A/N:
Hi everyone! I hope you're all doing well! Thanks for all of your patience between updates — my irl responsibilities have been pretty hectic lately ^^ But writing fic always helps me feel better about stuff, and I hope you enjoy everything in this chapter! Another character enters the scene here :333 Thank you all for your support!
Partners
Chapter 45:
Fish are Friends/Pets/Guests, Not Food
Vox wondered if what he was doing right now was yet another stupid idea of his. Or — to be more accurate — a stupid idea of Angel's. But he'd already survived meeting Alastor in the park earlier and then going back to Velvet's place to get dangerously stuffed full syrupy French Toast. And he'd survived blowing off Val.
And now he was already here in this pet shop, so what the hell — he might as well go through with potentially stupid idea number two.
The two demons working behind the counter proceeded to do a horrible of hiding from him. To be fair, overlords probably never came in here. He ignored them and walked around, preferring to be left alone anyway. Hell had a rather unusual and unpredictable set of wildlife, and he had no idea what he was looking for or what he might find or even if he definitely wanted a pet. But Angel's advice about doing something for himself and finding something to give a damn about had been solid no matter what angle he'd looked at it from. And Angel's example about his pet pig still stuck in his mind. The notion of having something to take care of that liked him and would never want to hurt him did seem nice.
Vox walked down rows of horrific looking little creatures: birds with three eyes, guinea pigs with razor-sharp fangs, a giant dragonfly that breathed fire, a rabbit with two heads. They all growled or glared or bared their teeth. To be fair, as a walking/talking television, Vox knew that he probably didn't look like the most affectionate owner, and also that he might be giving off some high frequencies that could bother some of the more sensitive animals. He continued browsing — a snake with two tails was in one container, but he didn't like the idea of something that potentially constructing. Next was a cockatrice and kept molting everywhere. Too messy. There was a giant lunar moth in the next tank, and Vox was almost tempted to get it just to watch Val get steamed about Vox owning a pet version of the pimp. But a moth pet would NEVER leave his glowing screen alone. Besides, he wanted something with…personality. Something he could talk to without feeling entirely crazy for doing it. And he did NOT want this new choice in his life to be all about Val.
Almost blushing, he finished his full pass through the pet store and came to the counter with a dry look as the demon workers finally emerged to greet him with terrified smiles. He sighed. "Is this all you have?"
"Yes. I-I mean, no! I mean, yes, currently, but if there's something exotic you're looking for, Lord Vox, we can try to find it!"
"Absolutely! We have connections with the finest poachers!"
Vox rolled his eyes. "No. Forget it. I was just curious." He turned on his heel and left. One thing he and Alastor had always managed to agree about — there were times when people cowering in fear of you got tedious.
He wondered if that was why Alastor tolerated Angel's company so well — Angel never acted terrified around him as far as Vox could see. It would make a lot of sense. There were people who literally paid for Angel's pandering after all. Even their trio had never liked him acted terrified all the time — even though Angel clearly had different feelings inside about them, as Vox now knew.
The television overlord headed to the meat-packing district now (the normal one, NOT the creepy cannibal one). Maybe there would be some interesting animals loitering around before the slaughter. Not that he could walk around hell sporting some demonic calf or pony, but it was the next best place to look. He chuckled for a moment at the idea of getting a pet deer just to insult Alastor. But, like with Val, he didn't want this choice to be some spiteful action.
He wandered through the back allies of the butcher shops but had to scurry out quickly. One thing he and Alastor had NEVER managed to agree on — the deer demon loved the smell of fresh blood, but Vox could vomit at a paper cut. Having a body mostly made of wires and electronics had made him highly sensitive to organic slaughter over the years. Besides, here all he'd seen were a few ferocious bulls and giant spiked hogs and a turkey with an evil look in its red eyes. None of these creatures were for him.
He ended up wandering into the seafood market — much more tolerable. Not that he expected to find a pet here since everything was already caught and on ice, but maybe he'd get an idea. Fish, clams, eels, octopus… No, he didn't want something confined by a tank.
