A/N:

Hi everyone! Here it is, the continuation of Alastor and Angel's date, and the 'dates' of a few other couples : ) A big moment happens in this installment lol. I hope you like it!

Partners

Chapter 34:

So This is Love

From the airship, Arackniss observed the abandoned battlefield covered in broken eggs and tentacle pieces and spent bullet rounds. It was a little gross but also impressive. He'd never seen Angel fight like that. And that preppy radio guy had held his own too.

But Niss was most impressed with himself. Being up here with Sir Pentious and helping with the fight had been amazing. Usually at home he was just protection — told to stand in the corner while shady deals went down. But here he'd been allowed to take part in strategy and drama and action. And his snake friend had been very impressive to watch as he orchestrated the attack: almost more impressive than when he had stood up to Vox in Niss's defense.

After their final assault on the egg bois, Alastor and Angel had disappeared - probably the demon guy's magic. Niss couldn't imagine his brother or the Radio Demon quitting so easily though. He shot off a few final blasts of the ray gun around the area - one into some wreckage, one into a large pile of cracked Egg Bois, and one near an abandoned building. But strangely there was no counterattack. Then again, Angel wasn't an overlord - maybe this attack had just been his way of causing mayhem for fun. Angel had never been very good at serious crime work anyway - always more interested in the art of the heist than the value of the loot.

"Well, I do believe we scared them off!" Sir Pentious announced, head held high as he slithered through the airship, patting his remaining Egg Bois on the heads. "And we couldn't have managed such a well-coordinated fight without our very special guest - thank you, Sir Niss!" He applauded. When the Egg Bois didn't copy him he sighed and rolled his eyes. "Clap!" They did their best to comply, clapping but also accidentally smacking each other in the process. The snake shrugged sheepishly as he slithered up to Niss. "I'm still working out a lot of bugs with them. But you really were a delightful help. You're quite commanding."

Niss blushed. "Oh…thanks! But this ship kind of runs itself. These ray guns of yours are just like big sniper rifles, so not too different for me to get used to. And ordering these guys around was a snap - they listen real good as long as you promise they might get shot with a ray gun later."

Niss and Sir Pentious shared a chuckle. Niss swallowed and crossed his arms. "So is it weird that Angel and the Radio guy just took off like that?"

"Oh, not unexpected. The Radio Demon gets bored with his quarry easily, and Angel Dust just enjoys causing trouble. I also suspect he wanted to leave before the news cameras showed up - I hear he got quite the talking to from the princess for televising his last turf war against me with Cherri Bomb." Sir Pentious sighed and shook his head with a smile. "Those two are incorrigible. But at least today Angel didn't assault my ears with excessive sexual innuendo. Perhaps the Radio Demon is having a good effect on him. I prefer my clean banter on the battlefield and my suggestive banter behind closed doors thank you very much."

Niss blushed a lot more. Sir Pentious raised an eyebrow at first then blinked, realizing his phrasing, and blushed too.

Niss stepped back. "Well, I'm happy I could help ya. This was…fun, really. I like that we ran into each other. I like that we know each other."

"I do too, Niss." Sir Pentious moved closer and clasped his hands. "Could I… I know you're rather busy with your work, but perhaps if it suits you we could see each other again sometime? In private of course." His eyes widened and he quickly added, "Since you need discretion for your employment, I mean! Heh!"

Niss swallowed. He glanced away, his voice gruff. "I, uh…don't know when we could—" The snake's smile fell a bit until Niss noticed and added, unable to help himself "But I could try. And I want to - hangin' out today was real nice, after all." Sir Pentious's smile returned.

They gazed into each other's eyes. The ship lurched forward. Niss fell backwards to the floor and Sir Pentious fell forward on top of him. The snake scowled and looked over his shoulder. "Egg Bois, STOP playing with the controls!" He turned back to Niss. "Are you…alright?"

They were practically nose to nose, Sir Pentious's dark hair-like hood giving them privacy and shadows. And Niss, wide-eyed and heart pounding, wanted to stay here with him forever.

