A/N:

Hi everyone! Yay, more "Partners" and this chapter is loaded with RadioDust :) Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 96:

Progress by Leaps and Bound(arie)s

Almost an hour later, Charlie slowly pushed open the kitchen door and headed back into the lobby, a sullen but willing Vaggie, an uppity-as-ever Helsa, and an awkward-looking Sev following behind her.

They found everyone still there, sitting and waiting tensely. Alastor in particular looked like he was a tightly wound watch about to burst, sitting up ramrod straight and tapping a foot like a jackrabbit while Angel sat beside him, biting his lip in concern.

The deer stood up immediately at their return. "Private chat all done? Splendid — I suppose our visitors will be leaving then. Unless of course they'd like to stay for dinner…" He flashed his fangs, and his eyes became radio dials.

Charlie just sighed deeply and wished Alastor hadn't phrased his (probably) empty cannibal threat in that particular way, because now she felt a certain obligation as hostess…and as a potential new business partner with these two old 'friends'. She turned to Helsa and Sev. "Helsa, Sev, as long as you're here, would you like to stay for dinner? Real, regular dinner, heh — we're ordering in." She shrugged with a hesitant smile. "Maybe while we eat while we can explain your idea to everyone?"

Helsa blinked a couple of times then cleared her throat and crossed her arms, looking away. "Lottie, hun, why don't we save that awkward experience for another time when we're all more mentally prepared, hmm? Besides, Sev and I have reservations at one of the latest five-star hot spots tonight."

"But raincheck, maybe? I wouldn't mind catching up…" Sev quickly piped up, looking hesitantly to Charlie then quickly to Vaggie then nervously to his sister then right back to Charlie again. "I mean, we should probably come by here soon to coordinate more anyway…"

Charlie's smile picked up a little on one side. "That would be nice, I think. We'll make plans."

"Pardon!" Alastor announced, zipping over, standing almost protectively between Charlie and their visitors. "Might we clear the air about what exactly is going on and what role you two intend to play in our happy hotel?" He tilted his head, all wide eyes and sharp angles and sharp claws gripping his cane.

"It's okay, Alastor," Vaggie sighed, her frown softening. "The Von Eldritch's…made some offers and then we made a deal, sort of."

"A tentative deal!" Charlie quickly clarified. "We'll only do it if all of you agree." She looked to everyone in the room then gave Alastor a reassuring glance before turning back to the siblings. "Helsa, Sev, do you want to explain?"

Helsa held her head high, cleared her throat, and spread out an arm like she was about to break into song.

Sev put a hand on her shoulder. "Uh, could I try telling them? I think it'll be quicker, and you and I do have to get to those reservations."

Helsa sighed dramatically but nodded. "Okay, fine — take it away, Sev." She twirled a finger in the air and stepped aside, ceding the floor to him with a dramatic bow.

Sev grinned as he looked at the group of sinners around him. "So, okay…the Von Eldritch family is like low-tier hellborn royalty, and the Magne family is like high-tier hellborn royalty. And all our parents are super into politics and stuff. So they sort of liked when Charlie and I started dating cuz…if we, you know, ended up together, it would keep Charlie's family full of only royal-ish people, and it would make my family more powerful." He cleared his throat, blushing, while Charlie just brought a hand to her head and wished this backstory could be over already. Sev seemed to take the hint and cleared his throat to wrap up that part of things. "Anyway, we didn't end up together, as you can see. So Charlie's family got all worried about her hanging out with sinners and making the Magnes look less royal, and my family got all worried about me and Helsa not advancing our family's standing. And ever since Charlie ran off and opened this hotel, it's been…especially intense…"

"That's putting it mildly." Helsa scoffed. "Our parents do not shut up about me or Sev getting Charlie to abdicate entirely and finding some way to steal the throne. Boring. Like, I know I can be bitch sometimes, but I'm not a traitor — who needs that drama? And come on, you have all officially met me now, do you really think I'm the best choice for a life of public service?" She gave the room a dry look then cleared her throat and quickly added with a shrug, "Besides, Lottie is a good princess, so just fucking let her be princess in peace, right?"

Charlie turned a warm smile to Helsa, though the moment their eyes met the demon woman flushed and bit her lip in frustration.

Sev nodded in agreement with his sister. "Char should be in charge. We want to support her. And we finally realized she could use our support in person, not just from afar." He smiled sincerely. "So Helsa and I decided to stop today by so we could officially be part of changing things and helping the hotel and helping Charlie and all of you. Because our parents are not being cool, and because Charlie's parents…" He frowned and his brow furrowed. "That news show wasn't right." His eyes went to Charlie. "I know how much getting along with them means to you. I'm sorry they did that to you, Char."

Charlie felt tears in her eyes. She blinked and sniffed. "Thank you." She took Vaggie's hand and squeezed, and Vaggie squeezed her hand back and moved closer to her, looking at her girlfriend in concern then looking back at the Von Eldritch's with some continued wariness in her gaze.

Sev swallowed and gave her and Charlie a nod then turned to Alastor and approached him. "We want to help make this place a success so that hell can be better and we can all be happy."

