A/N:

Hi everyone! More story, and more of Alastor and Angel dating ^w^ I hope you like it, this chapter was super fun to write! Lots of fluff and awkwardness and cuteness lol.

Partners

Chapter 47:

Gay Panic at the Picture Show

Alastor had everything in his office perfectly set up for his evening with Angel Dust just before the spider was due to arrive for their date. He would have completed his preparations earlier, but his talk with Husk while getting the sarsaparilla had unexpectedly affected him thrown him off slightly. Alastor had felt… strange: as though he should have been paying Husk more attention lately or should do something for him, or - oddly - perhaps even apologize for something? For a moment he wondered if this sensation was some form of guilt. But he hadn't been treating Husker any differently than usual, so why should he suddenly feel differently toward him than usual? Perhaps all of Alastor's feelings for Angel were merely confusing his feelings toward others. Yes, that must be it…probably.

Either way, later Alastor would procure some fine, vintage bottles for Husk as a sort of belated get well present. That gesture would remedy things… again, probably.

Alastor sighed and rolled his shoulders back as he tried to let himself be comfortable in the clothes Niffty had picked out and tailored for him for this event: grey slacks with a red leather belt, a black turtle neck shirt, shined black loafers, and his signature black and red gloves. And, since they would be watching a picture show tonight, Alastor had necessarily traded in his monocle for a simple pair of bifocals. His hair was in its usual fashion… and he had allowed an opening for his tail in the back of the slacks.

His shadow at his side, Alastor conjured a mirror and observed himself. He tried to roll his sleeves up a few inches to show a little of his forearms above his gloves but then glowed and rolled them back down. "I don't know — I mean to be casual, and rolling them up slightly does also allow me more freedom of movement. Not that I intend to be moving much or getting handsy, ha!" He glowed more and quickly deferred to his shadow. "What do you think?"

The shadow smirked and puffed out its chest.

Alastor's ears flicked and he pouted and crossed his arms over his chest protectively. "Yes, I suppose removing my shirt entirely is an option if I want to completely emotionally incapacitate both myself and Angel." He rolled his eyes then finally bit his lip and rolled down the sleeves…but cuffed the edges just slightly so that a thin line of his wrist was visible. "That should suffice." He adjusted his glasses. "Now, go be scarce — play with Fat Nuggets, perhaps: he is practically your little brother now, after all. Be mindful, and do not feed him sweets, and put him to bed at a reasonable hour. No shenanigans."

The shadow grinned and clapped its hands together happily then disappeared.

Alastor sighed, snapped away the mirror, and looked over his office one last time. He had pushed the sofa to the center of the room and placed the coffee table in front bearing the sarsaparilla, two glasses, and bowls of hot popcorn in several buttery varieties. In front of the table he had set up a large, white screen. And behind the sofa on a tall stand sat a large projector. The curtains were drawn, the lights were ready to dim at a snap of his fingers, and the door would lock soundly behind Angel to give them privacy. Everything was perfect for watching a horror show together…for Angel to startle in innocent suspense and fear…for Alastor to comfort and keep him safe…

There was a part of him that daydreamed about attacks against them where he could defend Angel courageously, and then Angel would swoon and admire him and Alastor would grin in pride. And then they would return to their happy hotel…perhaps to Alastor's room, like they might do tonight.

Just in case this evening went as splendidly and smoothly as he expected, Alastor had also made some preparations in there as well.

He realized his tail was wagging when there was a knock on his door.

"Hey, Smiles? Guess who, heh…"

Alastor felt a shiver pass through him at the sudden sound of Angel's voice: a very new response. But had no idea how to process it or time to do so.

"I know I can get in on my own," Angel went on, "but I wanted to make sure you were ready for me first. I know you've been setting stuff up for a while."

Alastor took one final quick look around to make sure all was well, then he smoothed his ears, took a deep breath and approached the door. "Of course! Thank you for asking, Angel. But everything is ready. Do come in." He stopped a few feet before the door and snapped to make it open.

Alastor was glad not to be wearing the monocle — his eyes widening would have made it fall out and only flustered him further.

