A/N:

Hi everyone! I hope you're all doing well! Here's the latest update - some drama and tender moments and shipping of course lol. I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading!

Partners

Chapter 41:

Holding Back Heartache

Niss ended up sleeping in his room for a while — or rather, crying himself to sleep after finishing a hot shower and changing into the grey pants and tan dress shirt from Rosie and Mimzy. When he awoke, the room was dark and he guessed it must be late. His eye felt less swollen, but his stomach grumbled. He decided that if he was still going to try toughing out whatever life in hell still had in store for him, he probably needed to eat something.

He got up and peeked out of his door into the dim hallway. Sneaking up on cannibals wasn't a smart move (as he'd learned in the alley earlier today), so he figured he might as well announce himself. "Uh…Mimzy, Ma'am? Rosie, Ma'Am? I don't mean to bother ya if you've turned in already. Just gonna sneak to the kitchen and get a plate. Sorry I slept through dinner…" He headed down the hall then turned a corner and saw light through an open doorway.

"Oh you didn't, young man!" Rosie announced from the room. "Mimzy and I have just been splitting a bottle of wine and chatting. We figured you'd be hungry and wake up eventually."

"We kept everything warm!" Mimzy added. "Come on in! And you don't have to be so formal, calling us Ma'am." She giggled.

Niss entered the doorway to find a modest dining room with fine wood furniture and classy decor. The table was laid with a black cloth, lit candelabras, and several silver trays of food. Rose and Mimzy sat beside each other on one end of the table. They gestured to an empty seat on the opposite side facing them.

Niss swallowed and took the seat. "Grazie. But I'm sorry — ya didn't have to wait for me. I don't wanna put you out."

"Nonsense," Rosie assured, pouring Niss some wine. "We usually dine late anyway after Colony affairs have been seen to. And we were grateful for some extra time to make this spread special for our new guest."

Mimzy beamed. "We have all good stuff! Roasted sausage and etouffe — that's rice and vegetables — and buttermilk biscuits and some very rare steak!" She licked her lips.

Rosie laughed. "The rare steak is a bit more for us, but you're welcome to have some as well if you'd like..and if you don't mind a little blood." He fangs flashed.

Niss tugged at his collar. "I, uh…I'll just stick with the rice and rolls and maybe a few bites of the sausage, thanks." He began to serve himself as the ladies dug into their steaks.

"What kind of food is your favorite?" Mimzy asked after swallowing a large bite of meat. "We meant to ask before cooking, but we didn't want to wake you."

Niss shrugged and broke a buttermilk biscuit in half — he watched the steam leave the golden roll. "Oh, I don't need anything special. But I guess my favorite part of any meal is dessert — breads and cakes and pastries." He bit into one of the biscuits and sighed with a smile. "Like these — these are swell."

"Happy you like them!" Rosie replied. "We'll be sure to prepare some delectable sweet and savory baked items for you next time."

Niss swallowed the biscuit and shook his head. "No, no, nothing doing! I'll just eat whatever you'd normally eat… minus any demon flesh. No disrespect intended." He blushed a little. "Or let me I'll cook something for you! I know I'm the guest, but I wanna be useful, really. I can make breakfast for you in the morning! Some real nice stuff. I remember all my Ma's recipes. Heh, I had to be real good about memorizing them fast. Dad didn't like his boys in the kitchen." Niss blinked a couple times, and his bad eye winced. He stared down at his plate again.

Rosie and Mimzy shared a quick, meaningful glance then returned to eating.

Mimzy spoke up again first. "If you really want to whip up something tomorrow, the kitchen is all yours. And if you want to keep busy, I'm sure the customers would like some meat-free snacks to munch on. They'd probably think it was pretty novel."

Rosie nodded. "Around here, we value our friends and family and all of their efforts — it's a morbid but happy little colony. And a safe one for the demons we trust."

"Just like it's a deadly one for our enemies, after a fair fight of course," Mimzy added. "Alastor taught us that; it's kind of part of his overlord philosophy. Sinning but with class and style and honor — a square deal for everyone."

Some of the tension seemed to leave Niss's body. He ate a little more. "I think Alastor sounds interesting. I…wasn't sure about Tony—uh, about Angel bein' part of that hotel with an overlord there. He's…had enough trouble with 'em in the past. But Alastor definitely sounds different."