"And so our parents will shut up and get over themselves," Helsa tacked on with a bored sigh as she moved to stand beside Sev, facing the Radio Demon.

Sev rolled his eyes and continued. "Anyway, Alastor — in the kitchen Charlie told us about your radio show. We think it's a great idea and we want to give this place a little extra boost — something for you to promote on the air."

Helsa met Alastor's as well. "We want to become official patrons of the hotel, like you. Frankly we have embarrassing amounts of money and influence to pump into this place…plus property." She grinned. "This flagship location is a nice little start, but we have vacant buildings in every corner of the Pentagram, all ours to use free and clear of any overlord approval. New branches of the Hazbin, Happy — whatever — Hotel. Each one ready and waiting to welcome guests and to suggest an overabundance of interest in redemption." Her grin grew. "And all we want in return is for the lot of you to double down on making this place succeed so that it absolutely fucks up the current royal hierarchy of hell."

"And also so, you know, sinners stop dying on Extermination day and making Char sad," Sev added in with a sheepish smile. "So, what do you say?"

Alastor's eyes had grown immensely wide and his smile had elongated considerably during this explanation. His ears twitched…he seemed to be thinking. "You do understand that there are no guarantees about redemption working."

"Yeah." Helsa shrugged. "But there is a guarantee that if you present sinners with a better option than yearly slaughter they'll jump on it, especially if it's led by someone with a birthright for the throne. We explained it to Charlie already — we're not here for redemption so much as rebellion."

"Hmm… Well, that's a far more noble motivation than my own original one for coming here, I'll grant you that, ha…" Alastor stepped back and finally looked to Charlie. "Charlie, dear — a word? Vaggie, perhaps you could keep an eye on the Von Eldritch's for a moment."

Charlie shared a look with Vaggie then a nod. She smiled at the siblings. "I'll be right back." Then she walked off with Alastor who led them briskly down the hall and to his office.

He closed the door as soon as they were inside and turned to her, twirling his cane. His smile was small and his brow was furrowed in thought. "New patrons…new, powerful, popular, plentifully-financed patrons. It's an interesting notion at this point in the game."

"I know it's very sudden, Alastor." Charlie clasped her hands together. "And I really won't agree to it unless we're all on board, especially you. You were our first patron, after all." She smiled a little. Then she bit her lip. "Maybe it's too much… I mean, if those new buildings just end up sitting empty, we'll look like such failures…"

"It's a gamble, a risk…" He leaned back on his desk, musing, "And yet, what a showstopper to not only promote the hotel during our radio show but to announce an expansion and high-ranking support as well. Those siblings could tend to the media outlets I'm less inclined to delve into regarding advertisements… Hmm, we could even toss them on air as guests for a few influential soundbites." He considered then looked to Charlie. "But first I need to know if you trust them. Truly entirely trust them."

Charlie swallowed. "My dad would say to 'never trust any demon all the way'. But I do trust them… I know Helsa's a handful, but she and I were really good friends when we were little. And me and Sev, well…" She blushed.

Alastor's ears went down. "I'm certain he mourned you leaving him. Though I'll admit I don't detect any bitterness in his demeanor."

Charlie blushed more, wringing her hands. "That's because… I didn't leave him, Alastor. HE broke up with ME."

Alastor blinked at this information.

Charlie sighed. "It's a long story. Anyway, I do trust them. Besides, Helsa's very blunt, if you haven't noticed, heh. If she wanted to hurt us, she would take the direct approach. And Sev…wouldn't do something like that. I'm sure."

Alastor gave a single nod. "Then that just leaves one other question. Are you comfortable having them involved with your hotel? Considering your past…" He stepped closer to her. "It's all right if you need to turn them down for personal reasons. We'll find a way to make this hotel shine and succeed with or without their support. Egads, perhaps I'll even wheedle Vox into running a commercial for it on television when he visits tomorrow, ha!"

Charlie chuckled under her breath as Alastor laughed. She swallowed and considered. "I'm…I'm okay having them involved. It's not like they'll be moving in or something. They'll just be donating resources." She glanced at the closed door behind her, frowning. "And…maybe a little closure would be good for all three of us."

Alastor nodded again. "Very well. But if you or Vaggie are ever overwhelmed, I'm happy to deal with them on your behalf. And to continue making not-so-idle cannibal threats to keep them in line."

Charlie turned back to him with a smile, wiping a tear from her eye. "Thanks, Alastor. I'd appreciate that a lot." She hesitated but then reached out her hand.

Alastor eyed it with wonder then reached out and shook with her.

They shared a smile.

They returned to the lobby to find most of the others still seated around nervously, except now Cherri and Helsa were sizing each other up again, and Sev had his harmonica out and was smiling and talking close with Steve once more.

Angel and Vaggie stopped watching the siblings in confusion and gave Charlie and Alastor confused shrugs.