He sighed and glanced up at the cityscape before him, trying to think of where else had potential pets. Just a block past the fish market, ironically, he spotted the aquarium. He wondered —
And then one of the fish stalls burst apart, and a variety of semi-aquatic marine animals scuttled or crawled or flopped themselves across the street right towards him.
Two demons ran after them. "Hey!" One called out. "Come back here, you rejects! If you're not gonna perform at the aquarium, you're gonna get eaten in the market! 7 fish stew sells good!"
The other demon threw a net.
The net landed on Vox. He glared, sparks of electricity coming off his head.
Both demons stopped short.
"Oh, fuck, oh fuck. Sorry, Lord Vox! I…we're just…"
"Let us take care of those animals for you, please! And then you can have anything you want, on the house!"
The demons were frozen, staring at Vox, while the animals fled behind him. Vox scowled and his electricity flared and burned off the net into a pile of ashes at his feet. "Run, you two. And maybe I won't chase you."
The two demons scrambled then took off.
The demons nearby who'd been watching the spectacle went back to their own business after a quick glare from Vox. The television overlord turned and saw the animals gathered on the pier now, each dropping into the water. He almost smiled. It felt kind of nice, helping them be free. If he couldn't escape his problems, at least they could.
He turned and started to head out of the fish market. It took him half a block to realize he was being followed, upon which he turned and whipped his head side to side, ready to strike. It took him several more seconds to realize that his pursuer was lower to the ground than he'd thought. Vox's eyes widened — the creature was some kind of… small hammerhead shark, but with legs. It sat and looked up at him, panting like a dog.
He raised an eyebrow and pointed back the way they'd come. "Uh…the pier is that way. I don't…And what are….?"
The creature pounced him to the ground and looked down at him with a big smile.
Vox blinked. "Hey!" He squirmed, but the shark creature was heavy. "Come on, this is an expensive suit! You're welcome for saving you, okay? Now…go somewhere safe!"
The creature leaned down and licked Vox across his screen.
Vox wrinkled his nose and pouted. But the creature kept smiling with those big wide-set eyes.
Vox blinked then looked at him dryly. "If you think I'M safe, you'd be the first. Except for maybe Vel."
The creature tilted his head and Vox had to smile a little. It was sort of cute in a twisted hellish way. And the little thing seemed to like him, which felt refreshing.
Vox sighed. "If I agree to take you home and give you something to eat, will you get off me?"
The thing let out a weird, happy sound between a bark and a growl. Then he flipped off of Vox, tail wagging, and nudged the overlord back up to standing.
Vox straightened himself out. "This is just…for now. A test. I'm not promising anything."
The creature nuzzled his hand then jumped into his arms, panting happily.
Vox sighed, steadying himself, and tried hard not to smile again. "Okay, come on. But I'm definitely not naming you…yet."
And that was how Vox found himself walking home with a mutated shark in his arms.
Alastor blinked open his eyes. He didn't remember dozing off. He wondered where he was and what time it was and tried to recall what he had been doing.
All questions were answered when he became aware of the feeling of Angel's exquisitely soft head of hair tucked under his chin, one of the spider's legs mixed with his own.
Alastor's eyes shot open wide and his breathing stopped. His head swam for just a moment as he tried to recall the nature of their bed-bound embrace. But he relaxed as the details came back. They had come in here to talk after their walk — sorting out their little disagreement, discussing more about Angel's siblings, and playing with their new joint ward Nuggets. At some point, Alastor had put on some music. Then they must have taken a quick catnap together.
He looked down — one of Angel's hands was touching his own, and he noticed Fat Nuggets curled up at the end of the bed. THEIR Fat Nuggets — like they were an odd little family.
Despite always liking to have his own personal space, Alastor admitted he would have been very content to wake each morning like this. Beds together were…acceptable, even if Alastor still found himself very disinclined to other things couples often did in beds. Things that Angel might like. He bit his lip, knowing that at some point they would have to have a more awkward conversation, about that subject, to understand what they each wanted and needed.