"Perhaps you'll meet him one day soon?" Rosie offered with a smile. "If you visit the hotel—and your brother…"

Niss's eyes widened. "I can't!" His breaths were shallow. He put down his fork and calmed himself. "Sorry, I…" He felt like tears were trying to come again, and he pushed them back, "I just…I got a lot to say to him and…I want his help about…something." He blushed a little.

Mimzy tilted her head, smiling more. "Anything we can help with?"

Niss shook his head. "It's…real private. Angel would understand — even if I don't deserve much understanding from him."

Mimzy frowned at the sad little spider. "You should give your brother a call. Just to break the ice. People who love each other fight and make mistakes. But if there's anything good there for the two of you to save, it's worth trying."

Rosie nodded. "You don't have to push yourself. Just think about it. And give Angel time to think about it as well."

Niss considered, picking at his food. Then he took a deep breath. "I will — think about it, I mean. I promise." He smiled a little and looked up. "You ladies are really swell — you remind me of my sister." His smile remained for a moment then he blinked. "I mean…I mean — aw fongul, I'm not supposed to go blabbing about Molly!"

"You and Angel have a sister!" Rosie beamed. "That's who Cherri hinted about earlier!"

"And her name is Molly!" Mimzy clapped her hands together. "Oh we have to meet her!"

"No, no! She's…it's real complicated!" Niss held up his hands. "And right now she's staying with a friend of mine, and the friend is extra complicated too. And Angel's gonna be so mad at me for not convincing her to get out of here while the getting's good, but no one tells Molly what to do, heh…" He sighed and couldn't help having a small smile again. "She'd love you two to pieces though - guaranteed. If you get along with Cherri, you'll get along with Molly."

"Girls Night!" Mimzy looked up at Rosie pleadingly. "We didn't get to go to Charlie's sleepover so we have to make up for it!"

Rosie chuckled. "We'll see. First let's let the spider family figure out their own situation, and then we'll have to be properly introduced to Miss Molly of course."

"Molly I'll call, and I'll let her know I'm here too," Niss added between bites, his appetite picking up again. "That way if she needs to find me, she can. Molly's got a good heart. She loves her big brother Niss even though I was a first class baciagaloop in life and down here too sometimes. And she's fierce and smart. I wish I could be more like her. And like Angel too."

"I'm sure you've got a lot of your own admirable qualities, Niss," Rosie returned. "Just give yourself some time to recognize and appreciate them."

Mimzy nodded. "If it helps to know, we think you're a brave, clever, kind young man! You remind us a little of Alastor when we all first met. You'll be okay."

Niss smiled and looked to them. "That's awful kind of ya to say. I don't get talked to like that often — but it's nice."

"You deserve kind words just like all demons." Rosie stood. "Now then, who would like dessert? It's not much, Niss, but we tried to make some of Alastor's speciality - beignets."

Mimzy nodded and sighed. "Yes, but I'm afraid ours never turn out as good as his — he's a master chef with his specialties. Ooo you should talk to him about baking when you meet him, he'd love that! And I'm sure Angel would too." She held back a giggle as Rosie rolled her eyes and put a finger to her lips just out of sight of Niss.

"That actually sounds kind of fun." Niss laughed to himself then stood up and grabbed some of the empty plates and glasses. "Here, let me help you, Rosie."

"Thank you very kindly!" Rosie replied as they headed to the kitchen while Mimzy rummaged in the cupboard for the dessert wine and plates.

For the first time in a long time, Niss felt good and calm and valued. The only thing left giving him some anxiety was the call he would have to make to his brother sooner or later. Molly, he would just text for now — the idea of calling and hearing Pen's voice in the background was too much at the moment. But Angel would have to involve speaking — and a lot of it.

Molly flopped back in her cozy canopy bed on Sir Pentious's ship with a happy sigh. She'd been secretly sleeping on rooftops and in abandoned buildings in Cherri's territory ever since she'd dropped into hell. This was her first night in a real bed except for…last night with Husk. She took a deep breath in and out. She'd never found much time in life for guys — too busy avoiding them and the life of being a wife and making lots of little Italian babies that Pops always expected of her. When she did date, it was usually either some 'nice young man' from the neighborhood Mama had set her up with or sometimes a fella she thought her brother might be sweet on. And then of course she'd invite Angel on the date as a 'chaperone' so he could actually have a little date of his own.