Alastor cleared his throat and brought all eyes to himself again. "I believe an alliance with the Von Eldritch's would be favorable." He nodded to the siblings. "I commend you both for coming here and presenting us with this opportunity for Charlie's sake." Then he sighed and added, a touch of weariness in his tone. "You two should also know that I really have been putting a lot of effort into this hotel and our upcoming radio show, and I'm a bit precious about both matters. So if either of you choose to double cross us in any way, I will not hesitate to rip off your heads and mount them on pikes at the entrance to Cannibal Colony. Are we understood?" He leaned forward, eyeing them sharply.

"Yes…" Helsa moaned. "Fuck, is he always this dramatic?" She couldn't help but direct the question at Cherri who was closest to her.

Cherri shrugged. "Yeah, but it's part of his award-winning personality. You get used to it."

They shared a small grin before blinking and glaring at each other again with crossed arms.

Alastor rolled his eyes and looked to Sev who was already giving him two thumbs up. "No betrayals — promise." Sev looked around the room hopefully. "So, are you all in too?"

Charlie turned her attention to the others, biting her lip.

Everyone shared looks and whispers and darted a few more quick glances at their new potential patrons. But eventually each person in the room gave Charlie a nod.

Finally, Charlie turned to Vaggie now and swallowed. Vaggie…looked hesitant, to say the least. Charlie wondered if they should have had a private discussion about this matter first (they had only been able to say so much to one another during a few asides in the kitchen before). Finally though, Vaggie gave Charlie a nod, meeting her gaze.

'Thank you' Charlie mouthed in relief.

Charlie turned to the Von Eldritch's, her smile bright. "Well, looks like we're in business! Just let me know what you need from me—"

"No prob, I've got it handled." Helsa pulled out her phone. "I'm emailing you some hotel branch location sites, a few potential advertising plugs, and me and Sev's availability for radio show day. And my availability in general, if you need…" She swallowed but otherwise kept typing casually.

Charlie nodded, fumbling to get her phone out of her pocket. "Uh, I…okay… Uh…" Face-to-face meetings were one thing, but Charlie suddenly realized that Alastor couldn't cover phone-based coordination for her. Already her screen was full of notifications.

"Why don't you drop that info to me too, Helsa?" Cherri quickly interjected, eyeing Helsa before glancing at Charlie and giving the princess a small smile. "I'd be happy to help with the social media stuff, take something off Charlie's plate."

Charlie sighed in relief nodded appreciatively.

Helsa gave Cherri an appraising look then shrugged and pressed a few buttons. "Whatever, there you go." She slipped the phone back into her pocket, heading for the door. "Bye, Lottie." She glanced over her shoulder with a smile that actually seemed impressed. "And kudos — I'm proud of you for sticking up for yourself to your parents. Cuz Sev was right — that news show was trash." A brief look of hurt and worry came to her features…and a blush. She bit her lip, like she was considering saying something more. But then she shook her head and resumed her usual uppity attitude. "Sev, let's get going, I'm starved."

"Coming!" Sev fumbled to tuck away his harmonica, gave the room a little wave, then gave Steve a wave and a little extra smile (the cat tipped his saxophone to him). Then he finally dashed after his sister, closing the door behind them with a final nod to Charlie and Vaggie.

There was silence for a moment until Angel cleared his throat and stood up. "Well, that was…unexpected. But…good…mostly, right?"

"It…is what is," Vaggie announced, taking a deep breath. "I need to get some air. I'm gonna go outside." She headed out the back door.

Charlie hesitated then followed after her. She closed the door behind them but didn't approach her girlfriend who was sitting in a lounge chair now, her eyes closed. "Vaggie…are you okay?"

She was quiet at first but then nodded. "Yeah. I get why we're doing this. I think I want to do it too. Actually I think I'm grateful they came by." She opened her eyes and looked to Charlie — there were tears there. "But Charlie, if they do ANYTHING to hurt you…"

"Then you and Alastor will take care of them for me with extreme prejudice, I know." She smiled and shrugged. "They won't Vaggie. And also they're not like my parents — they get that you and I are together." She stepped forward and took Vaggie's hand, squeezing it.

Vaggie squeezed back. "If you need me to be the one to talk to them because you're feeling uncomfortable at all —"

"It's okay, "Charlie assured. "Cherri's helping out with the phone stuff. And Alastor already offered to handle meetings with them — to save you and me both from the awkwardness."

"Heh, I knew I was really starting to like having him around." Vaggie smiled. Their eyes met.

Charlie leaned down, and they shared a tender kiss. She smiled down at her as they separated. "Why don't you stay here and rest for a bit? You've been doing a lot lately. I'll come get you when dinner's ready."

Vaggie smiled. "Thanks. I love you."

"I love you too."

They shared a warm look. Then Charlie went back inside, her heart feeling confused but also lighter.

At the studio, Valentino just sat in the now empty VIP lounge, staring straight ahead at the windows, a blank look on his face. "Holy shit…I can't believe that actually worked."

"Told you it would!" Velvet replied cheerfully as she skipped out of his bedroom and flounced into one of the easy chairs.

"I…I genuinely thought you were shitting me." Valentino blinked and looked at her, his stunned expression remaining. "I only went along with your idea to prove you wrong so you'd shut up."

