A/N:

Hi everyone! Alastor and Angel continue their date, and some other friends continue to get closer. I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading! ^w^

Partners

Chapter 33:

Getting to Know You

Arackniss had been led by Sir Pentious to the air ship's bridge, where a bunch of Egg Bois quickly gave them mugs of cocoa and set up a table and chairs. The little creatures had tried to linger around, begging Niss to shoot them with one of his guns and asking questions about Cherri and trying to refill their drinks after each sip, but Sir Pentious finally dismissed them all to see to the repairs on the ship, leaving Niss and himself in peace. Small talk began, and Niss felt a familiar sense of relief at how easy it was to share with his new friend - and how fun it was considering some of Sir Pentious's corny jokes and fancy way of talking.

Now, after two mugs of cocoa and a plate of cookies while repairs were done, the air ship was flying once more, and Niss and Sir Pentious had run out casual conversation topics. But somehow just sitting here, quiet and together, was kind of nice.

Then Sir Pentious blinked and asked Niss a question with a curious smile. "Oh goodness, I just remembered - when you first came aboard you said you had something to tell me. What is it?"

Niss blinked and bit his lip. But then he smiled a little. "I just wanted to say, uh…your ship is so impressive. You must have been a really smart guy back topside - like a doctor or an engineer or something big." He couldn't go through with pushing this guy out off is life. He still remembered the warm, secure feeling of Sir Pentious's tail being wrapped around his body.

Sir Pentious beamed and his tail coiled happily. "Thank you! Yes, she's quite lovely. I designed every aspect of this ship and the Egg Bois and my ray guns." He shrugged. "But actually, back in life I'm afraid I wasn't anything for the history books back - just a reclusive and wealthy inventor. Down here though I was finally able to perfect my craft with no hinderances! Hell is a sport of kings, and I come ready to play!" He held up a clenched fist and laughed maniacally.

Niss smiled more. "No kidding. I was never good at book stuff, but you really got it together and made a life for yourself down here - all on your own." He bit his lip. Sir Pentious was an overlord: he had achieved the greatest height in hell. Suddenly Niss almost wanted to leave because he wondered if the more time they spent together, the more quickly this guy would get bored of a quiet, no-name, spider hitman. Niss hadn't made any friends in hell - there was just 'the family'. Niss also hadn't tried to date in hell - also because of 'the family'. But here was a charming, funny, talented snake making him want to try for both things at once, and the whole thing seemed too good to be true.

Sir Pentious leaned forward to look at Niss, all interest. "But academics and politics aren't everything; they just happen to be my areas of interest. I'm sure you have fascinating interests of your own. And everyone moves at their own pace - in life and down here as well. I'm from the 1800s you know - it took me over 100 years to work my way up to where I am now. I suspect you've barely been down here a few decades." He sipped his cocoa. "I'm certain you have some kind of particular passion. If you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about it."

Niss blushed a little and took a very deep sip of his cocoa. "Oh, you know…with the job and other stuff I don't really have much time to…" But his eyes met the snake's again, and suddenly he wanted to tell him the truth. "I like cooking. Heh…always wanted to open a restaurant, serve food from my Ma's recipes. A nice little Italian place. And I'd be the pastry chef cuz I wouldn't wanna just own it. And cuz I like makin' pretty desserts." He took a deep breath. "I, uh…never told anyone that. Could you keep it under your hat?"

Sir Pentious winked (which effectively made Niss feel like he had butterflies in his stomach). "In the vault." He doffed his hat then put it back on his head. "That sounds like a lovely dream. You should pursue it, Niss. Demons do love a good place to eat. And there are even overlords who specialize in food. You'd be a fun, civil, decent sort to have around the city, and I daresay you'd become quite popular and powerful eventually."

"Yikes, I couldn't be an overlord!" Niss held up his hands, trying not to smile too much at the flattering notion. "I'm just a good right hand at best."

"Don't sell yourself short - there's greatness in you! I have an instinct for these things." Sir Pentious beamed, excited.

Niss actually felt like he did have greatness in him for a moment. "You're pretty great yourself."

The snake's eyes widened and he blushed. And when Niss saw, he mirrored the response. And then Niss's heart started beating wildly as a thought occurred to him - the conversation, the cocoa, the cozy atmosphere, and now the compliments. He wondered for a moment if he was on his first date with a guy.