Angel had taken 'casual' to heart and was wearing loungewear that was an intriguing blend of comfortable and risqué. He wore a loose pink sweater with a wide collar that exposed his shoulders and the top of the heart on his chest. It was cropped high to expose a bit of his stomach and the pink lines that ran over it. And below that he wore a pair of soft (and rather short) black cotton shorts. He feet were covered in pink knee socks with little white wings printed on them. He leaned against the doorframe casually. "Hey, Alas…whoa…" His eyes widened.

Alastor was still a bit too stunned at taking in the unique blend of masculine and feminine beauty angel had presented him with this time to understand what Angel could have to be surprised about. "You look exquisite, mon age," left Alastor sincerely.

Angel grinned a little and giggled. "Aw, grazie, Al. Just, you know, some of my comfy clothes. No biggie." He smirked a little as he stepped into the room, eyes half lidded. "But wow, you do casual real good. Seriously, who is this handsome devil?" He eyed Alastor up and down.

Alastor glowed such a bright yellow. "Ha, very funny. Yes, well…I can manage an ensemble for an informal affair when the mood strikes me."

Angel swallowed. "Could I…walk around you? Get the full effect?"

Alastor raised an eyebrow but nodded. "You just want to see my tail on display, don't you?"

"Always. But that's only part of it." Angel chuckled and sauntered around the deer demon who felt his tail wagging again. "It's just fun seeing you express a different side of yourself. Loafers and no tie and…oh, full glasses." His eyes widened as he came back around to the front of the Radio Demon. "God, you look cute in those…" Angel grinned sheepishly and blushed.

Alastor's eyes hazed a little. "I do my best. You are quite cute yourself."

"Thanks." Angel rolled his eyes "Still the only guy who likes me more IN clothes than OUT of them. Heh…" He twirled a piece of his hair, a thoughtful look in his hazed eyes.

Alastor swallowed and felt his smile falter shyly a bit at the remark. "Er…would you like to have a seat, darling?" He stepped aside and bowed, gesturing to the sofa.

Angel took in the entire set up. "Wow, this is like a real-old fashioned movie night." He sat down, looking eagerly at the projector and the screen. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble, Al — we coulda just watched on a tv."

"Pfft!" Alastor held his head high and sat down on the sofa. "As though I would disgrace my office with one of those silly devices."

Angel smirked. "You really hate Vox with an undying passion, don't ya? I have half a mind to be jealous."

"Ha! I just refuse to debase myself by ever relying on anything under his domain." Alastor shrugged, grinning proudly.

Angel laughed. "I get it. Besides, this seems like a lot more fun." He peered at the projector over the back of the couch. "So which flick did you get us?"

"I have a few potential options in mind, actually. I wasn't sure which sub-genre you'd prefer — ghost story, creature feature, alien invasion…"

"Slasher flick, if ya got one."

Alastor hesitated then tilted his head. "Really?"

Angel shrugged and smiled, hugging a pillow close. "Those always freaked me out the most — the other movies felt like made up fantasy stories, but those felt like they could really happen. Also I've now got the hots for a serial killer so… seems like a good way to go."

Alastor smiled a little more and held up his fingers to snap. "Very well. This should be a rather entertaining experience."

"Do not laugh at how jumpy I get." Angel made a nudging motion in his direction.

"As long as you'll let me critique any atrocious mistakes the killer makes." Alastor smirked but then blinked and quickly added, "Unless you would find that distasteful…"

"I would find that fucking hilarious. Please do it."

Alastor laughed and snapped his fingers to put in a fresh reel of film. "It's a deal, Angel."

Angel swallowed, looking down shyly. "Since…since we're on a date and all alone tonight…could you try calling me Anthony more? I wanna see how it feels…"

Alastor's heart soared. "As you wish, my dear Anthony."

Angel slumped into the couch, eyes hazed. "Thanks, Alastor…" he replied softly.

The projector started. Alastor snapped to dim the lights.

Angel sat up with a smile as the picture began, watching the screen.

Alastor swallowed and considered…and used the perfectly reasonable excuse of pouring them glasses of sarsaparilla to shift just a little closer to Angel — Anthony — on the sofa as they sat together. Perhaps he could eventually causally place his hand atop the spider's.