"You mean my idea to think about your favorite things Vox has done for you lately and to do them for him in your own way to make him happy?" She grinned in pride, leaning back and admiring a knife in her hand. "Yeah, I knew the whole time that I was right and you were wrong — I just had to get stubborn you to go along with trying my advice so you could realize the truth for yourself." She smirked and tucked away the knife. "Vox was happy, wasn't he?"

Val slumped a little, rubbing his temple. "Yes… He…liked that I made food and liked that I paid attention to him and liked that I made sure he was comfortable. He…smiled a lot. And he stayed for a long time. And he…asked me to go walk Vark with him in the park in a few days."

"Ahhh!" Velvet squealed, propping herself up on her knees on the chair. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god — it's going to be your first date!" "IT'S NOT A DATE!" Val seethed, yet at the same time he felt himself blushing hotly. "We just…we've gone on walks before and spent tons of time together before, so it's whatever. No big deal. And it's out in public during the middle of the day. And, uh…Vox said he'd invite you too!"

Velvet eyed him curiously. She leaned toward him. "Do you want me to go? Or do you want me to make an excuse so you two can be alone?"

Val hesitated, feeling like there was no safe answer to this question. "I…" He swallowed and shrugged, "Vox said that you like when the three of us hang out. And you missed out on that today, so…if you wanna go…it's okay."

"Aww, Val…" She smiled, almost sweetly. "You care about what I want now too! Ugh, Vox would love this!"

"Vel…" He rubbed his temple — fuck, he was tired.

She sighed, kicking her legs back and forth behind her. "Well, Voxy isn't wrong. I do like spending time with you guys when you're not at each other's throats. Makes my world feel a little more stable." She shrugged. "But I think you two spending time alone is very important right now, not just for the sake of maybe falling in love but also for your friendship."

Valentino sunk low in his chair, feeling a certain degree of mortification wash over him at the term 'falling in love.' He didn't correct her though.

Velvet went on. "But…I also know this whole thing is new for you and that you really need some help with it. So I'll leave the choice up to you. If you want me to come along as your very subtle but very skilled wing woman, I'm happy to help. Or if you'd prefer I keep away — but absolutely show up here after the date to pummel you with questions — I can do that too."

Valentino really wanted to fire off some noncommittal comment along with another denial that any part of him was ready to process going to the park with Vox as a date… but screw it — he was drowning in emotions, she was matchmaking a life raft, so he needed to be straight with her for better or worse. "Would you…maybe let us go on the walk alone but meet up with us afterwards for food or whatever?" He pouted, gripping his hands. "I just feel like the walk's gonna go by quick, and then Vox'll ask if we should do something else, and I'll want to say yes but I'll be freaked out about fucking things up." He looked down, almost shyly. "I want to spend a little time alone with him to see how it goes. But a little time is all I can handle."

Velvet gave him a big nod. "Then that's what we'll do! I'll make sure to bump into you guys at the far end of the park after you're done walking. I'll just say I was missing my sweet Vark. Then we'll all grab some takeout or something." She moved to sit on the arm of the chair, leaning in just a bit closer. "But if you change your mind about me joining, just give me a sign when we see each other. Like…scratch Vark's head three times and nod." Her eyes hazed. "After all, if the walk goes really well and you wanna take Voxy home and figure out private dinner plans — after tenderly railing each other, I'm assuming — I wouldn't want to interrupt."

"Okay, that will NOT happen and please NEVER try to describe us like that again!" Valentino stood up, antennae twitching as he gripped his hands. "Like seriously…we… I can't even… Fuck, why can I objectify the hell out of any demon down here except HIM!" He whipped his head back around to Velvet, almost like he was demanding the answer from her. But she just stared back up at him with her usual benign manic interest. He sighed, and his eyes went down. His voice was quiet as words he had never thought he would say left his mouth. "I won't fuck him until he loves me back." He felt blushing flare through his face.

Velvet's smile grew so much, and her eyes widened and became teary. "Ohhhh Val… That's the most romantic thing you've ever said! Ugh, if you told Vox that, he would melt!" She giggled, rolling back to sit on the chair and let her legs hang over the edge.

"If you ever tell him, I'll let an angel rip you such a new one next extermination day…" He grumbled, unable to look at her.

"Oh I'd never!" She waved him off. "Besides, the best reaction from Vox would come from you being the one to confess something so precious." She sighed dreamily. "Okay, so private walk in the park it is. Want me to help you prep? I've got some outfit and small talk ideas. Also, oh my god, you totally need to casually pick a flower in the park, pretend to get bored with it, then hand it off to Vox. We are gonna subliminal message the hell out of that man — get his head and heart all nice and prepared for whenever you confess."

Valentino raised an eyebrow. "This sounds like lubing up for sex — but with emotions…"

"Now you're getting it!" Velvet winked.