A hard blow suddenly struck the side of the ship and sent the cocoa mugs flying. Sir Pentious blinked, snapping out of their moment, and looked to the front of the ship. "Egg Bois - front screen on!" The screen came to life, showing a closeup of what was going on down below.

Niss's jaw dropped.

There was Angel, in a damn purple suit, grinning as he held a Tommy gun and shot at the ship. He waved to the camera and winked. Then suddenly a large tentacle appeared and slammed into the ship as a man in a dark red suit strode forward - the Radio Demon. A string of Italian curses played through Niss's head as he wondered what mess of a situation his brother had gotten into now and why Angel needed to do it right in the middle of his (almost) date.

"Hmm," Pen crossed his arms, "seems we're under attack from that spider rapscallion I told you about. But this time he has Alastor as his partner. Ha, this must be revenge for the mess I made at the radio tower! Well then, I'll show that cocky deer and his gun-toting companion that no one messes with the likes of Sir Pentious!" He laughed evilly again. Then he turned to Niss with a smile. "Would you like to assist me? Wouldn't it be a surprise to them to see that I've teamed up with someone as well?"

Niss shook his head and backed away a step. "I, er…I just…Look, they can't know I'm here! No one can know I'm here!" When he saw the snake's face fall, Niss gathered his courage and moved close to him again. "It's not about you. The mob gives me a post to protect, but I snuck away to see your ship. If it gets out out I was playing hooky, they'll put me in cement shoes and leave me out in the street the next time there's a reaping." He swallowed and quickly added before he could stop himself, "I wanna help your - but just behind the scenes. Okay?"

Sir Pentious smiled again, head tilted in wonder. "You risked such wrath all to come and see me? I'm rather flattered." He held his arms behind his back, eyeing Niss reverently.

This guy was cute. Niss wondered if Sir Pentious thought HE was cute too. Then Niss felt like he was going to pass out so he quickly pulled out one of his guns (and only fumbled several with it once before getting a firm grip). "That's what…uh…friends are for. Right? Heh…"

Sir Pentious nodded. "You could help organize the Egg Bois - divide them evenly between the bow, stern, and starboard and port sides of the ship. They get a bit 'scrambled' in battle sometimes, heh…" Then he cleared his throat and turned to his minions as they gathered round. "Egg Bois, pilot the ship higher and set ray guns to 'nearly kill' - we want our victims alive for gloating purposes! And listen to Niss's instructions!"

Niss tried not to notice how enticing it was when Sir Pentious stood tall and took charge. Instead he went to the Egg Bois and ordered them in different directions while more bullets and tentacles struck the ship. He smiled as another new thought occurred to him - maybe the 'date' wasn't over; maybe this battle could still be part of it. When he noticed the snake glance at him with a grin and eyes hazed, Niss was sure he had the right idea and smiled even more.

At the hotel, Husk and Molly sat at the kitchen table with a pot of warmed-up pasta, two forks, and a bottle of cheap booze.

Molly ate eagerly, her blue eyes brightening at every bite. "Mmm…it's been so long."

Husk raised an eyebrow. "Since you had Italian food?"

"Since I had my mo—" She froze. "Yeah…Italian food, in a way." She put down her fork.

"You're a shitty liar." Husk took a swig from the bottle.

She smiled a little. "Maybe, but I ain't no stool pigeon. I'm no good at acting like I don't have info, but I'm great at making sure it stays secret." She shrugged. "Sorry, don't mean to be all mysterious."

Husk sighed. "You're still not as bad as my boss. You're fine."

"The Radio Guy?" She tilted her head and resumed eating. "Is he…okay? He's always smilin', but he also seems kind of…spooky. Like he'd come out of the shadows and axe ya." She scowled. "I know there's a big to-do about overlords down here, but if he lays a hand on Angel I'll string him up like venison waiting to become parmigiana!" Her eyes glowed bright pink and Husk saw something flash against her red lips - two bone white pincerlike fangs.

"Uh, Molly? You okay?" A low growl came from her. Husk frowned a little and got close, looking into her eyes. "Molly!"