Then his phone chirped in his pocket. Niss blinked then pushed himself back and got standing. "That's my po— the boss's ring. I've got to go now. I…" Before he could stop himself he pulled out a pen and paper from his pocket, scribbled something, and shoved it into Sir Pentious's hands. "Call me! Bye!" Blushing thoroughly, he headed to an exit, unfurled a rope ladder and climbed down until he was low enough to jump to the ground and take off back into the city.

Sir Pentious lay on the floor for a moment, holding the paper in his hand. He gradually rose, joyful eyes caught on the phone number. "Egg Bois, dock us somewhere and then amuse yourselves with a brief break. Soon we'll be sprucing up the ship considerably…as we'll be having a regular guest." He tucked the number under his hat and then slithered off to the nearest crushed velvet sofa to recline and gaze out the window with a dreamy look.

Husk had pulled Molly into his room, locked the door behind them, then deposited her on his bed and sat in his armchair across the room. And now he was looking anywhere but at her.

Molly took off her hat again and swung her legs and looked around with a smile. Finally though, after a stretch of awkward silence, she glanced at her host with a little smirk. "Why do I get the feelin' I'm the first gal you ever brought in here?"

"Shut up, Niffty's been in here!" He crossed his arms and sunk lower in his chair.

"Yeah, but I bet ya didn't sneak her in under the cover of night."

Husk blushed and sighed. "Anyway, I brought you here cuz it's the easiest place to hide you. Just lie down and rest or whatever. I'll stay up and when I hear Angel come back I'll let you know and then I'll let him know and then you two can have your family talk."

Molly pouted. "You don't gotta 'take care of' all that for me or tell me to take a nap like a child." She sat back on the bed against the pillows, knees pulled in. "Most of my family always treated me with kid gloves like that back up top. They hated when they caught me doin' exciting things like swearin' and drinkin' moonshine and learnin' how to shoot."

Husk's posture relaxed a little. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Look, I didn't mean to treat you like a kid. I'm trying to help or whatever. And I'm…not so good at socializing with people - making friends." He shrugged. "And I…like you, which is weird because I never like ANYONE. Especially not new people."

She smiled a little again. "It's okay. You do seem kind of shy. And I can be kinda…intense sometimes. But I know you're tryin' your best. And I like you too."

"You know…for your sake, there's lots of people here who are lots more fun that you could be friends with. There's a slumber party with three chicks your age going on upstairs right now."

"I'm sure they're all great! But you're great too - even if you're different." She smiled more. "You're grumpy on the outside but gentle on the inside. And it's been nice gettin' to know both sides. You're sweet, Husky." Husk blushed. Molly went on. "But we don't have ta get too close too fast if you're not comfortable. If we're friends, I want be a good one for you." She blushed now as well. "I'm sorry if that little kiss in the pantry on the cheek made you skittish. You made me feel pretty even as a spider. And I got excited and carried away."

Husks's blush deepened. "No, it…was fine." He blinked. "I mean, I'm not uncomfortable. I'm actually really weirdly comfortable around you." He pouted and scowled to himself. "Look, I live with some of the perkiest demons ever but you take the cake on being cheerful! I've never seen anyone have a smile like yours in the middle of hell. It's kinda hopeful or whatever. And it makes me feel…better." He rolled his eyes. "Also you pinned me against the bar at the open house - any dame that can best me in hand to hand is one worth knowing."

Molly laughed. "You held your own." Her pretty blue eyes hazed. "And thanks - I didn't know my smile meant that much to anyone." Husk didn't answer though his normal frown relaxed a little. Molly cleared her throat and went on, pushing back her hair. "Well then, I think I might take ya up on that offer to rest, at least for a little bit. But I don't wanna keep you from your bed. I'll lay across the top here, and if you get tired of being cramped in that chair you can lay across the bottom."

Husk blushed and scowled a lot.

Molly sighed. "I'm just tryin' to be practical - and to show my appreciation. You're doin' a lot for me tonight and I don't want to put you out." She blushed a little again and added, "In case you haven't realized it, I ain't a subtle person. If I was suggestin' something else for us, I'd say so."

Husk lost some of his scowl again and nodded. "Sorry. And thanks, but I'm okay here. Angel'll probably be back soon anyway."

Molly nodded. Then with a yawn she laid down at the top of the bed, holding a pillow and curled up on one side.