Val sighed deeply and sat back down. "So this is my life now; being instructed by a maniac on how to woo a tv. I need a drink. And some food. I was so nervous with Vox, I could barely eat the sandwiches…"

"You did have a big emotional day. So you just rest and let Vel take care of everything." Velvet popped up, grabbed a blanket from the closet, and laid it over Val. "I'll pour you a drink and get us some food from the kitchens, and you can watch the floorshow while we talk dating strategy. Then you'll eat cake and get a nice night's sleep. Okay?" She was at the bar already, pouring them each a glass of wine.

"I guess…" Valentino grumbled. "But don't get used to giving me this cutesy treatment. As soon as I'm emotionally stable, I'm going right back to being aloof as fuck."

"I wouldn't have it any other way, and I think Vox would feel the same." She came back over and put the drink down near him and patted his head. "I'll order us some chicken burgers and seasoned fries — your favorite. And I'll see if I can find you some veggies to remind you of Vox. I think if I grab enough garnishes, I can probably piece together a salad. The dessert's already in the fridge — fresh chocolate cake!"

Valentino gave a small nod. "Thanks, Vel…"

"Anytime!" She saluted then skipped to the door and headed out.

Val sighed, settling more into his chair, feeling the warmth and weight of the blanket ease him. He and Vox had something good going now, friendship-wise. He just hoped that trying for anything more wouldn't fuck everything up. With a swallow, he did his best to put those worries aside and sip his wine and trust that something decent work out.

After their visit with Val and running some errands, Vox finally returned home with Vark. As soon as he got inside, he loosened his tie, took off his jacket, and started making dinner. Even without Val around to feed or Vel popping by, he just found himself liking to cook. It was comforting, and Vark loved the leftovers. Besides he really needed a soothing hobby to distract himself tonight since tomorrow was his big meeting with Alastor and Angel at the hotel. He knew it would probably turn out okay. But still, it was a tender thing, putting himself and Alastor in the same room. And things were probably still tender with Angel too.

As Vox stirred some rice and spices and meat together in a pot (maybe slightly inspired by food Alastor had made for him ages ago during the more friendly period of their early rivalry) he decided to ease his mind by thinking about Valentino. Val wanted Vox to call him tomorrow after the meeting, to make sure everything was okay. The memory of that gesture actually brought a tear to his eye. Val hadn't asked for Vox to check in out of jealousy or frustration or possessiveness… He had asked because he cared. And deep down, Vox realized, his friend caring about him in return was something he had wanted for a long time.

He would call Valentino right away after the meeting. And then maybe they would stay on the phone for a little while and finalize plans for walking Vark. And he would make sure to call Velvet and invite her too. Vox was most excited about Val going though because being well enough to walk around in public meant the moth was really on the mend all the way.

Vark trotted into the kitchen and sat near Vox, sniffing at the stove.

Vox chuckled and patted his head. "Dinner will be ready soon." He smiled down at the shark. "Did you enjoy getting to see Uncle Val and Auntie Vel today?"

Vark yipped, tongue hanging out as his tail swished.

"Good — we're gonna keep seeing a lot of them both." He knelt down. "And tomorrow we're gonna see Angel, who you like, and we're also gonna meet Alastor." He held his pointer fingers up over his head, resembling deer antlers (he had been doing this over the last few days to prepare to little shark). "Alastor might seem a little spooky at first, but you just need to give him space and let him get to know you, okay? And you're gonna meet Nuggets — that's the little pig. He's smaller than you, so give him some space too, right?"

Vark licked Vox's face eagerly.

Vox laughed and sighed. "I'm sure you'll do great. You're a good boy." He kissed the shark on his forehead then stood up and took the pot off of the stove as he turned off the oven. "We'll eat in a few minutes. You go play with your toys and your new favorite blanket til everything's ready." The 'new favorite blanket' was the one Val had used during his stay here. Vark loved cuddling it. He really loved Val.

Vox smiled softly as he labeled the contents of the pot into a large serving dish. His favorite part of today had been Vark racing in and jumping all over Val…and Val not losing his cool. Val actually enjoying it. Val keeping the shark safe and happy.

Valentino didn't want to hurt people first and ask questions later anymore. He had…softened, mellowed. And it looked good on him. Velvet seemed better too. And Vox knew he himself liked life more these days. Finally their relationship together was something stronger than a business transaction or a catty acquaintanceship or a barely-stable rivalry.

Maybe they were all growing up a little — finally.

Vox pulled a pan of roasted vegetables out of the oven and labeled the contents onto a platter before grabbing Vark's dish and filling it up, a gentle smile on is face the entire time. "Dinner!" Vox called out. Vark bounded into the room, the blanket all wrapped around him. Vox laughed as he set down the dish and Vark dove right in. Then Vox sat down at the table and made himself a plate. He ate dinner with his beloved little companion at his side and felt peace.

As Alastor trudged wearily up the remaining stairs to their floor of the hotel, jacket over one arm and ears slightly down, Angel placed a hand lightly on his beau's back. "You're tired," he said softly.

Indeed, Alastor knew there was no denying that fact. Even with the wonderful rest Angel had given him earlier, his circuits had been set all abuzz by the arrival of a new sizable variable to their situation in the form of the Von Eldritch siblings. There was so much to consider.