She'd always wanted to try having some fun with someone: a decent fella who looked at her like she was a whole person and not just something to fit into their life.

She'd never talked much to a guy like Husk, but she liked him. He was fun and he didn't play games and he was grumpy but still nice — the few times she'd made him smile had made her heart flutter. And he was warm and well-built and had a nice voice. And he thought she was pretty even as a spider. And he'd kissed her good morning after they'd woken up together in his bed. His whiskers had tickled a little. She'd liked it.

Molly held herself close and smiled more, wishing he could see her now. She'd finally been able to get herself cleaned up here on the airship, and Sir Pentious had sent the egg bois to buy her some clothes. Now she was in a long pink nightgown with her hair pulled back and her nails done and everything. Husk would probably blush and pout and tell her she looked swell.

Molly giggled and pulled out her phone and wished she'd thought to get his number before leaving. She wanted to talk to him now.

Then suddenly a text came through — from Niss. 'Molly, I got help from Cherri and I'm staying somewhere safe now in the Radio Demon's territory to lay low cuz Pops is gonna go crazy. Don't worry, I'm with good people. You'd like 'em. If you need me, call. I know Pen'll take good care of ya though. He's good people. Also…Don't tell Angel anything about what I did if you see him first — I'm not ready'

Molly smiled a little and replied. 'Glad you're safe, Archie. I wanna meet your new Radio Demon friends. And I like this friend of yours a lot. Pen is sweet and funny and good. He really likes you. You should visit with him again soon. I'll watch the Egg Bois and you two can catch up. I think you got a lot to say to each other…'

'I don't know what you're talking about.'

'He's cute too. Tall and very dapper… You should spend a night here and then we can all have breakfast in the morning. He'd really like that!'

"Molly! … Don't say stuff like that to him — you'll embarrass me. He's…a new friend. And don't tell him where I am.'

'Okay, okay… Maybe first there's a guy I want you to meet anyway before we talk more about Pen.'

'Are you really making eyes at that hotel bar tender?"

'You'll find out when I see you next. And I do want to see you, Archie. I love you so much.'

'You will. I love you too, Molly… I'm gonna try to talk to Tony tonight.'

'Good. I want both my brothers to have each other, just like I have both of them.'

'…I'm gonna try to make things better. Don't worry. Bella notte, Molly.'

'Night, Archie. 3"

There was a knock on her door and Molly looked up.

"Molly," asked the familiar voices of Sir Pentious, "is there anything you need before I turn in?"

Molly went over to the door and opened it. There stood Sir Pentious in a long nightshirt and a nightcap with an eye. Her stubborn big brother would be so perfect with this charming guy, just like stubborn Husk seemed kind of perfect with her. "Actually, do ya know the number for the hotel? I wanted ta call and check in with someone."

His smile picked up on one side. "Your special friend, perhaps?"

Molly blushed and shrugged. "Maybe. Oh, by the way Niss just texted me - he says he's in a safe place, and he said good night. And I think he'll come by again soon."

The snake's eyes widened. "Oh, splendid, heh!" He clung to the end of his night cap, fighting back a dreamy smile. "I'll look forward to it. Oh, and the hotel, er…Egg Bois!" He snapped his fingers, and one appeared at his side. "Find the number for the Hazbin Hotel for Molly, please." The Egg Boi saluted and dashed off. "We'll see you for breakfast in the morning, Molly. Then feel free to spend the day in your room or the solarium or having fun with the Egg Bois. I'll be engaging in a few battles tomorrow, so be mindful there might be some turbulence."

"Battles!" She beamed. "I wanna help!"

He blinked. "Help? No one's ever asked to…except your brother of course. But I promised Arackniss I'd keep you safe. And I don't want to get you entangled in turf wars."

She waved him off with an eager grin. "Aw nonsense! It all sounds exciting! And I don't want to just sit around - I like action!" She shrugged. "Besides, maybe if Niss hears about how much fun we're having he'll want to come around and help again." She winked.

Sir Pentious blushed, grinning giddily. "Well, I suppose… Yes, of course, I'd love to have you! We'll start right after breakfast!" An Egg Boi ran in with a piece of paper and handed it to Molly.

"The phone number, Miss Molly!" He bowed and left.

