A/N:

Hi everyone! I'm back with some new chapters before the end of the year :) Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 90:

A Long Night's Journey Into Day

Alastor had never spent a more exhausting night in all his time in hell, even during his earliest years which had basically been an endless sweep of nonstop political murders and publicly broadcast tyrannical displays of power. Usually when he used his magic at full capacity, it was to acquire a life either through a soul contract or cannibalism — acts which fed and replenished his strength even as he used it to attain them. But this experience tonight…it was a full use of his magic with no gains in return. And of course he was already overdue for a healthy dose of cannibalism again, which wasn't going to help him feel any less drained. He knew he would end up picking this hotel clean of all the remaining venison he could find come the morning. It would take him days and dozens of meals and murders to feel like his normal powerful self again.

But all of that trouble was okay. As long as he could help Charlie in her grave hour of need, such simple sacrifices were more than acceptable.

He sat with her in her room as various guests checked in on them and Razzle and Dazzle took turns napping and keeping watch in a corner. Vaggie was the only sinner to remain in the room with them the entire time, even past midnight went the others finally went to bed.

The moth demon sat on the bed opposite Charlie with tearful eyes as she watched her girlfriend suffer and Alastor work to alleviate that pain. Waves of magic poured off of the princess, inky and red like hot coals. In fact, there was a searing quality to this side of her magic — the heat didn't try to burn her surroundings but seemed to boil over just beneath her skin, like it longed to brand itself into a soul. Her horns grew into sharp spirals ready to graze the ceiling, her eyes flashed to dark molten pools, and her normal slight fangs elongated into knife-like incisors that he himself would have been proud to have.

The entire night she cried, her tears sometimes clear as water, sometimes dark as tar, saying his name or Vaggie's name and saying she was sorry and so tired and didn't want to hurt anyone. Alastor held both of her hands in his own through it all. And each time her cries reached a crescendo, waves of dark magic pouring off of her like pain aching to inflict itself on the world, she would squeeze his hands until her claws dug through the leather of his gloves, not like she wanted to harm him but like she was just trying to hold on tight.

Alastor's own demonic features flickered in and out too during this process, but by his own control and design — an effect of siphoning off some of Charlie's excess magic to give her more relief and then letting that magic flow into his own and dissipate before it could overwhelm his senses. His shadow lingered nearby, trying to maintain a barrier so the volatile power wouldn't spread beyond the room and keeping an eye on Vaggie to make sure none of the volatile dark magic leaking off of Charlie or Alastor would accidentally harm her either.

Even with these safeguards Alastor still needed to constantly focus all of his energy and determination to make certain that Charlie's fluctuating emotional and magical overload didn't backfire and cause her damage (or blow a hole right through the room's ceiling, possibly taking out half the roof with it). By midnight he had forgone his jacket and tie, his brow brow dappled with sweat. By 2am he had removed his shoes and rolled up his sleeves as he tried to catch his breath (clearly neither a devastated Charlie nor a severely worried Vaggie were going to touch his skin or even comment on its exposure under these circumstances). By 4am his body was mired in sweat and he was biting his lip in fatigue, dark blood seeping down his chin and speckling his red shirt with darker red spots.

But also by then Charlie's episode had finally started to simmer down. Her magic wasn't spiking harshly anymore — just the occasional moderate wave of extra power. Her eyes were back to normal, no longer looking like voids of sadness. Her horns were much smaller and hidden in her hair again. Her tears had stopped leaving bleak trails down her rosy cheeks. Her breaths were steadier and softer. When she finally managed to focus her gaze on him and speak in full sentences, Alastor had high hopes indeed that all was well again. "Alastor…I…did I do anything?" She asked in a daze.

He shook his head. "Not one thing. Everyone is fine. Are you fine now?"

She shook a little but swallowed and managed to speak again. "Almost. I…" Her eyes welled with big tears. "Thank you…I…No one's helped me like this since I was little." She shut her eyes tightly, and hot tears fell. "My dad…"

Vaggie watched her with wide eyes and reached out like she wanted to touch her but then hesitated with a trembling lip, like she was also afraid she would break the subtle stability if she intervened.

Alastor glanced her way and gave her a meaningful nod to let her know it was all right.

Vaggie sighed in relief and moved closer. "Charlie…It's okay. You're okay. I'm here. Shh…"

"Oh Vaggie!" Charlie instantly released Alastor's hands and threw herself at her girlfriend in a tight hug.

Vaggie hugged her in return, patting her back and stroking her hair. "It's okay, it's okay, it's okay…" Vaggie's tears fell. She glanced at Alastor, her gaze full of gratitude.

"Oh…" Charlie blinked a few times and shifted back a little, a hand to her head, "I don't feel so…oh…" She swayed and fell upon the blankets. Razzle and Dazzle were instantly at her side, setting up pillows around her and pulling a blanket over her body while Vaggie brushed her hair back from her face with a worried look.

"She's breathing, but… Alastor, is she okay?" The moth asked in worry.

Alastor let out a deep breath and wiped the blood from his mouth. He nodded. "She needs complete rest now — no stimulation whatsoever. She'll be awake again in a few hours and all better in a day or two." He started to stand up from the bed but then immediately stumbled to the floor.