"Ya barely even ate dinner," Angel remarked as they headed down the hall, "You kept looking down at your plate and moving peas back and forth like you were tallying something."

Alastor nodded. "Indeed I was. The odds of securing our triumph in every way — the odds of the Von Eldritch's being genuine patrons, the odds of Lucifer and Lilith doing something else extreme, the odds of the Pentagram responding better to the new order than the old, the odds of some other fresh problem possibly coming our way in the middle of all of this chaos, the odds of redemption actually working…" He turned a weary smile to Angel. "I should run it all by Husker — he's the numbers man, ha. But it all comes down to quite a bit of chance, I'm afraid, no matter how hard we all work." They paused before their doors. Alastor turned to Angel and placed his hands on the spider's shoulders. "I want a better future in hell for you though — for us — and I will make it happen. You have my word."

Angel smiled more, eyes teary. "As long as you're in that future, it'll be the best."

Alastor beamed a little, some of his usual spark returning.

Angel shifted closer, letting their foreheads rest against each other. "Wanna spend the night together? Cuddling gives you energy. You can even wrap yourself all around me like you did the other night when you got all tipsy and sentimental."

Alastor chuckled bashfully. "Ah, that heavenly wine made me so impulsive… I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I'm a tad overstimulated tonight though. I would need to ease into any physical contact gradually."

Angel nodded. "Understood. Your body does seem a little tense." He eyed Alastor's stiffened form. "How about you sit on the bed, and I'll sit behind you and give those cute shoulders a nice little rub down, hmm?"

Alastor glowed and considered. "Would you…" he started softly, "would you carry me to the bed first and then do that?"

Angel's eyes brightened. "Yes, please! Mine or yours?" He nodded in the direction of their doors.

"Yours, if it's okay. Your bed is so comfortable and soft, and everything smells like champagne and flowers and you…" he replied a bit dreamily.

Angel giggled. "Mine it is then! Good choice — Nuggets is bunking with Molly tonight, so we've got the whole bed to ourselves." He stepped past Alastor, opened his door, and guided the deer inside. Once they were past the threshold he pushed the door closed with his hip and scooped up a delighted Alastor in his arms.

The deer giggled, kicking his legs, easing his full weight into the support of Angel's strong grasp. "My, you are quite the formidable specimen…" he couldn't help musing, tapping Angel's bicep.

Angel blushed and nearly scoffed. "Okay, you really are tired — you always get flirty when ya need rest. And you always look so cute." He glanced down at the deer and winked.

Alastor giggled more as Angel took the 'long way' to the bed, strolling around the room, doing a few twirls and hugging him close before finally depositing the deer on the bed's edge.

Alastor sat with his feet on the floor as Angel crawled onto the bed behind him and got on his knees. "I'll just use one set of hands, and I'll make the pressure light at first. Tell me if it gets too intense."

Alastor nodded. "Thank you, mon ange… Oh…" Angel's hands were upon him now, and Alastor closed his eyes and sighed out all of his cares. Whenever stressed, he knew he had a bad habit of locking up all his muscles tightly, like he was bracing himself for impact (whether literal or political). Angel's touch made him aware of his raised shoulders and rigid back and clenched jaw, and he felt each of them give way one by one. He sunk a little closer to Angel and started humming lightly.

Angel smiled more and leaned closer. "Humming's a good sound, right? Means you're happy?"

Alastor nodded. He felt his back resting against Angel's warm and soft chest. "Anthony, would you…touch my hair?" He blinked, some shyness returning. "Like scratching my ears but more? I like your long fingers…" His ears flicked and he opened his eyes. "But avoid the antlers, please. Sometimes touching makes them broadcast erratically, especially if I'm emotional, ha…"

Angel nodded. "I get it. And I like your hair too and your ears, and I'll give your antlers space. How's this feel? Second set of hands coming in, by the way…" Giving Alastor a moment to absorb first, Angel reached up with a new set of hands and lightly massaged Alastor's scalp, pulling through his unruly locks, gently scratching the deer's ears with his thumbs.

"Yes, like that…" Alastor cooed.

"Hmm, feels thick and heavy… You said you use oils on it, right?"

Alastor nodded. "They're better for my kind of hair. Olive oil works well. My mother taught me. She had such beautiful, natural hair…dark and textured, often in braids. It matched her dark skin so well…" The memories warmed his heart.

"Oh she sounds so nice, Al. I wish I could see a picture… I wish we both could." Angel lowered his voice cheekily and added, "And olive oil, huh? Gotta say, the Italian part of me is finding that news very interesting."

Alastor smiled more as he continued to melt under Angel's dexterous touch. "I'm happy to interest you. I use it on my hair…and my tail too…" As Angel increased the pressure of his touches and wound his fingers through Alastor's locks, the deer felt his tail start flicking.

Angel giggled. "I see. Want me to touch the tail too?"

Alastor swallowed, eyes wide. "Not…yet. My tail is sensitive in…a particular way."