But not today.
Alastor swallowed, glowing warmly, placed a gentle kiss on Angel's head (the spider yawned in an enchanting way), and then he snapped his fingers. He was standing beside the bed now, hugging his microphone close. Nuggets had taken his place on the bed, giving Angel someone to continue cuddling. He snapped again to make a blanket fall over the two figures. Nugget's ears twitched and Angel let out a small sigh with a smile and nestled his head more into Alastor's pillow — the pillow he had smelled earlier, saying it was like Alastor.
Alastor's eyes hazed at the feeling of admiration as some special delight swelled in his chest. Angel's peace was so comforting to him. He snapped up a paper and fountain pen to leave a quick note — 'My apologies, darling, I have some work to attend to. Rest as long as you'd like here. And Nuggets too. - A.' Then he blew a kiss to his beloved spider and teleported away.
Alastor reappeared in his office, sitting at his desk, gazing up at the ceiling. He sighed deeply.
His shadow appeared, hovering over the desk, eyeing him.
Alastor's smile grew a little. "He and I have developed an almost scandalous propensity for falling asleep together, ha!" The shadow smirked. Alastor scowled a little, glowing brightly. "Don't get saucy with me, Bearnaise! You know it's not carnal. Though I'll admit something about holding any part of him feels…enthralling. I like very much being together" His eyes hazed, and his shadow chuckled. Alastor rolled his eyes then pouted a little. "I don't care for the fact that we fought though."
The shadow's smile softened, and he leaned in like he was listening.
Alastor's brow furrowed in thought. "I understand the error on both our parts, and we discussed the need for me to be open about my concerns and Angel to be open about his worries. We are quite content again. And yet…I can't shake how deeply the misunderstanding affected me. That was why I froze up on him on our walk — I had no ready language for how I felt. But I wish I could understand why I was able to be so overwhelmed in the first place." He tapped his fingers on the desk. "Beginning a relationship was supposed to ease these tumultuous feelings, not escalate them." He sighed. "It would be much easier if dating Angel came with a manual."
The shadow's eyes brightened, and he disappeared. Alastor raised an eyebrow until the shadow returned, bearing the packet of papers from Niffty marked as stories about Alastor and Angel. He presented them proudly.
Alastor's eyes widened. "I…suppose that could work. Niffty is a very emotionally mature demon — perhaps she's caught onto something about our relationship that I've overlooked." His glow brightened. "She did say they were tasteful…" He took hold of the first story and opened to the first page. " 'Alastor and Angel's Loo Loo Land Adventure'. We go to a theme park?" The story started with himself and Angel Dust walking to Loo Loo Land, Alastor secretly determined to win Angel the finest prize at the carnival games and Angel secretly determined to ask Angel to ride on the Tunnel of Love. Alastor glowed but was utterly intrigued as he read on while his shadow peeked over his shoulder.
"Vel! Are you here? I…might have done something stupid again…" Vox pried the shark off of his leg, around which it had happily wrapped itself. He held the shark up to stop it from eagerly dashing into the living room of his penthouse and probably destroy everything.
"Where else would I be?" Velvet called back, lying on the floor across the room while she played a game on her phone. "You're my best friend now, Voxy. If I'm not hanging out with you I'll be waiting to hang out with you or doing bad things with knives. And I'm taking a break from the bad knife stuff." She finally glanced over. "Now, I've GOTTA know exactly what stupid things you — BABY SHARK!"
She was up in an instant, and now Vox had to hold back the flailing shark while also holding a hyper Velvet at bay as she ran up to them, reaching for the creature.
Velvet was beaming. "Where did you get it? Is it for dinner or for fun? Can it be for fun? I like all its sharp teeth!"
Vox's look went dry. "Definitely NOT for dinner. Maybe for fun for now. And if you'll give me some space, I'll tell you both stupid things I did today, okay?"
"Ohhh, fine!" Velvet rolled her eyes and backed off. She clapped her hands together. "I'll get us a snack! Cupcakes! Sharks can eat anything after all!" She zipped over to the fridge.