Sir Pentious smiled and bowed his head to her. "Have a good night, Molly — if you need anything, the kitchen light is on and the powder room is down the hall on the second level."

She nodded. "Thank you, Pen. You have a good night too."

He nodded in return to her then departed.

Molly grabbed her phone and the number, took a breath, and dialed. It rang, then a high-pitched voice answered — that small lady with one eye from the breakfast table this morning.

"Hazbin Hotel! How can I help? This is Niffty speaking!"

Molly cleared her throat and kept her voice causal. "Uh, hiya! Is Hus—the bartender available?"

There was a gasp and then, "Yes!" was squealed into the phone. Silence, and then a moment later she heard the grumbles of a familiar voice.

"Niffty, what? I'm tired and —"

"Hiya, Husky! Miss me?"

She heard him gulp. "Molly?" He whispered. "Where are you? Are you sure you're safe with that snake? I swear, I'll—"

"No, no!" She laughed. "Husk, it's fine. My brother knows him…"

"Niss?"

Molly blinked. "Now, how did you know about Niss? Oh, but you have to meet Niss soon! I think you'll get along."

"Angel mentioned him to me. I'm just glad you're safe."

"Thanks!" She blushed and beamed. "And I'm fine, promise! Pen's great! He set me up with these nice Egg Bois to look after us, and there's all these fun rooms and great views. The air ship is real big." She swung her legs on the bed. "Maybe you can sneak away from the hotel and come visit? I got my own room and everything," she added, holding back a giggle.

She waited eagerly for him to agree. Instead he sighed. "That, uh…might not work. Glad you got someone who can take care of you though — and an overlord on top of things. Sheesh… Looks like he did more for you this morning than I could have."

She frowned. "Husky - what are ya talking about? Is something wrong?"

"Nothing. I…I gotta go. And you've got to talk to Angel soon." He cleared his throat. "I had to tell Alastor and him you were here this morning. Niffty got in trouble and she was upset. They're not mad, they're not gonna look for you. They just want to talk too. And then you can do whatever you need to do. Go wherever you need to go."

She bit her lip and nodded. "I…I get it. I'll come by to see him when I'm ready."

"Please be ready soon." His voice sounded so tender.

"Husk is everything okay? Ya starting to worry me, heh… I really do want to see ya first, please. Even if it's somewhere different - not the hotel or here."

"No - stay on your overlord airship. You're safe, that's what matters. Have a good night, Molly. Bye." He sniffed then hung up.

Molly blinked and realized she had to wipe away a tear. She put away her phone and laid down, biting her lip. Something was up. And Husk didn't want to see her. She wondered what had changed…then remembered that she'd told him about Purgatory this morning. She flinched and imagined him not wanting to deal with a reckless soul ungrateful enough to choose hell over paradise, even for family. She knew that didn't sound like Husk, but still…

Molly took a deep breath in and out. Right now she was safe and Archie was safe and Tony was safe. And Husk was safe too. That's what mattered most. She would sleep on it all. Maybe things would make sense tomorrow. She closed her eyes and dozed off, dreaming about when she had been little, and she and her brothers would play and fall asleep together in Mama and Pop's bed. Those had been good times, and they made her smile despite her doubts.

When Angel got out of the studio after leaving Vox and Valentino behind, he kept his arms wrapped close around his body and his phone clenched in his hand while he walked as quickly as he could back to the hotel. It was hard to resist breaking into a run, but he knew he'd attract unwanted attention that way. Besides, the red stiletto boots and tight miniskirt he was wearing limited his speed. After his pole show he had planned to change back into his usual street clothes, but then Valentino had called him into the office, and Angel had been sick to his stomach ever since. Now he just wanted to get home even if he was freezing out here between his exposed thighs and the fact that he was only wearing a thin jacket over his bare top body.

Alastor and Vox had made an agreement — Alastor wouldn't attack those three overlords if Valentino left Angel alone. And Valentino had left him alone to the point where Angel had almost stopped feeling an underlying sense of dread every time he walked through the studio doors. He had almost started imaging a life where the moth pimp left him alone forever. What a stupid dream…

If Valentino was circling him again, maybe the agreement was off. Maybe Angel was back in his sights which meant Val, Vox, and Vel would be back in Alastor's sights, and then there would be another fight — and what if this time Alastor didn't make it through by a miracle? Angel couldn't hold that deer's dying body in his arms again.