Angel swallowed behind him, and Alastor heard the sound. The spider nodded against his head. "No tail til you're ready."

Alastor felt tears at the edges of his eyes. Angel's acceptance was such an unexpected thing to have come into his life but something for which he would always be eternally grateful. "Angel…can you bring out your third set of arms and hold me?"

Angel nodded, gave him a moment to process, then gently wrapped that final set of arms around Alastor's middle.

The deer closed his eyes and felt cocooned in love.

After a moment he slowly turned to face Angel and draped his arms over the spider's shoulders. "Will you kiss me?" He asked with a blush, eyes hazed.

Angel blushed too and tilted his head. "Any time — but are you sure you aren't too tired? Or that you don't need more time to get comfortable with touching first?"

Alastor nodded, blinking back happy tears. "I'm comfortable, so comfortable." He eased forward, letting their noses touch.

Then their mouths met for a deep kiss as they held each other close.

They barely separated to breathe and then kissed again and again and again… It was so nice to be alone in their own private space after such a full few says and to just be together. Everything was warm and soft and safe.

Alastor kissed Angel more fiercely now and resisted a strange yet not unwelcome urge to gently nip Angel's lip — never to shed blood, only to hold the tender flesh in his mouth for a moment.

Angel clearly sensed his sudden eagerness. The spider pulled back slightly, breaths shaky. "Al? Want me to…can I try the tongue again? I know you were on the fence last time but…"

Alastor nodded. "I would be inclined to try again. I don't dislike it, I just can't put my finger on the best way for me to begin liking it, if that makes sense, ha. I would like to learn more." He trembled a little and whispered. "I would like to love you with all that I am capable of giving."

Angel was trembling now too. Cheeks rosy, he came forward and set his lips to Alastor's, and Alastor gently parted his lips and welcomed Angel's eager little appendage into his mouth.

The action helped ease some of Alastor's sudden need to be closer, but there was still something that felt…odd. Not uncomfortable, not in the way certain intimate acts could make him feel. Just odd… He decided to sort out the issue later. For the moment though, he let himself and Angel remain close in this special way until finally they both separated, gasping for breath.

Angel looked so…aroused was really the only word. The thought made Alastor blush hotly. He swallowed. "That was lovely, darling, but I think I need a small break from too much touch for a moment." He swallowed. "But I still want to give you touch. Here, wait…" He shifted away from the dazed spider, then moved some pillows behind Angel and snapped to shift a chair into position at the end of the bed where he sat down. "You massaged the cares away from my shoulders… Perhaps you'll let me do the same for you exquisite feet, hmm?"

Angel's eyes widened. He swallowed. "Al, I…I want to, but…I told ya, they're a turn on for me now." He blushed. "And what we just did was already pretty hot. I might, ya know, react."

Alastor swallowed. "I understand, Angel. And as long as there is no…exposure just yet, I think I can handle that possibility."

Angel was utterly still for a moment, his heart racing. Then with a nod he slowly shifted closer extended his legs. "Al, take the socks off for me, please."

"As you wish, my love." His smile was just a little cheeky as he delicately rolled down each pink cotton sock and let his love's newly healed feet be free. "Your feet really are quite beautiful," he mused.

"Al…" Angel rolled his eyes with a bashful smile, his gaze finding his way to his delicate spider toes. "I guess maybe, in the right light…"

"ALL the lights," Alastor insisted teasingly.

Angel chuckled, loosening up a little. "Heh, well, along with 'beautiful' they're also sore as hell from me getting onto my pole today for the first time in so long."

"Understood." Alastor gazed at Angel's legs and sighed. "I do wish I had extra appendages myself — it would make this experience more thorough for you." He considered then tilted his head. "Unless…you wouldn't mind the assistance of these?" He gripped his hand, claws pressing into his wrist, drawing forth two drops of blood.

Two modest black tentacles unfurled from the floor.

Angel both flushed and frowned. "Al, I know ya gotta use blood to make those things but I don't like seeing ya hurt yourself."

Alastor bowed his head. "I should have warned you so you could look away. My apologies. Though I promise, it really doesn't hurt me. My claws are mostly piercing scar tissue at this point." The corners of his smile went down and so did one ear. "I can send away the tentacles if they make you uncomfortable."

"No, no…" Angel held up a hand, glancing at them. "I mean, as long as you already went to the trouble… I really don't mind them — seeing 'em or letting 'em touch me." He swallowed.

Alastor's grin picked up on one side as he rolled up his sleeves. "Actually I believe your exact words to me about my tentacles as I pulled you from the mobster battlefield were that you enjoyed their presence because they're reminiscent of certain intimate appendages."

Angel blushed and sighed, smiling. "I still can't believe I was out of it enough to admit to you that I like your tentacles cuz they look like dicks." He leaned back into the pillows and his smile picked up on one side. "Though they do seem like they'd be an interesting ride…"

Static buzzed around Alastor's head.

"Too much?" Angel asked gently.

Alastor shook his head. "I merely… never considered the intimate capabilities of my wayward magical snares of death."