Husk stayed in his arm chair for a little while, but he'd never been able to get comfortable for too long in a chair with a back because of his wings. And Angel still wasn't home. Finally, hesitantly, he headed to the bed. He caught a glimpse of her face in the moonlight - she was asleep, peaceful and smiling. He grabbed the end of the blanket and laid it over her. Then he curled up at the end of the bed with his wings wrapped around him. He would try to stay awake to let her know about Angel but the gentle sound of her breathing was already lulling him into slumber - and soon instead of breaths, soft purrs left Husk as he fell asleep too.

After teleporting away from their battle, Alastor and Angel reappeared in an alley that was dim considering nightfall was almost upon hell, yet still looked familiar to Angel. They were also still holding hands - though before Angel could remark on it, Alastor stepped away. He looked up at Angel with a proud smile.

Angel looked to Alastor and raised an eyebrow. "So…what, we goin' to some little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that's get the best damn food in hell?" He smiled in interest.

Alastor shook his head. "Ha, no! I thought we might prefer something more private considering the special occasion. But I didn't want to startle you by making us appear inside. Also I wanted to show you the outside first - I'm quite proud of the improvements. If you'll follow me…" Alastor strolled forward.

Angel followed on his heels, smiling more. "Playing up the mystique. Nice - you're a natural at this flirting thing, you know. I'm completely hooked."

"I was hoping you would be - I do love a thoroughly captivated audience." The Radio Demon looked over his shoulder and winked, and Angel felt like his knees were going weak. "We'll be dining in my radio tower - if the memories from your first time there aren't too uncomfortable to contend with, of course." He glanced hesitantly at Angel who had come to walk beside him. "Despite it acting as a base of operations for my more…sadistic activities…it's actually a special place to me. I want to share it with you since you are likewise special to me."

Angel's heart fluttered. "Ah, fuck what happened the first time I came here." He smirked and waved off Alastor. "I want a better memory - so let's make one tonight." Alastor perked up. Angel blinked in realization and his smile grew. "Does this mean you cooked for us?"

"Of course! As though I would leave our dining experience up to chance. Ha!" He twirled his cane. "Five courses, a special dessert, and I chose an excellent wine if I do say so myself."

"A man ready to feed me - if I wasn't into you before…" Angel shook his head with a grin.

Alastor glowed very much and gestured around a corner with his microphone. "Now, step this way and prepare to be dazzled!"

Angel rounded the corner, following Alastor. Then he stopped and his eyes went wide. "Wow…" Some construction was still being done on the tower - a few walls and windows at various levels were gone and the lower floors looked like they were between coats of paint. But otherwise the structure was stunning - the large building was painted a jet black that glimmered with a gold sheen under hell's light while glowing patterns of red antlers wound up around the sides all the way up. And the antenna at the top glittered like a wand studded with dark diamonds. "Al, it's beautiful. And terrifying. Hey, kind of like you." Angel chuckled and headed forward to their destination.

Alastor was very still, his eyes wide. "Beautiful and terrifying - me?"

But Angel was already too far ahead to hear him.

Or at least that's what Alastor assumed since Angel didn't respond. As Angel walked on though, he blushed more at the words he had just let slip out. And instead of imagining Alastor pinning him to a wall for kisses like back at the battlefield, Angel imagined taking Alastor in his arms and gently kissing him over and over on every place the Radio Demon would let him to show the deer just how beautiful he was, even in this place where they'd gone through such a terrifying experience.

Alastor quickly followed after his date to the base of the building, and they were side by side once more.

Angel turned to him, normal grin back in place. "So which floor are we eating on?"

"We'll dine in the studio actually." Alastor swallowed. "I assure you it's far more presentable now than the last time you were there. I… decorated it myself for tonight. Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be, Smiles," Angel assured.

With a snap of his fingers Alastor teleported them away once more.

They reappeared in the radio studio. And it really did appear significantly better than the last time Angel had been here. The entire room was repaired and repainted, the windows were restored with lovely dark red drapes hanging over them, and the booth itself had been redone with dark wood and new microphones and equipment.

