A/N:

Hi everyone! Big talking week for the boys on their date :333 This chapter is sweet but awkward and intimate, and I hope you like it!

Partners

Chapter 48:

Intercourse Discourse

'Sex talk' was a direction in which neither Alastor or Angel had anticipated their date tonight going — and yet here they were.

There was a lot of silence.

Both boys had never liked silence. Alastor preferred music and witty banter, and Angel preferred chatting away and cracking jokes.

Angel cleared his throat. "You know, we don't have to talk about this right now… We could finish our date, and just pencil it in for another time, heh…"

"The subject has presented itself rather forcefully at the current moment." Alastor's look went a little dry. "Do you really think we could pretend to focus on something else? Or that if we set a later date we wouldn't be utterly unnerved and continue trying to postpone it further?"

"Fair point…" Angel had to agree. "You're right, I kind of can't think of anything else now, and I don't want us to be stumbling all over each other later until we work up the courage to try talking again. Guess we can at least give it a shot and see where the talk goes…" He blushed a little and swallowed. "I can start."

Alastor gave a small nod. "If you wish."

Angel looked to hesitant deer demon the finally dove in. "I mean, for me, bottom line…I'm a very physical person, Al. I think about sex A LOT. And I like sex A LOT. And you are VERY sexy to me. But even if you somehow felt the same way… I want to take this slow." He bit his lip. "I never had anyone to try taking things slow with. And I think I like it. And I like learning what you want and need. I want to give it all to you." His eyes went down. "I want you to have better experiences than I've had…with physical stuff." His smile wobbled. "You know, back after the open house, when you told me in here that it was your first kiss… I was happy cuz that meant I could make sure at least one of us had a really special one."

Alastor's ears went down and his wide eyes pricked with tears at the words and the look on Angel's face. "You did make it special… You make everything special, just by being you." His smile became small and sincere. "I appreciate all of your thoughtfulness. I want to be good for you as well, Angel, and to make sure I likewise attend to you." He adjusted his glasses, and considered his words carefully. "You know, I could act…lascivious if I wanted to. I've done it before to lure sinners into my service. I might even be able to 'fake it' enough to entertain a connoisseur such as yourself. But I can't escape the fact that I don't WANT to behave in that manner." He tugged at his collar and crossed his legs. "It would be an act — like your pornographic films: a very uncomfortable act. But you deserve something genuine. I never want to tempt or trick you into providing your company — you're the only person in eternity who hasn't needed to be secured into a deal to be at my side, and your willing presence…gladdens me. Truly." Tears were at the edges of his eyes again but for new reasons.

Angel turned to him with a frown. "Oh, Al… Hey, I'm not going anywhere. And I don't need any tempting or tricks to stick around — you're enough. Always." He moved a little closer. "And as for the stuff about you acting sexy, good — I don't want you to be like me, doing things you don't want to do. I mean, I fucking hate doing pornos, but that's what makes Val the most money so…I end up doing them anyway. I never want you putting up with shit like that."

Alastor clenched his jaw. Whatever he did to Valentino one day in retaliation for the attack on his radio tower and his person, he intended to make it an agonizing punishment. He intended to remove that loathsome moth from the spider's life, bite by bite if he had to.

Angel looked into Alastor's eyes. "And you're right of course, about what you said before, about sex. You're not ignorant, you're just…not into it. Heh…" He rubbed the back of his neck, like he was unsure if he'd expressed that final assessment in a supportive enough way.

Alastor sighed in appreciation but had to add awkwardly, "Indeed. Though I will admit I am a tad…uninformed in certain areas. I know there are complexities and details and specific acts of which I don't have a thorough knowledge. I'm a novice at best, and you are…an artist. An accomplishment which I greatly admire." He watched Angel blush at the word and felt his glow warm but did his best to go on. "But I don't enjoy having my situation pointed out or fussed over. It makes me feel…" he grimaced and rolled his hand through the air, "inadequate for meeting your needs." His ears twitched and he willed away some static building between them.

Angel blinked, and his jaw fell open. "Al… You give me things no other guy can offer! I got other needs too — the sexual ones might be a big part of my personality, but they're not the ONLY ones. Or even the most important ones!" He brushed away the start of a tear. "You unbreak my heart a little bit each day, and yeah I know that sounds cheesy as hell but it's true."