Barely a few minutes into the film, a figure jumped out of the shadows and made Angel gasp and jump closer to Alastor and grip his hand tightly.

Alastor's smile grew and his ears stood straight up. This was an acceptable course of events. He glanced at Angel and whispered. "There, there, Anthony. Even if the film were real and that dastardly killer had just jumped out to face us, you know I would utterly maul him to keep you safe, yes? Or, less messily, just teleport us away?"

Angel smiled a little despite the fact that his eyes were glued in suspense to the screen. "Yeah, I know, Alastor." He squeezed Alastor's hand and released a content sigh.

Alastor decided that every Wednesday night should be picture show date night if possible.

Husk was tucked behind the bar, typing away on his phone while eating a plate of Angel's Italian leftovers he'd heated up in the kitchen. The food reminded him of Molly — how excited she'd gotten the night she'd snuck in and heard there was some waiting in the fridge. He was also drinking from a bottle of the cheap booze he and Molly had shared the night of the open house — that was a good memory too. He was only taking sips though. He wanted to be as sharp as possible for reading and answering Molly's texts. And he definitely didn't want to risk falling asleep.

In the airship, Molly sat in the kitchen in her cozy pink nightgown, texting Husk with a smile. Talking like this was working out okay. At least he was interested enough to keep going. She sipped her cappuccino and smiled more to herself. Maybe in a few days, if he said it was okay, she'd come by and see him. She really did have to finally talk to Angel anyway.

She heard a sound and looked up to see Sir Pentious in the doorway in his robe and nightcap. He smiled as he entered the kitchen and went to the fridge. "Molly, what are you doing up?"

Molly swung her legs on the edge of the counter. "Oh, just…wanted a late night snack. And then I got to thinking and now, uh…I'm textin' my special someone. And he's textin' me back. And we're goin' slow, but at least we're goin' somewhere."

Sir Pentious's eyes lit up as he gathered a tray and twenty glasses and used his tail to pour from a pitcher of water into each of them. "Well, that's splendid to hear!"

"It's thanks ta you and your advice. Talkin' to you really helped, Penny."

His eyes hazed. "You helped me with Niss. I'm happy to return the favor." The pitcher was empty and he set it on the counter.

Molly raised an eyebrow. "What's with all the glasses? Egg Bois thirsty?"

"Oh yes." He rolled his eyes. "There's always at least one little troupe of them that wants a glass of water or a snack or a story before bedtime." He yawned. "Well, enjoy yourself, Molly. And if your friend ever wants to come by, he's welcome."

"Thanks, Penny." Molly smiled and gave him a wave, then went back to typing, keeping the conversation casual but also choosing her words carefully.

At the bar Husk watched her typing continue. Molly had a lot to say, and she always added hearts and smiles…and sometimes a wink. He couldn't think of as much to write back, but she seemed okay with it. They'd found a good rhythm. And they'd done a good job of keeping the conversation light — nothing about how Husk's heart beat faster at the idea of being near her, or how he realized he'd been smiling for almost half an hour straight now ever since she had messaged him, or how great they seemed to get along for two people who'd only just met.

No, they just talked about their days and the weather, and how Angel was doing and how Husk liked the hotel. And also more about Sir Pentious and how Molly liked the air ship.

They'd been on that subject for a couple rounds of messages now, and Husk frowned when another one came in:

'It's swell seeing all of hell from the air. The place feels smaller and bigger at the same time, if that makes sense. Sometimes Penny lets me drive, and I've gotten to explore a whole bunch of new areas. Sometimes I'm in charge of the ray gun too, and I get to shoot big targets and blow up pieces of old buildings. It's such a rush! No one liked me shooting in life — said it wasn't respectable even though I was the best one around at a rifle. And now getting to do this is so much fun! : )"

Husk sighed (and tried to ignore the pang of jealousy her nickname for Pentious brought him). He was about to write back something supportive that also might change the subject when he saw she was typing again. She added.

'The only thing that would make it more fun is if you were with me. 3'

Husk's feathers puffed up and his whiskers stood on end.

Molly saw Husk was typing back to her:

'I do want to see you again. Sometime. If not up there, then maybe down here. At least once before you go anywhere.'