She blinked - instantly all the demonics faded. She took a few breaths. "Sorry, I…I went off again, didn't I?" She cringed. "I didn't mean to scare ya."

Husk leaned back casually. "You didn't. Alastor's scarier than that on a regular basis - if I can bring him back when he gets all 'deer demon cannibal' on me, I can bring anyone around."

"He eats people!?" Molly gasped and stood up. "Husk, how could you tell me this place is safe when someone like that is around here?" She glanced around. "Where's Angel? I've gotta find him! If that bastardo lays one hand on my—"

"Molly! Shh!" Husk stood. "You're gonna wake up the whole hotel. Yeah, Alastor's pretty fucked up when he wants to be but he's not…" He sighed. "Look, long story short - the only people he gets off on hurting are bad people…really, really bad demons. And Angel isn't bad, so he's fine." Husk almost smirked. "Trust me - Alastor would especially never hurt ANGEL."

Molly frowned, her arms crossed. "How can you smile? And how can you be so sure? Angel's not bad, but sometimes he makes bad choices. What if he makes one that Radio fella doesn't like and gets hurt? Or what if YOU do?" She blushed and quickly added, "O-Or anyone around here? Heh… ALL of you should feel safe."

Husk raised an eyebrow, blushing a little himself, then sighed. "We ARE safe. Alastor wants to stay part of the hotel, and Charlie wouldn't let him if he was dangerous. Also he literally CAN'T hurt me because I'm an idiot and made a deal with him." He saw Molly open her mouth and held up a hand, scowling. "Don't ask." He sighed. "But anyway, I promise you, no matter what, the last person he'd hurt is Angel. The two of them actually like each other somehow - always taking walks and cracking jokes and working on their garden. Weird fucking best friends, but I guess it works." He took a drink. "Believe me, if Alastor's gonna do any crazy demonic shit around Angel, it'll only be to keep him safe. And it wouldn't be the first time. And Angel's done a lot for him too."

Molly smiled a little herself now and finally sat again. "That's…sort of sweet I guess. In kinda a violent way but still…" Her eyes met Husk's. "Everyone could use a friend in hell, right?"

Husk looked away and scowled.

Molly raised an eyebrow. "You…got any nice friends around here?"

He shrugged, still turned away. "Friends aren't really my style. There's Niffty I guess - we both work for Alastor and she's always going on about us being best friends. And I'm on decent terms with the girls and everyone else here."

She smiled a little more. "Do ya think I could be one of your friends?"

He blushed and his eyes met hers. He realized she was leaning on the table, closer to him now.

Then they heard the sound of the front door opening and faint voices - Husk recognized them as Abel and Louise. Molly froze and Husk turned his ears toward the door and listened.

Abel sighed. "I'm sorry cleanup took so long. Weekends are crazy at the cafe."

"It's okay," Louise assured with a yawn. "It was just nice to get to work together."

"Yeah. I'm ready for bed now though. Do you want to head up and check out the girls slumber party? I'm sure they'd love to have you."

Louise yawned again. "I'm too tired. We'll see them at breakfast anyway. Speaking of breakfast though, I'm hungry. Let's bring a snack upstairs."

"Yeah, and maybe some warm tea," Abel agreed. Footsteps came toward the kitchen.

Molly and Husk's eyes met. Husk instantly snatched up their tray of leftovers and shoved it in the fridge, then grabbed their bottle in one hand and Molly's hand in the other and pulled them into the pantry closet to hide just as the kitchen door opened.

They heard Abel and Louise shuffling around. Molly smiled a lot. When Husk raised an eyebrow she gestured down with her head. He looked and saw he was still holding her hand. He quickly pulled his hand back, took a swig from the bottle, and looked away with a pout.

Eventually the shuffling faded and they heard the kitchen door close again.

Molly sighed. "That was close. Quick thinking, Husky."

Husk shrugged. "Answering their questions would have been a pain. It's just easier this way."

Molly hesitated. "I really don't want you to get in trouble. I should go. I'll work up the courage to talk to Angel another time."

He raised an eyebrow. "You're never going to tell me what the deal is with you two, are you?"

She shrugged. "Not unless he says it's okay to." She considered. "And I also won't tell him the deal between you and me unless you say it's okay to."

Husk blushed a little. "What deal?"

