angel's working nights again, so I don't think he'd mind. And Steve's going to be in different parts of town doing shows now that he's getting more popular. What'll we do with Husk and Alastor though?"

"Remember that time we made posters for the hotel and got Husk full of glitter and he said he never wanted to be involved in one of our fun activities ever again?" Charlie shrugged. "I think he'll be happy to stay far away. And Alastor…" she grinned, "honestly, I think Alastor at a slumber party would be sweet, but I have a feeling he'll just like having a night to himself off from hotel stuff. Then in the morning when Abel and Louise are back we can all have breakfast together - something special."

Vaggie sighed and nodded. "Okay, Hotel Slumber Party it is."

Charlie squealed happily. "Let's go set up one of the big suites!" The ladies dashed upstairs together, giggling and smiling.

They ran into Niffty at the top of the steps just as she was heading down. "Oh, hey Niffty!" Charlie waved. "Sorry, we didn't mean to get in your way. I'm just really excited!"

"Oh, that's okay!" Niffty smiled. "What are you both excited about? I just love seeing you both happy together!"

Vaggie smiled warmly. "We're going to get one of the big suites ready for a little surprise."

"A surprise!" Niffty latched onto Vaggie and Charlie with a manic grin. "Tell me!"

Vaggie gently pried off Niffty as Charlie laughed and replied. "Well, we thought it'd be nice to do something relaxing and fun to celebrate the hotel's success, and also to keep getting to know each other. So we're going to throw a slumber party!"

Niffty bit her lip and her fists shook in excitement. "That sounds wonderful! I never went to a slumber party before, you know! Living here is the best thing ever!"

"Aww…" Charlie smiled at Niffty, eyes teary.

Vaggie crossed her arms. "Want to help us, Niffty? We want to try and have the slumber party this weekend."

Niffty started to nod but then the front door opened - she glanced down the stairs to see Alastor and Angel enter with Fat Nuggets. She bit her lip. "I do want to help, but…I'm supposed to talk to Miss Angel Dust first."

"Oh - about what?" Charlie asked with interest.

Niffty blinked. "Nothing! Um…well…"

Vaggie's eyes hazed. "Is it private?"

Niffty nodded.

Vaggie tried not to snicker. "Is it about Alastor?"

Niffty giggled. "No, not this time." She considered, torn between her promise to Husk to talk to Angel and the chance to clean and organize with the girls. But when she saw how caught up Angel and Alastor were with chatting together right now she decided not to interrupt them. She turned back to the girls with a smile. "It's okay, I'll wait til later when she's not busy. Also I really like spending time with you two. You're both so nice! Just like Alastor!"

Charlie sniffled and her smile wobbled. "Oh, Niffty, you're so cute!"

Vaggie sighed. "I'll…put aside how I feel about being compared to Alastor and just say thank you, Niffty. Now come on - let's get started and also maybe snag some snacks. Charlie and I keep a secret stash in our room."

Niffty followed after them eagerly. "I want to know everything about what happens at slumber parties! That way I'll know how to decorate!"

Charlie and Vaggie followed after the little demon, holding hands, and ready to answer any of her questions.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Alastor and Angel were indeed still enjoying each other's company.

Angel glanced at the staircase where the girls had just been. "I don't know where the three of them are going, but I'm kind of glad they didn't come down here." He turned back to Alastor with a faint blush. "I like the bits of time we get in this place when it's just us, Smiles."

Alastor leaned closer, eyes hazed. He was becoming quite partial to the sight of Angel blushing. "We could take a small break separately to refresh ourselves and dull any suspicions about our situation, and then rendezvous in the garden to tend to our plants together."

Angel seemed pleased with the notion for a moment but then his smile faded. "Al…remember, I'm back on the clock now. I gotta be at work in a couple hours. And it's gonna take me at least that long to give Nuggets his bath and get myself all dolled up."

"Nuggets enjoys filth, and you look exceptional as you already are," Alastor countered with a shrug.

Now Angel flushed completely. "Fuck, Al, it is not fair that you're this good at flirting right off the bat."

"Am I flirting again?" Alastor tilted his head. "I thought I was just making an accurate observation."

"I really can't tell if you're serious or not." Angel chuckled.

"I'm serious that you are quite pretty in all ensembles in which I've seen you." Alastor gripped his microphone, watching Angel grow shyer again. He lowered his voice. "Whomever you 'entertain' tonight…I hope they appreciate you and their good fortune."

Angel shrugged. "First time for everything, I guess, heh…" But then his smile grew. "Actually, I was kidding just now but there really must be a first time for everything — cuz you already do appreciate the hell outta me for some screwy reason."