The really nice part was in the main area of the room though where Alastor usually 'interviewed' his guests. There was an ornate round wooden table with two chairs lined in red velvet with deer antlers sticking out of the top. Upon the table was a lit candelabra, bone-white china, long stem glasses, and red cloth napkins. A radio sat nearby playing light jazz.

Angel felt a tear come to his eye. He'd always dreamed of having a date - a real date - like this. Fancy and special and romantic…with someone he loved. He held back the waterworks and turned to Alastor. "You did real good, Al. This is… You're REALLY good at dating."

Alastor glowed very brightly and some static came from his ears. "I've merely tried to anticipate your every want, mon ange. I'm glad to have succeeded."

"Do you mind waiting here for a second?" Angel asked softly, stepping back. "I want to freshen up. It'll be quick…"

"Of course!" Alastor gestured to a door with his microphone. "The powder room is down the hall to your left. I'll get the first course served!"

"Sounds good." Angel gave him a smirk and a little wave with his fingers. "I'll be back in two shakes, babe." He headed out the door.

Alastor sat down in one of the chairs and dropped his head into his hands on the table, his ears down. His shadow appeared. Alastor scowled. "Yes, I AM panicked - how astute of you to notice!" The shadow rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. Alastor sighed. "I don't know what I'm doing! Though I seem to be doing things right so far thankfully. But what happens if I misstep? Back in that alley when he was covered in eggs I wasn't sure if I wanted kiss him or bite him! Or…" he glitched, "…I don't know! Tonight started out so well with him leading the evening, but now that it's my turn I feel as if at any moment he may realize just how out of my depths I am. And how much of a mistake it is to get involved with me. There's so much I don't know." He crossed his arms, eyes down. "No matter what he says, I'm not normal, not entirely. Even if there are others who aren't tempted to sins of the flesh or romantic infatuation, there are still parts of me that aren't…right." His smile was almost gone. "I can barely keep myself together for this one night. How could we ever make this work going forward? And yet I can't imagine going forward without him…" His shadow came closer and patted Alastor's shoulder.

Alastor sighed deeply and stood up. "Pour the wine please. I'll set up the first course." He snapped and a cart appeared with some silver trays and some bottles. The shadow went to a bottle and uncorked it. Alastor set two bowls of prawn soup and some hot biscuits on the table, he adjusted the music with a twitch of his ears, and lit the candelabra with a wave of his hand. He tugged at his collar, a little warm from his outburst and now the candles, then removed his jacket and hung it on the back of his chair, eyes still down.

His shadow finished pouring the wine and then flew in front of him and took one of Alastor's hands. He pointed at it and then in the direction Angel had gone and then back to Alastor.

Alastor smiled a little more. "Yes…He did care for me enough to save me - to hold me here and carry me to safety. Perhaps we can't do this…but perhaps we can. I'll…try. With everything I have. Thank you." He nodded to the shadow.

The shadow nodded in return and disappeared.

Then there was a knock on the door. "Alastor? I'm ready - are you?"

Alastor turned and snapped to pull out their chairs. "Of course, my dear! Come in!" Angel did come in. And Alastor suppressed a very faint moan of panic at the back of his throat.

Angel had indeed freshened up but in an unexpected way. He had removed his jacket as well. He had also unbuttoned the top of his shirt, rolled up his sleeves, replaced his tie with a string of pearls, and brushed his hair into a gentle curl. Finally, he tucked the ends of his pants into his boots, revealing that they were black leather and reached up to his knees with taller heels than Alastor had originally assumed. It was an outfit composed of the same essential parts as his former one, yet somehow it wrapped Angel in an entirely new aspect of beauty.

Angel strolled in, the picture of ease. "Thought I'd get comfortable in something a little more ladylike for dinner."

"You have exquisite taste, Angel," Alastor assured. "I am amazed at how every fashion conforms to you with such precision."

"Heh, thanks. Part of it's just me being at expert at costume changes. I sewed this get up myself so it could convert from macho to madame easily. You look nice and relaxed without the jacket…" he noted. Alastor glowed a little. Angel looked at the table and inhaled. "That soup smells dynamite." He grinned. "No one down here makes seafood as good as you do, I swear."

Alastor blinked and smiled more. "Merci! I mean - thank you." As Angel sat, he sat too. "Prawn soup with corn bread and rolls."