"You…likewise…for me…" was all a glowing Alastor could manage to sputter out. Then he quickly swallowed and added while he had the nerve, "Angel… I want to be involved in your life in every area, as I would like you involved in mine. I am okay with becoming more acquainted with your sexual side. But regardless of how close we become or how long we are committed to one another or my sporadic compulsion for touch, I'm quite certain I'll never be inclined to…" he felt like the circuitry of his whole head was overheating, "…to disrobe and 'have at it', as it were. It's not me." He took a deep breath and realized he was bouncing his leg nervously as his ears twitched to different directions. "The idea is unsettling… It's beyond my limits."

Angel nodded. "Understood — loud and clear. Really." He played with his hands. "And I'm probably always going to dress pretty revealing and get a little flustered when you show me some skin or make a move like you did before. I don't mean to make you feel like it's weird for you to try. It's just…everything we have together means so much more to me and affects me a lot more cuz I love you." He looked down, almost shy. "With any other guy, a hand around my waist would be small potatoes. But with you, when you touched me like that, my heart was pounding and I felt like I could sing."

Alastor perked up at those words, and his chest swelled a little. The idea of eliciting such a charming physical response in Angel when no other demon had ever done so before was quite compelling.

Angel smiled softly and looked back at Alastor again. "You know…just so we're being super clear with each other again… having a physical part to our relationship doesn't have to mean full-blown sex. There are other things we can try when… if we're ready. Little things that might make you feel good and make me feel good. No pressure, just playing around and seeing if anything works. Lots of 'em can even be done without touching each other, or using other stuff besides our bodies, or even while wearing clothes. In fact, some of them involve EXTRA FUN outfits, like my pole dancing one." He grinned a little more. "Of course, later I might go into my room and fantasize about things going farther like usual. But it's not a knock against you. It's just me giving my body a little extra fun."

Alastor's eyes went very wide and he was perfectly still, ears standing up on end.

"Al?"

"You…fantasize — about me?"

Angel blushed considerably. "Yeah. I…Sorry, do you feel weird? Should I have not told you?"

Alastor swallowed and considered, head tilted. "No…" he finally said quietly, sincerely, looking into Angel's eyes. "I don't mind. I do enjoy being desired… and being on your mind."

Angel grinned again and his eyes hazed. "Hard to keep my mind off you, babe." He winked.

Alastor couldn't help a small laugh escaping him that sounded suspiciously like a giggle. As Angel's eyes hazed even more, the Radio Demon did his best to move past his unusual reaction. "Well then, there are gentler manifestations of intercourse. I see. I might be willing to consider some eventually. And I'll admit I'm…curious to know more about them…and you. Perhaps we'll even find something I rather like! Ha!" He gripped his hands in his lap. "Knowledge of any such playful attempts would remain strictly between you and I though…yes? Not a whisper to even our closest confidants… Not even a tease or a hint?" His eyes were down very shyly.

Angel moved closer and leaned his head down to catch Alastor's gaze. "Any stuff like that — all of it stays absolutely between you and me. No question, no exceptions. You got my word."

Alastor felt his heart flutter in relief and probably several other emotions too. His smile grew a little. "In that case, could we try something now? Something small that I am curious about?"

Angel tilted his head but nodded. "Sure. What?"

Alastor's jaw tightened as admitted "I didn't entirely mind it before when you straddled me. It was rather cozy actually."

Angel's eyes widened a little. But there was no awkwardness or hesitation or teasing. He just nodded. And then he crawled over and carefully sat himself on Alastor's again, facing the Radio Demon. His thighs rested on Alastor's as his knees and lower legs framed the seated deer's lap.

Angel lifted up his hands, then hesitated. "Can I hold your shoulders? Or should I just hold onto the back of the sofa again?"

"Shoulders would be quite nice ."

Angel lightly placed his hands there.

Alastor exhaled, easing into the touch. He bit his lip. "I'm not certain where my own hands should go. I…suppose around your waist, if that pleases you?"

Angel nodded. "That would be swell. And if you put them there and you like it, great! But if you don't like it — or you run into my panties again — you can always take your hands away and try for somewhere else. That's part of the whole 'seeing what works' thing."