Alastor's smile tightened a little. "You deserve appreciation and more, mon ange." He spoke quickly. "If you are ever in trouble - not just from Valentino - summon me. I can give you a small radio to keep with you at all times for calling me, or I can teach you an incantation. That might be less convenient though considering all the blood you'd need…"

"I can handle myself, Al." Angel rolled his eyes, pouting a little. "I'm not an all powerful magical overlord, but I know what I'm doing. I know how to survive down here. Learned most of it by surviving up there first - while I could, at least." He gestured upward and there was a faraway look in his eye. Fat Nuggets nuzzled his leg, and Angel picked him up. "Thanks for the walk, Al - it was different now that we're closer, but still nice. I'm glad. And, hey, bonus — we gave you a major break through about your sexuality!" He winked. "Anyway, I'll be back late tonight. Don't worry about waiting up." He put back on his casual smile, gave Alastor a little wave, and then departed up the stairs.

Alastor watched him go and considered. Somehow he had hurt Angel - not directly but rather by causing him to recall unpleasant times and memories. Angel Dust had been so courageous for his sake over these weeks with all of Alastor's doubts and needs and close calls. Yet Alastor knew there was something fragile underneath the spider's bravery that needed tending. He wanted the two of them to be in the best place together when the time for their date came around after all. And so he had a first-rate plan to use his obligation to bring Angel breakfast in bed to restore the ease between them. Having never experienced a relationship of this nature before though, he could only hope his efforts were the correct course of action to take.

"Alastor?" grumbled a familiar voice as Husk's form rose up from behind the bar with a yawn and a stretch. "G'morning - afternoon, whatever. Why are you just standing there staring at your microphone? Do I need to get you a drink? Or maybe a couple of new transistors or something?"

Alastor's eyes switched to radio dials. "Nothing happened! Return to your day drinking!" He snapped and disappeared in a burst of smoke and green flame.

Husk was unfazed. "Works for me. Not like I've got anything else to do around here…anywhere to go…anyone to talk to…" He uncorked a fresh bottle and flopped his head onto the counter with a pout.

By the time the suite for the slumber party was set up, Niffty was so tired she could barely keep her eye open. When Charlie turned around and found her curled up on one of the beds asleep, she tucked in the little demon and dimmed the lights. Niffty could spend the night in here - she would just be down the hall from Alastor's room and Angel's too if she needed anything. Meanwhile, Charlie and Vaggie headed downstairs for a quick bite and then turned in early themselves.

Alastor had never had any intention of sleeping until Angel returned home safely anyway. But now he also had a very specific activity to manage before the spider came back. He waited until quite late — when he was certain no one else would be using the culinary facilities. Then Alastor put his shadow on watch at the door and got to cooking. He would be ready for Angel.

At one point, as he cooked, he even let his smile slip and sang a small tune to himself in that lightly accented voice Angel might not have recognized. Maybe one day Alastor would let him hear it, though his willingness to seriously consider the notion surprised him considerably. He went back to his task, a sweet scent filling the air along with warmth from the stove.

The Radio Demon was a very meticulous chef, especially for dishes that required care. And his meal was finished just as he heard Angel walk through the front door. With a snap of his fingers the kitchen was clean and he and his shadow disappeared with a covered silver platter, leaving no trace behind of his efforts.

Angel trudged up the hotel stairs with a yawn. The night hadn't been especially rough, but he'd still been out of practice for a week or so. At least he hadn't had to deal with the three studio overlords - he hadn't even glimpsed Valentino while slipping into the studio to grab a few personal items. Either way, he was tired now and just glad to be home. Sleeping in late tomorrow would be nice. For a moment, as he reached the top of the landing and headed down the hall, he was hopeful that perhaps Alastor had waited up for him after all. But when he turned the corner to their hallway, he saw Alastor's door closed and dark, right beside the door to his own room that had just the faint glow of light coming underneath from the lamp he'd left on for Nuggets.

It was okay - he would see the deer demon in the morning for breakfast in bed after all. But still, talks at night with Alastor were very appealing. They always got closer at night somehow.

Angel got out his key but then his door opened on its own. He hesitated.

"Welcome home, darling…" A low, familiar voice sounded.

A part of Angel couldn't help but fantasize about opening the door to find Alastor reclined enticingly on his bed, waiting to take their kissing and hand holding to a new extreme. "Fuck, I've been doing way too many sexual things tonight…" he whispered under his breath sheepishly. Then he bit his lip and pushed open the door.