"Don't drug any of them! He's a BABY shark, remember?" Vox called back sternly before he got the wriggling shark across the room. He opened the closet, grabbed a huge television box, put it in the center of the room, and put the shark inside. The little thing got up on its hind legs and panted, looking all around. Vox plopped onto the couch and let out a sigh.
Velvet came over with a platter of cupcakes of all colors and set them on the coffee table. The shark reached out with its tongue and just managed to nab one — it chewed and swallowed with a satisfied smile. Velvet sat right next to Vox, looking at him intensely. "Okay spill! What are the stupid things you did today? And why didn't I get to come see them in action?"
"Because I didn't want you to potentially get killed while I did them." Vox rubbed his screen, taking a cupcake. "I saw Alastor and Angel walking in the park — and I went right up to them and asked to talk to Angel; said it would count as our private party. Alastor almost lost it."
Velvet shook her head. "You always wanna play with Alastor's toys, Voxy. Hope you had a good reason for it cuz he's not gonna let you get away with that again without a fight." She stuffed her mouth full of a cupcake.
Vox looked out the window, thinking. "I just…wanted to talk to someone who had taken a step away from Val and lived to tell the tale. Angel did that by moving to the hotel, so I figured…" He shook his head. "It was a weird talk though." He crossed his arms and tried to avoid the small feeling of pity working its way through his wires.
"Weird how?"
"I promised I wouldn't say — otherwise Angel said he'd make a deal of his own with Alastor just to fuck us over."
"Wow, he talked back to you like that? Hmm…you must have pissed him off big-time. Like, seriously, he puts up with a lot of shit with a smile, Vox — you've seen him at the studio."
Vox blinked. "You…know that he's 'putting up' with it all? That he doesn't like it?"
Velvet tilted her head. "Who would ever like being Val's top bitch?"
Vox froze for a moment. Then he sighed and slumped down. "Am I just completely unaware of my surroundings or something?"
She whacked him on the back (nearly knocking the wind out of him with her enthusiasm). "Eh, you just get distracted easily. I do too but not for long cuz I jump from one thing to the next. But between things, I have time to notice other stuff. Now tell me about THIS stupid decision!" She skipped over to the box, and the shark licked her face happily.
Vox's pixels blushed a little. "Well, Angel said I should do something for me — to feel better about myself and to give me something important in my life not connected to Val. And he mentioned that pet pig of his. So I went looking for a pet, I guess, and this one kind of found me and won't let me go. He's some kind of aquarium reject."
Velvet squished the shark's cheeks in her hands. "I'm your Auntie Velvet, and I'm gonna make you so many snacks."
"Hey! I don't know if I'm keeping him!" Vox scowled. "I need to think about this. I specifically didn't even name him so I wouldn't feel weird about it—"
Velvet scoffed. "Well that's just rude — everyone gets a name, Vox!" She trotted back over to the couch and grabbed another cupcake. "How about Cupcake? Icing? Sprinkles?"
Vox sighed. "I will call him 'shark' for now if that will make you give me some time to think."
"Awww, that's a boring name!" She waved him off. "He's one of us! At least give him a V name." She grabbed two cupcakes and threw open her arms as she squeezed them to cover her hands in frosting. "Vark!" She announced
Vox blinked. "You…want me to name the walking shark puppy that followed me home 'Vark'?"
She shrugged, smiling maniacally as she stuffed the squished cupcakes into her mouth.
Vox snorted then smiled and failed to hold back a laugh. The shark barked then leaned out far over the edge of the box until it toppled over and sent him tumbling out. He dove for the cupcake tray and grabbed three more, big smile covered in icing as he panted.
Vox laughed more, digital tears falling from the corners of his eyes. "Fuck it, fine — Vark. You like Vark, boy?"
The little shark barked and jumped onto his lap, cozying up.
Velvet scratched his head. "I like him better than Val already."