Vaggie gasped and came to his side, about to grab his arm.

Alastor hissed and pulled back.

She held up her hands. "Fuck, Alastor, what? What did I do?"

Alastor blinked a few times and felt his face glow. "Why…nothing, my dear." He swallowed and quickly rolled down his shirt sleeves. "I…I don't like being suddenly touched, especially when I'm in a delicate state. My apologies, I didn't mean to snap at you."

Vaggie sniffed and wiped her eye. "You can snap at whoever you want. You helped her — thank you." She started crying. "Sorry, Alastor, I don't know what to say, I…"

Alastor used the bed to get himself standing and steady again. "Just say you'll come with me to the kitchen for a cup of hot tea. I doubt I can teleport in this state, and I'm afraid I'd make a mess of trying to use the stairs right now on my own, ha…"

Vaggie hesitated and looked to Charlie, who was already sleeping deeply with Razzle and Dazzle snuggled beside her.

Alastor sighed. "She really mustn't be disturbed. And you look like you could use a cup yourself. She'll be fine, you have my word."

Vaggie finally nodded and headed over to the door with him then down the hall and down the stairs. She didn't say a word, just hugged her chest with her arms and kept an eye on Alastor to make sure he didn't fall again.

When they reached the kitchen, Alastor made his shadow appear. Though it looked much fainter and wearier than usual, the creature managed to fill the kettle with water while Alastor gathered the tea bags and Vaggie put out the cream and sugar with shaking hands.

Soon there were two hot cups on the table, and Alastor and Vaggie were sitting across from each other.

Vaggie stared down into her cup, not drinking at first. Then she glanced at Alastor who had already downed a full cup and was pouring himself a second one. "Charlie's okay. Will YOU be okay?"

Alastor nearly coughed on his gulp of tea at the unexpected question. "Yes, of course, ha! I'm the Radio Demon, I always manage to end up okay." He sighed. "Of course, part of getting there will be dining on every scrap of deer meat I can find plus a few choice sinners soon. But yes, I'll be right as rain again shortly."

Vaggie groaned a little and held her cup more tightly. "I'm glad, but…maybe don't let Charlie know about that last part? She might start blaming herself for the people you eat. She's already going to feel very guilty about tonight for a while until I can find ways to help her feel better."

Alastor raised an eyebrow. "Not to rain on your parade, Vagatha, but my shows are public and Charlie is rather clever — I'm afraid she'll find me out one way or another."

"I know." Vaggie brought a hand to her head, looking down. "And I know you need to do your shows because they're part of who you are and make your powers strong, and without those powers Charlie wouldn't be okay right now and overlords would probably be blowing up this hotel for sport." She looked to Alastor again, her gaze sincere. "You've already done enough, I just… had to ask. But, you're right, trying to hide things from her doesn't make any sense. And she's definitely been deceived more than enough lately. So we'll figure out something else. And it'll be okay." She took a deep breath.

"Perhaps…allow me to talk to Charlie when she's feeling better?" Alastor suggested. "I'm certain I can spin my cannibalism to show that she's not the direct cause — I've been overdue for one of my shows again anyway." He sipped his tea and added, "Besides, I've had some thoughts on matters of the hotel and how to handle our current situation in light of her parents'…statements. I'd like to let her know. My plans might help improve her mood."

Vaggie hesitated. "You'll definitely be clear with her and make sure she's on the same page before you do any of your plans though…right? She's…it's complicated about her family Alastor. This is a really sensitive time for her."

Alastor nodded. "Of course! I'm not talking about a deal, Vagatha. Even if I were, being cagey and causing Charlie distress when she's already in such a weakened state wouldn't be very entertaining or sportsmanlike. And besides, I'd find it much more interesting to have the princess's support for wherever we go from here." A little satisfied gleam came to his eye.

A small sigh of relief left Vaggie. "Good. That's…thank you. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be defensive. I trust you, it's just…" She sniffled and held back tears as she took a deep breath and finished, "Thank you for everything." She finally took a sip of her tea, and the tension seemed to melt from her shoulders. She finally looked as tired as Alastor knew she must feel.

"I understand. And it's okay." The deer nodded. He sipped his tea again and considered. "Vaggie…how often has she been like that before?"

Vaggie hesitated, visible eye wide.

Alastor leaned in a bit closer. "This is obviously a familiar situation to the two of you. And knowing the frequency would help me prepare for any future events."

Vaggie bit her lip. Then she took another sip of tea and spoke. "Her powers growing out of control — Charlie told me it used to happen sometimes when she was little, like a magical emotional meltdown if she got upset. Her dad would help her through them, sitting with her and regulating her magic until she was stable again. It wasn't anything dangerous, and she grew out of them." She shrugged, her voice lower. "But what you saw upstairs…those more intense incidents started happening a few years ago when she and her parents stopped getting along. The first big one was the night she dumped her ex." Vaggie scowled. "Her parents were NOT happy. And it hurt her so much that they couldn't understand her choice. Her dad helped her through that magic crisis, but…afterwards she told him and me she never wanted his help again since he was the one who had made her feel bad enough to get like that in the first place." She frowned. "It would happen again and again when she and her parents fought. Each time, she's just tried to lock herself away and let things pass — she doesn't want anyone's help, even mine. She's too afraid of accidentally hurting someone. But sometimes it takes so long for the worst of it to pass, and I know it hurts her. That's…part of why she left home and we opened the hotel. Not living with her parents has made her feel so much better." She swallowed in worry. "What happened to her tonight though — that was the worst I've ever seen her get." Her eyes met Alastor's. "It was only a guess of mine that you might be able to help. I knew she needed someone with powerful magic like her dad. You saved her, Alastor." Her eye was brimming with tears.