Alastor almost laughed at Angel's acknowledgment of his undergarment faux pas earlier, then nodded and set his hands just above Angel's hips, where they felt good right away. "This feels…daring. I like it." He smiled up at Angel.

Angel chuckled. "Me too. I like getting to face you. Yikes, you're cute."

Alastor's eyes went down a little. But when he realized that his line of sight was suddenly right at Angel's fluffy chest, his gaze quickly found its way back up again. "And you look ravishing. You always appear so comfortable in your own skin and in all of your lovely outfits. I admire that quality of yours. You celebrate your beauty."

Angel blushed pink through his face and even down toward his chest. "It ain't always easy, but I try." He eyed Alastor's outfit. "You seem real comfy tonight. Real beautiful too…"

Alastor cleared his throat. "I feel comfortable in this attire around you. I might consider other casual ensembles, though probably none more revealing than this one. I don't have your confidence… or your figure. And then there's my hesitance to be exposed and to let my scars be seen…"

"You're confident as hell in a ton of other ways, you've got a svelte little figure of your own there Mister Modesty, and anyway I'm happy to wear enough sexy outfits for the two of us, Al." All of Alastor brightened at that reply. Angel noticed and smiled and went on. "You know, it takes some kind of man to look tempting all covered up." His voice was quieter. "And if you want, next time you do feel like showing some skin, I can just keep my eyes on yours. I won't look at any part of you that you show off until you want me to… Kind of a kinky way to do things, actually." He swallowed. "You know, I tried not to look when I was helping patch you up, after you got hurt at your radio tower. Eyes stayed on that angel burn of yours only, heh…"

"I know…" Alastor's heart was racing. He remembered how it had felt back then to realize Angel had been caring for his body. Oh, how stubborn and silly he had been to pretend there was nothing blooming between them, to deny the spider's advances, to have nearly missed out on blissful and tantalizing moments like this one. "And I appreciate you discretion…indescribably." He held onto Angel's waist more tightly to steady himself. "One day perhaps you can see more of me and the scars properly. They really are everywhere, I'm afraid. Ha…"

Angel's eyes were hazed so much. "So self-conscious, mio cervo. Handsome stag."

"Stag?" Alastor's voice cracked slightly, and he swore he felt his antlers grow an inch or two.

Angel nodded. "You know I like you the way you are — all of you." His smile picked up on one side, his voice low and tempting. "So those scars are EVERYWHERE, huh? You know, I got a couple other pink hearts on my body besides the one on my chest… So see, it's kind of like our bodies have something else in common."

Alastor was a wide-eyed mess with his smile quirked up oddly on one side, especially since Angel's current scant attire made it rather apparent where those other hearts might be located… And yet Alastor still found himself longing to encounter them one day. His darling truly was a work of art in every way.

Angel's voice was a low purr. "If you're interested, after I get to see your scars…I wouldn't mind kissing every single one of them to help them feel as loved as the rest of you is by me."

A very faint moan finally came from the back of Alastor's throat. "Well, you…that is…I…" He felt like he was flushing down through his chest and all the scars it contained.

"Shh, you don't have to decide now." Angel winked. "Just think about it."

Alastor took a few breaths to get his bearings and clear his head.

"Feel better?" Angel asked gently.

Alastor nodded. "Yes, much. I…think it was very good that we discussed these matters. I feel like I have learned a great deal."

"Yeah, me too." Angel chuckled. Then he bit his lip and considered. "Al…so, speaking of experimenting a little but going slow — you know how we've done some kissing? You ever…thought about adding some tongue into the mix?"

Alastor's nose wrinkled. "I am aware that persons do attempt to kiss using…" He blinked. "Are you proposing that we—"

"I'll just slip it to ya a little," Angel whispered. "If you don't like it, I'll stop. We can go back to our normal stuff."

"Ha…ha, ha!" Alastor laughed quite forcefully. "You want to put a piece of yourself inside of my mouth? I'm afraid that's something most demons avoid like the plague, Anthony! Ha!"

Angel rolled his eyes. "I ain't most demons — I'm in love with you, Alastor. Besides, I know you won't bite off my tongue. You like our conversations too much." He winked.