Vox's eyes hazed a little. "I like him all on his own — nothing doing with Val." He pet the shark's smooth, scaled back. "Well, guess I'm spending the rest of the day researching shark care. Vel, wanna help me knock out one of the bathrooms to make a semi-aquatic habitat for this guy?"
"Yes!" She laughed as Vox laughed more and Vark gave another joyful bark.
Alastor was rather engrossed. He had consumed Niffty's stories with an appetite almost as voracious as his physical one (and wondered if she might not be curious about some romantic pursuits of her own, or at least more adventurous friendships — just in case, he would refrain from threats or harm to Baxter for now). First there was the story about the amusement park (he and Angel ended up sitting together on the Tunnel of Love with the prize Alastor had gallantly won Angel), then the story about going to the beach together (where Angel wore a rather becoming bathing suit), then the story about a quiet dinner under the stars out in the garden (where they talked until sunrise, gazing into each other's eyes), then the story about dancing at a fancy party (where they did everything from swing dancing to holding each other close and swaying), then the story about throwing a birthday party for Fat Nuggets (eating cake with the little pig). And finally the story about taking a car trip and sharing a kiss at a stoplight (and…holding up traffic by not wanting to stop kissing).
He pored over each detail — each outfit and blush and smirk and close moment — until he felt positively in a daze. Yes, this satisfying, warm, perfect feeling — it had been coming to him in small moments lately, but as long as he kept reading he could get it to linger. What was it and why was it only making him feel more erratic inside as they grew closer instead of calmer now that their courtship had commenced? It wasn't sexual, it wasn't quite the giddy romance to which Angel seemed prone, and yet… There was a longing in it just the same. A need that could only find peace in the moments he had close to Angel.
His heart pounded and all he wanted to do was hold the real Angel in his hands instead of the pages beautifully crafted all about his darling.
There was a knock on his door, and Alastor on an instinct snapped to unlock it, certain it must be Angel coming to him so that they could embrace for real instead of in Alastor's daydreams.
"Oh, uh…hi, Alastor. Sorry to bother you." In stepped Abel, and Alastor almost blew several fuses in his radio glow in embarrassment as he came back to his senses.
"Abel!" He stood, and the papers scattered. Alastor's eyes widened, and he quickly gathered them and tucked them away haphazardly in a drawer. "I—no bother at all! My apologies, I was expecting… Yes, well, do come in! Ha!" He gripped his microphone, heart pounding.
Abel smiled awkwardly. "Thanks. I won't take much of your time, promise."
Alastor finally took a deep breath and got himself under control. He adjusted his tie and cleared his throat. "Quite all right." He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Please have a seat. Besides, I think you're the only guest so far who hasn't come to me for some kind of private matter. You're certainly due." He took his own seat and just tried to stay focused.
Abel nodded and sat down. He shifted and hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck.
Alastor knew the fish demon had started out a bit skittish about him. He waited patiently.
Abel took a breath. "So, I know the big secret."
Alastor couldn't even feel surprised. After all, he had indeed told Louise she was welcome to let Abel know. "Ah, I see. Louise filled you in then?"
"Louise?" Abel raised an eyebrow. "No…she doesn't know. I kind of pieced it together myself."
Alastor blinked. "Really? Well, if you've figured it out on your own, then you should know Louise knows — and the whole hotel, except Baxter. And I would prefer to keep it from him."
Abel tilted his head. "The whole hotel? But Louise definitely would have told me if she knew that you were the new owner who had bought the cafe a month ago."
There was silence. Alastor's eyes were very wide. Then he narrowed them slightly and tilted his head, fingers tented. "Bought the cafe? I'm afraid I don't follow… You have a new owner to be certain, but—"
Abel smiled a little. "A new owner who expanded our hours and keeps givings us raises and who let me hire my fiancee sight unseen and who insists we put plates of leftovers out for the crows at the end of the day."
Alastor didn't flinch.
Abel's look became dry, "And who nixed the idea for a tv in the indoor dining area by taking the sheet from the suggestion box and sending it back burnt and covered in blood."