Alastor's smile warmed a little. "Now, now, I merely sped along the process of recovery. She would have been fine eventually, even on her own. Please keep drinking your tea before it gets cold, Vagatha. You need your strength. If I don't make certain you're well too, you and I both know Charlie won't be happy."

Vaggie almost smiled a little then she downed the entire rest of her cup of tea. Her eye immediately hazed in ease.

Alastor let out his own little sigh of relief at seeing her finally settling down. "Charlie is fortunate to have you. I'm certain her 'ex' could not be nearly as worthy of her as you are."

Vaggie blushed and smiled gently. "He did his best. But Charlie and I are better when we're together."

"I know the feeling…" He couldn't help replying, his exhaustion and the tea working their magic to loosen his tongue a bit.

Vaggie glanced at him sheepishly. "Sorry for interrupting your date."

Alastor's smile and eyes widened, and his ears flicked. "Ha! No bother — emergencies do happen after all. Angel and I will have more evenings together, certainly."

"Hmmm…" Her eye hazed. "You're good for Charlie, and you're good for Angel…and you're good for this hotel. We all want to have a lot more times with you, Alastor. I'm happy you came here."

Alastor's eyes darted around shyly at the praise. "Yes, well…I am too. And I would not be opposed to a future here. I…was actually intending to have a discussion about that matter with Charlie as well, but of course I'll wait until she's better…"

"I'm sure whatever it is, she'll be happy to talk to you about it and happy you came to her." Vaggie assured. Then she blinked a couple of times and yawned.

"I…enjoy engaging with her," Alastor admitted quietly, eyes down at his cup in thought. "She is like…a compatriot? Like another overlord to converse with but one who isn't inclined to overthrow me. Like…an enthusiastic lady cousin I never knew I had, ha!" He glowed more. "Not to presume we're that close, of course! Er, perhaps don't mention that remark to Charlie. Vaggie?" He looked up and blinked.

Her head was resting on her arms and she was passed out asleep, leaning over the table.

He wasn't surprised. She'd been in such a frantic state all night and hadn't slept or rested once. He considered what to do — his powers didn't feel up to snuff yet to teleport another person anywhere, and he didn't want to disturb her by waking her. He managed to conjure up a blanket and laid it over her shoulders, put away their cups and the kettle, and dimmed the kitchen lights. She would be fine here for now. Besides, Charlie still needed to remain completely undisturbed until at least morning, and there wasn't much extra room downstairs or upstairs at the moment. No one who had shown up at the hotel earlier had left — everyone was in their own rooms, Rosie and Mimzy had been placed in his room, and Cherrie was staying in Molly's room while the spider lady bunked with Husk… And that strange demon who had shown up here was curled up in an arm chair in the lobby for some reason. He hadn't gotten a good look at her — all he knew was that she had come with Abel and Louise and was young. Whatever her situation, they would sort it out tomorrow though because frankly he needed rest too.

Perhaps he would drag himself to his office and pass out there.

It was then that his microphone crackled to life.

"Smiles? Everything okay? With Charlie…with you? I thought I heard you walking down the hall before."

Alastor blinked and walked across the kitchen, his voice low so as not to disturb Vaggie. "Anthony? Yes, Charlie is better and resting. I was getting some tea for myself and Vaggie, and now she's asleep as well. Why are you awake so late…or early?"

"Been trying to wait up for ya, heh… Passed out a couple times but still holding strong."

Alastor smiled softly. "I…may have one teleportation in me if you'd be inclined?"

"Please, yeah. I miss you."

Alastor took a deep breath in and out, concentrated very hard, and snapped himself away.

He ended up in the hallway, staggering on his feet a bit but still successfully arrived. Sending himself places was always easier than sending others thankfully.

He clutched his microphone for support and gave a light rap onto Angel's door.

It opened immediately, and there was his sleepy Anthony, wearing a soft pink robe and looking so beautiful. He had a blanket in his hands, like he was waiting to wrap up a tired Alastor in it and guide him to a final rest for the evening. Such a kind man.

The man he loved. The man who loved him. The man who knew of all these feelings they shared now.

Alastor entered and felt so safe in the room as he shut the door behind himself.

In the dim lobby of the hotel, all was quiet but not peaceful. Crymini was a light and anxious sleeper, and she had woken up immediately when Alastor and Vaggie had walked through the room. Keeping still, she had glanced over the back of her armchair to see them enter the kitchen, then she had swallowed as she recalled her current circumstances. The news show happening, coming to the hotel, being swept up in everyone looking after Princess Charlie…and then ending up here for the night. She wanted to see how things would play out…and Abel and Louise had been so nice bringing her here…and no one had seemed threatening…but still, she was in a new place under a new roof surrounded by demons she didn't know and also one very powerful overlord who had just passed by not twenty feet away from her.