She frowned as she closed the door behind her and collapsed onto her bed . This room was nice but she didn't want to be alone. She'd shared a room with Angel for a lot of her living life, and she'd always been an affectionate person with people. She wanted the warm, firm body of a cat demon beside her, his wing covering them both. She brushed away a tear. Molly knew she could act fun and casual about her thing with Husk all she wanted. But deep down she felt like they were both secretly lonely people who had found each other and felt better together… She wanted to dive right in with this guy and see where things went. She wanted to kiss him behind the bar while they made drinks, she wanted to wake up with him in the morning and tease him about sleeping in…and maybe hear him say again that she was beautiful, even as a spider, and she would tell him he was a gorgeous cat with wings. She wanted to hold his hand and rest against him whenever she got too excited or nervous and needed a moment. And she wanted to be there for him when he needed her too, to give him a reason to smile.

Husk watched Molly type more.

'I promise you'll see me again. And…maybe we could pick up where we left off.'

Husk was suddenly wide-eyed and blushing. The last thing they'd done together was share that kiss that he couldn't forget. He hated himself for feeling suddenly hopeful that maybe she couldn't forget it too. He had to put a stop to where this might be going…

But she was already typing again and sent another message.

'By the way, Husky, speaking of places to meet…I wanted to ask you something—'

"Husk, are you out here?"

Husk dropped his phone and knocked over the bottle of booze at the sound of Niffty's voice. He quickly straightened things up and stood. She had just come out of her room with a worried look, and her eye went to him as she smiled.

"There you are! I couldn't find you and I was…worried." She swallowed. "Last time you were out here alone, I found you and you weren't…okay."

Husk sighed and gestured for her to have a seat at the bar. "I know. But I'm fine, promise. Not drunk at all, see? I, uh… I'm texting with Molly."

Niffty beamed.

Husk pouted. "But don't let it get around. We're just…going slow, keeping things casual. I'm doing this to get over her, get some closure. That's all." He felt himself blushing.

"I'm just glad you're talking to her again." Niffty sighed and pulled a roll of papers out of her robe. "I finished my double date story about you and Molly and Alastor and Angel. I was going to give it to you to read to help you, but if you're already talking to Molly…"

Husk's ears twitched. He eyed the papers then Niffty then the papers again. Finally he rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean… you could…you know…leave it in my room and maybe I'll glance at it and I can let you know if you got Molly right or whatever."

Niffty beamed. "You got it, Husk!" She jumped onto the counter and gave him a quick hug.

Husk tried to pry her off, but weakly…and he hugged her back a bit too while he did it. "Sheesh, all things considered, I figured you'd be too busy tonight thinking about Alastor and Angel's movie date going on to notice me."

Niffty giggled. "Oh, I'll have all of tomorrow to imagine and guess and maybe even hear about what happens on their date! For now, they need to be left alone so the chemistry can flow."

"It's still hard for me to picture chemistry between them."

"You'll get it once you read my story. Alastor already read the stories I wrote about him and Angel, and he liked them a lot, so I think I've got their dynamic down really well."

Husk spit out his drink. "Alastor read those — and didn't combust?"

She giggled. "His shadow gave me a thumbs up and a wink when he returned them, so definitely not."

Husk sighed and shook his head with a smile he couldn't help. "Okay, well…I'll process that fact tomorrow. And maybe I'll look at your story then too. But for now I, uh…" He had the phone in his hand again.

Niffty nodded and whispered to him, "Go back to your texting date — and have a good night!"

He sighed. "Goodnight, Niffty."

She headed into his room to drop off the story then went to her room to head to bed.

Husk looked down at the phone and finally finished reading Molly's message — upon which his heart sank into his stomach:

'I wanted to ask you something. I noticed this casino with a big cat face sign on the front that looked a lot like yours. I know you work for Alastor now and that maybe it's just a coincidence. But it made me wonder about your past. I'd love to hear more about your life, Husk. And how you got involved with Alastor too.'

Husk winced and typed back immediately, ears down, eyes sad.