"…Ha!" Alastor laughed. "Fair enough! Surprise! I am indeed your new proprietor." He did jazz hands. "I suppose I've been too distracted lately to be subtle about certain things…"
Abel smiled a little again but hesitated. "Do you need any help with whatever's been distracting you?"
Alastor smiled a little more at the sudden polite offer but then shook it. "No. It's nothing serious, just new." He sighed. "I didn't realize when you came in that you meant you knew my secret about the cafe. I thought you were talking about another one — the one that's been distracting me. The only Louise and the others actually do know about because I assure you, you're the only one who knows about the cafe. But, I might as well let the other truth out now as well." He cleared his throat. "I am now involved with Angel Dust. In a courtly manner."
Abel's smile brightened. "I had a feeling — after the open house. Good for you guys. I won't tell a soul."
"Ha! Indeed you won't." Alastor waved him off. "Everyone else is sworn to secrecy under penalty of me doing something rather vague and unfortunate to them if they slip up, and that must include you too now I suppose. Ha!"
Abel swallowed but his smile stayed. "It's okay, Alastor, I get it. You're an overlord, everyone's probably always bothering you about everything you do. If you want to have something private for yourself, I'm glad you can. And I'm glad I can let Louise know I know too so she doesn't have to figure out when to tell me." His smile softened. "Thanks again for agreeing to walk her down the aisle at the wedding. It means a lot to her — to both of us."
"My pleasure." Alastor eyed the fish demon for a moment then bit his lip but finally spoke again. "May I ask you a question?"
Abel nodded.
"You know now that Louise was aware of my relationship before you, but hadn't told you yet. And you're not unhappy about that fact?"
Abel raised an eyebrow. "Well, it wasn't her secret to tell, and also it's a very personal one about you and Angel — and you said you asked her not to tell other people, right?"
Alastor nodded. "Yes. I told her I'd prefer to have this be a secret that Angel and I only share with others when we're ready. Though I did let her know she could tell you if keeping a secret from her betrothed caused any distress between you."
Abel smiled more. "Then no, I'm definitely not unhappy at all. And I get why you told Louise first — you have a connection from when you saved her. I'm just glad you felt okay confiding in her, especially since I know she's gotta be extra happy for you too. And I'm sure if I got confused about anything or she wanted to talk, she would have told me about you two when the time felt right."
"I see." Alastor considered, eyes down. "I'm happy to hear I haven't been the cause of a problem then." His eyes came up. "I have never spent much time around 'couples', and it's been a learning experience for me to navigate."
"I get it. I'm glad you have Angel to help you with that now. And I'm sure we're all happy to help too if you want."
Alastor glowed a little and tried not to dig his claws into the desk as he thought about Niffty's stories and how he had wanted Angel to be at the door so he could hold him and gaze into his eyes and try to comprehend further how they could be so deeply connected. Part of him did want more advice about that. Another part of him felt too much pride and embarrassment to even attempt getting such assistance. He quickly cleared his throat and went on. "Er, but back to Louise…and you — I am curious now why you've chosen today to come to me about the cafe?" His eyes lowered. "A fact which I would ask you keep under your hat — even from Louise — for personal reasons just for now."
Abel nodded. "It's about it being a secret actually. It's pretty clear you don't want to advertise that you own the place now. And you are an amazing boss and we appreciate everything. But Louise is starting to wonder about this very nice new mystery owner — she's determined to figure out who he is so she can invite him to the wedding. And I figured you'd want a heads up. You're an overlord, but Louise is unstoppable when she gets passionate about something." His eyes hazed dreamily.
"Hmm… I see." Alastor considered then nodded. "Well, thank you indeed for this information. I'll still treat you both handsomely as employees, but I may tone down some of the theatrics — like the television request thing, ha! And I have an excellent plan for how to handle Louise's desire to have the owner at the wedding. Why don't you tell her I know him and that I'll invite him personally for her." He smirked. "I normally wouldn't ask for help in 'deception' in this situation between two fiancees, but really no part of that is a lie. I do know me and I'll be happy to invite me. And after the wedding I'll explain everything to her and to you."