Alastor's laughter finally subsided, and the wink made him realize how serious Angel was being. His eyes darted around. "It's still a strange notion, getting a taste of the only demon whose flesh I refuse to ever partake in." Yet he glowed as he continued to ponder the thought.

Angel noticed. He kept his tone sweet. "You know, some of the lighter sexy stuff people do is biting each other."

"Hmm…I participate in enough biting at work. With you I prefer gentler things."

"Then we'll do gentle. Promise."

Alastor's expression relaxed to something softer and shyer again. He couldn't escape the fact that now that the notion had been presented, he was curious and wanted to know more. "Slowly then, just a little and just for a few moments — to try and see."

Angel nodded. "Just like our first kiss — no pressure."

Alastor's eyes hazed at the memory. He began to lift a hand from Angel to remove his glasses. "Just let me remove my spectacles—"

Suddenly Angel raised one of his own hands, hesitant, questioning. "Can I?"

Alastor glowed a little more but nodded and placed his hand back on Angel's hip.

Angel slowly removed the glasses — took off a piece of his attire, however small — and it felt to Alastor like the most scandalous encounter he'd ever had in his life or death. Angel set the pair of spectacles aside, eyes hazed. "Monocle, glasses, or nothing at all… You got some handsome mug."

Alastor felt his tail trying to wag against the back of the sofa. "And your eyes — the different colors. Bewitching…"

Those eyes widened and Angel flushed pink. He swallowed, though, like something about the compliment was awkward. But before Alastor could question it, Angel's easy grin returned. "Alright, enough sweet talk. So, we'll give this tongue thing a shot, cutie. And while I'm doing this, if you get antsy, just keep holding tight to me. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."

Alastor gave a small nod.

Then Angel came close — nose to nose…before letting his lips gently meet Alastor's as the demon's eyes closed and Angel's did too.

It was a nice, perfect, normal kiss until Alastor felt something brush his lip and realized it was living, unpained flesh try to reach his palate. Such an odd sensation. It seemed to want entrance, so Alastor took its queue and parted his own lips.

Angel moved in closer, tilting his head. His appendage slid past lips and teeth, coaxing Alastor's tongue which was suffering from a sudden case of stage fright.

Alastor tried to find enjoyment in the closeness, despite the fact that having another demon in his mouth was usually associated with violence and turmoil. It was a curious, slightly intoxicating, experience. He didn't try to break away from it, but when Angel pulled back finally he was also a bit relieved it was over.

Angel was panting slightly, fur flushed pink, eyes hazed. "Well…how did that strike you, handsome?"

Alastor smiled a little. "Intriguing. Er…it's not that I'm uncomfortable with the intimacy. I think the slight cannibalistic quality is jarring though, at least for now. I wouldn't be opposed to trying again in the future, but for the moment perhaps…if you're inclined…" he glowed more, "we could return to our regularly scheduled programming? Ha… And by that I mean, erm…"

Angel smirked. "By that you mean you want to make out the old-fashioned way, huh?"

Alastor gave a nod. "It has given us great mutual satisfaction thus far…"

Angel smirked more and leaned in close. "I do like a man who knows what he wants… And what a man I got me…"

Alastor's tail wagged behind him and his eyes hazed too. "And what a man I procured as well…" Angel blushed in pride. Then Alastor's eyes narrowed playfully. "And I do like to be admired, as you know." He hugged more around Angel's waist, leaned up, and kissed him fiercely on the mouth for a long moment before pulling back, eyes bright. "I crave being desirable to you," tumbled out of him before he could stop himself.

Angel's eyes brightened then narrowed with a saucy grin. "Really? Well, it's always nice to feel wanted. And I do want you, Smiles. In so many ways…" He leaned in and placed slow, supple kiss after slow, supple kiss onto Alastor's mouth, never breaking away. Alastor tried to keep up and finally found a rhythm as Angel led them.

Finally Alastor pulled back after a moment on an impulse. "A-Ange…Anthony…" His smile and glow were almost gone, and a dazed look was in his eye.

"Call me whatever you want at this point, hot stuff… What's up?" Angel managed, breathless.

"It's warm in here."

"It's the fucking surface of the sun in here with you, Smiles."