"Well, that we visited even though you weren't supposed to let me be hear without telling everyone. And that we're friends?" She bit her lip, looking so hopeful.

Husk swallowed. "You could…tell him we're friends. I mean, he might've guessed it already. I don't know - Niffty asked him if he knew you and he might have figured out she was asking for me." He looked down, frowning. "Sorry, I shouldn't have let her… She was just excited about me making a friend and wanted to help us find each other again or whatever…"

Molly smiled a little again. "It's okay. It's nice of her to want to help us find each other. I'm glad we met again too." She blushed a little then cleared her throat and added, "And Angel probably would have figured me out soon anyway - he's quick."

Husk moved a little closer to her. "You know, whatever's going on - Angel's okay and you're okay too. So I'm sure everything will be okay or whatever.

Her smile grew. "Thanks, Husky. I think so too."

He sighed. "After you talk to him and all the secrets are out, any chance I at least get to see your full face and not just the parts that big hat doesn't hide? I finally got your name - now it'd be nice to put a face to it."

She nodded. "I gotta keep the trench coat for now cuz otherwise something's gonna be pretty obvious. But the hat…well, that doesn't have to wait. It's not like anyone else is gonna see but you." She took it off. "Guess I'm still self-conscious about the spider face. Heh."

Husk didn't understand why - she had big blue eyes with full eyelashes and rosy eyelids, a pink and white face with those strawberry lips, and her long blonde hair was thick at the top and framed her whole face like a heart. Her cheeks were flushed a little extra pink too. "It's not a spider face - it's YOUR face. And it's pretty." The words were out of Husk before he could stop.

Molly's eyes widened and she looked even prettier. "Oh. Grazie." She swallowed. "And you are a very handsome flying kitty, Husky. Thank you for helping me." Then she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

His wings shot open, knocking down boxes and cans. Molly giggled, blushing more, and then they both scrambled to pick things up until they heard footsteps once more and the sound of the sink starting and stopping and stop (probably Abel cleaning the dishes) and then the kitchen door closed again.

Husk instantly stood and opened the pantry door. "Okay - I can't do this hiding crap! if you're gonna stick around here for Angel, there's only one secure place we can go."

"Ooo where's that?" she asked curiously, popping her hat back on.

"My room. Come on." He quickly headed across the kitchen, and an intrigued Molly giggled again and followed.

"Did anyone else hear something downstairs?" Charlie pressed her ear to the door, listening.

"Sounded like Abel and Louise coming in to me," Vaggie replied, looking through some movies. "Maybe Alastor or Angel too - nothing to worry about."

"It definitely wasn't Alastor," Niffty offered as she admired her new makeup and hair clips and nails in a mirror. "I'd just know if his magic was back here. And it wasn't Angel because Mister Nuggets would be running to see him." She hugged Nuggets who now wore a little bowtie and had a flower tucked behind one ear. "So it must be Louise and Abel."

"Yeah, Charlie, quit worrying - isn't this supposed to be your night off or whatever?" Cherri was texting, lying upside down on one of the beds. She tucked away the phone and flipped over. "Now let's pick a movie before I get bored and order fifty pizzas with anchovies to get sent to Val at the studio. That fuck." She laughed. "He's lucky he's cutting Angel big time slack now."

"He is?" Charlie raised an eyebrow and smiled hopefully. "Did they work something out?"

Cherri blinked and glanced away. "Oh, uh…not exactly - but it's still okay!" She sighed when Charlie kept looking at her hopefully to explain more. "Look, Val is a mean ass - like seriously, if he ever shows up here acting all interested in the place like Radio Head, you send him packing. Point is, he'd never help anyone - especially Angel - unless something was in it for him."

Charlie frowned. "So…what did he get for leaving Angel alone?" Vaggie frowned too now.

They were so damn sincere sometimes, and Cherri couldn't help giving them a reply. "I can't go into details and you can't bring this up but - basically Alastor agreed not to rip the 3V to shreds for what they did at his tower if they backed off of Angel for a bit. Avoiding Radio Head's wrath is a sweet deal for any demon."

Charlie's eyes widened and grew starry. "Alastor really cared that much about helping Angel and letting the hotel go back to normal?"