"Great, I'm famished! Just glad it's not EGGS after that battle, right, heh?" He grinned.

Alastor looked away. "Ha! Yes…" He reached for his glass of wine, but his eyes were on Angel.

Angel noticed. He took his glass too. "A toast? To a good meal together…and a good date?"

Alastor swallowed nodded. They raised glasses and clinked them. They sipped. Then they began to eat in silence with only the radio playing softly in the background.

Alastor bit his lip, yearning to entertain as host. Finally he took a chance and said some of the truth that was on his mind. "I'm finding that conversation is…sometimes less easy to generate in an intimate setting. Does that make sense?" He raised an eyebrow.

Angel nodded. "First dates are always a little awkward Al - even if you and the other person know each other really well." He shrugged. "You know…you don't have to worry about 'entertaining' me. 'Your mere presence is a delight' to me just like mine is for you. We can have some quiet moments. Or we can talk if something's on your mind. I just like being together."

Alastor breathed a small sigh of relief. "Thank you for the guidance. This has been a rather stimulating experience so far, but relaxing together here would be nice." He considered. "Actually I did have a thought. I didn't know you sewed, Angel."

Angel smiled more. "Oh yeah! Kind of had to learn so I could tailor my costumes and make on-the-go repairs and create little outfits for Nuggs. Also it's relaxing. I could teach you."

"Ha, no need. I'm quite the skilled tailor actually." Alastor shrugged. "I use my powers most often for clothing needs for convenience. But when I have time, I prefer to work by hand."

"Really?" Angel smiled more, intrigued. "Did you learn down here or up top?"

"Up top - from my mother," Alastor explained, already relaxing more. "She took in sewing sometimes. She was a fine seamstress. I would watch her and she would explain what she was doing. Then later I stood in as her dress dummy. And eventually I would help her with the needlework itself. A needle is nothing if not a small knife, after all, and I always had an affinity for those. We…had fun." His smile warmed.

"That's real sweet, Al. And no wonder you're so good at designing clothes." Angel's eyes hazed. "Also…I know it ain't your style these days, but I do think you could pull off a dress."

Alastor chuckled. "I suppose that's part of why I prefer long coats that flare out at the ends. It adds some of the elegance a dress can provide."

"If you ever wanted to stand in as my 'dummy' next time I'm sewing a dress or anything else I wouldn't complain."

"That would be an interesting future date activity to consider."

They laughed together and continued eating and talking and also just enjoying the quiet and the music as they found new depths in their ability for intimate conversation.

Back at the hotel the girls had finished their movie and were in the final stages of a tremendous pillow fight that had gotten very interesting when Vaggie had incorporated her spear and when Cherri had set off a smoke bomb and when Charlie had let Niffty ride on her shoulders to give them double attacking power. The smoke was almost clear now though and Vaggie's spear was put away and Charlie and Niffty were both collapsed on a pile of pillows.

Niffty yawned. "Did we win?"

Cherri chuckled. "I think we'll have to call this one a draw."

Niffty smiled. "This is the best night ever! Nuggets?" She glanced around and found him sleeping on one of the pillows on the floor. She blinked, her eye heavy with tiredness.

"I think it might be time for bed," Charlie offered, sitting up with a stretch. "Don't worry, Niffty, we can have another sleepover soon. You're living here now after all."

Vaggie nodded. "Yeah, and the more new guests we pull in, the more new people we'll have who we can invite. But for now I think Charlie's right." She stretched too. "I'm beat."

Cherri sighed. "Yeah, I feel like hitting the hay too - after all, the sooner we get to sleep the sooner it's time for breakfast in the morning." She stood. "But, before lights out, I did have one little pyrotechnic surprise to end the night right." She pulled out a small detonator and smirked.

Niffty beamed, intrigued, while Charlie and Vaggie's eyes went very wide.

"Uh, what's that button do?" asked Charlie, hesitant. "And could we maybe talk about this?"

Vaggie crossed her arms. "There's enough fire in hell already, Cherri - come on, can't we just end the night calmly?" She held out her hand for the detonator.

"I really want to know what it does!" Niffty gasped, frowning. "Wait, will it make a mess?"