Her breaths stayed shallow and her ears remained perked up as she waited for Alastor and the other person — Vaggie — to leave the kitchen and go back upstairs. But minutes passed and nothing happened. The light had been on in the kitchen then suddenly it was off and she heard no sounds. Maybe…they had left out the back door? Or…Alastor had magic, right? He could have teleported them away, she guessed.

Her stomach grumbled. She really was hungry, but she didn't want to risk a trip into the kitchen if Alastor might still be there…or if anyone might still be there. She barely knew these people, and strangers were usually dangerous in hell no matter how nice they seemed.

Her eyes darted around the lobby and fell on the bar. There might be some snacks there. She carefully got up and crept over then went behind the counter and started rummaging. Cherries, lemon wedges, straws… She sighed. "Where are the chips? The pretzels? The peanuts? Something!" She whispered to herself, growing frustrated. She went to another shelf and accidentally brushed against some bottles, making them clink together.

She paused for a moment. Those were full bottles — all holding a bunch of clear and dark liquors. She swallowed, staring into one, seeing her strained-looking reflection. Then she shook her head and blinked back tears and went to push some of the bottles aside — maybe the snacks were hidden behind them.

"Looking for something, kid?"

She gasped and scrambled backward, teeth bared and heart racing.

Standing on the far side of the bar was that big flying cat demon guy, an eyebrow raised and a dry look on his face.

Her heart raced more, and she reached behind herself, scrambling for something to grab until she found a beer bottle and held it up. "Stay back! Don't touch me!" She hissed.

Husk blinked and held up his hands. "Hey, hey, calm down, no one's touching anyone! Just, breathe… It's okay."

Crymini slowly stood up, still keeping her eyes on Husk though and still keeping her bottle aimed his way. "If it's okay then why are you sneaking up on me?"

"It's kind of hard to do anything but 'sneak up' on people at 4 am," Husk rolled his eyes. "I heard the bottles clink — I'm kind of tuned in to that sound. And the bar is my domain, so I just wanted to see if everything was all right." He hesitated. "You know, normally after a night like the one we all just had, I'd offer anyone a drink, but…you seem kind of young."

"I'm 19 but I've been down here for ten years — I can have anything I feel like." She pouted, her posture relaxing a little.

Husk eyed her again then sighed. "Fair enough, I guess. So do you want me to make you a drink or…"

"I wasn't looking for drinks, I was looking for food!"

"Then…why not try the kitchen?"

"Because Alastor went in there and I didn't see him come out, and he…" she bit her lip, "…It's my experience down here that it's not good to find yourself alone with overlords. Or any guys really." She glared at him again.

Husk frowned a little. But he nodded in understanding. Then he stepped back from the bar, went over to the kitchen and popped inside. He came out a minute later with a loaf of bread, a half stick of salami, a hunk of cheese, and a jar of mustard in his arms and set them down on the bar. "Alastor's gone — probably teleported away. Vaggie's in there sleeping at the kitchen table though. I managed to sneak this out without waking her up. I'm kind of hungry too. You like salami? Angel swears this is the best in hell."

Crymini blinked, her eyes wide, then nodded. "Yeah. Is…is the mustard yellow or spicy?"

"Spicy — we're adults, right?"

She nodded and almost cracked a smile.

Husk grabbed a few napkins off the bar, set out the bread, then used a pocket knife to start cutting the meat and cheese. "Alastor won't hurt you, you know. He…might seem a little on edge around you, at least at first. But he doesn't hurt people who aren't hurting other people or trying to hurt him. Understand?"

Crymini considered then gave a small nod. She let herself grab the stool behind the counter and sit on it, not far from Husk.

Husk finished adding the meat and cheese to the bread slices, and moved on to the mustard. "And as for me — or any other guy around here, and the chicks and everyone else — we do not randomly hurt people either. I know there are some fucked up demons in this Pentagram. You just happened to find a hotel where people like that aren't welcome."

Crymini hesitated but finally gave another nod.

Husk topped their sandwiches with bread then slid one over to Crymini. "My name's Husk, by the way. I think Louise said yours is…Crymini, right?"

Crymini took a bite of the sandwich, sighed in satisfaction, then nodded again. "Yeah." She considered. "So, like, you're a guest here, Husk?"

"Staff — bartender, bouncer. I sort of work for Alastor."

Crymini flinched. "He owns your soul?"

Husk smiled as he grabbed his own sandwich. "Not exactly." She raised an eyebrow but he didn't explain. Instead he took a bite of his sandwich and moved on to something else. "Do you want a drink? I mean a regular drink — we got seltzer out here. Or…I guess you could have a beer. You aren't REALLY a kid, and it was a rough night."

Crymini scowled down at her sandwich. "No, no beer, no alcohol, ever. Just…seltzer's fine."

"Bottom shelf on your left." Husk was watching her carefully as she reached down and pulled up a can then cracked it open. "Can you get me one too? This mustard's hotter than I thought, but I don't like drinking booze in front of people if it makes them uncomfortable."