He nearly jumped when a text from Val came through. 'No shift changes. Vox party still on.'

Angel sighed. He couldn't even tell if this was good or bad news or some kind of mind game. He hated it. Through his gathering tears, Angel saw the familiar lights of the hotel. He shut his eyes tight to let the tears fall away and take some deep breaths. "He's not gonna hurt me — no one's gonna hurt me, no one's gonna hurt Alastor, everything's okay. I'm okay…I'm okay." But he didn't feel all the way okay. His fingers gripped the side of the building and his eyes opened, glowing a fierce pink — the fear fled in place of anger. "Shot you in the heart once and missed killing you, Val. Next time I'll blow your fucking heart to pieces and I'll roast them for Alastor to eat myself." He wiped at his eyes then blinked a few times — the glowing stopped. He took a breath, straightened up, and made himself look as normal as possible.

Angel opened the front door and stepped inside. He hoped Alastor was asleep — he wasn't sure if he should tell him yet about Vox and Valentino. The idea of Alastor immediately rushing off into the night for a fight made Angel queasy all over again.

Thankfully the hotel was dim and quiet — no one was still up.

Though as Angel passed through the lobby he caught a small movement out of the corner of his eye. The bar was dark, but he realized Husk was sitting on one of the stools with his head resting on the bar turned away from Angel. There was a shot glass on the counter and a bottle.

"Hey, Husk — want me to help you to bed? Easier to sleep off the hangover there."

"I'm not drunk," Husk grumbled, not looking up. "Leave me alone. And be quiet, you'll wake up Niffty. I don't want her to worry."

Angel came closer, frowning. "Not drunk? Well, that's a new one, heh. What's the occasion?"

Husk sat up and turned even more away, arms crossed over his chest.

Angel slid around him to see the demon cat's face. His eyes widened. "Husk, were you cry—"

"I'm going to bed." He was up and heading to his door.

"You really like her, don't you?"

Husk stopped walking.

Angel swallowed. "It's okay. Molly's great… Everyone who met her in life liked her. But she was always real picky about her friends, so you you must be special to her." He blushed.

Husks' scowl turned to a frown, but he still didn't look at Angel.

"Do you want to talk about it? I know you want her to stay—" Angel started.

"No." Husk said sharply. "I want her out of this hell hole just as much as you. Next time she's here, if she doesn't tell you herself, I'll let you know." He went to his room and shut the door.

Angel's eyes widened. He frowned more. He was gonna need to talk to Husk after he talked to Molly. And, speaking of Molly, he needed to call Niss to ask about her. He looked at his phone but then put it away. He just couldn't handle anything major right now. A hot bath and a good night's sleep would help him figure out what to say to Molly, Niss, and Alastor hopefully.

He headed to the stairs then climbed up to his floor.

The light was still on in his room and he heard Nuggets scratch as he got close to the door. Angel smiled. Nuggets being safe and happy made him feel safe and happy too no matter what. He got inside and hugged the little pig close. "Hey there, Nuggs! I missed you too. Did Daddy Alastor say good night to you before he went to bed?"

Nuggets oinked and nuzzled Angel.

Angel glanced at the door connecting his room and Alastor's. He remembered — he had promised that he'd knock when he got home, just in case Alastor was up for a good night kiss.

He would just knock lightly. Alastor was probably asleep anyway: they'd had a pretty emotionally draining morning after the breakfast debacle, after all. They'd see each other tomorrow when Angel would have a better idea of what to tell him.

Angel gave a light rap on the door, already thinking about turning around to slip into a long, hot bath where he would forget Valentino and think only about Alastor…maybe imagining what it would be like to have the deer in the tub with him.

Instantly, though, the door flew open and a wide-eyed Angel was pulled by his jacket into the room upon which the familiar form of Alastor held him close and smashed a kiss against his lips. Angel squealed at the back of his throat but then grabbed Alastor's suspender straps and held on tight, kissing him back. The radio demon had no coat, and Angel could almost hear his tail whipping back and forth in glee.

A moment later they separated, breaths shallow. Alastor was glowing with bright eyes, and Angel was flushed with a giddy smile. "Yikes, Smiles — take me now, I'm yours, heh."

Alastor's eyes flashed to radio dials and he awkwardly put a few inches of space between them before his eyes turned back to normal.