"Yes, well…" Alastor bit his lip and then quickly pulled up his sleeves to his elbows, exposing his forearms. "And you can look…" he whispered, "no touching or kissing yet please but looking is quite all right."

Angel glanced back at forth between each area of exposed skin in the dusky shade of Alastor's. Then he groaned a little and looked back to the deer demon in question. "God Damnit, you're the sexiest man in eternity, Alastor!" And then Angel fell forward and kissed him passionately, and Alastor did his best to find their rhythm again. The weight of Angel's legs and hips felt good on Alastor's thighs, and the solid frame of his lithe torso felt comfortable in his hands as his fingers found some of those pretty pink lines to brush so he could marvel at the little movements and sounds of pleasure Angel made in response. And he felt small, good sounds threaten to escape his own throat as Angel's eagerness grew and the spider's soft chest brushed his own.

Thankfully the lights were already dim and the door was already locked and the sofa was so comfy. The Radio Demon suspected this tête-à-tête between them would continue for quite some time. Perhaps even late enough to discuss sleeping arrangements together for the evening.

Charlie couldn't sleep. Her room was dark, and she was tucked into bed with a slumbering Vaggie, but she just stared at her phone and bit her lip. She'd looked at the message she'd just received over and over, considering her options. She wondered what Vaggie would think and also Alastor too. Veggie was her rock and gave the best advice. And Alastor, especially lately, felt like a comforting presence for the hotel, especially when it came to delicate (or perhaps deadly) political issues.

And she did indeed have a delicate (or perhaps deadly) political issue staring her in the face right now.

Charlie sighed again, unintentionally, and this one was so deep that Vaggie snorted and finally woke up. "Huh? Charlie? Qué pasa? Is something wrong?"

Charlie quickly hugged her phone to her chest and sat up with an awkward smile. "Oh! Uh…no, nothing important. I'm sorry I woke you up, Vaggie."

Vaggie sat up now too. "If it's keeping you awake, then it's definitely important." She glanced at the phone then back up to her girlfriend. "What happened? I'll help." She smiled.

Charlie hesitated then held out the phone.

Vaggie took the device, and her eyes widened at a text from none other than the Queen of Hell, Lilith herself.

'Charlotte, dear, it's been ages since your little party and we still haven't heard from you. How is the hotel and your solitary new guest? That little fish man. Alastor is still behaving himself I assume. And the others continue to be alive and well?'

Vaggie sighed. "Nice words shouldn't sound threatening, but your mom still manages…"

Charlie pulled her knees into her chest, pouting more. "Yeah… It gets worse though."

Vaggie read on.

'Since you haven't reached out, I can only assume you've been mulling over my plan to have you come home and cultivate your abilities with me. Your involvement with redemption has gone farther than expected — or required. As your father and I both agreed at your party, Alastor can run your hotel, and you can visit. And I'm certain it'll be quite a diverting little venture. But your thoughts should be focused on your status and abilities, not on common souls. Speaking of which, how is that undaunted little friend of yours?'

Charlie almost snatched the phone back, tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I wish she would just leave you alone!" Her eyes flashed red and her horns sprouted a little.

Vaggie sighed. "Hey, don't upset yourself. She's trying to get to you through me, but she doesn't deserve to win. Besides, Angel's insulted me a lot more cleverly than this."

Charlie almost laughed.

Vaggie smiled a little then sighed and looked back at the screen.

'We did push you Charlotte, but we never meant to push you away, only forward. Well…at least I only meant to push you forward. Your father…has his own issues. But he's working on them, I assure you.'

Vaggie furrowed her brow. "I never could get a good read on your dad…"

"Yeah, me neither…" Charlie said softly, eyes down.

Vaggie moved closer and put an arm around her. Charlie leaned against her shoulder. Vaggie read the last of the message.

'We want you back with us where you belong. We insist. Please reply by Monday. You know how I dislike being kept waiting. Goodbye for now, my special girl.'

Charlie took a shaky breath in and out. "She's going to do something bad when I say no."

Vaggie hesitated, biting her lip. "Are you sure you want to say no?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow.