Abel smiled brightly. "Thanks, Alastor. I'll take care of it!" He went to hold out his hand to shake but then awkwardly pulled back and blushed and twiddled his thumbs.
Alastor just rolled his eyes, still smiling. "No need, happy to assist in all ways! I like you — you're a fine fellow to her."
"I couldn't be anything less," Abel replied gently, blushing a little.
"Indeed!" Alastor eyed him curiously. Now that he was taking the time to get to know some more demons these days, he was starting to realize the truth of the conclusion he'd come to the first evening he'd spent with Angel after the open house — that good men were real. Men like Angel, like Abel, like Husk…maybe even like himself sometimes in some ways. Existence wasn't just the vicious Radio Demon against scores of deplorable demonic men and others. "Why don't you go pick Louise some roses from the garden, hmm? The ones Angel planted should be coming in soon. And then you can take the afternoon off from the cafe."
Abel stood up. "Thanks, she'd like roses! But since it's just me and Louise, I don't think we should take off like that — I don't want to disappoint all the new customers by closing down the cafe on short notice. Don't worry, Alastor, we're happy for the work."
Alastor tilted his head at the excellent point. "Hmm… but you will need some time off at some point. And indeed the cafe has gotten more popular thanks to your work ethic and my impeccable taste." He gave his cane a twirl. "I'll find a solution soon — you have my word."
"Thanks, Alastor." Abel gave him an appreciative nod and left.
Alastor sighed and reclined back in his seat. His shadow appeared again. Alastor glanced at him and opened his drawer. "Can you sort these pages out and give them back to Niffty with my compliments? I think I might see if Rosie's available for a chat."
The shadow nodded and grabbed the papers then disappeared.
Alastor turned on his radio. "Rosie? Mimzy? Anybody home?"
There was static at first… for a bit longer than was usual. But then Rosie's voice crackled to life. "Oh! Alastor, dear! To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Hello, Rosie!" He raised an eyebrow. "Everything all right? I haven't called at a busy time, have I?"
"Mimzy and I were just finishing entertaining some guests — a bit of a long story. But for now, I'm happy to hear from you. What do you need, dear?"
Alastor leaned on his elbows, curious but willing to wait for details. Besides, his own matter was thoroughly occupying him at the moment. "I was wondering if you might know of any top notch citizens of Cannibal Colony who are looking for gainful employment soon? Food service, but nothing too demanding. But they do need to be able to control their more fiendish appetites as its outside of the colony bounds."
"Food service…?" Rosie's interest was clear.
Alastor raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Yes — a good hostess, and someone who can cook, and someone to wait tables…"
"Oh, I have a delicious idea, Alastor. Of course I also have no authority to broker it or to guarantee that it's what others would be up for. But would you like to hear it just the same? It involves Angel."
Alastor's heart beat so fast again, and the sudden compulsion to hold his darling Angel was so real. "Yes, indeedy!" He practically purred, unable to help himself. "Please share what devilish delights you're devising, Rosie."
She laughed. "Smitten Alastor is very fun to talk with."
"He should be — he's rather perpetually entertained these days after all by a certain someone."
Rosie laughed again. "Very well, here goes. You see, I've been…getting to know Angel's family in my own way. That's part of my own long story. And I think they could provide you with quite the solution…"
Alastor listened — surprised at some of the information that came to him but mostly utterly delighted by the possibilities that were coming together. And though he knew there were several points of consent to get from others and the chance that the stars wouldn't align right depending on other choices people made, he liked what he heard very much.
A/N:
Thank you all for reading! Yay, Vark is here! I love him so much ^w^ And he's Vox's new best buddy. Also, yes, Al owns the cafe confirmed, and he has lots and lots of plans that are now growing :333 And Niffty's fan fiction has finally been read in all of its slow burn sweet cuteness lol. I hope you all like what's to come, and thanks for reviewing if you can!
Take care!
-Azure129