Molly yawned and frowned — Husk hadn't responded yet. She bit her lip, curious. Then suddenly there was furious typing and his message popped up:

'Don't go to that casino! You don't want to know about it! It's complicated, and my situation with Alastor is complicated. Please, can we just…talk about something else? Anything else?'

She frowned more. She'd hurt him somehow, bringing that up. She wouldn't again.

Husk got her message back quickly and sighed in relief:

'Of course. Do ya wanna maybe hear about my past instead? Not the heavy stuff — the fun stuff. I was kind of a firecracker, and Angel and I got into lots of trouble. I got stories…"

Husk smiled a little again and put away his bottle so he could type. He headed to his room, to his cozy bed that still smelled faintly of her perfume.

'Yeah — tell me a story, Molly. I'd like that. And…thanks.'

She smiled at the message and curled up against her pillow. She started typing more.

Husk read her words as he settled in for the night. And he looked forward to reading Niffty's story after this 'texting date' was over.

The movie date was going quite splendidly in Alastor's opinion. Though every once in a while a part of the film would make him laugh at the same time that it made Angel scream. At first Alastor had felt awkward about his strange amusement at some of the serial killer blunders, but then Angel had smiled and said the laughter sort of took the edge off the scariness. Then Alastor had assured Angel that he considered the spider far too clever to ever be outwitted by such inept killers and that he even doubted his own ability to corner such clever 'prey'. Angel had smiled a little and blushed and called him a flirt.

And then Angel had tentatively leaned against Alastor's arm, head resting on Alastor's shoulder, hair brushing Alastor's ear. The Radio Demon had taken a deep breath to get used to the new kind of touch. Soon though he was utterly hooked on Angel's gentle presence, like the spider felt safe and was relying on him for comfort and care.

They'd stayed this way for some time, Angel still gasping at scary parts and cuddling Alastor more, and Alastor toying with the idea of attempting to 'cuddle' him back, though being unsure of the mechanics of reciprocating made him a little hesitant to try. They were still holding hands, but Angel released his now to grab his soda bottle off the table and take a sip.

For this brief moment, there was a little extra space between them, which gave Alastor an opportunity to be daring, and he 'made his move'. His now unoccupied arm closest to Angel reached out, accepted quickly that coming around Angel's shoulders or back would be too high a mark, and settled for resting around Angel's lower back, his hand upon Angel's side (which, considering the shortness of his sweater and shorts, was uncovered).

Angel's eyes widened and his back arched. He was very still, and Alastor felt his smile tighten and panic set in. Perhaps this movement had been a mistake. But he had no idea how to undo it in a way that wouldn't be spectacularly awkward. His eyes darted around and his heart pounded and his ears went down in doubt.

But then Angel's back relaxed into his touch. The spider's smile went a little wobbly. And he went back to leaning against Alastor's side.

Alastor let out a very deep breath of relief and tried to focus on the movie again.

Angel spoke. "I do feel safe with you, ya know. For real. While watching a scary movie or just living our lives. Actually, it's been…" He blinked and raised an eyebrow, "Huh…I…don't think I EVER felt safe with a guy before. Not like this. Closest I usually get is not feeling in imminent danger, heh." Despite the attempt at a laugh, his voice broke slightly.

Alastor's smile decreased significantly. He held Angel a little closer. "I will not let bad things happen to you anymore. And one day I shall remove any risk of them entirely if I can. You…make me feel safe as well. Which is new. And I like it. And I like you." His glow brightened. "I'm glad I have not overstepped."

Angel chuckled. "Nah, definitely not, and especially not with what I'm used to." He took a deep breath in and out. "You putting a little move on me was a nice surprise — I liked it. As long as you liked it."

Alastor had rolled his eyes at the first remark but now smirked a little at the second one. "I assure you I enjoy all situations where you and I are together. Including touching you." His glow was heating up again. He suddenly became very aware of his hand pressing against Angel's bare fur, which felt intense even despite his glove. He drifted a little lower to hopefully end up on the waist of Angel's shorts. Instead his fingers hit another hem, one that felt thinner. He glanced over just as Angel's eyebrow raised and his grin widened curiously, upon which Alastor realized that his fingers at found the top of Angel's 'undergarments' peeking above the waist of his shorts — and said undergarments were thin, lacy, and red.