"I'm not uncomfortable! I just…" she sighed and grabbed another can then slid it over to him, "…It's too easy for me…to just start drinking to try and forget that I'm in hell. And it's too hard to stop once I start. And then I forget where I am and who I am, and then I'm a walking target." She ate more sandwich then swallowed and added, "Not that it's anyone's business. Just forget it, you wouldn't understand anyway — you dropped down here all tall and strong and able to fly. I'll bet no one messes with you."

"My six decades down here beg to differ, but I get what you're saying. At least you get to be a dog demon though with a jaw that can actually do serious damage when you bite" Husk replied, cracking open the seltzer. Crymini tried not to smile in a touch of pride. Husk went on. "I feel the same way sometimes about Alastor having a bunch of magic to defend himself while I've just got two fists. And I've…been the same way, about booze." He shrugged, eating more. "So is that why you came here? To find a safe place?"

"I came to help the princess." Crymini blinked, feeling tears in her eyes as she glared down at her food. "She…her dad…her parents…" Her breaths came more quickly. "This place seems nice and the people here seem nice, and if Charlie's parents didn't want to help her out with the hotel that's one thing, but why did they have to go on tv and hurt her so bad? They have all the power and money and prestige but they still…fuck." She viciously chomped another bite out of her sandwich.

Husk raised an eyebrow. "You're taking this pretty personally for someone who hasn't met the princess before."

She swallowed, and her ears went down a little. "I've…met other people involved." He opened his mouth, clearly about to ask more, and she immediately snapped, "I don't want to talk about it!" She stuffed the rest of the sandwich into her mouth in one big bite and swallowed. "Thanks for the sandwich."

"Husky? You okay?"

Crymini jumped a little in her seat as suddenly that big tall lady spider demon she'd seen earlier came out of Husks' room and approached the bar with a yawn.

Husk turned to her and smiled. "Yeah, Molls. Crymini here just wanted a snack, but Vaggie's asleep at the kitchen table, so I grabbed some stuff and made us sandwiches out here at the bar."

Molly glanced down at the spread and beamed. "Ooo that's the good salami! Great choice!"

Husk chuckled then turned back to Crymini. "Crymini, this is Molly. She's my, uh…lady friend."

Molly smiled warmly and gave Husk a little shoulder hug. "And Husky's my fella." She turned back to Crymini with a bright smile and held out a hand. "Pleasure ta meet ya!"

Crymini reached out shyly only to get enthusiastic handshake in return that made her smile a little too.

"Sandwich, Molly?" Husk offered.

She stretched up. "No thanks, I'll never get back to sleep if I have one." She glanced at Crymini again. "You okay sleeping out here? It's kind of a big and lonely space. You could crash with us on Husk's couch tonight if ya want it."

Crymini swallowed. "Oh, uh…thanks, but I'm okay out here. I…I like being near the doors to places when I sleep, especially new places." She looked down awkwardly. "I know, it's weird."

"No it's not. I get it. I'm the same way — that's why I've got a room on the ground floor," Husk explained, meeting her eyes for a moment with an understanding gaze.
Crymini's eyes widened curiously and she resisted the urge for her tail to give a little wag.

Molly smiled and nodded to her in full support. "You sleep wherever you feel comfortable. If you'd like some extra blankets or pillows or something though let me know. And I hope you'll stay for breakfast. My big brother makes the best pastries." She winked. Then she sat at a stool beside Husk and they held hands as Husk passed Molly his seltzer so she could take a sip.

This was…weird. Like not bad weird just… Crymini hadn't exactly gotten to witness many 'domestic' moments in hell. And here she was kind of sort of being part of one. And on top of everything else, these two…really didn't think she was odd? They were accepting, just like Louise and Able. The dog demon cleared her throat and glanced away. "I…I should get back to bed or whatever. You guys probably want privacy."

Molly blinked. "Privacy? Crymini, Husk and I just had five hours of privacy sleeping in his room. We're happy to talk for a bit."

"Yeah," Husk nodded. "Being the new person around here can be a lot. But we're happy to help ease the transition."

Once again Crymini almost smiled a little and her tail twitched.

Molly smiled softly and stood up again. "If we head back to bed before you, do you want me to show you where the linen closet is so you can get more pillows and blankets if you want 'em?"

Crymini nodded. "Sure. Uh…thanks."

"I'll clean up and I'll meet you in my room, Molls." Husk yawned grabbed the food and kissed Molly's cheek then headed to the kitchen.

As Crymini followed Molly, she felt sleepiness coming over her again now that her stomach was full…but also now because she felt a little more trusting of this place. These people weren't looking to do anything to her…they weren't even looking to kick her out. It was a good feeling.

Molly loaded her up with extra blankets and pillows, and Crymini made her way back to her lobby easy chair and snuggled in. She was full and warm and safe, and staying with nice people. She wanted to hold onto the feeling forever and never let it go.

When Alastor entered Angel's room and the spider draped the blanket around his shoulders and then slipped off his pink fuzzy robe, the deer found himself gazing at his beloved in pleasant interest — the spider was wearing a simple pink cotton shirt and a pair of rather short black shorts…no socks on at all.

"Hey handsome — missed me?" Angel asked with a warm smile, eyes hazed in tiredness and maybe just a bit of playful flirtation.