Though not as seductive as his quick fantasy, the sight he found was still pretty attractive. Candles lit around the room provided a warm glow, and the smell of honey and sugar and fried dough filled the air coming from a platter. And there stood Alastor with his sleeves rolled up slightly, wearing a black apron instead of his red coat, and holding a covered silver platter in one hand and his microphone in the other.

Fat Nuggets was fast asleep on the floor with Alastor's shadow watching over him. When Angel entered, the shadow gave him a nod and Nuggets a pat on the head then disappeared.

"Hey there." Angel smiled and closed the door. "I thought our date was this weekend."

"This isn't our date!" Alastor tilted his head, grinning.

"Okay…" Angel smirked, sauntering forward, "Then I thought I said you didn't have to wait up for me."

"Ha! If I sleep while you're working, then how am I supposed to be immediately available should you need my services while you're providing your own?" He shrugged.

Angel laughed a little and crossed his arms. "Okay, well…is this your way of getting out of breakfast in bed for me?"

"On the contrary, darling - this IS breakfast in bed!"

"Al, it's 2 in the morning!"

"That still counts as the morning! And I"m certain you haven't eaten enough tonight and that you'd prefer to sleep in tomorrow. All you need to do now is get into bed and I'll be happy to serve it to you, mon ange." His eyes narrowed playfully as he held up the silver platter.

Angel grinned more. "Okay, Al, you got my interest. Middle of the night breakfast in bed it is." He walked over to his dresser. "Mind turning around while I slip into something more comfortable…and slip off my boots for some socks?"

Alastor's face glowed and he instantly turned away, gripping his microphone. Angel laughed and quickly changed, watching the Radio Demon as he did so. Alastor didn't even attempt to peek. Angle was amazed for a moment that he'd fallen in love with someone who couldn't care less about having a good time with his body - and that somehow that fact wasn't a wound to his ego. If anything it made his heart race because it meant Alastor was really here because he liked who Angel was inside the body.

Angel, however, was a very physical person and suddenly found himself ogling Alastor's body a little. From behind, he was lean with sharp wide shoulders and long legs and a very cute little ass—

"Er, Angel? Are you done?"

Angel blinked and quickly finished changing into his cotton shorts and sweatshirt and socks. "Oh, pfft, yeah, of course. You can turn around."

Alastor did turn and Angel swallowed at the sight of him from this angle too of course - so broad-chested with those slender hips and that little chiseled chin. Maybe it was the whole 'being in love' thing talking, but Angel really had never met a demon who he'd found more sexually attractive. And that apron was hot on him. And the suspender straps were still hot on him too.

Alastor bowed a little and gestured forward. "Into the bed, please? Those were the terms of our wager, yes?"

Angel grinned giddily as he sat himself on the covers, propped upright against some pillows. "You ordering me into bed - I already like this."

Alastor rolled his eyes and came forward with the tray. "May I present ton dessert d'jour - homemade beignets. My mother's recipe."

Angel's eyes widened as he pulled off the cover to reveal a plate of beautiful, fried, golden brown pastries drizzled with honey and powdered sugar — and they were still warm. "These are the things you said are like zeppolis, right? Fuck, Alastor, they look like people would kill to taste them."

Alastor leaned closer and set the platter on Angel's lap. "But you don't have to kill. All you have to do is eat. And be happy, mon belle ange."

The spider demon blushed, a beignet already in hand. "Will you eat with me?" Angel pushed a couple of beignets toward the side of the platter closest to Alastor.

"It really is your breakfast…" Alastor hesitated.

"And I want to share it with you, Smiles," Angel added softly.

The Radio Demon's ears perked up. "Would I need to get into bed?"

Angel's smile softened. "If you want to. Or you could just sit on the edge near me. And we can talk. People who are close eat and talk all the time, even sitting on a bed."

Alastor sat directly on the edge of the bed and grabbed a beignet. He took a bite and chewed slowly, his eyes closed. His smile dropped almost completely, and yet he seemed calm - the usual buzz of static around his head faded to almost nothing.

Angel watched him. "Good memories, Smiles?"

Alastor nodded. His eyes fluttered open, and an attempt at his usual smile returned. "My life up there…had some moments that were better than others."

Angel smiled a little, his look faraway. "Food can bring some great memories. Whenever I make my Ma's sauce here…I close my eyes and remember too."

"Remembering can be entertaining," Alastor started carefully. "But it can also be upsetting." He looked to Angel. "I believe I made you remember some unpleasant things from life today. I apologize."

Angel blinked. "You were just asking questions. You were curious. I'd have been too if someone had just explained to me that how I felt about sex and romance was definitely normal and definitely not some hallmark sign of a crazed murderer."