Vaggie didn't look at her. "They'll let you keep the hotel going even if you're not here. I can keep an eye on it along with Alastor. And you and I can still see each other. And…you really are special Charlie, in every way — you might be the most powerful demon in hell if you tried. And I know it hurt you when you left and they didn't ask you to come back. But they're kind of asking now. You deserve a family, Charlie. I don't want them to take advantage of you, but…I don't want you to give up something you need, especially if they might really try this time."

Charlie cupped Vaggie's cheek and turned her to let their gazes meet. "This hotel is my family — you are my family. And…" her eyes teared up, "we both know they don't mean anything sincere for me. We both know it's just a game with catches and obligations and ways to change me. It hurt leaving, but going back to how things were would hurt more. I am staying. I want to stay." She shrugged. "And who knows, maybe I'll become the most powerful demon ever all on my own with a little luck and hope and if I grow my own rainbow deep down inside of me."

Vaggie hugged her, smiling so much, then pulled back and wiped some tears from her eyes. "Good, I'm glad. I like how things are now. I like working together and waking up together…" She blushed a little.

Charlie's eyes hazed. "Me too. I'm a better demon and princess with you." She squeezed Vaggie's hand.

Vaggie smiled more, but then her eyes went back down to the phone. "Your mom really might not react well when you tell her no then. What do you think we should do?"

Charlie considered. "I think I might ask Alastor if he has any ideas. He's better at politics than me. And also…he says he owes me one for taking him in after he got hurt at his radio tower. I'm still not sure what to do with 'a favor' from him, but maybe he'll have some ideas about that too for this situation." Charlie moved to stand up.

"You're gonna talk to him now?" Vaggie raised an eyebrow. "It's midnight."

Charlie shrugged. "I figure I'll at least see if he's up. He keeps pretty odd hours, and I can't sleep unless I try."

She opened their door, stepped out into the hall, then descended the stairs to the lower floor.

The moment she entered the second floor hallway happened to coincide with the moment a thoroughly enamored Alastor and Angel had finished heading down the hall arm-in-arm and stopped right in front of Alastor's room. Angel giggled and twirled his hair while Alastor unlocked his door and brought a finger to his lips in a playful shush. Then the Radio Demon narrowed his eyes and beckoned his date closer, obviously ready to guide the smirking spider demon inside.

Charlie squeaked in surprise.

Both boys froze and turned to her.

She just stared back at them.

"Charlie? Was that you?" Vaggie called from the upper floor. "Are you okay? Are you still going to talk to Alastor?"

Alastor was entirely a deer in the headlights. Angel finally blinked and stepped back from the deer demon with a grin. "Heh, Charlie, nice to bump into ya! We were just about to get some shut eye." He glanced at his companion. "That was a swell date, Alastor — movie and popcorn in your office. And I'm happy I could walk you to your room. So now I'll go to my room! Night!" Angel opened Alastor's door, gave the frozen deer a gentle nudge forward, then did a big sidestep over to his room, waved to Charlie, and stepped inside.

When Angel's door shut, it jolted Alastor out of his panic. His eyes snapped to Charlie's. "Yes, it's time for everyone to head to sleep. We will discuss all important matters in the morning — privately." He narrowed his eyes, and Charlie just nodded. "Goodnight, Charlotte! Vagatha!" he called out, and then he dramatically sauntered into his room and closed the door behind him.

Blushing, Charlie went back upstairs to her room and closed the door.

"Charlie?" Veggie raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

Charlie got back into bed. "I…think I interrupted Alastor and Angel on the way back from a date. But I don't think Alastor wants me to say what I saw…"

"Was it dangerous? Or gross?" Vaggie asked dryly.

Charlie shook her head. "It was…sweet." Her eyes hazed.

Vaggie's eyes did too. "Well, good for them. At least they're having fun together." She laid back own.

Charlie did too. "Yeah. I'm happy they found each other here."

Vaggie put an arm over her girlfriend. "A lot of people are going to find good things here, Charlie. All because of your help."

"All because of OUR help," Charlie added. "And I know…I really do have a good feeling about this place and everyone in it." She cuddled close to her girlfriend. "Goodnight, Vaggie." She yawned. "Whatever my mom and dad do, we'll figure it out together."

Vaggie kissed the top of her head. "We will, babe."

They closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep.