"Aww, Alastor's so sweet about taking care of Miss Angel Dust." Niffty hugged Nuggets, beaming.

Cherri held up her hands. "There's nothing sweet! I told you, it was a business transaction. Even an overlord as flashy as Alastor probably needs a drama break sometimes. And Angel knows and he already thanked Radio Head, so it's over." Ready to change the subject to anything else but her best friend's blooming relationship with the Radio Demon, she pointed to the movie pile. "Vaggie, any of those heist movies? Those always have great explosions."

Vaggie smiled sheepishly. "Charlie grabbed all the movies so it's all…"

"Romantic comedies!" Charlie beamed then blushed a little. "Those are my favorites."

Vaggie smirked at Cherri. "So, we can either start the romantic comedy or talk more about Alastor doing special favors for a hotel guest."

"I think deep down part of him really does believe in the hotel and redemption," Charlie mused.

Cherri sighed, trying to look bored so they'd move on. "Maybe. As long as he hates Val and Vox and Vel, that definitely makes whatever he wants to do fine by me. Plus Mimzy and Rosie vouch for him and they're cool."

Charlie smiled more. "It's really nice that you and Mimzy and Rosie have connected so well. It's like all three of you are looking out for Alastor and for Angel now."

Cherri smiled again, grateful for the subject change finally. "Yeah, well…I guess Angel giving this place a shot made me want to try trusting some new friends. And those ladies really are a cool combination of badass and corny. They're fun. They actually remind me of you two."

Charlie beamed. "You think we're cool?"

Cherri smirked and looked at them again. "Uh, you're the damn princess of hell and you said 'fuck starting shit and being spooky, I'm gonna be my happiest self and reform sinners.'" She looked to Vaggie. "And you said 'I'm a woman warrior, and screw it if THE LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD don't approve of me - I'm dating the princess, starting this hotel, and I'll raise hell to keep it going'. I think you're both queens!"

Vaggie was smiling a lot and blushing to the point where she almost matched Charlie who was glowing red and had to wipe away a tear.

Cherri rolled her eyes. "I mean, don't get me wrong - I'm still the baddest bitch hell has ever known. But you two and Mimzy and Rosie are right up there."

"Me too?" Niffty zipped close to her and looked up at Cherri, holding Nuggets tight.

"Are you kidding?" Cherri grinned. "You keep the Radio Demon in line! You're a boss!" She held up a hand and Niffty high-fived her and giggled.

Niffty looked at the room, her smile beaming. "Tonight is so perfect! The only thing that would make it better is having Husk here." She turned to the others. "Can I see if he wants to come up? Just for a bit? I feel bad thinking about him drinking alone just because he's so stubborn."

"I say do it." Cherri kicked back on the bed again. "He can always be our entertainment if there really aren't any strippers planning to arrive."

Vaggie shook her head and turned to Niffty. "Sure - tell him we've got lots of extra snacks and he can have some if he comes up for them."

"And tell him there's no glitter anywhere!" Charlie added quickly.

Niffty nodded. She handed off Fat Nuggets to Cherri. "Please watch him. I'll be right back, Fat Nuggets." She patted him on the head and zipped away.

Cherri scratched his chin and laughed. "Aw, who's a good boy for his Aunt Cherri?"

Charlie and Vaggie shared a look then came to sit on either side of Cherri on the end of the bed. "You know," Charlie started, "we think you're pretty cool too, Cherri. You do your own thing and try to take care of the people you love."

"And you're great with Niffty and Nuggets - and everyone, really," Vaggie added. "We just want you to know that even if you don't want to be a guest here, there's always a room for you."

"And to make it official…we made you a key." Charlie took a key out of her pocket. "You know, for the front door. So you can come in whenever you want, even if it's locked."

"Presented by official decree of the queens of hell." Vaggie laughed.

Cherri looked back and forth between them then took the key. "You guys really are corny and cool. Thanks. And consider me on call to defend this place with some bombs in case Alastor isn't around or if 'death by tentacles and cannibalism' is too overkill for the situation. Hey, what—" She wriggled and smirked as Charlie and Vaggie caught her in a warm hug from either side. "Ugh, come on, this is too cutesy even for you guys - kind of hot though." Charlie and Vaggie just laughed and released her.