"Still…you seem to have suffered in life greatly merely for being your bold and provocative self. And unlike me you had enough sanity that sheer violence as a response wasn't an option to dull the pain."

"Al…" Angel shook his head, "it's…well, it's not okay, but it's nothing you could help. Two lifetimes to meet each other, remember?" Angel swallowed. "And I'm still just glad we did meet even if it did take that long."

Alastor glowed and his brown furrowed. "Well, perhaps if we had…found each other in life, I could have provided you with a safe space to explore your nature, and you could have provided me with a good reason to put aside a few choice sins."

"Like…we would have moved in together or something?" Angel asked, growing pinker, flecks of fried dough dotting the fur around is mouth.

Alastor's eyes widened a lot. "I…I don't…It would have been the most logical way to care for you, and mother would have indeed loved you, but…" His eye twitched. "I have never wanted to move in with another creature. But as usual everything is different with you!" His eyes narrowed. "Just know that if anyone is down here who hurt you in life, say the word and I will tear them limb from limb and use their bones to reinforce the foundations of my Radio Tower!" His eyes were red and static came from his ears as he held one of his clawed-hands high.

Angel smiled gently. He put aside the platter. "Al? Can I hug you? Just one set of arms, promise…"

Alastor bit his lip and nodded. "It's not necessary but if you'd like, I suppose…"

Angel's hands lightly rested around his shoulders, then he pulled back. "There's lot of things that hurt me - in life and in death. But you make me feel better about them. And if our talk today helped you feel better about anything, I'm happy."

Alastor swallowed. "You have done much for my benefit lately. I wish to do more for you. Not as a deal or to make us even. I just…want to now."

"We do things for each other - that's part of dating, if we're gonna officially be dating." Angel glanced down shyly.

"Ha! We've certainly been through a lot together for two people who haven't even had a first date," Alastor observed, his hands raised up with his fingers spread wide. "Quite the rollercoaster of revelations!"

"Yeah…" Angel rubbed the back of his neck. "I think we got through all the small talk stuff when we were becoming friends, and now that we're more than friends most of what's left to go over is the big stuff." He shrugged. "But we can just handle each big thing as we're ready."

"Agreed." Then Alastor became very aware that they were sitting alone on Angel's bed in his room. He bit his lip. "Angel Dust…could we try something?"

Angel grinned. "Whatever you want, babe — I'm down."

Alastor sighed. "Do you recall how we discussed doing certain things on a bed instead of on my sofa?"

Angel's eyes narrowed. "If you're gonna give me fucking delicious pastries AND make out with me here, I'm gonna be in heaven — no redemption required."

Alastor glowed very brightly. "I merely wanted to…" He clenched his hand nearest Angel Dust against the bed spread and looked to Angel's hand resting not far away.

Angel noticed and he smiled in understanding. He tiptoed his fingers over and gently laid his hand atop Alastor's. The Radio Demon's smile seemed relieved. "I'm tired," Angel added. "Do you mind if we sit on the edge of the bed together but lie back on the covers? We can have space between us… Like I said, there's plenty of room in my bed, heh."

Alastor considered then nodded. Angel came to sit on the edge of the bed beside him and then both men laid back on the covers with their legs hanging off the edge of the bed and their hands still clasped. They were quiet for a moment, just resting and thinking.

The Radio Demon spoke first. "Would you…really have been inclined to 'make out' with me here?"

Angel flushed and laughed, snorting through his nose. "I'd be inclined to make out with you anywhere, Smiles."

Sparks of static were coming off of Alastor's ears and his smile grew in a slightly manic way. "I see. You are eternally spontaneous. I am merely sporadically so."

Angel's smile softened and he rubbed his thumb in light circles over the back of Alastor's hand. "And I'm also tired from work. And this is really nice. This is…" Angel sighed and entwined his fingers with Alastor's a bit more. "You don't know what you do to me, Smiles…I…" He blushed, glancing away. They hadn't even had a first official date yet - he couldn't spout about being in love right now. Right now he just wanted to be here. When he noticed Alastor's eyes drift over to him with an eyebrow raised, Angel quickly cleared his throat and went on. "You didn't have to wait up for me…but I like that you did. Thanks."

"I miss you when you go." The words left Alastor before he could stop himself and then he squeezed Angel's hand back tightly, his eyes wide with a faint yellow glow that almost matched his face..

Angel took a deep breath. "You're…getting attached too, huh?"

Alastor didn't answer, just kept staring up, his eyes becoming radio dials.

Then there was a knock on Angel's door. "Miss Angel? Are you home now and still awake? I have a question for you and it's very important!"