And just like that, Alastor's little foray into reciprocal touch was at an end as he tore his hand away and put a good foot of space between himself and Angel on the sofa. His eyes stayed on the screen. "Ha, well, yes, well then, that was fun! But I am afraid I still need practice at 'making moves' correctly! And we should pay attention to the end of the film anyway!"

Angel blinked a couple of times at the sudden change but then sighed and smiled. "Yeah, I guess." He swallowed. "You know, if it's me…next time I can try to be a little less 'casual' with my outfit, if you want. I just, uh…don't want to come on too strong. I mean, I want to come on strong because I'm in love with you, but I don't want to come on too strong for you to like it."

Alastor pouted a little, feeling almost like a skittish child who was now being handled with kid gloves. "I like you just fine as you are. I can handle anything, I merely need time to adjust…" He glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. "I can handle flesh. I consume it a great deal of the time after all. We both merely have different approaches to being casual. And to being close…" He swallowed then bravely rolled up each of his sleeves a little, fully exposing his wrists.

Angel turned to look at those wrists, biting his lower lip, almost seeming pained with interest.

Alastor felt static build in his ears. "Angel if you're going to stare, I'm going to need to roll the sleeves down again. I don't like anyone staring at the scars, even if you can only see a few…"

"Huh? No! Sorry, I won't stare." Angel's eyes came back up and then went to the movie screen. "But I wasn't staring at the scars. I was looking at you. Seeing some skin was…not expected tonight, but I am definitely not complaining." He tugged at his sweater collar. "Sorry, didn't realize I'd react like that…" He crossed his legs.

"Oh." Cracked out of Alastor's throat. "I will…leave the sleeves rolled up then?"

"I…if you want…no pressure…heh…" Angel attempted a laugh. "I didn't mean to make this into a thing. You do what you want, really! I just like having a lot of me showing — I feel too confined all wrapped up in clothes. But you do you! And I'll do…I mean not 'do'… Do me. I mean not 'DO ME!' I mean, you do you and I'll do me — we each got our own thing!"

"Yes indeedy!" Alastor all but shouted, his smile too wide. He winced and lowered the volume. "We are two mature gentlemen and can handle ourselves and each other with mutual respect and acceptance." He took a breath. "Your body is nice to see as well…though your conversation is still what captivates me the most."

Angel's gaze softened. "Yeah… talks with you — hottest thing in the world."

Alastor's eyes hazed and his glow increased.

They finally both focused on the film again…only to have the 'End' title card come up and the film run out in the projector.

"Aw!" Angel frowned. "We missed the end. Wow, we were really deep into that awkward moment."

Alastor sighed. "Quite. Not to worry though, I can reset the film and shift the frames to the ending. It might take some time though — would you like a refill on popcorn?"

Angel waved him off as Alastor was about to stand. "Nah, don't put yourself through all that trouble, Al." He pulled out his phone. "We can just watch the end on HellTube."

Alastor's eyes became radio dials.

Angel sighed. "Smiles, it's just a few minutes of video on a screen. Besides…since it's quicker to do things this way, and then we'll have more time to decided what to do next on our date." He blushed pink.

Alastor finally nodded, glowing slightly. "I suppose." He shifted closer to look on with Angel. "But don't tell that horrid television we ever did this."

"Never, babe." Angel tapped the screen a few times then smiled. "Okay, here we go, I scrolled to the last scene."

They leaned in toward each other and watched the terrifying ending: the remaining unscathed victims finally walked away to freedom…but the killer emerged from the woods once more, ready to strike. And then the credits came.

"Definitely a franchise," Angel remarked after his last little jump or surprise. "We should watch one of the cheesy sequels one day." He glanced at Alastor. "So, what did ya think?"

"An amusing time indeed! Reminded me of some of the more reckless days of my youth topside, ha!" Alastor swallowed. "And sequels would be interesting — I do like being able to comfort you while watching something frightening. But perhaps we could watch another genre as well soon too? My personal favorite is musicals."

Angel's eyes brightened. "I'd love to! I like musicals a lot too, but Cherri thinks they're corny so I usually watch alone."

"Well, not anymore," Alastor offered, a bit of charm in his tone.