"Oh indescribably," Alastor sighed and approached. "Darling, while you look lovely, are you certain you're not cold? You are still recovering, after all…"

Angel chuckled. "Nah, I'm fine. Besides, I wanted to show off the legs a little now that my angel wound is all healed up. Look."

"Really?" Alastor asked in wonder, leaning down toward his legs and adjusting his monocle for a closer look.

Angel nodded and struck a pose and angled his formerly injured leg out toward Alastor. The deer's eyes widened and his smile grew with joy — the bright little burns had all faded, just leaving some pale pink stippling in Angel's fur as a sort of scar.

Alastor sighed in relief and straightened up. "We made you better. That's…oh that's…" Hot tears burned off at the edges of Alastor's eyes and suddenly his knees buckled.

"Whoa there, Smiles!" Angel came forward and propped him up just in time. "Sheesh, you must really be exhausted to get overwhelmed that easy. Come on, let's head over to the bed." Angel sat him on the bed and put aside his microphone. "And yeah, we made me all better. All it took was a little love." He smiled softly and patted Alastor's hand as he took a seat beside him.

Alastor sniffled, though thankfully no crying started. "Yes, well…love is quite the daunting force to reckon with. Neither heaven nor hell nor earth itself could stand a chance." He placed his hand atop Angel's then glanced at his leg again. "Darling are you truly certain it doesn't hurt anymore? You had…so many little wounds instead of one large one after all…" One ear went down.

Angel glanced at his leg. "Don't feel a thing. I know those little pits in my fur look like they might hurt but it's just cuz the hair needs to grow back in. And for now, it just kinda looks like freckles. Matches my hips, heh."

"Your hips have freckles?" Alastor blinked.

Angel smirked a little and crossed his legs — his shorts on the side facing Alastor rode up a bit. "You tell me…"

Alastor glanced down and saw the edge of a dusting of pink dots low on Angel's hip.

He stopped breathing for a moment as a compulsion came over him. He wanted to see and to touch more of his Angel, starting with the freckles and then…who knew? There were still parts of the spider that were unknown to him, inside and out, and in his tired state he just wanted to explore these sacred areas gently, taking in all of their aesthetic beauty, while the rest of hell was asleep around them.

Glowing brightly, he looked down and searched desperately for anything to say in reply. "They are quite pretty. Mine are white."

"Your…what?" Angel raised an eyebrow.

Alastor could have kicked himself — he really was tired. "My freckles…on my own hips. I…I suppose they're not technically freckles. They're white spots, like a fawn would have." He was heating up all over and had to resist the urge to plant his hands down on the bed at his sides to cover up his hips.

Angel was biting his lip, gazing down at Alastor's hips now. But then his eyes went back up to focus on the deer himself. "They sound kinda cute."

"N-No…" Both of Alastor's ears went down. "More akin to silly, really — even if I were an actual deer I'm an adult, not a fawn."

"You're a buck," Angel couldn't help himself with a grin.

Alastor sighed deeply and tried not to laugh. "They're just…My apologies, I'm very tired and it loosens my tongue considerably."

Angel's chuckled. "It's okay, I get it. I still bet the spots are pretty though."

Alastor swallowed, voice quiet. "You can see them one day perhaps if you'd like. When I'm ready. Just…a glance perhaps."

Angel nodded. "Whatever you're comfortable with, whenever you're comfortable. There's still plenty parts of you I can see right now that are already stunning."

"Likewise, cher," Alastor cooed, letting his eyes meet Angel's again.

For a moment they just gazed at each other.

Then Alastor blinked, eyelids so heavy.

Angel clearly noticed. He moved back and stood up. "Come on, I've got the pillows all fluffed and the blankets ready for ya. I didn't have time to grab you any pj's from your room before Rosie and Mimzy fell asleep in there but I figured you could magic yourself up some."

"I'm not sure if I have the energy," Alastor had to admit, rubbing his eyes. He removed his shoes and his tie by hand. "I may just sleep like this. It's only a few hours until morning anyway."

"Do ya want something of mine to wear?" Angel asked, pulling back the blankets for Alastor. "I know I'm taller than you, but I think I could find something that works."

Alastor hesitated. "I appreciate the offer. Truly. But I…I would need time to adjust to that idea — wearing your clothes on my body. Our neckties after our first date was one thing, but a full outfit is another for me."

Angel just nodded, smiling in understanding. "Read ya loud and clear." He went over to his dresser where Alastor noticed a tray with various items. "Ya want anything before bed? I snuck down to the kitchen earlier and made some salami sandwiches and swiped a few bottles of the sarsaparilla you like."

"Yes, please!" Alastor's eyes flickered to radio dials for a moment in need. "I'm utterly spent, and we're nearly out of venison thanks to me binging our entire supply while you were passed out after the mob battle. I was down in the kitchen with Vaggie and made us tea, but I didn't have a chance to eat before she dozed off." He cleared his throat and shrugged. "She…seemed like she needed someone to talk to. I did my best."

"I'm sure ya did great and that she really appreciates it." Angel strolled over with a plate with a few sandwiches and two bottles of sarsaparilla. "Oh, and I got these of course." He held forth another plate on a third arm…bearing some cannolis. "The cannolis you made for our date — I found 'em in the fridge earlier. We did promise to have some tonight, after all."