Alastor sat bolt upright at the sound of Niffty's voice. Angel sat up too, and the demons looked at each other. Alastor brought a finger to his lips and Angel nodded. Then the Radio Demon raised up the spider demon's hand, kissed the back, and snapped himself (and the platter of beignets) away. Blushing, Angel cleared his throat and looked to the door. "Hey Niffty! Come in! I just got home."

The door opened and Niffty dashed in. "Perfect! I'm so glad I caught you! I just woke up actually - I was helping Charlie and Vaggie all day setting up one of the suites for a fun surprise! But I guess I fell sleep there."

"Sounds like a riot." Angel smiled warmly. "So, what can I do for you?"

Niffty swallowed and glanced to the side with her hands clasped. "Well…I have this friend…And this friend was wondering: since you're so famous and since you're a spider demon, do you know any other spider demons in hell?" She looked to Angel hopefully.

Angel tilted his head. "I might… They're not common though. Is there any kind of problem with the demon?"

She looked anywhere but at him. "No! No, nope! But…my friend asked me because he's trying to find this friend he made recently who's a spider. It's okay if you can't help - but if you can, please tell me everything you know! It's important!" She clasped her hands together, eye bright.

Angel smiled a little more. "Can you describe this spider to me?"

"A girl - pretty and perky with long blonde hair! Oh, and she likes moonshine and strawberry-colored lipstick and says Italian words sometimes like you!"

Angel's eyes widened and his jaw fell open.

"Angel?"

Angel swallowed. "I… I don't think I can help you with that. Sorry, Niffty."

Niffty frowned a little. But then her smile returned. "It's okay. Thank you anyway, Miss Angel Dust. You're so nice." She dashed forward and hugged Angel then pulled back and sniffed. "Do I smell honey and sugar?"

Angel blinked. "Uh, new perfume, heh!" He led her to the door. "You get to bed, Niffty. Maybe we'll take Nuggets for a walk together in the garden tomorrow."

"Okay! Goodnight, Angel!" She waved and then patted Nuggets on the head and departed.

A moment later Alastor reappeared with the beignets to find Angel with his head down and his arms crossed. "You know that other spider, don't you? I'm curious as to why you misled Niffty."

"The same reason you mislead other people all the time. Some shit's complicated." Angel took a breath. "It's good you brought me breakfast now, Al. I've gotta head out in the morning."

"To see the spider?"

"To see Cherri…"

"About the spider?"

"Al…" Angel looked at him. "Remember how we said we trust each other a lot but we need some time still about some things? This is one of those things. I need you to not pry about it."

Static came off of Alastor's ears but he nodded. "Promise me you're safe at least?"

Angel gave a single nod in return. "It's just complicated. If you want to help…talk to Husk or Baxter. One of them has gotta be the friend Niffty was talking about."

"It's Husker," Alastor replied. "She was teasing him earlier about making a new friend. I'll see what I can discover." He set the beignets on the nightstand. "You should get some rest, Angel."

"Yeah…Yeah…" Angel sighed and sat back on the bed. He blushed a little. "Holding hands here was nice. Let's do it again some time, Smiles."

"Of course. You were right about the spaciousness of your bed. And it's quite comfortable too." Alastor stepped to the secret door in the wall. "Whatever errand you have to take care of tomorrow with Cherri, I trust your judgment." He opened the door. "Goodnight, Angel."

Angel managed a smile and glanced at Alastor gratefully. "Goodnight, Alastor. And I…I want to tell you more, I just… need to talk to other people first. It's…family business."

Alastor hesitated at those words, both because he hadn't expected the matter to involve Angel's family…and because he recalled that however close they were now he wasn't part of Angel's family. Though perhaps he wouldn't mind…wanted…sought to be part of Angel's family. He merely nodded. "Of course! Family first!" Then Alastor strolled into his room and closed the door.

Angel sighed deeply then whipped out his phone with a worried scowl. 'Cherri - coming to see you in the AM. Non 3-V or Alastor emergency. But still big.' He turned off the phone and collapsed onto his pillows. He bit his lip, tears in his eyes. "Fuck…fuck! Never fucking listens…" he groaned. Nuggets had woken up by now. He hopped up into the bed and snuggled with him. Angel held him close - his tears stopped even though his smile didn't come back. He wouldn't feel better until he got answers tomorrow — from everyone possible.

A/N:

Time for Angel to do some investigation regarding his sibling(s)! And time for both of them to prepare more for their date lol. The next chapter will be up next week and cover that, and then I'll probably skip a week to get the date chapters all worked out. Lots of cuteness planned, I hope you all like it : )

Have a nice week!

-Azure129