Cherri pulled up her phone. "Hey, I've got a compromise idea on the movie - Valentine's Day slasher flick I downloaded. Fun romance AND stellar mayhem - what do you say?"

Charlie nodded. Vaggie stood up. "Let's set it up so it's ready when Niffty comes back."

The went over to the tv and began to hook up the phone.

Niffty dashed downstairs, eager to find Husk. When she reached the lobby, she was just in time to see the kitchen door open. Husk stepped out, looking around. She was about to call out when he pulled someone out into the hall with him - the spider lady from the party! She was giggling. Husk blushed and then pulled her over to his room and went inside with her.

Niffty was ready to explode with glee. She whispered to herself. "I couldn't WRITE a story for them better than this!" She squealed and then dashed back upstairs to the slumber party suite.

"Hey Niffty!" Charlie smiled as she entered then frowned. "Oh, did Husk not want to come up?"

Niffty took a deep breath. "Oh, uh…he was just going to his room. I think he wants to be alone. That's okay, he deserves some quiet time. And we'll see him at breakfast. Let's watch a movie!" She sat on the bed next to Cherri and patted Nuggets on the head. "Nuggets, if there are scary parts, I'll cover your eyes, okay?" He oinked. Cherri laughed and tousled her hair.

Charlie and Vaggie took seats on their bed, Charlie holding Vaggie's arm, and the movie began.

In their overlord battle, Alastor and Angel were having an invigorating time toying with Sir Pentious. To Angel's surprise, the snake was actually executing an organized attack without rambling monologues or hilarious disasters - it was almost like fighting a new opponent. But the extra challenge was more fun for Alastor and Angel. Soon they went from attacking the snake separately to coordinating their efforts. Alastor would raise a tentacle under Angel to give him height, and Angel would fire rounds as he tucked and rolled through the air and landed gracefully on the ground. They were both having an entertaining time.

Angel fell back to Alastor to catch his breath. "Wow - it took Cherri and me YEARS to be this in sync. But with you it's so…easy. And good." His eyes hazed.

Alastor's ears perked up and his smile grew with pride. "I never thought I could battle side by side with another demon, and yet in this moment I can't imagine how I went so long without doing so with you, mon ange." He bowed.

Angel flushed completely. "Sheesh, Smiles, warn me before you get all gallant." Alastor straightened up, his own eyes hazed playfully. Angel swallowed and glanced back out to the battlefield. "Pen's fighting kind of different: like he's got someone on board who knows how to strategize." An odd thought popped into his head, brought on by the memory of Cherri saying Pen had been talking to Niss at the party. But his brother couldn't really be…

Suddenly the ship's hatch door opened and out came the 'troops'. Angel grinned. "Ah, Pen always falls back to the classics. Prepare to crack some eggs, Smiles. The best part is all these little egg fuckers are programmed by Pen with some kind of weird happy death wish. It's basically a free chance to cut loose in a killing spree, no strings attached." He looked to Alastor. So you wanna take out a bunch of them with one low sweep of a tentacle and then I'll gun down the rest?"

"Hmm…" Alastor tilted his head, his eyes shining. "No…I think I'd like to get my hands dirty." He strode forward to stand by Angel's side. "Come along, darling. Let's play."

Angel smirked. "This is very hot of you, Al."

Alastor's eyes widened and one of his ears twitched. "You insist on using that word…"

"It's hard to help it." He winked. "But if it's distracting I'll try to curb myself. Now let's kick the crap out of some eggs. Then dinner!" Angel reloaded his gun and strolled forward.

Alastor clenched his hand and followed beside him, his eyes red as he prepared for battle.

The Egg Bois charged with their giddy smiles. Angel laughed and fired rounds into them. The Egg Bois cheered as their shells broke open and yolks scattered everywhere.

Alastor raised an eyebrow as he teleported two egg bois into the air and let them drop to the ground and shatter. "They have yolks - like real eggs."

Angel nodded. "I feel like Pen partly builds these things from old demon bodies."

Both of Alastor's eyebrows went higher and he stared at a pile of the golden yolks for a moment, bright under the red light of the sun. Some crows dove to pick at the entrails.

"Al, look out!" Angel pulled Alastor to one side just as a bunch of Egg Bois stacked on top of each other were about to dive on him.