In his room Alastor was pacing with erratic energy. Charlie was gullible but not stupid — it must have been obvious to her that he and Angel Dust had been about to saunter into his room together…to spend the night…and who knew what other conclusions she might draw. He sighed and finally stood still, gripping his cane. She wouldn't say anything, that much he'd made certain of with that quick look to her in the hall. And he would make extra certain when they spoke the next morning.

He felt his glow increase in embarrassment. Certainly even Angel had been flustered by the moment. Perhaps they should both wait until they had more private evening before they tried spending a night together in this manner. He was about to snap his fingers to undo the preparations he'd made up here — extra pillows (some pink), a roaring fire, candles with black and red flames, dead rose petals on the blankets that actually looked sort of nice in their blackened and curled states.

But then there was a knock on their secret door. "Hey, Smiles? Ya decent?"

Alastor flushed but then lowered his fingers and quickly voiced, "Yes, of course!" Come in!"

Angel opened the door and stepped inside, wearing pink knee socks and slippers, pink and white long cotton shorts, and a pink long sleeve shirt. He was holding Fat Nuggets who wore a little nightcap. Angel gave Alastor a little wave. "Hey… Sorry my save out there wasn't too smooth. But Charlie's a good egg, she won't say nothing about us." He swallowed. "If you wanna wait for another time to have a sleepover though, I get it." Angel's eyes widened as he took in the decor of the room. "Is this…all for me?"

Alastor was very still for a moment, taking in the sight of his beau. And then he snapped his fingers. He was instantly wearing a long pair of red silk pajamas with black socks — his cane was gone but his black gloves remained present. "Yes, this is all for you, my darling. And I don't want to wait for another night to share it with you. And indeed Charlie isn't a gossip. Besides, even she doesn't know about our special door." He glowed more brightly. "I would like to try slumbering together in bed this evening, Anthony."

Angel giggled. "is it okay that Nuggets comes?" He smiled sheepishly. "He'll get lonely if he wakes up in my room and might end up scratching at the door all night. Your Shadow put the hat on him and had him tucked in, by the way. Real freaking cute stuff." The shadow appeared through the doorway and waved with a grin.

Alastor turned his smile to his shadow and then the little piglet. "But of course. Papa Alastor is happy to have you." He nodded to his shadow, and with a grin it scooped up Nuggets. Then Alastor snapped to make a large round silk bed appear on the floor with pillows. The shadow gently laid Nuggets there before giving the pig a pat and disappearing.

Angel laughed. "Glad they're getting along." He glanced back at Alastor shyly. "So, uh…which side of the bed do you want?"

Alastor considered. "I require the side nearest the door. I know we're safe here, but in the event of an emergency I need to be able to create a clear exit for you to escape the melee."

"Such a good provider and protector…" Angel's eyes hazed. He walked over to the other side of the bed. Alastor snapped, and the blankets pulled back for him. Angel giggled and then laid down. He hugged a pillow close and inhaled deeply. "Still smells nice, just like you."

Alastor rolled his eyes. "I really don't smell any particular way… Do I?" His ears flicked.

Angel nodded. "Like fire and spice and smoke and something earthy."

Alastor was glowing far too much, and instantly slipped himself into bed. "Your pillows must smell like you then — floral and sweet and like champagne and perfume."

Angel blushed a lot. "Guess so… And I guess if we do this in my bed one night, you'll find out."

"It's a date…" Quickly left Alastor before he could stop himself.

Angel giggled more. He shifted a closer and reached out for Alastor's hand to hold. His thumb brushed over the leather of the glove. "Any chance I get to see your hands too one day?"

Alastor took a deep breath. "I don't think you'd want to. My hands…it's not just scars Angel." He swallowed. "My magic requires certain conditions. Specifically the blood of my enemies. The more mired in it I am, the stronger I am. My hands are…permanently stained. And the grime of the blood rests under my claws for extra potency, and they are ragged from how often I use them when hunting. They are very unkempt."

Angel considered. "So, it's sort of like my feet — I'm kinda insecure about them, and you're insecure about your hands. Okay. I get it." He nodded.

Alastor smiled a little. Then he bit his lip. "And yet…holding hands directly sounds quite nice." He sighed. "I'll consider the notion. If I do let you see them or hold them one day, I at least want them to be in a more presentable condition to the best of my ability."