Angel snorted. "Well, I'm just glad you're considering 'em for touching purposes at least." He bit his lip, trying to relax more. "I'll tell you if I'm starting to get…worked up. And then if I think I might…ya know." He swallowed. "Just so you'll know what's going on and can decide what you want to do."

"Appreciated, darling." Alastor nodded to him. And then he got to work. He kept a hand firmly gliding up and down the outside of each of Angel's legs while a tentacle performed the same motion for the inner side of the appendages.

Angel immediately dropped his head back and arched his back slightly, shifting a little against the blankets. "Oh… I love doing this with you, Alastor. I love YOU, Alastor…" He sniffed. "Never liked my feet before. I'm so happy."

"I shall teach you to worship them along with every other part of yourself," Alastor replied smoothly. He kneaded deeply against the soft fur and tender muscle. "I love you too…I'm happy too."

Angel gripped the blankets. "Fuck, this is…I'm still getting used to feeling all hot and bothered about my feet. It's new, but it's so good… It's…" He moaned faintly and grabbed a pillow, suddenly hugging it over his hips. "Alastor, I'm already up."

The deer swallowed and slowed his touches for only a moment, keeping his gaze down at his work. "Thank you for telling me. I'm…happy to give you pleasure. I believe I can continue for now." He bit his lip. "Do you want me to…increase the rigor of what I'm doing?"

"Yes…" Angel groaned.

The sound sent a shiver through Alastor. He worked his hands and the tentacles more thoroughly against this piece of Angel's body, his claws lightly scratching against the fur and clenching around the pads of Angel's toes. Such a sigh and such a smile came to Angel's face, and Alastor caught sight of it out of the corner of his eye and beamed in pride. "Anthony… You're right, this is new but I like it."

"Good… Oh!" Angel whimpered and twisted against the blankets, looking so enraptured.

"I like YOU, ma raison d'être…" Alastor cooed in his southern drawl, smile gone.

"Alastor!" He breathed. "You're mine too…"

A tremble fizzled through Alastor's body. Then on an impulse he leaned down and lightly kissed the knee of Angel's formerly injured leg.

The spider gasped, eyes wide open, pulling in his knees a little and bucking his hips against them. "Okay, uh…now I'm about to…" He flushed red all through his features, and there were tears at the edges of his eyes. He took a breath. "But I still need…I still want…" He bit his lip.

Alastor stood up, understanding and making a decision. "I'll leave the tentacles to continue touching your legs. I'll be on the other side of our door. Perhaps this time I'll…listen in."

Angel gave him such a flushed look of desire and nodded. Alastor blew him a kiss and left the room, shutting their door behind him.

He breathed heavily, blood racing, imaging his Angel coming undone, and all from his simple touch. He made another quick decision a moment later and snapped away all the limitations of what sounds and frequencies of Angel's he could hear.

He caught the end of a final, high-pitched cry of his name; the sound dropped him to his knees. Someone screaming his name in burning pleasure instead of burning pain was… Oh, he liked this feeling. He could work with this feeling. Not right now though, he was too spent from the hectic activities of the day. But sometime soon indeed.

He spoke into his microphone, still too shaky to stand up. "Angel? Anthony? Are you…"

"Done… That was a quick one but powerful…" Angel replied faintly. "Did you…listen?"

"Just to the very end…" Alastor admitted softly. "To my name."

"And…" Angel prompted, out of breath. "You okay?"

"More than okay… Quite intrigued." He almost giggled. "It felt good to hear."

"Oh, that's good." He heard Angel sigh in peaceful rapture. Then the spider swallowed. "Al, if you've got it in ya, will you snap me up a bath? And some clean blankets? I can't…I don't think I can walk steady yet, heh… That was… oh boy. Apparently my feet really do it for me, heh…"

"I…understand. Completely." Alastor glowed thoroughly. He fumbled nervously a couple of times but he finally managed to snap his fingers. "There, all set. I…need a moment to refresh myself too. I've broken out in quite a sweat, ha…"

Angel sighed. "After, do you wanna sleep separate or together?"

Alastor considered. "Separate…but…could we possibly leave our secret door open?"

"Oh yeah, I'd like that. We can talk, like a big sleepover." Angel chuckled.

Alastor chuckled too. "Sleepovers with you are a delight, my darling." He slowly pulled himself up using the bed and his cane, his legs gradually feeling steady again. "I'll…radio you in a little while to make sure you're ready and then I'll open the door for us."

"Sounds like a plan. Talk soon, Smiles. Love you. Thank you for…all the things." Angel sniffed.

"Thank you for all the things too, Anthony," Alastor replied with a gentle smile.

The microphone went quiet. Then Alastor made his way to the washroom to refresh himself with a few splashes of water and perhaps a steam while Angel eased into a warm tub.

They were both already looking forward to drifting off together tonight and comparing notes about their new experience tomorrow.

A/N:

Yay, more intimate moments for our favorite boys lol ^w^ Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed the fluff and good feelings for everyone. There's more to come next time (new chapter should be up later this week). Thank you for your support!

Take care!

-Azure129