"No mess," Cherri assured her. She glanced at the others as she strolled past them to the balcony. "And will you two simmer down? Just because I'm capable of rigging the entire pentagram to blow doesn't mean I'd actually do it for fun to close out a party." She opened the balcony doors wide. "Get out here or you'll miss the show…" she teased.

Niffty dashed right out to her. Vaggie and Charlie shared a glance and a shrug then headed out there too. Cherri grinned and held up the detonator. "Three, two, one…" Charlie bit her lip.

Suddenly in the distance there were fireworks - flowers of rainbow light burst open in the black and red sky then faded to smoke. Some crackled, some whistled, some shrieked, and all of them soon filled the horizon to look like a gathering of impossible stars.

Niffty gasped with a big smile. "They're so pretty! And so neat - look, they just fade away and don't leave any mess at all."

"Wow…" Charlie's eyes and smile were bright. "Cherri, these are beautiful!"

Vaggie nodded. "Yeah, you are seriously talented!" She smiled. "Hey, if you're ever looking for something to do, we could hire you to put together a fireworks show for events at the hotel…"

"Give me a LOT of creative freedom and you've got a deal." Cherri proudly observed her handiwork as the others leaned against the balcony rail to take in the rest of the show.

At the Radio tower, dinner was going exceptionally well. Their conversation had grown so easy again with each course. Alastor and Angel talked more about themselves and their hobbies and interests. Alastor finally felt in his element as the host of this part of their evening. And with each bite and word and minute that passed, Angel felt himself fall harder and harder.

Angel rested his head on his hand with his eyes hazed as he watched Alastor explain with great passion the best way to cook catfish (their current course). He was so cute when he was excited. He was so cute ALL the time. Angel sighed and swirled his wine in his glass. "I know your scene is the radio stuff, Smiles, but I really think you'd have made an ace chef. Are you sure there wasn't a teeny part of you that wanted to open a restaurant or something back in life?"

Alastor's ear twitched and he took a big sip of wine before replying. "Ha, no! Not all of my tastes were…palatable for others. And I find the most enjoyment when I'm cooking domestically, not commercially. Besides, I was quite the talented broadcaster in my day - not as popular as I am here but I did draw in the crowds." His smile grew and he held his head high.

"Of course you did - going on air with all that charm and wit and banter and that classy voice." Angel sighed dreamily. "I wish I could've listened to you."

Alastor glowed more brightly. "You can listen to me any time now, Angel. In case you haven't noticed, I'm rather fond of hearing myself talk and take every opportunity to let it happen - ha!"

Angel giggled. "I guess that's true. But your voice - it's got so many different ways of sounding depending on what you're using it for. I want to hear ALL of them."

Alastor gripped his knife and fork, his smile coy. "I'm sure you shall eventually, mon ange."

Angel suppressed another giggle and finished the last bite of his catfish. "This was delicious, Al. The soup, the catfish, that rice and beans, those garlicky collard greens… I can't imagine what you made for dessert - especially after you already blew me away with those beignets."

Alastor snapped to clear their plates and make a covered platter appear. "Bananas Foster - you like the shape of bananas, I like the rum in which they are drenched, and I get to light them on fire!" With a flick of his wrist, green fire was in his hand and his eyes were shining with glee. Angel flushed at the warmth of the fire and the sight of Alastor's joy. As Alastor lit the dessert Angel applauded - and he knew nights like this one were something he wanted to have for the rest of his life. And all he wanted was for Alastor to feel the same.

At the hotel, everyone had settled into their beds and the lights were out. In one room, Abel and Louise slept cuddled side by side. In another room, Husk and Molly had dozed off peacefully near each other. And in their suite, Charlie, Vaggie, Cherri, and Nifty were each tucked in for the evening.

Except Niffty was suddenly out of her bed now and had crawled onto Cherri's. "Psst - Miss Cherri. Are you awake? I need to ask you a question, but it's kind of a secret."

Cherri groaned and turned toward her, not opening up her eye. "Niffty, if you're trying to ask me out, that's sweet but my heart belongs to my napalm."

Niffty smiled a little. "I need advice about something happening with a friend. Please?"