"I could give you a manicure if you wanted."

Alastor hesitated. "Manicure?"

Angel nodded. "Sometimes when I'm extra down about my feet Cherri gives me a pedicure — she's the only other person I let see them. And then I give her a manicure to thank her. But I could do it for you too. Just something simple — you can keep everything you need for your magic. We'll just add to it." His eyes hazed. "You're a beautiful man, it makes sense if you want your hands to look as beautiful as possible too before the big reveal."

Alastor glowed brightly then glanced down at his hands. "I might like that very much…one day." He swallowed. "You would be holding at least one of my hands the entire time, yes?" He looked to Angel hopefully.

Angel nodded with a gentle smile. "You got it." Alastor's smile became pleasantly relieved, and Angel giggled. "Good, we'll keep it on the list of date ideas. Right up there with sleeping in my bed one night and me putting on a little private pole dancing show for you."

Alastor considered. "Both of those two final option together actually sound like they would make a splendid date — a dance in your room and then turning in for the evening. Perhaps that should make up our next evening together."

Angel blushed, eyes wide. "For real? I-I mean…you wanna try that so soon? I know tonight got a little hot and heavy, so if you want to do something a bit more mellow first, that's fine…"

"No need. I like our growing closeness." Alastor's smile calmed into something small but sincere. "You said you wanted me to get acquainted with your sensual side on your terms. And I believe I would like to start. I am still coming to terms with my own relationship to sins of the flesh — my little 'kinks', as you called them. But for now I am curious about all parts of who you are…" His eyes had a twinkle. "And you do dance so prettily. I'd like to see you and cheer you on."

Angel was a rosy grinning mess. "Well, It's definitely a date then, Smiles. I'll wear something nice, and we can have fun. You're always entertaining people, it's about time someone entertained you…" His eyes hazed.

Alastor's smile wobbled into dangerously dreamy territory. "Merci, ma raison d'être."

Angel chuckled. "Now, even I know what 'merci' means. But what about the last part?"

Alastor's glow was golden yellow. "Perhaps I'll tell you on another date one day…"

"Tease." Angel chuckled. Then he yawned. "This is nice. I think I'm gonna like our sleepovers."

"And I as well." Alastor's glow dimmed a little. "I'll see you in the morning, darling."

Angel nodded, eyelids heavy. "I love you, Alastor."

Alastor's heart warmed very much. He bit his lip, uncertain words on the tip of his tongue. "I care for you beyond compare, Anthony…" But Angel was already asleep.

Alastor squeezed his hand. Ma raison d'être - my reason for being. Alastor's afterlife was a dazzling spectacle on the outside but had become a hollow nightmare within. He had clung to his will to go on in this chaos by the thin thread of seeking out entertainment by punishing the most heinous sinners. But Angel had filled him with purpose and light and something so warm. Angel was an anchor keeping him from going adrift, a hand to hold when his own couldn't stop performatively moving, a melodic laugh to come back to him his mind when the radio waves got too jumbled to hear past. Angel was a person to provide for and grow with and have hope about. Angel reminded him of how the best parts of being alive could feel, but all rolled into one and all the time.

He couldn't tell him all of that though, heavens no. They had just begun their relationship, their courtship had only lasted a few turbulent weeks, and even their friendship had endured for only a handful of months. How could he already tell his Anthony that he saw the world when he looked into his eyes? And how could he find the proper words to say it anyway?

Angel yawned and cuddled against his pillows, and Nuggets let out a sleepy little oink. Alastor's smile drifted away, and his glow left too as the candles all dimmed. Maybe this moment right here could just be enough. When he knew what the next step was, then he would worry about it. His smile slipped away, and his glow left entirely as well. "Bonne nuit, ma cher… Til mornin', darlin'…" he whispered with a secret lilt to his voice before closing his eyes and letting his frequencies tune out.

Being together quickly put him into the easiest rest he had ever known in hell.

A/N:

Thank you all for reading! The boys are gonna keep learning more about each other and keep having fun on their dates ^w^ The spider siblings are also going to meet soon, and Baxter will finally move into the hotel!

Take care!

-Azure129