Angel swallowed shyly. "I mean, happy to see you too. You waited up again?"

Alastor lowered his hands and adjusted his suspender straps, glowing in his cheeks. "Of course! Also my shadow and Fat Nuggets were playing. It seems they've become fast friends." Alastor's shadow appeared and waved to Angel.

Angel giggled. "Aww, it's sweet they're getting along. Thanks for helping."

"Not at all." Alastor dismissed his shadow. "I'm certain you would entertain Husker and Niffty in similar circumstances, after all."

"Yeah… Uh, Al, listen, definitely go easy on Husk about the Molly thing. I just saw him downstairs and…I think the guy's taking it pretty hard." Angel frowned.

Alastor's smile became smaller, and he nodded. "Of course. As long as you are content since the matter is with your family. Besides, if he's that blue, no need to add to his troubles."

Angel smiled a little again. "You know, you're a really good overlord. You look out for your people. They're not just souls you use and abuse." He folded his arms against himself and pushed down the thought of Val.

Alastor tilted his head. "Angel, are you cold?" He observed Angel closely finally, and his brow furrowed in concern. "And no wonder — did you walk back to the hotel wearing so little? Why didn't you change at the studio?"

Angel pushed down the uncomfortable truth again. "I, uh…just wanted to get back home. Back to you." His eyes met Alastor's, and he shrugged. "Rough morning after all, heh."

"But a better evening, to be sure." Alastor swallowed and added, glowing again. "I'm not the best judge of provocative attire. But despite its lack of protection from the elements — or perhaps because of it — your ensemble is very flattering to your form, darling."

Angel felt like he must have been flushing pink all over. "Oh, well, I was on the pole tonight. Gotta be wearing the best — well, for the lower half of me anyway." He shrugged and let the coat open a little revealing the line of his bare chest.

Alastor's eyes hazed. But then they blinked back to normal and he quickly shrugged. "Er, you really must have been freezing wearing nothing under the jacket."

The coy words left Angel's mouth before he could stop them. "You offering to warm me up?"

There was a very pregnant pause. Then Alastor snapped his fingers. Angel now had a warm blanket draped over his shoulders.

Angel blinked at the change then laughed and hugged the blanket close. He gazed dreamily at Alastor. "What a gentleman I got me."

Alastor gave a small bow at the waist. "You bandaged me and fed me and tended me for days after my battle at the radio tower. A blanket is only the start." He snapped his fingers. His fire place flickered to life, and then Angel found himself teleported to sit on the edge of the bed facing the flame. With another snap, a tray with a pot of hot tea and two cups appeared on the nightstand. And then Alastor was sitting beside him. "Can I get you anything else, darling?"

Angel blinked a few times to hold back some tears. "Will you just…hold my hand, Alastor?"

Alastor reached out and took Angel's hand but raised an eyebrow. "Is everything okay? You seem…preoccupied. And you rarely call me by my full name."

Angel took a deep breath in and out. "It's probably nothing."

"Let me be the judge of that, darling."

Angel opened his mouth but then closed it again and hesitated. His eyes were down. "There's stuff about me you still don't know."

"And I intend to savor every moment we have together to find out all of it — and to celebrate what brings you joy and dismiss whatever has brought you pain."

Angel wiped at his face. "Damn, Al, you say the most perfect shit sometimes. I…" His breaths were shallow. "I need to leave the studio some day. I still want to do some kind of performing and maybe some services, just not there. But no one walks away from Val and stays in the business or alive long."

Alastor squeezed Angel's hand, his tone firm. "You could oust Valentino. You're smarter than him and bolder and far more talented. You could take over the place and—"

"No, I can't be in that building forever! I hate that building!" Angel blinked and wiped at more tears with his free hand. "I don't want to keep remembering all the bad things in that building." He pulled in his knees, head down.

There was silence at first. Then Alastor spoke in a quiet tone. "How bad?"

"So bad…" Angel whispered.

Alastor's voice almost had none of its warm radio quality left. "And Valentino let this happen?"

Angel suddenly wrapped up Alastor in a tight hug. Then he realized what he was doing and loosened his hold but kept his face pressed to Alastor's chest. "Sorry, Al. I can let go if you—"

Alastor's arms were around him, hugging tightly. "Never." He ran a hand gently through Angel's hair. "You've healed me so much these last few weeks, mon ange. Now let's heal you too."