Angel giggled.

And then, from the phone, Alastor oddly heard Angel's voice again — though instead of giggling he was moaning and screaming. And out of the corner of his eye Alastor could see Angel's familiar colors on the screen along with the movement of several other beings as well.

"Oh, harder daddy! All of you, take me now! Yes, baby that's it! FUCK ME!"

Even if he had decided to look down at the video, he had no time. Angel's eyes went wide in panic and he threw the phone across the room into the wall, causing the screen to crack. The sounds kept coming though. "Don't listen!" Angel hastily moved to sit straddling Alastor's lap, hands up, barely resisting the urge to cover Alastor's ears. His breaths were fast and shallow, and there were tears at the corners of his eyes. "Fuck, why didn't it break!" He turned and grabbed one of the soda bottles with an extra arm, clearly about to aim it at the phone.

Alastor snapped his fingers. His microphone appeared, flew across the room, and stabbed the phone straight through. The device broke in two.

Angel had his hands on the sofa back on either side of Alastor's head, his eyes were down, and his breaths were barely slowing. He was shaking.

"Anthony…" Alastor started hesitantly.

"I'm sorry! Videos play automatically on those sites one after the other. That was a clip from one of my pornos." His eyes came up to Alastor's, wide and scared. "If you ever get anywhere near something with internet access you do NOT go looking for that. For any of those videos! Capiche? You search for nothing about me!" He begged, hands gripping the back of the sofa.

Alastor's eyes were wide in surprise. "Of course…I promise." Angel seemed relieved. Alastor felt a little bothered though, and gripped his hands against the sofa. "You know, though carnal acts are not in my nature and make me a bit squeamish, I am perfectly capable of handling a degree of exposure to them and the stark reality that they make up a large part of your profession as an entertainer. I wouldn't 'go looking' even if I did have access to Vox's repulsive information superhighway, and especially if you don't want me to, but a small clip is certainly something I can manage without it turning into a crisis. Just like seeing you in less clothing than usual or accidentally brushing up against an undergarment. I am…whatever you said that day in the park — a normal adult who doesn't normally like carnal sin. I'm not a child."

Angel tilted his head. "For fuck's sake, this isn't about me trying to keep sex stuff from you! You can handle anything — I know that! I didn't mean to make you feel like… I'm sorry." He shook his head. "This is about…me. And how I don't want… I don't want…"

Alastor waited, looking into his eyes.

Angel made himself say the words. "I don't want your first experience of my sexual side being from one of my fucking godawful pornos!" He blushed thoroughly. "None of what's in 'em is the real me, it's all an act! Just like the simpering slut act I have to put on for Val, but worse! But I want to be the REAL me the first time we try to…be closer…like that…whatever that means for us…." He was becoming very aware that he was still sitting on Alastor's lap, straddling his legs.

Alastor just sat there with wide eyes staring back at him.

Angel flushed a darker pink, and his eyes caught on Alastor's bare wrists for a moment before looking away and biting his lip.

Finally the Radio Demon swallowed. "I believe we need to have a talk…as part of our agreement about open communication when we're having a misunderstanding."

"Yeah…maybe." Angel sighed. He blushed again. "I should get off of you — right now. Sorry for the straddle and the shouting — I panicked." He got off of Alastor and sat beside him with wide eyes. He looked across the room at the remains of his phone. "Thanks for stabbing the phone."

"I enjoy maiming electronic devices, no thanks needed, ha…" Alastor swallowed, hands in his lap. "But you're welcome anyway. I don't like you being in distress."

Angel smiled a little, playing with his hands.

Do…you need a replacement device?"

"Nah, I…I got a couple old ones upstairs. I'll just use one of them."

"Ah. Good. Well then…"

Angel sighed. "We're gonna talk about sex…and us?"

Alastor's eye twitched but he nodded. "Yes…intercourse…and our relationship."

They both swallowed, blushing, and tried to gather their thoughts into words.

A/N:

Thank you so much for reading! Yes, these two are going to have a big talk ^w^ But it'll be fun and sweet too because they are dorks and love each other. Also more is coming soon about all the other happy couples in this story. Thank you all for your support!

Take care!

-Jenna