Angel let go of Alastor's arm. "Sorry, I know you don't like surprise touching, but it was either that or six of those guys clinging to you begging for sweet death."

Alastor blinked a few times and put on his normal charming smile. "Ha! My dear - a touch from you, especially in a time of crisis, does not need an apology." Angel's smile grew. Alastor gestured to one side of the barren landscape with his microphone. "Why don't you take the eggs on that side, I'll take the eggs on this side, and we'll meet in the middle?"

"It's a date." Angel laughed then headed off to one side of the battlefield. "Come on, ya screwy eggs! You wanna get shot? I got bullets right here!"

Angel on a killing spree was an enticing sight. But Alastor had to focus - his quarry of eggs was approaching. He cleared them away using tentacles and teleportation and a good swing of his microphone. It was enthralling to be in the midst of battle with no need to judge about the creatures he was ending and no show to put on. He swallowed and pushed back thoughts of preparing a few of these large creatures in a deviled egg manner and having a feast. He'd gone without demon flesh for a few days again, and after finally restoring his powers fully there and there was a part of his stomach that ached for the sinful meat. And the more yolks that spilled, the greater his desire grew. He moved faster, eyes glowing red, smile contorted.

"Alastor!"

He turned. There was Angel, panting, guns smoking, yolk splattering his suit. He pointed to the center of the field where a large group of egg bois had stacked on top of each other. "Let's ram 'em - together! But not, you know, sexually!" He laughed.

Alastor had to laugh too. He teleported right over to Angel and made a tentacle appear beneath both of them. He aimed his microphone forward and Angel aimed his gun and the tentacle rocketed the two of them to blast apart the egg creatures in an explosion of power. They flew into the air then Alastor quickly teleported them near an abandoned building just beyond the fray. They were covered in egg yolks and bits of shell.

Angel beamed. "Great finish! Let's ditch - Pen'll think he scared us off. That was amazing, Al!"

Angel turned to him just as Alastor grabbed Angel's lapels and pushed him against a wall the moment before a stray beam from a ray gun burned into the place the spider had been.

Angel's eyes widened and he looked to Alastor. "Thanks. Wow, Pen's never that lucky with his aim." Angel glanced over his shoulder, wondering again… After all, Niss had always been an Ace shot just like Angel. He shook his head and looked back to Alastor. "Anyway, I think we did the damage we came here for. Let's bail. Oh, but we should probably get cleaned up before dinner. Think you could snap us back to normal? I'm a wreck." Angel raised an eyebrow. "Al?"

Alastor was still holding his lapels, standing so close, eyes darting around Angel's drenched form before finding the spider's eyes. His breaths were quick and shallow and he looked less like a deer in the headlights and more like a deer eager to crash into the headlights at full force.

Angel blushed and swallowed. For a moment, however unlikely, he imagined Alastor pulling him in for some mad, passionate, nonsensical kiss to celebrate the end of the battle. And Angel would press all of his hands tp that that lithe, decked-out deer body and pull him close too.

Angel thought he heard a faint, static covered moan at the back of Alastor's throat. Then the Radio Demon released him and stepped back. Not looking at Angel, Alastor snapped his fingers - they were both cleaned completely from the egg remains. He cleared his throat. "My apologies. I believe I was stunned for a moment by how close that ray gun came to singeing you. I would not want to see you injured, especially when our evening has just begun." He glowed a little. "I'll teleport us to our location for dinner. But it's a bit of a distance - I'll need to take your hand." He looked down shyly and held out his hand.

Angel took Alastor's fingers lightly in his own. "Sounds good. And thanks again for saving me. I'm glad you had fun. I was…sort of nervous about entertaining the Radio Demon after all."

Alastor glanced at him. "Never be nervous about that. Your very existence is a delight to me."

Angel's smile grew. Alastor lightly squeezed his hand and they disappeared in a flash of magic.

A/N:

Thanks for reading! Alastor is going to start learning some interesting things about himself soon - and about Angel :33 And Molly and Husk are going to keep getting closer too. I'm really excited to share everything this date has in store for everyone. I'll try to update next week but I may have to skip a weekend again because my schedule's gotten a bit crazy ^^ Thank you all for understanding and for your support!

-Azure129