Angel felt more tears fall as his heart warmed from being so near Alastor. "I love you. I'm gonna love you until the day something kicks my ass enough to kill me in this lifetime just like the first one. And if there's a third one I'm gonna find you whenever you get there and I'm never gonna let you go." Angel took a few shaky breaths then raised his head and pulled back a little, blushing. "Fuck, I…am very emotional right now." He looked at Alastor hesitantly.

Alastor tilted his head, some of his smile back. "Then perhaps I am too. Because I agree with your proposition." He looked into Angel's eyes "I won't let go either."

Angel's smile grew. "We…we should talk more sometime, maybe…when I'm ready. But for now…I feel better. Thanks." Angel squeezed his hand.

Alastor squeezed back and didn't loosen his hold. His eyes darted around for a moment then hesitantly went up to Angel's. "Angel, if you would prefer not to be alone, would you like to spend the night in here with me?"

Angel's heart pounded. The idea of being in Alastor's bed and smelling his pillows and feeling the heat from his lithe body was intoxicating. Maybe they would kiss again. Maybe Alastor would lie on top of him again. Maybe Angel would flip them over in a moment of passion and like in so many fantasies he'd had, and Alastor's hands would roam his bare chest and back and down his hip…and up his skirt. And Angel would lose himself in Alastor's touch.

Angel swallowed and took a breath. "Al? You make me feel safe. But I…I don't want the first night of us sleeping next to each other in a bed to be because I'm upset about something. I want it to be because we're happy about something with each other. And I'm pretty emotional, like I said, and I get kind of, uh…" he crossed his legs, "frisky when I'm like that, heh. I just think it's better if I spend the night in my own bed."

Alastor was glowing very much. But he nodded. "If you're certain. Besides…I did want to plan more before we tried. There's always something to be said for presentation, ha!"

He didn't elaborate and Angel smiled more at the idea of whatever sweet ideas he had cooking for them. "Thanks for waiting up again, and for the kiss, cutie."

Alastor beamed but glanced away modestly. "Just welcoming you home properly, darling."

Angel giggled. "Well, if that was a welcome home kiss then I think we're still due a goodnight kiss. Let me help with that, mio cervo." He leaned in and gently brought his lips to Alastor's and let a hand drift into the deer demon's hair. Alastor closed his eyes and sighed through his nose as he returned the kiss.

Angel's phone went off.

Angel groaned in annoyance at the back of his throat and fumbled to get his phone out of his pocket with an extra arm to turn it off.

Alastor pulled back for a moment and sighed dryly. "If that's Valentino calling you — or Vox or Velvet — I'll kill them. Right now. We still have an arrangement after all."

Angel tried not to flinch. "No, no…heh!" he quickly replied, "Not their ring. Here let me just turn it off and a then…" His eyes darted down for a moment to the screen then went wide. He froze.

"Angel?" Alastor asked soberly.

Angel blinked again. "I think I gotta take this. It's my brother." He glanced up. "I…I need to take it in my room. I'm sorry, it's just…complicated. I'll tell you more later if I get any answers."

Alastor held Angel's hand in both of his and looked him in the eye. "Go take care of your family. Then rest. I'll be here for you when you're ready for me. And however delightful your current outfit is, please change into something warm immediately after your call."

Angel rested his forehead against Alastor's and squeezed his hand. Then he released the deer and went over to their secret door. He paused and glanced down at himself then back to Alastor. "You really like that pole of mine and everything I do with it, don't you, Smiles? You know…if you ever want a little private show in my room, delightful outfit and everything, just say the word."

Sparks came off of Alastor's ears.

Angel winked over his shoulder and headed through the door, closing it behind him.

Alastor paced the room a few times, then snapped to make a stack of papers appear marked 'From Niffty! Tales of Alastor and Angel!', then realized he didn't have the courage or focus to read them yet and snapped them away. Finally he sat by the fire, tapping his foot. All he could think about was Angel — his tears and kisses and love and pain — and he wished for the morning to come so they could talk more.

He wanted to know exactly who had hurt his Angel. And then he wanted to take care of them so thoroughly that they wouldn't make it into a third life if there was one.

A/N:

Thank you all for reading! I promise, they're all gonna work things out together soon 3 Thank you for your support, and I'll try to have a new update next weekend!

Take care!

-Azure129