Alastor's eyes widened. "Yes, yes we did."

Angel sat down and set the plates between them. They each picked up a cannoli and took a small bite.

Angel's eyes brightened. "Hey, Smiles, ya did great! It's good! Is that lemon in the ricotta filling?"

Alastor nodded. "I thought it would be a nice touch. A little something southern, if you will…" He swallowed his own bite. "I suppose it tastes all right. I just don't have as much of an appetite for sweets. But I'm so very glad you enjoy them." His eyes drifted to the sandwiches. "Now what do we have here?"

Angel swallowed another large bite of cannoli and grinned. "Not venison but I really think you're gonna enjoy it. Special aged Genoa style salami with fresh provolone on semolina bread with some spicy mustard for a little dash of New York flavor."

Eyes wide and eager, Alastor picked up a sandwich then glanced at Angel. "Do you mind if I'm a bit less well-mannered than usual about eating? I am rather tired and famished…and I trust now that you won't be disgusted or terrified by how fervently I can consume food."

Angel nodded. "Dig in and don't hold back, babe."

Alastor chuckled. Then he unhinged his jaw, placed the entire sandwich in his mouth, snapped his fangs shut tight and with a few chews swallowed the sandwich whole.

Angel was blushing, eyes a bit wide.

Alastor glowed. "Angel?"

Angel blinked. "Huh? Oh, sorry, just…I do like a man with a healthy appetite, heh." He glanced down with a shy smile then quickly grabbed the sandwich plate and held it forward. "Here, they're all for you. I'm good with just cannolis."

"Are you certain?"

The spider nodded. "Yeah. These taste like love — I could eat them forever." He winked and grabbed another pastry.

Alastor smiled and proceeded to eat every sandwich on the plate and chug his entire bottle of sarsaparilla. He sighed in deep satisfaction when he was done. "Thank you, darling. I feel much better."

"Good, you deserve it." Angel kissed his cheek.

Alastor practically giggled.

"Bed time now, Smiles. You had a big day. And I'm guessing we've got a lot of work ahead with Charlie tomorrow." Angel set aside the plates then headed to his side of the bed.

Alastor nodded and sighed. "Yes indeed we do." He followed after his love.

They climbed under the blankets together. They gazed into each other eyes.

"I love you," they said at the same time, then chuckled.

And then they kissed goodnight.

And then…they were kissing more…and more. The action was warm and tender and full of soft need.

Angel's lips left Alastor's for a moment, his voice breathless. "I promised to kiss your golden throat if you got rid of our company. It took six hours but…we don't have company any more."

Alastor let out such a deep sigh that it sounded like a groan. "You are quite correct…"

"Are you too tired?"

"Never for you. You restore me. I…" Angel kissed his neck, and Alastor went offline for a moment.

"Say it southern, smiles…" Angel whispered.

His smile slipped away. "Darlin'…I missed ya. I'm sorry we didn't have more time ta talk 'bout our feelin's… Love ya so powerful, cher…."

Angel kept kissing his neck so tenderly. "Love you too, cervino mio. Love your voice. The radio voice, the southern voice, the French voice…all the voices. I didn't know sounds could make a man weak til I met you."

Alastor giggled. His smile returned and he switched his dulcet tones to French. "Oh ange…ma raison d'être…" His deeper radio tones returned. "Anthony, entertainer extraordinaire of my heart…"

Angel giggled too, kisses coating every inch of his throat from the base of his collar up to his chin. "Everything you say makes me wanna let you know I'm your biggest fan. All that skill and talent and sweet talk in one guy…it's enough to make me to fall in love all over again. You make me smile."

Angel was kissing his neck, Angel was talking about his voice, Angel was saying how commanding he was. He made Angel smile. And Alastor…Alastor…Alastor. He…

Oh dear.

Alastor gasped and grabbed a pillow, suddenly hugging it close between them.

Angel blinked. "Al?"

"I…" Alastor's wide eyes darted around. "I…I…seem to like compliments from you about my voice…and my entertaining abilities…and the notion that I make you smile." His eyes went down and his ears fell. "Then there's the satisfaction of the food and my dizziness of my fatigue and the relief of you being healed completely now… Everything is so much, and I like it all so much. Every part of me, it seems.

Angel tilted his head, then his own eyes widened in realization and his cheeks flushed a dark pink. "You mean you…right now?"

Alastor gave a stiff nod…and tried to ignore the stiffness currently building between his legs.

A little dreamy smiles came over the spider's features for a moment. But then he cleared his throat and just gazed at Alastor warmly. "Smiles…it's okay. Just look at me and breathe. And talk to me."

Angel's voice was so soothing. Such a grounding, dulcet sound. Alastor's eyes came up and the spider was looking at him with such care.

And he really was so nice to be with.

Alastor swallowed. "I…I'm not sure what to say. This is new, it…"

Angel gazed down at him with love and whispered, "It's also perfectly normal. Just let me know what ya want to do. We can cool things off and go to sleep. Or I can take my couch for the night if you need space. Or…we can see where things go, no pressure." He shrugged.

Alastor's heart raced. He felt so curious all of a sudden. "Perhaps…the third option would be entertaining. For a little while at least, if you would indulge me…" he finished shyly.