Cherri finally opened her eye and made room for Niffty to sit. "Okay, shoot - what's up?"

Niffty bit her lip. "If you know your friend likes someone A LOT and you want to help them be together…but your friend doesn't want help…but you love your friend a lot and want to help anyway, what do you do?"

Cherri sighed. "First question - is this about Alastor…or Angel…or Alastor AND Angel?"

"No, not this time." She sighed. "Someone else - but I don't want to say who. They get embarrassed easily. They're kind of shy."

Cherri smiled a little. "Well, I think you should just be there for whatever your friend needs. Some people take extra time to get where they're going. It's frustrating but it's good to respect it. Just keep showing up to support your friend and talk to them when they're ready."

"Hmm…it'll be hard not to do anything else, but I'll try. Thanks, Miss Cherri." Niffty gave her a tight hug then hopped down from the bed. "Have good dreams! Thank you again for the nice end to the slumber party. I'll never forget it." Niffty headed over to her bed and fell asleep on the side closest to Fat Nuggets with a smile.

Cherri smiled too as she looked at her and then to a sleeping Charlie and Vaggie, cuddled close. She was happy she'd ended up here somehow. She was also happy that it was almost 2 AM according to her phone and Angel and Radio Head still weren't back yet. Those two deserved their one-on-one fun. She closed her eye and cuddled into her blanket and pillow. This bed was a lot nicer than the ones in the abandoned buildings she frequented - she could get used to his place and all the comforts and friendships. She let herself relax and dozed off.

Alastor and Angel shared the bananas foster, their conversation and laughter and flirtations growing even more flamboyant thanks to the late hour and the effects of the run and wine. Dessert ended, but it didn't seem right for their date to be over yet. So Alastor suggested dancing and held out a hand. And Angel gladly accepted - and flushed completely when Alastor expertly pulled him in and and set a hand on Angel's waist to lead.

Apparently the Radio Demon could flawlessly lead a partner around a dance floor, especially when he felt like showing off. And Angel could let himself be led with grace and style when he was held by the guy of his dreams. They were perfectly in sync, just like they'd been on the battlefield. The jazz music grew louder and the fact that they were having this moment here where just a few weeks ago they had nearly lost each other in the attack on the tower added a sense of euphoria to the whole affair.

Alastor grinned. "And to think, dear Anthony, all I had to do to get you to dance with me instead of the pole was to ask? Ha!" He led them in another circle.

Angel laughed, eyes hazed. "My dance card is always cleared for you, mio cervo."

Alastor glowed and smiled more and picked up the tempo of their dancing. "Do dates usually end with such engaging entertainment?"

"First dates usually end much sooner than this but I wish this one never had to stop." Angel felt himself blush warmly. "I'm real happy, Smiles."

Alastor's eyes narrowed playfully. "Then if the night does have to end, let us go out with a bang rather than a whimper! Because I am ha—quite satisfied too, sacre ange du mon vie."

Alastor spun a flushed Angel outward then twirled him in close, angled Angel's stunned body to one side, and dipped him back so far that Angel felt his har brush the floor. He stared up into Alastor's hypnotic eyes. And with his heart racing and the scent of warm rum in the air and jazz music filling the room, the spider couldn't help himself. "I love you, Alastor."

The music cut off very suddenly and Alastor stiffened, he jaw slightly open, eyes so wide. Not a dear frozen still in the headlights or yearning to crash into the headlights, but one desperate to run from them. "You…pardon?"

Angel realized his words. His eyes widened too. "I didn't mean…but I did mean… Wait—"

Thick static hummed from Alastor's ears and then he teleported Angel back into his chair and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Angel coughed and waved it away. He looked around. "Alastor! Alastor, either come back here or take me with you! Let me explain! Please!" He pouted. "We're still on a date, you know! You can't just leave me alone here!"

A moment later Angel was teleported away to join his exceptionally awestruck companion.

A/N:

Yes, Angel finally confessed! And next chapter is a really important one almost entirely focused on them and and Alastor's response. I know this chapter ended on a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm gonna try to get the next one up next weekend, but then after that I need to take a break for a week or so while I catch up on some IRL stuff :33 Thank you all for reading and for your patience!

Take care!

-Azure129