"Anytime, babe," Angel cooed in full support. "You set the pace and let me know what you need, and I'll do the same for you. And we got our safe words, remember? Jambalaya for me and Caprese Sandwich for you?" He grinned.

Alastor chuckled and nodded. "Yes, indeed we do." He hesitated then he relaxed his grip on the protective pillow and caught Angel's lips against his own again. The spider was careful, responding gently in return. One of Angel's knees bent, clearly on reflex, grazing his leg, like he wanted to wrap himself around Alastor. Alastor was reminded of their night spent on the sofa in his penthouse after their first date. He let one of his own legs intertwine with Angel's. He separated their mouths slightly. "I can't go too much farther. But in this moment I am…okay."

"We don't have to go farther…" Angel whispered against his lips. "We can just enjoy being exactly like this… Let ourselves feel good."

And Alastor in that moment was very ready to try. He relaxed more, letting their chests ease together. He wanted to let all the heat they were creating bind them together in a special way just for a little while. A warm wave of need echoed through him, and Alastor let himself press closer to Angel. He felt Angel meet the shift of his body by shifting forward as well and making his extra arms appear to hold Alastor close. The comforting sensation made Alastor want to moan faintly and cry at the same time in overstimulation.

Suddenly the extra pressure against and around his body coupled with all the fatigue and all the newness and the raw reality that this was happening now for the first time burned through his circuits in a deep unexpected frenzy of pure sensation. His racing heart sent a jolt through his spine and made him freeze up except for one part of himself that was ready to make quite a commotion. His breath caught in his throat, and his smile went small.

Angel noticed and stopped their kissing. "Smiles?"

"I…I'm going to…I'm about to…" Alastor glowed utterly crimson, pulling his legs back and clamping his thighs closed. "Caprese Sandwich, Caprese Sandwich, I….I'm…"

Angel blinked. "Oh."He at him in understanding and put a few inches between them. "Shh…it's okay, Smiles. Yesterday and tonight were a lot for everyone, but especially us and extra especially you. Makes perfect sense that you're sensitive to stimulation right now." He took Alastor's hand and gently squeezed. "When you're ready, just tell me what you want to do now."

Alastor swallowed. "I'm…I'm not ready right now to do anything." He squirmed in fluster, the pressure mounting. "I've never…in front of anyone before. I…"

Angel just nodded. "It's okay. Do ya…want some time alone in the bathroom or in the bed? I can go take a walk, get some fresh air on the roof."

Alastor shook his head. "No, no. I don't want to…in another person's room. Even yours." He swallowed. "I…I don't want to seem rude, but I would like to leave. I should have one more teleportation in me after eating those sandwiches. I can go to my office. Please understand, it's not you, it's…me." He shut his eyes tightly. "I have never been aroused in proximity to another person until you. I…I need space, for the act and for the whole night afterwards so I can process. I…"

Angel held up a hand. "I will not ever take your self care as some kind of slight to me. Please go take care of yourself, Al. But…when you're up for it, can you call me on your microphone and just let me know you're okay and heading to bed?"

Alastor blinked back tears and nodded, eyes meeting Angel's in relief. "I love you."

"I love you too," Angel assured. He glanced down shyly and added, "While you're gone do you mind if I, uh…think about you again for a bit?" His voice was a whisper. "Turns out love is arousing as hell to me…" He pulled his legs in coyly under the blankets.

Alastor glowed almost red but nodded with a small goofy smile of his own. Angel's gaze brightened. Then Alastor leaned in and kissed his sweetly on the forehead. "Au revoir, mon bel ange." He let his smile drop. "Til later, cher." He winked then disappeared to the sound of Angel giggling.

Alastor sent himself straight to his office, the only private and familiar place left to him tonight. He went to the back room, where he had slept and kept his effects before finally moving in to his own room upstairs. And in the darkness with a tentacle at his command his did his best to ease the newly built tension in his body.

It really didn't take long — the mere memory of Angel's praise and words of love and sweet kisses to his throat sent him over the edge so easily. Far more time was needed to rouse himself to action after it was all over so he could get everything cleaned up and get himself changed and settled in to manage a few hours of sleep before morning.

Eventually, with dawn approaching, he ended up on the sofa in his main office and finally radioed Angel to let him know he was okay and quite comfortable. Angel was happy he was okay and comfortable. (Besides, he had cheekily said, he was still getting things cleaned up from his own little end of the night experience). Angel said he would see him in the morning, and Alastor agreed that it was a date and they shared a small laugh…followed by goodnight's and I love you's once again.

When Alastor laid down on his sofa with his blanket, he didn't feel lonely or overwhelmed or even drained anymore. He felt…warm and steady and perfectly loved. This sofa was where he and Angel had shared their first intimate experience, and now here we was again at the end of a fresh one between them.

There had been so many new developments today. But for now he needed at least a few hours sleep to process them all. Everything would be okay though.

Alastor fell asleep with a genuine smile on his face and his microphone playing a pleasant tune of love at his side.

A/N:

Yay, more fluffy and saucy times for RadioDust lol! Thank you for reading and for your support ^w^ I'll try to have more posted soon!

Take care!

-Azure129